Abstract: A method of modifying a CAD system model performed on a data processing system includes receiving a dataset of co-ordinates representing an article in 2d, or in 3d and receiving 2d or 3d constraints respectively, to be applied to any changes to the dataset of co-ordinates for the article. A modification to be applied to the dataset is received and combined with the relevant 2d and 3d constraints to produce a constrained modification for each of the article and associated article. The constrained modification is solved in 2d and in 3d to determine whether a solution exists in which all constraints are met. If the solve is successful, the constrained modification is applied to each dataset simultaneously and, updated datasets are stored. If the solve fails, the constraints may be reduced and the solve step repeated, or the process is terminated.

Abstract: A method of modifying a CAD system model performed on a data processing system includes receiving a dataset of co-ordinates representing an article in 2d, or in 3d and receiving 2d or 3d constraints respectively, to be applied to any changes to the dataset of co-ordinates for the article. A modification to be applied to the dataset is received and combined with the relevant 2d and 3d constraints to produce a constrained modification for each of the article and associated article. The constrained modification is solved in 2d and in 3d to determine whether a solution exists in which all constraints are met. If the solve is successful, the constrained modification is applied to each dataset simultaneously and, updated datasets are stored. If the solve fails, the constraints may be reduced and the solve step repeated, or the process is terminated.

Abstract: A method of automatically identifying a network of geometries is performed on a data processing system. The method includes receiving one or more geometries having all or part of a network of geometries; recognizing adjacent tangencies to automatically identify another geometry in the network, or to determine that each geometry is connected to its neighbor through adjacent tangencies; repeating the recognition step until all geometries forming the network of geometries have been determined; and labelling the identified network as a slotdog.

Abstract: A method of automatically identifying a network of geometries is performed on a data processing system. The method includes receiving one or more geometries having all or part of a network of geometries; recognizing adjacent tangencies to automatically identify another geometry in the network, or to determine that each geometry is connected to its neighbor through adjacent tangencies; repeating the recognition step until all geometries forming the network of geometries have been determined; and labelling the identified network as a slotdog.

Abstract: A method of modifying a CAD system model performed on a data processing system includes receiving a dataset of co-ordinates representing an article in 2d, or in 3d and receiving 2d or 3d constraints respectively, to be applied to any changes to the dataset of co-ordinates for the article. A modification to be applied to the dataset is received and combined with the relevant 2d and 3d constraints to produce a constrained modification for each of the article and associated article. The constrained modification is solved in 2d and in 3d to determine whether a solution exists in which all constraints are met. If the solve is successful, the constrained modification is applied to each dataset simultaneously and, updated datasets are stored. If the solve fails, the constraints may be reduced and the solve step repeated, or the process is terminated.

Abstract: Methods for identifying geometric clones in a modelling system, or simulating modifications to construction of a multi-part product and corresponding data processing systems and computer readable media. A method includes choosing a template of a geometric form and generating and storing a map of the template, identifying a candidate geometric form in the system and exploring the identified candidate geometric form from a start point until returning to the start point or reaching a branch. The method includes generating a map of the explored candidate geometric form, comparing the map of the explored candidate geometric form with the map of the template and labelling the candidate geometric form as a clone if it matches a predetermined portion of the template.

Abstract: Methods for product data management and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a CAD model in the data processing system, the CAD model a plurality of features and constraints, including optional constraints. The method includes receiving a user operation to manipulate a seed feature, and identifying a plurality of optional constraints corresponding to the user operation. The method includes sorting the optional constraints and applying a sorted optional constraint. The method includes performing the user operation according to the applied constraints to produce a modified CAD model and storing the modified CAD model.

Abstract: Methods for identifying geometric clones in a modelling system, or simulating modifications to construction of a multi-part product and corresponding data processing systems and computer readable media. A method includes choosing a template of a geometric form and generating and storing a map of the template, identifying a candidate geometric form in the system and exploring the identified candidate geometric form from a start point until returning to the start point or reaching a branch. The method includes generating a map of the explored candidate geometric form, comparing the map of the explored candidate geometric form with the map of the template and labelling the candidate geometric form as a clone if it matches a predetermined portion of the template.

Abstract: Methods for identifying chamfers in CAD models and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes applying filters to a set of candidate chamfers, the candidate chamfers identified from a plurality of faces in a CAD model, to produce filtered candidate chamfers. The method includes generating maximal chains of the candidate chamfers and grouping conflicting chains from the maximal chains to produce chain groups. The method includes determining best conflicting chains from the chain groups, including designating at least one of the chain groups as accepted. The method includes storing the faces of the CAD model that correspond to the accepted chain group as realistic chamfers.

Abstract: Methods for product data management and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a CAD model including a plurality of input features and initializing a data structure representing multi-level structures in the CAD model. The method includes identifying at least two equal groups of the plurality of input features and applying a single-level structure recognition process on the groups of features to produce detected structures such as patterns, mirrors etc. The method includes populating the data structure according to the detected structures and storing the data structure as associated with the CAD model.

Abstract: Methods for product data management and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a CAD model in the data processing system, the CAD model a plurality of features and constraints, including optional constraints. The method includes receiving a user operation to manipulate a seed feature, and identifying a plurality of optional constraints corresponding to the user operation. The method includes sorting the optional constraints and applying a sorted optional constraint. The method includes performing the user operation according to the applied constraints to produce a modified CAD model and storing the modified CAD model.