Bounding Box Viewpoint Selection for CAD Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD systems face difficulties in quickly and accurately aligning the viewpoint on a specific zone of a large assembly of objects, requiring manual intervention and generic solutions that do not provide precise views with minimal user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for selecting a viewpoint of a set of objects within a bounding box, where faces of the bounding volume are identified, associated with viewpoints, and upon user selection, the corresponding view of the objects is displayed, allowing quick access to relevant viewpoints without changing the current view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual viewpoint adjustment is used in CAD systems, then users can change the view on assembly, but it requires significant user interaction and time to align the viewpoint on a specific zone
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-computes and stores multiple standardized viewpoints (front, back, left, right, top, bottom) for each object in the assembly before the user needs them. These viewpoints are prepared in advance and made immediately accessible through the interface, eliminating the need for manual rotation and adjustment at the moment of viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary interface element (such as a toolbar or menu system) that mediates between the user and the complex 3D scene. This intermediary provides simplified access to pre-calculated viewpoints, allowing users to switch between standardized views without directly manipulating the 3D camera or reference frame.
2Measurement precision
If generic viewpoint tools are used, then users can rotate the reference frame, but they do not provide accurate view on a dedicated area of large assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the large assembly into individual objects and further segments each object into multiple standardized viewpoints (front, back, left, right, top, bottom). This segmentation allows users to focus on specific objects and their relevant faces without being overwhelmed by the entire assembly, providing accurate views of dedicated areas while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides different viewpoint options tailored to specific objects and their relevant faces within the assembly. Instead of a single global reference frame, each object can have its own localized viewpoints that are optimized for viewing that particular object's features, ensuring measurement precision for dedicated areas while keeping the interface intuitive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple viewpoints are made available, then users can access different views, but it increases the complexity of the interface and computational resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal interface mechanism that works across all objects in the assembly, providing consistent access to multiple viewpoints through a standardized method (such as a common toolbar or menu structure). This multi-functional approach allows the same interface elements to serve all objects regardless of their complexity or type, increasing adaptability while avoiding the need for object-specific customization that would increase interface complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for selecting a viewpoint of a set of objects in a bounding box. The bounding box comprising at least one volume wherein the set of objects is enclosed. The method comprises identifying faces of the at least one volume, associating with each identified face a viewpoint on the set of object, selecting, upon user action, one of the faces associated with one viewpoint, and displaying a view of the set of objects according to the viewpoint associated with the selected face.