Method of managing proxy objects

A method of managing proxy objects within CAD models comprising:

• uploading objects to a computer device having a memory coupled to an accessible secure database in which the objects are stored, the objects including proxy objects and HD objects matched by meta data attached thereto;
• placing at least one the proxy objects in a scene of a 3D CAD model;
• matching, by an application executing on the computer device, the proxy object in the scene of the 3D CAD model to one or more HD Objects using a product category hierarchy;
• replacing the proxy object in the scene of the 3D CAD model with the matched one or more HD objects;
• and
• displaying photo realistic rendered images of the scene at specific times, wherein the proxy object in the scene of the 3D CAD model has been swapped with the selected one or more HD Objects within the scene.

A system comprising:

• an accessible secure database in which objects are stored, the objects including proxy objects and HD objects matched by meta data attached thereto;
• a computer device having a memory coupled to the database, the memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the computer, configure the system for:
• placing at least one the proxy objects in a scene of a 3D CAD model;
• matching the proxy object in the scene of the 3D CAD model to at least one of the HD objects using a product category hierarchy;
• replacing the proxy object in the scene of the 3D CAD model with the matched HD object;
• displaying photo realistic rendered images of the scene at specific times, wherein the proxy object in the scene of the 3D CAD model has been swapped with the matched HD object within the scene;
• and
• placing a selected 3D specification icon within the 3D CAD model for a user to access via a browser or a mobile app.