Patent Application
20180300433
Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.
The present invention is generally related to computer aided design of physical structures.
Conventional computer aided design systems aid in the complex process of design physical structures, such as buildings, houses, and walls. However, such conventional systems lack the ability to adequately simply the process of designing structures using modular components while reducing material waste.
The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
An aspect of this disclosure relates to systems and methods that provide computer aided design of structures (e.g., walls, structures that incorporate walls, etc.). An aspect of the disclosure relates to computer aided design systems and methods that facilitate the design of structures using predefined building modules and/or customized building modules. Optionally, building modules may be configured to removably interconnect one with another. Optionally, the modules may be of predefined dimensions and/or may be of customized dimensions.
An aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of designing a structure, the method comprising: providing, by a computer aided design (CAD) system comprising hardware, a user interface (e.g., comprising: a wall drawing tool, a window module placement tool, a door unit placement tool, and a working area); detecting a user selection of the wall drawing tool; detecting a user start wall indication provided at a first coordinate in the work area; detecting a user end wall indication provided at a second coordinate in the work area; causing a wall to be drawn in the work area between the first coordinate and the second coordinate; accessing a wall height; accessing dimensional information for a plurality of pre-defined wall module types having predefined dimensions, including a first wall module type having a first length and a second wall module type having a second length; selecting and determining positioning of one or more wall module types from the pre-defined wall module types to provide a model of an assembly of the wall with the accessed wall height; generating a rendering of the model of the assembly for the wall, the rendering of the model of the assembly indicating the position of the selected module-types used to form the drawn wall; generating a parts list comprising a quantity of each of the selected module-types; and enabling the parts list to be utilized to package and ship parts in the parts list.
An aspect of this disclosure relates to computer-implemented method of designing a structure, the method comprising: providing, by a computer system comprising hardware, a user interface comprising: a wall drawing tool; a working area; detecting a user selection of the wall drawing tool; detecting a user start wall indication provided at a first coordinate in the work area; detecting a user end wall indication provided at a second coordinate in the work area; causing a wall to be drawn between the first coordinate and the second coordinate; accessing a wall height; accessing dimensional information for a plurality of pre-defined wall module types having predefined dimensions, including a first wall module type having a first length and a second wall module type having a second length; selecting and determining positioning of one or more wall module types from the pre-defined wall module types to provide a model of an assembly of the drawn wall with the accessed wall height; generating a drawing of the model of the assembly for the drawn wall, the drawing of the model of the assembly indicating the position of the selected module-types used to form the drawn wall; and generating a parts list comprising a quantity of each of the selected module-types.
An aspect of this disclosure relates to a system comprising: at least one computing device; non-transitory memory that stores program instructions that when executed by the at least one computing device cause the same system to perform operations comprising; provide a user interface comprising: a wall drawing tool; a working area; detect a user selection of the wall drawing tool; detect a user drawing of a wall within the working area utilizing the wall drawing tool and cause the wall to be rendered within the working area; access a wall height; select one or more wall module types from a plurality of wall module types having one or more different dimensions and determine positioning of the selected wall module types; generate a rendering of the wall utilizing the selected wall module types and determined wall module positions; and generate a parts list comprising a quantity of each of the selected module-types.
An aspect of this disclosure relates to a CAD system configured to provide a user interface comprising a structure drawing tool and a working area. The CAD system is further configured to detect a user selection of the structure drawing tool, detect a user drawing of a structure within the working area utilizing the structure drawing tool and cause the structure to be rendered within the working area. The CAD system determines, at least in part, which module types are to be used to form the structure. The CAD system is configured to determine positioning of the selected module types. Optionally, the CAD system is configured to generate a rendering of the structure (or a portion thereof) utilizing the selected module types and determined module positions. Optionally, the CAD system is configured to generate a parts list comprising a quantity of respective selected module-types. The structure may optionally comprise one or more walls.
Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings summarized below. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
Systems and methods are described that provide computer aided design of structures, such as walls and structures that incorporate walls. An aspect of the disclosure relates to computer aided design systems and methods that facilitate the design of structures using predefined building modules. The building modules may be configured to removably interconnect one with another. Optionally, the modules may be of predefined dimensions and/or may be customized.
Non-limiting examples of such building modules, related components and assembly techniques are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,756,867 (issued Jun. 24, 2014), U.S. Pat. No. 9,220,995 (issued Dec. 29, 2015), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/357,107 (filed Nov. 21, 2016) and Ser. No. 14/962,959 (filed Dec. 8, 2015), the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Further, the disclosed computer aided design systems and methods may be configured to automatically determine which and how many modules are needed to build a structure defined by a user in an efficient manner to reduce the amount of modules needed, thereby reducing waste product, pollution, and material costs. Still further, the disclosed computer aided design systems and methods may further be configured to automatically determine how to efficiently pack building modules and related components for shipment. Yet further, the disclosed computer aided design systems and methods may further be configured to generate human and/or machine readable manufacturing instructions, parts lists, sale documents, and to facilitate inventory control. Still further, the computer aided design systems and methods may be configured to facilitate the design and construction of stable and safe structures, such as walls with window and/or door units.
For example, the disclosed computer aided design systems and methods may optionally be utilized to design structures using some or all of the following example building modules and components, and variations thereof, as wells as other types of modules and components.
The wall module 5300 can have a support member 5302, one or more connector members 5306, and one or more cover members 5310 (also referred to herein as panels or panel members) supported by the support member 5302. The support member 5302 and the connector members may be integrally formed as a single component. The support member 5302 can have an upper or first support element 5303 positioned at an upper or first end of the module 5300 and a lower or second support element 5304 positioned at a lower or second end of the module 5300. A given support member 5302 (including its connector members) may optionally be hollow or may be solid. A given connector member may have an orifice and passageway 5307 via which cables, conduit, piping, and/or poles may be routed. For example, the cables may be electrical cables, the piping may be for liquids, and the poles may be configured to support a roof member, such as a tarp, over one or more wall modules (e.g., over wall modules assembled to form a two, three, or four walled room or stall). Any number of connector members 5306 can be used, depending on the size of the wall module, and the size and/or number of connector members 5306 can be used. For example, the wall module embodiment 5300 illustrated in
The connector members 5306 can be configured to be supported by the support member 5302 on an upper surface or portion 5302a of the support member 5302. A given support member 5302 (including its connector members) may optionally be hollow or may be solid. As used in this disclosure, the term “hollow” has its ordinary meaning, which includes having a hole or empty space inside. As one example, a hollow connection member can have a recess that is substantially bounded on all sides but one. A given connector member may have an orifice and passageway 5307 via which cables, conduit, piping, and/or poles may be routed. For example, the cables may be electrical cables, the piping may be for liquids, and the poles may be configured to support a roof member, such as a tarp, over one or more wall modules (e.g., over wall modules assembled to form a two, three, or four walled room or stall). Any number of connector members 5306 can be used, depending on the size of the wall module, and the size and/or number of connector members 5306 can be used. For example, the wall module embodiment 5300 illustrated in
The connector members 5306 may optionally have tapered walls 5309 with a flat or domed square or rectangular top surface 5311 and/or bottom surface or orifice to thereby facilitate the engagement of male and female connector members or support members. For example, the connector members 5306 may be in the form of a square based pyramid with a truncated top. Other shapes, such as a truncated or non-truncated cone or triangular based pyramid or other pyramidal frustum may be used for one or more of the connector members.
The connector members 5306 can be configured to be received within complementary sized openings 5308 formed in or positioned at a lower edge 5302 of the support member 5302 so that a plurality of support members 5302 can be interconnected to form a larger wall structure. In embodiments where the connector members 5306 of a support member are hollow, a support member can be used as either male support member or as a female support member, depending on whether the support member is installed so that its connector member protrusions are extending from the wall module 5300 (to be used as a male) or are extending into the interior of the wall module 5300 (to be used as a female connector member configured to receive a male connector member).
As with any of the embodiments described above, the support members 5302 can be used to support display panels (such as, but not limited to, cover members 5310), facades, or other aesthetic components. Further, any of the support members 5302 can have recesses, cuts, openings, weight relief features, or other similar features formed therein to reduce the weight of the support members without unacceptably compromising the stiffness of the support members.
Additionally, in any embodiments, any number of connector members 5306 can be positioned on or supported by one or more of the side surfaces 5302c of the support member 5302 so that the support members 5302 can be interconnected in a lateral direction as well to provide removable connections between a plurality of laterally arranged wall modules 5300. For example, openings can be formed in the side portions 5302c of any of the support members 5302, wherein the connector members 5306 can be slidably or otherwise removably supported within the openings. When it is desired to interconnect one or more wall modules 5300, one or more connector members 5306 can be inserted within the openings formed in an upper surface, lower surface, and/or either of the side surfaces of the support member 5302, to interconnect two or more wall modules. As noted above, the openings may be formed and defined by hollow connector members 5306 positioned to face the interior of the wall 5300. Advantageously, an assembled wall unit 5300 may be disassembled, and where the connector members 5306 are hollow, the support members 5302 may be stacked one on top of the other in nested fashion, where a given connector member of a support member is inserted into the bottom opening of a corresponding connector member of second support member and at least a portion of the support member nests within the second support member. The two or more of the support members, including the connector members 5306, may have the same configuration and dimensions and may be manufactured using the same mold or other fabrication machining.
Optionally, one or more floor support members can be used to support the wall structures in a vertical position or orientation, or at any suitable angular orientation. Optionally, the floor support members can engage or attach to the support members of any of the wall modules to provide a stable connection to the wall module. The floor support members can have a base portion that can be wider than a width of the wall modules, and can have a vertical portion that can overlap and/or engage with the support members. The vertical portions may form a slot in which the wall structures may rest. In addition or instead, the floor support members may be affixed to the wall structures using bolts, screws, rivets, and/or otherwise.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the panels 5610a, 5610b has an outer perimeter 5611 and an opening 5612 (e.g., central opening) defined by an inner perimeter 5614 of the panel 5610, 5610b. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner perimeter 5614 is defined by a pair of generally horizontal edges 5618 and a pair of generally vertical edges 5620. Optionally, the outer perimeter 5611 has a generally square shape. In other embodiments the outer perimeter 5611 can be generally rectangular. Optionally, the inner perimeter 5614 defines a square shaped opening 5612. In other embodiments the inner perimeter 5614 can be generally rectangular. The panels 5610a, 5610b can have a border (e.g., continuous border) B defined between the outer perimeter 5611 and the inner perimeter 5614. The generally horizontal edges 5618 and generally vertical edges 5620 can optionally have one or more recessed edge portions 5616 defined therein. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter 5611 can have a size of approximately 3 feet by approximately 3½ feet. However, the outer perimeter 5611 can have other suitable sizes such as approximately 3½ feet by approximately 4 feet. In one embodiment, the inner perimeter 5614 can have a size of approximately 2 feet by approximately 2 feet. However, the inner perimeter 5614 can have other suitable sizes.
Each panel 5610a, 5610b can have one or more openings 5613 (e.g., slot openings, slits). In one embodiment, the openings 5613 extend completely through the thickness t of the panels 5610a, 5610b. In another embodiment, the openings 5613 extend partially through the thickness t of the panels 5610a, 5610b. In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 5610a, 5610b have a plurality of openings 5613, with four openings on the bottom side, four openings on the top side, and one opening on each of the left and right sides of the panel 5610a, 5610b. However, the panels 5610a, 5610b can have other suitable number of openings 5613. In one embodiment, the openings 5613 can be spaced apart by a distance 5615. Optionally, the distance 5615 can be constant for openings 5613 on the bottom and/or top sides of the panel 5610a, 5610b, so that such openings 5613 are equidistant. In one embodiment, the distance 5615 can be approximately 6 inches, but can be shorter or longer than this in other embodiments. In another embodiment, the distance 5615 between openings 5613 can vary. Each panel 5610a, 5610b can optionally have one or more openings or apertures 5622 sized to receive a fastener (e.g., screw, nail) therethrough, for example to couple the two panels 5610a, 5610b together, as described further below.
The frame member 5640 can have a length 5648 that generally coincides with a length of the generally horizontal and vertical edges 5618, 5620. In one embodiment, the frame member 5640 can have a length of approximately 2 feet, a width of approximately 5 inches and a thickness of approximately ¼ inch. However, in other embodiments, the frame member 5640 can have other dimensions. The frame member 5640 can have one or more openings 5643 (e.g., slot openings, slits). In one embodiment, the openings 5643 are spaced apart by approximately the same amount as the distance 5615 between the openings 5613 in the panels 5610a, 5610b. The frame member 5640 can also have one or more protrusions or tabs 5641a on side edges thereof. A tab 5641b can be defined on one end and a recessed edge portion 5645 can be defined on an opposite end of the frame member 5640.
The internal support element 5660 can have one or more protrusions or tabs 5661 on side edges thereof, a protrusion or tab 5663 on an end thereof, and a straight edge 5665 on an opposite end of the internal support element 5660. An opening 5667 can extend through the body of the internal support element 5660. In one embodiment, the internal support member 5660 can have a height of approximately 7 inches, a width of approximately 5 inches and a thickness of approximately ¼ inch. However, the internal support member 5660 can have other dimensions. In one embodiment, the opening 5667 can be a circular opening with a diameter of approximately 1⅜ inches. However, the opening 5667 can have other suitable shapes and sizes.
In use, the panels 5610a can be positioned on a support surface (e.g., floor, table, etc.). One or more internal support elements 5660 can be coupled to the panel 5610a, by inserting one of the side tabs 5661 in a corresponding opening 5613 in the panel 5610a and such that the straight edge 5665 of the internal support element 5660 is aligned with an outer perimeter edge of the panel 5610a, and so that the tab 5663 of the internal support element 5660 is aligned with an inner perimeter edge of the panel 5610a. Similarly, internal support elements 5660 can be coupled to the panel 5610a by inserting side tabs 5661 in the openings 5613 along the bottom and top edges of the panel 5610a. The second panel 5610b can be placed over the panel 5610a, so that the internal support elements 5660 are interposed between the panels 5610a, 5610b and so that the side tabs 5661 on an opposite side of the internal support elements 5660 couple with the openings 5613 in the second panel 5610b. The openings 5667 of the internal support elements 5660 (e.g., once installed on the bottom and/or top sides of the panels 5610a, 5610b) are advantageously aligned and receive and support a conduit that is inserted through the openings 5667 (e.g., conduit carrying electrical cables, water line, etc.).
One or more connector members 5306 (see
The one or more frame members 5640 can be positioned between the panels 5610a, 5610b along the inner perimeter of the window module 5600. The openings 5643 of the frame member 5640 can couple to end tabs 5663 of the internal connector elements 5660. The side tabs 5641a of the frame member 5640 can couple to the recessed edge portions 5616 on the generally horizontal and vertical edges 5618, 5620 of the panels 5610a, 5610b. The frame members 5640 are also advantageously arranged in the inner perimeter of the panels 5610a, 5610b so that they interconnect with each other. In one embodiment, the end tab 5641b of one frame member 5640 (e.g., on a bottom edge of the window module 5600) can extend into the recessed edge portion 5645 of an adjacent frame member 5640 (e.g., on a vertical side edge of the window module 5600). Accordingly, the frame members 5640 once installed in the assembled window module 5600 define an inner window frame that can advantageously receive and support a preassembled window, thereby facilitating the process of assembling a window for use in a modular wall made of a plurality of wall modules, such as the wall modules 5300. Advantageously, the inner perimeter 5614 edges and frame members 5640 define substantially perpendicular angles to provide a substantially true shape that allows for easy installation and removal of the preassembled window from the window module 5600.
The connector 5900 can have a first plate member (or wing) 5910 and a second plat member (or wing) 5920 that are interconnected by a base 5930. The plate members 5910, 5920 can be spaced apart from each other to define a channel 5940 therebetween. Optionally, one or both of the plate members 5910, 5920 can have one or more bumps or protrusions 5950 that extend into the channel 5940 from a surface of the plate members 5910, 5920. The plate members 5910, 5920 can optionally extend at an angle 5960 relative to each other. In one embodiment, the angle 5960 can be approximately 85 degrees. However, in other embodiments the plate members 5910, 5920 can extend at other suitable angles relative to each other that are larger or smaller than the value provided above. In still another embodiment, the plate members 5910, 5920 can be substantially parallel to each other.
In one embodiment, the connector 5900 can be made out of a resilient material that allows at least a portion of the connector 5900 to flex (e.g., when connecting wall modules, as described below). In some embodiments, the connector 5900 can be made of a plastic material. However, the connector 5900 can be made of other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the connector 5900 can have a length 5946 of about 3¾ inches, a width 5944 at its base of about 2 inches and a width 5942 at its open end of about 7/10 inches. However, the connector 5900 can have other suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, where the plate members 5910, 5920 are substantially parallel to each other, the width 5944 at the base and the width 5942 at the open end of the connector 5900 can be substantially the same.
In use, wall modules described herein, such as the wall modules 5300 described above, can be coupled to define a larger structure, such as a wall. The connector 5900 allows for the coupling of adjacent side-by-side wall modules. In one embodiment, when two wall modules 5300 (see
The extension member 6000 can have a head 6010 attached to a screw 6020, which can be threadably coupled to an insert 6030. The insert 6030 can have a pair of tabs or feet 6034 that extend laterally from a body of the insert 6030 in a direction generally perpendicular to an axis of the screw 6020. The distance between the head 6010 and the insert 6030 can be adjusted by screwing or unscrewing the insert 6030 along the screw 6020.
The extension members 6000 advantageously allow for the height and/or width of a wall module, such as the wall module 5300, to be adjusted so that a modular wall constructed out of multiple wall modules 5300 can fit a room with a ceiling height or room width that is greater than the wall height or width that can be achieved with just coupling the wall modules 5300 together.
The sleeve can have a flange 6125 that can facilitate the coupling of the extension member 6100 to a wall module, such as the wall module 6300. For example, the flange 6125 can be coupled (e.g., with one or more fasteners, such as screws, nails, etc.) to interconnecting frame or rib members disposed between the panels 5310a, 5310b of the wall module 5300, and one end 6112 of the elongate tube 6110 extending through an opening in the frame or rib members. The opposite end 6114 of the elongate tube 6110 can bear against a wall or extend through another wall module 5300. Optionally, the opposite end 6114 of the elongate tube 6110 can attach to an extension panel, similar to the extension panel 6050, that can bear against a wall or wall module 5300. In one embodiment, the extension member 6100 can be coupled to a wall module 5300 to increase a height and/or width of the wall module 5300, similar to the manner shown in
The leveling plate 6310a, 6310b can have a raised wall 6330 that defines a cavity 6332 therein and one or more openings 6334 on the raised wall 6330. The cavity 6332 is sized to receive an expandable member 6350. In one embodiment, the expandable member 6350 can be a pneumatic bladder. In another embodiment, the expandable member 6350 can be a hydraulic bladder. The expandable member or bladder 6350 has a connector 6352 that can be received in the opening 6334 of the raised wall 6330. The connector 6352 can allow the expandable member or bladder 6350 to be expanded. In one embodiment, a pump (e.g., manually operated pump, motor operated pump) can be connected to the connector 6352 to inflate the expandable member or bladder 6350. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two leveling plates 6310a, 6310b side by side and one expandable member 6350 in one of the cavities 6332 of the two leveling plates 6310a, 6310b. However, in other embodiments, there can be an expandable member 6350 in each of the cavities 6332 of the leveling plates 6310a, 6310b, and each of the expandable members 6350 can be independently expanded (e.g., inflated) as needed to account for an uneven support surface (e.g., floor) on which the wall module(s) sits.
The leveling plates 6310a, 6310b can be interconnected by a locking member 6340 that can extend into the openings 6314 of adjacent leveling plates 6310a, 6310b. The leveling plates 6310a, 6310b are sized to fit under the connector block 5306, as best shown in
Additionally, in any embodiments disclosed herein, the wall modules can be configured to support and include water and gas conduit(s), piping and/or fixtures to enable the passage of fluids and/or gases through the wall modules. Such conduit or fixtures can be configured, for example, to supply gas or fluids to sinks, showers, bathtubs, faucets, fountains, any water features, fireplaces or other flame sources, or any combination of the foregoing, that can also be positioned on, in, or otherwise supported by the wall modules. For example, the conduit can be configured to removably pass through openings or channels in the wall modules, or can be integrated directly into the wall modules and have sealable connections (e.g., quick release connections) between the wall modules so that the conduit can be quickly interconnected when the wall modules are interconnected.
Additionally, any embodiments disclosed herein can also support electrical conduit, lighting, or other electrical fixtures. As with the plumbing or gas conduit, the wall modules can have electrical connections at the interfaces of the wall modules for quick connection. Or, in addition or instead, the wall modules can be configured such that the electrical conduit can be passed through openings, passages, or through or over other features positioned about the wall modules to permit the electrical conduit to be quickly and easily advanced through the wall modules. Lights and other electrical features can be positioned about the wall modules in any desired positions. Spuds or other metal fasteners can be positioned about the wall modules for supporting lights, electrical conduit or other similar components. Optionally, the wall modules can have one or more stubs on an upper surface (or other surface) therefor to support lights. For example, the lights may be equipped with clamps or the like which may be clamped on to or otherwise removably attached to the stubs. The lights may include a cylindrical mount or other mount that mates with a stub having a receiving/mating configuration (e.g., a cylindrical opening configured to receive the cylindrical mount). The lights can be used for decoration purposes or can be used to illuminate the wall modules and/or a space defined by the wall modules. For example, the lights may be used to illuminate actors and/or props positioned in a set defined in whole or in part by one or more wall modules.
Although the various building-related modules and components were disclosed herein as being full size or scale, any embodiments disclosed herein can be made or formed at any desired height or size. For example and without limitation, scaled models or toy versions of any of the modules and components disclosed herein can be made having any combination of the features disclosed herein. Such scaled models can be useful for mockups, demonstrations, or simply as toys. The scaled models can be from approximately 1/10th size, or approximately 1/12th sized scaled models (or other scale), and can be made from any suitable materials such as plastic, wood, metal, or any combination of the foregoing. Optionally, the models may be manufactured using 3D printing or other manufacturing techniques disclosed herein. The utilization of the various building-related modules and components is not limited to a particular application, and may be used for stages or sets, as temporary structures, emergency structures, tradeshow structures, store interiors, etc.
An example system architecture that may be utilized to provide computer aided design and manufacturing services will now be discussed with reference to
The client terminals may be in the form of a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile phone, smart television, dedicated CAD terminal, or other computing device. A client terminal may include user input and output devices, such a displays (touch or non-touch displays), speakers, microphones, trackpads, mice, pen input, printers, haptic feedback devices, cameras, and the like. A client terminal may include wireless and/or wired network interfaces via which the client terminal may communicate with the CAD system 3702 over one or more networks. A user terminal may optionally include a local data store that may store CAD designs which may also be stored on, and synchronized with, a cloud data store.
As will be described in greater detail herein, the CAD system 3702 may provide tools to graphically construct computer models of structures that may be assembled using pre-defined building modules and related components such as those discussed elsewhere herein and illustrated in the figures. The CAD system 3702 tools may include wall drawing and placement tools, window drawing and placement tools, door drawing and placement tools, and wall surface treatment specification tools. The CAD system 3702 tools may also enable the addition and placement of other components, such as wall hinges (that enable the angle of connected walls to be changed), shelves and/or shelf mounting hardware, leveling assemblies, conduits (e.g., electrical or water conduits), floor support members, lights, electrical controls (e.g., wired or wireless light switches or switches), and the like.
The CAD system 3702 may generate and provide a graphical user interface enabling the user to utilize the tools to draw (e.g., using a pointing tool) one or more walls, connect walls, place windows on walls, place doors on walls, and/or place components on walls or otherwise mechanically coupled to walls, via one or more design areas. The graphical user interface may optionally illustrate surface treatments selected or applied by the user. The CAD system 3702 may a provide drag and drop and/or point and drop interface to enable the user to position building elements, reposition building elements, and/or change the dimensions of building elements. The CAD system 3702 may provide top plan, front plan, and/or perspective plan views of structures designed by the user.
The CAD system 3702 may optionally generate, based on a user design, order forms (including a bill of materials listing of parts, part quantities, and cost per part, per part type, and total cost) and/or manufacturing instructions based on a user design. Some or all of the information generated by the CAD system 3702 may be provided to an inventory system 3704, a manufacturing system 3706, and/or a packing/shipping system 3708. Some are all of the foregoing systems may optionally be cloud based. Optionally, the CAD system 3702, inventory system 3704, manufacturing system 3706, and/or packing/shipping system 3708 may be the same system and may be operated by the same entity. Optionally, the CAD system 3702 may generate, based on a user design, quote forms (including a bill of materials listing of parts, part quantities, and cost per part, per part type, and total cost) for a user design, or for multiple alternative designs. The quote form may include one or more accept controls (e.g., one for each design) and/or one or more delete controls (e.g., one for each design). The user can delete a design from the quote by activating a corresponding delete control, or place an order for a design by activating the accept control (e.g., a place order control).
For example, the CAD system 3702 may optionally generate directives in the form of manufacturing machine instructions (e.g., using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software for the manufacture of components (e.g., modules that are not already in inventory) for a user design. By way of illustration, the CAM software may generate specific commands (e.g., using G code) for a particular machine or set of machines to produce a module or component, which may then be loaded into or otherwise communicated to a computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing machine (e.g., a CNC machine that uses molds to manufacture components, a CNC milling machine, a CNC router machine, a CNC cutter machine, a CNC grinder machine, a CNC automated nail delivery system, etc.). For example, the commands may specify, as appropriate, a 2D or 3D tool path, work piece feed rate, spindle speed, step down distance, step over distance, depth of cut, width of cut, torque, tapping speed, and/or the like. The commands may also specify that identifiers be molded into, printed on, and/or applied via an adhesive label on some or all of the components. The identifiers may be used when generating assembly instructions (e.g., printed instructions and/or animated instructions). Optionally, each component is given a unique identifier. Optionally, each component type is given a unique identifier. For example, each 3 foot block having 4 connection members may be labeled with the identifier 3F4C, while each 3 foot block having 2 connection members may be labeled with the identifier 3F3C.
The CAD system 3702 may enable multiple users to collaborate on a design via their respective terminals, optionally in real time, and generate and provide tracking information, indicating who made a given revision, when the revision was made, and what the revision was. The CAD system 3702 may further store a record of changes an enable a user to undo or redo changes to a design.
The CAD system 3702 may include or have access to a data store that stores of component library. The component library may include information on building modules (e.g., the wall modules described herein), including their dimensions (e.g., length, width, and/or height), the number of connector member protrusions, module-type identifier, and the like. The component library may include information (e.g., dimensional information (e.g., length, width, and/or height information), application information, load bearing information, electrical connection information, color information, cost information, lead time ordering information, as relevant) on other components such as window modules, door units, wall hinges, shelves and/or shelf mounting hardware, leveling assemblies, conduits (e.g., electrical or water conduits), floor support members, lights, electrical controls, and the like. For example, information regarding a conduit may include an indication as to whether it is useable in pluming application, in electrical application, or the like. Information regarding shelves and/or shelf mounting hardware may include load bearing information. The system may include or have access to a data store that stores user account information, including user designs, parts lists, ordering documents, shipping information, order history, and the like.
The inventory system 3704 may receive a bill of materials from the CAD system 3702, may access its inventory records of parts, determine which parts are in stock, determine which parts are out of stock but are on order, determine which parts are out of stock and not on order, and which parts are in stock but below a specified threshold. The inventory system 3704 may also provide some or all of the foregoing inventory information to the CAD system 3702, and optionally the CAD system 3702 will not design or inhibit the design (e.g., via an out of stock warning) of a structure using a certain component if the component (e.g., a wall module) is not available in inventory. The inventory system 3704 may instruct the manufacturing system 3706 to manufacture certain parts using the manufacturing instructions generated by the CAD system 3702, and may order other components that are out of stock or below a specified threshold from third party vendors.
The packing/shipping system 3708 may generate packing instructions to efficiently package the materials being shipped to the user. For example, the instructions may specify package sizes, which parts are to be shipped in which package, and the orientation of the parts in the package. The packing/shipping system 3708 may further generate shipping labels and/or other shipping documents.
The CAD system 3702 may include one or more processing units 3720 (e.g., a general purpose process and/or a high speed graphics processor with integrated transform, lighting, triangle setup/clipping, and/or rendering engines), one or more network interfaces 3722, a non-transitory computer-readable medium drive 3724, and an input/output device interface 3726, all of which may communicate with one another by way of one or more communication buses. The network interface 3724 may provide the CAD services with connectivity to one or more networks or computing systems. The processing unit 3720 may thus receive information and instructions from other computing devices, systems, or services via a network. The processing unit 3720 may also communicate to and from memory 3724 and further provide output information via the input/output device interface 3726. The input/output device interface 3726 may also accept input from various input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, digital pen, touch screen, microphone, camera, etc.
The memory 3728 may contain computer program instructions that the processing unit 3720 may execute in order to implement one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The memory 3720 generally includes RAM, ROM and/or other persistent or non-transitory computer-readable storage media. The memory 3720 may store an operating system 3732 that provides computer program instructions for use by the processing unit 3720 in the general administration and operation of the CAD application module 3734, including it components. The CAD application module components may include a GUI component that generates graphical user interfaces and processes user inputs, a rules engine to ensure that user designs do not violate design rules, a CAD file generator that generates data files for an inputted user design, a material list generator that generates a material list for a user design, and/or a CNC code generator that generates instructions for CNC manufacturing machines. The memory 3728 may further include other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure.
In an example embodiment, the memory 3728 includes an interface module 3730. The interface module 3730 can be configured to facilitate generating one or more interfaces through which a compatible computing device, may send to, or receive from, the CAD application module 3734 data and designs.
The modules or components described above may also include additional modules or may be implemented by computing devices that may not be depicted in
For example, to draw a wall, the CAD system may enable the user to select the wall drawing tool, indicate (e.g., via a tap of a pointing device on a touch screen or via a click of a mouse, pen, or other pointing device) a start position in the work area for the wall, then move (e.g., drag) the pointing device (e.g., a mouse, finger, or electronic pen) to an end position, and provide an end indication (e.g., by clicking the pointing device, lifting the pointing device from the touch screen, or otherwise provide an end indication), and the wall will be drawn between the start and end positions. Optionally, the system will continuously draw the wall from the start position to the current location of the pointing device cursor/indicator, until the user provides the end indication. Optionally, the CAD system enables the user to change the length of the wall by selecting one end of the wall and dragging it to a new desired position in the work area and/or by entering a numerical length in length field.
Optionally, the system quantizes the wall length as it is drawn so the wall is only drawn in increments corresponding to the lengths that can be assembled using available building modules (e.g., using a standard predefined wall module having the shortest length). For example, if the smallest standard available building block has a length of 2 feet, the system may only permit the user to draw a wall that is a multiple of 2 feet. Optionally, the user interface enables the user to define a wall angle relative to a vertical axis, relative to a side of a bounded space (e.g., defined using the bounding box tool described elsewhere herein), and/or relative to another wall in the work area. For example, the user interface may enable the user to drag one end of a wall at an angle. Optionally, a user interface is provided via which the user can specify (e.g., via an angle field) or select a numerically defined angle (e.g., 90 degrees, 45 degrees, or the like).
By way of further example, the CAD system may enable the user to select a wall that has been drawn, and then select a door or window, and the door or window are automatically placed at a location on the wall that satisfies one or more placement rules and optionally at a location that the system infers the user may want to place the door or window. For example, the rules may require that a window/door cannot be located closer than a specified distance or number of building components (e.g., building blocks) from the end of a wall or within a specified distance or number of building components (e.g., building blocks) from another window/door. Optionally, once a door or window is placed on a wall, the user can point at and select the door or window and drag it to a new location on the wall or delete it from the wall. By way of further example, a rule may indicate that a wall must be anchored to pre-existing studded wall, a solid support beam, or a support wall (e.g., where a support wall be a wall configured to form the top of a “T” shape ├ when connected to the wall being supported, where the wall being supported is connect to about the middle of the support wall). Another example rule may specify that a support wall must be at least a specified length (e.g., 3 feet long), be designed using 3 foot wall modules, and as tall as the wall that it is supporting. Other rules may indicate that a wall needs to be anchored at one end or at both ends. Still another example rule may indicate that a wall may not span more than a threshold number of feet (e.g., 15 feet), between anchor points.
Optionally, the system will indicate if the location violates a placement rule (e.g., via a pop up textual warning, highlighting the window, changing the color of the window, prevent the user from dropping the window at the location). Optionally, the user interface enables the user to specify a height and/or width of a window or door. Optionally, tools are provided via which the user can add and position other components, such as wall hinges (that enable the angle of connected, hinged walls to be changed), shelves and/or shelf mounting hardware, leveling assemblies, conduits (e.g., electrical or water conduits), floor support members, lights, electrical controls (e.g., wired or wireless light switches or switches), and the like.
The pan tool may be used to drag the design in the work area section so as to display a desired part of the design. The zoom in, zoom out, and zoom fit controls may be utilized to correspondingly control the zoom view of the design in the work area section. The select mode tool may be used to activate a select mode, wherein when the user clicks on a component in the work area, that component will be selected, and optionally the display of the component will be modified (e.g., via color, bolding, emphasized component outline, cross hatching, blinking, or otherwise) to indicate that the component has been selected. The bounding box tool is used to place a visible perimeter around an area of the work area. The perimeter may be used to indicate an area allotted for a structure being designed. Optionally, the system will generate a notification if the user places a portion of the structure outside of the perimeter. The font tools may be utilized to increase or decrease font size of selected text.
An example details area includes various detail controls, including a wall detail control, a wall list control, a plan details control, and a plan list control, which are described in greater detail elsewhere herein.
Optionally, a user interface is provided via which the user may specify whether building blocks used to design a structure are to be sized according to the metric system (e.g., building blocks having a length that is an integer number of meters or centimeters) or sized according to the U.S./Imperial system (e.g., building blocks having a length that is an integer number of feet or inches).
Optionally, a user interface (e.g., a materials menu) may be provided for display on a user terminal that enables a user to specify what material(s) a given component (e.g., block, panel, clip, skin, etc.) or module is to be manufactured from (e.g., steel, aluminum, ABS plastic, carbon fiber, MDF, plastic laminated MDF, fiberglass, and/or other materials). This enables a user to select the appropriate material based on cost, weight, fire resistance properties, water resistance properties, code requirements, and/or other criteria. Optionally, a user interface may be provided via which the user can provide (e.g., via a menu selection or text field entry) one or more building-related codes that the structure being designed needs to comply with. The system may then access from a rules data store rules associated with the provided codes, determine what materials need to be used for a given component to comply with such codes, and restrict the materials menu for a given component to listing only those that meet the code(s). The material-type may be indicated in the parts list.
Optionally, a skin menu is provided via which the user can select a desired skin from available skins (e.g., to be applied to blocks, panels, caps, and/or other components). For example, the skin menu may enable a user to select from one or more of the following skins: raw MDF, vinyl MDF, corkboard, blackboard, white dry-erase, ECLICK paintable, a particular wood finish (e.g., pine, walnut, oak, etc.), and/or the like. Optionally, a cap menu is provided via which the user can select from available caps (e.g., wood, metal, none, etc.) for a wall side, wall top, wall bottom, or other assembly. Optionally, a plate menu may be provided which enables a user to indicate that there is to be a plate on one side of the wall, both sides of the wall, or neither side of the wall. Optionally, a cleat menu may be provided which enables a user to indicate that there are to be one or more cleats, or no cleats. Optionally, a level menu may be provided which enables a user to indicate that there is to be a levelling assembly (which may be used to level the wall when set on an uneven surface). Any specified skins, caps, plates, and/or cleats may be added to the parts list and order, and may be rendered in the work area and/or details area.
Optionally, a control may be provided that enables the user to specify a custom block size. For example, in response to activating a “wild card” block control, height and width text fields and/or menus may be presented via which the user can specify a custom height and/or width for a custom block.
The user selections of materials, skins, caps, plates, cleats, levelling assemblies, blocks sizes, and/or other components or component characteristics will then be utilized to generate a corresponding order, manufacturing to satisfy the order, and delivery of corresponding components.
The system may automatically generate and/or access, and provide for display various items of metadata. For example, the system may automatically generate and display a wall identifier for each wall (“A”, “B”, and “C” in this example). Optionally, a user interface is provided via which the user can change a wall identifier. In this example, the system automatically tracks the length of a wall as it is being drawn and generates a display of the wall length in real-time. Once the user specifies the end location for the wall, the system generates and displays in association with the wall the final wall length, as determined by the system. In this example, wall “A” has a length of 7 feet, wall “B” has a length of 8 feet, and wall “C” has a length of 10 feet. Optionally, a user interface is provided via which the user can specify whether the unit of measure is to be provided via the metric system (e.g., in meters or centimeters) or the US/Imperial system (e.g., in feet or inches), and the units of measurement to use (e.g., meters or centimeters). Optionally, other metadata, accessed from a component library (e.g., dimensional information, application information, load bearing information, electrical connection information, color information, cost information, lead time ordering information, as relevant), may be provided for display as well. In this example, wall “A” has been selected and is emphasized by the system (by being filled in with a solid color) to indicate the selection.
In this example, the walls are of a fixed width corresponding to the width of a predefined standard building block module, where the user is optionally prevented from changing the wall width.
Optionally, the system quantizes the placement of a component (e.g., a door or window) so that the component is placed only at positions that will enable the wall to be assembled using available building modules (e.g., using a standard predefined wall module having the shortest length). For example, if the shortest standard available building module has a length of 2 feet, the system may only permit the user to position a window at the edge of the wall, or in multiples of 2 feet from the wall edge (e.g., 2 feet from the wall edge, 4 feet from the wall edge, and so on).
The details area displays details corresponding to one or more walls in the design area and the selected details control. In this example, the wall details control is selected. The displayed wall details correspond to the currently selected wall (wall “A” in this example). The wall details include the identifier corresponding to the selected wall, the wall length, the wall height, the window position (if any), the door position (if any), a skin identifier for the selected skin (e.g., raw MDF, vinyl MDF, corkboard, blackboard, white dry-erase, ECLICK paintable, a particular wood finish (e.g., pine, walnut, oak, etc.), and/or the like) for a first side of the wall, and a skin identifier for the selected skin for a second side of the wall. In this example, the window position is provided as the number of feet between the left side of the window and the left side of the wall. Similarly, the door position is provided as the number of feet between the left side of the door and the left side of the wall. In this example, the door position is 2 feet and the window position is “none” (because there is no window in the wall). If there were no building blocks between the left side of the door and an end of the wall (where the door is position so that its left side is coterminous with the left side of the wall), the position may be given as “0”. Optionally in addition or instead, a door or window position may be specified as the number of building blocks from an end of the wall.
A control is provided via which the user can indicate that a selected drawn wall is an existing wall (e.g., not a wall that is being designed or for which building modules are being ordered, but to which a wall being design is to be attached). If the user selects the existing wall control, the system prevents the user from adding skins to the selected wall. Further, optionally the system will not generate and/or display a parts list for the existing wall and will not generate manufacturing instruction for the existing wall.
A user interface may be provided via which a user can define an order for bulk walls. For example, fields may be provided that enables a user to specify average wall length, average wall height, and/or total wall area. A calculate control may be provided that causes a parts lists of components to be calculated and presented for the bulk walls.
The wall details user interface also includes a drawing (e.g., a schematic) generated by the system of the designed wall, including the building block types the system has determined as an efficient way to construct the wall and their position, as well as any door units or window modules included in the design. A given block may include a block-type identifier, which may be a block length (e.g., a 3 foot block, a 2 foot block, a 1 foot block, and the like). In this example, the building blocks include four 2 foot blocks, two 3 foot blocks, and one 1 foot block. The wall drawing may also indicate the height of respective building blocks, or a portion thereof. The height, width, and/or length dimensions of a given assembly or component, and/or the placement coordinates, may be accessed from memory and displayed over or adjacent to the corresponding assembly or component (e.g., a panel assembly, block, other component or assembly disclosed herein, and/or the like).
A delete control may be displayed over or adjacent to the depicted assembly or component, wherein activation of the delete control may cause the corresponding assembly or component to be deleted from the wall details user interface, and corresponding parts list.
The number of clips may be determined by the system based at least in part on the number of internal seams on each course of the wall. Optionally, the system may determine that clips are only needed for certain courses (e.g., only top and bottom courses). For example, the system may optionally specify that on the bottom course, clips are to be placed on the bottom of each inner seam. By way of further example, the system may optionally specify that on the top course, clips are placed at the top of each inner seam.
The system may optionally further calculate and present the number of floor supports, such as floor plates and/or leveling assemblies for a given wall. For example, the number of floor supports and their placement may be determined based at least in part on the length of the “unsupported” length of a wall. By way of illustration, optionally the system may place a floor support (and/or other form of wall support, such as a “dead man” retaining wall) every “x” number of feet (e.g., every 8, 10, or 12 feet) of unsupported wall length. The floor supports may be configured and placed for use as a leveling solution and/or to prevent “kick-out” of walls. Optionally, the placement of floor supports (e.g., leveling assemblies) may be determined based at least in part on received pictures and/or measurements of a proposed build area (which may include displacement measurements of the following from a plane), which may be used by the system to create a topographic map of the floor showing elevations and placement of objects (e.g., existing walls, columns, etc.). For example, measurements used to create the topographic map of the floor may be generated using image processing of photos, 3D scanning cameras, laser measurement devices (e.g., laser range finders, LIDARs, etc.), sonar devices and/or using other measurement techniques. This information (e.g., which indicates upward and/or downward changes in floor level) may then be used to automatically generate placement locations for floor leveling supports to ensure that the bottom course (and the wall has a whole) is maintained at a level position (e.g., parallel to a plane of the floor).
The animation may show components (e.g., modules, skins, brackets, clamps, clips, leveling assemblies, and/or other components), “flying” through empty space, optionally in the correct assembly order, position, and/or orientation. The animation may similarly show the insertion of screws (e.g., through the panels into receiving screw holes in the corresponding blocks), nails, or other fastening devices in the correct order and at the correct positions.
Referring to
A field is provided via which a user may enter a plan identifier (e.g., an alphanumerical unique identifier). In response to user activation of a “load new plan” control, the system will search its database for a plan matching the plan identifier, and if a match is found, it will load the plan and display it, as illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
Referring to
By way of further example, if the user is wearing a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headset, the user may simply turn the user's head, the head rotation may be detected, and the animation will be rotated so that the view corresponds to where the user's eyes are directed. The user may “walk” through the animation by activating corresponding handset controls, via head gestures, eye gestures, or otherwise. Depending on the VR or AR system being utilized, the user may be enabled to physically walk through the animation.
Referring to
Referring to
Thus, the foregoing user interfaces enable the user to view what the user-designed structure will actually look like when assembled in its intended location from different angles and elevations. If the user is dissatisfied with the structure design (e.g., with respect to its appearance, fit, functionality, and/or for other reasons), the user may access and modify the structure design via other user interfaces described herein.
At block 3902A, user wall drawing instructions are received. As similarly discussed elsewhere herein, the wall drawing instructions may be received via a user manipulation of a wall drawing tool in a work area user interface. The process may cause the wall to be drawn in response to the user indicating a start point in the work area (e.g., by clicking on a pointing device control, by tapping on a touch sensitive screen, or otherwise) and cease drawing the wall in response to the user indicating an end point in the work area. At block 3904A, start and/or end point coordinates may be stored (e.g., xy coordinates) in memory, and optionally one or more wall dimensions are stored (e.g., wall length, wall height, and/or wall width) in memory. Optionally, only one of the start or end point coordinates is stored, in association with the wall length. Optionally, an angle orientation of the wall is stored.
At block 3906A, the process determines which predefined building modules (e.g., a combination of one or more 1 foot length, 2 foot length, 3 foot length, and/or 4 foot length building modules, which may be configured as the example wall modules described herein) are to be used to construct the wall, and the position of the building modules in the wall. Optionally, a placement routine will stagger courses of modules so that a seam between two modules in a first course does not line up with a seam between two modules on an adjacent course (directly above or below the first course).
At block 3910A, the process receives a first window placement on the wall (e.g., using techniques and tools described elsewhere herein). At block 3912A, the process records the window coordinates. For example, the XY coordinates of one or more window corners may be recorded, optionally in association with window dimensions (e.g., height and/or width dimensions). At block 3914A, the building module selection and positioning is modified to accommodate the window at its designated position. For example, if a window is added and the wall size is unchanged, the total surface area of the needed modules is reduced. However, the number of modules may increase or decrease, although if the number of modules is increased, the size of at least some of the modules is decreased to accommodate the window.
At block 3916A, the process detects placement of a second window (or other component) on the wall. At block 3918A, the process determines whether the placement of the second window violates a rule. For example, the process may determine that the placement of the second window causes the second window to overlap the first window, thereby causing an interference condition. By way of further example, the process may determine that the placement of the second window with respect to the first window is structurally unsafe, even if there is not an overlap between the first window and the second window. By way of example, to ensure structural integrity, a rule may specify that windows cannot be placed less than a threshold distance apart (e.g., 1 foot, 2 feet, or other distance). The rule may dynamically take into account the wall height and length, and/or the window(s) height and width, in determining whether a window position is unsafe.
If a rule is violated, at block 3222A a corresponding visual, audible, physical indication may be provided to the user via the user terminal. For example, if two windows are placed so that they overlap and interfere with each other, the outline of the window may have their color changed (e.g., to red or another color) and the overlap visually depicted. In addition or instead, a notification icon may be presented which when selected causes an explanation of the error condition to be presented. An audible sound (e.g., a beep, several notes, a spoken word, or the like) may in addition or instead be generated and played via the client system. In addition or instead, a haptic indication (e.g., using a vibration device comprising one or more actuators) may be provided via the user pointing device or display. The process may optionally inhibit the ordering of a set of building modules for the wall design until the window position is modified so that a rule is not violated.
At block 3914A, the building module selection and positioning is modified to accommodate the second window at its designated position. For example, if the second window is added and the wall size is unchanged, the total surface area of the needed modules is reduced. However, the number of modules may increase or decrease, although if the number of modules is increased, the size of at least some of the modules is decreased to accommodate the second window.
At block 3906B, a wall drawing (e.g., a wall schematic) may be generated using the module selection and placement, and provided for display via the user terminal. The wall drawing may include the selected building block types the system has determined as an efficient way to construct the wall and their position, as well as any components (e.g., doors and/or windows) included in the design. A given block may include a block-type identifier, which may be a block length (e.g., a 3 foot block, a 2 foot block, a 1 foot block, and the like). The wall drawing may also indicate the height of respective building blocks, or a portion thereof. The process may access and/or generate other wall details and provide them for display via the user terminal. For example, the wall details may include a wall identifier, wall length, wall height, window position (if any), door position (if any), skin identifier (if any) for the selected skin for a first side of the wall, and a skin identifier (if any) for the selected skin for a second side of the wall.
At block 3908B, a wall height modification may be received (e.g. via the wall height interface illustrated in
At block 3912B, a new wall drawing is generated reflecting the height change, and is provided for display on the user terminal. Optionally, the process may provide interfaces via which the user can specify a skin-type for one or both sides of the wall.
At block 3906C a wall drawing (e.g., a wall schematic) may be generated for each wall using the module selection and placement, and the wall drawing may be provided for display via the user terminal. The wall drawing for a given wall may include the selected building block types the system has determined as an efficient way to construct the wall and their position, as well as components (e.g., doors and/or windows) included in the design. A given block may include a block-type identifier, which may be a block length (e.g., a 3 foot block, a 2 foot block, a 1 foot block, and the like). The wall drawing may also indicate the height of respective building blocks. The process may access and/or generate other wall details for each wall and provide them for display via the user terminal. For example, the wall details may include a wall identifier, wall length, wall height, window position (if any), door position (if any), skin identifier (if any) for the selected skin for a first side of the wall, and/or a skin identifier (if any) for the selected skin for a second side of the wall. If a wall has been designated as a preexisting wall, a corresponding visual indication may be generated and provided in association with the drawing of the preexisting wall. For example, the wall drawing for the preexisting wall may be in a different color than the other walls (e.g., a grey color). Optionally instead, no wall drawing is generated or provided for the preexisting wall.
At block 3906D, a plan specification and a parts list are generated based on the design in the work area, and the specification and parts list are displayed via the user terminal. The specification may, for example, include the plan name (e.g., previously entered by the user via a plan name field), plan notes (e.g., previously entered by the user via a plan notes field), the name/identifier of the person who created the design, the total linear feet of the designed walls (optionally excluding the length of the existing wall) based on a summation of linear feet for each wall, the total area (e.g., the square feet one side of each wall) calculated based on the summation of the area for each wall (optionally excluding the area of the existing wall), the total number of blocks calculated based on the number of blocks for each wall, and the total number of courses. The parts list may include some or all of the following information: the quantity of each type of block based on a summation of each type of block for each wall, the number of door kits based on a summation of the number of door kits for each wall, the number of window kits based on a summation of the number of window kits for each wall, the number of other components for each other component type, the number of clips, the number of other components for each other component type (e.g., the number of wall hinges, shelves, shelf mounting hardware kits, leveling assemblies, conduits, floor support members, lights, and/or electrical controls), number of square feet of each type of skin based on a summation of the number of square feet of each type of skin for each wall.
Example pseudo code for wall module selection and placement for a wall design is provided below, although other techniques and other module selection and placement algorithms may be utilized:
PLACE_MODULE( ):
BUILD_WALL( ):
OPTIMIZE_WALL( ):
Example processes will be described for optimizing a wall design, designing a wall, designing a course (sometimes referred to as a row or level), and placing a module (e.g., a wall module).
The process starts at block 3902E. At block 3904E, the process inputs various wall criteria that design needs to comply with. For example, the process may input a wall height (e.g., as specified by the user as described elsewhere herein), a wall length (e.g., as specified by the user as described elsewhere herein), blocks/modules/empty spaces with non-adjustable positions (sometimes referred to herein as “required blocks” or “wildcards”), and/or the maximum number of solutions that are to be generated prior to halting the wall optimization process.
A “required block” may be a door module, window module or open space (e.g., which may be used for a user-supplied component) which the user has specified is to be at a certain position in the wall (e.g., where the required block position may be specified using multiple xy positions (e.g., an xy position for respective corners of a square or rectangular “reserved” area, provided numerically or graphically)). The optimization process may design the wall around such required blocks, without changing the position of the required blocks. The maximum number of solutions criteria may be utilized to prevent the process going into an endless loop of wall optimization or spending an inordinate amount of computer resources and time in generating a vast number of wall design solution iterations, with a diminishing return in terms of improved design.
At block 3906E, the process accesses a database of existing wall designs (some or all of which may have been produced via a previously executed optimization process) and searches for an existing wall design that matches criteria inputted at block 3904E (e.g., has the specified height, length, and required blocks/reserved locations). If no matching wall is found, at block 3910E, the process creates an empty wall object (rather than using an existing wall design). If a match is found, the matching wall design solution is accessed. At block 3912E, the process sets the matching wall design or the empty wall object as the initial optimum solution. The use of an existing design, that had been produced via an optimization process, as a starting point may reduce the number of iterations needed (and the computer processing and memory resources utilized) to produce a final optimized design even if the current optimization process is different (e.g., improved or based on different module availability) as compared to the optimization process used to produce the previous optimized design being used as a starting point.
Changes in the optimization process may be the result of the utilization of artificial intelligence, such as machine learning. For example, the process may utilize a machine learning engine which monitors which wall designs (e.g., meeting a given set of criteria) are most frequently selected by users, or which have been manually designed by users, to train itself in determining which are preferred designs. The machine learning engine may utilize such information and training in optimizing wall designs. Changes in the optimization process may in addition or instead be the result of changes in available building modules. For example, if a previous design was optimized using only 1 foot long and 2 foot long wall modules, and a new 3 foot long wall module has since been introduced, the current optimization process may produce a different wall design using 3 foot long modules (possibly in addition to 1 foot and/or 2 foot long wall modules).
At block 3914E, an optimization score is calculated for the initial wall design. The optimization score may be a numerical score, where the higher the score the better the optimization, or where the lower the score the better optimization, depending on how the score is calculated. The score may be in the form of a letter score (e.g., A, B, C, D, . . . ), where the higher in the alphabet the better (e.g., A being the best score, B being the next best score, etc.). The optimization score may be based on one or more factors, and optionally, different optimization score equations may be used based on specific user preferences (e.g., which may be provided by the user via a user interface or inferred from a history of the user's selection of wall designs where alternative designs have been offered) and/or location. Thus, there may be a library of optimization score equations, and the process may select an optimization score equation based on one or more criteria (e.g., user preferences, location, component availability, etc.).
Example Optimization Criteria may include some or all of the following
Optimization Score=S1A−S2B+S3C−S4D−S5E+S6F−S7G+S5H
(Note: Higher scores are better relative to lower scores in this example; all scaling factors may be 1, different scaling values may be used for different criteria, some scaling factors may be the same value while others may have different values).
Wall A Optimization Score=10−12+8−2−3+3−2+2=4
A=10, B=13, C=7, D=3, E=1, F=3, G=2, H=1
Wall AB Optimization Score=10−13+7−3−1+3−3+1=1
Thus, the optimization process would select Wall A is selected over Wall B because Wall A has a better/higher optimization score.
By way of illustration, some users may express a preference for the use of smaller, easier to lift modules, and some users may express a preference for the use of the least number of modules to reduce the number of modules that need to be assembled.
Thus, for example, the optimization score equation may give better scores for those designs that use larger but fewer wall components (e.g., to reduce assembly time). By way of illustration, optionally the optimization score equation may assign a point for each wall module used in the design, where a lower score is a better score. By way of yet further example, the optimization score equation may generate a better score for a design that uses the more smaller modules (e.g., 1 foot long modules).
By way of further example, the optimization score equation may generate a better score for a design that uses the most larger modules (e.g., 3 foot long modules) on a bottom course, the most medium size modules (e.g., 2 foot long modules) on a second course, and the most small modules on the third course (e.g., 1 foot long modules), to balance the desire for fewest number of modules with the desire to reduce the number of heavy modules that need to be lifted to higher course. By way of still further example, users at different locations (e.g., in different states or in different countries) may tend to have different preferences with respect to module size, and hence different equations may be used based on a user's location (e.g., as determined from user registration information, from a user terminal IP address, or otherwise).
At block 3916E, the number of needed modules is calculated based at least in part on the wall height and length. At block 3918E, the solution count is set to zero (to indicate that a wall design solution has not yet been calculated by the current instance of the optimization process). At block 3920E, a determination is made as to whether the solution count is less than the specified maximum number of solutions. If the solution count is equal to (or greater than) than the specified maximum number of solutions, then at block 3922E, the process returns the wall design solution currently designated as the optimum wall design solution.
If the solution count is less than the specified maximum number of solutions, then the process, at block 3924E, generates a wall design via a build wall sub-process. The build wall sub-process is discussed greater detail below. At block 3926E, a determination is made as to whether the build wall sub-process successfully generated a wall design. If not, the process proceeds to block 3924E, and another attempt is made to successfully generate a wall design. If the build wall sub-process is successful, the resulting wall design is stored in memory, and, at block 3928E, the solution count is incremented (to indicate another wall design solution has been generated).
At block 3930E, the generated wall design solution is designated as the new wall. At block 3932E, an optimization score is calculated for the new wall design solution, as similarly discussed above with respect to block 3914E. The optimization score calculated for the new wall design solution may be stored in association with the new wall design solution for later access. At block 3934E, a determination is made as to whether the new wall optimization score is better than (e.g., greater than or less than depending on whether a better score is a higher score or a better score is a lower score) the optimization score for the optimum wall calculated at block 3914E. If the new wall optimization score is better than the optimization score for the currently designated optimum wall, then the new wall design solution is designated as the optimum wall design solution and the previous wall designated as the optimum wall design solution may have that designation removed. If the new wall optimization score is worse than the optimization score for the optimum wall, then the process proceeds back to block 3902E.
Optionally, the process generates a ranked set of design solutions, where the ranking is based at least in part on their respective optimization scores. The ranked set of solutions, including respective solution scores, may be provided to the user via the user terminal, and the user may select a design, which will then be designated as the selected design. Information regarding a selected design may be presented to the user (e.g., the number of parts, the area on one side of the wall, other information discussed herein, and the like).
As similarly discussed above, a required block may be a door module or open space (e.g., which may be used for a user-supplied component) which the user has specified is to be at a certain position in the wall (e.g., where the required block position may be specified using multiple xy positions (e.g., an xy position for respective corners of a square or rectangular “reserved” area, provided numerically or graphically)). The example build wall process may design the wall around such required blocks, without changing the position of the required blocks.
At block 3906F, a determination is made as to whether the user has specified any required blocks (e.g., by determining whether a required blocks list or other data organization is empty or not). If the user has specified one or more required blocks, at block 3908F, the positioning information for a first listed block in the required block list is accessed, and at block 3910F, the first listed block is removed from the required block list and the first listed block is placed at the designated position specified by the user. The next block (if any) in the required blocks list becomes the first block, and the required block placement process is repeated until a determination is made at block 3906F that the required blocks list is empty.
At block 3914F, the course (sometimes referred to as a row or level) heights are determined via a course height determination process. Optionally, different courses may have different heights. The course heights are calculated using the wall height and the height of available wall module types. If different heights of modules are being used, the tallest height may be assigned to the lowest course and the smallest height course may be assigned to the highest course (e.g., to so that smaller, easier to lift modules are used for the highest course). For example, if the wall height is 108 inches, and the available wall module types have heights of 40 inches and 28 inches, the course height determination process may determine that the two bottom most courses shall each have a height of 40 inches, and that the third, topmost course, shall have a height of 28 inches.
At block 3916F, a determination is made as to whether all courses for the wall have been designed. For example, the determination may be made by comparing the number of courses designed versus the number of courses as determined at block 3914F, and if the number of courses designed is less than the number of courses as determined at block 3914F, then a determination is made that all the wall courses have not been designed. If all the courses have not been designed, the process proceeds to block 3924F, and the next not-yet-designed course is selected for design. For example, the first course to be designed may be the bottommost course, the next course to be designed may be the second course from the bottom, and so on. Optionally instead, the first course to be designed may be the topmost course, the next course to be designed may be the second course from the top, and so on.
At block 3926F, the selected course is designed. The course design may be performed using the build course sub-process illustrated in
If, at block 3916F, a determination is made that all the wall courses have been designed, at block 3918F, a determination is made as to whether the wall has any open locations (excluding required blocks) that were not successfully filled during course design. If there are no open locations, the process returns a success indication at block 3920F. If there are open locations, the process returns a failure indication at block 3922F.
At block 3908G, a determination is made as to whether there are any open locations along the course (where a required block location is not considered an open location). If there are no open course locations, at block 3910G a success indication is returned. If there are open locations, at block 3912G, a first open location is identified (e.g., the corresponding x or xy position of the beginning of the open location and/or the corresponding x or xy position of the end of the open location). Optionally, the process will identify the first open location starting from the left side of the course. Optionally instead, the process will identify the first open location starting from the right side of the course. Optionally instead, the process will identify the first open location starting at the middle of the course and proceeding first leftward to the left end, and then from the middle proceeding rightward to the right end.
At block 3914G, a module type (having a specified length, width, and height) is selected from inventory. The module type may be selected randomly, or the module type may be selected based on a priority assigned to the module type and recorded in association with the module type. Different priorities may be assigned for a given block type based on the course-type, where the optional process may attempt to place a higher priority module before trying to place a lower priority module. For example, if the course-type is the bottom course, then longer modules may be assigned a higher priority than shorter modules so as to increase the chances that the bottom course will be composed of longer courses (which means there will be relatively fewer modules that need be assembled to form the course). By way of further example, if the course-type is a course above a certain height (or not the bottom course), then shorter modules may be assigned a higher priority than longer modules so as to increase the chances that the course will be composed of shorter, lighter modules which are easier to handle and lift to place on the higher course.
At block 3916G, the selected module type is placed at the identified open location. The module placement may be performed using the module placement sub-process illustrated in
At block 3906H, a determination is made as to whether the selected module fits into the available length of the open course location. For example, the length of the open location may be determined (e.g., by subtracting the x-position of the open location start from the x-position of the open location end) and may be compared with the length of the selected module type. Optionally, the following formula may be used to determine if the selected module fits into the available length of the open course location:
If module length is≤length of the open location, then module fits open location
If module length is>length of the open location, then module does not fit open location
At block 3908H, a determination is made as to whether the module fits the available height of course. For example, optionally, the following formula may be used to determine if the selected module fits into the available height of the open course location:
If module height is=height of the open location, then module fits open location
If module length is≠height of the open location, then module does not fit open location
Optionally, instead, the following formula may be used to determine if the selected module fits into the available height of the open course location:
If module height is≤height of the open location, then module fits open location
If module length is>height of the open location, then module does not fit open location
Optionally, a determination is made at block 3910H, as to whether the placement of the selected module will cause a vertical seam with respect to a module in an adjacent course (e.g., immediately above or below the current course). In some instances, such a vertical seams may be undesirable from a visual, cosmetic perspective and/or from a structural perspective. If a determination is made that a vertical seam has not been formed, the process proceeds to block 3912H, and a success indication is returned. If determinations are made that the selected module does not fit into the open location length, or does not first in the available course height, or optionally if the placement creates a vertical seam, a failure indication may be returned.
At block 3902I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
A “new opportunity” control may be provided via which the user can create a new opportunity record, as discussed below. An Open Activities section may also optionally be displayed that lists open activities. The Open Activities section may optionally include a new task control, which may be activated to access a new task user interface and to define a new task. The Open Activities section may optionally include a new event control, which may be activated to access a new event user interface and to define a new event.
At block 3904I, the user can create a new opportunity (e.g., an order) to be associated with the contact. With reference to the example user interface illustrated in
At block 3906I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
At block 3914I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
A drop down menu may be presented listing available opportunities on the ERP system, and a filter user interface may be provided via which the user can filter the displayed opportunities (e.g., by typing characters in a filter field, wherein the drop down menu will only display opportunities that match the types in characters). The user may then select a presented opportunity and activate a select opportunity control to access the opportunity.
At block 3918I, and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
Advantageously, to provide enhanced context for the line item and to facilitate the identification of errors, the line item may be displayed at the same time as the plan specification. By way of example, the plan specification for a structure may optionally include a listing of the plan name, plan notes, an identifier associated with the plan creator, the total linear feet of the structure in the plan, the total area of the structure walls (e.g., in square feet for one side of each wall), the total area of the modules (e.g., in square feet for one side of each module) used to create the structure (including the structure walls), and skin information (e.g., an identifier for any skins included in the plan, total square footage of the skins, total square footage of any skin overage, etc.).
In addition, optionally at the same time the line item user interface and plan specifications are displayed, a part lists for the structure may be displayed. For example, the parts list may include part names/descriptions for each part and the quantities for each part. Optionally, a graphic rendition of the planned structure or portions thereof (e.g., the walls and/or other components) may be rendered at the same time. The graphic rendition may include metadata, such as an identifier and dimensions (e.g., length and height of each wall and/or module).
The line items may be displayed in association with delete controls, wherein a user can delete a line item from the opportunity, as illustrated in
At block 3920I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
Advantageously, the user interface may also display contacts associated with the opportunity (e.g., contact name, account name, contact email address, contact phone number, and role or title). In addition, optionally the user interface presents a listing of existing quotes (e.g., including quote number, quote name, expiration date, subtotal price, total price, shipping and handling, tax, who created the quote, and/or status (e.g., accepted, draft, etc.)). Controls may be provided that enable a user to edit or delete the contact, one or more products, and/or one or more quotes. Controls may be provided that enable the user to create a new contact, add a product, choose a price book, or sort a listing. In addition, a new quote control may be provided which enables a user to generate a new quote.
At block 3922I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
At block 3924I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
At block 3926I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
At block 3928I, the user may navigate to an ERP system interface at a corresponding URL. The user may be authenticated (e.g., via user ID, password, biometric sensor reading, or otherwise). At block 3930I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
At block 3932I and with reference to the example user interface illustrated in
After the opportunity name is entered, a list of accepted quotes may be presented. The user may select a quote, and the user interface will be populated with the quote information from the ERP system. The user may then review the form, ensure that the fields are appropriately filled out, and save the order as a draft order by activating a “Save Draft Order”, as illustrated in
When the user is ready to have the invoice transmitted by the system, the user may return to the user interface illustrated in
At block 3938I, a search field user interface may be provided that enables the user to search for products available for production. The user can select one or more products ready for production and add the selected products to a production line for manufacturing. Once the user has selected the desired items for product, the user may activate the “Save Draft Order” to save the selections. At block 3940I, and with reference to the user interface illustrated in
Optionally, the weight of a given order (or a portion thereof) may be determined by weighing some or all of the components included in the order. For example, one or more components or an entire order may be weighed utilizing one or more specialized scales. For example, the weighing me be performed utilizing platform, drum, floor, and/or bench scales.
Optionally, a shipping algorithm may be utilized to estimate the weight and/or shipping cost of an order or a portion thereof. The shipping algorithm may utilize historical information, such as historical shipments, where the shipment weight (e.g., as determined utilizing a specialized scale such as those disclosed herein) is correlated to shipment cost on a cost/unit weight basis (e.g., a dollar per pound basis, a Euro to kilogram basis, etc.). By using a large enough data set and assuming uniformly distributed delivery locations, the estimated shipping cost becomes independent of destination and is instead primarily a function of shipment weight of core materials (e.g., block, panels, etc.) included in orders, even taking into account the pallets and packaging materials. Thus, for example, the shipping cost may be estimated utilizing the following derived equation:
Y=((5.2*x̂−0.425+0.03)*x)*0.95
where, Y is the shipping cost is U.S. dollars, and x is the shipment weight in pounds.
When items other than core materials are shipped to a customer (which may include such materials as insulation, doors, local lumber, etc.), further equations and boundary conditions are included in the algorithm to represent the additional shipping charges from those individual deliveries. When added together, the result is a blended shipping cost estimate that can be quoted (e.g., by the system or a sales representative) without needing a fully accurate live quote from a supply chain department for each customer quote. The final true shipping cost may differ from the cost estimate but such difference is typically within an acceptable margin of error.
For example, the following equation may be utilized to estimate the shipping cost for insulation:
y=20.786x−0.477
where, Y is the shipping cost is U.S. dollars, and x is the shipment weight in pounds.
A flat charge may be made for certain items included in an order (e.g., for end caps, trim, skins, acoustic panels, etc.).
Thus, techniques are described herein that address the challenges posed by modular construction systems. Systems and methods are described relating to the design of safe construction of structures using modular building units, and providing for the efficient use of modular building units to reduce wasted materials and the amount of materials that needs to be shipped. It is understood that aspects of the foregoing disclosure are not limited for use in designing walls, but may be used in designing other types of structures or designs using modular and/or non-modular components.
The methods and processes described herein may have fewer or additional steps or states and the steps or states may be performed in a different order. Not all steps or states need to be reached. The methods and processes described herein may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated via, software code modules executed by one or more general purpose computers. The code modules may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all of the methods may alternatively be embodied in whole or in part in specialized computer hardware. The systems described herein may optionally include displays, user input devices (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.), network interfaces, etc.
The results of the disclosed methods may be stored in any type of computer data repository, such as relational databases and flat file systems that use volatile and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., magnetic disk storage, optical storage, EEPROM and/or solid state RAM).
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosure.
Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a general purpose processor device, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor device can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor device can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor device may also include primarily analog components. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.
The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor device, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processor device can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integer to the processor device. The processor device and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “may,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
While the phrase “click” may be used with respect to a user selecting a control, menu selection, or the like, other user inputs may be used, such as voice commands, text entry, gestures, etc. User inputs may, by way of example, be provided via an interface or in response to a prompt (e.g., a voice or text prompt). By way of example an interface may include text fields, wherein a user provides input by entering text into the field. By way of further example, a user input may be received via a menu selection (e.g., a drop down menu, a list or other arrangement via which the user can check via a check box or otherwise make a selection or selections, a group of individually selectable icons, a menu selection made via an interactive voice response system, etc.). When the user provides an input or activates a control, a corresponding computing system may perform a corresponding operation (e.g., store the user input, process the user input, provide a response to the user input, etc.). Some or all of the data, inputs and instructions provided by a user may optionally be stored in a system data store (e.g., a database), from which the system may access and retrieve such data, inputs, and instructions. The notifications and user interfaces described herein may be provided via a Web page, a dedicated or non-dedicated phone application, computer application, a short messaging service message (e.g., SMS, MMS, etc.), instant messaging, email, push notification, audibly, and/or otherwise.
The user terminals described herein may be in the form of a mobile communication device (e.g., a cell phone, a VoIP equipped mobile device, etc.), laptop, tablet computer, interactive television, game console, media streaming device, head-wearable display, virtual reality display/headset, augmented reality display/headset, networked watch, etc. The user terminals may optionally include displays, user input devices (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.), network interfaces, etc.
While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As can be recognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62485200 | Apr 2017 | US |
