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jeffduck
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:53 am Post subject: Newbie question about converting raw data |
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Excuse me for the length of my post. I think it will help for you to have some background to understand my questions...
I have software that designs wooden crates. There are about 1250 styles that can have up to about 160 components. For each of these styles, I need to control where the components are placed in relation to each other, so the user cannot have free-form movement.
Right now all of my input and output is text based and users must do a lot of math in their head. Since many crates are custom and have small profits (compared to many other things designed in a CAD system) there are economic constraints.
I need to improve my software until it ultimately has 3D user controls. For now, I can settle with 2D output but need to make sure I'm structuring my database properly.
Look here http://www.cratepro.com/screen-shots.php to get an idea of what I need to do. The top center screen shot gives a good idea of the current interface. The 26195 Base in the Diagrams section gives a good idea of some more complex base options.
Currently I understand that I need XYZ starting points and distances for 2D. Doing the math for that alone; My 1250 styles * 160 components * XYZ start and distance points means I have to specify 1,200,000 coordinates, most all based on calculations relative to other components. Many of these are redundant but I'm still faced with tons of hard coding since many of these points have to be controlled so the crates can be certified.
Corners can interlock to look like a stair step so the starting point of the front panel plywood may be 0 but the starting point of a piece of edge lumber on the front panel may be dependent on the thickness of the end plywood or on the end plywood thickness + end lumber thickness, etc. My point here is that I'm not simply dealing with 6 rectangular shaped panels. In one way or another, the position of ANY component can be dependant upon the position of ANY other component regardless of panel.
MY QUESTIONS ARE...
- Is there an easier way to approach this so I don't need to deal with all those calculations?
- What type of data do I need for 3D rendering? Do I need separate coordinates for 3D or just more coordinates?
- Any ideas on how I do a 3D render so as to only see the surfaces that I should see and either not see the back surfaces or make them dashed lines?
- Do you know of any software that I can communicate with (XML, PHP, ODBC, etc.) that has a cheap developer license?
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide. |
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