Patent ID: 6311142
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: B42D,G06T

Abstract:
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 .omega. of incidence; andreceiving 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; andautomatically designing a fourth control point such that the pop-up mechanism is folded along a line between the third and fourth control points.