Edge Highlighting in Lightweight CAD Viewers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lightweight viewers used for CAD models lack the capability to interpret and highlight edges due to edge definitions not being part of the lightweight model structure, making it difficult to understand edge-related requirements.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves extracting edges from CAD models as curves, associating them with annotation objects, and embedding these curves and annotations in a tessellated model, which can be stored in a lightweight format like PDF, allowing the curves to be selectively displayed in a lightweight viewer to highlight edges when annotation objects are selected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a lightweight tessellated model is used instead of a full CAD model, then file size is reduced and transfer speed is improved, but the capability to interpret and highlight edges is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the edge highlighting functionality from the main tessellated model by introducing separate curve objects that are selectively activated. This allows the lightweight model to maintain its compact size while providing edge visualization capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between file size reduction and edge definition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curve objects as an intermediary element between the tessellated model and edge highlighting. These curve objects serve as a mediator that can be selectively displayed to represent edges without requiring the full CAD model structure, thus maintaining lightweight characteristics while providing edge visualization.
2Ease of operation
If edge highlighting capability is added to lightweight viewers, then edge-related requirements can be understood, but the viewer complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curve objects that copy or replicate the visual appearance of CAD edges within the lightweight model context. This allows edge highlighting to be achieved through simple curve visualization rather than implementing complex edge interpretation algorithms in the viewer, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing viewer complexity.
3Loss of information
If curves are extracted and embedded in the tessellated model, then edge visualization is enabled, but the model structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation of curve objects based on annotation selection. The curves are embedded in the model structure but remain inactive by default, only becoming visible when a user selects an associated annotation. This dynamic approach enables edge information visualization while keeping the default model structure simple and uncluttered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making curve visualization context-dependent rather than global. Only the curves associated with selected annotations are displayed, allowing edge information to be visualized locally at the point of user interest rather than requiring all edges to be displayed simultaneously, thus reducing overall model complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for a lightweight viewer may include, among other things, a viewing window operable to display geometry established by one or more geometric objects of a tessellated model. The one or more geometric objects are associated with respective edges of the geometry. One or more annotation objects of the tessellated model are assigned information associated with the respective edges and are operable to depict the respective information as a graphical annotation in the viewing window. One or more curve objects of the tessellated model are associated with the respective one or more annotation objects and include respective curves dimensioned to follow the respective edges of the geometry. The one or more curve objects are operable to selectively depict the respective edges of the geometry in the viewing window in response to selection of the respective annotation object. A method of establishing a tessellated model is also disclosed.