We are experts in creating smart graphics through the use of technical illustration, graphic conversions, and software engineering. But, what exactly are “smart” graphics? These graphics are electronic illustrations that respond to user actions when applied to objects – often useful when troubleshooting a signal path on a schematic.

Our illustrators apply unique coding to vector graphics, which then enables select portions of the graphics to be highlighted in a variety of ways. For instance, components are highlighted on a schematic or wiring diagram when the user hovers his or her mouse or clicks on the illustration. The user is then able to click on the suspect wire(s) within a system in order to identify the root cause of a fault along a signal path.

These links can continue across pages – highlighting a selected circuit from one page to the next and providing a coherent path to the solution. Moreover, these highlights can be activated from external programs, such as Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) or webpages, so that the hyperlinked text in those documents activate features on the smart graphics.

These types of tools provide big advantages to maintainers that are trying to find a needle in the haystack.

DTB’s technical illustrators use Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and specialized software to develop final illustrations by extracting and repurposing data from engineering files for use in prepared documentation.

Our conversion projects accommodate all data and image formats. DTB can transform graphics from source engineering by applying the appropriate style and format into the presentation standard that is found in the delivered documents and content databases. We develop graphic libraries in order to create standard content across a program, which results in quicker turnaround times and lower overall costs.

Our technical illustrators also specialize in developing true, mathematically-based, vector geometry from scanned or existing raster graphics. This aspect guarantees full vector compliance and reusability for future modifications and smart graphic applications. We have successfully completed this process for tens-of-thousands of raster and composite illustrations for the US government, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and major DoD prime contractors.

An exploded view is a type of drawing that shows how the mechanical parts of an assembly fit together. 3D models can achieve this result anywhere from the design engineering process through manufacturing – ultimately reducing costs.

Exploded view diagrams are utilized to show parts placement and the relationship of parts within an assembly or sub-assembly. Typically, such diagrams have the part identification number and a label indicating which part fills a particular position in the diagram.

Exploded view graphics are used in parts catalogs, assembly and maintenance manuals, and other instructional material. DTB typically uses native engineering models in order to generate exploded views in technical documentation.