Automated Drawing Attribute Identification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual identification and comparison of drawing attributes in technical drawings are time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors, leading to potential contradictions with the original design intent during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically identifying and numbering drawing attributes using a processor to scan drawings, record attribute numbers and values, and generate reports, which includes user input for control and manual direction of the scanning process, reducing manual effort and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification and comparison of drawing attributes is performed, then flexibility and control over attribute selection are maintained, but time consumption and error rates increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of identifying and comparing drawing attributes with an automated computer-based system using image processing and pattern recognition algorithms. The system automatically detects, extracts, and compares attributes such as dimensions, tolerances, and geometric calls from technical drawings, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining high accuracy through sophisticated image analysis techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies and representations of drawing attributes by scanning and digitizing technical drawings. These digital copies are then processed through automated recognition systems that extract attribute information, allowing for rapid comparison and verification without repeatedly handling physical drawings or manually transcribing data.
2Reliability
If manual entry and comparison of attribute identifiers is performed, then cost is reduced in terms of automation infrastructure, but errors are introduced that carry throughout the design process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying, extracting, and verifying drawing attributes without requiring manual intervention. The automated system handles the entire process of attribute recognition, data extraction, and comparison, reducing human error while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly interfaces that allow engineers to initiate and monitor the automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated attribute identification process continuously verifies extracted information against drawing standards and previous revisions. The system provides feedback on detected attributes, highlights potential errors or inconsistencies, and allows for verification and correction, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of use through automated quality control.
3Productivity
If automated scanning and identification of drawing attributes is implemented, then efficiency and accuracy are enhanced, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automated system capable of handling multiple types of technical drawings, various attribute formats, and different drawing standards through a single integrated platform. The system can identify dimensions, tolerances, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) calls, and other drawing attributes across diverse engineering disciplines, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complex task of drawing attribute identification into distinct modular components: image acquisition, pre-processing, feature detection, attribute extraction, and verification. Each module handles a specific aspect of the process, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement while achieving high productivity through coordinated operation of these specialized sub-systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for identifying attributes included in a drawing. One method includes automatically, with a processing unit, identifying a plurality of attributes associated with a drawing and automatically, with the processing unit, assigning a unique identifier to each of the plurality of attributes. The method also includes automatically, with the processing unit, creating a symbol representing the assigned unique identifier for each of the plurality of attributes and displaying the symbol for each of the plurality of attributes on the drawing.