Architecture, Interior Decoration, Or Industrial Plant Layout Patents (Class 434/72)
  • Patent number: 11860613
    Abstract: A computer aided process for creation of a manufacturing facility, for production of a user-selected product, relies on a set of functional modules for specification of the facility's floorspace requirements, manufacturing equipment, and equipment layout to allow optimization of the facility for a production capacity specified by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Zero Electric Vehicles Corp.
    Inventors: James L Maury, Damon Kuhn, Ted Post
  • Patent number: 11470352
    Abstract: A three-dimensional data encoding method includes: performing a conversion process including a displacement on, out of first point cloud data and second point cloud data having a same time, the second point cloud data, and combining the first point cloud data and the second point cloud data after being subjected to the conversion process, to generate third point cloud data; and encoding the third point cloud data to generate a bitstream. The bitstream includes first information and second information, the first information indicating to which of the first point cloud data and the second point cloud each of three-dimensional points included in the third point cloud data belongs, the second information indicating details of the displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Noritaka Iguchi, Toshiyasu Sugio
  • Patent number: 11461985
    Abstract: A system for rendering and modifying three-dimensional models for interior design includes a modeling device configured to receive a current design of an interior space, generate a data structure representing the interior space, by populating a plurality of attributes of the data structure and generating a first three-dimensional model of a first portion of the interior space based on the current design, wherein the first three-dimensional model includes a first feature having a first attribute of the plurality of attributes, and wherein a second attribute of the plurality of the attributes is exterior to the first three-dimensional model, display the first three-dimensional model to a user, receive at least a command to modify the first attribute, modify the first three-dimensional model as a function of the at least a command to modify the first attribute, and modify the second attribute as a function of the modification to the first attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: MOSAIC, LTD
    Inventor: Lisa Cini
  • Patent number: 11236503
    Abstract: A connection device may include a first side support, a second side support opposite the first side support, a first guide and a second guide opposite the first side support. The first guide and second guide connect the first side support to the second side support. The first guide, second guide, first side support and second side support define at least one cavity shaped to accept an upright beam. A plate may extend between the first side support, the second side support, the first guide and the second guide, in which case the plate, first guide, second guide, first side support and second side support define two cavities shaped to accept two upright beams. One or more of the first guide, second guide, first side support and second side support may include a plurality of side attachments that define side connection area(s) shaped to accept a lateral beam(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: FOX HARDWOOD LUMBER COMPANY, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Samuel Fox
  • Patent number: 11020682
    Abstract: A base member configured for use with a windowed magnetic tile, the base member including a tile portion having three or more outer edges configured with respective protrusions for fitting engagement with respective notches on corresponding three or more inner edges of the windowed magnetic tile; a first projection extending outwardly from a first surface of the tile portion formed by the three or more outer edges; and a first opening disposed on the first projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Genius Gems, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Romanoff, Andrew Carter, Jenna Stuiso
  • Patent number: 10769516
    Abstract: To identify a scenario that will bear a good simulation result from among a plurality of scenarios used in an agent-based simulation with a reduced amount of computation, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising a counting part configured to count the number of agents in each of a plurality of states at a middle of a simulation that involves a plurality of agents, and a generation part configured to generate characteristic data used for prediction of a result of the simulation based on the number of agents in each of the plurality of states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Hara, Tetsuro Morimura, Rudy Raymond Harry Putra, Hidemasa Muta
  • Patent number: 10761523
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automation system (1) comprising: rendering, by a processor, an image (16, 22, 40) from a three-dimensional scene representing at least part of the automation system (1) on the basis of position data and viewing direction data, displaying the image (16, 22, 40) on a display unit (10), wherein the automation system (1) comprises a plurality of components (2, 4, 18, 20), wherein a tree structure (24) is stored in a data memory in which nodes (28, 30, 32, 34) are assigned to the components (2, 4, 18, 20) of the automation system (1), is to process and display all details necessary for the tasks of controlling an automation system and on the other hand minimize the required computing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Eisenmann SE
    Inventors: Ullrich Ochs, Thomas Stumpfegger, Fabian Häußler
  • Patent number: 10755206
    Abstract: A method of managing events is disclosed. It is determined that a user is present at a particular location within an event venue. It is determined that the user has reserved the event venue for a particular time period. A selection is received from the user of a particular merchant that is committed to providing services at the event during the particular time period. The particular location within the event is associated with the particular merchant. A notification of the association of the particular location within the event venue with the particular merchant is generated for communication to the particular merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Kamal Zamer
  • Patent number: 10732596
    Abstract: A method implemented by a computer system, the computer-implemented method comprising receiving dimensions of a building surface, including a surface length and a surface height; receiving dimensions of a surface material unit, including a material length and a material height; receiving design parameters defining a three-dimensional design over the building surface; partitioning the three-dimensional design into a plurality of three-dimensional segments based on both the three-dimensional design and the dimensions of the surface material; and generating a set of milling instructions for cutting a plurality of surface material units into the plurality of three-dimensional segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Mario Romano Design and Development, LLC
    Inventor: Mario Romano
  • Patent number: 10705785
    Abstract: Described are an apparatus and method for interactively retrieving data from one or more data sources and rendering the data in a three dimensional (3D) format. The rendering may be displayed on a hand-held device, e.g., a smart phone or tablet computer, or on a remote display device such as another phone, tablet, screen, or a projector. The apparatus and method may operate in response to one or more inputs or orientation sensors, e.g., proximity, gravimeter, gyroscope, photo, and touch sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Zoho Corporation Private Limited
    Inventors: Ramakrishna Raju Vegesna, Sudheer A. Grandhi
  • Patent number: 10679521
    Abstract: A method of generating a three-dimensional physical map using different data sources includes receiving, at a computing device, topographic data, e.g., digital surface model data and/or digital elevation model data, for a geographic area and also receiving map area data, e.g., coordinates, scaling, and/or resolution data, for a subset area of the geographic area. The computing device generates map data, such as computer-readable three-dimensional (3D) printer data, based on the topographic data and the map area data, which can be used by a 3D printer or other additive manufacturing process to generate a three-dimensional physical map that depicts the topographic features of the subset area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Hunn, Thomas Hiromoto, John D. Metzger, Mark E. Wear
  • Patent number: 10664897
    Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture for recommending items for a room. An image of a room is received, a box image is fitted to the image of the room. Information is extracted from the fitted box image and is used for recommending items for the room. The image is a color image and extracting information is done by extracting color histograms from the fitted box image. The color histograms are used to determine items that match the color scheme of the room, the lighting of the room, and/or the decorating style of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Anurag Bhardwaj, Robinson Piramuthu, Neelakantan Sundaresan
  • Patent number: 10642868
    Abstract: Design and implementation of complicated data analyses and creation of visualizations to present the results of such analyses can be performed using a data analysis application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: TAG.BIO, INC.
    Inventors: Jesse Thomas Paquette, Tom Covington
  • Patent number: 10643499
    Abstract: A dynamic fluid flow system for training. The system incorporates transparent piping, transparent pump components, transparent valve components, and other components found in most fluid flow systems which provide visual feedback for training purposes when training personnel on the fluid flow system. The fluid flow system of the present invention includes all elements which would typically be found on a fluid flow system used in industrial facilities such as power plants, and allows full training and certification of personnel on a full interactive dynamic system which produces visual feedback not capable on existing training systems or even on actual systems used in industrial applications. An embodiment of the present invention could be in the form of a portable system which can be transported in a standard trailer or even deployed in a vehicle for remote deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Free, Eric D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10635756
    Abstract: A system for computer-aided design of an object, including a first computer system operated by a first user, a second computer system operated by a second user, an application server hosting a design software application, and a web server providing an interface for at least the first user to access the design software application. The design software application may be configured to receive a first input comprising a first modification to a design template or creating a new design from the first computer system, receive a second input comprising a second modification to the design template from second computer system, and modify the design template based on the first and second modifications to generate a modified design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Bushel Stop Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Blanchfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10629083
    Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional apparatus for problem solving, learning and presentation for modeling, teaching and illustrating exemplary problem solving or thinking. Some embodiments provide a puzzle-like form. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for the building of a problem or topic or situation specific or custom learning or problem solving or investigatory or presentation aid. Embodiments of the invention may also incorporate or use electronic, digital, electro-mechanical, mechanical, electric or other devices, processors, controllers, or mechanisms, or input or output to or from such or similar elements, and wired or wireless or other networks or interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Zxibix, Inc.
    Inventor: Linda Shawn Higgins
  • Patent number: 10451485
    Abstract: An image display device acquires data representing a status of a temperature distribution of a machining machine based on information on machining and generates a temperature distribution image from the acquired data. Further, a three-dimensional machining simulation representing a status of machining is performed to generate a three-dimensional simulation animation and a projection image is generated from the three-dimensional simulation animation. Then, an image obtained by synthesizing the temperature distribution image and the projection image is generated and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 10332188
    Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture for recommending items for a room. An image of a room is received, a box image is fitted to the image of the room. Information is extracted from the fitted box image and is used for recommending items for the room. The image is a color image and extracting information is done by extracting color histograms from the fitted box image. The color histograms are used to determine items that match the color scheme of the room, the lighting of the room, and/or the decorating style of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Anurag Bhardwaj, Robinson Piramuthu, Neelakantan Sundaresan
  • Patent number: 10317881
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to additive manufacturing or printing of an object using parallel processing of files comprising 3D models of the object and/or portions thereof. A master file comprising a 3D model of the object is divided into subordinate files, wherein each subordinate file comprises a 3D model of a corresponding portion of the object. Each subordinate file is processed in parallel, controlling at least a first laser source to fabricate each portion from a build material. Parallel processing according to the methods of the present disclosure expedites additive manufacturing or printing over conventional methods that build an object in layers completed in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mohammed El Hacin Sennoun
  • Patent number: 10254745
    Abstract: A computer-implemented automated building mechanical systems design and modeling is described. The system provides a central source for all of the design and construction information for systems in a construction project in a coordinated two-dimensional and three-dimensional spatial database that is accessible as a means to produce automatically coordinated design development and construction document information of the mechanical systems. The system acquires and stores all of the appropriate design, engineering, and construction expertise information available for any building type for use in automatically assembling and coordinating the design, cost-estimating, and scheduling for the mechanical systems of the construction project. The system output model enables automatic generation of drawings and cost, manufacturing and scheduling information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Mechanical Software Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan Cunney, Michael Cunney, Shaun Cunney, Keith Pedrick, Joshua Whitman
  • Patent number: 10201238
    Abstract: The present invention is a pre-construction sample that is made of a flexible material and has a product image corresponding to an actual construction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least 18 inches in one dimension. The pre-construction sample is preferably produced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi, and more preferably 300 dpi. Kits of pre-construction samples are provided to assist the consumer choosing from among various construction products, such as flooring, decking, countertops, cabinets, windows, shingles, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventors: James J. Bender, David J. Bender
  • Patent number: 10025473
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for displaying information related to room plan generation on a display device is disclosed. In the embodiment, the graphical user interface comprises a results window that displays a list of generated room plan configuration variants and a visualization window that displays at least one generated room plan configuration variant from the list of generated room plan configuration variants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: ADITAZZ, INC.
    Inventors: Richard L. Sarao, Andrew Pease, Scott Ewart
  • Patent number: 9965572
    Abstract: A system for collaborating on a component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a computing device configured to execute a first multi-user CAx environment including a synchronization module. The synchronization module is configured to selectively cause a display module at a first multi-user CAx environment to display data corresponding to changes to at least one subcomponent feature relating to an assembly model caused by a second multi-user CAx environment during an assembly session when at least one predetermined criterion is met. A method for collaborating on a component design is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua Daniel Winn, William A. Sowa, Michael D. Werkheiser, Kurt R. Heinemann
  • Patent number: 9836559
    Abstract: A simulation apparatus includes a processor that executes a simulation of a control program executed on a controller. The controller controls motion of a machine that handles an object. The processor includes: a motion control device that controls motion of a virtual machine based on a motion command to move the virtual machine in a virtual space, with the virtual machine corresponding to the machine; a determination device that determines whether a volume of a region, where a work space in which the virtual machine works overlaps with the virtual object, is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, the virtual object being handled by the virtual machine and corresponding to the object; and a follow-up device that makes the virtual object follow the motion of the virtual machine based on the motion command when the volume is equal to or greater than the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro Moriya, Yoshiya Shibata, Haruna Shimakawa, Masaki Namie, Yasunori Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 9715336
    Abstract: Disclosed here are methods, devices, paradigms and structures for creating, displaying and facilitating the selection of art, design and décor. A digital art device (“device”) facilitates creating and displaying a digital art in accordance with the relationship to a viewer. The device can include sensors such as cameras, gyroscopes, audio processor, photometer, eye-tracking sensors, etc., to identify various types of human interaction, and the environment around the device. The device displays, adapts, or transforms the digital art according to the observed human interaction and/or surroundings of the device. Tools will allow developers to create new applications for displaying and creating digital art to be viewed on the device. Developers can access underlying décor discovery and visualization tools to process color, style and other décor-related attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: ART.COM, INC.
    Inventors: Nasos Topakas, Paul Golding
  • Patent number: 9633141
    Abstract: Electronic comparison methods are described for determining changes in a current design model with respect to an earlier model and analyzing the impact of the identified changes. The method includes associating a priority value with a set of modified component objects using one or more algorithms and presenting a subset of the set of component objects, each of which has a priority value greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Shook, Mark Thompson
  • Patent number: 9376828
    Abstract: The various processes of a plant are segmented into separate process blocks that are connected to one another using fluid conduits or electrical connections. Each process block is specialized to perform specific tasks in an assembly line manner to achieve an overall goal. For example, multiple distillation process blocks could be daisy-chained to create fuel from crude oil. Each process block is generally small enough to be mounted on a truck or a flatbed for easy transport, allowing for an assembly line of process blocks to be transported anywhere in the world with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Fred Haney, Gary Donovan, Todd Roth, Alan Lowrie, George Morlidge, Simon Lucchini, Sean Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 9358450
    Abstract: An interactive education system includes a database storing a common question database and a plurality of user-specific question inventories, a memory storing computer instructions, and a processor configured to execute the computer instructions to perform operations including presenting a game environment between a first user and a second user where the first and second users can throw questions from their respective question inventories or common question database at each other with or without offensive power-ups, and answer the questions thrown by each other with or without defensive power-ups; rewarding the first and second users with credits and points when the first and second users answer the questions correctly; determining which one of the first and second users wins the game based on the respective total number of points achieved by the first and second users; and enabling the first and second users to purchase additional offensive or defensive power-ups with their respective credits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Mark Nova
  • Patent number: 9189970
    Abstract: A miniature of a washing machine for exhibition includes: a casing having an opening at an upper portion thereof; a door for opening and closing the opening; a tub fixedly installed within the casing; a drum rotatably installed within the tub; a driving motor installed at an outer side of the tub; an electric motor unit transferring rotary force of the driving motor to the drum; a tub cover installed at an upper portion of the tub and including a guide unit for guiding water, which is discharged upwardly along an inner wall surface of the tub, to the inner side of the tub when the drum is rotated; and a light emitting unit irradiating light to the interior of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Inhyouk Seo, Hyejeong Kim
  • Patent number: 9076241
    Abstract: A method of estimating one or more dimensions of a patch panel may include receiving an image of a patch panel that comprises a plurality of ports and one or more gaps, extracting, by a computing device, a region of interest from the received image, detecting, by the computing device, one or more possible port edges from the region of interest, fitting the detected possible port edges to a cross-ratio constancy model to determine a port-to-gap-length ratio associated with the patch panel, using the port-length-to-gap-length ratio to determine a location of one or more final port edges, and determining a location of one or more final ports based on the location of the final port edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Zhigang Fan, Subarna Ghosh, Hengzhou Ding
  • Publication number: 20150064660
    Abstract: The present invention is a pre-construction sample that is made of a flexible material and has a product image corresponding to an actual construction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least 18 inches in one dimension. The pre-construction sample is preferably produced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi, and more preferably 300 dpi. Kits of pre-construction samples are provided to assist the consumer choosing from among various construction products, such as flooring, decking, countertops, cabinets, windows, shingles, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: James J. Bender, David J. Bender
  • Patent number: 8961182
    Abstract: The present invention is a pre-construction sample that is made of a flexible material and has a product image corresponding to an actual construction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least 18 inches in one dimension. The pre-construction sample is preferably produced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi, and more preferably 300 dpi. Kits of pre-construction samples are provided to assist the consumer choosing from among various construction products, such as flooring, decking, countertops, cabinets, windows, shingles, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: James J. Bender, David J. Bender
  • Patent number: 8821207
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching skills to a child includes a toy barn kit which has a plurality of structural elements including walls, gables, and roof panels which can be assembled into a completed toy barn. The structural elements have color coded connectors and mating connectors which assist the child in the assembly process. In performing the assembly, the child learns skills of (1) principles of construction, (2) spatial relationships, (3) sequential thinking, and (4) color recognition and matching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Sheila Adams Hart
  • Patent number: 8668498
    Abstract: System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality, to assist a user of a mobile device with interior design. Through the use of real-time object recognition features, logos, artwork, products, locations, etc. can be recognized in a real-time video stream and can subsequently be matched with data associated with such to assist the user with selecting the proper design elements for a space, such as a kitchen. The proper design elements may be based off of several factors regarding the design space, include the dimensions of the space, the location of windows, doors and outlets, geographic and positional data, other space features, current design elements, architectural features, décor, and style data of the space, etc. This invention provides a virtual area with design elements, such that a user may view the area and determine the proper décor for the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Erik Stephen Ross
  • Publication number: 20140023996
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a three dimensional model object, a method of producing the three dimensional model object, and a kit comprising the three dimensional model object and a scaled measurement device. The method in accordance with the present invention includes surveying a constructed structure which is georeferenceable in the real world, obtaining spatial data associated with the constructed structure, generating a digital three dimensional model of the constructed structure in a computer, and producing a physical model object with accurately surveyed as-built data of the constructed structure. The physical model object of the constructed structure can incorporate, on its surface, surveyed and measured useful real world intelligence, such as dimensions, georeference data, or orientation, associated with the constructed structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: F3 & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Finn, Mike Heitman
  • Patent number: 8597026
    Abstract: Immersive training scenario systems and related methods are provided. The immersive training scenario systems can provide at least one simulated structure. The at least one simulated structure can include a base structure having at least one surface thereon. One or more substrates with one or more photographic images printed thereon are applied to the surface of the base structure so that the simulated structure has realistic visual characteristics representative of a mission site or mission scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Military Wraps, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Dominic Cincotti, Trevor J. Kracker
  • Publication number: 20130280680
    Abstract: The present invention is a pre-construction sample that is made of a flexible material and has a product image corresponding to an actual construction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least 18 inches in one dimension. The pre-construction sample is preferably produced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi, and more preferably 300 dpi. Kits of pre-construction samples are provided to assist the consumer choosing from among various construction products, such as flooring, decking, countertops, cabinets, windows, shingles, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: James J. Bender, David J. Bender
  • Patent number: 8532962
    Abstract: A system which may enable users to plan, design and observe various building systems in an abstract and intuitive view, such as with a map view. In this view, virtually all facility information and objects may be displayed as simple shapes (e.g., rectangles). Just by some drag-and-drop, a user may provide shapes and rearrange positions of these shapes quickly to reflect a desired space relationship. Objects (e.g., components, devices, controllers, and the like) may be placed, moved around, and associated with each other on a facility layer or floor. Further, the map view may be used together with a tree view and a list view to provide alternative design ways. Changes made in any of the views may be synchronized with the other views. Various presentations of the facility may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Yajun-Edwin Zhang, Zhao Xia Jin, Jerry Qi Huang, Andrew D. Halford, Chengyi Liu, Curtis Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8454419
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing learning and retention of items learned over time maps bodies of knowledge to physical metaphors in an education computer game or simulation. Entire structured curricula or curriculum frameworks are mapped to isomorphic physical metaphor hierarchies. Recommended sequences through subject matter are mapped to sequences in the physical metaphor of the game or simulation. Various algorithms for computing the well-known Ebbinghaus “spacing effect” for reviewing items that are about to be forgotten by a student to optimize his or her retention of subject matter are mapped to physical metaphors in the game or simulation. The use of a “predator-prey” computer algorithm to find students' subject matter knowledge weak points is mapped to a physical metaphor in the game or simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: G7 Research LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. Smith, Frederick Myers
  • Patent number: 8340903
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to provide optimum guidance for an individual seeking the destination point in a complex building. The system can be used for a range of individuals from firemen seeking an optimized and accurately mapped path from an access point at the entrance to the building to a destination point where a fire alarm has gone off or for a visitor in the museum who is seeking a path to a particular desired display destination. The system can provide multiple sequential simplified floor configuration maps. These maps are designed to show foreshortened walls so as to provide a three-dimensional maze-like format with the pathways visible and with a track mark illustrating an optimal path for the user to follow within the area shown on the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Bertrand Dorfman
  • Publication number: 20120231424
    Abstract: System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality, to assist a user of a mobile device with interior design. Through the use of real-time object recognition features, logos, artwork, products, locations, etc. can be recognized in a real-time video stream and can subsequently be matched with data associated with such to assist the user with selecting the proper design elements for a space, such as a kitchen. The proper design elements may be based off of several factors regarding the design space, include the dimensions of the space, the location of windows, doors and outlets, geographic and positional data, other space features, current design elements, architectural features, décor, and style data of the space, etc. This invention provides a virtual area with design elements, such that a user may view the area and determine the proper décor for the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Erik Stephen Ross
  • Patent number: 8255192
    Abstract: Visual map items may each be constructed and placed in position using logic defined by a map view component corresponding to each visual item, where that logic may depend on one or more values populated into parameter(s) of the map view component. Some of those parameter values may correspond to known map model parameter values. Others, however, may have been solved for using a model that defines analytical relationships between the map model parameters. In one embodiment, which of the map model parameters are input variable, and which are output model variables, may not be predetermined. Accordingly, a solver might be prepared for multiple solve operation paths even using a single model. The map view composition process may be entirely data-driven, and may include a mechanism for canonicalizing input data, and binding canonicalized input data to the model parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl E. Rubin, Vijay Mital
  • Patent number: 8249835
    Abstract: An integrated computing device (tool) and method is disclosed, for creating a casino gaming floor layout, analyzing the layout from the simulated point of view of a patron within the floor, and assessing the performance of the layout in real time or with historical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moore, III, Daniel G. Carlson, Brian V. Gress, William C. Little, Javier A. Saenz, Andrew George Novotak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8241039
    Abstract: The present invention is a pre-construction sample that is made of a flexible material and has a product image corresponding to an actual construction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least 18 inches in one dimension. The pre-construction sample is preferably produced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi. Kits of pre-construction samples are provided to assist the consumer choosing from among various construction products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: James J. Bender, David J. Bender
  • Patent number: 8229715
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system for coordinating the design and implementation of a structure is disclosed. The system includes a design workspace, a design engine which receives various inputs and produces a structure design for display in the design workspace, first and second interfaces permitting first and second users, respectively, to view and manipulate a design, either independently or concurrently, and a library of design elements and editing tools accessible to the first and second users. One or more users may be provided with controls limiting the manipulations that other user(s) may make to the design. Change tracking and error and conflict checking are provided to assist with merging design manipulations originating from separate users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Teller, Nicholas Chim, Augusto Roman, Jennifer Carlile, Alena Fong, Eli Attia, Michelle Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 8187003
    Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate field assessment of static structure sites to provide data in a predetermined format acceptable to a taxing authority, including a personal computing device having a graphic display screen, a user interface, and application software. The user interface is arranged to accept alphanumeric data provided by a user of the apparatus and also accept graphic input from the user representative of structural features of the static structure. The application software is arranged to provide a real-time display on the graphic display screen of dimensional data associated with the graphic inputs as they are entered by the user. The application software is also arranged to compute dimensional attributes of enclosed polygons resulting from the graphic input by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: BRT Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy Baker, Todd Weidner, Brian Schneider, Thomas Davis, Randy Riesenberg
  • Patent number: 8113840
    Abstract: A simplified and user-friendly reusable modular building block system, for use by the professional architect or home design enthusiast, allowing for the creation of custom architectural scale models of building designs similar in appearance and function to professional scale models produced in architects' offices is presented. The building block system pieces are comprised of interlocking injection-molded solid plastic parts and grouped in five classes of various corresponding shapes and sizes. The construction and grouping of the block system pieces can be connected together at the user's discretion in a limitless variety of creative configurations, thereby forming the walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, door and window openings, and other building design elements of an architectural model at 1:48 scale (¼?=1?0?) based on the user's unique house design, or an existing design if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: SnapHouse, LLC
    Inventor: Michael H. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 8095346
    Abstract: An operation simulation system for plant construction, having operating expense calculated based on crane type determined by a command input; the expense to construct foundation calculated based on the foundation placement on which the determined crane is put; the operating expense calculated based on a period during which an operation is carried out; the expense to temporarily place the installation object calculated based on the specifications of the installation object before the installation; the installation operation expense calculated based on an installation milestone reflecting a due date of the installation object; the total necessary expense calculated based on all the expenses calculated; the total necessary expense is analyzed and evaluated; and the command input is adjusted by reflecting the results of an evaluation analysis so that the value of the command input falls in range of the set values in the specifications held by the corresponding setting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshibumi Fukuda, Kenji Araki, Hisanori Nonaka, Norito Watanabe, Toshiyuki Miyake, Kensuke Morita, Kenji Akagi
  • Patent number: 8073657
    Abstract: An integrated computing device (tool) and method for creating a floor layout, analyzing the layout from the simulated point of view of a patron within the floor, and assessing the performance of a layout in real time or with historical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Moore, III, Daniel G. Carlson, Brian V. Gress, William C. Little, Javier A. Saenz, Andrew George Novotak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7914285
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for visualizing or practicing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture includes a substrate having a primed first surface and a second surface having means for securing the substrate to a mounting surface, such as a wall. A method for visualizing and practicing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture includes the steps of (a) applying a paint color, finish, technique, or texture to a first surface of the substrate; (b) textually identifying onto the substrate the paint color, finish, technique, or texture applied thereto; (c) securing the substrate to a first portion of the mounting surface; (d) removing the substrate from the mounting surface; and (e) securing the substrate to a second portion of the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Knicava, LLC
    Inventor: Julie K. Boney