Multi-user CAD Research Articles

Analysis of Collaborative Assembly in Multi-User Computer-Aided Design

Abstract Cloud-based multi-user computer-aided design (MUCAD) tools have the potential to revolutionize design team collaboration. Previous research focusing on parametric part modeling suggests that teams collaborating through MUCAD are more efficient at producing a CAD model than individual designers. While these studies are enlightening, there is a significant gap in understanding the impact of MUCAD on assembly modeling, despite assembly’s crucial role in the design process. Part and assembly models are both defined by parametric relationships, but assembly models lack hierarchical feature dependency; we propose that by modularizing tasks and executing them in parallel, teams can optimize the assembly process in ways not possible with part modeling. Our study aims to examine and compare CAD assembly performance between individuals and virtual collaborative teams using the same cloud MUCAD platform. Through analyzing team communication, workflow, task allocation, and collaboration challenges of teams comprising 1–4 members, we identify factors that contribute to or hinder the success of multi-user CAD teams. Our results show that teams can complete an assembly in less calendar time than a single user, but single users are more efficient on a per-person basis, due to communication and coordination overheads. Notably, pairs exhibit an assembly bonus effect. These findings provide initial insights into the realm of collaborative CAD assembly work, highlighting the potential of MUCAD to enhance the capabilities of modern product design teams.

Analysis and Evaluation of Partitioning Techniques for Multi-User CAD

Analysis and Evaluation of Partitioning Techniques for Multi-User CAD

Pseudo-singleton pattern and agnostic business layer for multi-engineer, synchronous, heterogeneous CAD

Product development processes are currently highly serial workflows that prevent needed cycle time reduction. Multi-user synchronous CAD is already improving the parallelization of these workflows and the next step is to facilitate multi-user synchronous heterogeneous CAD. This paper proposes a pseudo-singleton design pattern and a class signature which are necessary in the business logic layer of an application architecture that affects multi-user synchronous collaboration across heterogeneous CAD clients.

Methods for determining the optimal number of simultaneous contributors for multi-user CAD parts

ABSTRACTThe development of multi-user CAD (MUCAD) tools has opened up exciting new opportunities and applications. The capability for multiple users to simultaneously model and design a CAD part has far-reaching potential. However, many basic questions remains unanswered, such as how many users should work together on a given part. This research proposes and develops a set of methods to determine the optimal number of users for a given part within a MUCAD environment, based on the characteristics of the part itself. Two candidate models are evaluated with a set of 60 experiments with design teams composed of different numbers of users. The models show modest correlations with the test data while more-refined models are explored to improve predictive power. On the other hand, highly significant correlations between the ability to predict completion time and multi-user team size were identified in the experimental data. Observations regarding the speed and quality of MUCAD teams are also made with future ar...

Enhancements for Improved Topological Entity Identification Performance in Multi-user CAD

ABSTRACTMulti-user CAD allows designers to simultaneously work on a model, allowing designs to be realized at a much faster rate than ever before. In a replicated, simultaneous multi-user CAD system, it is critical that models be consistent between clients. A major component of model consistency is ensuring references to topological objects be the same on all clients in the same part. Previous methods are inefficient for models with a large number of faces and edges. This paper presents enhancements over previous methods which more efficiently identify faces and edges through lazy naming as well as caching and normalizing topological entity data. The implementation and results of these enhancements show significant time savings compared to an eager naming method.

Scalable Integration of Commercial File Types in Multi-User CAD

Computer-Aided Design and Applications is an international journal on the applications of CAD and CAM. It publishes papers in the general domain of CAD plus in emerging fields like bio-CAD, nano-CAD, soft-CAD, garment-CAD, PLM, PDM, CAD data mining, CAD and the internet, CAD education, genetic algorithms and CAD engines. The journal is aimed at all developers and users of CAD technology to ptovide CAD solutions for various stages of design and manufacturing. The journal publishes all about Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided technologies.

Automated Conflict Avoidance in Multi-user CAD

Automated Conflict Avoidance in Multi-user CAD