Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Computer graphics processing – Three-dimension
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-22
2003-09-30
Jankus, Almis R. (Department: 2671)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Computer graphics processing
Three-dimension
Reexamination Certificate
active
06628279
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to three-dimensional object modeling and more particularly to a computer implemented system and method for three-dimensional design and modeling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computer aided design, drafting and modeling have been some of the most important applications utilizing computers since their inception. The early computer aided design (CAD) applications were used to simplify the creation of two-dimensional models of design objects. The creation of architectural drawings and electronic circuit layouts were just a few of these early applications.
The benefits realized by two-dimensional computer drafting applications are significantly multiplied when such an application adds the capability to model geometries in three dimensions. Typical computer applications that provide 3D modeling capabilities have been complex and required significant user training.
Although the benefits of 3D modeling have been clearly proven, as a general rule, it is still a greatly underutilized tool. In some professions, for instance mechanical design, the use of 3D modeling is fairly prevalent, but in many fields it has not had wide spread adoption. Even though several different approaches to modeling have been introduced over the years, many of which are very powerful, they traditionally have been difficult for design professionals to master. This is because they often require a technical/mathematical aptitude and an understanding of an extensive amount of tools, terminology and modeling paradigms that are unfamiliar to non-technical users.
Another barrier to adoption of 3D modeling by design professionals has been the complaint that the applications do not lend themselves well to experimenting with different design scenarios. As a general rule, the quick, “what if” types of modifications a designer would like to play with are very difficult, or awkward, to implement with most 3D applications. This stifles creativity because the user must devote a comparatively large amount of energy and time driving the technology as compared to focusing on the creative design task. Consequently, designers in many firms continue to use the traditional pen and paper to communicate designs to technicians who are responsible for translating the design into 3D computer models.
In summary, the approaches being offered on the market today traditionally have steep learning curves that do not enable the casual or less-technical users to realize the advantages of 3D computer modeling. In addition, most 3D applications do not lend themselves to quick, non-precise modifications of the model that makes them poor conceptual design tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is a common consensus in the industry that 3D modeling must be made more intuitive and easier to use than what is currently being offered, particularly for less highly trained individuals. These and other needs are addressed by the present invention that provides an intuitive three-dimensional modeling environment, in part, by adopting an approach similar to the two-dimensional pen-and-paper drawing method that most people are familiar with.
Create Edges in 3D Space to Form 3D Model
In order to make the invention more intuitive the software enables the user to simply define the edges of the desired form in 3D space to create a 3D surface model. The software recognizes when these edges form a closed planer shape and will construct, a two-dimensional “face” based upon and bounded by these edges. A “face” can be thought of as the mathematical equivalent of skin filling the area between the defining edges. The edges can be drawn in any order or orientation. This basic ability to just draw the edges of the desired model is a process that is very similar to drawing with pen and paper and substantially reduces the learning curve.
Drawing Aids
Specifying the two endpoints of the edge in 3D space creates edges. In order to help simplify this problem, a variety of inferencing aids and features are presented to help the user successfully locate endpoints in 3D .
Color-coded axis (red, green, blue) are used to indicate the X,Y, Z directions in 3D space. When constructing an edge, if drawn parallel to one of the primary axis, the edge will be displayed with the color of the parallel axis.
The 3D inferencing feature, which allows geometric constructions to be infered, permits the user to set the endpoint of the line being constructed to be an equal distance from the axis, in effect enabling endpoints and other geometry to be aligned with known points in the model. Inferencing also enables the user to specify a line segment “A” as a reference, while defining a new edge “B”, and be alerted with color and tool tips when the current-segment (B) is parallel or perpendicular to “A”.
The user is automatically notified when the endpoint of an edge being defined is on an existing face in the model. By default, when the cursor is over a face the endpoint being defined is drawn on that face. Thus to draw edges on a face, the user simply has to move the cursor over that face. This feature can also be used to indicate when a non-coplanar edge being created intersects a face, in effect, providing real-time intersection feedback.
The user is given cursor color and tool tip feedback as to when the cursor is on relevant points of an existing edge-end points and mid points. If the cursor is over an intersection, those are also indicated, whether that intersection is between multiple edges or between an edge and a face.
The tape measure tool is provided that allows users to measure distances like a real-world tape measure does. It is also used for creating construction lines between two points and construction lines parallel to existing edges. Construction lines are lines that can be referenced when drawing or placing geometry in the model.
The protractor tool is provided for measuring angles between edges and creating construction lines at desired angles and locations.
The invention allows the input of exact displacements and dimensions. In general, any operation that involves the user specifying a distance or displacement can be achieved by specifying the distance with mouse input or by indicating a direction and then manually entering a distance.
The eraser tool behaves more like a real world eraser. With the eraser tool active, the user moves it across entities to be erased highlighting them first then completing the erase by letting go of the left mouse button. As edges are erased, connecting faces are also eliminated simulating the process carried out on paper.
Face Splitting/Healing
Edges that form a closed planer shape will cause a face to be formed. As a general rule, if additional coplanar-edges are introduced entirely within, or intersecting the edges of, an existing face, any additional closed shapes that are created by the combination of new edges or existing edges will cause the original face to be split accordingly.
If edges are removed, the application will “heal” or join independent faces where possible and remove faces that are no longer surrounded by edges
Push/Pull
Another aspect of the invention allows a designer to manipulate a model by pushing and pulling on faces of the model. Using the push/pull operation, a designer can extrude 2D geometry into 3D , change the size of existing 3D geometry, or introduce new faces to change the shape of existing 3D geometry. The user is given real-time feedback while pushing or pulling geometry. This immediate feedback is very helpful in the design process.
The result of pushing or pulling a face is that the face will be moved in a given direction. If there are faces connected to edges of the face being moved whose normals are perpendicular to the move direction, those faces will be stretched (possibly with new edges inserted) so that they remain connected to the original face. If there are faces connected to the face being moved whose normals are not perpendicular to the move direction; new faces are inserted between them and the original face. If there are edges of the face being
Esch Joe L.
Schell Brad
Ulmer John E.
@Last Software, Inc.
Jankus Almis R.
McDermott & Will & Emery
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