Abstract :
In the past, access to 3D databases was restricted to few specialists having the appropriate CAD skills, software,
and graphics hardware.
The availability of inexpensive graphics support on personalcomputers, the Internet’s impact on private and commercial
communication, and the emergence of multimedia standards provide the basis for linking CAD databases
with other personal productivity and communication tools and for making them accessible to everyone at home,
in schools, in hospitals, or in the industry. For example, employees that have no design expertise, customers, and
suppliers would benefit from having an easy access to the 3D databases of a company for: collaborative design
review, 3D-based multi-media problem reports, collaborative problem solving and tracking, online training and
documentation, internet-based part purchasing and subcontracting, demonstration to customers, or advertising.
This presentation will address three of the key issues that have so far limited the non-specialist’s access to 3D
databases.
