CAD Timeline Versioning for Accurate File Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional CAD systems face inefficiencies in file management, transmission, and storage, particularly in collaborative design projects with complex reference relationships and large file sizes, leading to difficulties in filtering relevant content, managing nesting modes, and viewing referenced drawing changes, which hinder efficiency and risk confusion.
Innovation Solution
A novel CAD collaborative design system utilizing a timeline management system with data summary files and incremental databases for efficient data transmission and restoration, a referencing method with independent rule files, and a hierarchical operating system for seamless display mode conversion, allowing synchronous editing and viewing of referenced content updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional CAD systems store and transmit complete drawing files for version management, then file restoration accuracy is maintained, but data transmission amount and storage cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the version management data into two parts: a data summary file containing the complete file information structure and metadata, and an incremental database storing only the changed portions between versions. This segmentation allows the system to transmit and store minimal incremental data while maintaining the ability to reconstruct complete file versions, thereby reducing data transmission overhead while preserving restoration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential summary information (file structure, metadata, indexing data) into a separate data summary file, leaving the detailed content in the incremental database. This extraction enables the system to work with lightweight summary data for most operations while maintaining access to complete file information when needed, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and restoration fidelity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional CAD systems use external reference citation modes, then file referencing functionality is provided, but filtering capability and operational convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic filtering capabilities in the external reference citation mode, allowing users to dynamically adjust filter conditions based on their specific needs. The system provides configurable filtering options that can be modified in real-time, enabling users to focus on relevant elements while maintaining the versatility of file referencing. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational requirements without sacrificing functionality.
3Loss of information
If traditional CAD systems require switching between editing interface and change viewing interface, then comprehensive view of changes is achieved, but working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the editing interface and change viewing interface into a unified workspace. The system displays change information overlaid on the editing canvas, allowing users to view modifications, additions, and deletions while continuing to edit drawings without switching interfaces. This merging maintains comprehensive change visibility while eliminating the productivity loss associated with interface switching, as users can contextually access change information directly at the location of modifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional CAD systems manage complex reference relationships manually, then all reference connections can be established, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically detecting and establishing reference relationships between drawings before users need to work with them. The system pre-processes drawing files to identify potential reference connections, pre-loads necessary reference data, and prepares the reference network in advance. This preliminary action reduces the time users spend manually establishing references while maintaining comprehensive reference coverage, as the system has already performed the time-consuming setup work beforehand.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a CAD collaborative design system, for storing CAD files according to a timeline, and that facilitates restoration and review of versions created, modified, and updated at different times. The system stores the CAD files by means of summary files and incremental databases, thereby reducing data transmission volume, ensuring accuracy of file restoration, and improving the file management efficiency of the entire CAD system.