Collaborative 3d modeling system

Abstract

A collaborative 3D modeling system, comprising a computer processing unit, a digital memory, and an electronic display, the computer processing unit and the digital memory configured to provide 3D model representations of a first plurality of versions of an object component for a first user, the versions being selectable along a first axis, and using the electronic display, provide a plurality of user identifications which are selectable along a second axis, wherein selecting a subsequent user causes a second plurality of said versions of said object component to be displayed on the electronic display.

1 . A 3D modeling system, comprising:
 a) a computer processing unit;   b) a digital memory; and   c) an electronic display, the computer processing unit and the digital memory configured to:   d) using the electronic display, provide 3D model representations of a first plurality of versions of an object component for a first user, the versions being selectable along a first axis; and   e) using the electronic display, provide a plurality of user identifications which are selectable along a second axis, wherein selecting a subsequent user causes a second plurality of said versions of said object component to be displayed on the electronic display.   
     
     
         2 . The 3D modeling system of  claim 1 , wherein the first axis and the second axis intersect. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second axis are orthogonal. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computer processing unit and digital memory are further configured to display a plurality of components belonging to a first component category when the user selects a component belonging to the first category on a model being displayed. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computer processing unit and digital memory are further configured to display a working object model and an interface menu comprising a plurality of separate object models, receive a user selection of one of the object models, display a plurality of component designs corresponding to the selected object model, and insert one of said component designs into the working object model based on user selection of the component. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the computer processing unit and digital memory are further configured to allow the user to modify the selected component after insertion into the working object model. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computer processing unit and digital memory are further configured to display a working object model and an interface menu comprising a plurality of separate object models, receive a user selection of one of the object models, display a plurality of component designs corresponding to the selected object model, and replace a component in the working model with one of said component designs based on user selection of the component. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the computer processing unit and digital memory are further configured to allow the user to modify the selected component after said replacement. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computer processing unit and digital memory are further configured to annotate a working object model with information entered by a user.