Proxy Object Metadata Management in CAD Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD software faces challenges in efficiently managing proxy objects within CAD models, particularly in scaling and connecting generic proxy objects to multiple HD objects using metadata, while protecting intellectual property and enabling non-technical users to interact with 3D models for photo-realistic renderings without extensive computing power or specialized software.
Innovation Solution
A method of attaching metadata to both proxy and HD objects, storing them in a secure database, and using metadata to programmatically swap proxy objects with one or more HD objects, while protecting HD object CAD files and allowing non-technical users to interact with 3D models through a 360 viewer software for adding comments and product data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If Proxy Objects are used to reduce file size, then storage requirements and processing power are reduced, but the ability to scale and connect generic proxy objects to multiple HD objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a many-to-many relationship system where a single Proxy Object can be associated with multiple HD Objects through metadata tags. This allows one lightweight proxy to represent multiple high-detail objects across different categories, enabling the system to scale efficiently without creating separate proxies for each HD object. The metadata structure allows flexible association and disassociation of proxies with HD objects based on category hierarchies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary layer between Proxy Objects and HD Objects. This metadata contains category information and hierarchical tags that enable the system to dynamically resolve which HD objects a proxy should represent. The metadata acts as a mediator that connects the simplified proxy representation to the detailed HD objects without requiring direct one-to-one mapping.
2Ease of operation
If HD Objects are made available publicly to help CAD users, then ease of operation is improved, but intellectual property protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates lightweight copy representations (Proxy Objects) of the original HD Objects. These proxies contain only essential geometric information needed for CAD modeling and visualization, while the full HD objects with complete intellectual property details remain protected. The proxies are distributed publicly for ease of use, while the source HD objects stay secured in manufacturer databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary visual and geometric properties from HD Objects to create Proxy Objects. This extraction process removes sensitive intellectual property information while retaining the functional appearance and basic modeling capabilities. The extracted proxy data is what gets shared publicly, leaving the core IP-protected HD objects secure.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual creation of Proxy Objects is required for each HD Object, then object detail accuracy is maintained, but productivity and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic proxy generation system that creates Proxy Objects from HD Objects without requiring manual user intervention. The system automatically extracts geometric data, generates appropriate proxies, and establishes metadata associations based on category hierarchies. This self-service approach maintains accuracy while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repetitive manual creation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automatic processing of HD Objects to generate ready-to-use Proxy Objects before they are needed in CAD models. This preliminary action includes creating the proxy geometry, assigning metadata tags, and establishing category relationships in advance. When users need proxies, they are already prepared and can be automatically associated with HD objects, eliminating the need for real-time manual creation.
4Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive product data is included in CAD models for photo-realistic rendering, then image quality is improved, but computing power requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data representation into two levels: lightweight Proxy Objects for CAD modeling and navigation, and full HD Objects with comprehensive product data for rendering. The system uses proxies during normal CAD operations to minimize computing requirements, and only activates full HD object data when photo-realistic rendering is specifically requested. This segmentation allows quality rendering when needed while maintaining low computing requirements for general use.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing proxy objects within CAD Models by attaching Meta Data to each Proxy and HD Object and translating 2D coordinates into 3D coordinates from within a 3D CAD model with additional data being added through a 360 viewer. The method enables the user to programmatically swap one Proxy Object with one or more HD Objects. All Proxy Objects and HD Objects are stored in a secure database structure while providing access by users to the proxy objects and all related product information. Non-technical and non-CAD users can configure objects within a space by selecting an object, browsing a catalog of possible alternative objects, viewing specific product details and then selecting the object to replace the selected object. Once a new object is selected, a photo realistic 360 image of a scene is created in real time.