# Patent

## Title
Automated dimensional drawing generating apparatus

## Abstract

A dimensioning apparatus for generating a dimensional drawing from a model includes an element database with predetermined element names. A plurality of model elements can be associated with corresponding element names. The apparatus also includes a model sectioning tool operable to section the model to thereby generate at least a portion of the model elements. The apparatus further includes a dimensioning tool with a plurality of predetermined dimension names and a plurality of dimensioning algorithms associated with corresponding dimension names. At least two of the model elements are utilized by each of the dimensioning algorithms to thereby automatically detect dimension values of the model. The dimensioning tool is further operable to associate the detected dimension values with corresponding ones of the dimension names. In addition, the dimensioning apparatus includes a plotting tool operable to output the dimensional drawing showing the dimension values of the model detected by the dimensioning tool.

## Background
FIELD
The present invention relates to drawing generation and, more particularly, relates to an automated dimensional drawing generating apparatus.
BACKGROUND
Dimensional drawings are often generated for communicating information about an object. The dimensional drawings show the dimensions of an object to communicate the size of certain features and to communicate the spatial relationship between certain features. Dimensional drawings are also used in sales and marketing materials to convey size information to the consumer.
Vehicle dimensional drawings for instance, are often generated to convey the wheelbase, bumper-to-bumper, ground clearance, and other dimensions of the vehicle. Currently, most vehicles are identified according a predetermined set of dimensions set forth in the Society of Automotive Engineers J1100 dimensioning standards such that each vehicle is dimensioned in the same manner. In addition to the SAE J1100 standard dimensions, vehicle manufacturers typically have a proprietary set of standard dimensions that are identified for each vehicle design. As such, a very large number of dimensions are obtained for each vehicle design.
However, the dimensions are largely obtained manually from preexisting models. This means that drawing views are generated, the dimensions are found and recorded, and then a dimensional drawing is generated. This process can be very tedious and prone to errors. Furthermore, if the design changes, the object may need to be dimensioned again, taking more time and possibly introducing new errors. Also, generating a report of the dimensions can be tedious and prone to errors. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a more efficient and accurate means of dimensioning an object and reporting the dimensions of the object.
SUMMARY
A dimensioning apparatus for generating a dimensional drawing from a model of an object, according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, including an element database with a plurality of predetermined element names. A plurality of model elements can be associated with corresponding element names. The apparatus also includes a model sectioning tool operable to section the model to thereby generate at least a portion of the model elements. The apparatus further includes a dimensioning tool with a plurality of predetermined dimension names and a plurality of dimensioning algorithms associated with corresponding dimension names. At least two of the model elements are utilized by each of the dimensioning algorithms to thereby automatically detect dimension values of the model. The dimensioning tool is further operable to associate the detected dimension values with corresponding ones of the dimension names. In addition, the dimensioning apparatus includes a plotting tool operable to output the dimensional drawing showing the dimension values of the model detected by the dimensioning tool.
Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the automatic dimensioning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a vehicle model and a plurality of section planes used to generate model elements within the vehicle model according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a list of a plurality of section planes for the automatic dimensioning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a list of element names and one example of a naming convention for the element names according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is one embodiment of a contextual map for the automatic dimensioning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a vehicle comprising a plurality of model elements used for generating a dimensional drawing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6B is a side view of the vehicle taken from FIG. 6A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a list of various dimension names included in the automatic dimensioning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 8A-8E are charts describing a plurality of dimensioning algorithms for the automatic dimensioning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is one embodiment of a dimensional drawing outputted by the automatic dimensioning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 10A and 10B are embodiments of other dimensional drawings outputted by the automatic dimensioning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 11 is another embodiment of a dimensional drawing for a vehicle listing of dimension values for three configurations of the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses.
Referring initially to FIG. 1, an automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 is schematically illustrated. As shown, a model 11 of an object is inputted into the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10, and the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 detects and outputs the dimensions of the model 11 by generating dimensional drawings of the model 11, such as the dimensional drawings 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d shown in FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, and 11, respectively.
As shown, the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 includes a sectioning tool 12, an element database 14, a dimensioning tool 16, and a plotting tool 20. The model 11 includes a plurality of model elements 18. In FIG. 2, the number 18 indicates just one model element, namely, the centerpoint of the driver's side rear tire. However, as will be discussed, the model 11 includes a plurality of model elements 18, such as points, lines, and planes. The coordinates of the model elements 18 are stored and organized within the element database 14. The sectioning tool 12 sections the model 11 to thereby generate additional model elements 18 as will be described. Furthermore, the dimensioning tool 16 utilizes the coordinates of the model elements 18 to thereby automatically detect the dimensions of the model 11, and the dimensions are stored and organized therein. The plotting tool 20 outputs the dimensional drawings, such as the dimensional drawings 19a-19d shown in FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, and 11, to show the dimension values of the model 11 detected by the dimensioning tool 16. Accordingly, the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 allows a user to automatically detect the dimensions of the model 11. The automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 also automatically organizes and outputs the dimensions of the model 11. Thus, the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 provides significant time savings and the dimension values detected using the apparatus 10 are less likely to be erroneous.
The automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 is largely software-based. In one embodiment, the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 is packaged with computer aided design (CAD) software. As such, the model 11 is generated with the CAD software, and then the model 11 is dimensioned using the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 the model 11 inputted into the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 is a three-dimensional model 11 of a vehicle 22. However, it will be appreciated that the model 11 could be of any suitable object without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, in one embodiment, the model 11 of the vehicle 22 is a collection of individual components, such as a hood 13, a bumper 15, a roof 17, and the like. The model 11 also includes a ground plane 21. When collected in the model 11, the components represent a vehicle 22 with a high degree of detail; however, it will be appreciated that the model 11 could include any number of components with any suitable amount of detail.
Furthermore, each of the components of the model 11 is located relative to a coordinate system 23. In FIG. 2, for instance, the coordinate system 23 is oriented such that the X-axis is directed lengthwise relative to the vehicle 22, the Z-axis is directed vertically relative to the vehicle 22, and the Y-axis is directed widthwise relative to the vehicle 22. The Y-plane (i.e., the plane normal to the Y-axis) where Y is equal to zero extends through the centerline of the vehicle 22 such that the model 11 is substantially symmetric relative to the Y-plane where Y is equal to zero. If different models 11 are dimensioned with the dimensioning apparatus 10, each model 11 can be located in the same manner relative to the coordinate system 23. In other words, all truck models, all car models, and all other vehicle models can each be located in the same manner relative to the coordinate system 23 for uniformity.
The element database 14 includes a plurality of predetermined element names 25. FIG. 4 represents one embodiment of a menu that a user could view to see the element names 25. The model elements 18 can be associated with corresponding element names 25. For instance, the element database 14 includes the element name “ERGO_VehWheelRearSpindlePt”. This element name 25 refers to a particular model element 18, namely the centerpoint of the driver's side rear wheel. To associate the two, the user selects the centerpoint of the rear wheel and also selects the element name “ERGO_VehWheelRearSpindlePt”. Once associated, the coordinates of the wheel centerpoint are thereafter stored under the name “ERGO_VehWheelRearSpindlePt” within the element database 14.
It will be appreciated that the user can select model elements 18 in any suitable manner, such as by clicking on the model element using a computer mouse, by typing in coordinates, and the like. It will also be appreciated that the model elements 18 could be of any suitable type, such as points, straight lines, curved lines, planes, and the like.
The model elements 18 serve as reference coordinates for detecting the dimensions of the model 11 as will be discussed. For instance, using the example of the centerpoint of the rear wheel, the coordinates of this model element 18 may be used (in combination with the centerpoint of the front wheel) to obtain the wheelbase dimension value of the vehicle 22 as will be discussed.
It will be appreciated that the element database 14 is a convenient means for storing and organizing the coordinates of model elements 18. First, the element names 25 are already typed into the element database 14. This makes associating the model elements 18 with corresponding element names 25 easier and more accurate, since the user does not need to type in the name manually or decide on new naming conventions every time the dimensioning apparatus 10 is used. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the element names 25 include several predetermined fields for quicker identification and organizing of the model elements 18. In the example of FIG. 4, the element names 25 include a domain field, an object field, an object detail field, and an object type field. Using the example element name of “ERGO_VehWheelRearSpindlePt”, the “Ergo” portion signifies that the associated model element 18 is of the vehicle 22. The “VehWheel” portion of the name 25 signifies that the associated model element 18 is from the vehicle wheel. The “Rear” portion of the name 25 signifies that the associated model element is from the rear wheel. Also, the “SpindlePt” portion of the name 25 signifies that the associated model element 18 is a centerpoint of the wheel. It will be appreciated that the element names 25 included in the element database 14 could have any suitable naming convention.
In addition, some element names 25 may correspond to a movable component of the vehicle 22. For instance, one element name 25 may refer to the tailgate of the vehicle 22 in the closed position, and another element name 25 may refer to the tailgate in the open position. The user moves the tailgate within the model 11 and associates corresponding model elements 18 for the tailgate in both positions.
Furthermore, the element database 14 indicates whether or not a model element 18 has been associated with its corresponding element name 25. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the element database 14 includes an “X” next to the element names 25 with associated model elements 18. If an “X” does not appear next the element name 25, the user knows that the element name 25 has not been associated with its corresponding model element 18. Accordingly, it is apparent to the user which associations need to be made.
As mentioned above, the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 also includes a model sectioning tool 12. Using the model sectioning tool 12, the model 11 is sectioned to thereby generate additional model elements 18 and to generate lines that are used in the dimensional drawings, such as the drawings 19a-19d shown in FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, and 11. More specifically, using the model sectioning tool 12, the model 11 is sectioned along a plurality of predetermined section planes. For instance, FIG. 2 includes a plurality of section planes 24a-24j that specify the locations at which the model 11 is sectioned. As shown in FIG. 3, the sectioning tool 12 also includes a list of predetermined section names 29a-29m that correspond with the section planes 24a-24j shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 represents a menu that the user could use to view the section names 29a-29m. It will be appreciated that the number, location, and orientation of the section planes 24a-24j could be adapted according to particular dimensioning needs.
In the embodiment shown, the model 11 is sectioned at a vehicle centerline plane 24a. The centerline plane 24a is a Y-plane (a plane that is normal to the Y-axis) that extends through the vehicle centerline. Other section planes include a front spindle plane 24b, which is an X-plane (a plane that is normal to the X-axis) extending through the axis of the front axle of the vehicle 22. The rear spindle plane 24c is an X-plane that extends through the axis of the rear axle of the vehicle 22. The first driver plane 24d is an X-plane that extends through a reference point (e.g., the H-point) of the driver. The second driver plane 24e is a Y-plane that extends through a reference point (e.g., the H-point) of the driver. The driver head plane 24f is an X-plane that extends through the center of the driver's head. The first rear occupant plane 24g is an X-plane that extends through a reference point (e.g., the H-point) of the rear occupant. The second rear occupant plane 24h is an X-plane that extends a predetermined distance (e.g., 330 mm) in front of the rear occupant. The third rear occupant plane 24i is a Y-plane that extends through a reference point of the rear occupant. The rear occupant head plane 24j is an X-plane that extends through the center of the head of the rear occupant. FIG. 3 also lists planes 24k, 24l, 24m that are applicable for vehicle models 22 having third row occupants.
The user can provide the coordinates for each sectioning plane 24a-24m in any suitable manner. For instance, the user can select one of the section names 29a-29m and then type in the proper coordinates for that section name 29a-29m. The user could also select the section name 29a-29m and then select model elements 18 located in the desired plane. Once the coordinates for the section planes 24a-24m are provided, the model sectioning tool 12 is able to section the model 11.
The model 11 is sectioned along the section planes 24a-24m in order to generate model elements 18 in the form of section lines 27 (FIG. 2). Each section line 27 represents an intersection between the model 11 and one of the section planes 24a-24m. For example, the model sectioning device 12 sections the model 22 along the vehicle centerline plane 24a to generate a roof center section line 26 (FIG. 2). The roof center section line 26 represents the intersection between the roof 17 of the vehicle 22 and the vehicle centerline plane 24a. 
Once the section lines 27 are generated, the coordinates of the section lines 27 can be associated with corresponding element names 25 listed in the element database 14. For instance, once the roof center section line 26 is generated, it can be associated with the “ERGO_VehExtRoofYSectCrv” element name 25 shown in FIG. 4 in the manner described above. It will be appreciated that each section plane 24a-24m itself could be a model element 18 for dimensioning purposes and have an associated element name 25 within the element database 14.
As mentioned above in connection with FIG. 1, the dimensioning apparatus 10 also includes a dimensioning tool 16. The dimensioning tool 16 includes a plurality of pre-programmed dimensioning algorithms 30, such as those listed in FIGS. 8A-8E. At least two of the model elements 18 are utilized by each dimensioning algorithm 30 to thereby automatically detect dimension values of the model 11 as will be described.
The dimensioning tool 16 also includes a plurality of predetermined dimension names 32, such as the dimension names 32 listed in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, the dimension names XXX correspond to the dimensions included in the SAE J1100 standards and any other proprietary dimensions used for identifying the vehicle 22. Each dimension name 32 is associated with an appropriate dimensioning algorithm 30 for automatically detecting a corresponding dimension value. The dimensioning tool 16 automatically detects the dimension values of the model 11 and then automatically associates the detected values with corresponding dimension names 32.
For instance, to detect the wheelbase length, the dimensioning tool 16 automatically accesses the element database 14 to find the coordinates for the centerpoint of the front driver side wheel and the coordinates for the centerpoint of the rear driver side wheel. Then, the dimensioning tool 16 uses the “CAIPtToPtXYZDistDim” algorithm 30 (FIG. 8A) to automatically measure the distance along the Y-axis between the two centerpoints and automatically stores this value under the name “Wheelbase” (FIG. 7). As shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, other algorithms 30 can detect tangents of model elements 18, detect the maximum or minimum distance between two vehicle elements 18, and other functions to thereby detect the desired dimension values. It will be appreciated that the dimensioning tool 16 can include any number and type of algorithms 30 to detect the necessary dimension values.
Also, in one embodiment, the dimensioning apparatus 10 automatically indicates to the user if a model element 18 is unavailable (i.e., whether a model element 18 has not been associated with its corresponding element name 25) for generating a particular dimension. For instance, if a user attempts to find a dimension value of the wheelbase, but the coordinates of the wheel centerpoints have not been associated within the element database 14, a message window will pop up that informs the user of this fact.
As shown in FIG. 5, the dimension names 32 are associated with corresponding element names 18 to form a contextual map 34. The contextual map 34 is visible to the user as one or more lists such as those shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown, the contextual map 34 displays a first list 36 that shows a model element 18 and each of the dimensions that utilize that model element 18. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the model element 18 associated with “ERGO_VehGroundCurbLn” is needed to find the distance from the bottom of the open hood to the ground, the vehicle height, and other dimensions. The contextual map 18 can also be used to display a second list 38 that shows a dimension name 32 and each of the model elements 18 that are needed to find that particular dimension. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the contextual map 34 reveals that the model elements “ERGO_VehHoodCowlCLSectCrv” and “ERGO_VehGroundCurbLn” are necessary to find the dimension “Cowl Point to Ground” along the centerline of the vehicle 22. It will be appreciated that the contextual map 34 visually guides the user by revealing which model elements 18 are associated with each dimension name 32 and vice versa.
Once the dimensions of the model 11 have been detected, the plotting tool 20 outputs necessary dimensional drawings 19a-19d, such as those shown in FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B. As shown in FIG. 9, the plotting tool 20 generates several views of the vehicle 22 including top, side, front, and back views.
In one embodiment, the section lines 27 generated by the model sectioning tool 12 are automatically included in the views of the vehicle 22. For instance, the plotting tool 20 automatically accesses the element database 14 and obtains the “ERGO_VehExtRoofYSectCrv” as well as other section lines 27 of the vehicle 22 to create the drawing views shown in FIG. 9. For example, FIG. 6A shows several model elements 18, namely section lines 27 as well as tires. As seen in FIG. 6B, the section lines 27 and tires viewed from the side show a partially completed view to be included in the dimensional drawing 19a of FIG. 9.
As shown in FIG. 9, the plotting tool 20 also automatically places dimension lines 40, arrows 42, and dimension codes 44 onto the dimension drawing 19a. The plotting tool 20 also generates dimensional drawings 19b, 19c in the form of charts that include the dimension values (FIGS. 10A, 10B). In the embodiment shown, the dimension codes 44, descriptions of the dimensions 46, metric dimension values 48, and English dimension values 50 are listed in the charts.
In one embodiment, the plotting tool 20 is pre-programmed to generate dimensional drawings 19 that comply with the SAE J1100 dimension standards. The plotting tool 20 can also be customized to generate only certain views and/or to list certain dimensions.
As shown in FIG. 11, the plotting tool 20 is also able to output the dimension values of different configurations of the model 11. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, dimension values have been obtained for a first configuration 52 in which the vehicle 22 has 265-70R17 tires, a second configuration 54 in which the vehicle 22 has 245-70R17 tires, and a third configuration 56 in which the vehicle 22 has 275-55R2G tires. The dimension values for each vehicle configuration are detected and separately stored in the manner described above. Then, the plotting tool 20 organizes and lists the detected dimensions for each vehicle configuration as shown in FIG. 11. Accordingly, the automatic dimensioning tool 10 can be used to quickly output dimensional drawings 19 with a variety of configurations.
In sum, the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 facilitates dimensioning of a model 11. The dimension values of the model 11 can be detected and organized quickly and accurately. Also, the apparatus 10 can output dimensional drawings 19 quickly and accurately. Thus, the automatic dimensioning apparatus 10 provides significant time savings and is less likely to provide erroneous dimension values for the model 11.
The above description is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

## Claims

1. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer executable instructions which when executed on a computer perform a method for generating dimensional drawings for a model object comprising a plurality of model elements, the medium comprising instructions for:
storing in an element database a plurality of predetermined model elements of the model object and corresponding element names that are standardized for a plurality of computerized models of the model object;
selecting using a user interface a plurality of model elements of one of the computerized models, and associating, using the user interface, at least some of the model elements with corresponding element names;
sectioning the one of the computerized models using a model sectioning tool to generate at least a portion of the model elements;
defining in a dimensioning tool a plurality of predetermined dimension names that are standardized for each of the computerized models and a plurality of dimensioning algorithms associated with corresponding ones of the dimension names;
automatically computing, using the dimensioning tool, dimension values of at least one of the model elements of the one of the computerized models using the dimensioning algorithms and the coordinates and dimensions of at least some of the model elements;
automatically associating, using the dimensioning tool, the computed dimension values with corresponding ones of the dimension names; and
outputting, using a plotting tool, a dimensional drawing showing the dimension values of at least of the model elements of the one of the computerized models detected by the dimensioning tool.

2. The medium of claim 1, wherein the model elements generated by the model sectioning tool are section lines that are included in the dimensional drawing outputted by the plotting tool.

3. The medium of claim 1, further comprising a contextual map that shows at least one element name and the dimension names that utilize the model element associated with the at least one element name.

4. The medium of claim 1, wherein the element database indicates whether or not a model element is associated with the corresponding one of the element names.

5. The medium of claim 1, wherein the plotting tool outputs the dimensional drawing such that the dimensional drawing shows the dimension values of at least one of the model elements of the one of the computerized models having a plurality of configurations.

6. The medium of claim 1, wherein the plotting tool outputs a plurality of predetermined views of the one of the computerized models and the dimension values detected by the dimensioning tool.

7. The medium of claim 1, wherein the dimensioning tool automatically indicates when a model element has not been associated with the corresponding element name needed for generating a particular dimension value.

8. The medium of claim 1, wherein the model object comprises a model vehicle comprising a plurality of vehicle model elements.

9. A computer implemented method for generating dimensional drawing for a model object comprising a plurality of model elements, the method comprising:
storing in an element database a plurality of predetermined model elements of the model object and corresponding element names that are standardized for a plurality of computerized models of model object;
selecting using a user interface a plurality of model elements of one of the computerized models, and associating, using the user interface, at least some of the model elements with corresponding element names;
sectioning the one of the computerized models using a model sectioning tool to generate at least a portion of the model elements;
defining in a dimensioning tool a plurality of predetermined dimension names that are standardized for each of the computerized models and plurality of dimensioning algorithms associated with corresponding ones of the dimension names;
automatically computing, using the dimensioning tool, dimension values at least one of the model elements of the one of the computerized models using the dimensioning algorithms and the coordinates and dimensions of at least some of the model elements;
automatically associating, using the dimensioning tool, the computed dimension values with corresponding ones of the dimension names; and
outputting, using a plotting tool, a dimensional drawing showing the dimension values of at least one of the model elements of the one of the computerized models detected by the dimensioning tool.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the model elements generated by the model sectioning tool are section lines that are included in the dimensional drawing outputted by the plotting tool.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising a contextual map that shows at least one element name and the dimension names that utilize the model element associated with the at least one element name.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the element database indicates whether or not a model element is associated with the corresponding one of the element names.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the plotting tool outputs the dimensional drawing such that the dimensional drawing shows the dimension values of at least one of the model elements of the one of the computerized models having a plurality of configurations.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the plotting tool outputs a plurality of predetermined views of the one of the computerized models and the dimension values detected by the dimensioning tool.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the dimensioning too automatically indicates when a model element has not been associated with the corresponding element name needed for generating a particular dimension value.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the model object comprises a model vehicle comprising a plurality of vehicle model elements.