Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JEWELRY DESIGN
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/566,392 filed
December 2, 2011 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JEWELRY DESIGN, the contents
of
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and system for
designing jewelry,
such as rings, class rings, championship rings or other jewelry that may be
customizable or
personalizable. More specifically, this invention relates to an online system
and method for
designing custom rings, in which an image of the custom ring is automatically
provided to the
user and updated as the user makes changes to the design of the custom ring.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Personalized rings, such as class rings, are popular. Class rings in
particular have been
popular keepsakes among students for generations. Today, personalized rings
have expanded
to include such items as affiliation rings, which may commemorate membership
in certain
organizations, and championship rings, which may commemorate victories in
sports or other
competitions.
[0004] Historically, class rings were relatively uniform and provided students
little opportunity to
express themselves through individualized, personal features. This was, at
least in part,
because manufacturing involved hand carving of molds and mass production of
like looking
rings was more economical. Over time, however, automated manufacturing
processes have
made it possible to provide students or other purchasers of keepsake rings
with an opportunity
to customize their choices. Such customization may permit ring purchasers to
specify such
features as the style and color of a stone, the specific graphics or crest to
appear on the ring,
and the text to appear on the ring. Still other customization and
personalization may also be
accommodated.
[0005] Selecting desirable custom features for a keepsake ring can be
difficult for users if they
are unable to see an image of the ring incorporating the features that they
have chosen. In
particular, students or others who are designing customized or personalized
rings may not have
designed a ring before or they may have little experience designing rings and,
as such, may
have difficulty visualizing the result of one or several customizing
selections.1
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
SUMMARY
[0006] In one embodiment, a system for designing a customized ring may include
a computing
device having computer implemented instructions stored thereon for receiving
and storing ring
customization input. The instructions may include a ring style selection
component for receiving
ring customization input defining the ring style. The instructions may also
include a ring top
design component for receiving ring customization input defining the ring top
design. The
instructions may also include a ring side design component for receiving ring
customization
input defining the ring side design. The instructions may also include an
image panel
component. The components may support an interface for monitoring the progress
of the ring
customization input and the interface may have a ring image panel controlled
by the image
panel component. The image panel may show an image of the ring and the image
may be
periodically updated based on the ring customization input to show the
customized ring.
[0007] In another embodiment, a system for creating and displaying ring assets
for use in
designing a customized ring may be provided. The system may include a
computing device
having computer implemented instructions stored thereon for creating ring
assets. The
instructions may include an extraction component for extracting relevant data
from a computer
aided drafting file. The instructions may also include a rendering component
for creating a
rendered image based on the data. The instructions may also include a display
component for
displaying the rendered image.
[0008] In still another embodiment, a system for displaying customized bezel
text of a
customized ring may be provided. The system may include a computing device
having
computer implemented instructions stored thereon for receiving and storing
custom bezel text
input. The instructions may include a text mapping module configured for
performing a plurality
of dynamic operations. The dynamic operations may include receiving bezel
parameters,
mapping the text in a two dimensional space, mapping the text in a three-
dimensional space
defined by bezel geometry, developing code for displaying the text on a
screen, and displaying
the text on a screen.
[0009] In another embodiment, a system for customizing rings may include a
computer
including a display and an input device. The system may also include a
computer program
capable of presenting a graphical user interface to an operator. The graphical
user interface
may enable the operator to customize a ring by selecting a ring style to
customize from among
provided ring styles, select from provided options for features of the ring,
and save the
customized ring incorporating the features the operator selected. The system
may also include
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a computer program capable of displaying on the computer display an image of
the customized
ring incorporating the features the operator selects.
[00010] In another embodiment, a system for customizing rings may include a
computer
including a display and an input device. The system may also include a
computer program
capable of presenting a graphical user interface to an operator, such
graphical user interface
enabling the operator to customize a ring by performing at least one of,
creating an event,
selecting a ring style to customize from among provided ring styles,
authorizing other operators
to participate in customizing the ring, selecting from provided options for
features of the ring,
requesting custom features for the ring, and saving the customized ring
incorporating the
features the operator selected. The system may also include a computer program
capable of
displaying on the computer display an image of the customized ring
incorporating the features
the operator selects.
[0010] Accordingly, the system may provide a "what you see is what you get"
design tool
allowing the user the visualize the ring or other jewelry item that they have
created and
providing the user with confidence in his/her design leading to a higher level
of satisfaction in
the purchase of rings. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the
present teachings will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed
description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. As will be
realized, the
teachings are capable of modifications in various aspects, all without
departing from the spirit
and scope of the present teachings. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed
description are to
be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Figure 1A illustrates interaction of a ring design system in accordance
with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 1B illustrates a system of devices on which the ring design
system, shown in
Figure 1A, may be arranged according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of a ring design method in accordance
with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a process for creating an event in
accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of a process for customizing the
design of a ring in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a process for customizing the
product top of a ring in
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accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a process for customizing the sides
of a ring in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a process for customizing the
metals used in a ring in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 8 illustrates a product inclusion page in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] Figure 9 illustrates a product selection page in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] Figure 10 illustrates a basic ring design page in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] Figure 11 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the color of
the stone in the product top of the ring in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
invention.
[0023] Figure 12 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the cut of
the stone in the product top of the ring in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
invention.
[0024] Figure 13 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the crest in
the product top of the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] Figure 14A illustrates a ring design page depicting options for text on
the bezel of the
ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 14B illustrates a ring design page depicting a customization
option for text on the
bezel of the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 14C illustrates a personalization menu for the customization
option of Figure 14B
where a type of divider may be selected.
[0028] Figure 14D illustrates the personalization menu of Figure 14C where a
number of
dividers may be selected.
[0029] Figure 14E illustrates the personalization menu of Figure 14C where top
text and bottom
text may be entered.
[0030] Figure 14F illustrates the updated ring design page of Figure 14B with
the
personalization modeled on the ring.
[0031] Figure 15 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for text
dividers on the bezel of
the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 16 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the sides
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of the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 17 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the text on
the sides of the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] Figure 18 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the sides
of the ring incorporating customized text in accordance with one embodiment of
the present
invention.
[0035] Figure 19 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the metal
quality of the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] Figure 20 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the
engraving on the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] Figure 21 illustrates a ring design page depicting a box permitting
entry of customized
text for the engraving on the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0038] Figure 22 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the metal
finish of the ring in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 23 illustrates a ring design page depicting options for
customization of the ring to
incorporate custom features that have not been pre-designed in accordance with
one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 24 illustrates a ring design page depicting a box permitting
entry of information
descriptive of custom artwork to be requested for incorporation into a ring in
accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 25 illustrates a ring design page depicting a box permitting
entry of information to
customize advertising material for customized rings in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0042] Figure 26 illustrates a flowchart of a process for generating an order
form or invitation to
order customized rings in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] Figure 27 illustrates an order form creation page permitting entry of
information to
customize an order form for customized rings in accordance with one embodiment
of the
present invention.
[0044] Figure 28 illustrates a process for receiving, modeling, and displaying
bezel
customization.
[0045] Figure 29 illustrates a process for converting a CAD file to an image
for display by the
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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[0046] The present invention relates to a system and method for designing and
customizing
keepsake rings, such as class rings, championship rings, and affiliation
rings. In use, the ring
design system permits users, such as sales representatives, to design and
customize keepsake
rings for purchase by customers, and/or further to select and specify features
that will be
available for selection by the customers themselves when they customize their
rings. In some
embodiments, the system facilitates contributions to the design of the rings
and selection of
available features by other users, such as school representatives and
customers. The system
further permits customers to view and select from available customization
options, and
automatically generates an image of the keepsake ring incorporating the
customized features
selected by the customer for viewing by the customer. Further, the system
permits users such
as sales representatives to generate customized advertisements, order forms,
or invitations to
order customizable keepsake rings. Also, in some embodiments, the system
permits users to
describe features that are not pre-selected and available for incorporation
into the customizable
keepsake rings. In such cases, the system permits the user to request the
creation of artwork
according to the customer's description.
[0047] Of course, in addition permitting the design and customization of
keepsake rings, the
present invention may be used to permit the design and customization of other
jewelry or
keepsake items, such as pendants. Generally, the present invention may be
applied to the
design and customization of any keepsake or jewelry item with customizable
features. Thus,
while the present invention is generally described in terms of keepsake rings,
the invention is
equally suited for other items.
[0048] As shown in Figure 1A, the ring design system 10 may interact with a
sales force 12,
school or other organization representatives 14, customers (e.g., students,
athletes, coaches,
organization heads or owners, parents, fans, etc.) 16, custom artwork
representatives 18, and
production 20. The sales force 12 may design rings or portions thereof and/or
select options
that may be made available to customers. The sales force may also create
advertisements,
order forms, and invitations directed toward representatives and/or customers
to design and
order custom rings. Representatives 14 may also participate in the design of
rings, and may
order rings for customer groups. Customers 16 may participate in the design of
rings, and may
design and order custom rings. Custom artwork representatives 18 may respond
to requests for
custom artwork, design such artwork, and add such custom features to the rings
designed and
ordered by sales force 12, school representatives 14, and customers 16. When
the designed
rings are completed and ordered, they may be manufactured in production 20.
[0049] Figure 1B depicts a computer environment on which the ring design
system 10 may be
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arranged and/or may form a part of. The system 10 may be adapted such that
access to the
system is available from the back end (i.e., owner/administrator of the system
10) as well as
from the front end (i.e., by sales force 12, school representatives 14,
customers 16, custom
artwork representatives 18, and manufacturing 20. The system 10 may include
hardware,
software or a combination of hardware and software and may be made up of
hardware or
software components on one or more of the devices shown in Figure 1B.
[0050] The system 10 may, for example, include a server 1000 with a server
interface 1002
allowing for back end or front end access to the system 10. The server may be
in
communication with a network 1004 such as, for example, the Internet. A
variety of user
interfaces may be available to the system 10 via the network 1004. For
example, one or more
user work stations 1006 such as a personal computer 1006A, laptop 1006B, or
other work
stations 1006 may be used to access portions of the system 10 via the network
1004. Remote
access to the system may also be provided via a remote device 1008 such as a
personal digital
assistant, smartphone, or other remote device in communication with an network
access point
1010 such as a transmission tower, for example. While several of the
connections between the
computers, laptops, and other workstations are shown with wired connections,
these may be
Wi-Fi or other wireless type connections. Still other communication may be
provided.
[0051] The system 10 may include a plurality of components or modules each
including
hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. As such, the
method steps,
interfaces, and other functionalities and features of the system 10 described
below may be
provided in the form of such components or modules. The components or modules
may be
stored on or be part of hardware arranged on any of the servers, server
interfaces, work
stations, or remote devices and may be executable in whole or in part by
processors on the
respective devices or other devices in communication with the device on which
the component
or module is stored. In one embodiment, the system 10 may include one or more
software
modules stored in a computer readable storage medium of the server 1000 and
access to the
system may be via web page interfaces accessible via the network from work
stations 1006 or
remote devices 1008. In this embodiment, little or none of the system 10 may
be stored on the
work stations 1006 or remote devices 1008. In other embodiments, some or all
of the system
may be downloadable and executable from a work station or remote device. Still
other
arrangements of the components or modules of the system 10 may be provided.
[0052] Figures 2-7 depict flowcharts of various aspects of the system and
method for designing
keepsake rings in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
While the
various steps of these flowcharts are presented and described sequentially,
one of ordinary skill
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in the art will appreciate that some or all of the steps may be executed in
different orders or in
parallel.
[0053] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of
designing a ring. Each
of the blocks is discussed herein and some of the blocks are shown in more
detail in the
following figures. For example, the create event block 30 of Figure 2 may be
more fully
described with respect to FIG. 3, where additional, more detailed blocks are
shown.
[0054] With continued reference to Figure 2, at block 30, a user such as a
member of sales
force 12 may create an event to which a group of rings may relate. For
example, for
championship rings, an event may relate to a championship in a high school or
college sport or
other competition. Typical events of this kind may be "High School Basketball
State
Championship," "College Football Bowl Game Victory," or "National Moot Court
Championship."
The events created in block 30 may be anything that may be commemorated by
personalized
keepsake rings and may relate to a commemorative event involving a group of
people.
[0055] The user (e.g., the sales force 12 or representative 14) may create a
user event at block
30 with a user interface that prompts the user for information relating to the
event. The user
may input information such as the name of the event and details relating to
it, such as the year
the event took place, the activity, the award type, and the number and gender
of recipients. The
user may also select an event categorization, such as high school
classification (i.e., class A,
class AA, class 6A, etc.) or college division and conference (i.e., Division
I, Big Ten, etc.). To
facilitate the ordering of rings related to the event, the user may specify an
event expiration,
which is the period of time during which rings related to the event may be
ordered. The user
may also specify a price tier for the product, and may provide for the
incorporation of cost
recovery based on the materials and features pre-selected for the rings
included in the event.
The user may also specify the options for billing for any ring orders, as well
as delivery options.
Reference is made to the discussion of Figure 3 below for more information in
this regard.
[0056] At block 32, the user (e.g., sales force 12 or representative 14) may
set up a catalog for
the event via the user interface. That is, the ring design system 10 may be
pre-populated with
all of the possible styles and sizes of rings available. For example, the
available rings may
include a range of ring styles for each of small, medium, and large sized
rings, for both men and
women. At block 32, the user may select those sizes and styles that will be
available for
selection by customers when they design and customize their own rings. That
is, a subset of
the available styles, sizes, and other options may be selected as being
available for a particular
event thereby defining the catalog for that event.
[0057] While the user at blocks 30 and 32 may often by the sales force 12, the
user may also
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include a school representative, or other client representative, 14 who may
work independently
or with the sales force 12 to define the event and the catalog and tailor the
event and catalog
based on the magnitude or gravity of the event, the desires of the customers
16 with respect to
cost and/or customization flexibility, and based on other factors. For
example, in some
instances, much of customization may be completed by the sales force 12 and/or
school or
other client representative 14 and little flexibility or customization may be
left to customer 16.
For example, where there is a desire for several rings to look identical or
generally the same,
the customization and personalization options available to the customers 16
may be relatively
small. In other circumstances, very little may be defined by the sales force
12 and school or
other client representative 14, leaving both customization as well as
personalization up to the
customer 16. A variety of levels of customization and personalization may be
available and the
level of customization and personalization available to the customers 16 may
be initially
controlled in the event creation and catalog set up stages 30, 32.
[0058] At block 34, the user may optionally authorize and invite others to
participate in the
design of the rings available for the event created at block 30. Such
individuals may include, for
example, representatives 14 or customers 16. That is, depending on the level
of involvement in
the initial stages 30, 32, the representatives 14 may initially be given
access at stage 34 as well
as customers 14. Where school representatives 14 have already been involved,
access may be
extended to customers at stage 34, but might not be extended to
representatives since access
has previously been provided.
[0059] At block 36, the user may select the ring product that he or she wishes
to customize.
The selection may be made from the styles of rings selected and made available
at block 32
catalog set up. The user may select the ring style to customize via the user
interface. The user
in this stage may depend, again, on the nature of the event and the scope of
customization and
personalization made available in the earlier stages. Where a generally
uniform ring design is
desired, the user at this stage may be the school, or other client
representative, 14. Where
more flexibility for the customer 16 is desired or provided, the user here may
include the
customer 16. Still further, a portion of the customization may be completed by
a school, or other
client representative, 14 and a remaining portion may be completed by the
customer 16.
[0060] At block 38, the user (i.e., school representative 14, customer 16, or
combination of
both) may design and customize the ring. The features that the user may
customize may
include, for example, the stone type, color, and cut; the crest design and
color, the bezel text
and text dividers; the side design, color, and text; the metal quality and
finish; and any inside
engraving. Still other types of customization and/or personalization options
may be provided.
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More detailed descriptions of the customization of the ring are illustrated in
figures 4-7 and
discussed below.
[0061] In the course of designing and customizing a ring, the user may
incorporate pre-selected
and available features for inclusion in the ring. With respect to certain
features, however, the
user may opt for a custom feature that is not pre-selected and available in
the system. For
example, the user may choose to incorporate an outside custom crest or an
outside custom
design on the ring sides. At box 40, the user may request incorporation of
outside custom
artwork for inclusion in the ring. To do so, the user may enter into the user
interface the location
of the outside custom artwork and a description of the outside custom artwork.
The system may
make the request available to outside custom artwork representatives, who will
design the
requested outside custom artwork and incorporate it into the customized ring.
[0062] At box 42, the user may save the ring design via the user interface. At
box 44 the
system may permit users such as sales representatives to create and print
customized
advertising and marketing materials, such as flyers and emails, that
optionally provide an image
of the ring as designed and customized, as well as text selected or written by
the user. At box
46, the user may share the completed design, optionally including an image of
the ring as
designed and customized, with other individuals, such as potential customers
and school
representatives, via email or text. At box 48, the system permits users such
as sales
representatives to create and print or deliver order forms for the rings as
designed and
customized. The above series of features (boxes 42-48) may be particularly
useful in a
relatively fixed/low personalization type event for the customers. That is,
where, for example,
school representatives 14 are designing a state championship ring for a series
of athletes,
coaches, and assistants, and where much of the customization is completed by
such school
representatives 14 or by a sales force 12, there may be a desire to provide
advertising/marketing materials, to share the design, and provide order forms
to customers.
[0063] In other embodiments, the system may also permit the user to create an
internet
experience that shows images of the rings with some preliminary design and/or
customization
so that customers can view images of the rings, select among further
customization and/or
personalization options, and order customized rings. In this case, the
advertising material 44,
sharing 46, and order form 48 feature may still be available and may include
images of the
preliminarily designed, and may highlight the options remaining for the
customer to choose
from. In still other embodiments, little to no initial or preliminary design
or customization may be
provided.
[0064] At box 50, the rings that are customized and ordered by customers may
be
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manufactured. In some embodiments, this may involve a rapid prototyping
process or an
automated engraving process for creating wax models of the rings. The wax
models or portions
thereof may then be placed through a lost wax process to create the metal
rings. The rings may
be assembled, polished, and/or otherwise finished, stones may be set in the
rings, and the rings
may be packaged for shipment to the customers 16.
[0065] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart 52 of the create event step of box 30
of Figure 2. Each of
the boxes describes information relating to the event that the user may
optionally input via the
user interface. At box 54, the user may input the name of the event, such as
"High School
Basketball State Championship" or "College Football Bowl Game Victory." At box
56, the user
may specify an event expiration, i.e., the period during which customers may
design, customize,
and order rings relating to the event. At box 58, the user may input or select
information
concerning details of the event, such as the year the event took place, the
activity, the award
type, and the number and gender of recipients. Box 60 permits the user to
select an event
categorization, such as high school classification (i.e., class A, class AA,
class 6A, etc.) or
college division and conference (i.e., Division I, Big Ten, etc.). At box 62,
the user may select or
input information regarding pricing of the rings for the event, such as price
tiers and information
that may provide for the incorporation of cost recovery based on the materials
and features pre-
selected for the rings included in the event. At box 64, the user may specify
the options for
billing for any ring orders, as well as delivery options. Still other options
that identify the event
and distinguish the event from other similar events may also be provided.
[0066] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart 66 of the customize ring step of box
38 of Figure 2. Each
of the boxes describes an aspect of the ring that may be designed and
customized. For
example, box 68 describes the design and customization of the ring top, box 70
describes the
design and customization of the ring sides, box 72 describes the selection of
the metal quality
and finish for the ring, and box 74 describes the customization of any
engraving on the ring.
While still other aspects of the ring may be designed and customized and
interfaces may be
provided therefor, operations 68, 70, and 72 will each be described in more
detail in the
following Figures 5, 6, and 7, respectively.
[0067] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart 76 of the design ring top step of box
68 of Figure 4. Each
of the boxes may indicate possible features of the ring top that may be
selected and customized
by users. For each of these features, the system may be pre-populated with all
of the available
options for the described feature where all of the available options may have
been previously
paired down in the catalog set up. In some cases, where the available options
are affected by
the selection of another option, the available options may be updated to
eliminate or provide
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additional suitable options given the previously selected options. For
example, if a selection of
no bezel text divider is selected, the options for the type of bezel text
divider may be removed,
hidden, grayed out, or otherwise made unavailable. In designing and
customizing a ring, the
user may be able to select from the pre-populated and/or updated options for
each feature.
When the user selects a particular feature, the system may automatically
display an image of
the ring incorporating the selected features, along with the other features
that the user has
already selected. Thereby, the user may be able to view an image of the ring
as it is designed
and customized.
[0068] In some embodiments, for particular features, the user may be provided
with an option to
incorporate a custom design, rather than a pre-populated option for that
particular feature. In
that circumstance, the image displayed by the system may not be able to depict
the custom
feature, but may indicate that a custom feature has been selected. The user
may be able to
describe and request outside custom artwork for such custom features, and
custom artwork
representatives may create the outside custom artwork and incorporate it into
the designed ring.
[0069] In designing and customizing the ring top, the user may select and
customize, for
example, the stone type incorporated into the ring (box 78), the color of the
selected stone (box
80), the crest design (box 82), text to be incorporated on the bezel of the
ring (box 84), and
characters or figures to divide the bezel text (box 86). Still other options
may include stone
features such as the undersurface texture and effect or surface texture and
effect or stone cut,
for example. Still other ring top options may be provided.
[0070] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart 88 of the design ring sides step of
box 70 of Figure 4.
Again, each of the boxes may indicate possible features of the ring sides that
may be selected
and customized by users. As with the ring top, for each of these features, the
system may be
pre-populated with all of the available options for the described feature,
where the available
options may have previously been paired down by the catalog set up and the
options may be
updated each time a selection is made where the options are affected by the
selection. The
user may be able to select from the pre-populated options for each such
feature or, in some
cases, opt to incorporate a custom feature. The system may automatically
display an image of
the ring incorporating the selected features, along with the other features
that the user has
already selected.
[0071] In designing and customizing the ring sides, the user may select and
customize, for
example, the style of the ring sides (box 90) and any text to be incorporated
on the sides (box
92). As indicated at box 94, the user may repeat the steps of designing the
ring sides on the
second side of the ring.12
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
[0072] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart 96 of the select metal quality and
finish step of box 72 of
Figure 4. During this process, the user may be permitted to select the metal
quality for the ring,
such as 10-karat white gold or 14-karat yellow gold, as shown at box 98, and
may also be
permitted to select the metal finish for the ring, as depicted at box 100.
Each of the options for
metal quality and metal finish may be pre-populated in the system, permitting
the user to select
from all available options that may include all metals offered by the
manufacturer or a subset
thereof based on the catalog set up and/or based on design features that may
restrict the type
of metal to be used, for example.
[0073] Figures 8-27 illustrate embodiments of images of the user interface of
the ring design
system 10. Each figure illustrates different steps in the design and
customization of a ring using
the ring design system 10. These images each involve merely one embodiment of
the
interfaces that may be used for some of the operations in the design and
customization. Other
interfaces with other selection features and other arrangements may also be
used.
[0074] Figure 8 illustrates a catalog set up page 102 in accordance with one
embodiment. A
user may perform the catalog set up step of box 32 of Figure 2 via catalog set
up page 102.
The ring design system 10 may be pre-populated with all of the possible styles
and sizes of
rings available. Via catalog set up page 102, the user may select one or more
styles and sizes
of rings to be made available for design and customization for a particular
event. As depicted in
figure 8, the catalog set up page 102 may have images 104 of ring styles and
sizes with boxes
that permit the user to select those ring styles and sizes that will be made
available for
customization. The catalog set up page 102 may also have a drop down menu 106
that permits
the user to navigate directly to different sizes and styles of rings (i.e.,
large rings, small rings,
women's rings, etc.). This navigation may facilitate more quickly identifying
the sizes and styles
that the user desires to include in the catalog for a given event. However,
particular styles of
rings across several sizes may be selected and vice versa. The ring sizes and
styles that the
user selects may be those that will be available for customization in the
remaining operations
provided by the system 10.
[0075] Figure 9 illustrates a product selection page 108 in accordance with
one embodiment of
the invention. A user may perform the step of choosing the product to design
of box 36 of
Figure 2 via product selection page 108. As depicted, the product selection
page 108 may
display images 110 of each of the ring sizes and styles that were selected via
the catalog set up
page 102 of figure 8, and thereby made available for customization for a
particular event.
Optionally, the page may include a drop down menu 112 that permits the user to
view images of
only rings of certain sizes or styles, such as medium rings, large rings, or
extra-large rings. Via
13
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
product selection page 108, the user may select one of the styles and sizes of
ring to customize.
For example, the user may select a ring size and style by clicking on the
desired ring image tile
110. The system may then prompt the user to customize the selected ring size
and style. In
other embodiments, once a user selects a ring size and style, such a ring size
and style may be
highlighted and a further step of selecting a "customize and design" button,
for example, may be
executed by the user to move on to customizing the ring.
[0076] Figure 10 illustrates a general ring customization page 114 in
accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. The ring customization page 114 may incorporate a
customization and checklist panel 116. Customization panel 116 may walk the
user through the
customization process. That is, it may permit the user to select from each of
the aspects of the
ring that may be customized: the ring top (118), the ring sides (120), and the
ring metal choice
and engraving (122). The customization panel also may optionally include a
progress bar 123
or status indicator for providing a visual illustration of the progress of the
ring design and
customization. As shown, the progress bar 123 can illustrate the percentage of
steps that have
been completed in the ring design and customization process.
[0077] For each aspect 118, 120, and 122 of the ring to be design and
customized, the ring
design system 10 may prompt the user to select each customizable feature
available via a
checklist, as depicted. When the user selects a feature from the checklist in
customization
panel 116, the available options for the selected feature may appear as image
tiles 127 in
options panel 126. The user may select the desired feature by clicking on the
corresponding
image tile 127. When the user selects a feature, the ring design system 10 may
automatically
displays in ring image panel 124 an image 125 of the ring incorporating the
selected features.
As depicted, the ring image panel 124 displays images 125 of the ring top and
both ring sides.
[0078] Figure 11 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
stone color in accordance with one embodiment. The customization panel 118
shows available
customizable features for stone style, stone color, stone cut, crest, and
bezel spellout. The
stone color feature has a check mark appearing next to it to show that the
customer has
selected a stone color for the ring. Image tiles 132 in options panel 126 show
the available
options for stone color. The ring image panel 124 displays an image of the
customized ring
incorporating the selected features, including the selected stone color. In
the particular case
shown, the third stone from the right has been selected (apparent from the
highlighted boundary
of the image tile) and the stone color of the selected tile matches the stone
color in the image
panel 124. It is noted that the stone color is shown in the image panel 124
both in the top view
of the ring and in both of the side views as well.14
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
[0079] Figure 12 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
stone cut in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The
customization panel 118
shows available customizable features for stone style, stone color, stone cut,
crest, and bezel
spellout. The stone color feature and stone cut feature have check marks
appearing next to
them to show that the customer has selected a stone color and stone cut for
the ring. Image
tiles 136 in options panel 126 show the available options for stone cut,
including smooth and
diamond-cut facet. The ring image panel 124 displays an image of the
customized ring
incorporating the selected features, including the selected stone color and
stone cut. In the
particular case shown, the user has selected the left most option for stone
cut, which is smooth.
The stone in the image panel is correspondingly shown as smooth.
[0080] Figure 13 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
crest style in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The
customization panel 118
shows available customizable features 138 for stone style, stone color, stone
cut, crest, crest
accent stone, crest color, and bezel spellout. The stone color feature and
stone cut feature
have check marks appearing next to them to show that the customer has selected
a stone color
and stone cut for the ring. Image tiles 140 in options panel 126 show the
available options for
crest style, such as track, volleyball, weighlifting, star with 12pt Stone, #1
with Accent Stones,
etc. The ring image panel 124 displays an image of the customized ring
incorporating the
selected features, including the selected crest style. In the particular case
shown, the user has
selected the #1 with accent stones, and the image panel 124, including the top
and side views,
has been updated accordingly.
[0081] Figure 14A illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
bezel text in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The
customization panel 118
shows available customizable features 142 for stone style, stone color, stone
cut, crest, crest
accent stone, crest color, and bezel spellout, and bezel text divider. The
stone color feature,
stone cut feature, crest style, crest accent Stone, and crest color features
all have check marks
appearing next to them to show that the customer has selected these features
for the ring.
Image tiles 144 in options panel 126 show the available options for bezel
text. These options
include standard options incorporating text such as "State Champion," "State
Champions,"
"National Champion," and "National Champions." They also include custom
options; if the user
selects custom text, they may select their own text to incorporate into the
bezel of the ring. This
customization is discussed in more detail with respect to Figures 14B-14E. In
either case, the
ring image panel 124 displays an image of the customized ring incorporating
the selected
features, including the selected bezel text. In the case shown, the user has
selected the "State
15
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
Champion" option, which is the image tile that is the third from the left. The
ring in the image
panel has been updated accordingly. In addition, the user has selected a text
divider, which is
also appropriately shown in the image panel 124.
[0082] Figure 14B illustrates a ring customization page 114 where a user has
selected a
custom top/bottom text option 126A. Another custom option, not shown as
selected, is a wrap-
around option 126B. In each of these custom cases, the user may provide the
particular text
that they wish to include on the bezel of their ring. In the top/bottom case
the user may pick a
word or phrase to be placed along the top of the bezel above the center stone
and a bottom
word or phrase to be placed along the bottom of the bezel below the center
stone. The text may
be oriented generally upright along the top and bottom of the ring and may
change orientation
as it extends around the sides of the bezel. In the wrap around case, the user
may pick a word
or phrase to be placed around the center stone as though the word or phrase is
read, for
example, from a viewpoint at the center of the stone. In this case, where
portions of the word or
phrase extend below the center stone, these portion may appear upside down to
the wearer, for
example. In both of these custom options or other custom options, the user may
also select a
type of divider and a number of dividers. To gather the personalization
information in either of
these custom options or other custom options, the user may be prompted with a
personalization
menu 115 as shown in Figure 14C.
[0083] Figure 14C shows a personalization menu 115 where the user has selected
the
top/bottom customization option. As shown, a drop down menu 117 is provided
allowing the
user to select the type of divider they wish to include on the ring. For
example, the user may
select between cubic zirconia, diamonds, dots, etc, or a divider may be
omitted by selecting
none. In the present example, the user has selected diamond dividers as shown
in Figure 14D.
A number of dividers may also be selected as shown in Figure 14D via another
drop down
menu 119. In the case of a top/bottom text option, the number of dividers may
be in even
multiples since one or multiple dividers may be placed on either side of the
ring between the top
and bottom text. Other arrangements may also be provided such as 1 divider on
one side and
not on the other. In the case of the wrap around option, integer values of
dividers beginning
with 1 may be provided since one or multiple dividers may be placed between
the beginning and
end of the wrapped text. Other arrangements including placement of dividers
between words of
a phrase in the wrap around or top/bottom option may also be provided.
[0084] Figure 14E shows the personalization menu of Figure 14C with four
diamond dividers
having been selected. In addition, Figure 14E shows the menu for the
top/bottom text option
allowing for the user to enter top text and bottom text. As the user enters
text in either input
16
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
field, a characters remaining number continually provides an indication of how
much space is
left for text. It is noted that this number may be adjusted depending on the
size of the ring and
the number of dividers selected to maintain adequate space on the bezel of the
ring and allow
for the text to fit on the bezel. In the present case, the user has entered
MINNESOTA in the top
text box and CHAMPS in the bottom text box. The personalization menu may also
include an
"apply" button allowing for the several input fields on the personalization
menu to be populated
and then applied to the ring by clicking the apply button.
[0085] Figure 14F shows the ring customization page of Figure 14B with the
ring in the ring
image panel 124 having been updated with the number and type of dividers and
the
incorporated top and bottom text. The personalized bezel design shown in
Figure 14F is a true
model of the personalized ring and bezel design. That is, the image portrayed
is developed by
a behind-the-scenes process that receives the personalization data, lays out
the text and
dividers, converts the two dimensional layout to a three-dimensional model of
the bezel design
and displays the three dimensional model. This process may allow the user to
have a "what you
see is what you get" experience with a three-dimensional customized and/or
personalized ring.
The details of this behind-the-scenes process are described in more detail
with respect to
Figure 28, below.
[0086] Figure 15 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
bezel text dividers in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The
customization
panel 118 shows available customizable features 142 for the ring. Those
features that have
already been selected by the user have check marks appearing next to them to
show that the
customer has selected these features for the ring. Image tiles 148 in options
panel 126 show
the available options for bezel text dividers, including no divider, a year
divider ("2009," for
example), dots, stars, and stones. The bezel text dividers appear between the
upper bevel text
and the lower bezel text. The ring image panel 124 displays an image of the
customized ring
incorporating the selected features, including the selected bezel text
dividers. In this particular
case, the user has selected the left most option of bezel text dividers, which
is "2011" with the
"20" being on the left and the "11" being on the right, each separating the
top text from the
bottom text. The ring image panel 124 has been updated accordingly to show the
selected
option on the designed ring. It is noted that while several options including,
for example, year
dividers and stars have been presented here together with a standard option
for the bezel text
(i.e., "State Champion"), these and other divider options may be used with the
custom bezel text
option described with respect to Figures 14B-14F.
[0087] Figure 16 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
17
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
the features of the ring sides. The customization panel 118 shows available
customizable
features 150 for ring side 1 style, ring side text, and ring side 2. Image
tiles 152 in options panel
126 show the available options for ring side style, including graphics for a
baseball player,
baseball with baseball diamond, etc. The ring image panel 124 displays an
image of the
customized ring incorporating the selected features, including the ring side
style. In particular
example shown, the user has selected the baseball image with the bats crossing
behind it. The
ring image panel 124 has been updated to reflect that selection.
[0088] Figure 17 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
the ring side text. Similar to the personalization page 115 provided for the
bezel text and
dividers in the custom bezel option, the user interface of ring design system
10 provides the
user with a text customization box 154. As depicted, text customization box
154 permits the
user to enter text, including top text, middle text, and bottom text. The text
customization box
154 identifies the maximum number of characters available for the text on each
portion of the
ring side and actively adjusts the number of characters available as the user
inputs text. In this
particular case, the user has entered, for example, "LAST NAME" for the top
text "i#t" for the
middle text, and "11-3" for the bottom text. As can be seen to the left and
behind the text
customization box 154, the ring image panel 124 reflects these entries.
[0089] Figure 18 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
the features of the ring sides. The customization panel 118 shows available
customizable
features 156 for ring side 1 style, ring side text, each portion or ring side
1 text, and ring side 2.
Image tiles 158 in options panel 126 show the available options for ring side
style, incorporating
the top, middle, and bottom text input by the user. That is, in contrast to
the image tiles of
Figure 16, the image tiles 158 in Figure 18 show the text that was input in
customization box
154 of Figure 17. The ring image panel 124 displays an image of the customized
ring
incorporating the selected features, including the ring side style and text.
In the particular case
shown, the user has maintained the selection of the baseball with the bats
crossing behind it
and the ring image panel 124 has been updated with the text entries from the
customization box
154 of Figure 17.
[0090] A series of the same or similar customization pages (i.e., those shown
in Figures 16-18)
may be provided for a second side or other sides of the ring or jewelry item.
[0091] As with the bezel text customization discussed with respect to Figure
14F, the images in
the options panel 126 as well as those on the ring in the ring image panel 124
include true
models of the three-dimensional designs used on the rings. Many of these three-
dimensional
designs may be pre-loaded into the system 10 and available to the users. Other
designs, such
18
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
as the outside custom artwork requested at box 40 of Figure 2 may be generated
by the system
10. The pre-loaded designs as well as the outside custom artwork may be
created through a
behind-the-scenes process such that the designs for the sides of the ring are
true models of the
ring allowing the user to have a "what you see is what you get" experience
with a three-
dimensional customized and/or personalized ring. This behind-the-scenes
process is described
in more detail with respect to Figure 29, below.
[0092] Figure 19 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
the metal of the ring and optional engraving on the ring. The customization
panel 118 shows
available customizable features 160 for metal quality, inside engraving, and
metal finish. Image
tiles 162 in options panel 126 show the available options for metal quality,
including 10-kt. white
gold, 10-kt. yellow gold, 14-kt. white gold, etc. The ring image panel 124
displays an image of
the customized ring incorporating the selected features, including the metal
quality.
[0093] Figure 20 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
the engraving on the ring. The customization panel 118 shows available
customizable features
164 for metal quality, inside engraving, personalization, and metal finish.
Image tiles 166 in
options panel 126 show the available options for engraving, such as 1, 2, or 3
line script, 1, 2 or
3 line block lettering, and no text.
[0094] Figure 21 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
the text of the engraving on the ring. The user interface of ring design
system 10 provides the
user with a text customization box 168. As depicted, text customization box
168 permits the
user to enter text, including lines 1 and 2. Other numbers of lines may be
provided in the box
168 depending on the selection made in Figure 20. The text customization box
154 identifies
the maximum number of characters available for the text on each line of the
engraving. In some
embodiments, a spiraling inside engraving option may be available, which may
have a larger
number of available characters.
[0095] Figure 22 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
the metal finish of the ring. The customization panel 118 shows available
customizable features
170. Image tiles 172 in options panel 126 show the available options for metal
finish, including
antique and satin. The ring image panel 124 displays an image of the
customized ring
incorporating the selected features, including the metal finish.
[0096] Figure 23 illustrates a ring customization page 114 depicting
customization options for
stone types, including custom options and are not pre-selected and available
in ring design
system 10. The customization panel 118 shows available customizable features
173, including
stone types, crest, stone color, stone cut, and ring top text. Image tiles 174
in options panel 126
19
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
show the available options for stone types, including "encrusted stone,"
"metal top," and "stone
with tubeset," as well as several "custom" options. Should the user select one
of the custom
options, the ring design system 10 will permit the user to describe and/or
provide an example of
the desired custom feature and request outside custom artwork. Custom artwork
representatives may then create the requested custom artwork and incorporate
it into the ring
design. The ring image panel 124 displays an image of the customized ring
incorporating the
selected features; the selected custom feature may not be depicted because the
corresponding
imagery of the outside custom artwork may not be available at the time of the
ring design
process. Accordingly, the image instead shows "custom" to indicate that a
custom feature has
been selected.
[0097] Figure 24 illustrates an artwork request page 176. The user interface
of ring design
system 10 provides the user with an artwork request box 178. As depicted,
artwork request box
178 permits the user to describe the requested custom artwork to be
incorporated into the ring
design. For example, the user may describe the style of stone requested, the
bezel text, and
the ring side style. In some embodiments, this request box 178 may refer to
attached examples
or concepts and an attachment button or option may be provided allowing the
user to attach
examples of the desired artwork. In other embodiments, a user may refer to a
school logo or
other icon or example and such may be provided by representatives 14, tracked
down by the
sales force 12, or otherwise acquired by the artwork representatives 18 for
incorporation into the
ring.
[0098] Figure 25 illustrates an advertising creation page 182. The user
interface of ring design
system 10 provides the user with an advertising creation box 184. As depicted
in figure 25, the
advertisement may be a flyer advertising the ring designed by the user.
Advertisement creation
box 184 permits the user to input text in text boxes 186, including the title
of the flyer, a subtitle
for the flyer, and a message to include in the text of the flyer.
Advertisement creation box 184
may further display an image of the flyer as modified by the user,
incorporating images of the
designed ring as well as the text entered by the user.
[0099] Figure 26 illustrates a flowchart 190 of a process for creating an
order form, meeting
invitation, or online experience to permit ordering of the customized ring, as
set forth in box 48
of figure 2. At box 192, the user may create a product offering. In this step,
the user may select
those designed and customized rings which are to be included in the order form
or online
experience. At box 194, the user may create an order form with or without an
invitation to a
meeting to discuss ring orders. At box 196, the user may order the customized
rings directly.
At box 198, the user can create an "online experience," which invites and
enables customers to
20
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
use the ring design system 10 to design and customize their own rings. At box
200, the user
may manage a list of the individuals to whom an order form or invitation
should be sent. This
list can be created by downloading a template list (box 202), uploading and
using an existing list
(box 204), or adding a list online (box 206). At box 208, the user may submit
the order form and
invitations by directing the ring design system 10 to send the order forms or
invitations to the
individuals included on the name list.
[0100] Figure 27 illustrates an order form creation page 210. The user
interface of ring design
system 10 provides the user with fillable text boxes 212. The user may
incorporate information
and text to be included in the completed order form, such as a title, date,
time and location for a
meeting to discuss ring orders, and a message to include. As depicted in
figure 27, the order
form creation page 210 further displays an image of the order form as modified
by the user,
incorporating images of the designed ring as well as the text entered by the
user.
[0101] As mentioned above with respect to Figures 14B through 14F, a behind
the scenes
process 216 may be used to dynamically generate a three-dimensional image of
customized
bezel text and dividers. Figure 28 shows a flow chart of the steps involved in
that process 216.
As shown, the system 10, at step 218 may provide bezel parameters to a text
mapping module
such as a dynamic link library or DLL. The bezel parameters may include, for
example, the
input received from the personalization menu 115 shown in Figure 14C including
the type of
dividers, the number of dividers, the type of customization, and the text of
the customization.
The text mapping module may create polygon representations of the text and the
dividers at
step 220. At step 222, the text mapping module may map the text polygons onto
a two
dimensional rectangle representing the full available area on the bezel. This
step may include
spacing each polygon along the bezel space to produce equal spacings or to
otherwise produce
aesthetically pleasing spacings. At step 224, the text mapping module may
split the text among
separate panels within the bezel. At step 226, the text mapping module may map
the two
dimensional text onto a three dimensional representation of the bezel
geometry. In some
embodiments, this involves both curving the text around the center stone to
follow the bezel
geometry. This curving step may include curving the text to follow a round,
oval, square, or
other bezel plan shape (i.e., the shape when viewed from above). In addition
to curving the text
around the center stone, the text may be tipped or slanted to accommodate the
slope of the
bezel as it slopes away from the top of the center stone. At step 228, the
text mapping module
may produce web-based code embodying the three-dimensional polygonal
representation of the
text. For example, the three-dimensional polygonal representation may be
transformed into
FlashTM, JavaTM, or other web-based code for suitably displaying the image on
the Internet,
21
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
for example. At step 230, the system may display the three-dimensional
representation of the
bezel text on the ring in the ring image panel of the ring customization page.
All of the above
steps may be performed dynamically allowing the user to simultaneously view
the text they have
entered on the ring they are designing and adding to the user's experience and
confidence
designing his/her ring.
[0102] Portions of the process 216 may be the same or similar to the processes
described in
the following U.S. Patent Applications: 11/415,724 entitled Automated
Engraving of a Custom
Jewelry Item, filed on September 22,2009, now U.S. 7,593,786; 12/016,881
entitled System and
Method for Generating Instructions for Customization, filed on December 21,
2010, now U.S.
Patent 7,856,285; 11/109,496 entitled System and Method for Smoothing Three-
Dimensional
Images, filed on April 19, 2005; and 13/035,742 entitled Method for Digital
Manufacturing of
Jewelry Items, filed on February 25, 2011. The contents of each of the above
listed applications
are hereby incorporated by reference herein into the present application. In
some
embodiments, the method steps reflect quite closely, if not exactly, the same
steps used in
constructing the models for use in manufacturing the rings. As such, the
images shown in the
designer may be very similar and sometimes exact three-dimensional rendered
models of the
ring that user is creating. In particular, for example, the steps 220, 222,
and 226 of Figure 28
may be performed using the same or similar technology to that described in the
U.S. Application
with serial number 12/016,881.
[0103] Figure 29 shows another behind the scenes process 232 of creating
images for the
system 10 that exist as computer aided design (CAD) files. This process may be
used by the
system for several portions of the ring images including side panels, crests,
bezels, goldstone,
encrusting, and the like. In some embodiments, this process is performed ahead
of time and, at
the time of ring customization, the images resulting from this process are
already available in
the designer. Accordingly, this process 232 may be performed by the system 10
or it may be
performed by a separate system and the resulting files may be saved in
repository such as a
computer readable storage medium for access by the system 10. In some cases,
for example,
where outside custom artwork is requested, the system 10 may run the below
described
process to produce images in the designer that reflect the requested artwork.
In some cases,
the user, having requested outside custom artwork may experience a period of
delay while a
CAD file is created for the requested artwork. However, once the CAD file is
created by, for
example, by a custom artwork representative, the system 10, or a separate
system, may
generate a corresponding image in the designer for viewing by the user using
the process 232.
That is, the system 10, or a separate system, may generate the image and save
it in a
22
CA 02797503 2012-11-30
repository for access by the ring designer system 10.
[0104] The process 232 may extract relevant curves and surfaces from a three-
dimensional
CAD file, at operation 234. At operation 236, the system 10 may extrude curves
and surfaces to
create a shell representing a cutter volume. The cutter volume may include a
three-dimensional
shell representing the volume that would be removed by a cutter were, for
example, a toolpath
being created. At operation 238, the system may open a CAD rendering
environment and at
operation 240, the system may import the shell. At operation 242, the system
may set
rendering parameters such as the material to be rendered and potentially the
light source, the
light brightness, and other factors relevant to the appearance of an object.
At operation 244, the
images may be rendered and at operation 246, the one or more images may be
collected into a
shockwave file, for example. The images may, thus, be available for the system
to arrange 248
and display in, for example, the options panel of the ring customization page
114.
[0105] As with process 216, some or all of the operations of the process 232
may be the same
or similar to the processes described in the following U.S. Patent
Applications: 11/415,724,
12/016,881, 11/109,496, and 13/035,742 mentioned above. In particular, the
operations of
process 232 may be performed using, for example, the Boolean type methods and
approaches
described in the U.S. Patent Application with serial number 13/035,742.
[0106] Although the present invention has been described with reference to
preferred
embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be
made in form and
detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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