Online parametric configuration of three-dimensional product visualization based on a triangulation model

Abstract

This paper proposes a computational scheme for parametric configuration of three-dimensional products based on a triangulation model. This scheme allows real-time change in visualization of a three-dimensional product model without the need of computer-aided design or server-side processing. It simplifies the remeshing process by eliminating Delaunay triangulations. Parametric modification of design features are directly performed on an STL file, where supporting attributes are embedded in the comment fields. This ensures the integrity of the STL format and usage of common rendering tools. An online three-dimensional catalogue is developed for the configuration of a machine tool based on the proposed methods. The prototyping software demonstrates instant shape adjustment and dynamic three-dimensional interactions with the catalogue. As a client-side program, it does not require data transfer from the server during the configuration process or the existence of a B-Rep model. The system responsiveness is thus enhanced. Such a lightweight viewing technology facilitates design communication in a product life cycle as well as mass customization of three-dimensional products in e-commerce.

Keywords

parametric modification triangulation model STL product life cycle three-dimensional catalogue visualization

References

Chu

C. H.

Chang

C. J.

Cheng

H. C.

, ‘Empirical studies on inter-organizational collaborative product development’ ASME J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Engng 6 (2) (2006): 179–187.

W. D.

W. F.

Fuh

J. Y. H.

Wong

Y. S.

, ‘Collaborative computer-aided design—research and development status’ Comput. Aided Des. Appl. 1 (2) (2004): 127–136.

Fuh

J. Y. H.

W. D.

, ‘Advances in collaborative CAD: The-state-of-the art’ Comput. Aided Des. 37 (2005): 571–581.

Molina

Aca

Wright

, ‘Global collaborative engineering environment for integrated product development’ Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 18 (8) (2005): 635–651.

Chen

C. H.

Khoo

Yan

, ‘Web-based customer-oriented product concept formation via laddering technique and Kohonen association’ Concurr. Engng: Res. Appl. 10 (4) (2002): 299–310.

Siddique

Boddu

K. R.

, ‘A mass customization information framework for integration of customer in the configuration/design of a customized product’ AI EDAM 18 (1) (2004): 71–85.

Jiao

Tseng

M. M.

, Web-based sales support by, developing electronic catalogs. CIRP Design Seminar, Hong Kong, 16–18 May 2002.

Steger-Jensen

Svensson

, ‘Issues of mass customisation and supporting IT-solutions’ Comput. Ind. 54 (1) (2004): 83–103.

Xie

Henderson

Kernahan

, ‘Modeling and solving engineering product configuration problems by constraint satisfaction’ Int. J. Prod. Res. 43 (20) (2005): 4455–4469.

10.

Aldanondo

Hadj-Hamou

Moynard

Lamothe

, ‘Mass customization and configuration: Requirement analysis and constraint based modeling propositions’ Integr. Comput.-Aided Engng 10 (2) (2003): 177–189.

11.

Kuo

C. F.

Chu

C. H.

, ‘An online ergonomic evaluator for product design using 3D visualization technology’ Comput. Ind. 56 (5) (2005): 479–492.

12.

Roy

Kodkani

S. S.

, ‘Collaborative product conceptualization tool using web technology’ Comput. Ind. 41 (2000): 195–209.

13.

Kim

Choi

Yoo

S. B.

, ‘Brokering and 3D collaborative viewing of mechanical part models on the web’ Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 14 (1) (2001): 28–40.

14.

Zhang

Shen

Ghenniwa

, ‘A review of internet-based product information sharing and visualization’ Comput. Ind. 54 (1) (2004): 1–15 http://www.web3d.org.

15.

Bidarra

Berg

Bronsvoort

, ‘A collaborative feature modeling system’ J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Engng 2 (2002): 192–198.

16.

Chu

C. H.

Cheng

C. Y.

C. W.

, ‘Applications of the web-based collaborative visualization in distributed product development’ Comput. Ind. 57 (3) (2006): 272–282.

17.

Tay

F. E. H.

Roy

, ‘CyberCAD: A collaborative approach in 3D-CAD technology in a multimedia-supported environment’ Comput. Ind. 52 (2003): 127–145.

18.

Ahn

Sundararajan

Smith

Kannan

D'Souza

Sun

Mohole

Wright

Kim

McMains

Smith

Sequin

, ‘CyberCut: An internet-based CAD/CAM system’ J. Comput. Inform. Sci. Engng 1 (1) (2001): 52–60.

19.

Wang

C. C. L.

Yuen

M. M. F.

Wang

, ‘THIN vs. FAT clients of web-based CAD tools’ In Proceedings of the ASME Design Technical Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 10–14 September 2000, DET2000/CIE-14638 (ASME, New York).

20.

Kuttner

Deitz

, ‘Reviewing designs in cyberspace’ Mech. Engng 118 (12) (1996): 56–58.

21.

Huang

G. Q.

, ‘Web-based support for collaborative product design review’ Comput. Ind. 48 (1) (2002): 71–88.

22.

Chu

C. H.

Lin

Y. W.

Yang

J. Y.

, ‘Online product configuration in e-commerce with 3D Web viewing technology’ Int. J. Electronic Business Mgmt 3 (3) (2005): 225–234.

23.

Creusen

M. E. H.

Schoormans

J. P. L.

, ‘The different roles of product appearance in consumer choice’ J. Prod. Innov. Mgmt 22 (2005): 63–81.

24.

Jacobs

P. F.

, Rapid prototyping and manufacturing: Fundamentals of stereolithography (Dearborn, USA: Society of Manufacturing Engineers 1992).

25.

Lee

D. T.

Schachter

B. J.

, ‘Two algorithms for constructing a Delaunay triangulation’ Int. J. Comput. Inf. Sci. 9 (3) (1980): 219–242.

26.

François

Cuillière

J. C.

, ‘3D automatic remeshing applied to model modification’ Comput. Aided Des. 32 (2000): 433–444.

27.

François

Cuillière

J. C.

Gueury

, ‘Automatic meshing and remeshing in the simultaneous engineering context’ Res. Engng Des. 11 (1999): 55–66.

28.

Cheung

E. H. M.

, ‘Enhanced STL’ Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 29 (11–12) (2006): 1143–1150 http://www.caav5.com/default.htm.

29.

Qin

S. F.

Wright

D. K.

, ‘Incremental simulation modelling for Internet collaborative design’ J. Engng Manuf. 218 (2004): 1009–1015.

30.

Qin

S. F.

Harrison

West

A. A.

Wright

D. K.

, ‘Development of a novel 3D simulation modelling system for distributed manufacturing’ Comput. Ind. 54 (2004): 69–81.