Systems and methods for fencing order generation

Abstract

A system and method are provided for calculating and delivering fencing. The method comprises receiving map data on a mobile device, the user selecting a starting point on the map, placing the mobile

Description

Background Fences and barriers are widely used for providing boundaries, usually for the purpose of restricting the movement of persons across a boundary. Typical uses are as safety barriers to stop persons entering a site, such as the building site except at specific positions or to stop pedestrians walking into a roadway directly from an adjacent exit, such as at a school. Similarly, such a fence may prevent vehicular traffic from entering a walkway. Typical fence construction uses fence panels that are attached to fence posts. The fence posts may be attached to or driven into the ground to secure the whole fencing structure in place. Typically, a purchaser provides the seller or manufacturer with the length of fencing that they require. The seller or manufacturer can then provide the length of fencing to the client. In practice, a fence to be constructed will essentially be made up of a small number of straight-line fence segments. It may be possible that the user can provide the measurements themselves. However, in cases where the shape of the fencing line is irregular, the terrain is varying in height, and / or a large area is to be fenced, a surveyor will be required to come to the site to measure the area to determine the optimum fencing solution. A user may require an area of land to be secured in a rapid timescale. In these cases, they may be tempted to measure the area to be fenced themselves rather than waiting for a surveyor to come to the site. However, the user, not having the training in measuring for fencing solutions is likely to make errors in the calculations, resulting in an incorrect order being placed and the user and or fence seller having to arrange for corrections and an alternative shipment. This is costly, not only in time and money but notably in fossil fuels. The shipping of heavy fence panels ought to be minimized in order to minimize carbon dioxide emissions. What is needed is a solution that allows a user to place an order for fencing without the need to additionally arrange for a surveyor / technician to come out to the site to measure the fencing. Further, whilst determining a minimum bounding box for a volume is a known problem in computational geometry satisfactory solutions are not available for complex geometries. Summary The present invention in its various aspects is as set out in the appended claims. The present invention provides: A method for providing a modular fencing solution. Here a fencing solution is intended to mean the provision of fencing to a user to suit a user’s needs i.e., the layout, number, and type of fencing panels and posts to be supplied. The method comprises: providing users with a two-dimensional representation of a topographic map; receiving user input via a graphical user interface, the user input being a drawn line on the map; calculating the number and type of fencing panels and fencing posts required to provide said fencing along the drawn line taking into account changes in elevation; arranging delivery of the calculated number of fencing panels and fencing posts to the user. As such, the present invention provides a method for mapping a user-selected line onto a map of a real-world area, calculating the amount of fencing materials needed to construct a fence in that real-world area, and subsequently arranging the delivery of the fencing panels and posts to the user. This ensures that the correct parameters are taken into account when designing the fencing solution so that the installation can go ahead without the need to order further parts or redesign in the face of obstacles not accounted for during measuring. The type of fencing used in conjunction with the present invention could be any type of fencing panels and posts. The panels and posts may preferably be separate from one another before installation, or alternatively, one or more posts may be integrally formed with the panel for ease of installation. The method may include receiving user input as to the preferred height of the fence and the preferred material. The materials and heights may be selected from a drop-down menu of available heights and materials. The height and material of the fence may be set in relation to other variables and vary along the fencing. For example, if the fence was to be placed over different types of surfaces, the sections of the fence on each surface may need posts formed from different materials to suit the different surfaces they are embedded into. Further in some cases, the ground the fence covers may not have a level surface, more specifically the area the fence covers may have sections that are raised or lowered compared to the surrounding area, therefore producing a fence with a consistent height over the desired area, different sections of the fence would require different heights. It is noted that in use the claimed application may be able to determine the types of surfaces in the desired area. More specifically, the application may be configured to analyze the images of the received mapping using the different colors in the image to determine the type of surfaces, by comparing the different color sections in the mapping to a database of stored reference images identifying the section of the map based on the closes match in the stored database. Some examples of this determination may include large green sections indicating field / grassland, and elongated black / grey sections indicating tarmacked roads among others. It is noted that some of these surfaces may require additional labor and materials to install the fence, for example when installing a fence post onto a cement, brick, or tiled surface the fence may need to be embedded into a cement base, or in some surface the fence post may need a base plate to secure the post into place. In these cases, the app would be configured to include these extra materials as part of the fence cost calculations. It is also noted that the application may be configured to avoid certain surfaces, or at least alert the user when the drawn fence lines cross onto one of these surfaces. For example, the application may alert the user when the drawn fence line crosses onto, or over a road, or alert the user when the fence line covers a surface that requires more materials. When the user is presented with such an alert, they may confirm that the fence is in the right position, in which case the application will continue with the fence calculation. Or the user may correct the fence position by moving or removing sections of the fence. In some cases, when the application sends such an alert, the application may also generate a suggested correction. These corrections may include adding an access point, such as a gate, over any roads or paths the fence crosses, or moving the line of the fence a minimum distance to not cross the boundary between certain identified surfaces. It is noted that the same method may be used to identify structures within the desired area, such as buildings, roads, and paths. As described above these structures are identified by dividing the received images into sections based on color changes, then comparing the sections to a list of stored reference images. However, in these cases, the application would also use the size and shape of the map sections to help determine the identity of each section, for example sufficiently large squares and rectangles may be identified as buildings. It is also noted that once these structures have been identified the application is configured to send an alert to the user when the drawn line crosses over the boundary of one or more of the identified structures. As before, the user may confirm the placement of the line regardless of the alert, or move the line away from the structure. In some cases, the application may provide a suggestion fence amendment by moving the drawn line to the edge of the structure or a predetermined distance around the edge of the structure. The map may preferably be presented to the user on the graphical user interface and the user may draw the line onto the map. The user may preferably draw the line onto an overlay on the map. The line may be open or closed, in that it may or may not fully encircle a geographical area on the map. The user may use a mouse or trackpad to interact with the graphical user interface, alternatively, the graphical user interface may be a touch screen suitable for use with the user’s fingers and / or a stylus. The line may be drawn freehand. Alternatively, the line may be drawn using a click and drag technique where the user clicks a first point on the map to start a line, then clicks at a second point of the map to finish the line. The present invention will construct a straight line between the points, the line being displayed on the graphical user interface. The user may then click at a third point, and a straight line will be constructed between the second point and the third point. This process is repeatable and as such the user may construct a line made up of a plurality of straight lines overlaid onto the map. In some cases, the user may also have the option to form curved lines between the selected points. Wherein the user may select a line they have formed on the user interface, then they may use a further input, such as a specific button or double tapping the selected line to change the straight line into a curve. When the line becomes a curve, the user will be able to alter the curvature of the line, this may be performed using different means, such as forming a third point between the ends of the line which the user can drag to alter the curve, or producing a plurality of points between the ends of the straight line which may be moved on the interface to form a more precise curve. However, the preferable means of forming a curve on the interface may be to form a Bezier curve between the ends of the selected line as this would provide a more precise means of changing the line’s curvature to produce the desired curve. The user may also be able to input additional control points or points along the curve to allow more flexibility in shaping the curved lines on the interface. In addition, or as a further alternative, the user may select from several predefined shapes to draw on the map. The graphical user interface will facilitate resizing and repositioning of these shapes onto the map such that the user can define an area that they wish to be fenced. Possible shapes include but are not limited to, circles, ellipses, squares, rectangles, triangles, pentagons, and hexagons. Their user may also have the option to place a plurality of shapes on the map in an overlapping manner, with the shapes highlighting the area of the map the fence needs to surround. The program of the present invention may then combine the shapes into a single perimeter around the outside of the highlighted area, removing any lines on the inside of the perimeter. This allows the user to design fencing for an irregular shape by combining regular shapes and taking only the parts of that shape that would form the outer perimeter of the combined shape area. In addition, or as an alternative to the drawn perimeters described above, the user may input a line or shape using a mobile device that uses GPS or equivalent location technology. In such cases, the user may first draw a line on the map using the methods described above to provide an estimation of the fence. However, with or without such an estimate, the user may download map data of the desired area onto the mobile device or couple the mobile device with the user device described above to allow the mobile device to communicate with the user device, either case allows the mobile device to draw lines onto the map of the desired area. Then the user can take the mobile device to the site where the fence is to be placed, once on the site the user may take the mobile device to a desired starting point along the desired fence perimeter, then the user can active the mobile device and walk along the fence perimeter, as the mobile device moves the mobile device and or user device can trace the motion of the mobile device as lines on the map data thereby drawing the desired fence. By using this method, the user can provide a more accurate measurement as the lines drawn should more accurately match the positioning of the desired fence. When using this method, the user will select a starting point on the interface of the mobile device if the device includes a display capable of displaying the map data or on the interface of the user device in communication with the mobile device. It is noted that this selected start point could be any point on the map data including any point along the perimeter that the user has already drawn on the interface or a new point on the interface. Once in position, the user may activate a drawing program that uses the user’s movements, as tracked by the mobile device’s GPS, to draw a new fence perimeter line on the interface. Thereby allowing the user to trace out the desired perimeter fence by walking around the perimeter of the desired area. This method allows the user the same freedom as drawing the fence lines freehand, while also allowing the device to produce a more accurate outline of the perimeter, as the user will be able to more accurately trace the length and corners of the desired fence compared to trying to draw them on a map with a limited resolution, based on the maps scaling. It is preferable that the user can activate and deactivate this new drawing program at will, especially as there may be obstacles or other events that may interrupt the path around the desired fence perimeter. Therefore, the program should include a means for selecting when the path of the device will be traced, for example by having a button that is pressed when the user wants their movements to be drawn onto the map, and then to stop the program the use only needs to release the button. Then the user may have the option to automatically connect the ends of the fence line before and after the tracing mode where deactivated, in such cases, the application would draw a straight line connecting the two ends. Alternatively, the user may draw the missing portion of the line using the methods described above this may be particularly useful, in cases where there is a different shape in between the ends of the line, such as a corner or curve. The user may also use this feature to leave openings in the fence, for example, to create an access point in the fence or to leave room for a structure the user wishes to install in the fence. Using this method allows the user can trace from one location to another or define set points along the perimeter, by translocating in the real world to the relevant different locations that relate to desire inputs in relation to real-world geography and considerations. Further, this method of drawing a fence may be used in any area even if the site is not visible from satellite imagery and therefore would not be visible on the map provided to the device’s interface. It is also noted that the line traced by the user’s movement may also indicate any changes in elevation as the device moves around the perimeter, allowing the device to account for the area’s topography even when such data is not available in the received map. As previously mentioned, the claimed invention is configured to receive a map that is to be displayed as part of the user interface. The map may preferably be an online map that the user can download onto their device as necessary. The source of the map may preferably comprise one of several pre-existing online maps, for example, google maps, apple maps, or ordinance survey. More than one source of the map may be used in conjunction in whole or in part to construct the map. This allows more insight into terrain features and a more accurate depiction of the area displayed on the interface by cross-referencing the desired area on two or more available maps. The map received by the device may further comprise geological data. Wherein the geological data comprises rock geology, soil geology, and / or earthquake information, specific to the desired area where the fence will be installed. This geological data will allow the claimed application to select or suggest fence components and fittings that are better suited for the environment in the desired area. For example, the app may suggest different materials for the fence post’s based surface the post would need to be embedded. It is also noted that in some cases, the claimed application may gather other images of the desired area to derive information about the desired area for the fence and to use as further references when cross-referencing data on the desired area to derive the features within the area. In cases, where the user traces the perimeter of the desired fence on-site, the user may use a camera attached to their mobile device to take pictures of the ground as they walk. These pictures may be analyzed to determine geological data for the area, namely identifying the different types of surfaces that the fence would need to be installed into, such as identifying if the ground is dirt, tarmac, cement, bricked or tiled, or at least to provide a reference that can be crossed referenced with the geological data and satellite images received with the map. During this analysis, the claimed application may cross-reference the received images from the map, the mobile device, or both, with a database of reference images to identify the ground material and where possible provide information regarding the most suitable fence products for the depicted area, such as suitable fence materials or fencepost attachment types for each surface identified, and may also identify key features in the images including paths which cross the drawn perimeter that can be indicated as desirable points to place access point within the fence. For example, in built-up areas, the ground is likely to be covered with cement, concrete, or other manufactured materials, such materials would have a different color to the natural soil and rock in the surrounding area. These color differences may be detected when the pictures from the mobile device are analyzed. Once detected the device may indicate to the user that the drawn area has different surface types, and may provide different suggestions for the fence for each of the surfaces identified. Further, the app may identify the presence of a road based on the detected materials, the app may then highlight this area on the interface, suggesting to the user that it is a desirable location in the fence to place an access point. Further, the user may also use a camera or a mobile device to take pictures of the desired area, which may also be used to derive more information about the area. For example, the satellite images from the map, and / or photos taken on-site with the user device, may also be used to indicate the location of structures within the fence perimeter, such as the location of buildings. Wherein the claimed app would be configured to prevent the fence lines drawn on the app from crossing the edges of the identified structures. The app may also include a minimum perimeter distance which would be applied around the edge of each of the identified structures, wherein the fence lines are not permitted to cross the minimum perimeter. This feature would allow the app to accommodate for any possible errors in the determined size of the structure in the received images, by ensuring that the fence is a certain distance from the edges of the structure. In either case, this feature will help to prevent any erroneous fence layouts that would bisect the structures in the area. The map preferably comprises terrain height data. Calculating the length of the drawn line may comprise using terrain height data from the map to account for variations in the height of the terrain corresponding to the drawn line. This information may be used to give a more accurate determination of the length of the drawn line by tanning into account the length of the line in three dimensions as opposed to just 2. Further, calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line may comprise ensuring that the type of fencing suggested is compatible with the maximum slope of the terrain. Palisade fencing for example will have a maximum slope it can be built into before the pales of the palisade abut one another. If the program calculates that this would be the case, the program may suggest that a different panel i.e., one with pales spaced further apart would be required in the steeper areas of the map that correspond to the drawn line. Given that fencing panels are usually of a given length, 3m for example, it is to be understood that when calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line, the present invention may be calculating how to provide fencing, using the sizes of panels available, to the closest approximation to the drawn line. To do this, the present invention may model working from the inside of a drawn shape outwards, adding and moving fencing panels until the area between the line provided by the fencing solution and the drawn line is minimized. Similarly, the present invention may model working from outside of a drawn shape inward, removing and moving fencing panels until the area between the line provided by the fencing solution and the drawn line is minimized. The two examples work in the cases that the user draws a completely enclosed shape however these approaches can easily be adapted to open shapes as well. The solution may also have the option to adjust the lines to ensure that each line of the drawn perimeter comprises a complete number of panels, thereby removing the need for customsized panels. In such cases, the solution would move the ends of each line the minimum distance necessary to produce lines whose lengths equal a whole number of panel lengths. Note that in these solutions the program would be configured to move the minimum number of points, in addition to moving the lines a minimal distance to achieve this result. It is noted above that in the description of the claimed app there have been references to sending alerts to the user to identify when the fence has crossed over itself or an unsuitable position, such as through a building or over a road. In these cases, the user interface on either the user device or the mobile device using the trace mode may display the alert as a message or icon which the user can expand by pressing the user interface to display the reason for the alert. In some cases, the alert may also highlight the section of the fence line which caused the alert. In some cases, the user device and / or mobile device may also let out an audio signal to indicate that there is an alert on the user interface, these alerts may be a simple buzzer, alarm, or other sound to notify the user, but may also include an audio description stating the reason for the reason for the alert. It is also noted that in the above description of the claimed invention, there are references to a stored set of reference drawings used to identify structures and surfaces in the received maps and images on the user devices. It is therefore understood that the claimed invention would include a database of said reference images, these may be downloaded onto the user’s devices as part of the application but are preferably contained within a remote processor which the user devices can access via the claimed application to save space on the user devices. This method would also allow the processor to store images captured from multiple users that may be added to the reference database. Further, the central processor may include a learning program that is configured to be trained by the stored reference images to identify structures and surfaces with the mappings and images on the user devices. Such a learning program may also be configured to add the images captured by users as further training images to further train and improve the program. Another aspect of the invention is the addition of computer imagery to create a simulation of the fence produced by the claimed application. More specifically, the user can display an augmented reality (AR) image of the desired site which includes a fence as determined in the above-mentioned solution. It should be noted that the images of the area to be fenced used to create this AR simulation may be taken from any sources, such as Google street view, or maybe taken using the camera attached to the user’s mobile device when on site. This allows the user to see a real-time image of the fence designed in the app allowing the user to check the fence’s position and ensure that there are no mistakes in the design, such as the fence covering a path, or cutting into a structure within the area. The user may also check the height of the fence around the entire perimeter, and ensure there are no obstacles or obstructions in the path of the fence. This AR view of the fence may also be used to determine any vulnerabilities in the fence's design. In particular, the images may help illustrate areas of the fence that are more susceptible to being climbed, such as a fence panel that is proximate to an object or structure that may aid an intruder in claiming the fence, as such objects would also be present in the AR images. In these cases, the user may adjust the generated fence by tapping the fence in the AR simulation or returning to the app interface. Either way, the user may select the desired fence panel or panels to be replaced with a taller fence panel. Further, the AR images of the fence may be used by construction personnel during the installation of the fence. More specifically, the AR images can indicate the exact layout of the fence as per the determined solution, showing the installer the exact location where each post needs to be installed to form the desired fence, thereby making the task of aligning and installing the fence easier. These images may also provide information on where specific fence features need to be installed, such as gates, or folded attachment means for angling the fence panels relative to the post, further simplifying the installation. Once the user is happy with the fence as shown in the AR images they may return to calculating the materials for the desired fence. Wherein the claimed application can calculate the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line, wherein this calculation may comprise: scanning the region of the map under the drawn line for access points; if one or more access points are found for each access point: suggesting to the user, via the graphical user interface a gate at the access point; receiving from the user, via the graphical user interface, a choice of whether or not to include a gate in the order; implementing the user’s choice in the calculation of the number and type of fencing panels. This ensures that the fencing solution provided does not block any access points that it should not. The user has the option to accept or decline the suggestions of the program. Calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line may alternatively comprise: requesting user input as to if there are any access points along the drawn line: receiving user input either confirming or denying the presence of access points: of access points along the drawn line; if the user confirms the presence of access points requesting user input about the location of any access points, receiving user input via a graphical user interface indicating the location of one or more access points; wherein calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line comprises: for each user inputted access point: suggesting to the user, via the graphical user interface a gate at the access point; receiving from the user, via the graphical user interface, a choice of whether or not to include a gate in the order; implementing the user’s choice in the calculation of the number and type of fencing panels. Again, this ensures that the fencing solution provided does not block any access points that it should not when it is implemented in the real world. The present invention may include obstacle detection and avoidance to ensure that the fencing solution suggested is viable in the real world once it is shipped. In this case, calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line may comprise scanning the map for obstacles; if one or more obstacles are detected rerouting the drawn line to avoid the obstacle. Obstacles may include, but are not limited to buildings, rocks, bodies of water, gullies, and existing fencing. Alternatively, or in addition, calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line may comprise scanning the map for obstacles; if one or more obstacles are detected adapting the fencing solution to account for the obstacle. Adapting the fencing solution to account for the obstacle may comprise using longer or shorter panels to ensure that the fence post is not to be driven into a river bed for example. The present invention may flag the need for a bespoke fencing panel to account for an obstacle, such as a panel with a cut-out to accommodate a rock. As another example, if the drawn line crosses a steep gully, as indicated by the terrain height data on the map, it may not be possible to provide standard fencing panels that will fit the shape of the gulley without gaps underneath. This would be of particular concern to farmers using fencing to protect their herds from predators. The program may therefore suggest either a bespoke fencing panel or an attachment to the base of a standard panel, e.g., chicken wire or barbed wire, to fill the gap. To ensure ease and practicality of installation of the fencing solution after shipping, Calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line may comprise finding a first approximation fencing solution by calculating how to provide fencing, using the sizes of panels available, to the closest approximation to the drawn line. Then, determine the position of each fence post in the first approximation fencing solution. For each post, check relevant databases for underground works that would need to be avoided such as pipework or powerlines. The method would then further include re-routing the first approximation fencing solution accordingly to avoid said underground works. This prevents damage to underground works upon installation of the fencing. Similarly calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line may comprise finding a first approximation fencing solution by calculating how to provide fencing, using the sizes of panels available, to the closest approximation to the drawn line. Then, determine the position of each fence post in the first approximation fencing solution. For each post, check if the terrain is suitable for receiving a fence post, for example, the fence post might be automatically positioned in the middle of a river and need to be moved to prevent this. The method will then include adjusting the first approximation fencing solution accordingly. When calculating the type of fencing panels and posts to use in the fencing solution, the method may include taking geographical location from the map, accessing the weather database to determine the amount of annual rainfall in the geographical location, if the amount of rainfall is above a threshold amount, suggesting fencing panels and posts with a treatment to prevent corrosion due to the rainfall. Alternatively or in addition, when calculating the type of fencing panels and posts to use in the fencing solution, the method may include taking geographical location from the map, accessing weather database to determine average and / or highest wind speeds recorded in the geographical location, such as within the past 50 years, using the maximum wind speeds to determine a depth to which fence posts ought to be buried into the ground and calculating the length of fence post required to achieve that depth with the height of the fence panels. However. The present invention can be more efficient than this as the angles between fence panels can be used to determine the self-bracing effect. The preened invention preferably performs a simulation of wind direction based on prevailing wind direction as this makes the calculation more efficient. The present invention preferably uses a Monte Carlo technique. This comprises determining the two-dimensional length of the fence using the user input on the topographic map. This is preferably a circumference of an area enclosed by a figure defined by the user. This provides a minimum length of fencing required. The following steps are then executed: 1. Setting up a probability distribution for important variables. The variables include at least the minimum length of the fence in a 2D projection. A maximum length of fence is defined by the minimum length divided by a factor. The factor is preferably between 0.36 and 0.76. Smaller factors are inefficient in practice and using such factors is inefficient as practical solutions are found in this range, typically from 0.95 to 0.80. A length of fencing units. This is preferably set at a single value as it has been found in practice that the benefit of variable lengths is outweighed by the inefficiency of dealing with various lengths in the site. 2. Building a cumulative probability distribution for each variable. The present invention benefits from using fencing units of a given length, a typical figure is 2.4m. This reduces the stock holding requirements and the breadth of the cumulative probability distribution, particularly for the length of the fence. 3. Establishing an interval of random numbers for each variable. This interval is typically 1 % of the distribution of the variable as practical conditions for fencing make finer detail superfluous. 4. Generating random numbers. This uses known techniques. 5. Actually simulating a series of trials. This is preferably performed as described herein. A preferred method is an inside-out approach, where the minimum length is first used and then extended using topographic information the adjacent fence posts being moved inwards, and an additional section of fence added to the length. The next adjustment then subtracts its reduction in length from the added length before adding another length and so forth. Of the many techniques available monte-carlo technique has been found the most reliable. After calculating the number and type of fencing panels and posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line, the method may further include presenting the calculated fencing solution to the user via the graphical user interface for verification. The fencing solution may be shown to the user as an overlay on the map. The overlay may use different notations to depict fencing posts and fencing panels such that the user can see where the fence posts and panels would be situated. For example, the posts may be depicted by crosses, dots, or circles, and the panels by lines. If the user verifies the fencing solution, then the method will proceed to arrange shipping. However, the user may wish to adjust the fencing solution provided by the present invention, the method may include allowing the user to modify the fencing solution by dragging the depicted fencing solution on the graphical user interface to modify its shape. As the user does this, the program will, in real-time, calculate an updated fencing solution and modify the depiction on the graphical user interface. The method may include delivering the calculated number of fencing panels and fencing posts to the user. Delivering to the user may preferably comprise delivering to the geographical location where the drawn line was positioned on the map. In another aspect, the present invention provides a computing device adapted to execute the steps of the method described above. In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product configured to cause the above device to execute the method steps described above. In another further aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium having stored thereon the computer program disclosed above. Detailed Description The present invention will be described in terms of the following features: 10-Map 100-Drawn line 200- First approximation fencing solution 300-river 400-access point 500-question box 600-proposed amendment The present invention will now be described in terms of the following figures: Figure 1 depicts a map and drawn line according to the present invention Figure 2 depicts a map and fencing solution according to the present invention Figure 3 depicts a map and fencing solution according to the present invention Figure 4 depicts a map and fencing solution according to the present invention Figure 1 shows a map 10 on which a user has drawn a drawn line 100. In this case, the drawn line is in the shape of an ellipse. It can be seen that the drawn line crosses a river 300 at two points A and B. This demonstrates how the line drawn on the application does not need to form linear lines. Though it should be noted that such curves would require additional materials to produce, such materials would be automatically added to the pricing determined during the final calculations. It is noted that in the invention would be able to use an analysis of the map image to determine the location of the river, using the shape and color of the map image, and would alert the user to confirm this positioning before continuing to the final calculations. The application would also recognize that building the fence over a body of water, in this case, a river, would require additional labor and materials to implement, especially if a fence posts need to be positioned inside, or on the edge of the river. These additional materials and costs would also be added to the calculated cost. The application may also be configured to provide specific products, or suggest materials for the user’s selected fence products that are more suitable for the identified surfaces the fence crosses. In this case, the application may provide fence types and materials that are more water resistant for at least the portion of the fence that covers the river. Alternatively, the user may reject the position of the fence and allow the application to calculate an alternative that moves the line the minimum amount to not cross the river, or to minimize the cost of installing the fence over the river which may include moving the position of fence posts to be outside the river and / or installing an access point over the river if possible The program of the present invention will take the drawn line and produce a first approximation fencing solution 200 as depicted in Figure 2. The first approximation fencing solution provides the best fir of fencing panels such that the fencing solution (the arrangement of fence panels and posts) best fits the drawn line. The posts are depicted by crosses and the panels are depicted by straight lines between the crosses. It can be seen that in areas where the terrain is steeper, the fence posts are closer together to account for the fact that the horizontal projection of the fence panel length is less than the true fence panel length. After calculating the first approximation fencing solution 200, the program may check the map to determine whether or not the fencing solution intersects with any obstacles. It can be seen from Figure 2 that a fence post at point B on the map 10 is positioned in the river. To avoid this, and ensure that the fencing posts are driven into solid ground and not the bed of a river, the program will calculate an amendment to the first approximation fencing solution 200. The user will then be presented with a question box 500, asking them if they wish to accept the proposed amendment 600. The proposed amendment 600 and question box 500 are shown in Figure 3. Dotted lines are used to indicate fence panels in the proposed amendment 600 to distinguish it from the first approximation fencing solution 200. If the user selects “Y” (indicating that they accept the proposed changes) then the program will incorporate the proposed changes into the fencing solution. If the user selects “N” then the program will not incorporate the proposed changes. If the user selects “N” then the program may suggest an alternative proposed change, different from the initial proposed change. The first approximation fencing solution 200 intersects a road at point C on the map 10 shown in Figure 4. The program identifies this as an access point and uses a question box 500 to suggest a gate in that region. If the user selects “Y” (indicating that they would like a gate) then the program will incorporate the gate into the fencing solution. If the user selects “N” then the program will not incorporate a gate into the fencing solution.

Claims

1. A method of providing a modular fence solution around a desired area, via a mobile device, wherein the method comprises:Receiving map data of the desired area on the mobile device;Selecting, via a user interface of the mobile device, a starting point on the map of the desired area;Placing the mobile device in the selected starting area;Activating a trace mode, wherein the mobile device tracks its movements and draws a line representing the path of the mobile device’s movements onto the map on the user interface;Moving the mobile device in trace mode along the intended perimeter for the fence in the desired area;Exiting the trace mode; andCalculated the necessary fence materials and cost of said materials to form the inputted, the calculating step comprises the following steps:calculating the length of the drawn line;calculating the number and type of fencing panels and fencing posts required to provide fencing along the drawn line;arranging delivery of the calculated number of fencing panels and fencing posts to the user.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprises the step of temporarily pausing the trace mode, via a user input via the user interface.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises, selecting an option to draw a line connecting the ends of the line drawn before and after the pause in the trace mode.

4. The method of any preceding claim wherein the method further includes drawing lines, via the mobile device interface, representing the desired fence on the map to provide an initial estimate for the fence calculations before using the trace mode.

5. The method of any preceding claim further comprising the step, of imputing an access point into the desired fence, by selecting, via the user interface, a line orsection of the drawn line, then selecting the desired access point type from a list of available options;Wherein the selected option is displayed on the interface as a shape or different colour line that the user may tap and drag along the drawn line to a desired position.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method includes the mobile device capturing an image or video of the surface below the device when in trace mode;Wherein the mobile device analyses the captured images or video, comparing them to a database of reference images to identify the type of surface under each section of the fence; andWherein the mobile device presents the user with suggested fence types and materials needed for each of the identified surfaces, allowing the user to select which of these materials or fence types to use before proceeding to the calculation step.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of alerting the user when a fence line covers an identified surface that requires additional parts or labour to install, such as a fence that would need to place a post into an identified concrete surface, asking the user to confirm the lines position; andOn confirmation of the line position the user interface will add the necessary extra materials to implement the fence into the calculation steps; orWhen the line is not confirmed, the user interface provides an alternative wherein the fence line is moved the minimum distance to move the post off of the identified surface.

8. The method of any preceding claim wherein the mobile device analyses the received map data, and / or the captured images of the desired area, to identify any roads or paths in the desired area;Wherein identifying the road or path comprises the mobile device determines changes in colour in the data that may indicate a path or road; andUsing the map data to detect any lines of the detected colour indicative of a road or path; andAlerting the user when the fence line crosses an identify path or road, asking the user to confirm the location of the fence; andIf the user does not confirm the fence line location, the mobile device provides a suggestion, moving the line the minimum distance to not cross the road or path, or suggests installing an access point, such as a gate, over the road or path.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the received maps includes topographical data, indicating the terrain height in the desired area; and Wherein the step of calculating the length of the drawn line includes the additional length caused by changes in height over the area covered by the line.

10. The method of any preceding claim wherein after calculating the number of fence panels needed to form the desired fence, the user interface will move the lines such that the result of the calculation is a whole number;Wherein the calculation further comprises calculating the number of panels for each line drawn on the user interface, wherein the minimum number of lines are moved at the minimum distance such that each line comprises a whole number of fence panels.

11. The method of any preceding claim wherein the mobile device is configured to analyse the map data to identify any structures within the desired area, such a buildings or fences, wherein during the analysis the device identifies coloured section of the map data and compares these sections to stored reference data to identify the structures;Wherein the system is configured to alert the user when the drawn fence line intercepts one of the detected structures, and request the user to confirm the positioning of the fence; and if not confirms the mobile device provides a suggested alternative line wherein the line has been moved the minimum distance to avoid the identified structure.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the mobile device is configured to apply an overlay over the identified structures, wherein the overlay extends a predetermined distance from the edges of the identified structure to provide a perimeter around the structure, wherein the mobile devices treat the perimeter overlay as the edge of the structure.

13. The method of any preceding claim further comprising the step of storing an image of the identified colour sections of the map data, and / or captured images of the desired location, into a central database to be used as further reference images.

14. The method of claim 19, further comprises the step of using the stored images to train an Al learning program to identify surface and structure within mapping images, via imputing the updated database as training data for the learning program.

15. A system configured to perform the method of claims 1 to 14, wherein the system comprises:A user device;Wherein the user device comprises a receiver and processor configured to receive map information and images, and configured to analyse the received, andA user interface configured to receive inputs from the user and configured to display the received map information;A mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises a camera for capturing images of the desired area and comprises location technology configured to track the movements of the mobile device.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the user device and mobile device are the same device.

17. The system of claims 15 and 16, further comprises a central processor in communication with the user device; wherein the central processor comprises a database of referenced images.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the central processor further comprises an Al learning program configured to identify surfaces and structures within a map or image.21

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