Patent Publication Number: US-2022226954-A1

Title: Workstation assembly and remote collaboration system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/138,601, filed on Jan. 18, 2021, entitled, “Remote Collaboration System,” the contents and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Teleconferencing solutions for remote working and online learning have become more and more popular in recent years, particularly since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Conventional teleconferencing solutions allow users at geographically remote locations to collaborate on projects. For example, a team at a first location can use a conventional collaboration platform, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to interact with a team at a second, remote location. 
     While conventional collaboration platforms can be utilized to provide a variety of types of collaborations, in one arrangement, the platforms are utilized for collaboration during a product design or manufacturing process. For example, users at a first location can use the collaboration platform to view a physical workpiece under development at a second location and to provide feedback regarding the design process. 
     SUMMARY 
     While conventional platforms allow for remote collaboration, these platforms can suffer from a variety of deficiencies. For example, conventional platforms are lacking when it comes to collaborating on hardware systems as they fail to address the unique problems of hardware-focused work, such as detailed circuit boards and small mechanical devices. 
     For example, Applications like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are held back by their reliance on traditional webcams, which lack the high-resolution, focus distance, and stability to share minute details when collaborating with remote users. Poor webcam arrangements and resolution lead to an inability to see details, and the remote environment limits user interaction, with no way for remote participants to indicate precisely what part of a device they are referring to. In addition, feedback from remote users can be difficult to interpret and understand, due to difficulties pointing out specific areas of focus. These issues are equally significant in the field of technology education, where educators struggle to convey subject matter or help students troubleshoot assignments. 
     Conventional platforms can also create a time lag between the teams at the first and second remote locations which can interfere with real time interaction. Additionally, conventional platforms, such as that produced by LabsLand, provide the ability for teams to interact on a project remotely and in substantially real time. However, the LabsLand platform is related to specific hardware teaching and labs developed by the company and is not configured to provide interaction between teams on a user-defined project. 
     By contrast to conventional collaboration platforms, embodiments of the present innovation relate to a workstation assembly and remote collaboration system. In one arrangement, the remote collaboration system includes a workstation assembly having a frame and a carriage assembly having one or more remote-controlled imaging devices and identification or pointing devices. Remote users can electrically couple to the workstation assembly via a network such as a wideband area network, and can manipulate the position of the imaging and identification devices relative to a workpiece. Manipulation of the imaging device allows the remote user to view the workpiece from a variety of angles while manipulation of the identification device allows the remote user to identify areas of interest on the workpiece. Accordingly, the remote collaboration system allows users who are located in remote geographic locations to collaborate with each other regarding the workpiece. 
     In one arrangement, the frame is coupled to a base and includes the carriage assembly as a gear-driven carriage frame configured to support the imaging and identification devices. As the user remotely adjusts the rotational position of the carriage assembly relative to the frame, the imaging and identification devices rotate on the frame in an arc relative to the base and a workpiece, to provide an image of the workpiece in a variety of views. The frame can be configured in a variety of shapes. For example, the frame can be configured as an arc-shaped frame configured to rotate the carriage assembly relative to the workpiece. In another example, the gantry can be configured as a rectangular-shaped frame configured to linearly translate the carriage assembly relative to the workpiece. 
     The frame can be secured to the base in a variety of ways. In one arrangement, the frame is configured to remain stationary relative to the base. In another arrangement, the frame is configured to rotate relative to the base in response to electrical commands provided by the remote user to provide additional images of the workpiece. 
     The imaging device can be configured as a digital microscope and high-definition webcam which can work in parallel to display an overview and detailed view of the workpiece. The webcam can provide a perspective view of a large work area, while the microscope can focus on fine details of the workpiece, such as individual wires and their connections on a breadboard. In one arrangement, the imaging devices can be coupled to the gear-driven mounting element via a gimbal, the positioning of which can be controlled by the remote user via electrical commands. 
     The identification or pointing device can be configured as a light emitting device, such as a laser diode, for pointing out details on the workpiece. Additionally, to point out large areas of interest, the identification device can also include a spotlight device, such as an LED spotlight. In one arrangement, the identification devices can be coupled to the gear-driven mounting element via a gimbal, such as a two-axis gimbal, the positioning of which can be controlled by the remote user via electrical commands. 
     Embodiments of the innovation relate to a workstation assembly, comprising: a frame; a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the frame, the carriage assembly having a carriage frame and an imaging device coupled to the carriage frame; and a workstation device disposed in electrical communication with the carriage assembly, the workstation device having a controller including a processor and a memory, the controller configured to: transmit an image signal of a workspace from the imaging device to a user device, receive a control signal from the remote user device, and adjust a position of the carriage assembly on the frame and relative to the workspace based upon the control signal. 
     Embodiments of the innovation relate to a collaboration system, comprising: a remote user device having a processor and a memory; and a workstation assembly disposed in electrical communication with the remote user device. The workstation assembly comprises: a frame; a carriage assembly moveably coupled to the frame, the carriage assembly having a carriage frame and an imaging device coupled to the carriage frame; and a workstation device disposed in electrical communication with the carriage assembly, the workstation device having a controller including a processor and a memory, the controller configured to: transmit an image signal of a workspace from the imaging device to a user device, receive a control signal from the remote user device, and adjust a position of the carriage assembly on the frame and relative to the workspace based upon the control signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the innovation, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the innovation. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic representation of a collaboration system, according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic representation of a collaboration system, according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a partial cutaway view of a schematic representation of the workstation assembly of  FIG. 2 , according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a schematic representation of a carriage assembly of the workstation assembly of  FIG. 3 , according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the schematic representation of the carriage assembly of  FIG. 3 , according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of the frame of the workstation assembly of  FIG. 2 , according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic representation of a gimbal of an identification device, according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic representation of the workstation assembly of  FIG. 2  rotating relative to a base, according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a first perspective view of a connection mechanism of modular frame elements, according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a second perspective view of the connection mechanism of modular frame elements, according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a modular frame element having a linear geometry, according to one arrangement. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a modular frame element having a curved geometry, according to one arrangement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present innovation relate to a workstation assembly and remote collaboration system. In one arrangement, the remote collaboration system includes a workstation assembly having a frame and a carriage assembly having one or more remote-controlled imaging devices and identification or pointing devices. Remote users can electrically couple to the workstation assembly via a network such as a wide area network, and can manipulate the position of the imaging and identification devices relative to a workpiece. Manipulation of the imaging device allows the remote user to view the workpiece from a variety of angles while manipulation of the identification device allows the remote user to identify areas of interest on the workpiece. Accordingly, the remote collaboration system allows users who are located in remote geographic locations to collaborate with each other regarding the workpiece. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic representation of a collaboration system  100 , according to one arrangement. The collaboration system  100  can include a user device  102  disposed in electrical communication with a workstation assembly  104 . 
     The user device  102  can be a computerized device having a controller  103 , such as a processor and memory, which is configured to provide user interaction with the workstation assembly  104  and workpiece  108  at a geographically remote location. For example, users, such as product developers, can be located at a first physical location  105  which is geographically distinct or remote relative to a second physical location  107  of the product or workpiece  108  under development. The user device  102  allows the user to control the workstation assembly  104  from the first physical location  105  in order to view and interact with the workpiece  108  during the development process. As such, the user can provide feedback regarding the development of the workpiece  108  in substantially real time and can collaborate with product developers, such as those working at the remote second physical location  107  of the workpiece  108 . 
     The workstation assembly  104  is configured to allow the user of the user device  102  to engage with the workpiece  108 , such as during a development process. For example, the workstation device  108  can include a workstation device  110  having a controller  111  (e.g., a processor and memory) disposed in electrical communication with the user device  102  via a network  106 , such as a wide area network (WAN). The workstation device  110  can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the workstation device  110  can include a personal computer, such as a tablet or laptop device, which connects to various components of the workstation assembly  104  via an Arduino Nano through a serial port. In another example, the workstation device  110  is configured to interface or connect with the various components of the workstation assemble  104  directly. 
     In one arrangement, the workstation device  110  is configured to execute a workstation application  125  to generate a graphical user interface (GUI) which can be provided to the user device  102  via the network  106 . For example, the workstation device  110  can be configured to interface with the user device  102  through the network  106  using a collaboration application, such as Zoom. As will be described below, following the establishment of a collaboration session between the user device  102  and the workstation device  110 , the workstation device  110  can provide the GUI to the user device  102  to allow the user device  102  to remotely control operational aspects of the workstation assembly  104  via the GUI in substantially real time. 
     The workstation assembly  104  can include a variety components. For example, the workstation assembly  104  can include a frame  112  coupled to a base  115  and a carriage assembly  113  moveably coupled to the frame  112 . The carriage assembly  113  can include a carriage frame  114  and an imaging device  116  coupled to the carriage frame  114  to allow a user at the first physical location  105  to view and interact with the workpiece  108  at the remote second physical location  107 . 
     The frame  112  is configured to direct the positioning of the carriage assembly  113  relative to the workpiece  108 . As such, the frame  112  can be configured in a variety of geometries. In one arrangement, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the frame  112  can be configured as an arc-shaped structure to direct the carriage assembly  113  along an arc-shaped path relative to the workpiece  108 . For example, the arc-shaped structure can be configures to direct the carriage assembly  113  along a path that forms an angle of between about 90° and 150° relative to the workpiece  108  and within the plane of the frame  112 . In one arrangement, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the frame  112  can be configured as a semi-circular structure to direct the carriage assembly  113  along a path that forms an angle of about 180° relative to the workpiece  108  and within a plane defined by the frame  112 . 
     The carriage assembly  113  is configured to allow a remote user to change the physical orientation of the imaging device  116  relative to the frame  112  in order to manipulate their viewpoint of the workpiece  108  and to provide an improved understanding of the subject matter. For example, various components of the carriage assembly  113 , such as the imaging device  116  and a drive motor (not shown), can be disposed in electrical communication with the workstation device  110 . As such, the user device  102  to remotely control the components of the workstation assembly  104  via the GUI provided by the workstation device  110 . 
     The carriage assembly  112  can be moveably coupled to the frame  112  in a variety of ways. In one arrangement, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the carriage assembly  113  can be moveably coupled to the frame  112  via a gear track  122 . For example, the carriage frame  114  can include a stepper motor connected to a planet gear (not shown) which meshes with the gear track  122 . Actuation of the stepper motor causes the planet gear to rotate relative to the gear track  122 . Such interaction of the planet gear with the gear track  122  causes the carriage assembly  113  to rotate on the frame  112  along direction  124 . 
     In one arrangement, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the carriage assembly  113  can be moveably coupled within a channel  130  defined by the frame  112 . For example, with additional reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the carriage frame  114  can include a set of wheels  134  rotatably coupled thereto and disposed in operative communication with a drive motor (not shown). While the set of wheels  134  can be configured in a variety of ways, in one arrangement, the set of wheels  134  includes first and second wheels  136 ,  138  disposed on the carriage frame  114  and aligned along a first longitudinal axis  140  and a third wheel  142  disposed on the carriage frame  114  along a second longitudinal axis  144  which is offset by a distance from the first longitudinal axis  140 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 5 , when the carriage assembly  113  is disposed within the channel  130  defined by the frame  112 , the set of wheels  134  ride within a channel portion  146  defined by the frame  112 . For example, the first and second wheels  136 ,  138  of the carriage assembly  113  contact a first or lower wall  147  of the channel portion  146  while the third wheel  142  contacts a second or upper wall  148  of the channel portion  146 . As such, the walls  147 ,  148  of the channel portion  146  can compress respective wheels  136 ,  138 ,  142  towards the carriage frame  114 . Such compression can maintain the carriage assembly  113  in a centered position relative to the frame  112  which can, in turn, mitigate binding or twisting of the carriage assembly  113  within the frame  112  during operation. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1  and as provided above, the carriage assembly  113  can include an imaging device  116  coupled to the carriage  114 . The imaging device  116  can be configured in a variety of ways. In one arrangement, the imaging device  116  can include a microscope component, such as a digital microscope, and a video camera component, such as a high-definition webcam. The microscope and video camera components are configured to work in parallel with each other to display a detailed view and an overview, respectively, of the workpiece  108 . For example, the microscope component can focus on relatively fine details of a workpiece  108 , such as individual wires and their connections on a breadboard, while the video camera component can provide a perspective view of a relatively large work area which includes the workpiece  108 . 
     During operation of the collaboration system  100 , a remote user located at the first physical location  105  can utilize the user device  102  to access and remotely control operational aspects of the workstation assembly  104  via the network  106 . For example, the user device  102  can transmit a login request to the workstation device  110  over the network  106  using a collaboration application, such as Zoom. In response to confirming the login request, the workstation device  110  can execute the workstation application  125  to generate the GUI  150 . The workstation device  110  can then forward the GUI  150  to the user device  102  and provide the user device  102  with remote control of the workstation assembly  104  through the GUI  150 . As such, the user device  102  can access the workstation assembly  104  from the first physical location  105  and can communicate (e.g., provide audio and video information) with the users at the second physical location  107  through execution of the collaboration application. For example, the user device  102  can provide the GUI  150  to a display  101  where the GUI  150  identifies the various components associated with the carriage assembly  113  and provides the remote user with the ability to access and control aspects of the workstation assembly  104  and carriage assembly  113  via the user device  102 . Further, the remote user at location  105  can also provide audio and imaging feedback to the users at location  107  via the user device  102 . 
     After forwarding of the GUI  150  to the user device  102 , the workstation device  110  can provide an image signal  152  of a workspace  109  associated with the workpiece  108  to the user device  102 . For example, the workstation device  110  can receive an image of the workspace  109  via the imaging device  116  and transmits the image as the image signal  152  to the user device  102  for display. The user of the user device  102  at the first physical location  105  can review the image associated with the image signal  102  via the display  101  and can cause the workstation assembly  104  to adjust the position of the imaging device  116  to obtain an improved image of the workspace  109  and workpiece  108 , as needed. For example, assume the case where the image signal  152  fails to provide the view of a portion of the workpiece  108  which the remote user wants to investigate. In such a case, the user can utilize the GUI  150  to generate and transmit a control signal  120  from the user device  102  to the workstation device  110  to adjust the relative position of the carriage assembly  113 . 
     In response to receiving the control signal  120 , the workstation device  110  is configured to adjust a position of the carriage assembly  113  on the frame  112  and relative to the workspace  109 . For example, based upon the control signal  120 , the workstation device  110  can generate and transmit a position signal  160  to the carriage assembly  113 . The position signal  160  can activate and drive the associated motor and cause the carriage assembly  113  to translate along the frame  112  to adjust the position of the imaging device  116  to a desired location. Based upon subsequent image signals  152  provided by the imaging device  116  to the user device  102 , the user at the first physical location  105  can continue to provide additional control signals  120  to the workstation device  110  via the GUI  150  to adjust the carriage assembly  113  position and to obtain additional views of the workspace  109  and workpiece  108 . 
     In one arrangement, the control signal  120  can adjust the focus of the imaging device  116 . For example, assume the case where the image signal  152  provides a view of the workpiece  108  which is blurry or out-of-focus. The remote user at the location  105  can utilize the GUI  150  to generate and transmit the control signal  120  from the user device  102  to the workstation device  110  to cause the workstation device  110  to adjust the positioning of one or more lenses of the imaging device  116 . Based upon subsequent image signals  152  provided by the imaging device  116  to the user device  102 , the user at the first physical location  105  can continue to provide additional control signals  120  to the workstation device  110  via the GUI  150  to adjust the focus of the imaging device  116  until the desired image of the workpiece  108  is attained. 
     As provided above, the carriage assembly  113  includes an imaging device  116  to provide the user at the first location  107  with visual feedback regarding the workpiece  108 . In one arrangement, the carriage assembly  113  can include additional elements to assist with the remote user&#39;s interaction with the workpiece  108 . 
     For example, with reference to  FIG. 4 , the carriage assembly  113  can include an identification device  160  configured to point out or identify one or more locations or areas of the workpiece  108 , such as an area of interest to the remote user. The identification device  160  is disposed in electrical communication with the workstation device  110  and, as such, can be controlled remotely by the user device  102  via GUI  150 . 
     In one arrangement, the identification device  160  includes a gimbal  162  coupled to the frame  114  and a light source  164  coupled to the gimbal  162 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the gimbal  162  can configured as a two-axis gimbal having a first gimbal assembly  166  and a second gimbal assembly  168 . During operation, the workstation device  110  is configured to provide signals from the user device  102  to drive the gimbal assemblies  166 ,  168  to adjust the position of the light source  164  along two separate axes. Returning to  FIG. 4 , the light source  164  can be configured in a number of ways. For example, the light source  164  can be configured as a laser pointer to identify relatively fine details on the workpiece  108  or as a light emitting diode (LED) to identify a relatively large areas or locations of interest on the workpiece  108 . In another example, the light source  164  can be configured as multiple light sources, such as a laser pointer and an LED. 
     During operation, the user device  102  can receive image signals  152  of the workpiece  108  via the imaging device  116 . In certain cases, the user may want to highlight a portion of the workpiece  108  in order to bring the portion of the workpiece  108  to the attention of the users at the second physical location  107 . To control operation of the identification device  160 , the user can utilize the GUI  150  and cause the user device  102  to transmit an identification signal  170  to the workstation assembly  104  via the network  106 . In response to receiving the identification signal  170 , the workstation device  110  is configured to adjust the operation and position of the identification device  160  relative to the workpiece  108  based upon the identification signal  170 . For example, based upon the identification signal  170 , the workstation device  110  can generate and transmit an operation signal  172  to the identification device  160  to turn on the light source  164  and to the gimbal  162  to adjust the position of the light generated by the light source  164  relative to the workpiece  108 . 
     In another example, with continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the carriage assembly  113  can include a manipulation device  180  configured to adjust a portion of the workpiece  108 . For example, the manipulator device can adjust the position of the workpiece  108  on the workspace  109  or to adjust a position or orientation of a subcomponent of the workpiece  108  at the site of the workstation assembly  104 . The manipulation device  180  is disposed in electrical communication with the workstation device  110  and, as such, can be controlled remotely by the user device  102  via GUI  150 . In one arrangement, the manipulation device  180  is configured as a mechanical device, such as a set of tweezers. 
     During operation, the user device  102  can receive image signals  152  of the workpiece  108  via the imaging device  116 . In certain cases, the user may want to adjust or manipulate a portion of the workpiece  108 . To control operation of the manipulation device  180 , the user can utilize the GUI  150  and cause the user device  102  to transmit a manipulation signal  182  to the workstation assembly  104  via the network  106 . In response to receiving the manipulation signal  182 , the workstation device  110  is configured to adjust a position of the manipulation device  180  relative to the workpiece  108  based upon the manipulation signal  182 . For example, based upon the manipulation signal  182 , the workstation device  110  can generate and transmit an operation signal  172  to the manipulator device  180  to control operation (e.g., movement, grasping, etc.) of the manipulation device  180  relative to the workpiece  108 . 
     With such a configuration of the collaboration system  100 , a user located at a first physical location  105  can interact with a workpiece  108  located at a second physical location  107 . For example, the workstation assembly  104  provides the user at the first location  105  with the ability to view the details of a workpiece  108  and to identify specific areas of focus of the workpiece  108 . Accordingly, the collaboration system  100  provides effective remote collaboration on a workpiece  108  among users located in remote geographic locations. 
     As provided above, the user device  102  is configured to control the position of the carriage assembly  113 , to view the workpiece  108 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , the frame  112  of the workstation assembly  104  can be disposed on, or secured to a base  115 , which also carries the workpiece  108 . With such a configuration, as the carriage assembly  113  travels along the frame  112 , the imaging device  116  is maintained in a planar travel path. Such description is by way of example only. In one arrangement, the workstation assembly  104  is configured to provide multi-planar positioning of the imaging device  116  relative to the workpiece  108 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 8 , the frame  112  is configured to rotate relative to the workspace  109  and workpiece  108  along a direction  190  that is perpendicular to a direction of rotation  124  of the carriage assembly  113 . 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the workstation assembly  104  includes a frame drive assembly  192  having a housing  194  coupled to the base  115  and a drive element (nor shown) coupled to the frame  112 . While the drive element can be configured in a variety of ways, in one arrangement, the drive element is a motor drive configured to rotate the frame  112  about longitudinal axis  195  along direction  190 . The frame drive assembly  192  is disposed in electrical communication with the workstation device  110  and can be controlled by the user device  102  via the GUI  150 . 
     During operation, the user at the first physical location  105  can utilize the GUI  150  and cause the user device  102  to transmit a drive signal to the workstation assembly  104  via the network  106 . In response to receiving the drive signal, the workstation device  110  is configured to control operation of the frame drive assembly  192  relative to the workpiece  108 . For example, the workstation device  110  can rotate the frame  112  about longitudinal axis  195  along direction  194  to adjust the position of the frame  112  relative to the workpiece  108 . Further, the workstation device  110  can adjust the position of the carriage assembly  113  along direction  124  relative to the workpiece  108  based upon a position signal  160  received from the user device  102 . As such, the workstation assembly  104  can provide the remote user with a multi-planar or hemispherical view of the workpiece  108 . 
     In one arrangement, to optimize the image signals  152  provided to the user device  102 , the travel path of the carriage assembly  113  can be adjusted to correspond to the size and shape of a workpiece  108  under development. As such, the shape of the frame  112  can be modified to define a variety of geometries. For example, with reference to  FIG. 3 , the workstation assembly  104  can include a plurality of modular elements  200  which connect together to form the frame  112 . As indicated, each modular frame element of the plurality of modular frame elements  200  can be connected to an adjacent modular frame element of the plurality of modular frame elements  200 . For example, first modular frame element  202  is connected between second modular frame element  204  and third modular frame element  206 . 
     The modular frame elements  200  can be configured to connect together in a variety of ways. In one arrangement, with reference to  FIG. 9  and taking modular frame element  202  as an example, the modular frame element  202  can include a set of guide protrusions  210  extending from a first end  212  of the modular frame element  202 . For example, the modular frame element  202  can include first and second guide protrusions  210 - 1 ,  210 - 2  extending from the first end  212 . Further, the modular frame element  202  can include a set of coupling protrusion  214 , such as clips, extending from the first end  212 . For example, the frame element  202  can include first, second, and third coupling protrusions  214 - 1  through  214 - 3  extending from the first end  212 . 
     Additionally, with reference to  FIG. 10 , the modular frame element  202  can include a set of guide receptacles  216  defined by the second end  218  of the modular frame element of the modular frame element  202 . For example, the modular frame element  202  can include first and second guide receptacles  216 - 1 ,  216 - 2  defined by the second end  218 . Further, the modular frame element  202  can include a set of coupling receptacles  220  defined by the second end  218  of the modular frame element  202 . For example, the frame element  202  can define first, second, and third coupling receptacles  220 - 1  through  220 - 3  defined by the second end  218 . 
     During assembly, with reference to  FIG. 10 , an assembler can insert the guide protrusions of an adjacent modular frame element, in this case modular frame element  204  into the first and second guide receptacles  216 - 1 ,  216 - 2  defined by the second end  218  of modular frame element  202 . Interaction between the guide protrusions  210  and the first and second guide receptacles  216 - 1 ,  216 - 2  align the frame elements  202 ,  204  prior to coupling. As the assembler advances the modular frame element  204  toward modular frame element  202  along direction  230 , the coupling protrusions  214  insert within the corresponding coupling receptacles  220 - 1  through  220 - 3  and engage the walls of the coupling receptacles  220 - 1  through  220 - 3  with a snap fit. Such a snap fit secures the second frame element  204  to the first frame element  202 . 
     In order to customize the shape of the frame  112 , the assembler can utilize modular frame elements  200  having a variety of shapes. For example, the modular frame elements  200  can define a linear geometry, as shown in  FIG. 11 , or a curved geometry, as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     While various embodiments of the innovation have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the innovation as defined by the appended claims.