Architectural Construction Detail Generation Engine (2 US Patents Awarded)
Devised the methodology and performed all the programming required to create an architectural construction detail generation engine used in conjunction with an architectural project management website. This included creating many tools used by a team at Architectural Data Systems (ADS) to build a large hierarchical parts database containing thousands of architectural parts and assemblies used across projects in the U.S.
The system included a custom detail-definition language and authoring tools for defining how parts are composed into construction details. AutoCAD servers were integrated into the ADS webserver so that client requests could produce ready-to-use AutoCAD DWG files and JPG images on demand. The engine also produced specification text, schedules, and other documentation by automatically assembling data templates and part metadata.
Patents & Recognition
The project resulted in two U.S. patents acknowledging the innovation and integration performed:
- US Patent No. 9,110,870 — Automated system for assisting the architectural process.
- US Patent No. 8,578,262 — CAD-interfaced, automated system for assisting the architectural process.
Technical Approach & Key Features
The engine combined several tightly integrated subsystems:
- Hierarchical parts database — a scalable catalog of architectural components, assemblies, and metadata used to compose details.
- Detail-definition language — a compact notation and toolset to describe how parts are assembled, annotated, and dimensioned in a detail.
- AutoCAD server integration — headless AutoCAD instances (server-side) that could be driven programmatically to produce DWGs and raster images for immediate delivery.
- Template-driven documentation — automated generation of spec text, schedules, and drawings by merging selected part attributes into templates.
- Networked, multiuser workflow — tools to support multi-project, multi-user editing and generation across a web interface.
Why This Was Important
When this system was developed it prefigured many of today’s parametric and content-driven design tools. By automating the production of construction details and associated documentation, it significantly reduced the time and error associated with manual drafting. The integration of a parts catalog, detail-language, and AutoCAD servers made it possible to deliver consistent, standards-compliant details at scale — a major productivity gain for architectural practices and manufacturers.
Impact & Legacy
The company behind the system, Architectural Data Systems (ADS), was later acquired by Autodesk in 2008 — an acknowledgement of the commercial and technical value of the work. My authorship and programming contributions to the system are credited on the two patents listed above.
Downloads & References
You can read the full patent documents here:
If you’d like a deeper technical walkthrough, screenshots, or the original ADS diagrams included in the patent PDFs, contact me and I can provide source material or discuss how similar automation can be applied to your organization’s workflows.