Hardware-Based Parametric CAD Control Analysis
Traditional CAD interfaces rely heavily on mouse-based menu navigation, creating workflow interruptions and cognitive context switching. Dedicated control surfaces eliminate these inefficiencies by providing tactile, immediate parameter access. Rather than hunting through nested menus or typing values into dialog boxes, users maintain direct physical connection with their work. This approach reduces cognitive load, increases adjustment speed, and allows users to focus on design intent rather than interface navigation. The physical separation of control banks, combined with consistent spatial mapping, creates muscle memory that enhances workflow speed and reduces errors.
Dimensional Control
Replace absolute value input with relative adjustment
Spring-centered sliders provide intuitive dimensional adjustments without needing to input specific values. The return-to-center mechanism allows quick modifications while maintaining precision.
Velocity-sensitive dimension modification
Modified rotary encoders enable fine control for small dimensions and rapid adjustment for larger values, matching our jog wheel approach.
Context-aware scaling based on model size
Software scaling adjusts control sensitivity based on overall model dimensions, similar to our variable-rate parameter adjustments.
Proportional constraint maintenance
Bank switching allows rapid toggling between different constraint sets while maintaining spatial relationships.
Geometric Relationships
Incremental angle adjustments
Jog wheel rotation provides natural mapping to angular adjustments, with acceleration-based response for precise control.
Distance relationships
Spring-centered sliders allow quick modification of relative distances, with center position serving as reference point.
Pattern spacing modification
Continuous rotary control enables fluid adjustment of pattern spacing, utilizing velocity sensitivity for range control.
Symmetric element control
Dual-bank control setup maintains synchronized adjustment of symmetric elements through linked parameters.
Assembly Control
Joint angle adjustment
Rotary encoders provide direct mapping to joint angles, with velocity control for precise positioning.
Constraint relationship modification
Bank-switched controls allow rapid toggling between different constraint sets while maintaining consistent control mapping.
Motion study parameter control
Time-based parameters benefit from continuous rotary control, matching animation timeline control methods.
Interference checking thresholds
Spring-centered sliders provide intuitive adjustment of tolerance values from a neutral reference point.
Control Surface Integration
Dedicated hardware interface
Fixed physical layout matches our approach of dedicated control surfaces with consistent spatial mapping.
Bank switching between parameter sets
Our dimming approach for inactive controls directly applies to indicating current parameter bank status.
Software Architecture
Parameter change velocity tracking
Direct application of our jog wheel velocity detection for scaled parameter adjustments.
Dynamic adjustment scaling
Implementation matches our acceleration curve approach for both sliders and rotary controls.
History-based undo capability
Parameter changes track both direction and magnitude, enabling precise undo operations.
Real-time model updating
Continuous feedback matches our approach to parameter visualization.
Change propagation management
Bank status indication helps visualize downstream effects of parameter modifications.
User Interface Elements
Visual feedback for parameter changes
Direct application of our LED and screen dimming approach to indicate parameter states.
Active control bank indication
Matches our current bank switching visualization strategy.
Parameter range limits
Software limits replace physical endpoints, matching our spring-centered approach.
Modification history tracking
Parameter changes are tracked using relative adjustments rather than absolute values.