Crystal InterVision Design 2.5 - Quick Start.pdfCrystal InterVision Design (IV.Design) is a web-based multi-user environment for collaborative 3D design. In this environment users

Crystal InterVision Design

Quick Start Guide

Version 2.5.0.3

June 2006

Copyright © 2006 Crystal InterActive Technologies

Crystal InterVision Design – Quick Start Guide

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Content

1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 IV.Design Server Database and Manager ........................................................................................................... 3

1.1.1 Users and permissions ............................................................................................................................. 3 1.1.2 Materials, Utility Groups, Utilities and Pipe Classes .................................................................................. 3 1.1.3 Categories and Objects ............................................................................................................................ 4

1.2 IV.Design web-interface ...................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2.1 Web menu ................................................................................................................................................ 4 1.2.2 3D Window ............................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2.3 Feedback, instruction and snapshot ......................................................................................................... 4

1.3 IV.Design multi-user environment ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.3.1 Communication Tools ............................................................................................................................... 5

1.4 IV.Design 3D design environment ....................................................................................................................... 6 1.4.1 Objects and attributes ............................................................................................................................... 6 1.4.2 Creating a design ..................................................................................................................................... 8 1.4.3 Modifying objects ...................................................................................................................................... 9 1.4.4 Convenience functions ............................................................................................................................. 9 1.4.5 Edit Tools ............................................................................................................................................... 10 1.4.6 Reports .................................................................................................................................................. 10 1.4.7 CAD Drawings ........................................................................................................................................ 11

2 Step-by-step Instructions ......................................................................................................................................... 12 2.1 First logon and first walk ................................................................................................................................... 12

2.1.1 Log on to the webste .............................................................................................................................. 12 2.1.2 Navigate via Navigation Buttons ............................................................................................................. 12 2.1.3 Navigate via keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 13 2.1.4 Navigate via mouse ................................................................................................................................ 13 2.1.5 Navigate via ‘Zoom To’-functions ............................................................................................................ 13 2.1.6 Navigate via web menu ‘Go To Area’ ...................................................................................................... 14 2.1.7 Navigate via web menu ‘Go To Online User’ .......................................................................................... 14 2.1.8 Navigate via Plan View ........................................................................................................................... 14 2.1.9 Navigate via saved camera locations ...................................................................................................... 14 2.1.10 Navigation Settings................................................................................................................................. 15

2.2 Communicating with online users ...................................................................................................................... 16 2.2.1 Chat Window .......................................................................................................................................... 16 2.2.2 Whiteboard ............................................................................................................................................. 16 2.2.3 Laser pointer .......................................................................................................................................... 16

2.3 Create a layout ................................................................................................................................................. 17 2.3.1 Insert an object from the library .............................................................................................................. 17 2.3.2 Changing the location of the object via keyboard and mouse.................................................................. 17 2.3.3 Changing the location of the object via relative positioning ..................................................................... 18 2.3.4 Changing the location of the object using reference grids ....................................................................... 18 2.3.5 Copy and Array Copy ............................................................................................................................. 19

2.4 Multi-user and single user issues ...................................................................................................................... 20 2.4.1 Undo and Redo Changes ....................................................................................................................... 20 2.4.2 Saving changes to server ....................................................................................................................... 20 2.4.3 Switching between single-user mode and multi-user mode ..................................................................... 20


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2.5 Create a connection .......................................................................................................................................... 21 2.5.1 Create a connection on a header point ................................................................................................... 21 2.5.2 Create a connection on a POC ............................................................................................................... 21 2.5.3 Trace the connection .............................................................................................................................. 22 2.5.4 Collision detection .................................................................................................................................. 22 2.5.5 Create a hook-up connection via ‘Auto-Connect’-function ....................................................................... 23 2.5.6 Modifying an existing connection ............................................................................................................ 23 2.5.7 Adding components to connections from 3D library ................................................................................ 24 2.5.8 Adding components to connections using parametric objects ................................................................. 25

3 Short-cut keys .......................................................................................................................................................... 26


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1 Overview

Crystal InterVision Design (IV.Design) is a web-based multi-user environment for collaborative 3D design. In this

environment users can create a 3D design by integrating intelligent 3D objects from a central library. The 3D design is

automatically stored on a central server, including backups. Further, the 3D design is distributed to all online users,

allowing immediate review of the current design by all online users. From the 3D design reports and CAD drawings can be

generated.

The following chapters give a brief introduction on the main aspects of IV.Design. Detailed step-by-step explanations on

the main functions are given in section 2.

1.1 IV.Design Server Database and Manager

The IV.Design server database contains all required user and design data for a certain project. It is the central source of

information for the 3D design process. The content can be managed via the web-based application ‘IV.Design Manager’.

This manager has the following main sections:

1.1.1 Users and permissions

Access to the IV.Design multi-user environment is controlled via user accounts (username and password). Design

permissons can be granted to users via the Authorities Manager in order to control design modifications.

The following design permissions can be set::

• Project permissions

Grant or deny access to a project

• Area permissions

Grant or deny access to certain areas in the 3D environment.

• Utility Permissions

Grant or deny permissions to modify objects related to certain utilities in the 3D environment.

• Category Permissions

Grant or deny permissions to use objects from certain categories in the 3D environment.

• Expert Permissions

Grant or deny permissions to use certain ‘expert’ functions in the 3D environment.

1.1.2 Materials, Utility Groups, Utilities and Pipe Classes

This section contains information about utilities, materials and pipe classes for

this project.


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1.1.3 Categories and Objects

This section contains information about the 3D objects. Categories are used to

organize the 3D object library.

1.2 IV.Design web-interface

The interface of IV.Design consists of three main sections:

1.2.1 Web menu

The web menu shows information about the current location of a user in the 3D environment

(Location, Plan View) and online users. It also contains several functions for multi-user

communication (chat, whiteboard) and for controlling camera locations in the 3D environment (Go

To, Plan View-click).

1.2.2 3D Window

The 3D window shows the 3D design environment. A user can navigate through the

3D environment (1) by using the arrow keys on the keyboard, (2) via the mouse or (3)

via navigation buttons in the bottom of the screen. By clicking on objects in the 3D

envirnoment, a 3D design can be created using various design functions.

1.2.3 Feedback, instruction and snapshot

Via the Feedback-line below the 3D view, information is given to the user during 3D design operations.

Via the ‘Instructions’-button on the right-hand side of the Feedback-line, brief user-instructions will be shown.

Via the ‘Camera’-button, a snapshot image of the 3D environment can be saved to file.


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1.3 IV.Design multi-user environment

1.3.1 Communication Tools

IV.Design offers the following tools for communication between online users:

• 3D appearance

Via the 3D puppet menu, you can decide how you wish to appear to other online users by selecting a puppet or ‘avatar’.

• Chat

Via the Chat Window, text messages can be sent to online users. A user can block certain users from receiving the

messages.

• Whiteboard

A whiteboard can be activated to share documents with other users, incl. red-lining and annotations.

• Laserpointer

To indicate a specific location in the 3D environment, a laserpointer can be activated.

• Guidance

The ‘Guidance’ function allows a user to see through another user’s eyes, i.e. the user is being guided by another user.

• Single-user and multi-user mode

IV.Design can be used in single-user mode and multi-user mode. In multi-user mode design changes are saved

immediately to a central server and are distributed immediatelly to all online users. In single-user mode, design changes

are kept on the local computer until the user decides to save the changes to the central server.


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1.4 IV.Design 3D design environment

1.4.1 Objects and attributes

IV.Design uses three types of 3D objects: intelligent library objects, connections and base model objects.

� Intelligent 3D library objects

These 3D objects are created in the Crystal InterVision Library Editor and stored on a

central server. Beside a 3D geometry, these objects have intelligent attributes which

are used to optimize, enhance and control design decisions.

These attributes are:

• Object Name, Display Name and Object Tag

A library object is identified via a unique object name (i.e. item code, part number).

Optionally, a display name can be assigned to an object (i.e. alias). Once a library

object has been added to the 3D design, an object tag can be assigned to this instance

of the object via which this instance can be uniquely identified.

Example: name = “CMB212567”, display name = “Chem. Manifold Box Type 123”,

instance name = “D1D.L1A1.CMB003”.

• Pivot

A library object always has a pivot (i.e. ‘insertion point’). It is the main rerefence point for positioning and is the point of

rotation when rotating the object in the 3D design.

• Blockings

Blockings are 3D volumes assigned to a library object in which routings are not allowed.


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• POCs

Any number of POCs (i.e. points of connection, points of use) can be assigned to library objects, and are used to create

routings. POCs are identified by a set of attributes, such as diameter, utility, material, consumption, etc.

• Special attributes

Library objects of process equipment can have special attributes, such as clearances, EB-point (equipment boundary

point) and OHV-point (overhear vehicle point). Clearances are 3D volumes similar to blockings, and are used to give a

visual indication of designated spaces. EB-points are used to indicate certain locations on the body of an object. OHV-

points are used to align an object with an OHV-track.

(clearances)

� Hook-up and facility connections

Connections (i.e. routings, cable trays, busbars, etc) can be added to the 3D design by manually tracing the 3D route. A

connection is identified via attributes like diameter, utility, material, pipe class, etc.. Additionally, components (reducers,

tees, valves, take-offs, etc) can be added to the routing.

� Base model objects (architectural model)

These objects are ‘static’ objects. They cannot be modified. Typically, base model objects are concrete walls, concrete

floors, concrete columns, etc. Base model objects do not have any attributes.


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1.4.2 Creating a design

Objects can be added to the design in several ways:

• Insert from Library

Via menu function ‘Insert’ 3D objects can be added to the design from the central library. If applicable, objects are

automatically connected to other objects using the object’s intelligent attributes.

• Connections on POCs

Via menu function ‘Create’ new connections can be created on POCs of 3D objects. The dimension, material, utility, etc of

the new connection are obtained from the POC’s intelligent attributes.

• Automatic routings

Hook-up connections can be routed automatically via so called ‘auto-connect’ functions, using integrated space

management rules.

• Connections on header points

In case a connection needs to be added without using a POC, a header point can be added to the design. This ‘pseudo-

POC’ is used to create a new connection in the same way as creating a new connection on a POC.


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1.4.3 Modifying objects

Objects can be modified in several ways:

• Manual edit

Objects and connections be can be moved through the 3D environment via keyboard-keys and mouse-clicks.

• Relative positions

Objects and connections can be positioned by specifying their XYZ-position relative to another object or reference grid.

• Column grids

An object can be snapped to column grids (i.e. system lines). The object-pivot is used as reference point.

1.4.4 Convenience functions

For optimal design sessions, the following convenience functions are available:

• Selections

Objects can be selected by mouse-click or based on their attributes (e.g. ‘select all connections with diameter=25mm’) or

by specifying a 3D area (i.e. all objects inside a 3D area are selected). The selected objects can be treated as single

object (e.g. ‘delete selected objects’).

• Show and Hide

To improve design overview, objects can be shown and hidden by mouse-click or based on their attributes (e.g. ‘hide all

floor tiles’).

• Solo View

Objects can be displayed in a special view called ‘Solo View’, useful to analyze object(s).

• Zoom To

A user can jump to a specific location in the 3D design via ‘Zoom To’ functions. For example, ‘zoom to object XYZ’, ‘zoom

to POC 12 of tool X’, ‘zoom to end of connection’, etc.

• Saved camera locations

For fast navigation to and from certain positions in the 3D environment, camera locations can be saved and restored.


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• Color mode ‘realistic’ and ‘abstract’

Connections can be displayed in realistic colors (showing for example real ‘steel’ material) or abstract colors (showing

‘CAD-colors’).

1.4.5 Edit Tools

IV.Design offers several tools to analyze and support 3D design operations.

• Space management

A space management model with rules is added to the 3D environment to allow optimized routings.

• Collision Check

To obtain immediate feedback on invalid design decisions, collisions are reported in real-time during design operations.

• Distance measuring and absolute position retrieval

Distances between objects and absolute positions can be measured via mouse-clicks in the 3D environment.

• Grids

Multiple grids can be added to the 3D environment for reference, object alignment and relative positioning.

• Undo and Redo

When IV.Design is in single-user mode (i.e. changes are not saved to the central server), design changes can be undone

and redone via key Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+Y.

1.4.6 Reports

IV.Design offers several report functions.

• Bill of material

A bill of material of a facility system or tool configuration (hook-up) can be generated from the 3D design.


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• POC Data sheet

A POC data sheet of a tool configuration can be generated from the 3D design. The POC data sheet contains a list of

(connected) POCs and their attributes (e.g. name, material, utility, etc).

• Flow analysis

A flow analysis report of a tool configuration can be generated from the 3D design, showing consumption/capacity data in

an interactive HTML document.

• Conflict report

Via the ‘System Check’ button in the top-left corner of the 3D view, the current 3D design can be analyzed for design

conflicts. These conflicts can be collisions, pipe tolerance conflicts, mismatches between diameter and/or utilities, etc.

1.4.7 CAD Drawings

The 3D design can be imported into AutoCAD in order to generate 2D and 3D CAD drawings. The following CAD drawings

can be generated:

• layout plans • schematics (P&IDs) • equipment templates

• routing plans • isometric drawings • drawing lists

• sections • 3D routing drawings • data sheets


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2 Step-by-step Instructions

The following chapters show step-by-step instructions for commonly used IV.Design-functions.

2.1 First logon and first walk

This chapter explains how to log on, select a 3D appearance and navigate through the 3D environment.

2.1.1 Log on to the webste

• Start the IV.Design website.

• Log on using the provided username and password. Note that username and password are case-sensitive.

Note: via button ‘Change Password’ you can modify your password.

• In case this is a 1st time logon, all required data and software will be installed on your computer.

Note that you might need additional Windows-user permissions to install certain software components. Contact your

administrator in case the 1st logon fails and try the 1st time logon again as ‘Administrator’. Subsequent logons can be

done without Administrator rights.

• Once all required data has been downloaded and installed, the ‘puppet menu’ is displayed. Select your 3D

appearance by clicking with left-mouse button on the 3D arrows next to the 3D puppet. Click button ‘Click Here..’ to

continue.

• Next you will enter the 3D environment. At the same time, the 3D design will start downloading from the central

IV.Design server. This is indicated via the line ‘Receiving data from server’ in the bottom of the 3D view.

2.1.2 Navigate via Navigation Buttons

• Press the navigation buttons to change the camera location.

•

Hint: after pressing button ‘Look Up’ or ‘Look Down’, you can reset the camera angle back to horizontal via short click

on one of these two buttons.


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2.1.3 Navigate via keyboard

• Press up-arrow key on keyboard to walk forward. Press down-arrow key to walk

backward. Hold Shift-key while pressing the arrow keys to move vertically up/down.

Hold Ctrl-key to look up/down.

• Press left- and right-arrow key to look left/right. Hold Shift-key while pressing the

arrow keys to strafe horizontally left/right.

• Press Page-Up and Page-Down key to move vertically up/down.

• Give a short hit on Shift-key to reset camera-height to normal. Give a short hit on

Ctrl-key to reset camera angle to horizontal.

Hint: in case there is no response when pressing the keys, click once with the left mouse button in the 3D view to set the

keyboard-focus to the 3D window, and try keys again.

2.1.4 Navigate via mouse

• Click once with the right mouse button somewhere in the center of the 3D view.

• Move the mouse over the 3D window (without clicking). The camera position and

rotation change depending on the location of the mouse-cursor relative to the small

red cross shown in the 3D view. The bigger the distance between the red cross and

mouse cursor, the faster the camera will move/rotate.

• To stop moving, click once again with right mouse button.

Hint: for optimal mouse navigation, right-click in the middle of the 3D view.

2.1.5 Navigate via ‘Zoom To’-functions

IV.Design offers several ‘Zoom To’-functions for quick navigation to points of interest.

Zoom to tool

• Double-click a configuration.

• Select menu ‘View - Zoom To - <name of configuration> - <name of tool>. The camera will be located near the pivot

of the selected tool.

Zoom to POC

• Double-click a tool with POCs.

• Select menu ‘View - Zoom To – POCs (mechanical) or (electrical) - <name of POC>’. The camera will be located

near the selected POC.

Note that this Zoom To-menu also contains POC information (i.e. POC number, name, utility,diameter and status

(connected or free)).

Zoom to tagged object

Via this function you can navigate towards objects which have a ‘Object Tag’ (assigned via function ‘Edit – Properties –

Object Tag’).

• Double-click anywhere in the 3D environment.

• Select menu ‘View – Zoom To – Objects(tagged)’.

• Select the object tag from the list in the pop-up window.

• Choose ‘accept’. The camera will be located near the pivot of the specified tagged object.


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Zoom to tagged POC

Via this function you can navigate towards POCs which have a ‘POC Tag’ (assigned via function ‘Edit – Properties –

Tagging code’).


• Select menu ‘View – Zoom To – POCs (tagged)’.

• Select the POC tag from the list in the pop-up window.

• Choose ‘accept’. The camera will be located near the specified tagged POC.

Zoom to start or end of a connection

Via this function you can navigate towards the start or end of a connection.

• Double-click a connection.

• Select menu ‘View – Zoom To – Start|End of this connection’. The camera will be located near the start or end of the

selected connection.

2.1.6 Navigate via web menu ‘Go To Area’

• Select a building, level and area in web menu section ‘Go To’ .

• Press button ‘Go To’. The camera will be located in the specified area.

2.1.7 Navigate via web menu ‘Go To Online User’

• Select a user in web menu ‘Online Users’.

• Press button ‘GoTo’. The camera will be set at the current location of the

specified online user.

2.1.8 Navigate via Plan View

• Click once with the left mouse button in the colored area of the web menu

‘Plan View’. The camera will be set at the location where you clicked.

Note: in case the camera location does not change after the click, this means

you are not allowed at the specified location.

2.1.9 Navigate via saved camera locations

Camera locations can be saved and restored for quick navigation to and from certain locations.

• Navigate to the location that has to be saved.

• Press key Ctrl+’1’ to save the current camera location.

• Walk away from the current location, and press key ‘1’: the camera is put back at the saved location .

Notes: You can save in total 5 camera locations using keys (Ctrl+) 1 to 5. Saved camera locations are lost at log off.


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2.1.10 Navigation Settings

Modify navigation settings via keyboard

• To increase walking speed, press key ‘=’ or ‘+’. Each key-press will increase the walk speed.

• To decrease walking speed, press key ‘-‘ (minus).

• To increase or decrease the rotation speed (turn speed) of the camera, hold key ‘Ctrl’ and press key ‘-‘ or ‘=’/’+’.

Modify navigation settings via ‘Settings’ menu

• Double-click with left mouse button anywhere in the 3D environment.

• Select menu ‘Settings – Navigation’.

• Change the settings shown in the pop-up window.

• The setting ‘Walk Constraints’ will enable or disable floor collision

checking. In case ‘Walk Constraints’ is enabled, you will not be able to

walk through columns, walls and floors.

Note: make sure your Internet browser allows pop-ups for the IV.Design

website. Otherwise the pop-up window will be blocked (check for Internet

Explorer message bar in case no pop-up window appears).


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2.2 Communicating with online users

This chapter explains how to communicate with other online users.

2.2.1 Chat Window

• Open web menu section ‘Chatting’.

• Press button ‘Open Chat Window’.

• Type chat message in the input line and press key ‘Enter’ to send the message.

• Uncheck users in the right-hand side list to block users from receiving the message.

2.2.2 Whiteboard

Create a new whiteboard

• Open web menu ‘Whiteboard’. In case you are the first person to make a whiteboard,

an empty sheet is displayed in 3D view. Otherwise you will see the whiteboard created

by another user.

• Select a pen color, pen size and draw mode (i.e. sketch, draw, text) in the web menu

‘Whiteboard’.

• Press the left mouse button to create graphics on the whiteboard. The graphics will be

sent to other online users.

• Use button ‘Clear’ to remove all graphics from the whiteboard.

Show a document on the whiteboard

• Open the document that you want to share with other online users.

• Zoom in on the area of interest of this document .

• Click once with the right mouse button on the whiteboard.

• Select the opened document from the list. A screenshot is made from the selected document, placed on the

whiteboard and sent to online users.

Close the whiteboard

• Click on the title bar of web menu ‘Whiteboard’ or open another web menu section, such as ‘Online Users’. The

whiteboard will be hidden, but the graphics will not be cleared.

2.2.3 Laser pointer

• Select button ‘Laser On’ in the bottom-right corner of 3D view. A red line (laser) is shown in

the 3D view.

• Keep the left mouse button pressed for 1 second on the location at which the laser has to

point. A brief indicator is shown at the specified point.

• All other online users will see your laser pointer pointing towards the specified point of interest.


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2.3 Create a layout

This chapter explains how to insert objects from the 3D library into the 3D environment and how to modify the location of

the object.

2.3.1 Insert an object from the library

• Double-click with the left mouse button at the location where the

object has to be inserted.

• Select menu option ‘Insert – Library Object’.

• In the pop-up window, browse through the library categories.

• Alternatively, use the ‘find’ option in the top-left corner of the pop-

up window to find the object or category via its name. Type a part

of the name or the full name in the ‘find’ input field.

• Double-click the image of the object that you want to insert.

• Now the object will be inserted into the design. The pivot of the

object will be located at the position where you double-clicked.

2.3.2 Changing the location of the object via

keyboard and mouse

• In case the object is not flashing in blue, double-click on the

object and select menu ‘Edit – Move and Rotate – Manual’. The

object will start flashing. The red/green/blue axis on the object indicates the location of the pivot.

• Use keys ‘a’ and ’z’ to move the object away for the camera. Hold key ‘Shift’ to

move the object up or down. Hold key ‘Ctrl’ to reduce the step distance to one

unit (1mm in metric environments, 1/16” in imperial environments).

• Use keys ‘s’ and ‘d’ to move the object towards left and right. Hold key ‘Ctrl’ to

reduce the step distance to one unit.

• Use key ‘Enter’ to rotate the object around its pivot. Hold key ‘Ctrl’ to reduce the

angle offset to 15 degrees. Hold key ‘Shift’ to inverse the rotation direction.

• Hold Shift-key pressed and click once with left mouse button to move the object to the specified point.

• Press key ‘Esc’ to stop moving the object.

Hint:press key ‘L’ to display POC labels.

Column grids and distance labels

• When an object is flashing blue, a red and a blue grid are shown. The blue

grid indicates the column grid. The red grid is fixed to the pivot and moves with

the object. The red grid can be used as a visual aid to align the object’s pivot

with the blue grid.

• The distance labels show the absolute XYZ position of the pivot and the

current distances to the nearest column grid lines. These can be used to

position the object.

• Press key ‘g’ to snap the pivot to the nearest column grid. Hold key ‘Shift’ to snap also vertically.


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Modify Step Size and Angle Snap

You can modify the step distance when pressing ‘a’, ‘z’, ‘s’ or ‘d’ via the pop-up window shown via menu ‘Settings – Edit

Options’. The angle offset (Angle Snap) used when pressing ‘Enter’ can also be modified in this window.

2.3.3 Changing the location of the object via relat ive positioning

• Double-click the object at location that will be used as a 1st reference

point for relative positioning.

• Choose menu ‘Edit – Move and Rotate – Relative Position’. A green

cross will be shown at the specified click-position for reference (1st

reference point).

• Select a 2nd reference point by clicking once on another object.

• Specify the Offset Mode in the pop-up window.

• Specify the relative distance (Offset) between the two reference points,

and press ‘accept’.

Offset Modes

The following offset modes can be selected (depending on the objects selected via 1st and 2nd reference point): ‘Pickpoint’

(i.e. reference point), ‘Pivot’, ‘Center’ (center of pipe, for connections only), ‘Skin’ (outside skin, for connections only).

2.3.4 Changing the location of the object using ref erence grids

• Double-click on a surface where you want to create a

reference grid.

• Select menu ‘Tools – Grid – Create on Skin (<xyz>)’. A grid

is created on the specified surface.

• Create additional grids if required..

• Double-click the object you want to move

• Select menu ‘Edit – Move and Rotate – Manual’. The object

starts flashing. In the bottom of the 3D view a text label

appears, showing the current distance between the pivot

and the reference grid.

• Click the text label in the bottom of the 3D view.

• In the pop-up window, specify the exact distance between the pivot and the grid.


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2.3.5 Copy and Array Copy

You can create a single (‘Copy’) and multiple copies (‘Array Copy’) of any object.

Single copy

• Double-click the object you want to copy

• Select menu ‘Edit - Copy’. A copy of the object is made at exact same location as the original object. Use keys

‘a’,z’,’s’,’d’ and ‘Enter’ to move the copies object.

Multiple Copies

• Double-click the object you want to copy.

• Select menu ‘Edit – Array Copy’.

• In pop-up window, specify the offset distances and number of objects.

Example: ‘Offset X’ = -10’ means that the copy direction is towards the

negative X-axis. ‘Objects in X’ = 3 means that along the X-axis a total of 3

object will exist, including the original object (i.e. 2 copies will be made).

• Press ‘accept’. The copies will be made.


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2.4 Multi-user and single user issues

2.4.1 Undo and Redo Changes

At start-up, IV.Design is operating in single-user mode. This means that the changes in the 3D design are not sent to other

online users and are not saved to the central server. In this mode, you can undo all your changes since your last save.

Undo change by change

• Press key ‘Esc’ to make sure all edit functions have been stopped.

• Press ‘Ctrl+Z’ to undo the last change.

• Press ‘Ctrl-Y’ to redo the last undone change.

Undo all changes since last save

• Press key ‘Esc’ to make sure all edit functions have been stopped.


• Select menu ‘Undo/Save – Undo Changes’ or ‘Edit – Undo/Save – Undo Changes’. Note that you will not be able to

redo your changes after this operation!

2.4.2 Saving changes to server

When operating in single-user mode, you will be able to save your changes to the central server, and to send your

changes to other online users.


• Select menu ‘Undo/Save – Save Changes to Server’ or ‘Edit – Undo/Save – Save Changes’. Note that you will not be

able to undo your changes after this operation!

2.4.3 Switching between single-user mode and multi- user mode

Enable multi-user mode


• Select menu ‘Settings – Single-user – Stop single-user mode’.

• After this step, all your design changes will be saved to the central server and will be sent to other online users. In

this mode you will not be able to undo and redo your changes, and your changes will not be sent to other online

users.

Enable single-user mode


• Select menu ‘Settings – Single-user – Start single-user mode’.

• After this step, all your design changes will not be saved to the central server and will not be sent to other online

users. In this mode you can undo and redo your changes.


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2.5 Create a connection

This chapter explains how to create and modify connections for facilities (distribution) and hook-up.

2.5.1 Create a connection on a header point

A header point is a pseudo-POC on which a connection (header, cable ladder, busbar, etc) can be created.

Create the pipe

• Double-click at location where you want to add a header point.

• Select menu ‘Insert – Header Point’. The header point is inserted at the

specified location.

• Adjust the location of the header point via keys ‘a’,’z’,’s’,’d’, via relative

position or using reference grids as explained in 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.3.4.

The pivot (i.e. center) of the header point will be used as the centerline of

the new connection.

• Press key ‘ESC’ to stop the Move function.

• Double-click the header point.

• Select menu ‘Create – Pipe’. An initial pipe is created with default

attributes. A pop-up window is displayed with the pipe’s attributes.

• Modify the pipe’s attributes and press ‘accept’ to close the pop-up

window. An initial pipe is created with a 3D axis, indicating that the

‘Trace’-function is active (see 2.5.3).

Notes:

- The attribute ‘Minimum distance’ is used for collision detection. It specifies

the minimum free space around a connection.

- In case the attribute modifications are not processed, check the feedback

line for information about the rejection. Reasons of rejection can be invalid

values, utility/diameter conflicts or collisions. In case of collision, disable

collision and repeat the same operation.

- Header points are temporary design aids and are not saved to server

2.5.2 Create a connection on a POC

• Insert an library object with POCs as explained in 2.3.1

• Double-click the free POC (for hook-up connections, select a POC with a green

line, a so called start-POC’)

• Select menu ‘Create – Pipe’ (for facility connections), or

• Select menu ‘Create – Hook-up – Manual’ (for hook-up connections)

• In case the POC does not have all required attributes, a pop-up window is diplayed with the pipe’s attributes. Modify

the required attributes in this window. An initial pipe is created with a 3D axis, indicating that the ‘Trace’-function is

active (see 2.5.3)


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2.5.3 Trace the connection

• In case the pipe does not have a blue arrow at its end, start the Trace-function by

double-clicking on the end of the pipe and selecting menu ‘Edit – Trace’. A 3D axis

is placed at the end of the specified pipe.

• Press ‘Enter’ in case you want to change the orientation of the initial pipe segment.

• Press key ‘a’ to increase the length of the pipe by ‘Step Size’. Hold key ‘Ctrl’ to

reduce step distance to one unit (1mm in metric environments, 1/16” in imperial

environments).

• Press key ‘z’ to shorten the pipe by ‘Step Size’. Hold key ‘Ctrl’ to reduce step distance

to one unit.

• Press key ‘Enter’ to add a 90 degrees elbow. Press ‘Enter’ multiple times to cycle

through available elbow directions.

• Press key Shift+’z’ to remove the last segment/elbow.

Note: In case you have a single segment, Shift+’z’ will reduce this segment to a length of approx. 1D (diameter),

being the so called ‘minimum segment length’. In this situation, the Enter-key will not add an elbow but will rotate the

pipe. To add an elbow instead, first increase the length of the segment via ‘a’ and press ‘Enter’.

• Hold key ‘Shift’ and click once with left mouse button to extend the pipe until the specified point (i.e. extend until the

plane through the specified point). In case the selected point is a POC whose attributes match with the connection,

IV.Design will calculate an optimal routing between the current end point of the connection and the selected POC,

and will ‘fix’ the connection to this POC. The routing calculation does not take in account collisions or space-

management rules (see also 2.5.5).

Changing the angle of the last elbow

• Start the Trace-function by double-clicking on the end of the pipe and selecting menu

‘Edit – Trace’.

• Hold key ‘Shift’ and press key ‘Enter’. The elbow angle increases with 15 degrees. Press

‘Enter’ multiple times to cycle through available elbow angles.

Changing the rotation of the last elbow

• Start the Trace-function by double-clicking on the end of the pipe and selecting menu

‘Edit – Trace’.

• Hold key ‘Ctrl’ and press key ‘Enter’. The elbow is rotated with 15 degrees along the pipe

center line. Press ‘Enter’ multiple times to cycle through available elbow rotations.

2.5.4 Collision detection

By default, collision detection is active during edit operations.

• You can toggle collision detection on and off via key ‘c’ or via menu ‘Settings – Edit Options’.

• You can visually display the minumum distance of a pipe by double-clicking the pipe and selecting menu ‘View –

Show and Hide – Show Minimum Distance’.

• You can display the collision blockings via key ‘b’ or via menu ‘Settings – Display’.


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2.5.5 Create a hook-up connection via ‘Auto-Connect ’-function

Via the function ‘Auto-Connect’ IV.Design will calculate an optimal routing between two POCs. This routing is a suggested

routing and can always be modified by the user.

• Double-click a free start-POC on a tool

• Select menu ‘Create – Hook-up – Auto-Connect’. IV.Design will start calculating the optimal routing and will create a

connection if a routing has been found.

Hint: in case no routing can be found you can start

another auto-connect without collision detection (see

2.5.4). This claculation method does take in account

space-management rules.

Space-management rules

The function ‘Auto-connect’ makes use of a space-

management model that is added to the 3D environment. This

model and its rules can be displayed via the button in the top-

right corner of the 3D view.

2.5.6 Modifying an existing connection

Move a segment

• Doucle-click the segment that has to be moved

• Select menu ‘Edit - Move - Segment – Manual’. A 3D axis is placed in the middle of

the specified segment.

• Press key ‘Enter’ to specify the move direction.

• Press keys ‘a’ and ’z’ to move the segment in the specified direction. Hold key ‘Ctrl’ to

reduce the step distance to one unit.

Hint: to move another segment, simply click once on another segment during the Move-function..

Note: IV.Design adjusts the location of the segment such that a valid elbow can be made. This can result in larger

move-steps than the default step distance. To disable this elbow check, uncheck option ‘Elbow Check’ in menu

‘Settings – Edit Options’.

Move an elbow

• Double-click on the elbow that has to be moved

• Select function ‘Edit – Move – Manual. A 3D

axis is placed at the pivot of the specified

elbow.

• Press key ‘Enter’ to specify the move direction.


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• Press keys ‘a’ and ’z’ to move the elbow in the specified direction. Hold key ‘Ctrl’ to reduce the step distance to one

unit.

Hint: the current elbow angle is displated in the feedback line

Changing the rotation of a rectangular segment

• Create a rectangular ‘pipe’ (e.g. a cable ladder)

as explained in 2.5.1

• Press key ‘Tab’ to modify the rotation of the

segment

Changing the rotation of an existing segment

• Double-click on the segment that must be rotated

• Select menu ‘Edit – Move - Segment – Manual’. A 3D axis is placed in the middle of the specified segment.

• Press key ‘Tab’ to modify the rotation of the segment.

Changing location of connection using relative positioning and reference grids

Locations of segment and elbows can be specified using relative positioning and reference grids as explained in 2.3.3 and

2.3.4.

2.5.7 Adding components to connections from 3D libr ary

Double-click the connection to which you want to add a component

• Select menu ‘Insert – Library Object’

• On question ‘Use Object Filter’, say Yes in case you want to see only

objects whose attributes (diameter, material, utility) match with the

attributes of the selected connection

• Choose the component from the library. The component is added to

the connection

• Press keys ‘a’,’z’,’s’,’d’ and ‘Enter’ to move the component. Use

Shift+a/z to move the component vertically. Hold key ‘Ctrl’ to reduce

step distance to one unit. Hold key ‘Shift’ and/or ‘Ctrl’ when pressing

‘Enter’ to change the rotation axis.

Note: change rotation angle via menu ‘Settings – Edit Options’.

Repair boxes

So called ‘Repair boxes’ are shown as red, green transparent boxes

when there is a problem with the link between the connection and the

POC of an object. The problems can vary from an opening between the

POC and connection to incorrect connection angle. By clicking on the

repair box, you can select a ‘Repair’-function to fix the problem.

There are various available Repair-functions, depending on the type of

problem. In general terms, a problem can be repaired in the following

ways:


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- by moving the object (and its POCs) towards the connection

- by moving the connection towards the POC

- by re-routing the connection towards the POC

- by removing the link between the connection and the POC

Note: yellow repair boxes do not have Repair-functions. They indicate that the POC is ‘open’ (nothing is connected to this

POC).

To repair a problem, do this:

• Double-click on the red or green Repair Box

• Select menu ‘Edit – Repair’ and choose a suggested Repair-function. After this IV.Design will attempt to fix the

problem using the specified Repair-function. In case nothing changes, the selected Repair-function was not possible.

Try another Repair-function in that case.

2.5.8 Adding components to connections using parame tric objects

IV.Design offers several parametric objects, whose dimensions can be specified by the user via parameters. The resulting

3D object can be edited in the same manner as normal 3D objects from the central library. The following parametric

objects are available:

- Elbows

- T-Pieces

- Reducers

- Adapters

- End Caps

To insert a parametric object, do this:

• Double-click the connection to which you want to add a component

• Select menu ‘Insert – Elbow’,’T-Piece’, etc

• In pop-up window, specify the parameters of the object. The resulting

object can be moved and rotated in same manner as library objects.


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3 Short-cut keys

Short-cut keys allow you to set certain environment parameters without activating the menu shown via double-click.

The most commonly used short-cut keys are:

Navigation:

- and = or + Decrease/increase walking speed

Ctrl plus - and = or + Decrease/increase camera rotation speed

Shift-hit (short hit on ‘Shift-key’) Reset eye level to default level (=1.68m above floor)

Ctrl-hit Reset camera rotation to horizontal

Save and restore viewpoints:

Ctrl+1 and 1 Save (ctrl+1) and restore (1) current camera location

Five camera locations can be saved via keys 1 to 5

Collision check:

C Switch collision check on/off

Display:

L Show/hide POC labels

R Display connections in realistic/abstract colors

7 and 0 Decrease/Increase active view range

8 and 9 Decrease/increase load ratio per frame

T Activate top view

F Activate front view

E Activate left view

Documents

Crystal InterVision Design 2.5 - Quick Start.pdfCrystal InterVision Design (IV.Design) is a web-based multi-user environment for collaborative 3D design. In this environment users