A framework for fast 3D solid model exchange in integrated design environment

Exchanging 3D solid models across engineering applications has become increasingly important to integrated design environments (IDEs). However, transferring models among distributed locations via computer networks usually consumes large amounts of network bandwidth, requires powerful machines, and introduces potentially unacceptable latency. This paper presents a software framework to realize fast solid model exchange in IDEs. In particular, this framework integrates two key components: (a) incremental editing that allows solid models to be edited, modified, and propagated in an incremental form, and (b) progressive streaming that enables solid models to be stored, retrieved, transmitted, and reconstructed in a progressive manner. The benefits of this framework include obtaining real-time interaction with complex geometry, and obviating the burden of transferring large amounts of data over networks.