Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and computer-implemented methods for redesigning rooms in a house using digital image analysis. The analysis includes defining room parameters based on the architectural shape of the room as determined from an analysis of the walls, ceiling, windows, and doors, performing a room size calibration and defining an empty 3D room. Using the analyzed digital image, redesign can progress with selecting types of inner surfaces of the room from a pre-defined collection of architectural shapes, selecting types of furniture in the room, and selecting types of lighting. Then, a 3D model of the redesigned room is generated wherein the architectural shape is in the form of 2D and wherein the 2D image has an associated 3D image. At least one image of the redesigned 3D room may be generated and stored, and may be transmitted to a receiver wherein the corresponding showroom picture is displayed.

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: A printable multi-purpose form is described that features detachable pieces, which may be separated and attached to a substrate to create an artwork. The detachable pieces can be connected together using separator pieces and adhesive to form stacked images for the creation of three-dimensional artworks.

Abstract: A room organizer layout aid can assist a person organize the furniture layout in an empty room prior to the placement of furniture. The room organizer layout aid includes a plurality of light-weight material pieces that may represent the footprint of various furniture items. These material pieces may include measurements formed along at least two edged thereof to allow a user to adjust the size according to the furniture that they desire to place in the room. A bed template may include fold lines to change a king-size material piece to smaller bed sizes, such as queen, full and twin. The room organizer layout aid may be used in various applications. For example, a user may place the material pieces down on their floor to not only get a feel for the furniture layout in a room, but also to show movers where furniture pieces should be placed.

Abstract: A portable bathroom and kitchen fixture display includes a base, walls rising from the top of the base, a canopy spanning the walls, a holding tank within the base, fluid supply and fluid drain conduits, a plurality of fixtures selectively mounted to the base, and a fluid pump within the holding tank.

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: The device of the present invention includes one or more blanks in the form of flattened tubes, erected into tubular components and assembled together to simulate the shape of furniture pieces and which may be draped with a fitted cover to mock the desired furniture piece.

Abstract: A method of involving the erection of foldable flat blanks to construct tubes of predetermined configurations for assembly in combination to form respective mannequin devices to, when draped with a selected cover, simulate furniture to stage a property. The device of the present invention includes one or more blanks in the form of flatten tubes, erected into tubular components and assembled together to simulate the shape of furniture pieces and which may be draped with a fitted cover to mock the desired furniture piece.

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 organizer system comprising: (A) an organizer folder having front and back covers, optionally at least one page positioned between the front and back covers and at least one of the following components associated with at least one surface of the front or back covers or the at least one page: (1) a planner having planning diagram associated with the at least one surface, and at least one object that is repositionable on the planning diagram; or (2) at least one pocket for storing materials; (B) a self-standing folder holder having a receptacle for receiving at least one folder in a stored configuration; and (C) a carrier having a receptacle for receiving at least one holder in a stored configuration and a handle for grasping by the user.

Abstract: The life size furniture kit comprises an assortment of plastic tubular forms and fittings simulating household furniture and fixtures stored in a case for displaying a room furniture layout for a homeowner. An instruction manual illustrating common furniture dimension and a videotape showing the step-by-step instructions for placing the furniture and fixtures are supplied.

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 organizer system comprising: (A) an organizer folder having front and back covers, optionally at least one page positioned between the front and back covers and at least one of the following components associated with at least one surface of the front or back covers or the at least one page: (1) a planner having planning diagram associated with the at least one surface, and at least one object that is repositionable on the planning diagram; or (2) at least one pocket for storing materials; (B) a self-standing folder holder having a receptacle for receiving at least one folder in a stored configuration; and (C) a carrier having a receptacle for receiving at least one holder in a stored configuration and a handle for grasping by the user.

Abstract: An arrangement of selection objects includes an area model memory (1) for storing a configuration model of an area, an object model memory (3) for storing configuration models of respective selection objects, an image frame outputter (5) for performing an image frame indication of the configuration models, a model operator (7) for performing an arranging operation of the configuration models of the respective selection objects on the configuration model of the area in an image frame, a controller (9) for arranging the configuration models of the respective selection objects on the configuration model of the area in accordance with the arranging operation, a frequency information inputting device (11) for inputting to the controller (9) selection frequency information of the respective selection objects actually arranged in the area in accordance with an arrangement by the arranging operation, and an identification indicator (13) for performing an identifying indication of the configuration models by the image

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: This invention relates to a system and method for changing the appearance of an appliance. The system and method provide a magnetic sheet having a decorative pattern on one side thereof with a magnetic area or surface on an opposite side thereof. When the magnetic sheet is applied to cover the appliance, the decorative pattern decorates the appliance. A grid sheet is also provided for measuring and cutting the magnetic sheet to size.

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 educational device for teaching art including a base member having a generally rectangular configuration. The base member has a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. The base member has a raised peripheral border disposed around a periphery of the upper surface thereof. The upper surface has a plurality of slots formed therein inwardly of the raised peripheral border and within a central portion thereof. A plurality of wall members extend upwardly from the upper surface of the base member inwardly of the raised peripheral border. Each of the wall members have tabs extending downwardly from lower ends thereof for being received within the slots of the base member. Upper ends of the wall members are secured together by clips. A pair of interior wall members extend inwardly from the wall members. The interior wall members are secured to the plurality of wall members by clips.

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 toy building system for the construction of e.g. in-door settings and furniture element groupings, comprising a number of substantially box-shaped fittings (1,2,3) with a top surface, a bottom surface and a number of lateral walls, comprising a front with furniture-like functional parts, such as doors, shelves, etc., and a back (4) with coupling means (5,6) and wherein each fitting (1,2,3) has at least two functionally identical coupling means (5,6), said coupling means (5,6) comprising coupling means (5) that protrude a distance from the back (4) of the fitting (1,2,3), and wherein the coupling means (5,6) are arranged at a mutual modular distance and provided in such a manner that the fittings (1,2,3) may be interconnected back (4) to back (4) in at least two different positions relative to each other.

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: Planning and toy assemblies of the invention comprise element receiving and storage members and a plurality of elements adherable by permanent magnet attraction to their receiving surfaces, the assembly also usually comprising a folder in which they are stored and carried. Each member comprises a thin sheet of magnetizable metal with a surface sheet mounted thereover. The receiving member surface carries a planning grid or picture, while the storage members have depictions on their exposed surfaces of the elements that are placed thereon. Each element is a piece punched from permanently magnetized sheet material of sufficient magnetic field strength to adhere to the metal sheets, even through a thin non-magnetic layer, and also carries a depiction of what it represents.

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 countertop sink illustrator and method utilize a photographic process to image a selected sink and countertop to produce an image corresponding to the image area surrounding and including the sink as well as the sink opening portion of a countertop. An illustrator includes a substrate having a front surface upon which a full-size color reproduction image of the imaged area including the sink, sink opening, and surrounding countertop portion is supported upon one surface thereof. The reverse surface of the substrate supports a dimensional drawing having appropriate dimensional information relating to the sink opening an sink structure for use by the consumer in determining the size requirements of the particular sink. A clear laminate formed of a pair of clear plastic laminations is secured to the substrate surfaces to provide a protective supporting enclosure.

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: Apparatus is provided for planning the design of a region and the positioning of objects in the region. A first layout having a first layout area is disposed in the region to represent placement of an object such as an article of furniture within the region in a pre-determined relationship with the region. A second layout having a second layout area is disposed in combination with the first layout to form a layout combination having a combined layout area. The combined layout area is adjusted in accordance with the dimensions of the object being represented. In order to adjust the combined layout area one layout may be disposed over a portion of the other layout. The combined area of the two layouts can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of area of one layout disposed over the other. Additionally, the combined area can be adjusted by folding or cutting at least one of the two layouts.

Abstract: A method for planning the design of a region and the positioning of objects in the region. A first layout having a first layout area is disposed in the region to represent placement of an object such as an article of furniture within the region in a pre-determined relationship with the region. A second layout having a second layout area is disposed in combination with the first layout to form a layout combination having a combined layout area. The combined layout are is adjusted in accordance with the dimensions of the object being represented. In order to adjust the combined layout area one layout may be disposed over a portion of the other layout. The combined area of the two layers can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of area of one layout disposed over the other. Additionally, the combined area can be adjusted by folding or cutting at least one of the two layouts.

Abstract: A modular layout assembly is disclosed for facilitating the layout of elements within a space. The modular layout assembly comprises a plurality of modules, each configured and dimensionally scaled to represent an element and made of a magnetically attracting material. A layout board for receiving the modules is made of a ferrous metal and presents a substantially planar surface; the planar surface has a grid thereon for assisting the arrangement of selected of the modules on the layout board. A case is provided for carrying the layout board and modules, and comprises first and second sections hinged together to permit the case to be opened and closed. The first section has a pocket for receiving the layout board, and a mechanism for retaining the layout board within the case to facilitate the arrangement of selected of the plurality of modules on the layout board and for releasing the layout board to facilitate the copying of the arrangement of modules.

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 modular layout assembly is disclosed for facilitating the layout of elements within a space. The modular layout assembly comprises a plurality of modules, each configured and dimensionally scaled to represent an element and made of a magnetically attracting material. A layout board for receiving the modules is made of a ferrous metal and presents a substantially planar surface; the planar surface has a grid thereon for assisting the arrangement of selected of the modules on the layout board. A case is provided for carrying the layout board and modules, and comprises first and second sections hinged together to permit the case to be opened and closed. The first section has a pocket for receiving the layout board, and a mechanism for retaining the layout board within the case to facilitate the arrangement of selected of the plurality of modules on the layout board and for releasing the layout board to facilitate the copying of the arrangement of modules.

Abstract: A space planning system includes a flexible cast-coated paper substrate with a smooth, flexible sheet of static cling vinyl electrostatically adhered to the coated surface thereof, the vinyl sheet being die cut into a plurality of graphic symbol elements in the shapes of plan or axonometric views of items such as wall sections, windows, furniture, appliances, plants and the like to be arranged in a space to be planned. In use, the graphic symbol elements are peeled from the substrate and electrostatically adhered to the work surface of a flexible work sheet to design a space and the arrangement of articles therein. A first type of work sheet if of clear, transparent polyester, reverse printed with a square or axonometric grid, and may be rolled up along with the graphic symbol substrate for storage in a tube. Another type of work sheet is secured to one or both sides of a rigid board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a knock down kit of miniature walls and miniature modular furniture items magnetically attachable together and including a rubber stamp face printing mechanism on each face miniature modular furniture items in the kit so as to facilitate the making of scale drawings of the layout of a room.

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.

Abstract: A planning device comprising a base foil and a transparent foil hingeably connected to each other along one edge. Both the surface of the transparent foil and the surface of the base foil adjacent to the transparent foil are smooth for repeated, releasable pressure-adherence to each other. Any object having a smooth surface can be repeatedly and releasably pressure-adhered to the smooth surface of the transparent foil. The device preferably comprises a cover foil hingeably connected to the transparent foil along one edge. The surface of the cover foil adjacent to the transparent foil is preferably also smooth so that the cover foil may be repeatedly and releasably pressure-adhered to the transparent foil.