Resolution is really what we want to talk about here.

Resolution is the number of

pixels in an image in a linear inch. We say linear because the measurement is a
straight line. If I say an image is 72 pixels per inch (ppi), then you know that if you
measure one inch of the image, you will find 72 pixels in a row. That means that one
square inch would have 5,184 pixels (72 pixels x 72 pixels).
Because the number of pixels in an image is fixed, when resolution decreases, the
image size increases. Conversely, if we increase the resolution of an image, the
image size (dimension) will decrease. To many this is known as an inverse
relationship. Take a look at the examples below where the image size of the small
gold ball on the left has been increased dramatically to become the image on the
right.

In general, this shows you how resolution decreases as the image size increases.

Computer-aided design (CAD), also known as computer-aided drafting and

design (CADD), is the use of computertechnology for the process of design and
design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting
with a computer. CADD software, or environments, provide the user with input-tools
for the purpose of streamlining design processes; drafting, documentation, and
manufacturing processes. CADD output is often in the form of electronic files for
print or machining operations. The development of CADD-based software is in direct
correlation with the processes it seeks to economize; industry-based software
(construction, manufacturing, etc.) typically uses vector-based (linear) environments
whereas graphic-based software utilizes raster-based (pixelated) environments.
CADD environments often involve more than just shapes. As in the
manual drafting of technical and engineering drawings, the output of CAD must
convey information, such as materials, processes, dimensions, and tolerances,
according to application-specific conventions.
CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space; or
curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) objects.[1]
CAD is an important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including
automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural
design, prosthetics, and many more. CAD is also widely used to produce computer
animation for special effects in movies, advertising and technical manuals. The
modern ubiquity and power of computers means that even perfume bottles and
shampoo dispensers are designed using techniques unheard of by engineers of the
1960s. Because of its enormous economic importance, CAD has been a major driving
force for research in computational geometry,computer graphics (both hardware and
software), and discrete differential geometry.[2]
The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is often
called computer-aided geometric design (CAGD).[3]
•

Computer-aided design
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

"CAD" and "CADD" redirect here. For other uses, see CAD
(disambiguation) and CADD (disambiguation).

This article needs additional citations for verification.

Please help improve this article by adding reliable references.
Unsourced material may bechallenged and removed. (August 2010)

Computer-aided design (CAD), also known as computer-aided drafting and

design (CADD), is the use of computertechnology for the process of design and
design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting
with a computer. CADD software, or environments, provide the user with input-tools
for the purpose of streamlining design processes; drafting, documentation, and
manufacturing processes. CADD output is often in the form of electronic files for
print or machining operations. The development of CADD-based software is in direct
correlation with the processes it seeks to economize; industry-based software
(construction, manufacturing, etc.) typically uses vector-based (linear) environments
whereas graphic-based software utilizes raster-based (pixelated) environments.
CADD environments often involve more than just shapes. As in the
manual drafting of technical and engineering drawings, the output of CAD must
convey information, such as materials, processes, dimensions, and tolerances,
according to application-specific conventions.
CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space; or
curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) objects.[1]
CAD is an important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including
automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural
design, prosthetics, and many more. CAD is also widely used to produce computer
animation for special effects in movies, advertising and technical manuals. The
modern ubiquity and power of computers means that even perfume bottles and
shampoo dispensers are designed using techniques unheard of by engineers of the
1960s. Because of its enormous economic importance, CAD has been a major driving
force for research in computational geometry,computer graphics (both hardware and
software), and discrete differential geometry.[2]
The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is often
called computer-aided geometric design (CAGD).[3]

Contents
• 8 External links

[edit] Overview
Current computer-aided design software packages range from 2D vector-based
drafting systems to 3D solid and surfacemodellers. Modern CAD packages can also
frequently allow rotations in three dimensions, allowing viewing of a designed object
from any desired angle, even from the inside looking out. Some CAD software is
capable of dynamic mathematic modeling, in which case it may be marketed
as CADD — computer-aided design and drafting.
CAD is used in the design of tools and machinery and in the drafting and design of all
types of buildings, from small residential types (houses) to the largest commercial and
industrial structures (hospitals and factories).
CAD is mainly used for detailed engineering of 3D models and/or 2D drawings of
physical components, but it is also used throughout the engineering process from
conceptual design and layout of products, through strength and dynamic analysis of
assemblies to definition of manufacturing methods of components. It can also be used
to design objects.
CAD has become an especially important technology within the scope of computer-
aided technologies, with benefits such as lower product development costs and a
greatly shortened design cycle. CAD enables designers to lay out and develop work
on screen, print it out and save it for future editing, saving time on their drawings.
[edit] Uses
Computer-aided design is one of the many tools used by engineers and designers and
is used in many ways depending on the profession of the user and the type of software
in question.
CAD is one part of the whole Digital Product Development (DPD) activity within
the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process, and as such is used together with
other tools, which are either integrated modules or stand-alone products, such as:
• Computer-aided engineering (CAE) and Finite element
analysis (FEA)
• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) including instructions
to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines
• Photo realistic rendering
• Document management and revision control using Product
Data Management (PDM).
CAD is also used for the accurate creation of photo simulations that are often required
in the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports, in which computer-aided designs
of intended buildings are superimposed into photographs of existing environments to
represent what that locale will be like were the proposed facilities allowed to be built.
Potential blockage of view corridors and shadow studies are also frequently analyzed
through the use of CAD.
[edit] Types
The neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the
discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove this message
until the dispute is resolved. (September 2010)

There are several different types of CAD. Each of these different types of CAD
systems require the operator to think differently about how he or she will use them
and he or she must design their virtual components in a different manner for each.
There are many producers of the lower-end 2D systems, including a number of free
and open source programs. These provide an approach to the drawing process without
all the fuss over scale and placement on the drawing sheet that accompanied hand
drafting, since these can be adjusted as required during the creation of the final draft.
3D wireframe is basically an extension of 2D drafting. Each line has to be manually
inserted into the drawing. The final product has no mass properties associated with it
and cannot have features directly added to it, such as holes. The operator approaches
these in a similar fashion to the 2D systems, although many 3D systems allow using
the wireframe model to make the final engineering drawing views.
3D "dumb" solids (programs incorporating this technology include AutoCAD) are
created in a way analogous to manipulations of real world objects. Basic three-
dimensional geometric forms (prisms, cylinders, spheres, and so on) have solid
volumes added or subtracted from them, as if assembling or cutting real-world
objects. Two-dimensional projected views can easily be generated from the models.
Basic 3D solids don't usually include tools to easily allow motion of components, set
limits to their motion, or identify interference between components.
3D parametric solid modeling require the operator to use what is referred to as "design
intent". The objects and features created are adjustable. Any future modifications will
be simple, difficult, or nearly impossible, depending on how the original part was
created. One must think of this as being a "perfect world" representation of the
component. If a feature was intended to be located from the center of the part, the
operator needs to locate it from the center of the model, not, perhaps, from a more
convenient edge or an arbitrary point, as he could when using "dumb" solids.
Parametric solids require the operator to consider the consequences of his actions
carefully.
Some software packages provide the ability to edit parametric and non-parametric
geometry without the need to understand or undo the design intent history of the
geometry by use of direct modeling functionality. This ability may also include the
additional ability to infer the correct relationships between selected geometry (e.g.,
tangency, concentricity) which makes the editing process less time and labor intensive
while still freeing the engineer from the burden of understanding the model’s design
intent history. These kind of non history based systems are called Explicit Modellers
or Direct CAD Modelers. The first Explicit Modeling system was introduced to the
world at the end of 80's by Hewlett-Packard under the name SolidDesigner.
Draft views are able to be generated easily from the models. Assemblies usually
incorporate tools to represent the motions of components, set their limits, and identify
interference. The tool kits available for these systems are ever increasing; including
3D piping and injection mold designing packages.
Mid range software are integrating parametric solids more easily to the end user:
integrating more intuitive functions (SketchUp), using the best of both 3D dumb
solids and parametric characteristics (VectorWorks), making very real-view scenes in
relative few steps (Cinema4D) or offering all-in-one (form•Z).
Top end systems offer the capabilities to incorporate more organic, aesthetics and
ergonomic features into designs (Catia,GenerativeComponents). Freeform surface
modelling is often combined with solids to allow the designer to create products that
fit the human form and visual requirements as well as they interface with the machine.
[edit] Technology

A CAD model of a mouse.

Originally software for Computer-Aided Design systems was developed with

computer languages such as Fortran, but with the advancement of object-oriented
programming methods this has radically changed. Typical modern parametric feature
based modeler and freeform surface systems are built around a number of
key C modules with their own APIs. A CAD system can be seen as built up from the
interaction of a graphical user interface (GUI) with NURBS geometry
and/or boundary representation(B-rep) data via a geometric modeling kernel. A
geometry constraint engine may also be employed to manage the associative
relationships between geometry, such as wireframe geometry in a sketch or
components in an assembly.
Unexpected capabilities of these associative relationships have led to a new form
of prototyping called digital prototyping. In contrast to physical prototypes, which
entail manufacturing time in the design.
Today, CAD systems exist for all the major platforms
(Windows, Linux, UNIX and Mac OS X); some packages even support multiple
platforms.
Right now, no special hardware is required for most CAD software. However, some
CAD systems can do graphically and computationally expensive tasks, so
good graphics card, high speed (and possibly multiple) CPUs and large amounts
of RAMare recommended.
The human-machine interface is generally via a computer mouse but can also be via a
pen and digitizing graphics tablet. Manipulation of the view of the model on the
screen is also sometimes done with the use of a spacemouse/SpaceBall. Some systems
also support stereoscopic glasses for viewing the 3D model.
[edit] Effects
 The neutrality of this article is disputed. Please see the
discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove this message
until the dispute is resolved. (August 2010)

Beginning in the 1980s Computer-Aided Design programs reduced the need

of draftsmen significantly, especially in small to mid-sized companies. Their
affordability and ability to run on personal computers also allowed engineers to do
their own drafting work, eliminating the need for entire departments. In today's world
most, if not all, students in universities do not learn drafting techniques because they
are not required to do so. The days of mechanical drawings are almost obsolete.
[4]
Universities such as New Jersey Institute of Technology no longer require the use
of protractors and compasses to create mechanical drawings, instead there are several
classes that focus on the use of CAD software such as Pro Engineer or IDEAS-MS.
Another consequence had been that since the latest advances were often quite
expensive, small and even mid-size firms often could not compete against large firms
who could use their computational edge for competitive purposes.[citation needed] Today,
however, hardware and software costs have come down. Even high-end packages
work on less expensive platforms and some even support multiple platforms. The
costs associated with CAD implementation now are more heavily weighted to the
costs of training in the use of these high level tools, the cost of integrating a
CAD/CAM/CAE PLM using enterprise across multi-CAD and multi-platform
environments and the costs of modifying design work flows to exploit the full
advantage of CAD tools. CAD vendors have effectively lowered these training costs.
These methods can be split into three categories:
1. Improved and simplified user interfaces. This includes the
availability of “role” specific tailorable user interfaces through
which commands are presented to users in a form appropriate
to their function and expertise.
2. Enhancements to application software. One such example is
improved design-in-context, through the ability to model/edit a
design component from within the context of a large, even
multi-CAD, active digital mockup.
3. User oriented modeling options. This includes the ability to free
the user from the need to understand the design intent history
of a complex intelligent model.
[edit] See also
Wikiversity has
learning materials
about Computer
 -aided design

• CAD standards
• Comparison of CAD editors for AEC (architecture, engineering
and construction)
• Comparison of CAD editors for CAE (Computer Aided
Engineering)
• Comparison of Free EDA software (Electronic Design
Automation)
• 3D computer graphics software
• Comparison of 3D computer graphics software
• Digital architecture
• Electronic design automation
• ISO 128
• List of CAD companies
• Molecular design software
[edit] References
1. ^ Farin, G.: A History of Curves and Surfaces in CAGD, Handbook of Computer
Aided Geometric Design
2. ^ H. Pottmann, S. Brell-Cokcan, and J. Wallner:Discrete surfaces for architectural
design
3. ^ Gerald Farin :Curves and Surfaces for CAGD: A Practical Guide
4. ^ Stephen J. Mraz:Changes in the Engineering Profession Over 80 Years
This article needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references.
Unsourced material may bechallenged and removed. (May 2009)

[edit] External links

Wikimedia
Commons has
media related
to: Computer
Aided Design
(CAD)
 Look
up computer-
aided
design in Wiktion
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dictionary.

• CAD Digest, Links to thousands of CAD, CAM & CAE articles

collected from all over the Web!
• Computer Aided Geometric Design
• Oral history interview with Carl Machover, Charles Babbage
Institute, University of Minnesota. Machover is a computer
graphics pioneer and president of Machover Associates, a
computer graphics consultancy founded in 1976. Formation of
Information Displays, Inc. (IDI) and creation of stand-alone
computer-aided design (CAD) platform the IDIIOM (IDI Input-
Output Machine). Comments on TV scan versus vector scan,
the relative merits of color and 3D information displays,
potential health problems related to flickering display and
jitter, and the adoption of CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided
Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and ACM's SIGGRAPH
CORE graphics standard in the 1970s.
• upFront.eZine Reporting on CAD software since 1985.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_design"
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