CAD Data Conversion System Reducing Hardware Requirements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for converting CAD data files into 3D models are labor-intensive, costly, and require advanced hardware, as they involve manual processing and lack efficient data reduction techniques, leading to increased costs and scheduling issues in industries like military training simulations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system and method that divides CAD data into discrete blocks, removes unnecessary data, groups like objects, and processes them to reduce redundancy, allowing for efficient conversion into 3D models without the need for advanced hardware or significant human intervention, using a networked system with CAD and 3D modeling software applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual conversion methods are used to convert CAD data to 3D models, then modeling precision can be maintained, but labor intensity and conversion time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodeling precisionVSAvoidconversion speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the CAD data into discrete blocks based on location and object types, allowing the system to process and convert only the necessary portions automatically while maintaining precision through structured data organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies, groups, and converts CAD data without requiring manual intervention for each object, using algorithms to detect object types, group similar objects, and generate 3D models autonomously while preserving modeling accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional batch conversion methods are used, then all objects can be processed, but each object requires unique processing efforts increasing cost and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidconversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges similar objects into unified groups based on their characteristics and locations, allowing a single conversion process to handle multiple objects simultaneously, thereby reducing total processing time while maintaining the ability to handle diverse object types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification and grouping of CAD objects before conversion, organizing data by object type and location in advance, which enables faster processing during the actual conversion phase and reduces overall conversion time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If advanced hardware with more memory and processing power is used, then large CAD data can be processed, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capacityVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary data from CAD files before conversion, retaining only the essential geometric information needed for 3D modeling, which reduces the data size and allows processing on standard hardware without requiring advanced equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes data parameters by organizing CAD information into structured blocks with specific attributes, transforming the data format to be more efficient and reducing memory requirements, enabling processing on conventional hardware while maintaining capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If redundant data is removed from CAD files, then file size and processing requirements decrease, but data completeness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sizeVSAvoiddata completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing quality to different parts of the CAD data, removing redundant information from standard objects while preserving critical geometric data and attributes where needed, maintaining data completeness for essential elements while reducing overall data size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9177418B1System and method for converting computer aided design data into a three dimensional model
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 LOCKHEED MARTIN MISSION SYST & TRAINING
  • US9177418B1 patent drawing
  • US9177418B1 patent drawing
  • US9177418B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for converting data generated in a computer aided design software component to an alternate, smaller format usable by a variety of alternate software components is provided. CAD data from a project having a plurality of objects is provided. Objects are identified and grouped into object data layers for processing, conversion and 3D model generation. The selected, grouped objects are processed by removing unnecessary data and redundancies, converted to an alternate format, transported to the alternate software component and regenerated by the alternate software component in its own environment.