Automated pattern generation processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carpet tile patterning technologies face challenges in creating non-repeating patterns that minimize seam discontinuities and patterning artifacts, while maintaining a unified visual theme and preserving pile orientation, which are often disrupted by the need to rotate tiles during installation.
Innovation Solution
An automated system generates composite patterns for carpet tiles using separately configurable pattern layers, with a base layer providing unique patterns and an overlay layer incorporating common design elements to unify the installation, allowing for random or pseudo-random appearances without requiring tile rotation, thus masking manufacturing artifacts and seam discontinuities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a repeating pattern is used on carpet tiles, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but seam discontinuities and patterning artifacts become visually obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern is segmented into multiple independent layers (base layer, overlay layers) that can be independently configured and combined. This allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall pattern, creating complexity that masks seam discontinuities while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular layer management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically generates unique pattern combinations for each tile by randomly selecting and superimposing layers. This creates visual variety across the installation that draws attention away from seams, while the underlying layer structure maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized layer templates.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tile rotation is used during installation to achieve random pattern appearance, then pattern uniformity is improved, but pile orientation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of achieving pattern variety through physical tile rotation (spatial arrangement), the invention creates variety through digital layer superposition (dimensional composition). Multiple pattern layers are superimposed in the digital domain to generate unique combinations for each tile, eliminating the need for physical rotation while maintaining visual interest and uniformity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple pattern layers are superimposed to create unique patterns, then visual variety and seam masking are improved, but pattern generation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern generation system is segmented into independent, pre-configured layer templates that can be stored and reused. Each layer represents a discrete design element that can be independently managed, making the complex multi-layer system easier to control and modify compared to generating entire patterns as single complex units.
4Stability of the object's composition
If common design elements are included across all tiles, then visual unity of the installation is improved, but pattern uniqueness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges common design elements (unifying layers) with unique random variations (variable layers) in a superimposed composite pattern. The common elements provide visual unity across the installation, while the randomly selected and configured layers ensure each tile maintains uniqueness, resolving the contradiction between unity and variety.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates to an automated system for generating large numbers of digitally-defined patterns suitable for printing on textiles wherein each pattern is individually different but shares one or more unifying design motifs with all other patterns. In the general case, each pattern is comprised of at least two components in the form of separately configurable pattern layers that are digitally superimposed to form a composite pattern that is unique but visually related to all other unique patterns that use pattern layers taken from the same pattern sources.