CAE/CAD Interface Mapping for Geometric Feature Parameter Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CAE/CAD systems, users face inefficiencies in differentiating between control elements that are not unambiguously assigned to specific geometric features of a model, leading to confusion during parameter modification.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented in CAE/CAD systems where control parameter sets are visually marked to correspond with their associated geometric features, using distinct visual markers to clarify which widget set modifies which geometric feature, ensuring clear user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple control parameter sets are displayed in the control region without visual differentiation, then the interface maintains simplicity, but the user cannot distinguish which widget set corresponds to which geometric feature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to visual markers associated with widget sets and geometric features. Each control parameter set is assigned a distinct color that appears as a visual marker in the control region and a corresponding visual marker on the model display region, enabling users to quickly identify which widget set controls which geometric feature through color association.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies visual markers with distinct visual properties (color, shape, pattern) to specific widget sets and their corresponding geometric features. This local differentiation allows users to distinguish between multiple control parameter sets by the unique visual properties assigned to each pair, without requiring complex global changes to the interface structure.
2Measurement precision
If visual markers are added to differentiate widget sets and geometric features, then user identification accuracy improves, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color as a visual property of markers to differentiate between multiple control parameter sets. Each widget set and its corresponding geometric feature are assigned the same color, creating a visual association that improves user accuracy in identifying the correct parameter set without requiring complex structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric visual properties (different colors, shapes, or patterns) for different control parameter sets. This asymmetric differentiation ensures that each widget set can be uniquely identified by its visual markers, preventing confusion between similar parameter sets while maintaining a relatively simple interface structure.
3Loss of information
If parameters are not visually distinguished in the model display region, then the display remains clean, but users cannot associate parameters with specific geometric features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends color-coded visual markers to the model display region, where each geometric feature is marked with a color that matches its corresponding widget set's visual marker. This creates a visual link between the control region and model display region, ensuring users can associate parameters with their geometric features without adding complex structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual markers act as intermediaries that bridge the control region and model display region. By placing corresponding visual markers in both regions, the system creates an associative link that helps users understand which widget set controls which geometric feature, effectively transmitting parameter-geometric feature association information through visual cues.
Data Source
AI summary
A method serves for user interaction in a CAE/CAD system for designing physical parts, the parts being components shaped by a forming process or tools used in a forming process. The method comprises displaying to a user:a graphical user interface (2) with a model display region (3), anda control region (5) for displaying widgets (7) for modifying control parameters controlling operation of the CAE/CAD system,and, on the basis of user input actions in the control region (5), specifying control parameters (14), modifying the part model.Each control parameter (15) corresponds to a geometric feature (17) of the graphical model representation (4) that is displayed in the model display region. For each control parameter (15), its corresponding widget (7) and geometric feature (17) are visually marked by visual markers (17, 18) in the same manner, allowing to differentiate them from those of other control parameters (15).