CAD Object Tracking via Embedded Invisible Tracker Plugin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems, such as REVIT, lack the ability to track CAD objects within specific areas of a design layout, leading to inefficiencies in material delivery and organization at construction sites, as contractors struggle to determine the correct placement and quantity of materials like conduit fittings.
Innovation Solution
A plugin utilizing API calls is developed to enable tracking of CAD objects by embedding invisible trackers within the objects, allowing them to report their location within the design layout, which are then used to compile and display object quantities by area, facilitating accurate material distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing CAD systems are used without tracking functionality, then the systems remain simple and easy to operate, but the ability to track and report CAD object locations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds an invisible tracker object within each CAD object. The tracker is nested inside the CAD object like a doll within a doll, allowing the system to track location information without adding external complexity. The tracker remains hidden within the object's digital structure while providing location reporting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plugin as an intermediary component that mediates between the existing CAD system and the tracking functionality. The plugin intercepts and processes location data from CAD objects, enabling tracking without modifying the core CAD system architecture. This intermediary approach adds tracking capability while preserving the simplicity of the underlying system.
2Measurement precision
If tracking functionality is added to CAD objects, then location reporting capability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from the main CAD object into a separate, dedicated tracker component. By taking out the tracking function into its own element, the system achieves precise location measurement while keeping the tracking logic isolated and manageable. The tracker is a distinct entity that can be independently controlled and managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker object serves multiple functions: it acts as both a geometric element within the CAD model and a tracking device that reports location. This multi-functionality allows the same object to fulfill both design and tracking roles, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If invisible trackers are embedded within CAD objects, then location reporting is enabled without affecting object appearance, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the invisible tracker property locally to specific CAD objects that require tracking, rather than universally to all objects. Each object that needs location reporting receives an embedded tracker, while objects that don't need tracking remain simple. This localized approach maintains ease of operation for tracked objects without unnecessarily complicating the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker is created as a separate geometric element that copies or replicates the location and orientation of the host CAD object. The tracker maintains the same spatial properties as the object it tracks, allowing it to report location accurately while remaining invisible. This copying mechanism enables tracking without altering the appearance or physical properties of the original object.
4Loss of information
If trackers are joined to CAD objects to form assemblies, then location tracking is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the tracker embedding action in advance, during the object creation or import phase, rather than requiring manual assembly later. The tracker is preliminarily joined to the CAD object when the object is first introduced into the system, automatically forming the assembly structure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex manual assembly operations later in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plugin automatically manages the assembly creation process by self-service. When a CAD object is imported or created, the plugin automatically attaches the appropriate tracker and forms the assembly without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically handling the complex assembly operations, reducing the manufacturing complexity from the user's perspective.
Data Source
AI summary
A plugin can allow for tracking objects within a computer-aided design (“CAD”) application. In one example, the user can select an object or family of objects to track. The plugin can set a parameter of the tracker to match that of the selected object(s). The tracker can be joined to the selected object to form a new assembly, such as by embedding the tracker within the object. A user can define areas, such as rooms or floors, within the layout. The plugin can poll the trackers, which report which areas the corresponding object is within. The plugin can compile this information and display quantities of object types per area.