PMI Data Visualization Opacity Adjustment in 3D CAD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD tools face challenges in effectively presenting Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) in three-dimensional visualizations, leading to cluttered and difficult-to-read representations due to the opacity of annotations not normal to the viewer's plane, which hinders clear understanding and readability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adjusts the opacity of PMI data in three-dimensional representations based on the angle between the camera view plane and the object plane, using a camera point and object point calculation to determine an opacity factor, thereby enhancing visual perception by making non-parallel PMI elements more readable by reducing their opacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If PMI annotations are displayed with full opacity in 3D representations, then the annotations are clearly visible, but the visual clutter increases and readability decreases when annotations are not normal to the viewer's plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the opacity parameter of PMI annotations based on their orientation relative to the camera view plane. Annotations that are not normal to the view plane have their opacity reduced, creating a fade effect that improves readability by reducing visual clutter while maintaining information visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes through opacity modulation, where annotations transition from full opacity (fully visible) to reduced opacity (faded) based on their angular relationship with the camera plane. This visual transformation enhances readability by making non-oriented annotations less prominent, thereby reducing on-screen clutter.
2Device complexity
If all PMI annotations are displayed with uniform opacity, then the display is simple to implement, but the visual clarity and readability of annotations vary based on their orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements parameter changes by calculating the angle between each annotation plane and the camera view plane, then using this angle to determine an opacity factor. This dynamic parameter adjustment enhances visual clarity for annotations that are not normal to the view plane, resolving the contradiction between implementation simplicity and visual clarity.
3Ease of manufacture
If annotations not normal to the view plane maintain full opacity, then the implementation is straightforward, but on-screen clutter increases and understanding of the 3D model is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing an opacity adjustment mechanism that calculates the angle between annotation planes and the camera view plane. This creates a fade effect for non-oriented annotations, reducing on-screen clutter and enhancing model understanding while maintaining implementation feasibility through standard rendering techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology creates a better visual perception of PMI data in a three dimensional representation of an object by adjusting the opacity of elements not normal to the view of the user.