VR Generative Design Workflow for Direct Feature Editing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generative design systems require iterative and indirect parameter modifications to include desired features, leading to inefficiencies and disconnection in the design process, as designers wait for lengthy generation times and lose context between iterations.

Innovation Solution

A VR-based system allows direct manipulation of object meshes and combination of designs within a virtual environment, enabling intuitive feature inclusion and maintaining design continuity through spatial visualization of design history.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a designer modifies problem parameters indirectly to generate designs with desired features, then design solutions can be generated, but the process becomes time-consuming and frustrating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign feature accuracyVSAvoiditerative process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (the generative design software with direct feature input capability) that mediates between the designer's intent and the final design solution. Instead of indirectly modifying problem parameters, the designer can directly input desired features through the intermediary system, which then generates appropriate designs, significantly reducing the iterative process time while maintaining design accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables direct modification of design parameters related to desired features rather than indirectly changing problem parameters. The system allows designers to specify feature parameters directly (such as geometric constraints, material properties, or functional requirements) and the generative design process adjusts these parameters to produce designs that incorporate the desired features, eliminating the need for repeated indirect parameter modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a designer waits for software to generate design solutions, then potential designs are produced, but the creative process is disrupted and the designer becomes disengaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign solution generationVSAvoidcreative workflow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary actions by the designer during the software computation phase. While the generative design software is processing and generating design solutions, the designer can prepare the next set of problem parameters, refine design criteria, or review previously generated designs. This preliminary preparation maintains creative momentum and ensures the designer remains engaged throughout the entire design process rather than being idle during computation wait times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by allowing the designer to perform meaningful tasks during the software generation phase. The multi-parameter modification capability enables the designer to continuously refine and adjust design parameters, explore different design scenarios, or analyze generated designs, ensuring that the creative process flows continuously without interruption or disengagement, even while the software is computationally intensive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a designer iteratively modifies parameters to maintain context, then design coherence is improved, but the process becomes disconnected and random without visual context

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign coherenceVSAvoiddesign context

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide the designer with visual and contextual information about previously generated designs and the current design state. The system displays design histories, compares alternative designs, and shows how parameter modifications affect design outcomes. This feedback loop maintains design context, allowing the designer to make informed decisions that preserve design coherence rather than making random modifications without understanding the implications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12619795B2Artificial intelligence-based techniques for design generation in virtual environments

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 AUTODESK INC

AI summary

A technique for generating designs includes: causing one or more candidate designs to be displayed within a virtual-reality (VR) environment; receiving a user input associated with a first candidate design included in the one or more candidate designs via the VR environment; generating a modified design based at least on the user input and the first candidate design; and generating a plurality of output designs via a generative design process based on the modified design.