3D CAD Annotation Across Orientation-Free and Drawing Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD systems lack seamless synchronization between 3D and 2D environments for annotating mechanical parts, leading to inconsistencies between digital mockups and manufacturing specifications, with limited ability to interact and edit annotations in both views simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for annotating 3D modeled objects, allowing dual presentation of orientation-free and fixed views, enabling annotations to be created and displayed simultaneously across multiple views, including technical drawing compliance and interactive editing within a single 3D scene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate 3D and 2D applications are used for annotating, then each application can provide correct presentation in its own environment, but synchronization between 3D and 2D environments is lost leading to inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate 3D and 2D annotation applications into a single integrated system. The unified annotation tool can create and manage annotations that simultaneously appear in both 3D and 2D views, eliminating the synchronization problems that arose when using separate applications. This is achieved through a common data model that links 3D geometric elements with their 2D representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The annotation system is designed to be universal, working across both 3D and 2D environments with a single toolset. The same annotation commands and interfaces function in both viewing modes, allowing users to create dimension lines, tolerance annotations, and other PMI elements that automatically adapt to the current view type without requiring separate toolsets or workflows.
2Reliability
If annotations are created in 3D environment, then digital mockup validation is improved, but ability to edit and manipulate annotations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic annotation editing capabilities where annotations can be manipulated in real-time based on the current view. Users can select and edit annotation properties, move annotation elements, and adjust parameters directly in both 3D and 2D contexts. The interface adapts to provide appropriate editing controls for the active view type, maintaining ease of operation while preserving annotation integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate applications are used for 3D design and 2D drawing, then each application can optimize its own workflow, but productivity is reduced due to switching between applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 3D design and 2D drawing functionalities into a single integrated application environment. Users can switch between 3D and 2D views without leaving the application, and annotations created in one view are automatically reflected in the other. This eliminates the time and effort required to switch between separate applications while maintaining the workflow advantages of both 3D and 2D environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for annotating a 3D modeled object representing a CAD mechanical part or assembly of parts, two or more views of the 3D modeled object being displayed and at least one of the views being compliant with a view of a technical drawing. The method includes obtaining a 3D scene and displaying an orientation-free view of the 3D modeled object, at least one fixed view of the 3D modeled object. The method also includes creating, upon user action, an annotation by selecting at least one geometrical element on at least one of the views of the 3D modeled object and an annotation type. The method further includes displaying the created annotation on at least the orientation-free view.