GB2232282A - Contract law management system - Google Patents
Contract law management system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2232282A GB2232282A GB9011509A GB9011509A GB2232282A GB 2232282 A GB2232282 A GB 2232282A GB 9011509 A GB9011509 A GB 9011509A GB 9011509 A GB9011509 A GB 9011509A GB 2232282 A GB2232282 A GB 2232282A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- contract
- data
- contract data
- write memory
- read
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
- Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
- Storage Device Security (AREA)
Abstract
A portable contract law management device allows a user immediate access to any selected category of contract data each category being stored in a separate portion (4(a) to 4(f)) of a fixed disk (4). A processor (2) passes the required contract data a portion at a time via an output read/write memory (7) to a display (9). The processor (2) stores in the output read/write memory (7), and updates, an initialisation element for each portion of the fixed disk (4), which initialisation element indicates where the processor (2) should begin reading from the fixed disk (4) for immediate access of a user to desired contract data. This allows the user immediate analysis and interpretation of part of a contract on-site without the need to consult a central office. <IMAGE>
Description
"A contract law management sys#tem" The present invention relates to improvements in the storage, retrieval and display of data in apparatus having limited processing and read/write memory capacities, and in particular for contract data for a project such as a construction project.
In many projects such as building construction projects, there are quite a number of parties involved such as Contractors,
Engineers, Engineer's Representatives and various other administration and managerial parties. The functions and responsibilities of the parties are determined by legal contracts, bills of quantities, and other specifications, hereinafter collectively referred to as a "contract". The contract should be referred to at many stages of a project, for example, on appointment of an Engineer's Representative, on extending the authority of an Engineer, on forwarding of instructions to a Contractor, or on processing of a
Contractor's claim for additional resources.
Heretofore, referring to a contract and analysing the responsibilities and functions of various parries has been an extremely time-consuming task as it has been necessary to refer to a lengthy printed or computerised document in a central office and to analyse the clauses and the interdependencies of clauses of a contract. This is not satisfactory, particularly as in many eases, instant, on-site decisions are required and it is not feasible to return to a central office and analyse the contract.
The present invention is directed towards providing a contract law management device and operational process for improved storage, retrieval and display of contract data to overcome at least some of these problems.
According to the invention, there is provided a device which is adapted for improving access of a user to stored contract data where data processing and read/write memory capacities are limited, the device comprising a memory input interface circuit, a permanent memory device, a user input interface circuit, a user input read/write memory circuit, an output readlwrite memory circuit, and a user output interface device, the device being operable to perform the steps of;
the memory input interface circuit receiving
contract data, said contract data including
different data categories such as contract text, a
set of definitions of terms in a contract, an index
for the contract and a check-list of responsibilities for parties to the contract for each relevant clause of the contract; the permanent memory device storing the received contract data in separate portions thereof according to the category of the contract data; the user input interface circuit receiving a contract query; the user input read/write memory circuit temporarily storing the received contract query; the processor identifying the portion of the permanent memory device storing the required contract data category and sequentially writing said data to the output read/write memory circuit for simultaneous output at the output interface device, the processor also for directing storage in the output read/write memory circuit of an initialisation element for each category of the contract data, said initialisation elements indicating the contract data of each portion of the permanent memory device at which sequential delivery to the output read/write memory circuit should begin when contract data from that portion is required, the processor automatically updating the initialisation element for each portion of the
permanent memory device as contract data from each
portion is delivered sequentially to the output
read/write memory circuit, thus allowing a user
immediate access to all portions of the permanent
memory device without storage of the contract data
in the output read/write memory circuit.
Ideally, the step of the user input interface circuit receiving a contract query comprises receiving a key-word, the step of the processor identifying the relevant contract data comprises the sub-steps of comparing said key-word with contract data stored on the permanent memory device.
In one embodiment, the processor comprises means for automatically and sequentially delivering contract data from a different portion of the permanent memory device on recept of a new query.
According to another aspect, there is provided an operational process carried out by a device for improving access of a user to stored contract data where data processing and read/write memory capacities are limited, the device comprising a memory input interface circuit, a permanent memory device, a user input interface circuit, user input read/write memory circuit, a processor, an output read/write memory circuit and a user output interface device, the operational process comprising steps of I- the memory input interface circuit receiving
contract data, said contract data including
different data categories such as contract text, a
set of definitions of terms in a contract, an index
for the contract and a check-list of
responsibilities for parties to the contract for
each relevant clause of the contract;;
the permanent memory device storing the received
contract data in separate portions thereof according
to the category of the contract data;
the user input interface circuit receiving a
contract query;
the user input read/write memory circuit temporarily
storing the received contract query;;
the processor identifying the portion of the
permanent memory device storing the required
contract data category and sequentially writing said
data to the output read/write memory circuit for
simultaneous output at the output interface device,
the processor directing storage in the output read/write memory circuit of an initialisation element for each category of the contract data, said initialisation elements indicating the contract data
of each portion of the permanent memory device at
which sequential delivery to the output read/write
memory circuit should begin when contract data from
that portion is required, the processor
automatically updating the initialisation element
for each portion of the permanent memory device as
contract data from each portion is delivered
sequentially to the output read/write memory
circuit, thus allowing a user immediate access to
all portions of the permanent memory device without
storage of the contract data in the output
read/write memory circuit.
In one embodiment , the step of the user input interface circuit receiving a contract query comprises receiving a keyword, the step of the processor identifying the relevant contract data comprises the sub-steps of comparing said keyword with contract data stored on the permanent memory device.
Preferably, the process comprises this further step of the processor automatically and sequentially delivering contract data from a different portion of the permanent memory device on recept of a new query.
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a contract law
management device of the invention; and
Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an operational
process carried out by the device of Fig. 1.
Referring to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1 there is illustrated a contract law management device of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The contract law management device 1 is in the form of a portable computerised apparatus and thus does not have the processing and memory capacities of larger computerised devices. Being portable, the device 1 may be carried easily on cite so that it may be used immediately when required.
The contract law management device 1 comprises a central processor 2 which in this embodiment is a microprocessor. Zt is envisaged, however, that a logic circuit may alternatively be used. A memory input interface circuit 3 in the form of a serial interface is connected at the output to a fixed disk 4.
In this embodiment, the fixed disk 4 has a memory capacity of 5 Mbytes, however, it may have a higher capacity than this.
A user input interface circuit S, in this embodiment a keyboard, is connected to a user input read/write memory circuit 6 which is connected at the output to the processor 2.
The processor 2 is connected to two output interface devices, namely, a printer 8 and a video screen 9 via an output read/write memory circuit 7. The printer 8 is a separate unit which is connected when desired, however, it is envisaged that an on-board printer may be used. The two read/write memory circuits 6 and 7 together comprise 512 Kbytes of memory space.
The fixed disk 4 is divided by the processor 9 into six memory portions, each for storage of a different category of contract data which is received at the memory input interface circuit 3. The six portions are represented by the letters (a) to (f), and the contract data categories include the following:
(a) - complete text of a contract, in ths embodiment for
a construction project, the contract governing functions
and responsibilities of all parties to the contract.
(b) - a complete set of definitions of all terms used in
the contract,
(c) - an index for the contract,
(d) - for each contract clause, identification numbers
of clauses which are related to that clause, and should
be referred to when that clause is being analysed,
(e) - for each contract clause, a check-list of
responsibilities for the different parties referred to
in the clause,
(f) - additional notes assisting in interpretation of the
contact.
The following is an example of a check-list of responsibilities of an Engineers Representative given in one particular clause of a construction protect contract.
The Engineer' Representative shallrl A. have no authority to relieve the Contractor of any of
his duties or obligations under the contract;
B. have no authority except as expressly provided
hereunder to order any work involving delay or any extra
payment by the Employer; and
C. have no authority to make any variation of or in the
Works.
In operation, the device 1 may be carried by a user or may be left in one's car on-site for quick reference whenever a query arises as to the construction project contact. Such a query may be a claim by a Contractor for additional funds because of unexpected extra work. Operation of the device 1 is indicated in flow diagram form in Fig. 2. The step of storing the contract data in the fixed disk 4 is represented by the numeral 20 and to initiate operation of the device 1 in response to a contract query, a user inputs the query on the user input interface circuit 5 in step 21. The processor 2 directs storage of the query in the user input rsadlwrits memory circuit 6. The contract query may take the form of a catch word such as 'claim" in the event of a claim by a
Contractor for additional funds.In step 23, the processor 2 carries out comparison operations using internal read/write memory circuits. Initially, the relevant category of the contract data (which is usually the contract text) is located.
Secondly, the processor 2 locates the relevant part of the contract data such as a particular clause in the contract text. The processor 2 then directs sequential delivery of the located contract data category to the video screen 9 via the output read/write memory circuit 7. The complete contract data category is not stored in the output read/write memory circuit 7, only the data which is being displayed on the video screen 9 in sequential fashion.
In step 25, the processor stores an initialisation element for each of the other five contract data categories. The initialisation element is a part of the contract data stored in each portion of the fixed dislc 4 at which the processor 2 begins to direct sequential delivery of data to the video screen 9. Further, as contract data from the required contract data category is being delivered sequentially to the output read/write memory circuit 7, an initialisation element for that category is continually updated so that when sequential delivery is completed the processor 2 simply retrieves the initialisation element to begin again where it left off.Accordingly, the output read/write memory circuits 7 need only store at any one time some data processing routines, the six initialisation elements and data which is being sequentially read from the circuit 7. The user may thus switch from viewing one contract data category to another without the necessity to clear the memory circuit 7 and to store the new contract data portion. This allows the user, say, view a contract clause and immediately afterwards view the list of responsibilities for that clause, and if he or she has a query about the meaning of certain terms the set of definitions may also be consulted immediately. Because all of this information may be viewed immediately, a user is in the position to answer queries instantly on-site without the need to return to a central office and analyse a contract. The steps of transmitting contract data from other portions of the fixed disk 4 is represented by step 26 in Fig. 2 and step 27 relates to the automatic updating of the initialisation element by the processor 2.
What has been achieved by the invention is the processing of large amounts of data with immediate response to any query in a relatively small portable computerised device having a relatively small amount of read/write memory capacity and processing capacity. Analysis of a contract to answer a relatively complex contractual query with has heretofore often taken many hours of work may be carried out within minutes because the user is allowed instant access to portions of the fixed disk 4 which include the relevant information. The need for a computerised apparatus having a relatively high memory and processing capacity is avoided to allow instant, on-site contract law analysis.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in Construction and detail.
Claims (8)
1. A device which is adapted for improving access of a user
to stored contract data where data processing and
read/write memory capacities are limited, the device
comprising a memory input interface circuit, a permanent
memory device, a user input interface circuit, a user
input read/write memory circuit, an output read/write memory circuit, and a user output interface device, the
device being operable to perform the steps of;- the memory input interface circuit receiving
contract data, said contract data including
different data categories such as contract text, a
set of definitions of terms in a contract, an index
for the contract and a check-list of
responsibilities for parties to the contract for
each relevant clause of the contract;;
the permanent memory device storing the received
contract data in separate portions thereof according
to the category of the contract data;
the user input interface circuit receiving a
contract query;
the user input read/write memory circuit temporarily
storing the received contract query;;
the processor identifying the portion of the
permanent memory device storing the required
contract data category and sequentially writing said
data to the output read/write memory circuit for
simultaneous output at the output interface device,
the processor also for directing storage in the
output read/write memory circuit of an initialisation element for each category of the
contract data, said initialisation elements
indicating the contract data of each portion of the
permanent memory device at which sequential delivery
to the output read/write memory circuit should begin
when contract data from that portion is required,
the processor automatically updating the initialisation element for each portion of the
permanent memory device as contrac- data from each
portion is delivered sequentially to the output
read/write memory circuit, thus allowing a user
immediate access to all portions of the permanent
memory device without storage of the contract data
in the output read/write memory circuit.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of the
user input interface circuit receiving a contract query
comprises receiving a )cey#word, the step of the processor
identifying the relevant contract data comprises the sub
steps of comparing said key-word with contract data
stored on the permanent memory device.
3. A device as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the
processor comprises means for automatically and
sequentially delivering contract data from a different
portion of the permanent memory device on recept of a new
query.
4. An operational process carried out by a device for
improving access of a user to stored contract data where
data processing and read/write memory capacities are
limited, the device comprising a memory input interface
circuit, a permanent memory device, a user input
interface circuit, a user input read/write memory
circuit, a processor, an output read/write memory circuit
and a user output interface device, the operational
process comprising steps of:
the memory input interface circuit receiving
contract data, said contract data including
different data categories such as contract text, a
set of definitions of terms in a contract, an index
for the contract and a check-list of responsibilities for parties to the contract for each relevant clause of the contract; the permanent memory device storing the received contract data in separate portions thereof according to the category of the contract data; the user input interface circuit receiving a contract query; the user input read/write memory circuit temporarily storing the received contract query; the processor identifying the portion of the permanent memory device storing the required contract data category and sequentially writing said data to the output read/write memory circuit for simultaneous output at the output interface device, the processor directing storage in the output read/write memory circuit of an initialisation element for each category of the contract data, said initialisation elements indicating the contract data of each portion of the permanent memory device at which sequential delivery to the output read/write memory circuit should begin when contract data from that portion is required, the processor automatically updating the initialisation element
for each portion of the permanent memory device as
contract data from each portion is delivered
sequentially to the output read/write memory
circuit, thus allowing a user immediate access to
all portions of the permanent memory device without
storage of the contract data in the output read/write memory circuit,
5. An operational process as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
step of the user input interface circuit receiving a
contract query comprises receiving a key-word, the step
of the processor identifying the relevant contract data
comprises the sub-steps of comparing said key-word with
contract data stored on the permanent memory device.
6. An operational process as claimed in claims 4 or 5,
comprising the further step of thee processor
automatically and sequentially delivering contract data
from a different portion of the permanent memory device
on recept of a new query.
7. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reçerence to and as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
8. An operational process substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to and as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE891657A IE891657L (en) | 1989-05-23 | 1989-05-23 | A contract law management system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9011509D0 GB9011509D0 (en) | 1990-07-11 |
| GB2232282A true GB2232282A (en) | 1990-12-05 |
Family
ID=11030091
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9011509A Withdrawn GB2232282A (en) | 1989-05-23 | 1990-05-23 | Contract law management system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| BE (1) | BE1001980A6 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2232282A (en) |
| IE (1) | IE891657L (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2262366A (en) * | 1991-12-13 | 1993-06-16 | Uken | Program for displaying project expenses. |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1487507A (en) * | 1975-12-29 | 1977-10-05 | Ibm | Information retrieval system |
-
1989
- 1989-05-23 IE IE891657A patent/IE891657L/en unknown
-
1990
- 1990-02-27 BE BE9000221A patent/BE1001980A6/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1990-05-23 GB GB9011509A patent/GB2232282A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1487507A (en) * | 1975-12-29 | 1977-10-05 | Ibm | Information retrieval system |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2262366A (en) * | 1991-12-13 | 1993-06-16 | Uken | Program for displaying project expenses. |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IE891657L (en) | 1990-11-23 |
| GB9011509D0 (en) | 1990-07-11 |
| BE1001980A6 (en) | 1990-05-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |