Computer Vision Structure Design System for Sketch-to-Model Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability to efficiently and simply convert sketches and physical models into detailed structure designs, requiring manual transformation and lacking the ability to interpret and refine designs in real-time, especially considering factors like cost and structural limitations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that inputs depictions of structures, analyzes them to generate a proposed design by instantiating and interconnecting cells, calculates a goodness measure for design refinement, and displays the design for real-time feedback and modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual transformation of sketches into working drawings is used, then design detail and accuracy can be maintained, but the time required for design development increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of transforming sketches into working drawings with an automated computer vision system. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically extract geometric features, generate 3D models, and produce construction documents from sketch inputs, eliminating the time-consuming manual transformation process while maintaining design accuracy through computational precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically interpreting sketch inputs and generating complete working drawings without requiring manual intervention from drafters. The automated pipeline processes sketch images through multiple computational stages to produce finalized construction documents, allowing the design process to serve itself rather than requiring continuous human transformation work
2Productivity
If computer-based design tools are used, then productivity and speed improve, but the ability to interpret and refine designs in real-time based on practical considerations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that allow real-time design refinement by automatically evaluating generated designs against practical constraints such as structural feasibility, cost estimates, and building codes. The system provides immediate feedback to users about design choices and their implications, enabling iterative refinement while maintaining high productivity through automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the sketch input and final design output that automatically handles the complex interpretation and refinement processes. This intermediary computational pipeline translates high-level sketch concepts into detailed working drawings while filtering through practical considerations, bridging the gap between creative speed and operational feasibility
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed sketches are created to capture design intent accurately, then the quality of working drawings improves, but the number of iterations and redrawings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically extracting and interpreting all necessary design information from the initial sketch in a single processing stage. The computational vision system analyzes the sketch to determine geometric features, spatial relationships, and design intent, then generates complete working drawings directly without requiring subsequent iterative refinements that would otherwise be necessary
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system for designing a structure based on an initial depiction is disclosed. The system includes a design engine that receives the depiction and various other inputs and produces a structure design therefrom. The depiction is analyzed to determine a representation, and cells instantiated to populate the representation. Cells are configured to be assembled together with other cells to form the structure design, including systems of the design. An initial proposed design may be iteratively improved using one or more measures of the proposed structure design's goodness, such as conformance to the depiction's shape, style, volume, etc. Creation of the depiction may be in the context of the building site, from which additional information may be derived in the process of creating a proposed structure design.