3D Polyline Drawing Using Plane Selector Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drawing polylines in three-dimensional scenes lack flexibility and accuracy, as they either require manual positioning of grids, which is cumbersome, or result in unsatisfactory outcomes due to lack of control over segment angles and positions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a 'plane selector' tool that allows users to choose planes parallel or perpendicular to drawn segments, creating a grid for precise placement of subsequent segments, enabling flexible and accurate polyline drawing in 3D scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a polyline is drawn freely in the plane defined by the current point of view (2D drawing), then the drawing process is simple and flexible, but the polyline loses its three-dimensional accuracy and is lost if the user changes the point of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D plane drawing to 3D spatial drawing by introducing a plane selector tool that operates in three-dimensional space. The tool allows users to define drawing planes through 3D points and vectors, enabling polylines to maintain their geometric accuracy and orientation regardless of viewpoint changes, thus resolving the contradiction between drawing simplicity and 3D precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If planar grids are used to properly draw segments of the polyline in three dimensions, then the three-dimensional accuracy is improved, but the process becomes cumbersome and demanding in terms of memory space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a set of orthogonal reference planes (typically three mutually perpendicular planes) before drawing begins. These planes are established in advance through the plane selector tool, providing a structured framework that guides subsequent polyline segment drawing without requiring complex real-time grid calculations, thus reducing process complexity while maintaining 3D accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex task of 3D polyline drawing into manageable parts: first selecting a reference plane using the plane selector tool, then drawing each segment relative to that plane's coordinate system. This segmentation allows users to work with simpler 2D-like operations within each plane while maintaining overall 3D accuracy, reducing both process complexity and memory requirements.
3Extent of automation
If software automatically creates a path between the original position of a part to a new one, then the process is automated, but the user has no control on the position of the breakings of the line resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the plane selection and polyline drawing process interactive and adaptive. The plane selector tool dynamically responds to user inputs, allowing users to choose different reference planes for different segments of the polyline. This dynamic interaction maintains automation benefits while giving users full control over breaking positions and segment orientations, resolving the contradiction between automation and user control.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of drawing a polyline in a three-dimensional scene: a) draws a segment (S1) of said polyline in said three-dimensional scene, said segment having a starting point (P1) and an endpoint (P2); b) displays, in the three-dimensional scene, a graphical tool (PST) representing a set of three orthogonal planes (PLA, PLB, PLC), one of said planes being orthogonal to the segment; c) selects one of said planes; and d) draws another segment of the polyline (S2), having a starting point coinciding with the endpoint of the segment drawn in step a) and lying in the plane (PLA) selected in step c). Steps a), c) and d) are carried out based on input commands provided by a user. A computer program product, non-volatile computer-readable data-storage medium and Computer Aided Design or three-dimensional illustration authoring system carries out such a method.