Predictive Modeling for Multi-User CAx Collaboration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-aided design (CAx) systems are limited to single-user paradigms, where only one user can edit a model or part file at a time, leading to significant lag when multiple users collaborate, as each user must exit the file before another can access it, causing inefficiencies in design and collaboration.
Innovation Solution
A multi-user CAx system with a server-side environment that includes a predictive modeling module to process incomplete commands, predict missing parameters, and synchronize changes across all users, reducing lag by allowing simultaneous access and real-time visualization of collaborative part files with reduced parameter transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-user paradigm is used in CAx software, then file access control and data consistency are maintained, but collaboration efficiency and user productivity deteriorate due to sequential access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CAx environment into multiple independent user workspaces that can simultaneously access and edit the same part file. Each user has their own instance of the CAx software with local caching mechanisms, allowing parallel editing operations without blocking other users while maintaining data consistency through server-mediated synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple users and the central part file. The server handles concurrent access requests, manages version control, and coordinates synchronization between users, enabling collaborative editing while preventing data conflicts and maintaining consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If complete parameters are transmitted for every command in multi-user collaboration, then command accuracy and design precision are maintained, but network bandwidth consumption and transmission time increase causing lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial parameter transmission by sending only the essential parameters needed to execute a command immediately, while deferring transmission of less critical parameters. This allows commands to be executed with sufficient accuracy while reducing network traffic and transmission time, with optional refinement of parameters as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs predictive modeling that uses previously transmitted parameters and command patterns to predict and pre-load likely upcoming parameters. This preliminary action reduces the need for immediate transmission of all parameters, as the system can anticipate and prepare for future parameter requirements based on historical usage patterns.
3Loss of information
If real-time synchronization is implemented across all users, then design updates are immediately available to all collaborators, but network load and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing each user to have customized synchronization settings and preferences based on their specific needs and roles. Different users can choose different levels of real-time synchronization, with some requiring immediate updates while others can tolerate slight delays, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining essential real-time collaboration capabilities.
4Speed
If predictive modeling is used to predict command parameters, then command execution speed and collaboration fluidity improve, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating simplified predictive models that replicate common command patterns and parameter relationships observed in typical design workflows. These copied patterns are stored as templates that can be quickly applied to predict future parameters, reducing computational complexity while maintaining high prediction accuracy for routine operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for facilitating multi-user computer aided design includes a plurality of locally stored multi-user design (CAx) environments. A server includes a server side CAx environment. The server is communicatively coupled to each of the locally stored CAx environments. The server side CAx environment further includes a predictive modeling module operable to receive an incomplete command from a first user, and predict a complete command based on the incomplete command.