Terrain Model Direct Manipulation via Composable Sub-Entities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD applications for terrain grading struggle to balance functional, drainage, and aesthetic purposes within a single grading model, leading to complex and error-prone processes that are difficult to implement and modify intuitively, especially when dealing with complex geometries and organic shapes, and lack tools for interactive 3D modification and history tracking.
Innovation Solution
A composable model with direct manipulation capabilities allows users to interactively modify and understand the structure of terrain models in 2D and 3D by exposing sub-entities through selectable interfaces, enabling intuitive editing and dynamic updates, and facilitating the tracking of operations and design parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If prior art grading schemes use complex projection algorithms to handle complex geometries, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, robust ray projection algorithms that are computationally inexpensive and easy to implement, rather than complex algorithms. These simple algorithms are applied repeatedly in successive trials to converge on a satisfactory grading solution, trading algorithmic sophistication for computational simplicity and implementation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies projection algorithms to only the necessary portions of terrain in successive trials, gradually refining the grading solution. Rather than attempting to handle all complex geometries simultaneously with a single complex algorithm, the system applies simpler projection operations iteratively to progressively improve the grading model.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art products provide complex models with complete functionality, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the grading model into discrete, selectable elements that can be individually modified. Users can select specific terrain features or grading operations and modify them independently, making the complex model manageable and intuitive to operate while maintaining full adaptability through composability of individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic modification of the grading model during the design process. Users can interactively adjust parameters, add or remove grading operations, and modify terrain features in real-time, allowing the model to adapt to changing design requirements while maintaining ease of operation through direct user control.
3Manufacturing precision
If prior art solutions use successive trials of different schemes to integrate conflicting goals, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a structured framework of grading operations and constraints in advance, defining the available tools and parameters before beginning the design process. This preliminary setup enables more efficient successive trials by having the operational framework ready, reducing the time needed for each iteration while maintaining design accuracy through systematic refinement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, system, and computer readable medium provide the ability to manipulate a terrain in a drawing. A composite object of the terrain is obtained in a CAD BIM application. The composite object is a combination of sub-objects that each define a geometry that is part of the terrain. Each of the sub-objects is drawn on a separate corresponding drawable interface instance. A sub-object is selected and in response, the selected sub-object is displayed in its corresponding drawable interface instance. The selected sub-object is directly modified, in canvas, using the drawable interface instance. In response to the modification, the terrain is dynamically updated and displayed.