CAD/CAM feature tree with manipulatable 3D miniatures
US6636211B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2219/2016
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved method of displaying the features of a three-dimensional graphical object model for subsequent selection by a user employs icons in a feature tree which are three-dimensional miniatures derived from the actual features present in the object model that the icon represents. Each 3D miniature corresponds to a specific feature in the object and has a similar, and preferably the same, geometry. Displayed 3D miniatures are shown from a viewpoint and rotation which matches the viewpoint and object rotation used in the graphical window. As the object is rotated, the rotation of the miniatures changes accordingly and as various features in the object are edited, the corresponding miniature is updated accordingly. Actions can also be performed on the miniatures and these actions applied to the corresponding feature in the model.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.