Method of generating a cutting list for a building element to be used for covering a portion of an object

Abstract

A method (500) of generating a cutting list for at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover a portion of an object (200) comprises the steps of: receiving (510) spatial data indicative of measured parameters associated with the portion of the object to be covered; generating (520), based on the received spatial data, the cutting list for obtaining the at least one building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object; and outputting (530) the cutting list.

Description

[0001]METHOD OF COVERING A PORTION OF AN OBJECT Field of the invention The present invention relates to a method of generating a cutting list for at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover a portion of an object. Background to the invention A portion of an object may be covered for a variety of reasons. Particularly in buildings, building surfaces may be formed by covering a region of the building with a plurality of building elements. In many examples, the building elements are of the same or a similar type and / or initial size, but need to be cut to size to conform to variations in the shape of the region of the building to be covered. Sometimes, the region of the building to be covered varies slightly from the building plans due to the tolerances within which the building is constructed. One example of such a building element is a roof tile for covering a roof area of a building. Typically, a roofer will complete initial preparatory works on the surface to be covered, such as laying battens to support parallel courses of tiles. Many of the tiles to be laid on the roof can be installed without further cutting or reshaping of the tiles. However, it is typically necessary for several of the tiles to be cut to conform with the boundaries between different regions of the roof, and / or between different features on the roof, such as solar panels and / or at the edge of the roof. Currently, a roofer works at height on the roof (for example, supported on a scaffold) and will take the tile to be cut up to the roof level so as to mark exactly where one or more cuts are required. When the tile is marked, it will be cut either whilst still at the height of the roof, using a portable tile cutter, or taken down from the roof to cut. The cut tile can then be installed on the roof. The process is repeated for each further roof tile to be cut. Some roof tiles with common cuts (such as a tile having a quarter width, a half width or a three quarters width) can be cut in a batch to be ready to use as required by the roofer, rather than being individually marked and cut on demand. It is in this context that the present inventions have been devised. Summary of the invention In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating a cutting list for at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover a portion of an object. The method comprises: receiving spatial data indicative of measured parameters associated with the portion of the object to be covered; generating, based on the received spatial data, the cutting list for obtaining at least one building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object; and outputting the cutting list. Thus, instead of cutting each building element to the right size based on separate, individual measurements, an initial set of measurements can be taken and used to generate a list of cuts to be performed to obtain one or more building elements, suitably sized to be used to cover the portion of the object. It may be that the cut building elements are combined with one or more building elements which have not been cut, and / or which have been precut without reference to the cutting list, to cover the portion of the object. This ensures that building elements to be cut need not be individually measured and marked based on taking the building element to the location on the portion of the object to be covered in which they will be installed. Accordingly, safety is improved and the total time taken for the plurality of building elements to be prepared and installed to cover the portion of the object can be reduced. Measured parameters will be understood to be associated with the portion of the object to be covered if they are indicative of some aspect of the portion of the object to be covered, such as a size of one or more parts of the portion of the object to be covered, or distances and / or angles between predetermined actual or virtual locations on the portion of the object to be covered. The spatial data indicative of measured parameters for the portion of the object to be covered is typically based on measurements of the portion of the object to be covered. It may be that the spatial data is generated based on measurements of the exact same object on which the building elements will be installed to cover the portion of the object. The method may comprise measuring the parameters of the portion of the object to be covered. The measurements may be made manually by a person. The measurements may be made using a tape measure. It may be that the measurements are obtained electronically, such as using image processing on stereoscopic images, or using laser measuring devices. The spatial data may be generated by a human individual (e.g. a roofer on site) taking measurements of the portion of the physical (e.g. tangible) object to be covered. The method may comprise receiving measurements of the portion of the physical (e.g. tangible) object to be covered as the spatial data. In other words, the spatial data may be indicative of measured parameters associated with the actual portion of the object to be covered by the at least one building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object. That is, the spatial data may not be generated from a plan or blueprint (whether a digital copy or hard copy) representing the object to be covered. The roofer may be given instructions regarding which measurements to take to obtain the spatial data. The roofer may be given instructions regarding a plurality of respective predetermined measurement locations on a surface of the object to be covered. It may be that the method comprises providing instructions for taking measurements associated with the (e.g. actual) portion of the object to be covered by the at least one building element. It may be that the method comprises providing instructions for taking measurements at a plurality of respective predetermined measurement locations on a surface of the object to be covered. The cutting list is typically a database defining location information for one or more cuts to be made to reshape at least one building element to be used to cover the portion of the object. The location information is typically relative to a datum point of one or more standard building elements. In this way, it will be understood that the cutting list can be used, either by a user following the cut information provided therein, or by an electronically controlled cutting machine, to obtain the at least one building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object. It will be understood that some of the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object may not need any cutting and / or reshaping, and so the cutting list can be used only in relation to those building elements that will require cutting and / or reshaping. The method may be performed by a cutting machine or computer comprising a controller configured to perform the method steps of the method. The cutting machine may be a tile cutter, for example. The method may further comprise cutting the at least one building element according to the cutting list. The at least one building element may be cut by hand. The at least one building element may be cut using a cutting machine. The at least one building element may be cut using an electronically controlled cutting machine, configured to receive the cutting list and electronically controlled in dependence thereon. Thus, the at least one (typically more than one) building element that needs to be cut to use to cover the portion of the object, can be cut before those building elements are taken up to the area of the portion of the object to be covered. The method may further comprise installing the at least one building element cut according to the cutting list, on the portion of the object to be covered, thereby at least partially covering the portion of the object. The cutting list may be output to an electronic device. The cutting list may be output to the cutting machine. The cutting list may be output from memory of an electronic device to a further memory location in the electronic device. The material forming the at least one building element cut according to the cutting list may be arranged at the portion of the object to be covered only after being cut according to the cutting list. Thus, the building element is not brought up to its expected installation position on the portion of the object for measurement, marking, and cutting, improving safety. The object may be a building. The portion of the building may be a surface of the building. The surface may be an inner surface, such as an inner surface of a room. The surface may be an outer surface. The outer surface may be a wall of the building. The outer surface may be a roof. The at least one building element may be at least one roof tile. The plurality of building elements may each be roof tiles. The or each roof tile may be a clay roof tile. The or each roof tile may be a concrete roof tile. Each of the building elements may be of a substantially similar, such as matching or even identical, style. For example, the roof tiles may have an identical profile. Thus, the method may be a method of generating a cutting list for at least one roof tile among a plurality of roof tiles to be used to roof a building. Specifically, it will be understood that any of the optional features described elsewhere herein is disclosed in possible combination with the embodiment in which the building elements are roof tiles and the object is a building. The plurality of building elements need not include every item necessary to construct the covering of the portion of the object to be covered. For example, the building elements need not necessarily include clips and / or battens and / or felt for covering a roof. In some examples, the plurality of building elements need not include other features to be installed at the portion of the object, such as solar panels, even where these will be the sole element covering the portion of the object in that region. Where the object is a building and the building elements are roof tiles, and the method includes installing the roof tiles, the method may be a method of roofing the building. Each of the building elements may be a modular building element. In other words, each of the building elements may be configured to fit with one or more other of the building elements. The plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object may be to be used to cover the portion of the object for the first time. In other words, the portion of the object to be covered may never have previously been covered. In other examples, the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object may be to be used to re-cover the portion of the object for the first time. In other words, the portion of the object to be covered may have previously been covered. The method may be a method of covering the portion of the object for the first time. The method may be a method of re-covering the portion of the object. The method may comprise removing a previous covering for the portion of the object. The received spatial data may be indicative of dimensions of one or more (e.g. a plurality of) flat surfaces of the object, together to be covered by the plurality of building elements. Thus, the received spatial data may define an extent of one or more flat surfaces to be covered by the plurality of building elements. The spatial data may include lengths of at least two sides of each of the one or more flat surfaces of the object to be covered by the plurality of building elements. The spatial data may include lengths of at least three sides of each of the one or more flat surfaces of the object to be covered by the plurality of building elements. The spatial data may include at least one of lengths of at least one side and at least one angle between at least two adjacent sides, sufficient to define the shape of each flat surface of the object to be covered by the plurality of building elements. It may be that the spatial data includes lengths of three sides and angles between each of two different pairs of the three sides of each of the one or more flat surfaces of the object to be covered by the plurality of building elements. Additionally or alternatively, the received spatial data may be indicative of a shape of one or more regions of one or more flat surfaces of the object, in which cuts to at least one of the plurality of building elements are to be expected for covering the portion of the object with the plurality of building elements. The received spatial data may define a plurality of measurement distances between a plurality of respective predetermined measurement locations on a first flat surface of the one or more flat surfaces and a plurality of respective edge locations of the first flat surface of the one or more flat surfaces. This may be repeated for each feature included on the flat surface, and for any other flat surfaces making up the portion of the object to be covered. The one or more flat surfaces may be a plurality of flat surfaces. Thus, portions of objects defined by multiple different flat surfaces can be covered using the method disclosed herein. The received spatial data may be indicative of an angular relationship between at least two of the plurality of flat surfaces. For example, the received spatial data may include an angle between a surface normal of a first flat surface and a surface normal of a second flat surface. The method may further comprise receiving an object type indication, indicative of a type of object and used to determine a total number of flat surfaces of the object, for which the received spatial data is to be subsequently received. Thus, the method can be adapted for a plurality of different types of object, with the spatial data being used to provide detailed size information for the flat surfaces making up the portion of the given type of object denoted by the object type indication. Typically, the method comprises receiving a first object type indication among a plurality of possible object type indications, indicative of a first type of object having a first number of flat surfaces of the object, different from a second object type indication among the plurality of possible object type indications, the second object type indication indicative of a second type of object having a second number of flat surfaces of the object, different from the first number. For example, the first object type may be a building having a pitched roof having a first pitched surface and a second pitched surface, meeting at a ridge line therebetween. The whole roof of the first object type is covered by the first pitched surface and the second pitched surface. A second object type may be a building having a pitched roof with a dormer on a first side of the pitched roof. Thus, the roof of the second object type is formed of a first pitched surface, not having the dormer therein, and a second pitched surface, meeting the first pitched surface at a ridge line therebetween. The dormer is formed of a first pitched dormer surface and a second pitched dormer surface, meeting at a dormer ridge line therebetween. The dormer intersects the second pitched surface below the ridge line between the first pitched surface and the second pitched surface. Thus, above the dormer in the second pitched surface, the second pitched surface extends unbroken across the surface. It may also be that one or more other roof features are defined in one or more of the flat surfaces, which may be covered differently, such as using one or more different building elements. For example, solar panels may be provided at one or more of the surfaces, and therefore no roof tiles need be provided underneath the solar panels. It will be understood that many variations on object types (e.g. roof types) are possible. The spatial data is typically determined based on measurements taken on the specific object to be covered, so as to account for any variations on the actual object, such as caused by building tolerances. By having a two-stage process for defining the portion of the object to be covered with the building elements, it allows personnel to be instructed to make relatively simple measurements from an expected template of the required and expected surfaces making up the portion to be covered of a particular type of object. Were this to be attempted in a single stage, the personnel in the vicinity of the object would need to generate each flat surface to be used in the model, which could lead to a longer measurement time, as well as errors. Similarly, due to variations in real measurements of objects from the specified dimensions, caused by manufacturing tolerances, it is also not typically possible to accurately define the precise dimensions of the flat surfaces to be covered only using an expected template. The spatial data may be further indicative of at least one of dimensions and relative location of one or more spatial features within at least one of the one or more flat surfaces, to be used to generate the cutting list. The spatial feature may be indicative of a region in the flat surface to be covered by a different type of building element. In some examples, the spatial feature may be indicative of a region in the flat surface to remain uncovered by building elements. The spatial features may be, for example, indicative of solar panels. The spatial features may be indicative of a window, such as a roof light, e.g. a Velux® window. Generating the cutting list may comprise: generating a candidate location for a building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the building; determining that the building element at the candidate location partially overlaps a boundary of a given flat surface; and generating at least one cutting list entry, indicative of a required cut associated with the building element at the candidate location in dependence on the determination. This may be a repeated at a plurality of candidate locations, and for each flat surface, until cutting list entries have been generated for each building element bridging a boundary of a given flat surface, and for each flat surface. Thus, the cutting list can be generated. It will be understood that a boundary of a given flat surface may be an outer boundary of the flat surface, or may be an internal boundary between a first region of the flat surface in which a feature is provided and a further region of the flat surface, outside the first region. Thus, building elements can be cut to ensure the plurality of building elements associated with a given flat surface will cover the flat surface, without covering the spatial feature. It will be understood that generating the at least one cutting list entry in the cutting list is typically generating a location for a required cut, the locations to be included in the cutting list. It may be that the cutting list comprises instructions for causing the listed cuts to be performed in the required location(s) on the at least one building element. It will also be understood that the portion of the building element arranged to be within the boundary is retained as part of the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object. Similarly, the portion of the building element arranged to be outside the boundary is discarded, therefore not forming part of the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object including the flat surface. At least one (e.g. each) of the one or more flat surfaces, the dimensions of which are indicated by the received spatial data, may have an outer boundary shape having at least three sides. At least one (e.g. each) of the one or more flat surfaces, the dimensions of which are indicated by the received spatial data, may have a trapezoidal outer boundary shape. It will be understood that a trapezoidal outer boundary shape covers any shape having at least two opposing parallel sides. In some examples, the spatial data may denote at least one of the one or more flat surfaces to have an exactly or approximately triangular shape by specifying that a one of the sides of the trapezoidal outer boundary shape has a length of exactly or approximately zero. Thus, the spatial data for each flat surface may comprise at least one of: four lengths (no more than one of which may be zero); or three lengths and one angle; or two lengths and two angles. The generated cutting list may result in obtaining at least one building element that together overhangs at least a section of the portion of the object to be covered, by a water channel element of the at least one building element. Thus, for any building elements having a water channel defined at an end thereof, the water channel is ignored when determining whether a cut is required at an edge of the building element. This is because a water channel is easily and safely removed by the installer themselves during installation. A water channel is typically bounded by a thinner region of the building element, making it quick and easy to separate the water channel from the rest of the building element; this allows the time taken to pre-cut the plurality of building elements to be reduced. The method may comprise a separate step of removing the water channel element from the building element. The method may comprise removing the water channel element from the building element during installation. It may be that the installer removes the water channel element themselves. In view of this, it will be understood that the cutting list can still be obtained even where it does not include any cuts required solely along a water channel element of the building element. The method may further comprise causing the at least one building element to be cut according to the cutting list. Thus, the at least one building element to be used to at least partially cover the portion of the object can be obtained as part of the method. The at least one of the building elements may be cut using a cutting machine. The cutting machine may be manually operated. In other examples, the cutting machine may be electronically controlled in dependence on the cutting list. The cutting list may be electronically received by a controller of the cutting machine. It may be that the cutting machine is a semi-automated cutting machine. In other words, a building element may be cut according to a cutting list entry in the cutting list, using the semi- automated cutting machine, without requiring any manual marking of the cutting line on the building element. It may be that the method comprises positioning each building element to be cut within a support of the cutting machine. One or more cuts for the or each of the at least one building element may include one or more standard straight cuts, and one or more custom cuts. The one or more standard straight cuts may include at least one of a quarter, a third, a half, two thirds, and three quarters, of the way along the building element, such that a rectangular building element, cut with a standard straight cut, is divided into two rectangular portions of the rectangular building element. One or more of the building elements requiring the one or more standard straight cuts are at least one of: cut at a different time; and cut on a different cutting machine, to any building element requiring the one or more custom cuts. The one or more custom cuts may include any other cuts not included in the one or more standard straight cuts. Thus, standard cuts can be obtained in bulk before the cutting list is generated. This decreases the typical time between the cutting list being generated and of the at least one building element cut according to the cutting list being obtained and ready for installation among the plurality of building elements to cover the portion of the object. The cutting list may be generated in dependence on a database specifying spatial parameters associated with the plurality of building elements. When the plurality of building elements are a plurality of roofing tiles, the spatial parameters may comprise one or more of tile thickness, tile length, tile width, shunt, bond offset, nib thickness, maximum gauge. The shunt is the maximum about of built-in tolerance between adjacent tiles. In other words, the shunt is the amount of flexibility available between two tiles arranged to lie side-by-side. The bond offset is the offset for even tile courses, typically from one of the left side or the right side. In other words, the bond offset represents the lateral difference in starting locations for each adjacent row of tiles. The nib thickness is the distance between the top of the tile and the point it sits on the batten. The maximum gauge is the maximum possible distance between battens for this particular tile. The spatial parameters may comprise first course pitch offset, which is the degree by which the pitch of the first course of tiles on a roof panel is shallower than the other courses of tiles further up the roof panel. The method may further comprise generating a support structure fixing location list, indicative of locations at which support structures should be installed onto the portion of the object to be covered, to support the plurality of building elements when installed. When the building elements are roofing tiles, and the portion of the object to be covered is the roof of a building, the support structures may be battens on which the roof tiles are to be supported. Thus, further relevant parts of the process needed to cover the portion of the object can be aided by the described method. The support structure fixing location list may be generated prior to receiving the spatial data indicative of measured parameters for the portion of the object to be covered. The support structure fixing location list may be generated in dependence on the object type indication. The support structure fixing location list may be generated in dependence on initial expected dimensions associated with the object type indication, not based on direct measurements of the portion of object to be covered. Thus, some of the preparatory work for covering the portion of the object can be completed prior to measurement of the portion of the object to be covered. The method may comprise affixing the support structures to the portion of the object to be covered in accordance with the support structure fixing location list. It may be that the support structures are affixed to the portion of the object to be covered prior to the spatial data being obtained. The spatial data may be indicative of installed locations of the support structures affixed to the portion of the object to be covered. The spatial data may define spacings between a plurality of the support structures affixed to the portion of the object to be covered. The support structures may be battens. The support structures typically run horizontally along each flat surfaces of the portion of the object to be covered. The support structures are substantially evenly spaced in the direction up the flat surface (where the flat surface is pitched). It may be that the support structures are marked with a plurality of alignment features configured to indicate a spacing, on the object to be covered, that corresponds to a predetermined number of building elements. Advantageously, the alignment features assist with measurement of the spatial data. For example, the support structures may be marked with a plurality of perpendicular lines (sometimes referred to as “perp lines”). The perpendicular lines comprise a first set, spaced to correspond to a predetermined number (e.g. three) of building elements (e.g. tiles). The perpendicular lines may further comprise a second set, also spaced to correspond to a predetermined number (e.g. three) of building elements (e.g. tiles), but offset from the first set by the bond offset amount (such as half the width of the building elements). Measurements may be taken horizontally from a nearest perpendicular line and the uppermost batten that intersects the top of a feature or flat surface intersection, to the feature or flat surface intersection. Measurements may additionally be taken horizontally from a nearest perpendicular line and the lowermost batten that intersects the lowermost part of the feature or the flat surface intersection, to the feature or flat surface intersection. It may be that measurements are repeated on both sides of the feature or flat surface intersection if the feature or flat surface intersection is not wholly arranged at the edge of the flat surface. Typically, the measurements are to a first edge line of the feature or flat surface intersection indicative of (e.g. colinear with or parallel to) a second edge line representing a desired edge of the building elements to border the feature or flat surface intersection. In some examples, the edge line may be referred to as a cut line, or a sand line. It may be that the first edge line is parallel to a batten line running parallel to a centre-line of the valley or the hip formed by the intersection between the two flat surfaces, or to a first edge line of the feature in the flat surface. Typically, the first edge line is at or overhung by the building elements used to cover the roof. In other words, the measurements are to the position in the valley or at the hip where the building elements are to finish, at least near where the flat surface intersects with the feature or further flat surface. If there is no nearest perpendicular line on one side because the edge of the flat surface comes first, measurements are taken from at or near the edge of the flat surface instead. Typically, the plurality of perpendicular lines are colinear on each batten on the same flat surface. It will be understood that one or more of the measurements described hereinbefore, and indicated by the spatial data, are used to allow the determination of the expected position of a building element at a boundary of the flat surface, thereby allowing the required cuts to be determined. At least the receiving and generating steps of the method described hereinbefore may be computer implemented. The present disclosure extends to a plurality of building elements including at least one building element pre-cut according to a cutting list, the plurality of building elements for covering a portion of an object. Thus, the building elements required to cover the portion of the object can be pre-assembled and ready to use. It may be that at least one (e.g. each) of the plurality of building elements pre-cut according to the cutting list, for covering the portion of the object comprises an identification marking to identify the at least one building element in the plurality of building elements. Typically, at least the pre-cut building elements will be marked in this way. Thus, in combination with a plan, an installer can determine which particular pre-cut building element is required in a given location at the portion of the object to be covered, based on the identification marking. The method may comprise marking at least one (e.g. each) of the plurality of building elements cut according to the cutting list. It may be that the whole portion of the object can be fully covered using all of the plurality of building elements. It may be that to fully cover the whole portion of the object, further building elements are used, also provided with the plurality of building elements pre-cut according to the cutting list. The further building elements may include one or more uncut building elements. The further building elements may include one or more building elements cut to standard sizes, as described hereinbefore. Wherever the disclosure herein refers to at least one building element, it will be understood that a plurality of building elements may be used. The at least one building element to be cut may be at least 20 building elements to be cut. The at least one building element to be cut may be at least 100 building elements to be cut. The present disclosure also extends to a controller comprising: one or more processors; and a non-transitory computer readable memory storing instructions thereon. The instructions are configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to: receive spatial data indicative of measured parameters for a portion of an object to be covered; and generate a cutting list for obtaining at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object; and output the cutting list. Thus, there is provided a controller arranged to perform at least some of the steps of the method described hereinbefore. The controller may be configured to carry out any of the steps of the method described hereinbefore, apart from those specifically described as being performed by an installer. The instructions may be further configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to output instructions to cause a cutting machine to cut a plurality of building elements according to the cutting list. It may be that the controller is configured to control the cutting machine in accordance with the output instructions. Description of the Drawings An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which: Figures 1a and 1b show examples of two types of roof for which embodiments of the present invention can be used; Figures 2 to 5 show an example of a roof, at various stages of roofing; Figure 6 shows a portion of the roof of Figures 2 to 5; Figures 7 to 13 illustrate measurements and representations used to generate the cutting list; Figure 14 shows a controller in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and Figure 15 shows a flowchart illustrating a method in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Detailed of an Example Embodiment The present invention provides a method of generating a cutting list for obtaining at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover a portion of an object. Specifically, in the example embodiment, the building elements are roofing tiles, and the portion of the object is the roof of a building. Figures 1a and 1b show examples of two types of roof for which embodiments of the present invention can be used. Figure 1a shows a roof 100a having a trapezoidal first roof section 102a, from a ridge at the peak of the roof 100a, to the eaves. At a first side of the first roof section 102a, a triangular second roof section 104a extends therefrom, forming a first hip of the roof 100a therebetween. The triangular second roof section 104a extends from the eaves up to the ridge of the roof 100a, and across from a first side at the first hip to a second side. At a second side of the first roof section 102a, a triangular third roof section 106a extends therefrom, forming a second hip of the roof 100a therebetween. The triangular third roof section 106a extends from the eaves up to the ridge of the roof 100a, and across from a first side at the second hip to a second side. A trapezoidal fourth roof section 108a extends between the second sides of each of the second and third roof sections 104a, 106a, forming a hip each at the respective connections therebetween. The fourth roof section 108a extends from the first roof section 102a at the ridge, to the eaves. A feature 110a, in the form of three solar panels 110a is provided within the fourth roof section 108a. It will be understood that the inclusion of the feature 110a means that no roofing tiles would need to be laid on the fourth roof section 108a, within the boundary of the feature 110a. The roof tiles on the fourth roof section 108a, immediately outside the boundary of the feature 110a will need to be cut so as to extend up to the feature 110a, and no further. It will further be understood that the roof tiles extending to the hips at the edge of each of the roof sections 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a will also need to be cut so as to form a straight (or approximately straight) boundary line, parallel to each hip. Figure 1b shows a roof 100b being a hipped roof, with a dormer in one side of the hipped roof. Specifically, the roof 100b comprises a rectangular first roof section 102b, extending from a ridge of the roof to the eaves. The first roof section 102b is provided with a feature 104b, in the form of three solar panels 104b, therein. As with the roof 100a of Figure 1a, it will be understood that the inclusion of the feature 104b means that no roofing tiles would need to be laid on the first roof section 102b, within the boundary of the feature 104b. The roof tiles on the first roof section 102b, immediately outside the boundary of the feature 104b will need to be cut so as to extend up to the feature 104b, and no further. The roof 100b further comprises a trapezoidal second roof section 106b, extending from the ridge to the eaves, and from a first verge of the roof at a first side, to a second side. The roof 100b further comprises a triangular third roof section 108b, extending from the ridge towards the eaves, and from a second verge of the roof at a first side, to a second side. A dormer roof is formed from a fourth roof section 110b and a fifth roof section 112b, and extends between the second sides of the second roof section 106b and the third roof section 108b. The fourth roof section 110b extends from the second side of the second roof section 106b, defining a valley therebetween, to a ridge of the dormer roof, and to form a verge of the dormer roof. The fifth roof section 112b extends from the second side of the third roof section 108b, defining a further valley therebetween, to the ridge of the dormer roof, and to form the verge of the dormer roof. In this example, the ridge of the dormer roof extends to meet the ridge of the main roof, thereby requiring that the second roof section 106b and the third roof section 108b are divided by the dormer roof. It will be understood that smaller dormers relative to the size of the roof may mean that one or more courses of tiles near the ridge may extend completely across the roof, and not be divided by the inclusion of the dormer roof. The roof tiles extending to the valleys at the edge of the second, third, fourth and fifth roof sections 106b, 108b, 110b, 112b will need to be cut so as to form a straight (or approximately straight) boundary line, parallel to each valley. Typically, tiles at the verges need not be cut in a non-standard way (some tiles may need to be cut into two half-tiles (cut down the middle in a perpendicular vertical line) or into a quarter or three-quarter tile), as the shunt tolerance within the tiles means that tiles can be made to lie in such a position that every other course of tiles (assuming the tiles are laid with offset courses) finishes (and / or starts) at the verge or verges on a whole tile. Although Figures 1a and 1b show two possible types of roof, it will be understood that many other types of roof are possible, which will require the roof tiles to be cut for laying on the roof. A required step for generating a cutting list is to know the extent and direction of any boundary line in any of the sections of the roof, which will require tiles to be cut. In addition, it is also required to know where the relevant tiles will be positioned relative to each boundary line, so as to be able to determine the required cut or cuts for each individual tile extending to the boundary lines. The present inventors have devised a method by which the required cuts can be determined efficiently and effectively, allowing tiles to be pre-cut without needing to be individually marked and cut based on measurements taken on-site when the surrounding tiles in the roof (such as the next tile, or the previous course) have already been laid on the roof. In addition to different types of roof, there are also different types of roofing tile, each of which may have different dimensions and other properties. In particular, tiles may be flat, or they may have a profile shape. Tiles may also include a mock bond (which is a feature having the visual appearance of a joint in the tile, even though it is part of the same tile). The method and apparatus described herein works with each of the types of tile. A method of laying a roof will now be described, making use of the principles described herein. Figures 2 to 5 show an example of a roof of a building, at various stages of roofing. The roof 200 comprises a front portion 202 (as visible in Figures 2 to 5) and a rear portion (not shown). The front portion 202 comprises a first roof section 204, within which is provided a dormer 206, formed of a first dormer roof section 208 and a second dormer roof section (not shown in Figures 2 to 5). The roof further comprises a ridge 210, eaves 212, a first verge 214, a second verge 216, a dormer verge 218, a dormer ridge 220 and a dormer valley 222. The first roof section 204 extends from the first verge 214 to the second verge 216, and from the eaves 212 to the ridge 210. The dormer 206 is provided substantially centrally within a lower portion of the first roof section 204. The dormer ridge 220 extends substantially horizontally from the first roof section 204 at a point below the ridge 210 of the roof 200. Each of the first dormer roof section 208 and the second dormer roof section are triangular and extend from the dormer verge 218 to intersect the first roof section 204, thereby defining the dormer valley 222 on each side of the dormer 206. In Figure 2, the structural elements, including the walls of the building on which the roof is to be provided have already been constructed. The roof joists and rafters are already in place, and felt 224 has been laid over each of the first roof section 204, the first dormer roof section 208 and the second dormer roof section (as well as any other roof sections elsewhere on the roof 200), to provide an initial undercovering. Support structures in the form of battens are fixed to the felt 224. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, a dormer valley batten 226 and a roof valley batten 228 are first fixed to the roof. Specifically, the dormer valley batten 226 is fixed to the first former roof section 208, parallel to, and approximately 15 centimetres from, the dormer valley 222, and the roof valley batten 228 is fixed to the first roof section 204, parallel to, and approximately 15 centimetres from, the dormer valley 222. It will be understood that similar dormer valley battens are fixed relative to the dormer valley for the second dormer roof section, but only the roof valley batten 229 is visible in Figure 3. Next, a lowermost batten 230 and an uppermost batten 232 are fixed in place on the first roof section 204. The lowermost batten 230 is in two parts, with a gap for the dormer 206. Each of the lowermost batten 230 and the uppermost batten 232 are expected to extend horizontally across the first roof section 204. The spacing between the lowermost batten 230 and the bottom of the first roof section 204 (i.e. the eaves 212) is determined by the tile to be used. In this example, the spacing is determined by the height of the tile, and any desired eaves overhand amount (i.e. an amount by which the tile should overhang the eaves 212 of the first roof section). The uppermost batten 232 is positioned typically at the very top of the first roof section 204. Subsequently, further horizontal battens 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d, 234e, 234f, 234g, 234h, 234i are fixed to the first roof section 204, at substantially equal spacing (though a roofer may choose to vary the spacing slightly within a tolerance of the tile, so as to allow as many courses of tiles as possible to be laid without requiring complex cuts for features such as the dormer 206). The spacing is determined by the tile to be used, based on the height of the tile and the amount of overlap required between courses, as well as a tolerance in this figure. It will be seen that the further horizontal battens 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d, 234e, 234f, 234g, 234h, 234i include a set of lower horizontal battens 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d, 234e, 234f, which are split in two by the provision of the dormer 206. Specifically, the lower horizontal battens 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d, 234e, 234f (and the lowermost batten 230) each extend from an edge (i.e. verge 214, 216 of the first roof section 204 to the roof valley battens 228, 229. Although an ideal location for each of the battens can be calculated, the final fixed location of each batten may differ slightly due to variations and errors in how the roofer actually installs the battens on the roof. Therefore, the actual locations of the battens are typically measured after installation so as to allow a more accurate set of tile cuts to be calculated. It will be understood that the actual locations of the battens need not be measured for all battens in roof sections where custom cuts of the tiles are not required, and / or for any battens above all courses of tiles in the roof section in which custom cuts of the tiles are required. After the battens have been fixed to the roof 200, any valley roof surfaces should be fixed to the roof 200. In this example, a glass reinforced polymer (GRP) valley cover 236 is measured and cut to size to cover the dormer valleys 222, as shown in Figure 4. This typically provides the final roof covering in the dormer valley 222, though roof tiles will cover the edges of the GRP valley cover 236 to significantly reduce water and weather penetration to the rest of the roof at the junction. Another important step in construction of a roof is the provision of guide lines 238 (sometimes referred to as “perpendicular lines” or “perp lines”) running perpendicular to the horizontal battens to provide an indication to the roofer when laying tiles on the roof, as shown in Figure 5. The guide lines include a first set of guide lines 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e, 240f, 240g, 240h, repeating every three tile widths in this example, and a second set of guide lines, 242a, 242b, 242c, 242d, 242e, 242f, 242g, 242h, also repeating every three tile widths. The second set of guide lines 242a, 242b, 242c, 242d, 242e, 242f, 242g, 242h is offset from the first set of guide lines 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e, 240f, 240g, 240h by half a tile width. In this way, odd courses of tiles are aligned with the first set of guide lines 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e, 240f, 240g, 240h, and even courses of tiles are aligned with the second set of guide lines 242a, 242b, 242c, 242d, 242e, 242f, 242g, 242h, resulting in an interdigitated set of tiles being laid on the roof, with each tile away from the edge of the roof having two tiles in contact with the lower surface thereof, and two tiles in contact with the upper surface thereof, providing a pleasing aesthetic appearance as well as an effective roof performance. Again, although the ideal location of the perp lines can be calculated, measurement of the actual perp lines is still required in order to ensure that pre-cut tiles are suitable for use on the roof in practice. Furthermore, although the figures show the perp lines extending over the whole roof, including the felt 224 and the horizontal battens 230, 232, 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d, 234e, 234f, 234g, 234h, 234i, it will be understood that the perp lines may include only sufficient physical markings on the roof to enable the roofer to know where the perp lines are when laying the tiles on the roof. For examples, the perp lines may only be drawn on the horizontal battens 230, 232, 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d, 234e, 234f, 234g, 234h, 234i, and not on the felt 224. Figure 6 shows the relevant portion of the first roof section 204 to be considered when determining the shapes of the tiles required at the boundary between the first roof section 204 and the dormer valley 222, specifically, the GRP valley cover 236. As can be appreciated, the tiles away from any boundaries with features and / or edges of the roof can be laid without cutting and therefore without labour-intensive cutting. Specifically, the portion of roof up to at least the next perp line is provided on each side of the boundary between the first roof section 204 and the roof sections of the dormer 206, specifically the GRP valley cover 236. Figures 7 to 13 illustrate measurements and representations used to generate the cutting list. To generate the cutting list, it is necessary to represent the edge of the roofable area (the roof section), including the battens, perp lines (sometimes referred to as chalk lines) and the tile edges as line segments. It will be understood that a line segment is a line with a beginning and an end, each of which points may be defined. Figure 7 shows a set of lines used to define a portion of a roof, similar to that shown in Figure 6. The set of lines can be used to determine the cuts required for a set of tiles to obtain the set of tiles required for covering this part of the roof. Horizontal line A is referred to as the tile top line segment. The top edge of each tile in one course of tiles will be collinear with this line segment. This line segment is offset from the line segment representing the top of the batten (line B, as described further hereinafter). The offset distance from line B is equal to the tile’s total height minus the maximum gauge i.e. the distance between the feature where the tile rests on the batten and the top edge of the batten. Horizontal line B is referred to as the batten line segment. Line B represents the top of one of the battens installed, specifically the batten onto which the course of tiles having a top edge collinear with line A is to be affixed. The main purpose of line B is to serve as a reference for line A to be created and to use its intersection point with a chalk line (C or D as described further hereinafter) as a reference point to measure to the end of the roofable area / where the tiles must end. Vertical line C is referred to as a left chalk line segment (or a left perp line segment). Line C represents the left chalk line of the pair that the roofers mark for every three tiles. The closest chalk line to the feature that the tiles are being cut to fit (line connecting points E and F as described further hereinafter) will serve as a reference to measure from. This reference distance will be used to determine the location of any required cuts through the tiles. Chalk lines should always be perpendicular to the first batten, which is parallel to the X axis, therefore making the chalk line parallel to the Y axis. Vertical line D is referred to as a right chalk line segment (or a right perp line segment). Line D represents the right chalk line of the pair of chalk lines (C and D) that the roofers mark for every three tiles. The closest chalk line to the feature that the tiles are being cut to fit (line connecting points E and F as described further hereinafter) will serve as a reference to measure from. Chalk lines should always be perpendicular to the first batten, which is parallel to the X axis, therefore making the chalk line parallel to the Y axis. Point E is referred to as the bottom sand line reference point. Point E is the intersection between the roofable area’s line and the line segment of the batten for the bottom course of tiles which is affected by the roof feature or edge. In this instance, point E is on the batten for the very lowermost course of tiles. Point F is referred to as the top sand line reference point. Point F is the intersection between the roofable area’s line and the line segment of the batten for the top course of tiles for which the batten intersects the roof feature or edge. It will be understood that typically, the feature or edge may require cuts to be made for the tiles in the next set of tiles, above the top course of tiles, though the roof feature or edge does not extend so far as to intersect the batten for that next set of tiles. In this next set of tiles, it may be that some of the tiles will require two cuts to achieve the required shape of tile around the roof feature or edge. Once all of those line segments and points have been identified all that is left to do is apply the tiles having their upper edge at A, and identifying which of the tiles intersect with the line connecting points E and F. These tiles will be the ones requiring cuts. The exact location and angle of the required cuts can then be calculated. The process should be repeated for each course of tiles between E and F. The positions of lines A, B, C and D, and the positions of points E and F to determine the position of line EF are determined based on measurements of the roof after the battens have been affixed, and after the perp lines (i.e. chalk lines) have been determined and / or applied. Figure 8 shows a representation illustrating the measurements required for generating the position of the boundary lines of a roof section relative to the expected location of the tiles. The tile height and the maximum gauge of the tile are product dependent, and therefore dictated by the type of tile to be used. Measurements B1B2 to B8B9 are the distances between the B lines for adjacent horizontal battens. For example, B1B2 is the distance between the top of the first batten and the top of the second batten. Although it might be thought that the battens would be uniformly spaced, there is some variation in practice, and so it is necessary to measure each batten spacing individually where cuts are required to tiles in that particular course of tiles. Furthermore, the batten spacings need to be measured on both sides of the feature. For each side of the feature, it is important to measure using the same reference line, for example, a chalk line (e.g. perp line). The spacing of the battens on each side of the feature is what dictates the angle at which the batten sits. Not knowing where that spacing was measured from will impact the angle and therefore the straightness of the feature when the tiles are fitted. Distance CD is the spacing between an adjacent pair of chalk lines. Distance CD represents the bonding style used for the tile being installed. Most tile types have a horizontal offset between courses. This offset can be half of the visible tile surface or a quarter. In some cases, that offset does not exist meaning that the distance between C and D is 0, eliminating the need for the second chalk line D. Due to the variability in tile sizes of the same type, the distance CD is not standard even for the same type of tile. Therefore, roofers typically measure the tiles from the batch they receive to make sure they use the right spacing between chalk lines. However, in the trials conducted so far, the variation of CD for the same tile type as never been more than 2mm. Therefore, it is possible that some examples may pre- assume the value of the distance CD, and assume that any additional adjacent perp lines are located at the appropriate locations for the distance CD. Distance CC is the distance between the same side chalk lines in 2 pairs. Distance CC corresponds to the spacing of three tiles in these examples. As with distance CD, due to variability in tiles sizes, roofers will often measure the tiles for a particular batch to define that measurement. Similarly, it is possible that some examples may pre-assume the value of the distance CC, and assume that all same side chalk lines are located at the appropriate locations for the pre-assumed distance CC. Distances DE and DF are shown in Figure 8. However, the distances CE or CF could alternatively be used. It will be understood that CE and CF are the distances from the C-side perp line on the lowermost and uppermost batten respectively, using the C-side perp line closes to the edge of the feature for each batten, measured to the feature. The idea is to use the closest chalk line to the point where the tiles need to stop. In this example, the tiles stop at the sand line of the GRP valley. For other features the concept works in a similar way. Simply measure along the top of the batten, from where the tile needs to end to the closest chalk line (whether that is the C-side perp line or the D-side perp line). These measurements need to be repeated for all the line segments that define the feature. In this example, there are 2 segment lines that define the feature, the left and right side of the valley. For the avoidance of doubt, the two diagonal lines are the segment lines. Having captured all the data it is now possible to mathematically represent the line segments A to D, and points E and F. Before defining each line segment it is important to explain how a line is represented mathematically. ^ = ^^ + ^ = equation that represents the line ^ =^^^^^^^^^^= line, where ^ and ^ are the y-coordinates of two po ^ ^ints (a and b) on the line, and ^^and ^^are the x-coordinates of the points a and b on the line. ^ = −^^ + ^ = describes the line crossing the Y-axis −^ + ^ ^ = ^ Tile top line segment - (A) (A1) The tile top line segment for the first course of tiles ^ = −^^ + ^<=> ^ = ^^^^ ℎ^^^ℎ^ Where,^^^^^^is the distance between the locations at which the spacing between adjacent battens were measured for the same pair of battens. There will be two locations for each pair of battens, one at each side of the feature / roof section. (A2) The tile top line segment for the second course of tiles ^ = ^^^^ ℎ^^^ℎ^ + ^^^^1^^^^2^^^^^^ ^^^^(A3) The tile top line segment for the third course of tiles ^ (^^^^ ℎ^^^ℎ^ + ^^^^1^^^^2^^^^^^ + ^^^^2^^^^3^^^^^^ ) − (^^^^ ℎ^^^ℎ^ + ^^^^1^^^^2^^^^^ℎ^ + ^^^^2^^^^3^^^^^ℎ^ )= 0− ^^^^^^^= ^^^^ ℎ^^^ℎ^ + ^^^^1^^^^2^^^^^^ ^^^^ + ^^^^2^^^^3^^^^^^ ^^^^(Ax) Follow-on tile top line segment ^ ^ ^ Thus, all A lines can be calculated. Batten line segment – (B) The batten line segment follows the same logic as the tile top line segment but uses the maximum gauge of the tile rather than its height. (Bx) Follow-on tile top line segment ^ ^ ^ Thus, all B lines can be calculated. Left chalk line (perp line) C and right chalk line (perp line) D Chalk lines are parallel to the Y axis, and therefore will follow the following approach: ^ = ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^ℎ^ ^ℎ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^ ^^^^ The distance between the chalk line and the Y axis will be a sum of (x-1) x^^^^^^and optionally^^^^^^depending on whether chalk line C or chalk line D is being calculated. For example: C1: ^ = 0D1: ^ = ^^^^^^C2: ^ = ^^^^^^D2: ^ = ^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^C3: ^ = 2 × ^^^^^^D3: ^ = 2 × ^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^Points E and F To identify the coordinates of E, it is necessary to identify the chalk line C or D that^^^^^^^^^^^^^^was measured from and convert^^^^^^^^^^^^^^into a measurement that is parallel to the X axis. To easily explain the need for this conversion, let’s look at an extreme example. Figure 9 shows how taking^^^^^^^^^^^^^^as the correct measurement when identifying ^ is not correct since^^^^^^^^^^^^^^might not be parallel to the X axis. To obtain the true ^,^^^^^^^^^^^^^^must be viewed as the hypotenuse of a triangle.^^^^^^= ^(^^)^+ ^^, with^^^^^^and b being known variables, solve for ^, with ^ being^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^b is the slope of the batten that was measured from. ^ is the minimum distance between the chalk line and (F) ^ = (^, ^) ^ can be calculated by adding the ^ of the chalk line that^^^^^^^^^^^^^^was measured fromto ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ = ^^ + ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ can be calculated by taking the ^ previously calculated and applying it to the equation of the corresponding batten E on. ^ = ^ × ^ + ^ Once ^ =(^, ^)and ^ =(^, ^)have been identified, the line containing both E and F can be calculated using the same formula as for the other lines. ^ = ^ × ^ + ^ = equation that represents the line^^^^^ ^ = −^^ + ^ = describes the line crossing the Y axis −^ + ^ ^ = ^ In this way, all required lines can be modelled from the measurements described hereinbefore. In some examples, the hereinbefore described measurements are captured using a simple tape measure. However, to increase accuracy, a tape measure with a built in spirit level can be used. Such a tape measure can also include a laser directed 90 degrees relative to the tape measure direction, making it easier to capture accurate measurements of the required distances. It will be understood that accurate measurements ensures accurate generation of the cutting list for the tiles. Next, it is necessary to identify the location of tiles relative to the boundary line segments, and to generate the cutting list including details of the required cuts for the affected tiles. The placement of the tiles is dependent on the design of the roof. As described hereinbefore, the tile top lines A represent the top edge of each tile. The anchor point for each set of three tiles is one of the pair of chalk lines to the side from which the tiles are to be laid (e.g. from the left side). In essence, the top left corner of a tile for an odd numbered course (e.g.1, 3, 5, etc) will be placed on the intersection between that course’s A line and the corresponding right chalk line D, while an even numbered course (e.g.2, 4, 6, etc) will have tiles placed on the left chalk line C. Each added tile then shifts 1 / 3 of^^^^^^to the right (assuming a three-tile spacing), ensuring the top edge of the tile is collinear with A. Figure 10 shows an example of the first tile 301 for an odd numbered course and the first tile 302 for an even numbered course. As will be appreciated, both tiles 301, 302 will need to be cut because they intersect the boundary line segment 304. Figure 11 shows an extreme example of how tiles relate to the “tile top segment line” and the chalk line, in this case chalk line C. In order to identify the cuts for each tile it is necessary to turn each edge into a line segment equation as done previously for the battens, chalk lines, etc. GH: This line segment is in essence a shorter version of A. Therefor GH is going to share the same function as A, ^ = ^^ + ^, while being constrained by the ^ of G and H, as shown in Figure 12. ^(^,^)= (^1^, ^2^= ^1^) For the tiles on this course that do not fall on a chalk line, the equation changes to: ^^^^^^:This line segment is perpendicular to A and intersecting point H. Therefor^^^^^^ can be described by: ^^^^^^^= −^^^^^^^× ^^+ ^^^ = ^^^^^^^× ^ + ^^^^^^^, constrained by ^^≪ ^ ≪ ^^^^^ : This line segment is parallel to A and intersecting point I. Therefor ^^^ can be described by: ^ ^^^= −^^^× ^^+ ^^^ = ^^^× ^ + ^^^, constrained by ^^≪ ^ ≪ ^^ GJ: This line segment is perpendicular to A and intersecting point G. Therefor^^^^^ can be described by: ^^^^^^^ = −^^^^^^^ × ^^+ ^^^ = ^^^^^^^× ^ + ^^^^^^^, constrained by ^^≪ ^ ≪ ^^Now it is possible to identify the required cuts. To identify the cuts, it is necessary to calculate intersections between feature lines (e.g. EF) and tile segment lines (e.g. GH), as shown in Figure 13. These intersections need to be calculated for each single tile segment. As an example: Therefore, if ^^≪ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ≪ ^^then^^^^^^intersects^^^^^^and the tile needs to be cut on that point. As this process is repeated for the other line segments, a second point will be identified (unless the feature line is collinear with one of the line segments, in which case, there is no cut). The result of the process will return points^^^^^^^^^^^^^(^,^)and^^^^^^^^^^^^(^,^) shown circled inFigure 13, which are the points defining the line along which the tile will need to be cut. Once cutting lines are calculated, these can be used to provide cutting instructions, either to a human to undertake the cuts, or to a cutting machine to cut the tiles. Formation of such a cutting machine is within the competencies of the person skilled in the art, for example using a clamping mechanism to hold a tile for cutting, a circular saw for cutting the tile, and a motor to move a base plate holding the clamped tile, so as to position the tile in a suitable location for cutting along the desired line. To reduce data entry requirements, it is typical for a template of the roof to be pre- programmed so that the roofer is prompted to provide the precise number of expected measurements corresponding to the roof template (e.g. one of the templates shown in Figures 1a and 1b). Another advantage of using a template is that the input interface can be programmed to generate a warning, or to disallow entry if the entered measurements differ from an expected measurement by more than a threshold amount. In some instances, the first course of tiles may be at a different pitch angle compared to subsequent courses of tiles. If this is the case, it will be understood that the mathematical models can be updated to ensure accurate lines are determined, thereby allowing an accurate cutting list to be generated, including for any tiles in the first course. Of course, it may be in some roofs that other courses of tiles are at different angles, and adjustments can be made for this. In some examples, additional measurements may be requested from the user to improve the accuracy of the determined geometric model of the roof, even where such a measurement is not strictly necessary, and may be considered redundant. Accordingly, it is easier to identify potentially erroneous captured measurements. Once the measurements have been captured, it may be that a visual representation of the roof is generated, allowing a user to visually confirm that the shape of the roof is as expected. Figure 14 shows a controller for performing one or more steps of the process described herein. The controller 400 comprises a input / output interface 410 through which user inputs can be received, and through which generated data can be output, such as transmitted (e.g. using a wireless transmitter) to further devices (such as to a cutting device). The controller further comprises a processing unit 420 in data communication with the input / output interface 410 via electronic control signals 415. The processing unit 420 comprises one or more processors 430 and a non-transitory computer readable memory 440. The one or more processors 430 are configured to execute instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable memory 440 to cause the controller to use the inputs received via the input / output interface 410 to generate a cutting list, as described herein, and further to output the cutting list via the input / output interface 410. Figure 15 shows a flowchart illustrating a method in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The method 500 is a method of generating a cutting list. The cutting list is for using to obtain at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover a portion of an object. Specifically, it may be that the cutting list is for using to obtain a plurality of cut roof tiles among a larger set of roof tiles to be used to cover a roof. The method 500 comprises receiving 510 spatial data indicative of measured parameters. The measured parameters are associated with the portion of the object to be covered. Specifically, the measured parameters may include at least one of: a spacing between battens on a roof section; a distance between a perpendicular line of a roof section and a boundary of the roof section; and a distance between a perpendicular line of a roof section and a boundary of a feature within the roof section. The method 500 further comprises generating 520 the cutting list based on the spatial data. Specifically, the method 500 comprises generating 520, based on the received spatial data, the cutting list for obtaining the at least one building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object. It will be understood that the cutting list contains instructions (e.g. machine-readable instructions) for cutting the at least one building element to obtain at least one cut building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object. The method 500 further comprises outputting 530 the cutting list. The cutting list may be output in the form of a graphical representation. The cutting list may be output via wireless transmission to a cutting device. In some examples, the method 500 further comprises cutting 540 the at least one building element according to the cutting list. In summary, there is provided a method (500) of generating a cutting list for at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover a portion of an object (200). The method (500) comprises: receiving (510) spatial data indicative of measured parameters associated with the portion of the object to be covered; generating (520), based on the received spatial data, the cutting list for obtaining the at least one building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object; and outputting (530) the cutting list. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to and do not exclude other components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of generating a cutting list for at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover a portion of an object, the method comprising: receiving spatial data indicative of measured parameters associated with the portion of the object to be covered; generating, based on the received spatial data, the cutting list for obtaining the at least one building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object; and outputting the cutting list.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising cutting the at least one building element according to the cutting list.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the material forming the at least one building element cut according to the cutting list is arranged at the portion of the object to be covered only after being cut according to the cutting list.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the object is a roof and the at least one building element is at least one roof tile.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the received spatial data is indicative of dimensions of one or more (e.g. a plurality of) flat surfaces of the object, together to be covered by the plurality of building elements.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the one or more flat surfaces are a plurality of flat surfaces, and wherein the received spatial data is indicative of an angular relationship between at least two of the plurality of flat surfaces.

7. The method of claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising receiving an object type indication, indicative of a type of object and used to determine a total number of flat surfaces of the object, for which the received spatial data is to be subsequently received.

8. The method of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the spatial data is further indicative of at least one of dimensions and relative location of one or more spatial features within at least one of the one or more flat surfaces, to be used to generate the cutting list.

9. The method of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein generating the cutting list comprises: generating a candidate location for a building element among the plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the building; determining that the building element at the candidate location partially overlaps a boundary of a given flat surface; and generating at least one cutting list entry, indicative of a required cut associated with the building element at the candidate location in dependence on the determination.

10. The method of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein each of the one or more flat surfaces the dimensions of which are indicated by the received spatial data, has a trapezoidal or triangular outer boundary shape.

11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the generated cutting list results in obtaining at least one building element that overhangs at least a section of the portion of the object to be covered by a water channel element of the at least one building element.

12. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising installing the at least building element cut according to the cutting list, on the portion of the object to be covered, thereby at least partially covering the portion of the object.

13. The method of claim 12, when dependent on claim 11, further comprising an installer removing the water channel element from the at least one building element during installation.

14. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising causing the at least one building element to be cut according to the cutting list.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one building element to be cut according to the cutting list is cut using a cutting machine electronically controlled in dependence on the cutting list to be electronically received by a controller of the cutting machine.

16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein one or more cuts for each of the at least one building element include one or more standard straight cuts, and one or more custom cuts, wherein the one or more standard straight cuts include at least one of a quarter, a third, a half, two thirds, and three quarters, of the way along the building element, such that a rectangular building element, cut with a standard straight cut, is divided into two rectangular portions of the rectangular building element, wherein one or more of the building elements requiring the one or more standard straight cuts are at least one of: cut at a different time; and cut on a different cutting machine, to any building element requiring the one or more custom cuts, wherein the one or more custom cuts include any other cuts not included in the one or more standard straight cuts.

17. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the cutting list is generated in dependence on a database specifying spatial parameters associated with the plurality of building elements.

18. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising generating a support structure fixing location list, indicative of locations at which support structures should be installed onto the portion of the object to be covered, to support the plurality of building elements when installed.

19. A plurality of building elements including at least one building element pre-cut according to a cutting list, the plurality of building elements to be used to cover a portion of an object.

20. The plurality of building elements of claim 19, wherein the whole portion of the object can be fully covered using all of the plurality of building elements.

21. A controller comprising: one or more processors; and a non-transitory computer readable memory storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions are configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to:receive spatial data indicative of measured parameters for a portion of an object to be covered; generate a cutting list for obtaining a at least one building element among a plurality of building elements to be used to cover the portion of the object; and output the cutting list.

22. The controller of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to output instructions to cause a cutting machine to cut a plurality of building elements according to the cutting list.

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