Abstract: In one embodiment, a technique is disclosed for calculating a relative pump speed factor for attaining a prescribed hydraulic head or for pumping a prescribed amount of flow. A hydraulic model of a water distribution or collection system is defined to include link elements and node elements. At least one of the node elements represents a fixed-flow variable speed pump (VSP) that delivers a desired amount of flow, a variable speed pump battery (VSPB) that represents multiple VSPs operating in parallel with each other, a VSP with a tank located on the VSP's discharge side, or a VSP with a tank located on the VSP's suction side.

Abstract: A database design modeling system for managing data facets for design scenarios as a collection of hierarchical unitized data alternatives is provided. The database design model allows for easy access to data while providing a single persistant location for any one specific data record, thereby reducing any problems associated with conventional data duplication. Further, all data stored within the database is unitized thus eliminating the need for the user to do the unit mapping.

Abstract: A computer software program provides an algorithm that solves for unknown demands (and junction pressures) within a modeling system that uses a generalized, unified loop-node formulation. The program can be used to calculate the available demand (i.e., the amount of water that is to be supplied) according to the nodal pressure. Both nodal heads and flows are simultaneously solved using a gradient algorithm, which allows, in accordance with the present invention, the model to simulate situations where a change in pressure affects the quantity of water used. Criticality analyses for segments of a system in such pressure dependent scenarios can also be performed using the software program of the present invention.

Abstract: An element template system allowing users to define a named set of element symbology properties to be associated with a graphic element is provided. When the element template is active, it sets the active drawing settings to match the template and associates newly created elements with the active template. Once elements are associated with an element template, the template can be used for checking for compliance with a graphics standards for that project. The element templates technology can be used to update elements and existing files to match a specific set of template properties. The element templates defining a particular graphic element are stored in the same design file as that graphic element so that when the graphic element design file is transported the element templates are also transported with the file, thereby eliminating a need to be coupled to a database or other form of external data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, data is exchanged between a modeling application and an external application. A user initiates an export of model data from the modeling application, where the model data is descriptive of a model maintained in the modeling application. An export map is generated that captures an indication of each object in the model at the point in time of export of the model. Model data is passed to the external application. Subsequently, modified model data is received from the external application. The modified model data is compared with the export map to detect external modifications made by the external application. Limited portions of the model in the modeling application are updated to reflect the external modification, while intact portions of the model for which external modifications have not been detected are left intact.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a special paper plot (referred to herein as a dynamic plot) for which corresponding metadata is maintained is printed. A mobile appliance obtains corresponding metadata for the dynamic plot. A camera of the mobile appliance computes an image of the dynamic plot. A position of the camera of the mobile appliance with respect to the dynamic plot is calculated from the image of the dynamic plot. Using the calculated position, information or icons are overlaid at particular locations in the image captured by the camera of the dynamic plot. The image captured by the camera of the dynamic with the overlaid information or icons is then displayed on a display screen of the mobile appliance. A user may add annotations beyond what is printed on the dynamic plot. This information may subsequently be shared with other users involved in the project.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for detecting potential topology problems in a network representation consisting of links and nodes. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there are three potential topology problem cases that are identified by the program. Those include nodes in close proximity, pipe-split candidates in which nodes are close to pipes, and pipe-split candidates in which pipes overlap. The program searches the data for any cases that fall within user-defined criterion or tolerances and returns a list of potential problems that the user can visually inspect and, if necessary or desired, make corrections thereto. Graphic user interfaces with dialog boxes and action buttons are also provided in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A method and system for optimal design of a water distribution network is provided. Three levels of optimization are available as options for selection by the user and these include least cost optimization, maximum benefit optimization and cost-benefit tradeoff optimization. The optimization models, in accordance with the present invention, include solutions generated by a competent genetic algorithm that can take into account multiple objective functions. Pareto-optimal solutions are produced for the whole range of a budget for the water distribution system. Tradeoff solutions allow engineers to apply engineering judgement to choose the true optimal solution under the specific application being considered.

Abstract: A water distribution model calibration technique is provided that allows a user to design a calibration model by selecting several input parameters desired to be used for the calibration of a model that allows an engineer to collect a complete set of data to represent the overall system conditions at any given time of day. For example, several parameters may be chosen including link status, the pipe roughness coefficient, junction demand, and pipe and valve operational status. Trial solutions of the model calibration are generated by a genetic algorithm program. A hydraulic network solver program then simulates each trial solution. A calibration module runs a calibration evaluation program to evaluate how closely the model simulation is to the observed data.

Abstract: A system and method providing an optimal way to create, manage and use resource data is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the system and method provide the ability to store resource data in a library, namely a resource library. A resource library includes resource files that can be attached to a regular data file either automatically, for example, by setting an environment variable, or manually. More than one resource library or resource file may be created and simultaneously attached to a data file. The resource file defines attributes of elements that may be used in creating the CAD model. Typically, the resource library includes attributes that are to be standardized across a project, file, or model.

Abstract: A method and system for providing hydraulic modelers with the ability to accurately produce a surface representation of flow data that incorporates transitional elements in the underlying gravity hydraulic network is provided. The method includes triangulating surface techniques and smooth surface techniques that employ functions that enforce rules that preserve monotonicity as well as to preserve Q=0 when TW=HW. The value of Q can be calculated as well as the partial derivatives in the TW and HW directions for a point of interest. A smooth surface interpolation of the data, which maintains the above-noted conditions, and allows the quick evaluation of flow for any point in the data set, is provided.

Abstract: A method and system for optimization of a simplified engineering model is provided. A software tool efficiently simplifies an engineering model such as a water distribution system and preserves the hydraulic accuracy of the simplified model. The system includes a software program that employs a genetic algorithm to evolve solutions for reinstating the behavior of the original network into a simplified network. The genetic algorithm can be used for identifying the less sensitive hydraulic elements (links and nodes), and removing them or replacing them with the best-fit element parameters produced by the genetic algorithm module of the present invention. A element-by-element skeletonization approach generates the layout of a skeleton network and then identifies potential equivalent elements for replacing series pipes and loops.

Abstract: Conventional file-based engineering design data for an engineering model are represented by a plurality of components. The plurality of components are kept in stores, which reside on servers. Each store contains the components that correspond to the elements of one design file. The stores also maintain a history of changes made to the components. A plurality of client computers are bidirectionally connected to the servers. Each client computer may obtain the current version of the components and may send locally edited versions of the components back to the servers to replace the current versions in the stores. At the client computer, the user interacts with the components using conventional file-based software.

Abstract: a system and method for graphically designing and testing end conditions is provided. The method and system allow for easy visualization and reuse of end condition components. A simple drag and drop methodology may be provided to allow for quick creation of end condition combinations. A user can create various different design scenarios. The system and method may determine which of those design scenarios is valid based on existing conditions. The testing environment may read the proposed end condition combination to determine targets. Various targets can be moved and placed in the testing environment in order to determine if the end condition combination is valid or not.

Abstract: Three values for each CAD image element are set: an element priority, a level priority, and a model reference priority. In addition, for the CAD project that contains the CAD image element, a separate priority multiplier value may be set project-wide for elements, levels, and models, creating an element priority multiplier, a level priority multiplier, and a model reference priority multiplier. Once the priority values and priority multiplier values have been set, either by default values or by the user, the values are used to calculate an image depth for each CAD image element. The image depth values are stored, for example in a z-buffer, and can be used to set the display priority for the CAD image elements regardless of the order in which they are placed into the image.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for computer based training relating to a target system. A user interface includes at least one graphic display portion, and a courseware viewer portion. Several exercise modules are provided, each having (1) at least one display file, (2) at least one script corresponding to the display file(s), and (3) a work file, to be loaded into the target system. The steps in the exercise module are displayed by parsing a script in the exercise modules. The steps are sequentially displayed in the courseware viewer portion, and the corresponding display files are displayed in the display window(s). The work file is simultaneously loaded into the target system, and the target system is run by the user while displaying the exercise. The target system generates events corresponding to user responses to the exercise, and the training system displays appropriate confirmation and feedback messages based on the responses.

Abstract: The method of global rendering allows a three dimensional scene to be rendered accurately and viewed correctly from multiple angles and directions at once. The method includes the steps of placing an object representing a multidimensional texture map into a database, replacing the object with a bounding geometry that completely encloses the object, sampling the bounding geometry with a sample of interest, extracting pixel information from the sample of the bounding geometry, and displaying the rendered object using the extracted pixel information.

Abstract: A method and system for color clipping, taking into account the actual color of the surface, while still giving the appearance of a very bright surface that does not result in a washed-out image. A maximum value of the color component is determined. A ratio of the maximum value to a maximum allowable value is determined. A scaling factor is determined based on the determined ratio. The value to be color clipped is set to a value including the scaling factor. The scaling factor is non-linear, for example, logarithmic. In one embodiment, determining the scaling factor further includes computing the scaling factor as the Log10 of the ratio; or includes adding the value 1 to the scaling factor, and multiplying by a variable scale factor. The color-clipped image is then displayed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for computer based training relating to a target system. A user interface includes at least one graphic display portion, and a courseware viewer portion. Several exercise modules are provided, each having (1) at least one display file, (2) at least one script corresponding to the display file(s), and (3) a work file, to be loaded into the target system. The steps in the exercise module are displayed by parsing a script in the exercise modules. The steps are sequentially displayed in the courseware viewer portion, and the corresponding display files are displayed in the display window(s). The work file is simultaneously loaded into the target system, and the target system is run by the user while displaying the exercise. The target system generates events corresponding to user responses to the exercise, and the training system displays appropriate confirmation and feedback messages based on the responses.

Abstract: Systems and methods of maintaining data in a synchronized state by simplifying and automating the file conversion process in a continuous and mostly background manner are described. The system cycles through iterations and searches a specified source directory (and its subdirectories) for source files. Any source files it encounters for the first time are converted and stored at a specified destination, creating a destination file. A time and date stamp of the destination or converted file is stored in a database. For source files encountered for the second or subsequent time, the date and time stamps of all of these source files are compared against the database that contains file name, date and time information for the converted or destination files. The system automatically converts any source files that are newer than its corresponding destination file.