View Filter Manager Layer Isolation in CAD Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer-aided design (CAD) systems, users face challenges in efficiently managing and configuring view filters to display relevant data layers while hiding irrelevant ones, especially when dealing with complex data structures comprising hundreds of layers, which can be time-consuming and prone to accidental modifications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a View Filter Manager (VFM) that allows users to create, modify, and reuse view filters, featuring layer isolation, automatic zooming, and locking functions to streamline data filtering and protection, thereby enhancing user efficiency and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users manually configure view filters for each data layer in CAD systems, then data display control is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly when dealing with hundreds of layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the view filter configuration process into distinct functional modules: a view filter manager for centralized control, scrollable listings for layer navigation, and isolate functions for selective layer management. This segmentation allows users to efficiently manage hundreds of layers by breaking down the complex configuration task into manageable, automated operations rather than manual individual layer processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The view filter manager performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and applying view filter configurations based on user selections. When a user selects specific layers through the scrollable listing, the system proactively configures the appropriate view filters without requiring manual intervention for each layer, thus reducing configuration time and preventing accidental modifications through automated locking mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If users have access to all data layers simultaneously, then complete data visibility is achieved, but difficulty in focusing on specific layers and accidental modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the view filter management functionality from the general CAD interface into a dedicated view filter manager. This separate module provides a scrollable listing that allows users to easily navigate and select specific layers without being overwhelmed by the complexity of managing all hundreds of layers simultaneously in the main interface. The isolation function further extracts selected layers into a focused view, separating them from the rest of the data structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The view filter manager acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex layer structure. It provides a simplified scrollable listing interface that mediates the interaction between user selections and the underlying hundreds of data layers. The isolate function serves as another intermediary layer, translating user selections into specific view filter configurations that automatically apply the appropriate display settings without exposing users to the full complexity of the layer management system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If view filters are made easily modifiable, then user flexibility is improved, but susceptibility to accidental changes and loss of custom configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic characteristics in the view filter manager by providing automated locking mechanisms that adapt to user actions. When users create custom view filter configurations through the scrollable listing and isolate functions, the system dynamically locks these configurations to protect them from accidental modifications. The locking state is not fixed but responds to user interactions, maintaining flexibility for intentional changes while providing automatic protection against unintended alterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The view filter manager incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and respond to user interactions with view filter configurations. When users attempt to modify locked configurations, the system provides feedback through the scrollable listing interface, preventing accidental changes while allowing intentional modifications through proper procedures. This feedback loop ensures that custom configurations remain protected while maintaining user adaptability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A view filter manager (VFM) is provided. The VFM comprises a view filter configured to format a display of a computer-implemented graphical representation comprising a plurality of layers of related data. The VFM further comprises a scrollable listing of the plurality of layers, and a layer isolate function configured to flag a selected layer in the scrollable listing in response to a layer selection, and store the layer selection while the scrollable listing is subsequently scrolled.