Dynamic Dimension Indicators in CAD Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD programs face challenges in displaying dynamic dimensions relative to multiple components of a CAD model in a user-friendly manner without cluttering the screen with too many relative position indicators, particularly when determining distances to extended components.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that allows users to select and display a list of components with relative position indicators, enabling dynamic dimension display and allowing for determination of positions based on smallest distances to multiple spatially extended components, facilitating the drawing of objects like N-dimensional spheres tangent to all components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dynamic dimension indicators are displayed for multiple components in CAD model, then positioning precision is improved, but screen clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dimension indicator display from the main workspace area and relocates it to a separate panel or dock area. This allows multiple dimension indicators to be displayed simultaneously without cluttering the main modeling area, as the indicators are taken out and placed in a dedicated display region where they can be organized in a list format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from displaying dimension indicators in a two-dimensional screen space to utilizing a third dimension by creating a hierarchical or layered display structure. Dimension indicators are organized in a panel that can be collapsed, expanded, or docked separately, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the information presentation and reducing visual clutter in the main workspace.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user can select multiple components for dimension display, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal component selection mechanism that works across different object types (vertices, edges, surfaces, components) through a single integrated interface. The same selection panel and interaction methods are used regardless of the specific component type, allowing the system to handle diverse component selections without requiring separate specialized interfaces for each object category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the dimension indicator display panel and component selection interface before the user needs to measure multiple components. The system proactively presents the selection options and display format, allowing users to configure their preferred view and selection criteria in advance, which simplifies subsequent interactions when working with multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention concerns a computer-implemented method, a computer system and a computer program product for determining a position in a computer-aided design model. The model comprises a multitude of components. A list of at least two spatially extended and user-selected components is obtained. A cursor is displayed on a visualization means to indicate a position within the model. For each spatially extended component of the list, a distance indicator, indicating the smallest distance of said position to the component, is displayed via the visualization means. Upon providing position movement directions via the at least one user input device said position, said cursor location and said distance indicators are dynamically updated accordingly.