Cloud Platform for 2D to 3D Model Conversion via Crowd Sourcing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many engineering and other drawings remain in 2D due to internal and external engineering services' lack of capacity, scalability, and high costs for conversion to 3D, often resulting in quality checking errors and security/intellectual property concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based platform that utilizes a crowd of independent contractors to convert 2D drawings to 3D models, using performance-based incentives and advanced analytics to ensure quality and security, with features like anonymous submissions and secure data handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional single-engineer conversion method is used, then quality control is possible, but productivity is low and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conversion task by distributing multiple identical 2D drawings to multiple independent crowd workers, who each create separate 3D models. This segmentation enables parallel processing while maintaining quality through independent verification, as multiple workers converting the same drawing should produce identical or similar results if their conversions are accurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by sending identical copies of the same 2D drawing to multiple crowd workers. This allows for parallel conversion attempts where the same input is processed independently by multiple people, and the results are compared to verify accuracy. If conversions match within tolerances, confidence in correctness is increased.
2Productivity
If external engineering services are used, then conversion capacity is increased, but cost increases and quality control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a comparison mechanism where multiple independently created 3D models from the same 2D drawing are compared against each other. This feedback loop verifies conversion quality by checking for consistency across multiple converters, allowing quality control without requiring highly skilled external engineers for each individual conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service quality checking by automatically comparing multiple conversion results against each other. Rather than relying on external quality assurance processes, the system uses the convergence of multiple independent conversions as the verification mechanism, reducing the need for expensive external quality control services.
3Productivity
If more engineers are hired for conversion, then productivity increases, but cost increases and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs crowd workers who are engaged through one-off agreements for specific conversion tasks rather than hiring permanent staff. This disposable approach to human resources allows the organization to scale conversion capacity up or down as needed without long-term commitments, reducing both cost and security risks associated with maintaining large teams of engineers with access to sensitive drawings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a platform intermediary that manages the crowd workers and handles the conversion process. This intermediary layer provides security by controlling access to drawings, managing worker credentials, and orchestrating the comparison process, thereby reducing direct security risks while enabling scalable productivity through crowd sourcing.
Data Source
AI summary
An internet or cloud-based system, method, or platform (“platform”) used to facilitate the conversion of electronic two-dimensional drawings to three-dimensional models. A group of people (“crowd”) that has been found qualified to make such conversions, are selected for the conversion. The two-dimensional drawings are transmitted to the crowd for conversion to three-dimensional models. In some embodiments, multiple instances of the same two-dimensional drawings (or image data) is sent to multiple, independent crowd members in order that multiple versions of the same three-dimensional model can be created. Once the models are complete and returned, they are compared to each other on multiple features or characteristics. If two or more three-dimensional models are found to match within the prescribed tolerances, they are determined to be an accurate representation of the product or device shown in the two-dimensional drawings.