Automatic Element Substitution in Vector Illustrations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In architectural renderings, changing or substituting ancillary elements such as trees, people, and vehicles is time-consuming, as existing elements must be deleted and replaced, and changes to the base plan or elevations require copying or recreating ancillary elements from old drawings.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism for automatic substitution of named objects across architectural renderings, allowing for randomization of elements and styles, with multi-blocks providing structured variation, and substitution rules enabling automatic replacement and parameter variation, ensuring that changes to the underlying rendering do not affect ancillary objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual deletion and replacement of ancillary elements is used, then the rendering can be updated, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a library of pre-defined ancillary elements (trees, people, vehicles, etc.) with associated metadata and substitution rules established in advance. When a substitution is needed, the system automatically matches and replaces elements based on pre-configured criteria, eliminating the need for manual deletion and recreation of each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-service substitution where the software autonomously identifies ancillary elements to be replaced, selects appropriate replacement elements from the library, and performs the substitution without user intervention. The system uses algorithms to match elements based on spatial, categorical, and contextual parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ancillary elements are recreated from old drawings, then changes to base plans can be reflected, but the process requires copying and pasting which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ancillary element library that can serve multiple drawings and projects. Elements are defined once with comprehensive metadata and can be automatically substituted across any number of renderings that reference the library, providing multi-functional utility and eliminating repetitive copying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intelligent copying where ancillary elements are referenced from a centralized library rather than physically copied and pasted between drawings. The library stores element definitions that can be instantiated and automatically updated across multiple renderings, maintaining consistency while simplifying the operation.
3Extent of automation
If individual element substitution is performed manually, then specific changes can be made, but the process lacks automation and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where substitution rules are continuously evaluated against the current state of the rendering. The system monitors changes to base plans and automatically triggers substitutions when conditions are met, creating a closed-loop automation system that responds dynamically to design changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (cutting, pasting, resizing) with automated computational processes. Algorithms automatically identify elements, calculate appropriate substitutions based on metadata matching, and execute replacements, substituting human manual labor with automated software intelligence.
4Stability of the object's composition
If ancillary elements are tightly coupled with the underlying rendering, then changes maintain consistency, but independent modification of elements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rendering system into independent components: the base plan/structure layer and the ancillary elements layer. Ancillary elements are stored as separate, modular objects with their own metadata and properties, allowing them to be independently modified, substituted, or removed without affecting the underlying rendering structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a substitution rule engine as an intermediary layer between the base rendering and ancillary elements. This mediator automatically manages the relationship between structural changes and element substitutions, maintaining rendering integrity while enabling independent element modification through automated rule-based coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture are configured to substitute an element in a vector-based computer generated illustration. A computer generated illustration comprised of vector geometry is obtained. A block that consists of one or more referenced first ancillary elements is also obtained. An instance of the block is then placed into the illustration. The instance identifies one of the first ancillary elements in the block. Further, the identified first ancillary element is displayed in the illustration at a location where the instance was placed. The block may also be placed over an existing ancillary element which would cause the replacement of all similar ancillary elements with instances of the block.