Abstract:
A computer implemented system for assisting an operator in designing and customizing a virtual luminaire by selecting options. As the operator selects options, the system may display a sample of that option or a sample of the final luminaire. The system may adjust the options that the operator may select to prevent the operator from selecting incompatible or undesirable combinations of options. The system may make recommendations for placement of an option or additional options. The system may stores copies of the luminaire, usable for incorporation into documents or files that can be printed or submitted electronically. Additional information such as pricing or inventory data may also be provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/077,186, filed Mar. 10, 2005 (now abandoned), which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/551,942, filed Mar. 10, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a computer-implemented system for designing luminaires, and more particularly to an environment for designing and submitting orders for luminaires. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Customarily, a luminaire is constructed from a number of separate parts, e.g., a base, a pole, and a lamp. Sometimes, the lamp is attached to the pole by one or more arms. A customer can select from a number of choices for each part of the luminaire. Traditionally, a customer selects the parts for the luminaire from a catalog. The customer does not see the actual luminaire until it is assembled. 
     Luminaires have become increasingly complex, and customer demands have required that a variety of options be made available for customizing the luminaire. In addition to allowing customers to select the basic components of a luminaire such as a base, arm, and shaft, manufacturers may also allow a customer to customize the luminaire by selecting a specific receptacle, cover, arm, banner eyebolt, banner arm, basket holder, street sign, ladder rest, flag holder, internal louver, prismatic glass reflector, finial, material, type of lighting, ballast, shield, voltage, color, fuse, mount, and other options. Height, placement, and orientation of each option may also be customized. 
     Offering custom luminaires presents several problems. Since a customer does not see the actual luminaire until it has been assembled, the customer may receive an item that he or she did not expect. Further, it may be difficult for a customer to decide what options he or she prefers without seeing the luminaire in the context of the environment in which it will be placed. Further, if a customer places an order over the phone or by fax, mailing, or email, there is an increased likelihood of errors resulting from data entry or miscommunication as well as additional costs associated with manually processing the order. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a system which can assist a customer in evaluating and customizing the design of a luminaire before submitting an order and that can assist a customer in submitting the order with a decreased likelihood of error. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the invention includes a computer implemented system for assisting an operator in designing and customizing a virtual luminaire by selecting options. As the operator selects options, the system may display a sample of that option or a sample of the final luminaire. The system may adjust the options that the operator may select to prevent the operator from selecting incompatible or undesirable combinations of options. The system may also make recommendations for placement of an option or additional options. Additional information such as pricing or inventory data may also be provided. Multiple luminaires may be displayed and customized side by side. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the invention includes a computer implemented system for assisting an operator in previewing a virtual luminaire in the context of a picture or graphical representation of its surroundings. This may be achieved by displaying a picture or graphical representation with the virtual luminaire placed in it. The virtual luminaire and the background graphic or picture may also be adjusted by the operator for location, size, color, and picture settings. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the invention includes a computer implemented system for assisting an operator in submitting a list of part numbers and options for a luminaire to a manufacturer. This may be achieved by printing an order summary page that lists the selected part numbers, descriptions, and quantities. The order summary page may also be transmitted to a manufacturer or third party by electronic communication such as email or otherwise through a computer network. The operator may provide purchase information or additional information to accompany the order information. 
     In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus allows designing luminaires from sets of interchangeable parts such that one part from each set fits with one part from each of the other sets to form a complete luminaire: the apparatus includes a display device having a screen, a memory for storing images of the parts, a microprocessor programmed to display the stored images, and an input device for selecting one part from each set required to form a complete luminaire. The microprocessor is programmed to assemble on the screen the complete luminaire from the selected parts. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a system allows designing and ordering luminaires: the system includes a user interface including a display for selecting parts of a luminaire from different designs and for displaying a luminaire composed of the selected parts and a copy buffer capable of storing copies of the luminaire, usable for incorporating the luminaire into a document or file that can be printed or submitted electronically. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, a method allows designing luminaires from sets of interchangeable parts such that one part from each set fits with one part from each of the other sets to form a complete luminaire: the method includes receiving input via an interface, the input representing a selection of interchangeable parts, displaying the complete luminaire or a partially complete luminaire composed of the selection of interchangeable parts, and storing the complete luminaire or the partially complete luminaire for the purpose of incorporating the complete luminaire or the partially complete luminaire into a document or a file that can be printed or submitted electronically. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, a computer program product recorded on a computer readable medium allows designing luminaires from sets of interchangeable parts such that one part from each set fits with one part from each of the other sets to form a complete luminaire: the computer program product includes computer readable program code with a software interface for receiving input, the input representing a selection of interchangeable parts, computer readable program code for displaying the complete luminaire or a partially complete luminaire composed of the selection of interchangeable parts, and computer readable program code for storing the complete luminaire or the partially complete luminaire for the purpose of incorporating the complete luminaire or the partially complete luminaire into a document or a file that can be printed or submitted electronically. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and exhibits, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an opening screen of a series of displays that enable a customer to design and display a virtual luminaire from an electronic catalog of parts; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in designing and customizing a lighting post luminaire; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in designing a ceiling mount luminaire; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in designing a pier mount luminaire; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in selecting shaft options for a luminaire; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in selecting arms for a luminaire; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in selecting a lighting post luminaire by manually entering models for each component and option; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in designing a wall mount luminaire; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in designing a bollard luminaire; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in designing a wall mount luminaire by manually entering model numbers for each component and option; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in designing a ceiling mount luminaire by manually entering model numbers for each component and option; 
         FIG. 12  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for previewing a virtual luminaire in the context of a picture or graphical representation of its surroundings by displaying a picture or graphic and displaying the luminaire placed in it; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assisting an operator in transforming the settings of a virtual luminaire; 
         FIG. 14  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for previewing a virtual luminaire where the operator may adjust the color of the virtual luminaire; 
         FIG. 15  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s lighting post base options of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s lighting post shaft options of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 17  shows an on-screen display illustrating another aspect of operator selection of the system&#39;s lighting post shaft options of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 18  shows an on-screen display illustrating another aspect of operator selection of the system&#39;s lighting post shaft options of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows an on-screen display illustrating another aspect of operator selection of the system&#39;s lighting post shaft option of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 20  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s arms options of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 21  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s arm orientation of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 22  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s luminaire selection of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 23  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s luminaire options selection of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 24  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s order information of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 25  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s ceiling mount options of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 26  shows an on-screen display illustrating another aspect of operator selection of the system&#39;s ceiling mount selection of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 27  shows an on-screen display illustrating another aspect of operator selection of the system&#39;s luminaire selection of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 28  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s ceiling mount luminaire options of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 29  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s order information of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 30  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s pier mount selection of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 31  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s luminaire selection of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 32  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s luminaire options selection of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 33  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s order information of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 34  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s wall bracket selection of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 35  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s luminaire options of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 36  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s order information of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 37  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s bollard selection of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 38  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s bollard options selection of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 39  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s manual build section of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 40  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s order information of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 41  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s selectable site settings of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 42  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s transform settings of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 43  shows an on-screen display illustrating another aspect of operator selection of the system&#39;s transform settings of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 44  shows an on-screen display illustrating operator selection of the system&#39;s color options of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 45  shows instructions for saving a virtual luminaire design as a Microsoft Word document; and 
         FIG. 46  shows the initial on-screen display when a system disk is installed in a computer. 
     
    
    
     The flow diagrams, block diagrams, and screen shots representing the system and the process of using the same in the drawings are not intended to limit the present invention to a method of programming or a specific design of the system. These representations merely show certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts the opening screen displayed when the system disk is installed in the drive of a computer that is running the program described below. In the opening screen, the user can select where to start the process of designing a virtual luminaire. 
       FIGS. 2 to 14  illustrate the flow in operating the system.  FIGS. 15 to 46  depict the on-screen displays generated by the system disk. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 15 to 45  all have certain common features. The individual available parts are displayed in a large field  1500  on the left side of the screen and the selected parts are displayed in a large field  1502  on the right side of the screen. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the customer provides input to the lighting post luminaire section of the system by selecting the desired components and options. As part of the lighting post section, the customer may select a base, shaft, arms, and luminaire. The options and components may be presented to the operator in a variety of formats or displays. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , a series of menus, including icons representing the components is shown to the customer. In addition to selecting icons, a customer may enter data manually, such as a shaft height. As the customer selects the components and options, a virtual luminaire is displayed on the screen. A novice operator of the system may build a virtual luminaire with ease by following the on screen instructions. An advanced operator may jump through the program to provide greater flexibility. For example, an operator may, at any time, print the current screen, display order information, save information, toggle the background, open instructions for saving the document, exit the program, modify the colors, modify the background, transform the image, or manually enter specifications. 
       FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14  show how a customer may select other features of a luminaire in a similar way as  FIG. 2  shows the selection of the lighting post.  FIG. 3  shows how to select a ceiling mount.  FIG. 4  shows how to select a pier mount.  FIG. 5  shows how to select a shaft.  FIG. 6  shows how to select arms.  FIG. 7  shows how to a customer can use a “manual build” option, an accelerated way of selecting a luminaire.  FIG. 8  shows how to select wall mounts.  FIG. 9  shows how to select bollards.  FIG. 10  shows how to select wall mounts via “manual build” option.  FIG. 11  shows how to select ceiling mounts via “manual build” option.  FIG. 12  shows how to select a background.  FIG. 13  shows how selected luminaires can be modified via a “transform” option.  FIG. 14  shows how to select colors. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the flow diagram shows steps for selecting a lighting post luminaire. The “choose a base” display  202  allows for selecting a base design for the luminaire. A possible set of base designs and an according user interface and display are shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     Similarly “chose a shaft” display  204  allows for selecting a shaft. A possible set of shaft designs and an according user interface and display are shows in  FIG. 16 . Note that the “choose a shaft” display of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  leads to an “execute shaft options” subsection  206  to handle complex shafts. The details of the “execute shaft options” subsection  206  are shown in the flow diagram of  FIG. 5 . “Display shaft options”  502  of  FIG. 5  allows for an initial selection of complex shaft options, as shown in the possible set of options and an according user interface and display shown in  FIG. 17 . Then, a further step of “display shaft options”  504  allows for further complexity, as shown in the possible set of options and an according user interface and display shown in  FIG. 18 . Finally, selected shaft attachments may be height-adjusted  506 , a possible user interface and display is shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     The “choose arms” display  208  in  FIG. 2  allows for selecting arms. A possible set of arm designs and an according user interface and display are shown in  FIG. 20 . Again, to handle complexity,  FIG. 2  shows an “execute arms” subsection  210 , which is shown in detail in  FIG. 6 . The step of selecting an arm design, as shown in  FIG. 20 , is represented by the step “display arm icons”  602  in  FIG. 6 . Then, the “choose arms orientation” display step  604  allows for selection of orientation of the selected arm or arms.  FIG. 21  shows a possible interface and display for selecting orientations. 
     The “choose a luminaire” display  212  of  FIG. 2  targets selection of the luninaire or lighting portion (the lamp) of the luminaire.  FIG. 22  shows a possible set of luminaire portion designs and an according user interface and display. The step of choosing the luminaire portion includes selection of luminaire options  214 , a possible set of options with an according user interface and display is shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     Once the complete lighting post luminaire is selected, the embodiment of  FIG. 2  allows for selection of a number of global options including display of order information  216 . One such possible display is shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the flow diagram shows steps for selecting a ceiling mount luminaire. A possible set of options for the ceiling mount portion of the ceiling mount luminaire and an according user interface and display representing the “choose your options” display  302  of  FIG. 3  is shown in  FIG. 25 . A possible set of options for the luminaire portion of the ceiling mount luminaire and an according user interface and display representing the “choose your options” display  304  of  FIG. 3  is shown in  FIG. 26 . Once the luminaire portion of the ceiling mount luminaire is selected, a luminaire submenu  306  may be utilized to further refine the luminaire portion of the ceiling mount, a possible set of options and an according user interface and display is shown in  FIG. 27 . Finally, further options may be available regarding the lighting portion of the ceiling mount luminaire, as provided in step  308  of  FIG. 3 , a possible according display and user interface is shown in  FIG. 28 . 
     Once the complete ceiling mount luminaire is selected, the embodiment of  FIG. 3  allows for selection of a number of global options including display of order information  310 . One such possible display is shown in  FIG. 29 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , the flow diagram shows steps for selecting a pier mount luminaire. As a first step the pier mount portion of the pier mount luminaire is selected and displayed as shown by the “chose pier mount” display step  402 . A possible set of designs for the pier mount portion and an according user interface and display are shown in  FIG. 30 . Then, similarly to the lighting post luminaire flow diagram of  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 4  shows the steps of choosing arms  404 , including an “execute arms” subsection  406  referring to the flow diagram of  FIG. 6  already described above in the context of selecting arms for the lighting post luminaire. Finally, the luminaire portion of the pier mount luminaire is chosen, as indicated by the “choose a luminaire” display  408 . A possible selection of luminaire portions including an according interface and display is shown in  FIG. 31 . Again, selection of a luminaire portion includes selection of luminaire options as indicated in the step “user selects luminaire options”  410  of the flow diagram in  FIG. 4 . A possible selection of options including an according interface and display is shown in  FIG. 32 . 
     Once the complete pier mount luminaire is selected, the embodiment of  FIG. 4  allows for selection of a number of global options including display of order information  412 . One such possible display is shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 8 , the flow diagram shows steps for selection a wall mount luminaire. First, a wall bracket is selected, as indicated by the “choose wall bracket” display  802 . A possible set of designs of wall brackets and an according interface and display are shown in  FIG. 34 . Then, the luminaire portion of the wall mount luminaire is selected, beginning at the “choose luminaire” display step  804 . As before, such selection includes selection of luminaire options  806 . A possible set of options and an according user interface and display is shown in  FIG. 35 . 
     Once the complete wall mount luminaire is selected, the embodiment of  FIG. 8  allows for selection of a number of global options including display of order information  808 . One such possible display is shown in  FIG. 36 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 9 , the flow diagram shows steps for selecting a bollard luminaire. In this particular embodiment, selecting the bollard  902  is the main step of the process. A possible set of designs and an according interface and display are shown in  FIG. 37 . Choosing a bollard is followed by selecting bollard options  904 . A possible set of options and an according interface and display is shown in  FIG. 38 . 
     Once the complete bollard luminaire is selected, the embodiment of  FIG. 9  allows for selection of a number of global options including display of order information  906 . One such possible display is shown in  FIG. 40 . 
     This particular embodiment of the invention also allows for accelerated selection via entry of part numbers rather than visual selection. This feature is called “manual build.”  FIG. 39  shows a “manually built” bollard via entry of its part number “blcl-hcap”  3902 .  FIG. 7  shows a flow diagram outlining the steps of the “manual build” feature.  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  show the steps of the “manual build” feature when selecting a wall mount or ceiling mount, respectively. 
     After one or more luminaires are selected, their parts may be changed or moved, i.e. transformed, further luminaires may be added, or selected luminaires may be deleted.  FIGS. 41 ,  42 ,  43  and  44  show possible interfaces and displays for transforming parts, assigning them to selected luminaires, and adding and deleting luminaires. 
       FIG. 41  shows controls for selecting sites within which luminaires may be displayed  4102 ,  4104 . The operator can choose between using his or her own images of sites  4102  or selecting from a stock of photographs provided by the system  4104 .  FIG. 42  and  FIG. 43  show controls for adding and removing items  4202 ,  4302 , selecting luminaire units,  4304 , positioning  4206 ,  4306  and scaling  4208 ,  4308  them and other controls.  FIG. 44  shows controls for selecting colors for individual parts. A flow diagram outlining the process of color selection is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Once one or more luminaires have been selected, possibly transformed and scaled and optionally put into the context of a site, the system allows for storing the information usable for printing and/or electronic submission. 
       FIG. 45  shows instructions  4502  for saving in a Microsoft Word document order information  4504  for the design of a selected luminaire and transmitting the selected design to a luminaire seller or manufacturer. Also shown aside of order information  4504  are a background image  4506  and a set of selected luminaries  4508  projected into background image  4506 . The background image including the selected luminaries could be a perspective view of a site selected for installation of luminaries  4508 , as shown, or a plan view. Background image  4506  is created, for example, by taking a photograph of the selected site or by using a preexisting representation of the selected site from a brochure or the like. This photograph or preexisting brochure is scanned, formatted, and loaded into a memory  14  for use in creating an on-screen display. Memory  14  is described further below in connection with  FIG. 46 . 
       FIG. 46  shows a computer for implementing the described operations and on-screen displays. An input device  10  such as a mouse or keyboard is connected to a microprocessor  12 . Microprocessor  12  exchanges data with a memory  14  in which electronic files are stored. For example, the files could comprise a collection of different bases, a collection of different poles, a collection of different arms, a collection of different lamps, and accessories for the luminaries. The files are preferably images of the various parts adapted to fit together to form a virtual luminaire. Microprocessor  12  is programmed to carry out the steps described in  FIGS. 2 to 14  and present the on-screen displays shown in  FIGS. 15 to 44 . 
     Specifically, the customer is led through the selection process by icons and text boxes on the screen of display  16 . Other files could represent this data. At each step, the customer uses input device  10  to select one of the images representing parts shown on the screen. Microprocessor  12  could be programmed to limit the parts from one file that can be combined with parts from another file. For example, a pole may have a smaller or larger diameter than the base socket into which the pole fits. In such case, microprocessor  12  will not permit this combination of parts. A customer can select options to design and display a virtual luminaire. In this way the customer can easily create and change the design without having to build the luminaire. 
     Microprocessor  12  is programmed to superimpose the selected virtual luminaire on the selected background and change the size of the image to fit the background. A click and drag maneuver could be used to superimpose the virtual luminaire at the desired position on the background. A number of copies of the virtual luminaire could be superimposed on the background. If a perspective view is desired the sizes of successive copies are gradually reduced in sequence to give a three dimensional appearance to the image. Further, a color palette could be represented on the screen. To select a desired color for the virtual luminaire the customer simply clicks on the desired color swatch of the palette and the virtual luminaire assumes this color. 
     The microprocessor is also programmed to generate a purchase order (PO) from the customer selection. The PO is represented on the screen for editing, making a hard copy on a printer  18 , and transmission to the manufacturer. 
     The relationship between the flow diagrams of  FIGS. 1 to 14  and the on-screen displays is as follows:
         1. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 15 to 24  are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 2 .   2. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 25 to 29  are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 3 .   3. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 30 to 33  are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 4 .   4. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 16 to 19  are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 5 .   5. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 20 and 21  are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 6 .   6. The on-screen displays of  FIG. 15  et seq are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 7 .   7. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 34 to 36  are produced by the flow diagrams of  FIGS. 8 and 10 .   8. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 37 to 40  are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 9 .   9. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 25 to 29  are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 11 .   10. The on-screen displays of  FIG. 41  is produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 12 .   11. The on-screen displays of  FIGS. 42 and 43  are produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 13 .   12. The on-screen displays of  FIG. 44  is produced by the flow diagram of  FIG. 14 .       

     The description above only lays out a limited set of embodiments of the invention. Modifications that are still within the scope of the invention may be made to the embodiments described above.