System and method for automatically assisting a consumer with space design and furnishings selection

Abstract

A system and method automatically assists a consumer with space design and furnishing selection. The method receives information from a client about a space to be designed, the information including dimension and desired use; applies floor plan design rules to generate a floor plan that satisfies the dimension and use information, the floor plan including an arrangement of furnishings; receives preference information such as color palette, period / genre, budget, etc. from the client for the space; searches a furnishings database for a furnishing combination that substantially matches the arrangement of furnishings of the floor plan and the preference information; and presents the furnishing combination to the client. Embodiments of the present invention enable the floor plan design and furnishing combination alternatives to be based on the skill and experience of professional designers.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] This invention relates generally to interior and exterior design, and more particularly provides a system and method for automatically assisting a consumer with space design and furnishings selection. [0003] 2. Description of the Background Art [0004] Interior designers assist clients with the selection and coordination of interior design furnishings, including furniture, floor treatments, wall treatments, countertop surfaces, etc. for commercial and / or residential interior spaces. Exterior designers (e.g., landscape architects and designers) typically assist consumers with the selection and coordination of exterior design furnishings, including yard surfaces, yard furniture, exterior lamps, ground coverings, etc. Furnishings may be selected from a single manufacturer or across several manufacturers, each manufacturer generally offering many different patterns, color schemes, styles, period / genres, etc. The designer generally coordinates t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] Three weeks later, both Sarah and Rob return to the store. Unfortunately, the original sales associate that assisted Sarah is off that day. However, another sales associate can easily pull up the file. The couple decides to buy a few items: a California King bed and mattress set, two night stands, a chest of drawers, a bench for their entry hall, a two-piece sectional sofa with extra down pillows and a large coffee table. Since Rob is not wild about the colors Sarah originally chose, they agree to different fabric choices. The purchased items and fabric/color choices are then entered into their file.

[0024] They make the purchases and are issued a line item receipt with est

Problems solved by technology

Many potential clients (whether renting or owning their homes) are either unwilling or unable to pay the costs accompanying a designer, although many of them still wish they could obtain (and really need) design assistance.

Although excited to see a large variety of furnishings that she would love to own, she is a bit overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, the original sales associate that assisted Sarah is off that day.

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