Multi-user 3D CAD System Cloud Parametric Editing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parametric feature-based 3D CAD systems are designed for single-user operation and lack features for seamless multi-user collaboration, data management, and real-time feedback, leading to issues with file synchronization, version control, and performance in client-server models.
Innovation Solution
A multi-user parametric feature-based 3D CAD system that allows simultaneous editing of 3D models across multiple devices, utilizing a cloud infrastructure for geometry calculations and workflow management, with features like real-time collaboration cues, branching, and merging, and a Compound Document approach for unified data storage and version control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple users collaborate on the same 3D CAD model simultaneously, then productivity and collaboration efficiency are improved, but file synchronization and version control become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the 3D CAD model into separate feature-based components stored in a parametric history data structure. Each feature can be independently edited by different users, and changes are tracked separately. This segmentation allows simultaneous editing without conflicts, as each user works on discrete feature elements rather than the entire model file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server-based parametric history storage system that acts as an intermediary between multiple users and the master 3D CAD model. The server maintains the authoritative version of the parametric history and coordinates changes from multiple users, eliminating the need for local file copies and manual synchronization.
2Speed
If copies of CAD files are distributed to each user's computer, then access speed is improved, but data security and version consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates lightweight local copies of the parametric history data structure on each user's computer, which contain references to the master model stored on the server. These local copies enable fast access and editing operations, while the server maintains the authoritative version. Changes are synchronized bidirectionally, ensuring version consistency without requiring users to constantly check for updates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex PDM systems are implemented for version control, then data management capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parametric history data structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores the master 3D CAD model, tracks version history, enables feature-based editing, and coordinates multi-user collaboration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate PDM systems, as the parametric history structure inherently provides all necessary data management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the version control functionality directly into the 3D CAD system's parametric history structure. Rather than using external PDM software, the system combines model storage, version tracking, and collaboration coordination into a unified server-based parametric history system, reducing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If all geometry calculations are performed on the server, then data security is improved, but network latency and processing speed worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary geometry calculations and generates 3D model data on the server before transmitting to client devices. The server pre-processes the parametric history data into optimized 3D representations, so that when users access the model, the heavy computational work has already been completed, reducing network latency and improving response speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a parametric feature-based 3D CAD system that allows multiple users to simultaneously edit a parametric feature-based 3D CAD model consisting of 3D parts and assemblies of those parts (3D Model). Several CAD users, each using their own computer, phone, or tablet, can edit the same 3D Model at the same time. Editing may be separate and simultaneous—there is no need for users to worry about locking, checking out, or otherwise restricting each other's access to 3D Models. Within each user's editing interface, the model may be presented in different representations, with edits to any representation applied and displayed across all representations.