WO2004025523A1

WO2004025523A1 - Automated planning and design system, method and computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2004025523A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2003/000208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominic Phillips; Stephen White; David Pawson
Original assignee: Dominic Phillips; White Steven; David Pawson
Priority date: 2002-09-16
Filing date: 2003-09-16
Publication date: 2004-03-25
Also published as: AU2003265022A1

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe invention provides a method for automated planning and design, the method comprising the steps of receiving data representing the overall dimensions and any relevant structural details of the design space; receiving data representing one or more design components to be included in the design space; calculating optimum positioning of design components based on pre-determined design principles; and presenting a design plan based on the results of the calculation of the previous step to the user. The invention also provides a related system and computer program.

Description

AUTOMATED PLANNING AND DESIGN SYSTEM, METHOD, AND

COMPUTER PROGRAM

FffiLD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to automation of design processes and in particular to a system method and computer program for the automatic generation of building and/or design plans from a set of broad user-specified requirements.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Many individuals planning to renovate or refurbish parts of their home have fairly firm ideas as to the features they feel are most important for the new design. Software applications exist which allow a user to create a preliminary plan themselves before seeking the help of a professional architect or designer. However, for the most part, these applications are difficult to use and require the user to be very specific in the placement of all structural features and fittings for the home without the benefit of professional guidance.

It would be desirable to have a planning tool that enables individuals with little or no design experience to design or re-design a space simply by specifying overall dimensions and desired design components.

It would also be desirable if the plans produced were appropriate for submission to a local authority or planning approval body. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In broad terms in one form the invention provides a method for automated

planning and design, the method comprising the steps of receiving data

representing dimensions and structural details of the design space; receiving data

representing one or more design components to be included in the design space;

calculating optimum positions of design components based on pre-determined

design principles; generating a design plan based on calculated optimum positions;

and presenting the design plan to the user.

In broad terms in another form the invention provides a computer program for the

automated planning and design of a design space, the computer program

comprising methods for receiving from a user and storing in computer memory

data representing dimensions and structural details of the design space; methods

for receiving and storing in computer memory data representing one or more items

to be included in the design space; methods for calculating optimum positions of

design components based on pre-determined design principles; methods for

generating a design plan based on the calculated optimum positions; and methods

for presenting the design plan to the user. h broad terms in another form the invention comprises a system for the automated

planning and design of a space comprising data memory in which design

principles applicable to the space are stored; an input receiver configured to

receive and store data representing dimensions and structural details of the design

space, data representing one or more items to be included in the design space; a

design generator configured to generate a design for the space based on the design

principles in data memory and the data received by the input receiver; and a

display configured to display the design generated by the design generator to a

user.

BRD2F DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred forms of the automated design and planning system method and computer program will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 illustrates one system configuration suitable for carrying out the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates one preferred computer architecture for carrying out the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates data that is preferably stored in computer memory for carrying out the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates an example of an initial user interface screen which could be used for the invention;

Figure 5 is a flow diagram of one preferred workflow for performing the invention;

Figure 6 illustrates one preferred style template menu for the invention;

Figure 7 illustrates a 2-D representation of an automatically generated bathroom design according to the invention; Figure 8 illustrates a rotate/flip menu for moving design components in a design generated by the invention

Figure 9 illustrates a menu for selecting a design component model;

Figure 10 illustrates a selected design component; and

Figure 11 illustrates a 3-D representation of an automatically generated bathroom design according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS

The invention is primarily embodied in the methodology described below as implemented on computing and network resources. The invention is also embodied in any software that implements the methodology of the invention and any system comprising a combination of hardware and software that implements the methodology of the invention.

It is envisaged that the invention will use personal computers, workstations and servers operating under the control of appropriate operating and application software.

One particularly preferred apparatus for implementing the invention comprises a personal computer or workstation operating under the control of appropriate operating and application software and connected to a public network system such as the Internet through any combination of wired or wireless connections. Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of one possible system 100 in which the auto- plan system, method or computer program of the present invention may be implemented. The system includes one or more clients 110, for example 110A, HOB, HOC, HOD, HOE and 11 OF, which each may comprise a personal computer or workstation described below or alternatively any computing device. Each client 110 is interfaced to a server 150 as shown in Figure 1. Each client 110 could be connected directly to the server 150, could be connected through a local area network or LAN, or could be connected through the Internet.

Clients 110A and HOB, for example, are connected to a network 120, such as a local area network or LAN. The network 120 could be connected to a suitable network server 125 and communicate with the server 150 as shown. Client HOC is shown connected directly to the server 150. Clients HOD, HOE and 11 OF are shown connected to the server 150 through the Internet 130. Client 110D is shown as connected to the Internet 130 with a dial-up or other suitable connection and clients HOE and 110F are shown connected to a network 140 such as a local area network or LAN, the network 140 connected to a suitable network server 145. Clients 110 may be connected to server 150 through any combination of wired and wireless technology.

In one possible embodiment software implementing the methodologies of the invention is installed in its entirety directly on a client 110. A user then accesses the invention directly at client 110. In this full client embodiment, updates to the software and to the design products available and the images and prices of those products are preferably downloaded periodically from server 150 automatically as required. Updates may also be installed locally at client 110 via CD-Rom, for example. In the full client embodiment it may therefore not be necessary for client 110 to establish or maintain a connection with server 150 in order to access most functionality of the invention. The invention may also be partially implemented on a client personal computer 110 and partially implemented on server 150. In this thin client embodiment the client 110 must maintain a connection with server 150 in order to access much functionality of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a preferred system architecture of a client 110 or server 150. A computer system 200 typically comprises a central processor 202, a main memory 204 for example RAM and an input/output controller 206. The computer system 200 also comprises peripherals such as a keyboard 208, a pointing device 210 for example a mouse, track ball or touch pad, a display or screen device 212, a data memory for the mass storage of data 214 for example a hard disk, floppy disk or optical disc, and an output device 216 for example a printer. The system 200 could also include a network interface card or controller 218 and/or a modem 220. The individual components of the system 200 could communicate through a system bus 222, or alternatively could be distributed from each other and interfaced over a network.

Figure 3 illustrates some of the data that is preferably available to the invention.

It is envisaged that the data necessary to implement the invention could be stored in the data memory 214 of the server 150, of a client workstation 110, or both either in full or part. Data for the invention may also be stored on a further data memory interfaced to the server 150 and/or client 110.

Data that is preferably maintained for use by the invention includes design principles/constraints data 301, a directory of pre-designed templates 302, a directory of graphics 303, a directory of images of design component models 304, and software application code 305. It is envisaged that the invention may make use of an XML database 309 in which is stored the locations of the pre-designed templates, graphics, and images 306, details as to design component models specific to a pre-designed template 307, and business rules 308.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a user interface such as that shown in Figure 4. The examples used in the figures illustrate bathroom design. However, the invention could be just as easily used for any design space in which design components are fairly predictable and for which design principles can be developed. A design component for a bathroom may be, for example, a bath, a towel-rail, a mirror and/or a toilet.

The initial screen as illustrated in Figure 4 may comprise a menu bar 410 through which the user may access various features of the system. For example the user may access a Design Guide, Product information for design components, Plans, and Costings, for example, for design component products or labour on a selected plan. Other functions are also likely to be accessible via the menu bar 410.

The user interface may also comprise advertiser or sponsor panels in areas of the interface where there is available space, such as for example the blank space at 430. These panels may provide links to the websites of the advertisers and sponsors. Ideally advertisers and sponsors would be manufacturers and retailers of design products which may be selected as design components of the particular space. Since this embodiment relates to bathroom design the sponsors and advertisers will preferably be manufacturers and retailers of bathroom fixtures and accessories.

The initial user interface screen may also comprise a main design menu 420. The user may access saved designs or choose to create a new design by selecting an option from such a menu. If the user wishes to create a new design the user may select this option from the main design menu 420.

The user may then be presented with a choice as to how automated the design process should be. For example, the user may have the choice to direct the design process closely by electing to create a freestyle design. The user may also have the choice of selecting a pre-designed style template and then allowing the invention to complete the initial placement of design components. The user may also have the choice of dictating exactly which design components are to be included in the final design while allowing the invention to complete the placement of the components.

Figure 5 illustrates the workflow of one embodiment of the design process of the invention in which the user chooses to select a pre-designed style template and allow the invention to complete the rest of the design process. Pre-designed style templates are semi-complete designs that users may use as a starting point for then- own design.

In this embodiment of the invention the first step as shown in Figure 5 is for the user to select a design style for their space. Figure 6 illustrates a preferred user interface for this embodiment of the invention where a central panel 610 is used to display style options or templates to the user. The invention locates the available pre-designed templates preferably via the XML database 309, and loads a small image of each template from the appropriate directory 302. The user then selects a template from the menu of small images. This template will then be loaded for use in the design process. Each style template will preferably have a particular look and feel and certain styles or models of design component will be associated with it.

In the example shown in Figure 6 there are four design templates or styles to choose from, named Royal style, Moderna style, New York style and Zen style.

For example, Zen style may be characterised by the use of Panelled walls, tiled floors, stone details, and timber details whereas New York style may be characterised by tiled walls and floors, frameless shower, recessed cistern and designer mirror/basin unit. Colours may also be recommended to go with the selected style template. Any of the features suggested by the style template may be altered by the user during the design process. For example, the user may wish to specify a Zen style with tiled walls.

Once the user has selected a preferred style template the user would then typically be asked to enter the dimensions of the design space if, for example, the plan is to be used on a pre-existing room or a room for which initial plans have been drafted. The user may also be prompted to enter details of structural features such as, for example, the position, size and type of pre-existing doors and windows. This is illustrated as the second step in the design process for the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5. However, the entry of these details is common to all embodiments and alternative workflows for the invention.

In one preferred embodiment the invention may allow the user to "draw" the design space using drawing tools. In this embodiment the invention would typically display a design area on which the user may draw the design space and would also provide a design toolbar from which the user could select appropriate tools, such as, for example, line, square or rectangle shape drawing tools. The user may place the shape corresponding to the selected tool on the design area using a pointing device. This may be done by clicking and dragging with a mouse for example. This technique is well known in drawing software applications.

The invention may also display the dimensions of the shape the user is drawing as the user drags the shape to the appropriate size.

In the case of a room, once the outline of the design space is complete the user may be prompted to enter the height from the floor to ceiling of each corner of the design space and the exact length of each wall measured at the base of the wall. This may be done, for example, by way of pop-up windows.

The invention may then check the dimensions of the design space against a predetermined minimum that has been determined as appropriate to the proposed use of the space. For example, for a bathroom, the invention may check that the room dimensions entered by the user are sufficient to meet the minimum space requirements for a bathroom.

If the dimensions entered by the user are insufficient for the proposed use of the space then the invention may inform the user via a text box and prompt the user to re-enter the dimensions.

The design toolbar in this embodiment will preferably also include tools for entering relevant structural details of the design space. In the bathroom example, the design toolbar may include access to "window" and "door" placement tools, so that the placement and dimensions of windows and doors may be added to the design space and subsequently taken into consideration when generating a design. By way of example, if a user wished to add a door to the design space illustrated in the design area the user may select the "door" shape tool and place it on the appropriate place on the design using a mouse tool or other pointing device. A door graphic may then appear in that position on the design space together with a pop-up window where the user may enter or confirm the door's dimensions.

Similar tools may be provided to allow for the addition of any other pre-existing structures to the design space and for the entry of details about their dimensions and exact positioning. Such pre-existing structures may not be of a type common to the particular design space and may therefore have to be entered as generic shapes of particular dimensions.

Each style template will preferably have a pre-determined set of design components for inclusion in the design. However, the user may still be able to enter or select the design components that the user would ideally like to be included in the design. For example the user may specify that the bathroom should include a separate bath and shower, a heated towel-rail, a basin and a separate cabinet in which towels may be placed. The user is not obliged to select all recommended design components specified for the pre-defined template. Any alterations that the user makes to the pre-determined set of design components are taken into account in the initial design.

The process of placing the design components in the design space then continues as shown in Figure 5. Usually the beginning of the automated design component placement is triggered by the user as shown in Figure 5.

The invention will place the design components within the design space with reference to the dimensions of the space and pre-defined design principles. The pre-defined design principles include business rules 308, preferably stored in an XML database, associated with each design component. Possible instances of such rules for the bathroom example are set out briefly below by way of example only.

Business rules for a toilet may, for example, comprise the conditions that the toilet must be placed right angles to the wall and that it has a minimum pre-defined amount of space around it that cannot conflict with another object. The business rules for a bidet may be the same as that for a toilet but may further include the condition that it cannot be included in a design without a toilet. When the toilet is removed, then the invention must automatically remove the bidet.

Business rules for a bath may include a first preference for placement on a wall that does not have a window, a further preference for placement in a corner so a side of the bath is attached to the wall as well as the length, and a further preference for placement where the length of the bath is attached to the wall and both sides are not attached to a wall.

Business rules for a shower may include a condition that the shower must go from floor to ceiling, and that it must go in a corner with 2 sides against each (different) wall. A preferred placement may be that it is placed on a wall that does not have a window. An acceptable placement may be in any corner that will not create a conflict of space with another component.

Physical dimensions and clearance dimensions may also be stored for each design component, together with paths for the locations of generic graphics appropriate for representing the component in the initial design.

The design principles used by the invention will preferably also include a priority for each design component effectively ranking the importance of each component in the design. By way of example only, in the context of a basic bathroom space the highest priority may be automatically assigned to the shower component followed by the bath component, or alternatively to a combined bath with shower. The next highest priority may be automatically assigned to the toilet component, followed by the basin component and the towel rail component. The design components for each template will preferably each have a priority pre-assigned.

Design principles used by the invention and stored in computer memory may also include a series of design constraints 301 specific to the type or use of the design space. Typical design constraints for a bathroom example may include the location of services such as, for example, gully traps, wiring, and plumbing. Design constraints may also include the number of doors, the width, swing and placement to the nearest wall corner of the door(s), the number of windows, the length, height, height from the floor and placement to the nearest wall corner of window(s), window placement in comparison to door(s) and typical circulation within a room of this type. Design principles will preferably also take into account any local building regulations. These factors may be considered in conjunction with the room dimensions and the priority and placement rules of the design components to generate the initial design.

The invention will therefore generate a design that is a compromise between the best placement for objects based on walk flow or circulation of people, the best placement for objects based on location of doors, door swing and windows, the best placement for objects based on object dimensions in comparison to room dimensions, and the best placement of objects based on the practicality and legality of the placement.

The invention will begin the placement process by finding an optimum location for the component with the highest priority as shown in Figure 5. If the optimum location is available the invention places the component in that location and, if any components remain to be placed, continues the placement process with the unplaced component with the next highest priority, and so on.

If however a component cannot be placed in its optimal position the invention may investigate alternate acceptable placements. If the component still cannot be placed then the invention may try relocating the component that was placed immediately before the present component to an alternative acceptable location and then attempt to place the current component again.

If the component still cannot be placed the invention may recalculate the parameters for the placement using the smallest possible dimensions for the components. If this step is necessary the user will be limited as to the models that he or she can ultimately select for the component. For example, a placement for a bath that could only be made using minimum bath dimensions would mean that the user will in fact only be able to use smaller bath models in the finished bathroom. All calculations are preferably made using at least average dimensions for each component in the first instance.

If the object still cannot be placed then the user may be asked to personally prioritise the components that were to be included in the design. Once the user has done this, components of lower user priority that cannot be placed will be excluded from the design.

As mentioned above, the user may choose not to use templates for their design, but may simply wish to specify the components that should be included in the design. The user will still be required to enter the dimensions of the design space as described above and the automatic design component placement process described above and illustrated in Figure 5 will remain substantially unchanged. To give a simplified example, we will assume that the user has selected a separate bath and shower, a heated towel-rail, a basin and a separate cabinet in which towels may be placed for inclusion in the design and that the bathroom is 2m x 2m with the following dimensions • A 860 mm door is on the South Wall 500 mm from the southwest corner, swinging into the room away from the west wall, and pointing at the north wall when at a 90 degree angle.

• A 860 mm door is on the West wall 500 mm from the southwest corner, swinging into the room away from the west wall and pointing at the East wall when at a 90 degree angle.

• A 900mm long by 800 mm high window is on the North wall 500mm from the northwest corner 1200 mm from the floor.

Given this data the invention could calculate that the South wall has 660 mm of usable space on the East side and that the West wall has 660 mm of usable space on the North side. The invention could then determine that no component, except the towel rail, is small enough to go in the remaining space in each wall so components must go on the North and East walls.

With regard to the flow or circulation of people in the room the invention may determine that the circulation of people will be done in the South half of the room, of which the majority will be in the Southwest side of the room because the doors are in that location.

In placing the components the invention will also look at the dimensions of the components so that for example, the dimensions of the bath in comparison to the dimensions of the room means that it must go the full length of the north wall, and that some carpentry is needed to make the difference as the bath is 1760 mm in length. By default the cabinet and basin must go on the East wall and the basin must go next to the bath as the cabinet and its contents could get wet from splashes from the bath.

The towel rail is placed on the West wall between the door and bath to allow for easy reach when a person is in the bath.

The invention will also calculate that a separate shower cannot be included into the design as there is not enough space to accommodate it. In a case such as this the invention may provide a design commentary to the user providing reasons behind design decisions that are made by the invention.

Once the invention has determined the optimum positioning of the design components either by following a template or a user specification the invention will display an initial design to the user such as for example that shown in Figure 7. The 2-D design plans generated by the invention preferably use generic graphics appropriate to each design component to make the invention more efficient.

At this time the user may wish to alter the positions suggested by the system. The user may drag the components to different positions on the design, for example by using a mouse.

As shown in Figure 8 the user may also be able to rotate and flip the components. The rotate/flip functionality of the invention may be accessed via a supplemental menu bar 710 as illustrated in Figure 7. Icons on this menu bar may be used to access functionality of the invention which may not be accessible via the main menu bar 410. If the user places one or more components in a manner that is impractical, impossible, or which contravene any building regulations according to the design principles maintained by the invention, then these components will be highlighted and the user may once again be provided with a design commentary to explain any possible difficulties with the chosen positioning. Such warnings and design commentary may be triggered by the user choosing to audit their modified design, for example. Design audit functionality may be accessible through main menu 410 or supplementary menu 710. User's may be required to audit any designs that have been modified or created by user actions before functionality such as costings and orders can be accessed.

As mentioned above, a user may also choose to create a freestyle design. In this embodiment the user will enter details of the dimensions and structural features of the design space as described above. However, the user will preferably be provided with a menu of design components which the user can drag and drop onto the design area and position where they like.

In this embodiment the design principals of the invention will be used to audit the design in the same way as user modifications in the previous embodiments. In any design audit the invention will apply all relevant design constraints to the design to determine whether there are any potential problems with the design. If there are, any components placed in inappropriate positions will be highlighted and a design commentary will explain the problem with the placement and, where possible, suggest an alternative.

Once the design is accepted by the user and the invention the user may select the particular models or products for each of the design components included in their design. The user can in fact select particular products at any time but it may be more convenient for the user to make the selection toward the end of the design process once the user is certain of which components will be included in the finished design.

The user may, for example, double click on a design component such as a basin and then select a preferred basin from those available from advertisers, sponsors or other suppliers. This functionality may also be made available via the main menu bar 410 or the supplemental menu bar 710. Figure 9 shows a menu for selection of a basin component. Figure 10 shows a particular basin product, which a user has selected.

If the user has used a pre-designed style template for their design, the invention will automatically recommend a subset of available models for each component that are best suited to the style of the template. The invention will have automatically ensured during the design process that all recommended component products fit in the design.

If the design was a freestyle design or the components were user specified and not off a template, then the user may wish to re-audit their design to ensure that no conflicts arise from their product selection. In all cases dimension data for the component will be updated from the default average dimension or any other dimension the component may have been resized to once a specific product is selected for the design and the generic graphics may be slightly resized to assist with any further modifications to the design.

As the user selects particular models for the design components they may be added to a user shopping basket for later costing and/or orders for the product. All products in the shopping basket are automatically considered in any overall costing that the invention produced. Preferably the invention will be capable of automatically downloading product information from sponsors and advertisers via the Internet and/or server 150 to provide up-to-the-minute product menus to the user. This feature also allows the user to review costings for all design components selected.

Preferably labour costs for installation will also be available based on the work involved in installing selected components. The invention therefore allows the user to gain a good idea of the overall costs involved in their preferred design. Costings may be accessible via the costings menu on the menu bar.

When the user is satisfied with the design they have the option of seeing the design rendered in three dimensions. Figure 11 illustrates a finished design rendered in three dimensions for the user to review. The user may be able to zoom in and out of the design and view the design from any rotation. This functionality may be accessed via the main menu bar 410 or the supplemental menu bar 710.

When the design for the space is finalised, the invention may automatically generate all necessary plans and documentation necessary in order to apply for appropriate planning permission to implement the design. This functionality may be accessed via the main menu bar 410 or the supplemental menu bar 710.

The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated within the scope hereof as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A method for automated planning and design, the method comprising the steps of: receiving data representing dimensions and structural details of a design space; receiving data representing one or more design components to be included in the design space; calculating optimum positions of design components based on predetermined design principles; generating a design plan based on the calculated optimum positions; and presenting the design plan to the user.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of receiving from the user data representing a particular design style selected by a user from a menu of style templates wherein the design plan is generated in accordance with the style selected.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising the step of automatically generating plans and documentation suitable for submission with a planning permission request.

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims further comprising the step of automatically generating costings for a finalised plan or design.

5. A computer program for the automated planning and design of a design space, the computer program comprising: methods for receiving and storing data representing dimensions and structural details of the design space; methods for receiving and storing data representing one or more items to be included in the design space; methods for calculating optimum positions of design components based on predetermined design principles; methods for generating a design plan based on the results of the calculated optimum positions; and methods for presenting the design plan to the user.

6. The computer program of claim 5 further comprising methods for receiving and storing data representing a particular design style selected by a user from a menu of style templates wherein the design plan is generated in accordance with the selected design style.

7. The computer program of claims 5 and 6 further comprising methods for automatically generating plans and documentation suitable for submission with a planning permission request.

8. The computer program of any one of claims 5, 6, or, 7 further comprising methods for automatically generating costings for a finalised plan or design.

9. A system for the automated planning and design of a space comprising: a computer memory in which design principles applicable to the space are stored; an input component configured to receive and store data representing dimensions and structural details of the design space, and data representing one or more items to be included in the design space; a design generator configured to generate a design for the space based on the design principles in computer memory and the data received by the input component; and a display configured to display the design generated by the design generator to a user.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the input component is further configured to receive and store data representing a particular design style selected by a user from a menu of style templates and wherein the design generator is configured to generate the design in accordance with the selected design style.

11. The system of claim 9 or claim 10 further comprising a planning permission request generator configured to automatically generate plans and documentation suitable for submission with a planning permission request.

12. The system of any one of claims 9, 10, or 11 further comprising a costings generator configured to automatically generate costings for a finalised plan or design.