Method for lossless compression and regeneration of digital design data

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a method for lossless compression and regeneration of digital design data in a manner maintaining the native formats outputted by modeling software used with prime focus on reduction in file size, portability, interchangeability of file storage format and providing database management functions while being implemented as a plug-and-play add-on utility to existing modeling software. Feature-based extraction of design attributes serves as a core of this inventive method and software utility based thereon.

Claims

1. A secure method for lossless compression and regeneration of native computer aided design (CAD) file representing a design, comprising: a. executing a severable first routine configured to extract part data from the native CAD file and thereby expressing the extracted data in a private file format having significantly reduced file size; and b. executing a severable second routine arranged to complement the first routine and which is configured to receive the private file format expressed by said first routine to thereby regenerate the native CAD file in a lossless manner, characterized in that: the regenerated CAD file has lesser file size than that of original CAD file due to optimization of part creation keeping the number of features same as that of the original parts in the native CAD file; colour scheme, material properties, and orientation of parts are maintained after regeneration of the native CAD format; the regenerated CAD file is backward compatible with previous versions of CAD software; the private file format established is an .ampedvextension file; security is introduced by the fact that the private .ampedv extension file established can solely be created, and read, by the first and second subroutines respectively which therefore exclude any instance of unauthorized access, and alternatively use, of said private .ampedv extension file.

2. The secure method for lossless compression and regeneration of native computer aided design (CAD) file representing a design according to claim 1, wherein the severable first routine further comprises: a. a first subroutine the execution of which determines geometries present in the input native CAD file and thereafter their measurements including Length, Diameter, Area, Parallelism, Perpendicular, center distance between bodies; b. a second subroutine which when executed subsequent to the first subroutine results in extraction of feature definitions as applicable for each geometry mapped; c. a third subroutine which when executed subsequent to the second subroutine results indetermination of body parameters including loft, rib and their ParentChild relationships for each feature defined; d. a fourth subroutine which when executed post the third subroutine, provides for finalization of extracted data by a discrete function each for obtaining the CAD model or CAD Part file and it's feature details, obtaining the string split by a special character, obtaining the edge name if any else set a new edge name, obtaining Edge details like Start, End, Closed for a particular edge, obtaining the edges for a particular feature based on a user-defined criteria; and e. a fifth subroutine configured to provide an user interface for allowing a user to initialize the first routine and thereafter actuate among discrete functions for running the program in file mode or Folder (Batch) mode, save file data in a private file format, returning the details related to sub feature if any, giving the transformation of Sketchpoint coordinates into Model Space coordinates, giving the transformation of Model Space coordinates into Sketchpoint coordinates, traversing through the feature nodes and giving details like Name and Root.

3. The secure method for lossless compression and regeneration of native computer aided design (CAD) file representing a design according to claim 2, wherein the geometries of design in the native CAD file are chosen among edges, faces, vertices, planes, Datum Axes, Sketch segments, and Sketch points.

4. The secure method for lossless compression and regeneration of native computer aided design (CAD) file representing a design according to claim 2, wherein the features of each geometry determined in the native CAD file are selected among Chamfer, Circular Pattern, Composite curve, Curve Pattern, Draft, Extrude, Extrude Cut, Extrude Cut Thin, Extrude Thin, Helix curve, Hole, Linear Pattern, Loft, Loft Cut, Mirror pattern, Mirror solid, Reference Axis, Reference Plane, Revolve, Revolve Cut, Revolve Cut Thin, Revolve Thin, Rib, Shell, simple fillet, Sketch, Sketch Pattern, Sketch Hole, Swept, Swept Cut, Table Pattern, Feature Tree data, and Variable Fillet.

5. The secure method for lossless compression and regeneration of native computer aided design (CAD) file representing a design according to claim 2, wherein the definitions of each feature defined in the native CAD file are selected among amongAccessSelections, Extrude Cut Thin direction, Draft Angle and direction, Start and End conditions, Bodies and Entities like edge, face, vertices, plane, DatumAxes, and Sketch segment, and points.

6. The secure method for lossless compression and regeneration of native computer aided design (CAD) file representing a design according to claim 1, wherein the severable second routine further comprises: a. a first subroutine the execution of which results in deciphering the private file format expressed by the first routine to ascertain and uniquely mark geometries present in the native CAD file representing the original design to thereby obtain each Face based on details like Start, End, Closed, Type for a particular face; b. a second subroutine which when executed subsequent to the first subroutine results in creation of features based on feature definitions stored in the private file format expressed by the first routine; c. a third subroutine which when executed post the second subroutine, provides for finalization of data in the private file format expressed by the first routine by performance of a discrete function each for creating the original model and it's features, obtaining the contour used in a particular feature definition, obtaining Edge details like Start, End, Closed for a particular edge, and obtaining the edges for a particular feature based on a predefined criteria; and d. a fourth subroutine configured to provide an user interface for allowing a user to initialize the first routine and thereafter actuate among discrete functions for allowing a user to chose between the option of running the program in file mode or Folder (Batch) mode, obtaining the plane based on selection data, obtaining the sectional properties for a particular face, obtaining the transformation of Sketchpoint coordinates into Model Space coordinates, and giving the transformation of Model Space coordinates into Sketchpoint coordinates.

7. The secure method for lossless compression and regeneration of native computer aided design (CAD) file representing a design according to claim 1, wherein file size of the native CAD file is reduced by 50 to 99% without any compromise in data content thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention is explained herein under with reference to the following drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a block diagram explaining the logic behind implementation of the routine for compression as provided in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a block diagram explaining the logic behind implementation of the routine for decompression as provided in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIGS. 3(a through e) showcase various successive stages of implementation of the present invention when implemented as a computer-implemented software utility.

(5) In above drawings, wherever possible, the same references and symbols have been used throughout to refer to the same or similar parts. References made to particular examples and implementations are for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the claims. Though numbering has been introduced to demarcate reference to specific components in relation to such references being made in different sections of this specification, all components are not shown or numbered in each drawing to avoid obscuring the invention proposed.

(6) The foregoing narration has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

(7) Before undertaking the Detailed Description of the invention below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms include and comprise, as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term or is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases associated with and associated therewith, as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect, with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

(8) Principally, general purpose of the present invention is to assess disabilities and shortcomings inherent to known systems comprising state of the art and develop new systems incorporating all available advantages of known art and none of its disadvantages. Accordingly, the disclosures herein are directed towards a method and software utility based thereon for lossless compression and regeneration of digital design data in a manner maintaining the native formats outputted by modeling software used with prime focus on reduction in file size, portability, interchangeability of file storage format and providing database management functions while being implemented as a plug-and-play add-on utility to existing modeling software

(9) At outset, the present invention achieves the aforesaid intents by means of two complementary routines, being severally-implementable but mutually complementary algorithms, of which a first algorithm serves to extract feature attributes of solid geometry into an <.ampedv> extension file format while the second algorithm serves to regenerate said <.ampedv> extension file back into the native file format.

(10) Referring to the accompanying FIG. 1, which outlines the logic behind implementation of the routine for compression as provided by the first algorithm introduced hereinabove, it can be seen that once a native CAD file(s) is/are selected to be processed, a first subroutine is initially triggered to map/measure various geometric shapes/design features, that is, parameters including Length, Diameter, Area, Parallelism, Perpendicular, Center distance between Bodies and Entities like Edge, face, Sketch segment/point and so on in the CAD file being processed. A function each is executed for mapping including Chamfer, Circular Pattern, Composite curve, Curve Pattern, Draft, Extrude, Extrude Cut, Extrude Cut Thin, Extrude Thin, Helix curve, Hole, Linear Pattern, Loft, Loft Cut, Mirror pattern, Mirror solid, Reference Axis, Reference Plane, Revolve, Revolve Cut, Revolve Cut Thin, Revolve Thin, Rib, Shell, simple fillet, Sketch, Sketch Pattern, Sketch Hole, Swept, Swept Cut, Table Pattern, Feature Tree data, Variable Fillet are mapped. A second set of routines including the functions edge_check and rib_edge_check are executed to check the edge details and its relationship with underlying Sketchsegments, if any in the CAD file being processed.

(11) With continued reference to the accompanying FIG. 1, it can be seen that after features are mapped/measured, a second subroutine is then triggered for extracting feature definitions including AccessSelections, Extrude Cut Thin direction, Draft Angle and direction, Start and End conditions, Bodies and Entities like edge, face, vertices, plane, DatumAxes, and Sketch segment/point, as applicable for each feature mapped.

(12) With continued reference to the accompanying FIG. 1, it can be seen that after feature data is extracted, a third subroutine is then triggered for obtaining various body parameters for each feature measured including loft, rib and their ParentChild relationships.

(13) With continued reference to the accompanying FIG. 1, it can be seen that after various body parameters are obtained, a fourth subroutine is then available for execution, providing for finalization of extracted data by a discrete function each for obtaining the CAD model or CAD Part file and it's feature details, obtaining the string split by a special character, obtaining the edge name if any else set a new edge name, obtaining Edge details like Start, End, Closed for a particular edge, obtaining the edges for a particular feature based on a predefined criteria, on cumulative of which the native CAD data file(s) are stored in a corresponding plurality of compressed <.ampedv> extension file(s).

(14) With continued reference to the accompanying FIG. 1, a fifth executable subroutine can be seen which provides a user interface and control over execution of the first algorithm described hereinabove. Accordingly, user-assist functions are provided for allowing a user to chose between the options of running the program in file mode or Folder (Batch) mode, save file data, returning the details related to sub feature if any, giving the transformation of Sketchpoint coordinates into Model Space co ordinates, giving the transformation of Model Space co ordinates into Sketchpoint coordinates, traversing through the feature nodes and giving details like Name, Root and so on.

(15) Referring to the accompanying FIG. 2, which outlines the logic behind implementation of the routine/algorithm for decompression as provided by the second algorithm introduced hereinabove, it can be seen that once a <.ampedv> extension file(s) is/are selected to be processed, a first subroutine is triggered for execution wherein successive functions are used to get Edge based on details like Start, End, Closed for a particular edge, then a unique tracking ID is added temporarily to each edge determined before obtaining the Face based on details like Start, End, Closed, Type for a particular face.

(16) With continued reference to the accompanying FIG. 2, it can be seen that after various edges and constituted faces are determined, a second subroutine is then triggered for creating features based on feature definitions including AccessSelections, Extrude Cut Thin direction, Draft Angle and direction, Start and End conditions, Bodies and Entities like edge, face, vertices, plane, DatumAxes, and Sketch segment/point, as applicable for each feature mapped which are stored in the <.ampedv> extension file(s) under processing. In this manner, a function each is executed for creating features including Chamfer, Circular Pattern, Composite curve, Curve Pattern, Draft, Extrude, Extrude Cut, Extrude Cut Thin, Extrude Thin, Helix curve, Hole, Linear Pattern, Loft, Loft Cut, Mirror pattern, Mirror solid, Reference Axis, Reference Plane, Revolve, Revolve Cut, Revolve Cut Thin, Revolve Thin, Rib, Shell, simple fillet, Sketch, Sketch Pattern, Sketch Hole, Swept, Swept Cut, Table Pattern, Feature Tree data, and Variable Fillet.

(17) With continued reference to the accompanying FIG. 2, it can be seen that after various features are created, a third subroutine is then available for execution, providing for finalization of extracted data by a discrete function each for creating the original model and its features, obtaining the contour used in a particular feature definition, obtaining Edge details like Start, End, Closed for a particular edge, and obtaining the edges for a particular feature based on a predefined criteria, based on which the stored <.ampedv> extension file(s) is/are regenerated to original native CAD data in a lossless manner.

(18) With continued reference to the accompanying FIG. 2, a fifth executable subroutine can be seen which provide the user interface and control over execution of the second algorithm described hereinabove. Accordingly, user-assist functions are provided for allowing a user to chose between the option of running the program in file mode or Folder (Batch) mode, obtaining the plane based on selection data, obtaining the sectional properties for a particular face, obtaining the transformation of Sketchpoint coordinates into Model Space co ordinates, and giving the transformation of Model Space co ordinates into Sketchpoint coordinates.

(19) According to an allied aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid algorithms for compression and regeneration of digital design data exclusively complement each other and hence form an exclusive pair. The digital design data is therefore deemed to be effectively encrypted thereby rendering the compressed files secure against unauthorized access and use.

(20) The present invention has been reduced to practice. Experimental trials have shown at least 50% to 95% lossless compression in file size and accurate regeneration thereafter, thereby consolidating the significant increment over prior art. In combination with other compression agents such as WinZip, an additional 4% reduction in file-size has been observed, marking the true effectiveness of the present invention.

(21) In a typical use case of the present invention to compress a native CAD file, a user is required to start the software utility provided, and select the file(s) to be processed using a file browser. Feature extraction is later automated by execution of the first algorithm described in detail hereinabove, and upon completion of which a visual/sound or equivalent message is conveyed to the user informing of the process execution being concluded and location on disc of the output <.ampedv> file.

(22) Similarly, in the use case of the present invention to decompress a <.ampedv> file, a user is required to start the complementary software utility provided, and select the file(s) to be processed using a file browser. Feature extraction is later automated by execution of the first algorithm described in detail hereinabove, and upon completion of which a visual/sound or equivalent message is conveyed to the user informing of the process execution being concluded and location on disc of the output <.ampedv> file.

(23) Implementation of the present invention is possible in forms chosen among a plug-in as well as a stand-alone applet/software OR in addition to existing file encryption/compression software such as WinZip, which may be accessed either as an offline local installation or cloud-based utility, whereby the user can derive benefit of decreased storage requirements in addition to the capability to send otherwise bulky digital design data over the internet an action previously not possible due to bandwidth/file size restrictions.

(24) As will be readily appreciated by the reader, the aforesaid use-cases and manner of implementation elaborated hereinabove establish a protocol which is natural to any computer-implemented process, and runs without any specific input or user interaction, thereby making it easy to use by even a modestly-skilled person in the art. Capability of batch-processing makes the software utility so provided truly help a user to organize and more-efficiently use storage space, as well as permit sharing of CAD data across electronic communication platforms allowing attachments.

(25) Attention of the reader is now requested to a few illustrious examples which showcase the manner in which the present invention is implemented.

Example 1: Database Architecture of the ampedv Extension File

(26) Table 1 below enlists the database architecture for storing feature tree data.

(27) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comments CommentsFolder CommentsFolder FALSE Favorites FavoriteFolder FavoriteFolder FALSE History HistoryFolder HistoryFolder FALSE Sensors SensorFolder SensorFolder FALSE Design Binder DocsFolder DocsFolder FALSE Annotations DetailCabinet DetailCabinet FALSE Surface Bodies SurfaceBodyFolder SurfaceBodyFolder FALSE Solid Bodies SolidBodyFolder SolidBodyFolder FALSE Lights, Cameras EnvFolder EnvFolder FALSE and Scene Equations EqnFolder EqnFolder FALSE Material <not MaterialFolder MaterialFolder FALSE specified> Front Plane RefPlane RefPlane FALSE Top Plane RefPlane RefPlane FALSE Right Plane RefPlane RefPlane FALSE Origin OriginProfileFeature OriginProfileFeature FALSE Sketch1 ProfileFeature ProfileFeature FALSE Boss-Extrude1 Extrusion Extrusion FALSE Sketch2 ProfileFeature ProfileFeature FALSE Cut-Extrude1 Cut ICE FALSE Sketch3 ProfileFeature ProfileFeature FALSE Boss-Extrude2 Boss ICE FALSE Sketch4 ProfileFeature ProfileFeature FALSE Cut-Extrude2 Cut ICE FALSE CirPattern1 CirPattern CirPattern FALSE Point61 RefPoint RefPoint FALSE

Example 2: Feature Tree Extraction

(28) Table 2 below enlists the data architecture after step of feature tree extraction.

(29) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Feature Name Expanded History FALSE 20234383 1E+29 5.39E+08 Sensors FALSE 47891719 1E+30 1.2E+09 Notes Area FALSE 28372289 1.01E+29 6.75E+08 Unassigned Items FALSE 54024015 1.01E+30 1.41E+09 Top FALSE 16454088 1.01E+28 3.74E+08 Front FALSE 13869071 1E+28 3.28E+08 Annotations FALSE 57712780 1.01E+30 1.47E+09 Material <not FALSE 49652976 1E+30 1.23E+09 specified> Front Plane FALSE 44223604 1E+30 1.14E+09 Top Plane FALSE 62468121 1.1E+30.sup. 1.65E+09 Right Plane FALSE 25342185 1E+29 6.24E+08 Origin FALSE 26753075 1E+29 6.45E+08 Sketch1 FALSE 39451090 1.11E+29 9.61E+08 Boss-Extrude1 FALSE 19515494 1.1E+28.sup. 4.25E+08 () Sketch2 FALSE 41421720 1E+30 1.09E+09 Cut-Extrude1 FALSE 37251161 1.1E+29.sup. 9.25E+08 Sketch3 FALSE 66824994 1.1E+30.sup. 1.72E+09 Boss-Extrude2 FALSE 64554036 1.1E+30.sup. 1.68E+09 () Sketch4 FALSE 44115416 1E+30 1.14E+09 Cut-Extrude2 FALSE 61494432 1.1E+30.sup. 1.63E+09 CirPattern1 FALSE 16578980 1.01E+28 3.75E+08

Example 3: Sketch Data Entities

(30) Table 3 below enlists sketch data entities obtained upon execution of the present invention.

(31) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Reference Plane - Skecth SelDATUMPLANES Points Text Circle Spline Relations Data Top Plane 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 FALSE 15 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Arc 1 0 0 FALSE 0 0 0 0.010997505 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.003362275 1 2 0.010998 0.010997505 0 0.003362 0 0.00336 0.0109975 0.010998 Sketch1

Example 4: Graphic User Interface

(32) FIGS. 3(a through e) showcase the manner of implementation of the present invention in which a user may select a native design data file to be processed, authorize its compression as per method of the present invention, and be prompted thereby that the compressed ampedv extension file is ready in matter of a few clicks, which is within ambit of even an ordinarily skilled person accustomed to using digital design software. Same interaction logic applies for decompression of the ampedv extension files created by the software utility provided for implementation of the present invention.

(33) From the foregoing narration, an able method for lossless compression and regeneration of digital design data is thus provided which is unprecedented, and hence incremental to any of its closest peers in state-of-art. As will be realized further, the present invention is capable of various other embodiments and that its several components and related details are capable of various alterations, all without departing from the basic concept of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive in any form whatsoever. Modifications and variations of the system and apparatus described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to come within ambit of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.