Abstract: In the disclosed systems and methods for competitive scene completion, a user selects a first scene completion challenge that comprises an image of an initial scene and a plurality of markers. Each marker has a designated set of coordinates within the initial scene and corresponds to a furnishing unit type. For each user marker selection, virtual furnishing units corresponding to the unit type are displayed. User unit selection results in display of a three-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit at the corresponding coordinates within the scene, thereby creating an augmented scene that comprises the initial scene with three-dimensional graphics of selected virtual furnishing units. The augmented scene or user selections of virtual furnishing units is submitted to a remote server. The user is provided with a reward.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for selecting a finish for applying to an item. The apparatus includes a flexible translucent sheet, and at least one semi-translucent color applied to the translucent sheet such that a surface to which the translucent sheet is attached is visible through the translucent sheet and the semi-translucent color. The system includes the apparatus and a protective laminate surface covering the at least one semi-translucent color. The method includes providing a plurality of translucent sheets each having at least one semi-translucent color, examining an item to determine the type of finish of the item, selecting a flexible translucent sheet according to the finish of the item, conforming and affixing the selected translucent sheet to the surface of the item, and viewing the surface of the item through the selected translucent sheet.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for discovering décor harmonized with a décor style (“the technology”). The décor includes décor items, e.g. artworks, paintings, pictures, artifacts, architectural pieces, arrangement of artworks, color selection, room décor, rugs, mats, furnishings, household items, fashion, clothes, jewelry, car interiors, garden arrangements etc. The technology facilitates analyzing user input to identify a décor style from a décor style dictionary, obtaining décor that harmonizes with décor style, and presenting a representation of the décor to the user. The décor style dictionary includes décor styles that are generated based on an analysis of content, including images and description of décor, from a plurality of sources. The décor styles can be based on a number of concepts, including a theme of the décor, a color/color palette, a mood of the person, a fashion era, a type of architecture, etc.

Abstract: A system that allows a user to create a lineup of alternatives as controls for a part of a 3D scene by selecting scene contents and designating a lineup alternative control to contain or receive the contents. Once the alternatives are created, the lineups are provided in a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays each alternative as a compressed image of the scene containing the corresponding alternative. The user can click between the alternatives by selecting a desired button so that only the alternative selected in that lineup is shown in the scene. The user can create multiple lineups, each for a different part or overlapping parts of the scene, for changing the materials in a scene, and/or for positioning objects in a scene.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for discovering décor harmonized with a décor style (“the technology”). The décor includes décor items, e.g. artworks, paintings, pictures, artifacts, architectural pieces, arrangement of artworks, color selection, room décor, rugs, mats, furnishings, household items, fashion, clothes, jewelry, car interiors, garden arrangements etc. The technology facilitates analyzing user input to identify a décor style from a décor style dictionary, obtaining décor that harmonizes with décor style, and presenting a representation of the décor to the user. The décor style dictionary includes décor styles that are generated based on an analysis of content, including images and description of décor, from a plurality of sources. The décor styles can be based on a number of concepts, including a theme of the décor, a color/color palette, a mood of the person, a fashion era, a type of architecture, etc.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to the device for displaying samples, which may comprise a first display panel, a lens set apart from the first display panel such that a viewer looking through the lens can obtain a focused image of the first display panel, a first opening in or on the display panel for a first generally planar color sample, said first color sample providing a background color, and a second opening for a second generally planar color sample, a second opening for a second generally planer color sample, said second opening configured to overlay said second color sample on a portion of the first color sample. A viewer can use the foregoing device to simulate the display of certain colors or floor materials for a space. Moreover, the viewer can select a desired color and/or floor material for the actual application to the space.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An automated system and method is provided for configuring an object (e.g., a room). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, configuration is facilitated through the use of layering functionality and frame-based inferences to evaluate stored knowledge of object attributes. The frame-based inferences may be supplemented by a rules-based inference system. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a graphics-based user interface may be used to permit interactive configuration using two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of the object, and incorporating engineering specifications, as well as functional and physical attributes.

Abstract: A system and method of interior design is provided having an interface for displaying a design report; providing a selection of predetermined architectural designs which can be selected from the design report; wherein each of the predetermined architectural designs includes a plurality of design elements selected from the group of optional elements, non-optional elements, and selectable elements; providing a choice of at least one of the optional and selectable elements for inclusion in a selected predetermined architectural design; and determining design parameters based upon chosen optional elements, non-optional elements, and selectable elements in the selected predetermined architectural design.

Abstract: An automated system and method is provided for configuring an object (e.g., a room). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, configuration is facilitated through the use of layering functionality and frame-based inferences to evaluate stored knowledge of object attributes. The frame-based inferences may be supplemented by a rules-based inference system. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a graphics-based user interface may be used to permit interactive configuration using two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of the object, and incorporating engineering specifications, as well as functional and physical attributes.

Abstract: Cooperation management means for cooperating and managing an assembly procedure data formed by showing a combination of assembly enabled components and an assembling order thereof and a component object data for displaying the components in a virtual space as a component object; object display means for displaying the component object in the virtual space based on the component object data; coordinate data acquisition means for acquiring coordinate data of the component object displayed in the virtual space by the object display means; and element working time output means for outputting the element working time required for an assembly of the components, based on assembly procedure data related to the above objects and cooperatively managed by the cooperation means are provided.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which allows a user to easily and intuitively manipulate information in a 3-dimensional virtual space. In the information processing apparatus, a main controller sets a first coordinate system in a real space on the basis of information associated with a real object and further sets a second coordinate system in a 3-dimensional virtual space corresponding to the real space on the basis of the first coordinate system. If a user places an input device at a particular position and angle in the first coordinate system with reference to the real object, the main controller places an object in the 3-dimensional virtual space at a place and angle in the second coordinate system corresponding to the place and angle of the input device in the first coordinate system, and the main controller displays an image of the object placed in the 3-dimensional virtual space on a display.

Abstract: An interior design system of the present disclosure can comprise a user interface configured to display a plurality of interior design components. The system may further comprise logic configured to receive a user selection of one of the components and display the selected component in the user interface. The logic may further be configured to receive a plurality of user inputs, via the user interface, the inputs related to characteristics of the selected component.

Abstract: Software for designing interior and/or exterior spaces efficiently ensures that user intent is captured in a timely, practical manner. When a user creates an input, such as selecting a shape of a table to put into a design space, the design software creates an initial object that is managed as part of a data structure. Generally, the initial object includes a type element having one or more options. Program code in the created initial object determines an appropriate option based on any number of factors including, but not limited to, elements of the user's original input. A subsequent child object with a set of independent program code is also created, which has as its type the option determined from the previous initial object. The subsequent object also determines its options based on attributes of the user's input, and creates any additional child objects where appropriate.

Abstract: Design software in accordance with an implementation of the present invention is configured to provide believable three-dimensional representations of user selections in real-time. Design elements that would otherwise be difficult to efficiently render three-dimensionally in real-time are prerendered for realistic visual effects, such as realistic shading, which correspond to various positions of the elements in a design space. Blanks of the visual effects for each position are then stored in a data store for visual effects. At run time, data associated with user design choices, as well as the blanks for any corresponding design elements are fed in one implementation to peripheral processing hardware, such as a GPU, which sends the processed data to a display device. The user is therefore able to view complex visual data of certain design choices efficiently with added realism.

Abstract: An instructional kit suited for teaching the necessary materials, methods and techniques for conventional stick built wood structures is provided. In accordance with the present invention, a kit for stick framing a true representation of a scale house model includes all of the framing members required to build a scale model house. Specifically, the kit includes precut framing members representing each of the correct members used in actual residential construction such as studs, rafters, sills, top plates, headers, etc. Also included in the kit are wall layout plans and detailed instructions regarding the proper construction of a residential house. The intent of the kit is to provide a self contained educational tool for teaching the necessary understanding of structural wood framing.

Abstract: An evolutionary and reusable device for delimiting and organising spaces and volumes, adaptable to the dimensions of an existing architectural space, is capable of being modified without accessories, easily and rapidly decorated by the user by means of decorative objects and expandable connected space elements of fixed and variable dimensions.

Abstract: A simulation device for simulating images of at least one building includes a display (62) for displaying the images; an input (63, 64) for a user to input data; a memory (65) including a first memory field containing a layout (40) of the at least one building, which layout (40) contains references to all the utility spaces forming the layout, together with their performance characteristics, a second memory field containing a model (50) of the at least one building, which model (50) contains references to both physical and financial data of all the components forming the model, a processor (61) for: computing and showing elevations of and/or sections through the building, working from the layout of the model; calculating and showing the total expected investment costs and running costs for the building.

Abstract: A three dimensional model comprising a substantially planar base mounting member having opposite top and bottom surfaces; a first building structure adapted to be mounted on a portion of said top surface of said base mounting member, said at least one building structure assembled from a piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material, said piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material having fold lines thereon, and when folded along said fold lines forms said building structure; and a second building structure adapted to be mounted on a portion of said top surface of said base mounting member, said at least one building structure assembled from a piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material, said piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material having fold lines thereon, and when folded along said fold lines forms said second building structure.

Abstract: When a user browses an online retailer's Web site or a mirror site, the user can select an item and model the item online by having a server generate a digital image of the user wearing the item. If the user is still unsure as to whether to buy the item, the user can enter an online chat room in which the online modeling image is displayed to other users. The user can then receive the other users' feedback before deciding whether to buy the item. In a second embodiment, multiple online modeling images are generated to provide the user with a customized catalog, which can be of items for a single merchant or multiple merchants.

Abstract: A model castle formed from a plurality of assembly pieces includes towers, walls, roofs and a castle top. The model castle may be formed on a base or may stand alone. The castle top of the model castle may be a crenallated parapet that is easy to manipulate. The crenallated parapet has crenels and merlons giving a realistic appearance. Flags, windows and paper simulating brick or stone may be added to the castle to add to its realistic appearance.

Abstract: This invention is a computerized expert system for providing interior design by allowing a homeowner to enter interior design requirements and selecting interior design treatments according to the homeowner's design requirements so that a grouping of compatible interior design treatments is provided for the homeowner to be used in decorating the homeowner's home.

Abstract: A device for displaying room wall and floor covering arrangements for selection by a purchaser includes a frame assembly having display panel support members for supporting at least one display panel in a display condition, the frame assembly being configured to resemble, along with at least one supported display panel positioned in the display condition, at least one room; and at least two surface covering display panels being mutually different in at least one appearance or composition characteristic, such at least one appearance or composition characteristic including at least one of color, pattern, material, texture, and geometrical composition.

Abstract: A method for constructing a physical scale model of a structure includes creating a computer model of a structure using a structure design program run on a personal computer, printing out views of the interior and exterior walls of the structure on adhesive-backed paper, affixing the pieces of paper bearing the printed views of the structure to pieces of rigid stock such as cardboard or foam core to create walls, then cutting or trimming the pieces as necessary and assembling them to form the three-dimensional scale model of the structure. A kit for practicing the method contains computer software for allowing a user to custom design a building, a supply of printer-compatible adhesive-backed paper, and a supply of rigid stock of the proper thickness to represent the scale thickness of the walls of the structure.

Abstract: A method for preparing drawings for remodeling buildings and visual images representative of the remodeled building is provided. As a first step, design ideas that utilize predetermined building products are cataloged in a format such as video tape. These design ideas are presented to a client such as a homeowner. Drawings and visual images are then prepared that incorporate the selected design ideas into the layout of the building. The drawings and visual images are prepared using photographs, sketches, and measurements obtained and electronically transmitted to a design center with the aid of a pen-pad computer. The method of the invention is useful in preparing construction drawings and in marketing a remodeling project to an client.

Abstract: An interior design system comprising a display assembly having three flexible transparent overlays, a plain background sheet hinged to corresponding edges of the overlays, and a template sheet hinged to a free edge of the background sheet and having "scale" background and foreground grid sections for assisting in laying out interior room decorator's designs with a comprehensive catalog of design elements printed with scale designs of perspective furniture and accessory designs, and architectural elements for creating the room space to be decorated. The catalog pages have rows of printed scale designs covered with transparent plastic, with overlying, selectively removable and replaceable design elements with designs that are printed to the same scale on carrier sheets of flexible "static-cling" material, the carrier sheets being rectangular sections that are cut from a printed sheet the same size and shape as the backing sheet.

Abstract: A decorative article having the appearance of an athletic court or other sports surface is provided. The decorative article comprises a plurality of strips of substantially equal dimension in adjacently contacting relation with each other. Each of the strips has a unite appearance characteristic, namely the strips have the grain appearance of actual planks of wood such as the multitude of planks of wood making up an actual basketball court. On the plurality of strips is a printed design wherein the overall characteristic of the plurality of strips and printed design is the scale emulation of the appearance of an athletic court or other sports surface, namely emulating both the grain appearance of actual wood planks, and the game lines and team logos of an actual court.

Abstract: A system for merchandising and selecting pre-fabricated cabinets for installation in a living space. Comprising the system are informational display and selection charts on which a unique code indicia, particularly color coded, is assigned to each cabinet unit. Following a scaled plan layout of the cabinet area in an intended living space for which installation is contemplated, the selected units can be readily retrieved from a merchandising display on which the various units are clearly identified by their codes.

Abstract: A custom drapery design system is a miniature two-dimensional graphic demonstration device and teaching aid. The system includes a wall display board made of heavy board stock and laminated on front and rear surfaces with a thin plastic coating. This wall display board has graphic indicia imprinted on front surface indicating variable ceiling heights and a static floor level. To achieve the purpose of this invention, window images made of white static cling vinyl of varying shapes and sizes indicative of windows most commonly used in homes, offices and other locations, are to be selectively arranged at the appropriate height on the wall display board. The window image or images are to be addressed with drapery components of varying shapes and all manner of design which are also made of white static cling vinyl. Such application allows designer/teacher to selectively arrange an many components desire to represent a window treatment.

Abstract: A system for merchandising and selecting pre-fabricated cabinets for installation in a living space. Comprising the system are informational display and selection charts on which a unique code indicia, particularly color coded, is assigned to each cabinet unit. Following a scaled plan layout of the cabinet area in an intended living space for which installation is contemplated, the selected units can be readily retrieved from a merchandising display on which the various units are clearly identified by their codes.

Abstract: A table setting display guide for coordinating table settings and dinnerware plate patterns. The table setting display guide includes a first page which illustrates at least one table setting having an opening at the position where a dinnerware plate would be set. A second page is provided which illustrates a plurality of dinnerware plate patterns, which patterns are sized to correspond to the size of the opening in the first page. The opening in the first page is selectively positionable on the second page to permit viewing of each dinnerware plate pattern in conjunction with the table setting.

Abstract: A template of translucent material is employed to simulate on a reduced scale the over-lay material to be applied to a floor area as it is illustrated by a drawing on the same scale as the template. The template is supplied in roll form or sheet material and is of a width proportionate on the aforesaid scale, to the width of the over-lay material to be applied to the floor. In order to realize all of the advantages of the invention, this template also carries indicia indicative of the subdivisions of the scale to which it is made and orientation indicia which may conveniently be so spaced as to serve as scaling indicia as well. The under side of the template carries an adhesive of the type known as a repositioning adhesive by means of which the template may be removably adhered to the drawing of the floor area and repositioned thereon at will.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in optimally arranging covering units, such as tiles or the like, or for enabling the precutting of such covering units before such units are applied to the floor or wall or ceiling to be covered. A first prescaled grid is provided on a substantially opaque sheet of paper on which the dimensions of the surface to be covered may be laid out. The exact dimensions of the floor, wall or ceiling to be covered may be laid out to scale on the first substantially opaque sheet. A second grid or line arrangement corresponding to the dimensions of the covering unit is provided on a substantially transparent sheet. This second grid is scaled to correspond to the scaling of the first grid on the substantially opaque sheet.

Abstract: A planning aid is produced by the use of a transparent foil which is adhesive on one side, thus providing a surface for the adhesion thereto of planning elements and/or symbols having smooth surfaces, the foil being applied to a sheet containing a pictorial representation. The planning elements and/or symbols may themselves be of foil structure or of plastic-coated cardboard or the like. For the purpose of providing a permanent record of the juxtaposition of the planning elements and/or symbols to the pictorial representation, the surface with said elements and/or symbols adhering thereto may be photocopied.