CAD Drawing Annotation Preview for Faster Dimensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD drawing annotation systems require manual input for dimensions and suffer from over-dimensioning, leading to inefficiency and errors.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing Autoregressive Transformers to intelligently generate annotations such as dimensions and leaders, with a progressive preview display that improves accuracy with user input, and limiting suggestions to connected geometries within a spatial boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dimensioning commands (Dim/MLeader) are used, then users have full control over each annotation, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service annotation by allowing users to select a seed geometry and then automatically generating annotations for connected geometries without manual intervention for each individual annotation. The algorithm autonomously identifies patterns and creates dimensions/leaders based on the selected seed point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying all potential annotations in a preview panel before the user commits to creating them. This allows users to review and select only the necessary annotations, avoiding the time-consuming process of creating each annotation individually while maintaining control.
2Quantity of substance
If QDim command is used to create dimensions for all edges, then annotation coverage is complete, but over-dimensioning occurs unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by treating each selected geometry and its connected components individually rather than applying a blanket dimensioning rule to all edges. The annotation generation is localized to the specific region connected to the seed geometry, allowing selective dimensioning only where needed based on the drawing's existing annotation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by analyzing existing annotations in the drawing to learn dimensioning patterns and apply them intelligently. The preview panel provides visual feedback showing which annotations will be created, allowing users to review and adjust before final creation, thereby preventing over-dimensioning while maintaining complete coverage where necessary.
3Quantity of substance
If all dimensions are generated at the same time, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but user control and accuracy adjustment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the annotation creation process into two distinct phases: preview and creation. In the preview phase, all potential annotations are displayed in a panel for review. In the creation phase, users selectively create annotations by clicking on desired entries. This segmentation provides both comprehensive coverage and granular user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making the annotation creation process interactive and adaptable. Users can review the preview, adjust their selections based on needs, and create annotations dynamically rather than committing to a static batch operation. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation while achieving comprehensive annotation coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system provide for annotating a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing. Existing drawings are obtained and include annotations and geometries that serve as annotation points. The geometries are extracted and an Autoregressive Transformer model is trained on the extracted geometries and annotations. A new drawing is obtained. First user input selecting a first geometry in the new drawing is received and the first annotation is created. The new geometries are extracted. The Autoregressive Transformer model generates potential new annotation points and annotations. The potential new annotation points are connected to the selected first geometry and fall within a defined spatial boundary. The potential new annotations are displayed in the new drawing and second user input selects one of the potential new annotations to utilize as one or more new annotations.