CAD Entity Selection Preview for Mobile Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CAD graphic systems, especially on mobile devices, the existing entity selection methods are inaccurate and inefficient due to the large size of the finger pad covering the screen, leading to difficulties in selecting the correct entity, and users must repeatedly process and revert entities, reducing working efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that invoke a hooked preview program after inputting a functional instruction, allowing users to select a pickup point, filter entities within a predetermined range, and pre-display the processing result, enabling users to preview the effect of their selection before finalizing the operation, thus avoiding repeated selections and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user selects an entity by touching the screen with a finger pad, then the selection operation is performed, but the large finger pad covers the screen and shields the entity, making it difficult to accurately select the target entity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the finger pad (selection area) on the screen that matches the actual finger pad size. This virtual representation allows users to see exactly what area will be selected before completing the gesture, eliminating the shielding problem while maintaining accurate selection. The system renders a visual indicator showing the selection boundary based on finger pad dimensions, enabling users to adjust their selection without lifting the finger.
2Productivity
If the system processes the entity immediately after selection, then the control instruction is executed, but the user cannot foresee the processing result and may need to repeatedly select and revert entities, reducing working efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by displaying a preview of the entity selection area and processing result before the user finalizes the selection. The system shows what entities will be selected and how they will be processed (trimmed, offset, chamfered, mirrored, or arrayed) based on the current selection, allowing users to verify the outcome before execution. This prevents wrong selections and eliminates the need for repeated backspace operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during the selection process by displaying the selection area overlay and previewing the processing result. Users can see the effect of the control instruction (TRIM, offset, chamfer, Mirror, Array) applied to the selected entities before confirming the selection. This feedback mechanism allows users to adjust their selection if the previewed result is not desired, avoiding wasted operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the screen is small on mobile devices, then the device is portable, but the finger pad appears relatively large and makes entity selection more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adapting the selection area size and visual feedback to the specific context of mobile device screens. The system adjusts the selection area overlay to match the actual finger pad size relative to the screen dimensions, providing localized visual guidance exactly where needed. This allows the interface to accommodate various screen sizes while maintaining ease of operation through proportionally appropriate selection indicators.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and a device for selecting an entity in a drawing, wherein the method includes that a hooked preview program corresponding to a functional instruction is invoked after the functional instruction is inputted into a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system; a pickup point in a drawing is selected; an entity in a predetermined range is filtered around the pickup point to obtain a preselected entity; the preselected entity is processed via the hooked preview program so as to pre-display a result of processing the preselected entity by the inputted instruction. An effect of a selected entity processed by a control instruction can be previewed according to the present invention, thus avoiding repeated selections of a graphic entity by a user to further improve working efficiency.