US6311142B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods for designing pop-up cards, and cards produced thereby
Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
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Filing: 1999-01-15
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Granted: 2001-10-30
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Expires: 2019-01-15
Abstract
Abstract An interactive development environment for design and placement of tiered geometrical objects, such as objects used in pop-up card designs. Relations between objects are represented mathematically, allowing computerized modeling and enforcement of design constraints. For example, in the context of pop-up cards, a card that cannot close will not be allowed. A dependency hierarchy is used to track different objects of a card. Card objects are instantiated as related to other card objects so that changes to one card object can be appropriately propagated to related objects. If all card objects are defined with respect to a base card, an entire card design can be animated by only adjusting, e.g., "opening" and "closing," the base card. A graphical interface provides drag-and-drop and manual forms of placing card parts. For drag-and-drop, design constraints can be used to automatically determine proper positioning of card pieces. Graphics can be associated with card parts, and such graphics are automatically adjusted, e.g., adjusting perspective, for proper viewing of the image on a particular card piece.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew S. Glassner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:41
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T19/00; B; B42; B42D; B42D15/00; B42D15/02; B42D15/04; B42D15/045; G06T2219/00; G06T2219/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
A computer-implemented method for creating pop-up cards in a computerized virtual development environment allowing selection and placement of pop-up mechanisms on a card, the method including an input device and a display, the method receiving input from the input device, the input indicating at least one pop-up mechanism positioned relative to an underlying card or other pop-up mechanism, the method comprising: displaying an underlying card having at least two arbitrarily shaped card-sections existing within corresponding first and second planes, such planes pivotally mounted about an axis L and defining a dihedral angle ω of incidence; and receiving input indicating a proposed position for a pop-up mechanism; determining based on the input at least three control points, of which the first control point is positioned on the surface of the card-section existing within the first plane, and the second control point is positioned on the surface of the card-section existing within the second plane, and the third control point is positioned on the L axis; and automatically designing a fourth control point such that the pop-up mechanism is folded along a line between the third and fourth control points.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
A computer-implemented method for creating pop-up cards in a computerized virtual development environment allowing selection and placement of pop-up mechanisms on a card, the method including an input device and a display, the method receiving input from the input device, the input indicating at least one pop-up mechanism positioned relative to an underlying card or other pop-up mechanism, the method comprising: displaying an underlying card having at least two arbitrarily shaped card-sections existing within corresponding first and second planes, such planes pivotally mounted about an axis L and defining a dihedral angle ω of incidence; and receiving input indicating a proposed position for a pop-up mechanism; determining based on the input at least three control points, of which the first control point is positioned on the surface of the card-section existing within the first plane, and the second control point is positioned on the surface of the card-section existing within the second plane, and the third control point is positioned on the L axis; and automatically designing a fourth control point such that the pop-up mechanism is folded along a line between the third and fourth control points.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: displaying a graphical user interface, such interface showing a workspace and providing exemplary cards and mechanisms that may be selected for use in the workspace; and receiving an indication that a user has manipulated a graphical selection tool in the graphical user interface, and in response thereto, calculating and displaying the underlying card and pop-up mechanisms in the workspace.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein as angle ω approaches 180 degrees, the pop-up mechanism approaches lying flat with the first and second planes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A computer-readable medium having encoded thereon instructions for directing a computer to perform the method of claim 1 .
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
168 words
A computer-implemented method for automatically determining a position for a pop-up vertex B of a pop-up mechanism in communication with a folding card, a user of the method indicating selections presented to the user on a graphical user interface, the method comprising: selecting by the user, a folding card having planar surfaces π1 and π2 pivotal about an axis L; selecting by the user, proposed pop-up mechanism coordinates indicated by vertices A, D, and C; automatically determining a pop-up vertex B, a planar surface π3 defined by vertices A, B, D, and a planar surface π4 defined by vertices A, B, C, where surface π3 is integral to surface π1, and surface π4 is integral to surface π2; intersecting three geometrical objects, each object having a radius and being respectively defined about vertices A, C and D, such intersection identifying intersection points common to each geometrical object; and automatically determining pop-up vertex B to be such common intersection point spatially positioned at or above surfaces π1 and π2.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
168 words
A computer-implemented method for automatically determining a position for a pop-up vertex B of a pop-up mechanism in communication with a folding card, a user of the method indicating selections presented to the user on a graphical user interface, the method comprising: selecting by the user, a folding card having planar surfaces π1 and π2 pivotal about an axis L; selecting by the user, proposed pop-up mechanism coordinates indicated by vertices A, D, and C; automatically determining a pop-up vertex B, a planar surface π3 defined by vertices A, B, D, and a planar surface π4 defined by vertices A, B, C, where surface π3 is integral to surface π1, and surface π4 is integral to surface π2; intersecting three geometrical objects, each object having a radius and being respectively defined about vertices A, C and D, such intersection identifying intersection points common to each geometrical object; and automatically determining pop-up vertex B to be such common intersection point spatially positioned at or above surfaces π1 and π2.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method according to claim 5 , in which the three geometrical objects are spheres, and intersecting three geometrical objects includes: defining a first sphere about vertex A having a radius AB; defining a second sphere about vertex C having a radius CB; and wherein intersection of each sphere determines the intersection points common to each geometrical object.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 6 , further comprising: defining a third sphere about vertex D having a radius DB.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
86 words
A method according to claim 5 , in which the three geometrical objects are circles, and intersecting three geometrical objects includes: defining a first circle about vertex A having radius AB; defining a second circle about vertex C having radius CB; defining a first plane about a first radical axis between the first and second circles; and defining a second plane about a second radical axis between the second and third circles; wherein intersection of each plane determines the intersection points common to each geometrical object.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 8 , further comprising: defining a third circle about vertex D having radius DB; and defining a third plane about a third radical axis between the first and third circles.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 9 , wherein said circles mutually intersect, and said radical axes mutually intersect.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 9 , wherein the position of B is restricted to spatial locations both perpendicular to CD and within a fourth plane defined by axis L.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A computer-readable medium having encoded thereon instructions for directing a computer to perform the method of claim 5 .
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
125 words
A computer-implemented method for determining a closed-card position for a pop-up vertex B of an asymmetric slit pop-up mechanism in a folding card, a folding axis L for the folding card, such mechanism having a bounding triangle defined by vertices A, C, and D, the method automatically determining a first inner triangle defined by vertices A, B, D, and a second inner triangle defined by vertices A, B, C, the method comprising: receiving input indicating the bounding triangle; determining automatically a point E along line segment DC, and aligning line segment AE with the axis L; determining automatically, an angle γ between AC and AE; and determining automatically pop-up vertex B along DC such that the angle between AD and AB is equivalent to γ.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
125 words
A computer-implemented method for determining a closed-card position for a pop-up vertex B of an asymmetric slit pop-up mechanism in a folding card, a folding axis L for the folding card, such mechanism having a bounding triangle defined by vertices A, C, and D, the method automatically determining a first inner triangle defined by vertices A, B, D, and a second inner triangle defined by vertices A, B, C, the method comprising: receiving input indicating the bounding triangle; determining automatically a point E along line segment DC, and aligning line segment AE with the axis L; determining automatically, an angle γ between AC and AE; and determining automatically pop-up vertex B along DC such that the angle between AD and AB is equivalent to γ.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A computer-readable medium having encoded thereon instructions for directing a computer to perform claim 13 .
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
131 words
A computer-implemented system for creating pop-up cards in a computerized virtual development environment allowing selection and placement of pop-up mechanisms on a card, each card containing at least one pop-up mechanism spatially positioned relative to an underlying card or other pop-up mechanism, the system comprising: graphical interface means for displaying and manipulating a pop-up card and a pop-up mechanism for such card; graphical selection means for selecting the pop-up mechanism with a set of minimum constraints; attachment means for automatically determining at least one other constraint for the pop-up mechanism and attaching the pop-up mechanism to the pop-up card; means for interactively reconfiguring the pop-up card and the pop-up mechanism constraint with the graphical selection means; and means for animating the pop-up card and the pop-up mechanism subject to the constraints.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
131 words
A computer-implemented system for creating pop-up cards in a computerized virtual development environment allowing selection and placement of pop-up mechanisms on a card, each card containing at least one pop-up mechanism spatially positioned relative to an underlying card or other pop-up mechanism, the system comprising: graphical interface means for displaying and manipulating a pop-up card and a pop-up mechanism for such card; graphical selection means for selecting the pop-up mechanism with a set of minimum constraints; attachment means for automatically determining at least one other constraint for the pop-up mechanism and attaching the pop-up mechanism to the pop-up card; means for interactively reconfiguring the pop-up card and the pop-up mechanism constraint with the graphical selection means; and means for animating the pop-up card and the pop-up mechanism subject to the constraints.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 15 , further comprising printing means for printing the pop-up card and the pop-up mechanism.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
105 words
A computerized graphical card design system for designing, displaying, and manipulating a pop-up card, comprising: design arrangement for designing a pop-up card including receiving user input indicating certain design constraints, and the automatic determination of another design constraint; data accessing arrangement for storing and accessing data corresponding to geometric characteristics of the pop-up card, and data corresponding to features of the pop-up card; adjustment arrangement, in communication with the data accessing arrangement, for adjusting the geometric characteristics of the pop-up card in response to user input; and display arrangement, in communication with the data accessing arrangement, for displaying the geometric characteristics of the pop-up card.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
105 words
A computerized graphical card design system for designing, displaying, and manipulating a pop-up card, comprising: design arrangement for designing a pop-up card including receiving user input indicating certain design constraints, and the automatic determination of another design constraint; data accessing arrangement for storing and accessing data corresponding to geometric characteristics of the pop-up card, and data corresponding to features of the pop-up card; adjustment arrangement, in communication with the data accessing arrangement, for adjusting the geometric characteristics of the pop-up card in response to user input; and display arrangement, in communication with the data accessing arrangement, for displaying the geometric characteristics of the pop-up card.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 17 , wherein the adjustment arrangement includes a graphical selector tool for selecting a card piece shown by the display arrangement.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system according to claim 17 , wherein the design arrangement includes dragging and dropping card objects onto the pop-up card, and operates in conjunction with the data accessing arrangement so that data corresponding to geometric characteristics for a dropped card object are stored.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 19 , further including a collision detection arrangement operating in conjunction with the design arrangement to prevent placement of card object which would prevent correct operation of the card.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 19 , wherein geometric characteristics for a dropped card object are assigned default values.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 17 , in which a pop-up card has plural regions, and wherein the display arrangement displays a first region at a different level of detail than for a second region.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 17 , in which the display arrangement includes level data indicating relative spatial positions for objects in a card design, and wherein an object is displayed in a format according to its level.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 23 , wherein the data accessing arrangement includes a level change arrangement for changing the level of the object.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 24 , wherein the level change arrangement includes dragging and dropping features of the pop-up card.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 24 , wherein the data access arrangement operates in conjunction with the display arrangement to allow interactive selection and modification of a displayed object.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 17 , wherein the data accessing arrangement includes a constraint verification arrangement to prevent storage of geometric characteristics in violation of a known constraint.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 27 , further comprising an animation arrangement for animating the pop-up card by assigning values to geometric characteristics of the pop-up card as limited by the constraint verification arrangement.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
A computer readable medium having encoded thereon instructions for directing a computer to perform the system of claim 17 .
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
101 words
A computer-implemented method of designing a pop-up card on a computer system, comprising: defining a base having first and second members coupled about a fold axis; determining from user input a proposed spatial relationship of a pop-up portion with the base; determining automatically from the proposed spatial relationship, both an actual location where the pop-up portion is fixed to the base and an actual spatial relationship with the base; and displaying the determined actual location and actual spatial relationship of the pop-up portion with the base when the first and second members of the base have a given angle there between.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
101 words
A computer-implemented method of designing a pop-up card on a computer system, comprising: defining a base having first and second members coupled about a fold axis; determining from user input a proposed spatial relationship of a pop-up portion with the base; determining automatically from the proposed spatial relationship, both an actual location where the pop-up portion is fixed to the base and an actual spatial relationship with the base; and displaying the determined actual location and actual spatial relationship of the pop-up portion with the base when the first and second members of the base have a given angle there between.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the pop-up portion lies flat with the first and second members of the base when the card is closed.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 30 , further comprising printing the pop-up card on a minimal quantity of output media.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the pop-up portion is printed with attachment-flaps, and the base printed with markings indicating affixment positions for the attachment-flaps on the base.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
142 words
A computer-implemented system for printing a pop-up card developed in a graphical interactive environment implemented by plural computer-readable program modules, in which the pop-up card contains at least one pop-up mechanism spatially positioned relative to an underlying card or other pop-up mechanism, the system comprising: a design module configured to provide interactive design and development of a pop-up card; a printing module configured to provide for printing the pop-up card on an output media; and a packing module operating in conjunction with the printing module, in which the packing module determines an optimized layout for printing the underlying card and the pop-up mechanism by seeking a largest available block that will fit on the current page, so that use of output media is minimized; wherein the printing module prints the underlying card with markings indicating an affixment location for a pop-up mechanism.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
142 words
A computer-implemented system for printing a pop-up card developed in a graphical interactive environment implemented by plural computer-readable program modules, in which the pop-up card contains at least one pop-up mechanism spatially positioned relative to an underlying card or other pop-up mechanism, the system comprising: a design module configured to provide interactive design and development of a pop-up card; a printing module configured to provide for printing the pop-up card on an output media; and a packing module operating in conjunction with the printing module, in which the packing module determines an optimized layout for printing the underlying card and the pop-up mechanism by seeking a largest available block that will fit on the current page, so that use of output media is minimized; wherein the printing module prints the underlying card with markings indicating an affixment location for a pop-up mechanism.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 34 , in which the pop-up mechanism is printed with affixment tabs, and wherein the printing module marks the underlying card so as to indicate placement of such tabs on the underlying card.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 35 , further comprising means for printing different markings representing a cut or a fold on the underlying card or the at least one pop-up mechanism.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 36 , wherein different marks are printed for a fold into the underlying card and a fold out of the underlying card.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 34 , in which a horizon is defined and the pop-up mechanism has an associated texture, the system further comprising means for adjusting the associated texture according to such horizon.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
173 words
A computerized method for designing pop-up cards, including an input device and a display, the method comprising: displaying a pop-up card base with a left side and a right side pivotally joined along an L axis, said L axis logically extending beyond the pop-up card base; receiving at the input device an indication of a pop-up to be mounted on the pop-up card base; determining from the indication of the pop-up, two points of intersection, a first point of intersection being an intersection between the left side of the base card and the left side of the pop-up, a second point of intersection being an intersection between the right side of the based card and the right side of the pop-up; determining from the indication of the pop-up, a third point along the L axis; designing based on the three points, a fourth point located on the pop-up; and designing a folding line for the pop-up, the folding line being defined by an imaginary line between the fourth point and the third point.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
173 words
A computerized method for designing pop-up cards, including an input device and a display, the method comprising: displaying a pop-up card base with a left side and a right side pivotally joined along an L axis, said L axis logically extending beyond the pop-up card base; receiving at the input device an indication of a pop-up to be mounted on the pop-up card base; determining from the indication of the pop-up, two points of intersection, a first point of intersection being an intersection between the left side of the base card and the left side of the pop-up, a second point of intersection being an intersection between the right side of the based card and the right side of the pop-up; determining from the indication of the pop-up, a third point along the L axis; designing based on the three points, a fourth point located on the pop-up; and designing a folding line for the pop-up, the folding line being defined by an imaginary line between the fourth point and the third point.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
183 words
The method of claim 39 , including animating the action of the pop-up as the left side and right side of the pop-up card base pivot along the L axis, the method comprising: determining a first reference sphere with a center at the first point and a radius equal to the distance between the first and fourth points; determining a second reference sphere with a center at the second point and a radius equal to the distance between the second and fourth points; determining a third reference sphere with a center at the third point and a radius equal to the distance between the third and fourth points; animating the pop-up as pivotally fixed to the pop-up card at the first and second points, and animating the folding line for the pop-up, as spatially varied along an imaginary line between the third point and a changing point above the pop-up card base, the changing point identified as the point of intersection of the three reference spheres which changes as the left and right side of the base card pivot along the L axis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-10-29 | 2005-04-30 | 2005-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-29 | 2009-04-30 | 2009-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-29 | 2013-04-30 | 2013-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |