Method and system for laying out perforation patterns

A system for generating perforation patterns on a metal ceiling panel comprising:

• a computer aided design (CAD) program capable of displaying a CAD drawing representing a ceiling panel shape;
• a perforation software program capable of calculating and laying out perforation patterns on a computer aided drawing of the panel shape;
• a graphical user interface capable of (a) querying a user for perforation pattern parameters for the panel shape, (b) receiving input from the user indicative of a desired perforation pattern;
• and (c) displaying information characteristic of the desired perforation pattern;
• and
• a computer for executing the CAD program, the graphical user interface and the perforation software program.

An apparatus comprising:

• a processor;
• a display coupled to the processor;
• a user interface selection device coupled to the processor;
• and a storage device, coupled to the processor, comprising instructions, executable by the processor, for performing steps of:
• displaying on the display a representation of a metal panel without any perforation pattern;
• receiving an indication via the user interface selection device of a first selected edge of the panel;
• receiving an indication via the user interface selection device of a second selected edge of the panel;
• determining the geometric center of the panel in response to selection of the first and second panel edges;
• accepting user input defining perforation parameters for the panel;
• determining the layout of a user-defined perforation pattern on the panel;
• and
• displaying on a display a representation of the panel with the perforation pattern.