Graphics produced by optically scanning a design model

Claim 1

A method of generating graphics such as isometric drawings for construction of a full size industrial plant or like project comprising: building a physical three dimensional miniaturized design model of the full size project that is to be constructed; applying visually exposed indicia to each of a plurality of separate segments on the model, said indicia for each segment being identifiably descriptive of the distinguishing characteristics that the segment represents on the physical model and is to have in the final construction of the full size project; optically scanning the exposed indicia on each of said separate segments of the model; collectively recording the scanned information onto electronic storage memory means; and utilizing the recorded information in conjunction with a compatible computer system program and general purpose computer to supply electronic plotting signals to a graphics plotter which produces the graphics for use thereafter in construction of the full size porject.

Claim 2

A method of generating graphics such as isometric drawings for construction of a full size industrial plant or like project comprising: building a physical three dimensional miniaturized design model of the full size project that is to be constructed; applying visually exposed indicia to each of a plurality of separate segments on the model, said indicia for each segment being identifiably descriptive of the distinguishing characteristics that the segment represents on the physical model and is to have in the final construction of the full size project; optically scanning the exposed indicia on each of said separate segments of the model; collectively recording the scanned information onto electronic storage memory means; and utilizing the recorded information in conjunction with a compatible computer system program and general purpose computer to supply electronic plotting signals to a graphics plotter which produces the graphics for use thereafter in construction of the full size porject.

Claim 5

A method of generating graphics as recited in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said scanning and said recording are performed by employing portable recording means provided with optically responsive indicia scanning means.

Claim 9

A method of generating graphics as recited in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said utilizing of the recorded information includes transferring the electronic storage memory means to form input data to a program directed general purpose computer, and supplying the computer output signals to a graphics plotter.

Claim 12

A method of generating graphics such as isometric drawings for construction of a full size industrial plant or like project comprising: building a physical three dimensional miniaturized design model of the full size project that is to be constructed; applying visually exposed indicia to each of a plurality of separate segments on the model by preparing individual label means for each said separate segment with the indicia on each said individual label means being identifiably descriptive of the distinguishing characteristics for a particular segment of the physical model and corresponding particular segment of the full size project, and affixing each said label means to its particular segment on said model; optically scanning said exposed indicia on each said label means on said model; and collectively recording the scanned information onto electronic storage memory means for utilization in conjunction with a compatible computer system program and general purpose computer to supply electronic plotting signals to a graphics plotter which produces the graphics for use thereafter in construction of the full size project.

Claim 13

A method of generating graphics such as isometric drawings for construction of a full size industrial plant or like project comprising: building a physical three dimensional miniaturized design model of the full size project that is to be constructed; applying visually exposed indicia to each of a plurality of separate segments on the model by preparing individual label means for each said separate segment with the indicia on each said individual label means being identifiably descriptive of the distinguishing characteristics for a particular segment of the physical model and corresponding particular segment of the full size project, and affixing each said label means to its particular segment on said model; optically scanning said exposed indicia on each said label means on said model; and collectively recording the scanned information onto electronic storage memory means for utilization in conjunction with a compatible computer system program and general purpose computer to supply electronic plotting signals to a graphics plotter which produces the graphics for use thereafter in construction of the full size project.