Multi-User Cloud Parametric Feature-Based 3D CAD System with Reference Manager
Disclosed is a parametric feature-based 3D CAD system that allows multiple users to simultaneously edit a parametric feature-based 3D CAD model consisting of 3D parts and assemblies of those parts (3D Model). Several CAD users, each using their own computer, phone, or tablet, can edit the same 3D Model at the same time. Editing may be separate and simultaneous—there is no need for users to worry about locking, checking out, or otherwise restricting each other's access to 3D Models. As a result, users see each other's changes occur in real-time, and may also identify what aspects other users are actively modifying through visible Collaboration Cues.
1 . A system for executing three dimensional (3D) multi-user distributed parametric computer-aided design (CAD), the system comprising:
one or more servers;
one or more client devices connected over a network to the one or more servers;
server software executed on one or more servers, the server software comprising code to:
perform CAD geometry calculations including shape analysis and optimization of 3D graphics data,
manage CAD editing workflow,
manage user accounts and secure access,
communicate with the one or more client devices,
manage documents and storage by storing multiple files grouped together as a single data structure, the multiple files comprising data representations of assemblies, parts, and non-CAD data of a project encompassing the 3D CAD design, and
incorporate references to one or more parts or sub-assemblies used in the project where the references originate from one or more separate projects;
client software executed on the one or more client devices, the client software comprising code to render a user interface for displaying 3D CAD graphics for design and project management, interact with user input and output controls to manipulate a 3D CAD design, and communicate with the one or more servers;
wherein the 3D CAD design includes one or more parts and one or more assemblies consisting of connections and configurations of the one or more parts and sub-assemblies, and the client software further comprises code to enable a user to manipulate the parts and assemblies of the 3D CAD design through ordered feature lists.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the server software further comprises code to create and store a copy of each reference originating from the one or more separate projects, store each copy with the project, and store references between geometry of the copy and the originating reference.
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the server software further comprises code to examine all references when the geometry of the originating reference is changed and provide notification to any of the client devices which are accessing the 3D CAD design after the originating reference is changed, and the client software further comprises code to display alert messages to users after receiving such notification.
4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the client software further comprises code to display options and receive input from a user selecting to synchronize with the originating reference, edit geometry applicable to the changed reference, or dismiss changes and use the copy instead of the geometry of the changed originating reference.
5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the client software further comprises code to display additional options and receive input from a user selecting to synchronize all references, synchronize selected references, or dismiss all references when multiple originating references have changed.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the server software further comprises code to regenerate the 3D CAD design using the geometry of the changed originating reference after a user selects to synchronize.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more servers include:
one or more 3D geometry calculation servers (3DGCS) with server software including code to solve 3D constraints and perform geometry calculations modifying representations of geometric shapes;
one or more data persistence servers (DPS) with server software to store user account information and data associated with the 3D CAD design;
one or more CAD editing workflow servers (CEWS) with server software including code to receive user account, project interaction, and geometry modification messages from the one or more client devices, read and write CAD data from the one or more data persistence servers, and coordinate message exchange between the one or more client devices and the one or more 3DGCS;
one or more two dimensional drawing editing workflow servers (2DDEWS) with server software including code to create and manipulate two dimensional (2D) drawings;
one or more data cache persistence servers (DCPS) with server software including code to store and retrieve frequently accessed CAD model information;
one or more document management web servers (DMWS) with server software including code to communicate with the one or more client devices and provide information about CAD designs accessible by users of the one or more client devices; and
one or more distributed configuration controller servers (DCCS) with server software including code to communicate with and manage other servers and direct communications between the one or more client devices and appropriate specific CEWS based on any currently open 3D CAD designs, CEWS server load, CEWS performance, or geographic location.