Feature-based 3D CAD Modeling on Smart Device Using Multi-touch Gesture

Abstract

Smart devices, which are represented by smartphones and smart pads, are now widely used. They have been applied to daily life, as well as education, industry, and other areas. Thus far, however, there is no application for smart devices that supports 3D feature-based modeling such as PC-based CAD systems. The reason for this is that existing commercial CAD systems are too heavy to operate on smart devices and the input commands for smartphone/pad CAD are limited to combinations of touch commands. Therefore, this study proposes a light-weight feature-based 3D CAD modeling system available on smart devices through the use of multi-touch commands. We defined an essential subset of commands that are used in commercial CAD systems, and then mapped this subset to multi-touch gestures. This CAD system uses common gestures of smart devices so that modeling operations should be intuitive. Further, this work provides a scheme to regenerate a parametric 3D model on a PC-based CAD system that is same as the model developed on the smart device via a “macroparametrics approach”. If fine editing is needed, the user can perform additional work on a PC after the reconstruction. Through the developed system, it is possible to make a 3D feature-based model swiftly and simply on a smart pad environment, allowing for reduced design time while also facilitating collaboration.