Window covering sizing method and apparatus
AssigneeNewell Window Furnishings, Inc.
InventorsClifford Birch, Thomas A. Caputo, Neil L. Casstevens, Mark A. Fox
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus of ordering a window covering comprises providing a measuring block that is mounted adjacent an architectural feature to be measured. A digital photograph is taken of the architectural feature with the measuring block. A display resolution of the photograph is determined. A scale of the photograph is determined using the measuring block. A dimension of the architectural feature is calculated based on the scale of the photograph. The window covering is cut to the calculated dimension.
Claims23
A computer based method of ordering a window covering comprising:
- receiving, in a computing platform for an automated window covering cutting machine, a photograph of a measuring block adjacent an architectural feature to be measured, the measuring block including a design visible in the photograph where the design has a known third dimension;
- receiving a window covering in a cutting chamber of the automated window covering cutting machine;
- in the computing platform:
- determining a display resolution of the photograph;
- determining a scale of the photograph using the measuring block;
- calculating a first dimension of the architectural feature based on the scale of the photograph;
- and
- automatically cutting the window covering in the automated window covering cutting machine using the first dimension to size the window covering to a second dimension, where the window covering cut to the second dimension fits the architectural feature having the first dimension, wherein automatically cutting the window covering comprises:
- locating a center of the window covering;
- determining a distance the center of the window covering must be positioned from a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is positioned at the automated window covering cutting machine;
- automatically, by the automated window covering cutting machine, moving the window covering such that the center of the window covering is positioned at the distance from the cutting device;
- and
- cutting the window covering with the cutting device.
A computer based method of ordering a window covering comprising:
- receiving in a computing platform for an automated window covering cutting machine located at a retail outlet a photograph of a measuring block adjacent an architectural feature to be measured, the measuring block including a design visible in the photograph where the design has a known third dimension;
- in the computing platform:
- determining a display resolution of the photograph;
- determining a scale of the photograph using the measuring block;
- calculating a first dimension of the architectural feature based on the scale of the photograph;
- and
- selecting a previously manufactured cut-to-size window covering from a stock of window coverings at the retail outlet;
- receiving the selected window covering in a cutting chamber of the automated window covering cutting machine;
- automatically cutting the window covering in the automated window covering cutting machine using the first dimension to size the window covering to a second dimension where the window covering cut to the second dimension fits the architectural feature having the first dimension, wherein automatically cutting the window covering comprises:
- automatically, by the automated window covering cutting machine, moving the window covering a calculated distance from a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is positioned at the automated window covering cutting machine;
- and
- cutting the window covering with the cutting device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.