Abstract: A computer-implemented graphics system provides visual clues for navigating a three-dimensional space. The graphics system displays a two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space on a monitor attached to the computer. A cursor is moved through the two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space according to a position of the cursor control device attached to the computer. The graphics system determines a position of the cursor within the three-dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport, and generates a visual representation of the cursor to indicate the position of the cursor within the three-dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport. The visual representation of the cursor uses one or more human recognizable metaphors for three-dimensional distance cueing in order to provide an extra dimension of visual feedback to the operator navigating the cursor through the three-dimensional space related to the two dimensional viewport.

Abstract: In graphics systems, objects are manipulated and placed by users. Some systems aid the user in placing objects by providing interesting points or relevant geometric data for the objects. Objects may have manipulation or behavioral constraints that limit the placement of the object with respect to other objects. Such behavioral constraints may be associated with the relevant geometric data and may be created by the interaction between two objects. Embodiments of the invention simplify or filter objects. Simplification and filtering provide a replacement or temporary object that is not as mathematically complex with fewer geometric data, attributes, and behavioral constraints. The simplification of an object evaluates the definition of the geometry of an object to obtain a simpler geometrical object that is not as complex. The filtering of an object filters the object based on varying criteria.

Abstract: A system and method of interactively determining and displaying geometric relationships between three dimensional (3D) objects includes the steps of and apparatus for detecting the position of an input device, moving a selected 3D graphic object relative to a graphic pointing symbol in a 3D representation based on position of the input device, determining if the selected graphic object is moved to occlude an underlying 3D graphic object, and positioning and displaying the selected graphic object with respect to the underlying graphic object according to predetermined geometric constraints and the position of the input device. The system and method further dynamically moves and displays the selected graphic object according to movement of the input device and the predetermined geometric constraints while the selected graphic object occludes the underlying graphic object.

Abstract: A computer-implemented graphics system provides visual cues for navigating a three-dimensional space. A two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space is displayed on a monitor attached to the computer, and an object is moved through the two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space according to a position of the input device attached to the computer. A graphical image of the object is created using constructive geometric data stored therein, wherein the constructive geometric data identifies at least one constructive system, and the constructive system identifies at least one constraint on the processing of the object. The graphics system determines a position of the object within the three-dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport, and generates one or more visual cues to indicate the position.

Abstract: A computer-implemented graphics system processes one or more objects stored in a database to create a graphical image and then delivers the graphical image to an output device. Each of the objects includes constructive geometric data stored therein. The constructive geometric data identifies at least one constructive system, and the constructive system identifies at least one constraint on the processing of the objects by the image engine.

Abstract: A system and method of interactively determining and displaying geometric relationships between three dimensional (3D) objects includes the steps of and apparatus for detecting the position of an input device, moving a selected 3D graphic object relative to a graphic pointing symbol in a 3D representation based on position of the input device, determining if the selected graphic object is moved to occlude an underlying 3D graphic object, and positioning and displaying the selected graphic object with respect to the underlying graphic object according to predetermined geometric constraints and the position of the input device. The system and method further dynamically moves and displays the selected graphic object according to movement of the input device and the predetermined geometric constraints while the selected graphic object occludes the underlying graphic object.

Abstract: A system and method of interactively determining and displaying geometric relationships between three dimensional (3D) objects includes the steps of and apparatus for detecting the position of an input device, moving a selected 3D graphic object relative to a graphic pointing symbol in a 3D representation based on position of the input device, determining if the selected graphic object is moved to occlude an underlying 3D graphic object, and positioning and displaying the selected graphic object with respect to the underlying graphic object according to predetermined geometric constraints and the position of the input device. The system and method further dynamically moves and displays the selected graphic object according to movement of the input device and the predetermined geometric constraints while the selected graphic object occludes the underlying graphic object.

Abstract: A system and method of interactively determining and displaying geometric relationships between three dimensional (3D) objects includes the steps of and apparatus for detecting the position of an input device, moving a selected 3D graphic object relative to a graphic pointing symbol in a 3D representation based on position of the input device, determining if the selected graphic object is moved to occlude an underlying 3D graphic object, and positioning and displaying the selected graphic object with respect to the underlying graphic object according to predetermined geometric constraints and the position of the input device. The system and method further dynamically moves and displays the selected graphic object according to movement of the input device and the predetermined geometric constraints while the selected graphic object occludes the underlying graphic object.

Abstract: A presumptive mode computer aided design and drafting system for interactively manipulating and displaying graphic objects that employ predefined rules to govern the geometric layout and logical relationships representing a physical design, schematic or process flow diagram. The system is configured to comply with the rules employed by various design disciplines. Specific interactive computer graphics behavior is dynamically accessed to interactively update graphic object relationships according to rules of geometric conduct. The rules of geometric conduct may be stored in external databases along with parameters to verify the logical relationships of the graphic objects used in the drawing. Object orientation is employed in the software design of the system to allow new devices or procedures to adopt the behavior of existing definitions. In the preferred embodiment, a selected object floats with a cursor in a graphic environment until located in proximity with underlying graphic objects.