Collaborative 3D product development with multiple levels of detail in visualization of design features

This research develops a novel representation scheme for collaborative 3D product development with multiple levels of detail (LODs) based on integration of feature model and 2D meshes. Different features are selectively hidden in the product model from certain collaborators, depending on their individual authorities and actual requirements in collaboration. The feature switch face is used to control display/hiding of each feature. A tree-like data structure is introduced for characterizing the feature hierarchy, 2D mesh, and the relations of each feature to the switch faces and LODs in a product model. Algorithms are also provided for quick generation of the mesh data from the data structure for displaying the 3D model corresponding to any LOD. An agent-based system, which allows multi-user synchronous collaborative 3D assembly over the Internet, is implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this work. A real scenario of 3D mold design using the system shows that the proposed LOD concept enhances the security of information sharing and the efficiency of data transmission while ensures the practicality in network-based 3D design collaboration.