Patent · US Expired

Interactive methods for design of automobiles

US7079114B1 · kind B1 · utility

85Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 29, 2003
Grant dateJul 18, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 2, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06T2219/2021
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.