Overview |
When AutoCAD drawings need to be translated into different languages, conventional methods are slow, expensive, inconsistent, and prone to error. CAD-Trans can produce translations of AutoCAD drawings, rapidly and efficiently. |
Conventional translation |
1. Open each drawing using AutoCAD. 2. Search for text elements, using pan, zoom. 3. Manually select and edit each TEXT and MTEXT entity. 4. Save the translated file. |
Problems: |
Each translator must be proficient in
AutoCAD. Text can be difficult to find on complex drawings, easily overlooked. Complications with BLOCK entities containing variable ATTRIBUTES. Possible shortage of project-qualified translators. Reassignment can cause delays in other projects. Different translators will use inconsistent terminology, styles. |
CAD-Trans objectives: |
Allow the translator to concentrate on the
text.
Let the machine handle repetitive tasks such as searching, pan/zoom, text replacement, and file handling. Use translation memory is to store and reuse previously translated sentences, terms, and phrases. Results: improved productivity and consistency. |
CAD-Trans advantages: |
The translator does not have to work in
AutoCAD. Fewer qualified translators are needed to translate large projects. Depending on the amount of text and other factors, a set of translated drawings might be produced in hours, not days. Graphic elements are not affected by translation. If modifications are needed to eliminate interference between the next text entities and graphic elements, this work can be done by an AutoCAD operator, who does not need to know the language. |
Translation Memory |
Leverages and reuse previously translated
words and phrases.
Only the sentences and portions not found in previous translations need to be translated. The translator is still in control. New translations are sent to database for future use. |
NOT the same as
|
“Machine translation”
attempts to produce target text without human intervention.
The technology is improving, but results are usually not suitable for presentation-quality work. By contrast, “Translation Memory” uses and reuses translations entered by a human translator. |
Case Study |
A major engineering and construction
contractor need to supply drawings in Spanish as part of the project
deliverables. Phase 1: 100 drawings translated by hand. Average time: 2.5 to 3 hours per drawing. Phase 2: Approximately 1500 drawings to translate Manpower required: 1500 drawings x 2.5 hours/drawing = 3750 hours = 94 weeks Customer estimated that the task would require almost 2 years full-time translation effort. |
Actual delivery: |
Working part-time, average production
beginning mid-February, 2001: 110 drawings per week.
Time to fully translate 1500 drawings, using only one translator-AutoCAD operator: 4 months |
Subsequent assignments: |
Since that first job, this method has been
used to translate thousands of drawings, including
assignments into Russian, German, French,
Italian,
and Portuguese,
and from German and Italian into English. Subjects
include:
|
Other Capabilities: |
Multi-language
drawings, by addition of translated text. Example: store English, Spanish, and Russian text in same drawing. AutoCAD operator users layers or layouts to select which language to display, print, etc. |
Other uses: |
1. Change the title block in all drawings
from: 2. Technical drawing inventory and management 3. Revise and reuse drawings created for a previous project. Quickly convert:
|
Summary |
CAD-Trans produces
translations of AutoCAD drawings rapidly and efficiently. Permits consistent terminology across many drawings in project. Allows previously unfeasible translation or conversion projects. |