Room planning system and method

Abstract

A room planning system, generally at (10), comprises a host site (12) and a local site (14), two -way communication between which is represented by arrows A. On the host site is a host processor (16), which is connected to a database (18). On the local site is a local processor (20) that is connected to user input apparatus, in the form of a keyboard (24) and mouse (26), and to a graphical user interface, in the form of a display (28). The database (18) contains data of a plurality of types of product that are available for the design of a room space. In the example of a kitchen room space, the database contains product details of items such as room fixtures, floor units, wall units, worktops, handles, cornices, plinths, pelmets, sinks, taps, appliances and accessories. The host processor (16) is in communication with one or more local processors (20) via a communications network represented by arrows A, which could be a wide area network, such as the Internet. The local processor (20), which may comprise a personal computer, has stored thereon a computer programme for causing the processor (20) carry out a room space design method, and for displaying a design template, and an image of the design, on the display (28), as will be described below. A 3-D engine, located within the local processor (20), is able to create and display a virtual room space on the display (28).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for planning a room, in particular but not exclusively, employing a device and method for planning a kitchen. Background technique [0002] The process of designing a kitchen involves often selecting several different types of components from a large number of options. Examples of these types of components include structural elements such as walls, room fixtures such as doors, floor-standing components such as drawer units, wall-mounted components such as cabinets, appliances such as cookers and refrigerators, and flooring and lighting. [0003] Several factors limit the manner in which these components can be combined. First, the kitchen must fit into the physical space. Then, some combinations of components are not permitted from an aesthetic point of view, or cannot be accommodated for technical reasons. [0004] Historically, the planning phase has involved manual selection of styles and types...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] However, such operations are usually carried out with customers present in the shop, and the inevitable delay between sending the data and receiving the virtual design is undesirable, especially when the design has to be modified repeatedly

[0007] Latency issues become more pronounced when images of the kitchen are rendered in 3-D so customers can enjoy a realistic preview of the design

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