3D Shape Information Calculation in CAD Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques require pre-stored information for virtual mold models and limit dimension information display to what can be analyzed from two-dimensional drawings, preventing the calculation of desired three-dimensional shape information for unsaved selections and restricting displayable dimensions.

Innovation Solution

An information processor with a three-dimensional-shape input unit, display unit, and shape-value-information calculating unit that allows users to input and display three-dimensional shapes, calculate dimensions between designated shape elements, and reflect the results in an NC program, enabling the calculation of desired three-dimensional shape information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pre-stored information is required for virtual mold models, then information accuracy is improved, but system complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically calculates and generates three-dimensional shape information by processing drawing data through coordinate system conversion and shape element extraction, eliminating the need for manual pre-storing of information and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-processes drawing data by establishing coordinate systems and extracting shape element relationships in advance, enabling rapid retrieval and calculation of three-dimensional shape information without requiring pre-stored model data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If dimension information is displayed from two-dimensional drawings, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddimension information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from two-dimensional drawing data to three-dimensional shape information by performing coordinate system conversion and spatial relationship calculation, enabling accurate three-dimensional dimension measurement while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If pre-stored information is required for displaying dimensions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimension information accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically calculates three-dimensional shape information by processing drawing data through coordinate conversion and shape element extraction, eliminating the need for manual pre-storing operations and enabling users to obtain accurate measurements simply by inputting drawing data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2166469B1Information processor and information processing method
Publication Date: 2016.03.09 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2166469B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2166469B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2166469B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processor that calculates information concerning a three-dimensional shape comprises: a three-dimensional-shape input unit (11) that inputs drawing data of a three-dimensional shape used for displaying a three-dimensional shape; a display unit (16) that displays a three-dimensional shape of drawing data input to the three-dimensional-shape input unit; and a shape-value-information calculating unit (13) that sets a shape element of a three-dimensional shape displayed on the display unit to data used for calculating a three-dimensional shape, based on an instruction input from outside, calculates a value of a shape concerning the three-dimensional shape not clearly shown within the drawing data as shape value information by using the set shape element, and displays a calculation result on the display unit.