Michael L Mcnutt

US Patent:

60526696, Apr 18, 2000

Filed:

Jun 6, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/870681

Inventors:

Ward W. Smith - Lansing MI
John M. Ellis - Holland MI
Michael P. McNutt - Grand Rapids MI
Renee E. Schoeppe - Wyoming MI

Assignee:

Haworth, Inc. - Holland MI

International Classification:

G06F 1760

US Classification:

705 26

Abstract:

A graphical user interface to a method and system for configuring office furniture includes interface objects for obtaining configuration criteria from a user; presenting the user with at least one typical configuration satisfying the criteria; selecting a typical configuration from the at least one typical configuration; modifying aspects of the selected typical configuration to produce a modified configuration; and checking the validity of the modified configuration. The configuration criteria include conferencing criteria; privacy criteria; power criteria; communications criteria; storage criteria; and area criteria. A typical can be modified by adding, deleting, or repositioning a component, changing the fabric or finish or the shape or size of the component. A cluster configuration based on the typical configuration is formed. The entire product line can be changed.