3D-Link Mechanism for CAD Context Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently sharing and collaborating on specific 3D model locations and geometric entities, leading to outdated and error-prone communication methods such as screenshots and file sharing, which can result in duplication of effort and mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A 3D-link mechanism is introduced that creates a static and variable link to target a 3D context within a CAD model, allowing for precise location and orientation sharing, storage in a database, and display within the CAD model, enabling easy collaboration and updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional screenshot and file sharing methods are used to share 3D model locations, then collaboration can occur, but accuracy and efficiency of sharing specific 3D contexts deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a URL-based intermediary system that mediates between the 3D model data and collaboration tools. The URL acts as a mediator containing encoded spatial information (view matrix, projection matrix, selected entity IDs) that bridges the gap between precise 3D context and shareable communication channels, eliminating the need for imprecise screenshots while maintaining high collaboration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the 3D context state into URL parameters by encoding view transformation matrices, projection parameters, and selected entity identifiers into a shareable format. This parameter transformation allows precise reproduction of 3D contexts across different sessions and users, significantly improving both accuracy and efficiency of sharing specific model locations.
2Ease of operation
If manual navigation methods are used to locate 3D model elements, then users can find required contexts, but time and effort required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and encoding the complete navigation state (view matrix, projection matrix, selected entities) into the URL before sharing. When a user receives the URL, the 3D context is automatically restored without requiring manual navigation, thereby improving ease of operation and eliminating time loss for navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the navigation state by capturing the complete 3D context (camera position, orientation, selected entities) and encoding it into the URL. This copied state can be instantly reproduced in another session, eliminating the need for manual navigation and significantly reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple copies of 3D model data are shared for collaboration, then accessibility improves, but data consistency and single source of truth deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The URL serves as an intermediary that references the central 3D model data without creating copies. It encodes spatial context information that points back to the original model, allowing multiple users to access the same data source simultaneously. This maintains data consistency and single source of truth while improving accessibility through shareable links.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sharing 3D model data in the traditional file dimension to sharing it through a URL dimension. The URL contains encoded references to the central model data, allowing accessibility through multiple channels (email, chat, documentation) while maintaining a single source of truth in the central 3D model repository, thereby preserving data consistency.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A computer-aided design (CAD) system and corresponding method enable users to manage and share information related to a three-dimensional (3D) context of a 3D CAD model with ease. The method creates a 3D-link targeting the 3D context. The 3D-link includes a static link and a variable link. The static link re-directs to the variable link in response to a user opening the 3D-link. The variable link enables (i) the 3D CAD model to be located and opened and (ii) the 3D context to be displayed within the 3D CAD model. The method stores the 3D-link in a database. The 3D-link enables the 3D context to be shared between or among users via sharing of the 3D-link from the database. The 3D-link plays an important role in helping design engineers collaborate by eliminating the need to create pictures or copies of 3D models that may become outdated.