The second part of my graduate research (Creativity-based Design Innovation Environment in Support of Robust Product Development) is an application of 3D model search engine. As it is presented in the first part, our 3D user interface helps users transform objects intuitionally. Obviously, it will make building a 3D model easier. To explore the protential of our 3D user interface further, we developed a 3D model search engine that can search 3D parts or assemblies based on object position, size and other properties. We integrated the search engine with Solidworks to create a flexible and effective working process in CAD environment, which is create while searching or search while creating.
Software communication map
3D search engine graphic user interface
Properties database construction
Properties database stores 4 type of data of 3D parts files. They are 3D file name, 3D file path, 3D file preview path, Function and Size.
Absolutely position database construction
Absolute position database stores the 3D absolute position coordinates for each parts in each assembly. By absolute position we mean, in an assembly, the 3D coordinates of the origin point of a 3D part refer to the coordinates system of that assembly.
Relative position database construction
Relative position database stores the 3D coordinates of relative position vectors from one part to every other part in that assembly files, for all assemblies. By relative position we mean, the 3D coordinates of a vector that starts from a local origin point of a reference part (part A) and end at local origin point of measured part (Part B). We call it the relative position of B to A.
Part search engine design
Assembly search engine design
search for similar object
This process is designed to help user find parts that are same in function property, or approximately same in size or absolute position as a known reference part.
search for relative objects
This process is designed for the scenario that there are known objects as references, user wants to search an object that he has an rough idea about, in terms of size, function properties or position relative to the reference objects.
creating 3D spline
It is programed to help user to create 3D spline interactively
Search for assemblies
It is designed for the case that user want to find an assembly that he has a rough picture in his mind about how many components are in the target assembly and where these components approximately located. In our program design, creating 3D sketch is a function module integrated into searching assembly process. So that once user created and confirmed a 3D spline, the sketch points 3D coordinates are output for searching assembly. Each 3D point represent that there is a component locate at that position.
