Abstract: A computer-based method is disclosed for creating and/or editing a feature control frame (FCF) for geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) of a model in a computer-aided design (CAD) program. The method includes displaying, in a graphics area of the CAD program, a cell of a FCF for a geometric feature of the model, displaying a context menu adjacent to the cell of the FCF, wherein the context menu comprises a first plurality of user-selectable input options associated with GD&T information for the geometric feature, receiving a user selection of one of the first plurality of user-selectable input options, and subsequently presenting a second plurality of user-selectable input options associated with GD&T information for the geometric feature. The options included in the second plurality of user-selectable input options depend, at least in part, on which of the first plurality of user-selectable input options the user selected.

Abstract: A computer-aided design (CAD) system and corresponding method manage three-dimensional (3D) model view/state modifications. The method modifies a parent view of a 3D model in the CAD system based on user input provided to the CAD system. The parent view is linked to a child view of the 3D model that was created from the parent view. The method modifies the child view, automatically, in accordance with the parent view modified. Such linked views and automatic modification enable a user to change view/state of a parent view and have the changes automatically propagated to the child view/state. Further, when such propagation occurs, orientations, positions, and readable directions of annotations are also updated, automatically, saving users (e.g., design engineers) minutes, hours and even days of work on design of the 3D model.

Abstract: A computer-based method is disclosed for creating and/or editing a feature control frame (FCF) for geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) of a model in a computer-aided design (CAD) program. The method includes displaying, in a graphics area of the CAD program, a cell of a FCF for a geometric feature of the model, displaying a context menu adjacent to the cell of the FCF, wherein the context menu comprises a first plurality of user-selectable input options associated with GD&T information for the geometric feature, receiving a user selection of one of the first plurality of user-selectable input options, and subsequently presenting a second plurality of user-selectable input options associated with GD&T information for the geometric feature. The options included in the second plurality of user-selectable input options depend, at least in part, on which of the first plurality of user-selectable input options the user selected.

Abstract: A common task when designing computer-aided design (CAD) assemblies is to ensure that the tolerances applied to each component are such that the assembly will function as expected when the parts are made to the extremes of their tolerance zones. The disclosed methods and systems automatically generate dimension and tolerance information for fastened components. Given a source component with dimensions and tolerances, the dimensions and tolerances are automatically applied to mating entities of a target component such that fit is insured without interference when the parts are manufactured at worst case, or at the extremes of their tolerance zones.

Abstract: A common task when designing computer-aided design (CAD) assemblies is to ensure that the tolerances applied to each component are such that the assembly will function as expected when the parts are made to the extremes of their tolerance zones. The disclosed methods and systems automatically generate dimension and tolerance information for fastened components. Given a source component with dimensions and tolerances, the dimensions and tolerances are automatically applied to mating entities of a target component such that fit is insured without interference when the parts are manufactured at worst case, or at the extremes of their tolerance zones.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system enables visualization of a computer-generated annotation on a real-world object in a real-world environment on a computerized system. The method and system creates a three-dimensional (3D) model of the real-world object, simultaneously displays the 3D model, the real-world object, and the real-world environment on a computer screen, and aligns the displayed 3D model and the displayed real-world object. The visibility of the 3D model is reduced and the 3D model is annotated in a real-world context. Reducing the visibility of the 3D model causes the annotation to appear on the displayed real-world object.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system create computer-generated three-dimensional (3D) models in a broken state (broken view representation). To create a 3D model in a broken state, an area of the 3D model in an unbroken state is removed to create the 3D model in the broken state and a mapping between the 3D model in the unbroken state and the 3D model in a broken state is implemented to enable operations performed on the 3D model in the broken state to utilize data defining the 3D model in the unbroken state. The mapping maintains a relationship between data defining the 3D model in the unbroken state and data defining the 3D model in the broken state.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system enables visualization of a computer-generated annotation on a real-world object in a real-world environment on a computerized system. The method and system creates a three-dimensional (3D) model of the real-world object, simultaneously displays the 3D model, the real-world object, and the real-world environment on a computer screen, and aligns the displayed 3D model and the displayed real-world object. The visibility of the 3D model is reduced and the 3D model is annotated in a real-world context. Reducing the visibility of the 3D model causes the annotation to appear on the displayed real-world object.

Abstract: Creating a section view of a computer-aided design model includes creating a cutting line to apply to the computer-aided design model by at least one cut operation, constraining the cutting line by selecting a constraining point on the computer-aided design model or first inferring a geometric candidate to constrain the initial cutting line, and enhancing the cutting line by automatically adding an enhancement according to an enhancement type and adjusting the enhancement via a cursor-controlled device according to a set of rules.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system create computer-generated three-dimensional (3D) models in a broken state (broken view representation). To create a 3D model in a broken state, an area of the 3D model in an unbroken state is removed to create the 3D model in the broken state and a mapping between the 3D model in the unbroken state and the 3D model in a broken state is implemented to enable operations performed on the 3D model in the broken state to utilize data defining the 3D model in the unbroken state. The mapping maintains a relationship between data defining the 3D model in the unbroken state and data defining the 3D model in the broken state.