Browser-Based 3D Asset Editing via Cloud Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3-D editing systems are not designed for collaboration, requiring expensive workstations and local data storage, which limits simultaneous editing and leads to inconsistent project files and slow data distribution.

Innovation Solution

A distributed system allowing multiple users to edit 3-D projects in real-time using end-user client devices over a network, with a lightweight browser-based interface that includes features like automatic thumbnail generation, progressive rendering, and biased/unbiased rendering modes, enabling synchronized views and efficient data management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing 3-D editing systems are used for collaborative projects, then each team member can access the project, but expensive workstations and software licenses are required for each user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollaborative accessVSAvoidworkstation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the 3-D editing environment through a browser-based interface. Instead of requiring each user to have their own expensive workstation with specialized software, the system provides a standardized, accessible interface that runs on ordinary computers, tablets, or smartphones. This virtual copy approach maintains full editing functionality while eliminating the need for expensive hardware and software licenses at each user's device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cloud-based server as an intermediary between users and the 3-D project data. The server handles the computationally intensive tasks of rendering, processing, and managing large 3-D project files. Users interact with the project through a lightweight browser interface, while the server infrastructure provides the necessary processing power, eliminating the need for expensive local workstations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If 3-D project files are stored locally and distributed manually, then project data can be shared, but distribution is slow and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata distribution accuracyVSAvoiddistribution speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical distribution methods (physical file sharing, email attachments, FTP transfers) with an automated digital communication system. The browser-based interface and server infrastructure enable automatic, real-time synchronization of project changes across all user devices. When one user modifies the project, the updates are automatically transmitted and applied to all other users' views, eliminating manual distribution steps and ensuring consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where project changes are immediately detected, processed, and communicated to all users. The system continuously monitors for changes in the 3-D project data and automatically pushes updates to all connected devices, ensuring that every user sees the latest changes without manual intervention. This feedback loop eliminates errors associated with manual file sharing and ensures all users work from the same current version.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If only one team member edits the project at a time, then file consistency is maintained, but simultaneous editing capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveediting efficiencyVSAvoidproject file consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic conflict resolution capabilities that allow multiple users to edit simultaneously. The system dynamically detects when multiple users are making changes and automatically manages conflicts by coordinating updates in real-time. This dynamic approach enables concurrent editing operations while maintaining file consistency through automated synchronization and conflict resolution protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary actions by creating a virtual copy of the project state that is continuously updated and synchronized across all users. Before any editing occurs, the system establishes a shared project state in the cloud. As users make changes, the system continuously preserves the current state and prepares updates in advance, ensuring that simultaneous edits are coordinated and all users always have access to the most recent consistent version without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11023094B2Collaborative, multi-user system for viewing, rendering, and editing 3D assets
Publication Date: 2021.06.01 AUTODESK INC
  • US11023094B2 patent drawing
  • US11023094B2 patent drawing
  • US11023094B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are presented for allowing multiple users to collaboratively edit 3-D assets in real-time, using a distributed 3-D editing/rendering software application. The software application may include a lightweight, browser-based user interface that is able to run on computing devices with relatively little memory and processing power. The software application may further include a progressive rendering engine.