Abstract: A method and related system are disclosed for generating a rotatable thumbnail representation of a 3D model of an object stored in a CAD file. Method steps include translating content of the CAD file into a neutral graphics format, converting the translated file content into a succession of views of the object, each successive view presenting a different perspective of the object as it rotates about a common axis, converting the successive views to a sequence of thumbnail-sized images, associating the sequence with a single thumbnail representation of the CAD file, and configuring the thumbnail representation to enable a user to preview the CAD file on a graphical user interface by displaying the thumbnail-sized images according to the sequence to simulate rotation of the object about the common axis. The resulting 3D thumbnail is universally viewable, for example, in a browser, without opening application software used to create the 3D model.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a solution for clash detection in three-dimensional design by allowing multiple members to work on a centrally-located version of the model. The disclosure also provides massively-parallel processing of the design file which enables rapid processing and version control. The model can be maintained at one or more remote servers with significantly higher processing capability. Implementing clash detection on the remote server allows the system to take advantage of parallel processing. Complex 3D models can be identified and divided across multiple computational units to significantly increase processing speed.