Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Product assembly or manufacturing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-07
2001-11-06
Lee, Thomas (Department: 2787)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Product assembly or manufacturing
C700S097000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314334
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a method and system for preparing a detailed material cutting specification for cutting the material and fitting the cut material into a given area. While the invention relates to fitting cut material into areas of predetermined shape, and consequently has broad application thereto, the invention is particularly described in connection with the fitting of cut rolled goods, such as carpet or linoleum onto floor areas.
BACKGROUND ART
When estimating the amount of carpet needed to cover a given area, one must typically measure the dimensions of the given area to obtain a first set of visual indicia, preferably in the form of a rough diagram with each length along the perimeter of the area dimensioned. The dimensions of the given area can be measured in any number of fashions, including stretching a tape measure along each edge of the floor to be covered.
Once this is accomplished, it is necessary to fit the carpet to the area. This typically involves the practice of optimizing seam locations and minimizing waste. This is generally done by an experienced estimator who works with pencil, scratch pad and his/her experience to determine how many yards of the carpet are necessary to complete the job and also, how the carpet is to be cut and fit to install the job.
Estimating errors are particularly costly. If an error is on the high side, the customer either purchases too much carpet, or the customer receives a lower estimate and goes with a different carpet company. If the error is on the short side, insufficient flooring is ordered and the job can often not be properly installed.
One attempted solution to the above problem is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,056. The '056 patent describes a method and apparatus for producing a detailed plan by interaction between an operator and a plotting system. The plotter of the system is manually manipulated by an experienced estimator to establish the initial seam position. If the initial seam position is improperly located, the method and apparatus allow the experienced estimator to manually select a new seam position. The method and apparatus also allow the experienced estimator to identify compatible source and target areas for scrap.
The '056 method and apparatus still require the use of an experienced estimator to input information through the plotter. In the case of high volume carpet or floor covering retailers, a large number of such experienced estimators is required to process all of the orders to be filled.
Whether carpet companies employ a completely manual system or a system such as the one disclosed in the '056 patent, experienced estimators are required. Unfortunately, experienced estimators are becoming more and more difficult to find. In addition, the personal experience these estimators rely upon to make their measurements is becoming a lost art that has not been passed onto the next generation.
Consequently, there is a need to provide a fully automated method and system for preparing a detailed material cutting specification used to cut and fit the material into a given area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a fully automatic method and system for preparing a detailed material cutting specification for cutting the material and fitting the cut material into a cut area.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for preparing a detailed material cutting specification for cutting the material and fitting the cut material into a given area without the need of an experienced estimator.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for preparing a detailed material cutting specification for cutting the material and fitting the cut material into a given area without the need for substantial manual interaction, thereby eliminating human error.
These objects are achieved by providing a system employing a programmable computer system for preparing a detailed material cutting specification for cutting material and fitting the cut material into a given area. The system includes means for defining dimensions of the given area by inputting information regarding the dimensions of the given area to the programmable computer system and means for defining at least one dimension of the material by inputting information regarding the materials to the programmable computer system. The system further includes means for analyzing the dimensions of the given area as a function of the at least one dimension of the material to identify the placement of strips of the material and material fillers used in covering the given area with the material. The analyzed dimensions are reported to the user as a list indicating the quantity of material needed to cover the given area and a visual display of the material layout within the given area. A method for accomplishing the present system is also provided.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.
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patent: 4023861 (1977-05-01), Schnell
patent: 4849911 (1989-07-01), Campian
patent: 4905159 (1990-02-01), Loriot
patent: 5255207 (1993-10-01), Cornwell
patent: 5353355 (1994-10-01), Takagi et al.
patent: 5555629 (1996-09-01), Leighton
patent: 5571684 (1996-11-01), Lawrence et al.
patent: 5663885 (1997-09-01), Stahl
patent: 5815398 (1998-09-01), Dighe et al.
patent: 5847971 (1998-12-01), Ladner et al.
patent: 6024150 (2000-02-01), Kawai et al.
Berlin Marvin
Goldstein Yehiel
Kohn & Associates
Lee Thomas
Mai Rijue
MeasureComp
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