Lightweight Viewer Search Window for Tessellated Model Annotations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD systems face challenges in efficiently displaying and searching for annotations within 2D and 3D models, particularly in lightweight viewers where space is limited and standard search tools may not be configured to search graphical annotations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a user interface for a lightweight viewer that includes a viewing window for displaying tessellated geometry, annotation objects that depict information as graphical annotations, and a search window with query and results objects to dynamically search and display annotation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a lightweight viewer is used to display tessellated models, then the file size and processing requirements are reduced, but the display space and search capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is divided into multiple windows: a viewing window for displaying the tessellated model and a search window for querying annotation information. This segmentation allows each window to be optimized for its specific function while working together within the constraints of limited display space.
Solution Approach 2:
The search functionality is implemented as a separate dimensional space (search window) that operates independently from the viewing space. This allows search operations to occur without consuming display space in the viewing window, effectively adding a new dimension to the interface.
2Device complexity
If standard search tools are used in lightweight viewers, then the viewer remains simple, but the tools cannot search graphical annotations effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The search window combines multiple functionality into a single integrated component: it displays search results, provides query input fields, shows annotation information, and enables navigation between model views. This merging achieves powerful search capabilities while maintaining relative simplicity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The search window serves multiple functions simultaneously: searching for annotations, displaying search results, providing navigation controls, and presenting annotation details. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate tools.
3Loss of information
If all model depictions are displayed to find annotations, then complete information is available, but users must traverse multiple depictions which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The search window acts as an intermediary between the user and the tessellated model. Instead of requiring users to manually traverse through multiple model depictions, the search window mediates by providing direct access to annotation information through query-based search results.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of navigating through multiple model depictions is replaced by an automated search system. Users input queries and the system automatically retrieves and displays relevant annotation information, eliminating the need for manual traversal through the model.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for a lightweight viewer may include, among other things, a viewing window operable to display geometry established by one or more of geometric objects of a tessellated model. One or more annotation objects of the tessellated model are assigned information associated with the respective one or more geometric objects and are operable to depict the respective information as a graphical annotation in the viewing window. A search window is established by a plurality of content objects of the tessellated model. The content objects include a query object and a results object dynamically linked to the query object. The query object establishes a query input field operable to query the information of the one or more annotation objects. The results object is operable to display a list of results meeting the query. A method of establishing a tessellated model is also disclosed.