SketchCAD: 3D-modeling for tablet computers

30th January 2009

The group of scientists from the Carnegie Mellon University under the leadership of Levent Burak Kara and Kenji Shimada developed a specialized program SketchCAD, which will allow engineers to create design of new products by displaying their ideas as sketches on the tablet computer.
The system of SketchCAD is based on using tablet with digital pen or tablet PC with a touch screen, because pencil drawing for engineers is more natural than working with traditional interfaces and a mouse. According to the developers, the freedom of conceptual designing and eliminating complex phases of engineering can make a rapid and significant impact on the industry of automated modeling. The authors state that Honda already uses their solution to create new models of cars. It is easy to use and, thus, significantly reduces time and costs.
Along with SketchCAD, this group is working on the project of SimuSketch, which helps detect flowcharts and drawings of mechanical systems, drawn by hand.