Table of Contents
3. from 3D to 2D: breaking down the duct parts into primitives
In order for the duct components to be displayed correctly, they must be broken down into primitives. These are simple geometric shapes such as rectangles, circles, cubes and lines, which together create complex objects.
Example: Disassembly of a pipe
A pipe can be divided into the following primitives:
- Circles: The two ends of the tube
- Rectangles: An approximated representation of the lateral surface
- Lines: Connecting lines to define the edges
4. projection and rendering with the Canvas API
Once the 3D channel components have been broken down into primitives, they are projected onto the 2D surface using the Flutter Matrix4 API. A transformation matrix is used to convert the spatial points (x, y, z) into two-dimensional coordinates (x, y).
Code example: Transformation matrix
Matrix4 project() => Matrix4.identity()
..scale(zoom, zoom, zoom)
..rotateX(rotX)
..rotateY(rotY)
..translate(center.x, center.y, center.z);
This transformation matrix in Flutter ensures that the objects are displayed realistically. The projection is parallel so that distant elements do not appear smaller – an important feature when displaying duct components.
Drawing a line with the Canvas API
void paint(Canvas canvas, Size size) {
// Projektion 3D --> 2D
var p1Proj = projection.transform3(this.p1);
var p2Proj = projection.transform3(this.p2);
// Zeichnen der Linie
canvas.drawLine(p1Proj, p2Proj, Paint());
}
With the Flutter Canvas API, further optimizations can be made, such as different colors and line thicknesses for better differentiation of the components. This improves the technical visualization with Flutter and increases user-friendliness.
5. conclusion: How Flutter simplifies 3D visualization
Thanks to the Flutter Canvas API and the use of a transformation matrix, it is possible to project 3D models in 2D and thus create a clear, interactive cross-platform visualization.
Advantages of this approach:
✅ Lightweight and high-performance
✅ Cross-platform use (iOS, Android, web, desktop)
✅ Individually customizable and expandable
✅ Ideal for technical drawings with Flutter
Possible enhancements include shaders, shadow effects and interactive controls for even better 3D visualization in Flutter.
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