Filtering a Structure Using a Volume Query

You can filter the objects in a structure in a validated volume (box, sphere, proximity) using a volume query. You can only create one Volume criterion per filter specification, even if you combine several volumes in one specification. You can use a multispecification filter to create several Volume criteria.

Notes:

Before you begin:

Select the object to which you want to apply a volume query.

Depending on how your app has implemented filtering by volume, do one of the following:

  • Activate advanced filtering, then click Volume. For more information, see User Interface: Filter Commands.
  • In the Tools section of the action bar, click Volume Query.
The Volume Query dialog box appears.
Tip: You can dock the dialog box to any docking area: right, left, top, or bottom.

  1. Move the cursor around the volume.
    Arrows appear to indicate the handles used to resize the volume.
  2. In the dialog box, select a shape type:
    Shape TypeDescription
    Box Box bounding volume
    Sphere Sphere bounding volume
    Proximity Proximity to selected object
    Tip: The Proximity option also works with the selection of an assembly node. Multiassembly node input is not supported. In 3D Navigate, you can use the level selector to select one.
    Space Space bounding volume
    Note: A Space Reference must already be present in your session.
  3. Drag one of the handles to resize the volume.
    The volume is resized accordingly.
  4. In the dialog box, select an intersection mode:
    Intersection ModeDescription
    Fully in Elements that are fully inside the volume.
    Partly in Elements that intersect the volume and elements that are fully inside the volume.
    Across Elements that intersect the volume.
    Partly out Elements that intersect the volume and elements that are fully outside the volume.
    Fully out Elements that are fully outside the volume.
  5. In the Shape Parameters section, modify the parameters according to your needs:

    • Box: Min and Max positions
    • Sphere: Center and Radius
    • Proximity: Offset distance between the selected part and its bounding volume (initially the Starting Object)
      Note: The Starting Object indicates the object that you selected for the proximity query. You can clear it at any time to select a different object.

  6. To add the volume to a filter as criteria, do the following:
    1. Click Advanced Filter Options to expand the section.
    2. Select Add as a New Volume.
    3. Click Update Filter.
      The volume query is added to the filter as criteria.
  7. To update the existing volume criteria in a filter, do the following:
    1. Select the volume criteria in the filter specification pane.
    2. In the Volume Query dialog box, edit the volume.
    3. Select Update Volume.
    4. Click Update Filter.
    The volume is updated in the filter criteria.
  8. When you are satisfied with the definition of the volume criteria, do one of the following:
    • If you are defining a Volume Query, click OK. The selected components are displayed and the product structure is expanded along the branches corresponding to the selected components.
    • If you are defining a Volume filter as part of an advanced filter, click Select. The volume criteria are added to your filter specification.

Note: The following parameters persist the next time you run the Volume Query command during the same session. However, they do not persist after a browser refresh or between different instances of the app:
  • The last shape used for the volume type is the default.
  • The dialog box is docked at the same location at which you left it.