Simplifying a computer-aided design model while retaining references
AssigneeDassault Systemes SolidWorks Corporation
InventorsRobert M. Siegel, Donald Van Zile, III
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A computer-implemented method constructs a three-dimensional (3D) model, deletes data defining two or more features of the 3D model, and creates a new feature to replace the two or more features. Each of the two or more features has a set of faces, and a reduced amount of data is associated with the new feature with respect to the amount of data defining the two or more features. The method maps unique identifiers, enabling references to be retained and preventing a failure of an operation that uses the reference.
Claims20
A computer-implemented method for simplifying a computer-aided design model, the method comprising:
- constructing a three-dimensional (3D) model using a computer-aided design (CAD) system wherein the 3D model is comprised of a plurality of features;
- deleting data defining two or more features of the plurality of features and creating a new feature to replace the two or more features, wherein:
- each of the two or more features is comprised of a set of faces;
- and
- a reduced amount of data is associated with the new feature with respect to the amount of data defining the two or more features;
- and
- creating a mapping of a plurality of unique identifiers, each unique identifier identifying one respective face in each of the set of faces, wherein:
- the mapping enables retention of an implemented reference to a referenced face included in the set of faces;
- and
- the mapping prevents a failure of an operation that uses the referenced face and is executed by the CAD system.
A computer-aided design system comprising:
- a processor operatively coupled to a data storage system, the data storage system storing a three-dimensional model;
- and
- a data storage memory operatively coupled to the processor and comprising instructions to configure the processor to:
- construct a three-dimensional (3D) model, wherein the 3D model is comprised of one or more features;
- specify two or more features of the 3D model to be replaced by a new feature, wherein the two or more features are each comprised of a set of faces;
- create a mapping of a plurality of unique identifiers, each unique identifier identifying one respective face in each of the set of faces, wherein:
- the mapping enables retention of an implemented reference to a referenced face included in the set of faces;
- and
- the mapping prevents a failure of an operation that uses the referenced face and is executed by the CAD system;
- and
- create the new feature and replace the two or more features with the new feature, wherein a reduced amount of data is associated with the new feature with respect to an amount of data defining the two or more features.
A non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium comprising instructions causing a computer to:
- construct a three-dimensional (3D) model, wherein the 3D model is comprised of one or more features;
- specify two or more features of the 3D model to be replaced by a new feature, wherein the two or more features are each comprised of a set of faces;
- create a mapping of a plurality of unique identifiers, each unique identifier identifying one respective face in each of the set of faces, wherein:
- the mapping enables retention of an implemented reference to a referenced face included in the set of faces;
- and
- the mapping prevents a failure of an operation that uses the referenced face and is executed by the CAD system;
- and
- create the new feature and replace the two or more features with the new feature, wherein:
- the new feature visually resembles the two or more features;
- and
- a reduced amount of data is associated with the new feature with respect to an amount of data defining the two or more features.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.