MX2007006165A - Method for designing a customized work area. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for designing a work area enables a user to initially specify a particular item to be designed into the work area from a number of different items contained in the system. The system utilizes stored information concerning the item to graphically display the selected item to the individual. Once the item has been selected, the system enables the individual to incorporate the item into the work area, along with other items. The system indicates the item on a display using a â??ghost imageâ?Ø. The dimensions of the item can be varied from preselected dimensions and other components can be interconnected or positioned in the work area. The system can provide feedback to the user regarding what components can be added at any particular location. The system determines the proper style, width, height, options, position, and rotation for the item and any interconnected components to create a valid design.

Description

METHOD OF DESIGNING A PERZONALIZED WORK AREA This application application claims the benefit of U.S. Serial No. 60 / 802,748 filed on May 23, 2006, assigned to the beneficiary of this application and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is generally related to the design of work areas and in particular to a process for designing a personalized work area that uses predetermined information stored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Professionals in the office furniture industry commonly employ various types of computer graphics software to facilitate the design and layout of an office space. The software with graphics automates the design and specification processes allowing the user to create drawings on a larger scale on the computer screen and help with the distribution as well as in the quote of a project. Typically, the graphics software incorporates a computer-aided design (in the following "CAD") program that allows the user to design an office space on the computer screen. In order to improve the functionality of a CAD program, several modules have been developed and added. For example, the use of these additional modules allows the user to see a design from an angle and then zoom in or a pan of an approach and long distance views of the design. In addition, these modules can keep a record of several designs of different companies so that if the user changes the value of one or more designs, the values or criteria of the other designs that depend on the already changed criteria are automatically changed. Although it works for the purpose it was designed for, the previous graphics of the software packages have several problems that limit its usefulness for the office furniture professional. For example, in the furniture industry, the added modules are managed by menus. As such, in operation the designer must enter the dimensions of the office space that is being designed. Afterwards, the designer is led to a series of similar menus to see a catalog until the designer reaches the desired product. Once the desired product is located, the designer selects the desired product and the product is displayed on the computer screen. The designer must manually place the position of the selected product in the selected place in the office space shown on the computer screen. The process is repeated until the design of the office space is completed. It can be seen that the process not only takes time but also requires the designer to have a broad knowledge of the product line of an office furniture supplier in order to complete a valid design.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This application is related to a system to design a work area that allows the user to initially specify a particular article that will be designed within the work area, from a series of several articles contained within the system (ie, upper cabinets) , work areas, blackboards, marker boards, load bars, tool rails, pedestals, work lights, support panels, support brackets, accessory for work areas and electrical components). Then the system uses the stored information related to the selected article to graphically show the selected article to the person. Once the article has been selected, the system allows the individual to incorporate the article within the work area along with other articles. The system again using the stored information of the articles and each of the components available for use with these articles, indicates the article using a "ghost" image of the same. The dimensions of the article can be varied from the pre-selected dimensions and other components can be interconnected with the article using the same procedure. When showing a "ghost image", the system provides a feedback to the user as to which components can be added to a particular place. Once the article has been selected, the system calculates the appropriate style, width, height, options, position and rotation of the article and any interconnected component to create a valid design. The same analysis is performed by the system for each component, option or change of dimension in such a way that the user can select a "ghost image" on the screen.

This is why, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for designing a work area on the computer screen is disclosed. The method includes steps for displaying a predetermined area on the computer screen representative of the work area and selecting one of a plurality of objects to be positioned in a predetermined area and providing it as the selected object. The method also includes steps to generate a "ghost image" of the selected object on the computer screen as well as the step to position the ghost image in the desired location by the user in a predetermined area. The method includes a step to place the selected object in a predetermined area on the computer screen. According to another aspect, the present invention is directed to the design of an operating module within a work area with a computer program. The design of the module has a stored program representative of the instructions to be carried out by a computer that cause the computer to graphically illustrate a work area on a computer screen and show a list of the components of the work area available for the same The instructions also cause the computer to generate a ghost image for a selected component and display the ghost image on the computer screen. The computer causes the placement of the selected component in the place defined by the user in the work area based on the position of the ghost image on the computer screen. Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and illustrations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS The illustrations show the preferred inclusion of the present invention wherein the above mentioned advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others that will be apparent from the following description of the illustrated inclusions.

In the illustrations: Fig. 1 is a schematic of the apparatus for executing the methodology for designing a customized work area according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a menu scheme for the ghost image commands for a subset of products in a product line; Fig. 3 is a schematic of an auxiliary menu for several commands of a ghost image of a product or sub product of a product line; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a methodology for designing a custom work area in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 5 is a view of the screen showing a reduction of one corner of the work area; Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a menu for use in the style variation of the squaring reduction of the corner of the working area of FIG. 5.

Fig. 7 is a sample of the screen showing a standard corner of the work surface; Fig. 8 is a sample of the screen showing a D-shaped work area; Fig. 9 is a sample of the screen showing a rectangular work area that has a width corresponding to multiple panels; Fig. 10 is a sample of the screen showing a rectangular surface of the work area for use in a single panel; Fig. 11 is a sample of the screen illustrating a square area of the work area; Fig. 12 is a scheme of a menu for the placement of hanging objects; Fig. 13 is a sample of the screen showing a ghost image of a top portion; Fig. 14 is a screen sample showing a top part; Fig. 15 is a color table of several volition screens; Fig. 16 is a sample of the screen showing a screen mounted in the work area; Fig. 17 is a sample of the screen showing a screen mounted with a pair of pillars; Fig. 18 is a sample of the screen showing a shared pillar / end of the screen or wall; Y Fig. 10 is a sample of the screen showing an alternative inclusion of a shared pillar / end of bulkhead or wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS With reference to FIGS. 1, is designated an apparatus for executing the methodology of the present invention 10. the apparatus 10 includes a computer 12 defined by an input device 14 such as a mouse 14 a and / or keyboard 14 b, a screen 16 as a monitor and central processing unit 18 (hereinafter "CPU"). It is contemplated that the CPU 18 executes a software program that performs the methodology of the present invention. It is intended that the software program of the computer perform the methodology of the present invention is intended that the program software incorporates a standard CAD program that allows the user to see the design on the screen 16 from any angle to zoom or pan to approaches or distance view of the design and maintain the registry of several design dependencies so that when the user changes the value of one or more design criteria, the values of all the other design criteria that depend on the change of criteria are automatically changed .

The present invention contemplates a system based on phantom images in which the user uses the input apparatus 14 to select a product of a predetermined subgroup. Specifically, it is contemplated that various ghost image commands for product of a subgroup of a product line will be displayed on the screen 16 in the form of a menu, FIG. 2 or from an auxiliary menu, fig. 3, activated by a predetermined entry or command that is ctrl.-right click of the mouse 14 a. As will be described, in response to the selection made, a software analysis section determines the appropriate style, width, height, long rotation position and various other options of the selected subgroup that are required for accurate design validation. A continuous feedback of the graphics is provided to the user at the point of design validation. j With reference to fig. 4, the central functionality of the method of the present invention lies in the use of the function "GRREAD", block 15 where the input devices mouse 14 a and keyboard 14 b allow the user / designer to place an object in the design providing entry points , selection sets, numbers and other data of the software of the program when the user interacts with the objects of the illustration. The values entered by the user through mouse 14 a and keyboard 14 b tell the program what type of input is being used. This continuous feedback is entered into the program, block 17 where the first stage of detailed analysis takes place, block 19. When the first detailed analysis is performed and the design criteria are validated, the "GRVECS" function shows a ghost image in real time near the block 21 cursor, indicating to the user that a valid design criterion has been met. This ability to display a feedback at the cursor position keeps the user focused on the design tasks and objects instead of the rest of the screen 16. The user selects a point, block 23 and a second more detailed analysis takes place, block 25 The information in the design of all objects near the selection point is collected and reviewed. This second stage of analysis looks for design components that may interfere with the object being placed (for example, a very deep pedestal for the work area) or if the existing product may require a change in the 3 D elevation of the product that is being placed. is placing. (Covers stacked one on top of another). If the second stage of the analysis meets the design parameters, the object is placed in the design, block 27 and illustrated on screen 16. In operation, it is contemplated that the user enters the dimensions and floor plan of the work area using a mouse 14 a and / or keyboard 14 b in such a way that the software of the computer program generates an illustration of the floor plan on the screen 16. Using phantom image commands, the main components of the design to be provided in a work area are placed in the floor plan by means of an illustration as described below. For example, ghost image command that can be used are: 1. tacksheets and scoreboards; 2. load bars and tool rails; 3. pedestals; 4. work lights; 5. work surfaces, counters, support panels, support measurements; 6. accessory for work surfaces (central drawers, boards), and 7. electrical components (plugs, connectors, feeders).

It should be noted that the steps taken to position each component in the illustration are identical except the process used to verify the parameters of the design of a product. As such, the following examples describe the steps necessary to effect the placement of each of the aforementioned components as described herein. In order to place the work surface in the illustration, the work surface command is used. With reference to fig. 5 to be able to place a squaring reduction of a corner of the work surface in the illustration, the first and second rectangular surfaces 20 and 22 respectively are specified before specifying the surface of the corners 24. using the mouse 14 a, the cursor it moves on the right guide edge 29 of the work area 20 on the left side of the work surface 24 and a phantom image is generated as already described. To change the style of the corner of the work area 24 using a right click of the mouse 14 a while the ghost image is illustrated to generate a menu 26 fig. 6. then, using the menu 26 the user specifies the length and style (square, curvilinear, dual and wing) for the work surface 24. Referring to Fig. 7, the work surfaces with standard corners as curvilinear, wing, miter and double corner, can be specified by stretching the leading edge of the work area between the adjacent corners of the work area. It is contemplated that the software program allows the user to specify the work area when the panels that define the work area are oriented at angles other than = degrees.

In reference to fig. 8, in order to place a work surface in D in the illustration, the cursor moves with the mouse 14 a to indicate the first point 32 near the left side of the panel 34. After the phantom image becomes white and the user select the first point, the width of the work surface 36 is blocked. To specify the depth of the panel mounted in the D-shaped work area 36, the cursor moves away from the panel 34 until the desired depth is achieved. In the following, the user selects the second point 38 to place the work surface D 36 in the design.

With reference to fig. 9, in order to place a rectangular work surface 52 that has a width equal to the width of the panel 54, the user selects the point 56 when the phantom image is of a predetermined color ie, for example, green. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 10 to be able to place a rectangular surface having a width corresponding to multiple panels 40 and 42 the user moves the cursor with the mouse 14 to a first point 44 near the left side of the panel 40. After the ghost image becomes white, the user selects the first point 44. The user moves the cursor with the mouse 14 a to adjust the width of the work surface 46. It is contemplated that the width changes in predetermined increments when the user moves the cursor away from the first selected point. The depth of the work surface 46 can also be secured with the right-hand click feature shown above or on the D of the keyboard 14 b before selecting the position of the second point 50 which places the work surface 46. Referring to fig. 11 in order to place a square surface 58, the user uses the mouse 14 a to select points 60 and 62 in the back corners of the work area 58. The depth of the surface 58 can be adjusted to a pre-determined depth ie 24? 30 inches using the right click feature or the D key to secure the previous task.

To be able to place a roof design, the roof command is used. Mouse 14 a is used to move the cursor over the panel or the work area position in the illustration as described. The user has the option of securing the ceiling style using the 14b keyboard or the right-click option on the 14 a mouse. the software program determines the existing objects in the floor plan near the cursor, analyzes it and provides the menu 64 for the user to make a selection, fig. 12. This program reviews the differences between the different product lines and ensures that the correct roof is specified. If the program determines that the correct ceiling has been specified, the ghost image 66 is activated near the cursor and the user has the indication that the initial design criteria have been met fig. 13. The user uses mouse 14 a to select a point in the illustration. Objects near the selected point are reviewed and analyzed in more detail. Specifically, ceiling 68 is analyzed for panel interferences, screens, panel height, ceiling height and requirements outside the module. If the analysis in its second stage passes, the roof 68 is placed in the illustration fig. 14. The program adjusts the roof parameters based on the information found in the detailed analysis (eg, if the program can change the roof's 3 D elevation if another existing roof is found). The program software of the present invention also incorporates a macro volition screen that is designed to search for valid places in the work area for surface screens and screens mounted with pillars. When the work area and ceiling are present, the type of screen specified is dependent on the position of the cursor. It is contemplated that the ghost image and the text reflect the type of screen to be specified before selection. With reference to fig. 15 it is contemplated that the color of the ghost image is to indicate the style of the screen. For example, yellow refers to an upholstered wall 70, blue refers to a translucent wall screen p 72 and gray refers to an exposed screen 74. In order to locate a screen mounted on the work surface, the user employs the mouse 14 b to move the cursor over the midpoint of the leading edge of the work surface to specify a screen mounted in a work area. The user clicks the mouse 14 a while the ghost image is displayed with a change in the height and style of the screen fig. 16. In order to properly locate a screen mounted with pillars the user moves the mouse 14 b to move the cursor over the middle part of the ceiling to specify the screen with double pillar, a wall cabinet or a beam that may already exist. The user moves the mouse 14 b to move the cursor within a predetermined distance ie 5 inches from the front corner of the work surface to specify a screen shared with beam or pillars fig. 18. If a cabinet or wall beam does not exist in this situation, a screen or wall mounted to the surface is specified. In order to properly locate a screen with a shared beam or with a curvilinear corner, the user uses the mouse 14 b to move near the upper front corner of the wall cabinet where the wall cabinet is in intersection with a modesty panel on the wall. the back corner to place the screen fig. 19. Alternatively, the screen with shared beams can be located near the front corner of the surface on the same side as the roof. All other surface locations will specify a surface-mounted display and all other locations on the ceiling will specify a double screen mounted with pillars or beams in the ceiling. Several ways of carrying out this invention are contemplated as falling within the scope of the following claims and in particular they point out and specifically claim the subject matter of this invention.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS I CLAIM:

1. A method to design a work area on a computer screen that includes the step of: illustrating a predetermined area on the computer screen that is representative of the work area; selecting an object from a plurality of objects to place them in the predetermined area and providing the same as a selected object; generate a ghost image of the selected object on the computer screen by placing the ghost image in a location desired by the user within the predetermined area; and placing the object; and Place the selected object within a predetermined area on the computer screen.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of objects are various types of office furniture components.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of objects is selected from a group including tacking boards, for markers, load bars, tool rails, pedestals, task lamps, work areas, counters, support panels, measurements of support, accessories for work areas, central drawers, keyboards, electronic components, inputs, outputs, connectors and feeders.

4. The method of claim 1 further including the step of validating the selected object that can be placed in a predetermined area with an existing object positioned in the predetermined area.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the selected object includes a plurality of adjustable parameters and wherein the method additionally includes the step of adjusting the parameters of the selected object in response to an existing object.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising steps for determining a color graph associated with the selected object and displaying a ghost image with the color graph.

7. The method of claim 1 further including the step of displaying design options for the selected object with the ghost image.

The method of claim 1 further including the step of validating the desired location area as acceptable to the selected object before placing the selected object in the predetermined area on the computer screen.

9. A module of work area design operable with a computer aided by a design program, the design module has a stored program representative of the instructions to be executed by a computer that causes the computer to: graphically show a work area on a computer screen; Show a list of office furniture components available for the work area; generate a ghost image of a selected workspace furniture component; show a ghost image on the computer screen; and place the work area furniture component to a user defined area in the work area with based on a position of the phantom image on the computer screen.

10. The module of claim 9 wherein the furniture components include cork boards, marker boards, load bars, tool rails, pedestals, support panels, support brackets, work lights, central drawers, boards, electronic components , outputs, connectors and feeders.

11. The module of claim 9 wherein the computer is additionally causing validation that the furniture component of the selected work area can be placed therein with an existing space within the work area along with other pieces of furniture within the area.

12. The module of claim 12 wherein the furniture component for selected work area has a plurality of adjustable parameters and where the computer is additionally causing the adjustment of the parameters of the selection of the real estate component for office area in response to the existence of the real estate component for office area.

13. The module of claim 9 wherein further instructions cause the computer to determine the color of the graph associated with the selected space of the real estate component for office area and display the ghost image with the color chart.

14. The module of claim 9 wherein the instructions additionally cause the computer to display the design options of the selected space of the furniture component for work area with the ghost image.

15. The module of claim 9 wherein the instructions additionally cause the computer to validate that the location location desired by the user is acceptable for the furniture component for selected work area before placing the furniture component for the work area in the work area on the computer screen.