A web-based 3D virtual technologies for developing product information framework

Information technologies and the web are challenging, and changing theway industry works. It is believed that web-based 3D interface can be applied to strengthen the interactive visualization and manipulation of products. In this research, a web-based 3D virtual technologies for developing product information framework is applied in automotive electric system. It is very convenient to share with different partners (e.g., co-designers, manufacturers, customers, etc.) via the web for viewing the aesthetic functions, and verifying its related design functions. The overall procedures are listed: First, build CAD models of automotive electric system (including assemble parts and their components) through CAD system, then store them in a relational database. Second, transforming the CAD models users click into virtual reality modeling language (VRML) objects, it can be visualized graphically and animated interactively using a web browser with a VRML plug-in. Finally, operate the VRML objects by Java Language for the different purposes. Due to the technologies that are applied, many interactive modes are generated in cyberspace. Displaying the exploding process of 3D assemble part on the browser, assigning any component of assemble part through the mouse chick directly to display design details, e.g., dimensions, tolerances, datum planes, material, other references, etc. by retrieving the corresponding data from database, and building 2D projected views automatically follow the 3D viewpoint that users assign.