Collaborative Augmented Reality System for True-Scale CAD Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional CAD systems are limited in allowing users to accurately visualize and manipulate large mechanical models, such as spacecraft or vehicles, due to their static display and steep learning curve, and fail to provide effective collaboration and true-scale visualization in augmented or virtual reality environments.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative augmented reality system, ProtoSpace, that enables multiple users to load and render complex CAD models in a shared physical space using hand-gesture interactions, with features like gaze cursors, intuitive toolboxes, and alignment tools, allowing real-time sharing and manipulation of models at true scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional CAD systems use static physical display devices to render models, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to accurately visualize large mechanical models at true scale is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D static display devices to 3D augmented reality virtual space, allowing models to be visualized at true scale with spatial depth. Users can view and manipulate large mechanical models in three-dimensional space, overcoming the limitations of flat screens while maintaining system manageability through virtual environment abstraction.
2Ease of operation
If traditional CAD systems provide detailed manipulation tools for model editing, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the learning curve becomes steep
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic alignment tools that self-adjust model positions and orientations based on user selections, eliminating the need for manual coordinate input. The augmented reality interface automatically calculates and applies transformations, allowing users to manipulate models through intuitive gestures rather than learning complex command sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates alignment parameters and transformation matrices before user interaction, so when users select models or components, the system has already prepared the necessary manipulation data. This preliminary computation reduces the cognitive load during actual manipulation tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional CAD systems allow multiple users to access models, then collaboration is enabled, but real-time shared manipulation at true scale is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple users' interactions into a single shared augmented reality virtual space where all participants view and manipulate the same model instance simultaneously. User actions are synchronized through the network, allowing real-time collaboration while maintaining a unified model state, effectively combining individual workspaces into a collaborative environment.
4Loss of information
If small static display devices are used to show large mechanical models, then the device portability is good, but the model detail visualization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses augmented reality headsets to project three-dimensional models into virtual space, effectively infinite display area. Users can zoom and pan through the virtual model without being constrained by physical screen dimensions, maintaining full model detail while preserving device portability since the display is virtual rather than physical.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system provide the ability to control navigation of a three-dimensional (3D) computer aided design (CAD) model in an augmented reality space. The 3D CAD model is rendered in the augmented reality space and appears as if it is present in a physical space at true scale. A virtual camera is defined as fixed to a current pose of a user's head. A virtual line segment S is constructed coincident with a ray R from a center of projection P of the virtual camera and a center pixel of the virtual camera. A check for geometric intersections between the virtual line segment S and surfaces of scene elements is conducted. Upon intersecting with a part of the model, a gaze cursor is rendered at an intersection point C closest to the center of projection P.