Dynamic 3-D Visualization of Dimensions and Tolerances on Solid Models Using ANSI Standard

The use of current solid modelers as a comprehensive MCAE system is hampered by the lack of proper annotation capabilities, primarily dimensioning and tolerancing (D&T). An initial design done on a solid modeler must be transferred to some wire-frame module for D&T annotation and analysis and for blueprint production. We propose a solid modeler which has D&T capabilities that will eventually enable a complete design cycle. Dimensions and size tolerances that follow the ANSI D&T standard are treated as objects in 3D that are attached to relevant object features. We discuss implementation issues and show how ANSI-based blueprints can be genereted directly from the solid modeler.