Cloud Platform for CAD Data Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Different CAD systems use distinct electronic file formats, limiting interoperability and access to design data, as valuable information like metadata may be lost during format transformations, and users cannot view or modify models without the corresponding CAD system software.
Innovation Solution
A server-based system that converts CAD system format data into multiple alternative formats, retains rich information, and allows access through a cloud platform, enabling users to view and modify models without the original CAD system software, with features like indexing, versioning, and distribution of data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If design data is stored in original CAD system format, then information integrity is maintained, but accessibility to users without the specific CAD software is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a server system that acts as an intermediary between CAD systems and users. The server receives design data in various CAD formats, converts it to standardized formats, and provides it to users through web browsers. This intermediary approach enables users without specific CAD software to access design data while maintaining the original format's information integrity through server-side processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple format copies of the same design data on the server. When data is uploaded in one CAD format, the server generates copies in alternative formats, allowing different users to access the same design information in formats compatible with their respective applications without needing the original CAD software.
2Adaptability or versatility
If design data is converted to alternative formats for broader access, then format compatibility is improved, but valuable metadata may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary extraction of metadata and essential design information during the initial upload phase, before format conversion occurs. The server identifies and preserves critical data elements, organizing them in a way that maintains information integrity throughout subsequent conversions to different formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter transformation techniques where the server systematically maps parameters from the source CAD format to target formats. By carefully managing parameter transformations and maintaining data relationships, the system converts between formats while preserving the essential meaning and value of metadata through structured parameter mapping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple format conversions are performed on the server, then accessibility across different applications is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server system is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple CAD formats, conversion operations, and user access methods through a single unified platform. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into one server that can process various formats and serve different user needs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex conversion and format handling logic from client devices and concentrates it on the server side. By taking out the computational burden of format conversion from users' local systems and centralizing it on the server, the system manages complexity in a controlled environment while keeping client devices simple and accessible.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving a first source file, the first source file including one or more first computer-aided design models; converting the first source file into a first plurality of files; generating a first snapshot, the first snapshot including the first source file, the first plurality of files, and a first version; receiving a second source file, the second source file having the first format that is readable by the first application, the second source file including one or more second models, the second source file being an updated version of the first source file; converting the second source file into a second plurality of files; generating a second snapshot; and associating the second snapshot with the first snapshot, where the second snapshot being a more recent version than the first snapshot.