Multi-User CAx System with Version Control and User Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Computer-Aided Technologies (CAx) software are not compatible with each other, restricting multi-user collaboration, as they allow only single-user editing and do not share component designs effectively across different environments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-user CAx system with a data module, editing module, and synchronization module that enables multiple users to access and update component designs through a shared database, allowing user-defined functions and objects to be created and shared across different CAx environments, using a neutral format for data storage and translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-user editing mode is used in CAx software, then data consistency and conflict prevention are improved, but multi-user collaboration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the editing process by introducing version control and check-in/check-out mechanisms. Each user interaction is segmented into discrete version updates, allowing multiple users to access different versions simultaneously without causing data conflicts, thus enabling multi-user collaboration while maintaining data consistency through structured version management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary layer between multiple users and the component design data. This intermediary manages concurrent access requests, coordinates check-in/check-out operations, and maintains version history, allowing multiple users to collaborate without direct conflicts while preserving data integrity through centralized mediation
2Reliability
If CAx software allows only single-user access to a file, then data conflicts are reduced, but collaboration efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on component designs simultaneously through different access modes. While one user checks out a file for editing, other users can continue to view and analyze previous versions, ensuring that useful actions continue uninterrupted for all users rather than forcing sequential access
Solution Approach 2:
The check-in/check-out mechanism performs preliminary actions to prevent conflicts before they occur. By requiring users to check out files before editing and check in after completion, the system proactively manages access rights and version states, preventing data conflicts before they arise while maintaining high collaboration throughput
3Measurement precision
If different CAx software environments use proprietary formats, then software functionality and precision are maintained, but compatibility and information sharing between environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The database is designed with universal data structures that can store component design information from multiple different CAx software environments. By implementing a multi-functional database schema that accommodates various data formats and precision requirements, the system enables information sharing across heterogeneous environments while preserving the design precision required by each specific software platform
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collaborating on a component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a multi-user CAx environment including a data module and an editing module. The data module is configured to access a database corresponding to a component design. The component design corresponds to a group of predetermined functions. The editing module is configured to generate at least one user-defined function operable to characterize the component design, and configured to cause the data module to store data corresponding to the at least one user-defined function to the database. A method for collaborating on a component design is also disclosed.