Digital Floor Tile Layout Visualization for Pattern Orientation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for evaluating floor covering patterns, such as carpet tiles, are cumbersome and difficult for users to visualize various combinations and orientations before actual installation, especially in large commercial settings, due to the need for physical samples and the complexity of arranging discrete tile elements.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based system that allows users to manipulate and simulate floor covering patterns using a database of patterned elements, enabling the arrangement and rearrangement of simulated tiles in various orientations and layouts, which can be viewed in both top and perspective views, facilitating the evaluation of multiple design options without the need for physical samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If physical samples of floor covering tiles are used for evaluation, then users can view actual product appearance and texture, but it becomes difficult to visualize various combinations and orientations, and time-consuming and expensive to produce multiple samples for different design options

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVisualization of pattern arrangementsVSAvoidTime to produce and evaluate physical samples

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates digital copies (simulated images) of floor covering tiles that can be manipulated and rearranged on a display device. These simulated elements replicate the appearance and patterns of actual tiles, allowing users to evaluate multiple design combinations without producing physical samples. The system stores multiple simulated elements in memory and displays them in various arrangements selected by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically handling and arranging tile samples with an electronic/digital system. A processor-controlled display device presents simulated tile images that can be instantly rearranged, rotated, and reconfigured through electronic commands, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of heavy tile samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical tile samples are produced for evaluating different designs and orientations, then comprehensive design evaluation is possible, but samples become heavy, bulky and cumbersome to transport and manipulate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEvaluation of multiple design combinationsVSAvoidWeight of physical tile samples

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates digital copies (simulated images) of floor covering tiles that can be manipulated and rearranged on a display device. These simulated elements replicate the appearance and patterns of actual tiles, allowing users to evaluate multiple design combinations without producing physical samples. The system stores multiple simulated elements in memory and displays them in various arrangements selected by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional physical tile samples to two-dimensional digital images displayed on a screen. This dimensional reduction eliminates the weight and bulk of physical samples while preserving all visual information needed for design evaluation. Users can view and manipulate unlimited design variations without any physical burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If discrete tile samples are arranged manually for pattern evaluation, then various installation orientations can be tested, but the process is complex and difficult for users to manipulate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveManipulation of tile arrangementsVSAvoidComplexity of arranging discrete tiles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically handling and arranging tile samples with an electronic/digital system. A processor-controlled display device presents simulated tile images that can be instantly rearranged, rotated, and reconfigured through electronic commands, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of heavy tile samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic display system where simulated tile elements can be easily repositioned, rotated, and reconfigured by user input. The system allows flexible manipulation of tile arrangements through electronic controls, enabling users to quickly test different installation patterns and orientations without the fixed constraints of physical sample arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8812968B2Systems and methods for displaying and manipulating images of floor covering elements

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 MILLIKEN & CO

AI summary

A system, tool or method permitting a prospective purchaser of floor coverings or other surface coverings to engage in the contemporaneous manipulation and evaluation of various combinations of surface patterns, designs, colors, shapes, and the like as well as placement or orientations of the floor covering or surface covering elements prior to actual purchase and installation. For example, simulated tile elements having surface patterns corresponding to the surface patterns of the actual floor covering tile elements are provided in a manner such that each of the simulated tile elements may be rotated or replaced to simulate at least one alternative arrangement or layout.