US 7,079,114 B1 · Interactive methods for design of automobiles

Abstract

The invention concerns new computer aided methods and apparatus for designing objects, particularly 3D objects, and especially those having a sculpted form such as found in automobiles, boats, planes, furniture and certain fashion apparel items. Preferred embodiments employ optical sensing of the designers' hands, fingers, or styling implements, or his sketches, in conjunction with large screen displays and several novel software based methods which have the further advantage of direct interface to conventional CAD (Computer Aided design) systems which are then used to physically manifest the results as models, tooling or whatever. Use of the invention not only saves time and cost, but allows, in a “natural” way, much greater freedom of expression for the artist/designer than any known computer based system.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A computer software based method for designing object surfaces comprising the steps of:

providing a computer having a display;
providing a means for electro-optically determining and recording in said computer the 3D location of a plurality of sequentially acquired points in space represented by a portion of a person or a member manipulated by said person using his hand or finger;
providing a means for recording and modifying parameters associated with said points for controlling a surface in a model in said computer;
and
using said means for determining and recording point location and for modifying and recording associated surface control parameters, generating information concerning a surface in said computer model.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Interactive methods for design of automobiles

Life of this patent

Interactive methods for design of automobiles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20