Web-Based CAD Model Rendering and Collaboration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems restrict access and collaboration among team members, suppliers, and clients due to local environment dependencies, limited online editing capabilities, and inefficient design iterations, leading to costly delays and errors in product development.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely accessing and collaboratively editing CAD models using a client application that communicates with a server to render CAD models, allowing multiple users to view, edit, and co-edit 2D/3D models over the internet or Ethernet, with features like section-based data retrieval, multitasking, and spatial compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If CAD models are stored and accessed locally on desktop computers, then design precision and control are maintained, but access and collaboration among distributed team members is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a server as an intermediary that hosts CAD models and provides controlled access to multiple users. The server acts as a mediator between the CAD model owner and remote collaborators, enabling web-based access while maintaining centralized control through authentication mechanisms and permission management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates web-compatible copies of CAD models that can be viewed and marked up remotely through web browsers. These copies maintain the essential geometric information needed for collaboration while allowing the original high-precision models to remain stored locally or on the server for reference and final editing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional enterprise design collaboration solutions with user privileges and desktop applications are used, then design control is maintained, but accessibility outside enterprise boundaries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal access system where a single web server can serve multiple purposes: hosting CAD models, managing user authentication, providing collaboration tools, and supporting multiple clients simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate specialized software for each collaboration scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex desktop applications and browser plug-ins with a web-based interface that runs in standard web browsers. This substitution eliminates installation requirements and simplifies access for external users while maintaining functionality through web technologies.
3Ease of operation
If Adobe Acrobat reader is used for offline review, then read-only access is provided, but editing and synchronization capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access levels that allow users to switch between view-only and editing modes based on their permissions and the state of the design. The system dynamically updates CAD models in real-time as changes are made, automatically synchronizing modifications across all connected users without requiring manual updates.
4Adaptability or versatility
If generic web conferencing services are used, then remote access is enabled, but persistent markup and editing capabilities are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where client applications send requests for CAD model data to the server, receive updates, and automatically refresh the displayed content. This real-time feedback loop ensures that all users see the latest version of the model and any markups or edits are immediately reflected for all participants.
Data Source
AI summary
Device, system, and method of Computer-Aided-Design (CAD). A system of CAD may include a client application to communicate with a server and to render to a user a viewport including at least a portion of a CAD model based on data received from the server, wherein the client application is capable of receiving section information from the server, wherein the section information defines a plurality of geometric sections of the CAD model; selecting at least one section of the plurality of sections based on a relationship between the viewport and the boundaries of the plurality of geometric sections; requesting from the server one or more files corresponding to the at least one selected section; receiving the one or more files corresponding to the at least one selected section; and rendering the viewport based on the one or more files. Other embodiments are described and claimed.