Abstract: A computing environment is provided with the ability to at least contribute to generate a representation for a weld bead to be used to weld a number of components of an article of manufacture together at one or more edges of the components in the manufacturing of the article outside the computing environment, including the ability to generate an initial set of one or more data representations of an initial set of one or more wire bodies based on one or more data representations of the one or more edges respectively to synthesize one or more corresponding wire bodies for the one or more edges, and the ability to generate a final data representation of a final wire body based on the initial set of one or more data representations of the initial set of one or more wire bodies of the one or more edges.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for inventorying software products. One or more search definitions are created specifying the software products, as well as one or more network domains and individual computers, to be searched. The search is performed using an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) parser file to extract data on the specified software products from the registries of the specified network domains and individual computers. A report listing of the software products installed on the specified network domains and individual computers is compiled from this data. The report listing can be saved for later use in an inventory database.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for an application programming interface (API) on a client computer that enables access to architectural project information stored across the internet on a server site. The server site maintains an organization for the architectural information in the form of containers for storing, managing, and sharing files for one or more architectural projects, wherein the files comprise drawings, documents, communications, and tasks related to the architectural projects. The API of the invention permits third parties to create custom clients or permit direct access to a site hosted on a server. Such an API operates with both thick (.exe) and thin (.html) clients. The API establishes/obtains a connection between the client and the server to enable such access. For example, if the user desires to store a file on the server site, the user selects the appropriate server site/folder from within an application program executing the API.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture provide the ability to redline or mark up geographic information on a personal digital assistant (PDA). An application on the PDA is configured to obtain map data from a server and display the map data on a screen of the PDA. Markup data is obtained from a user through a stylus that is used to markup the map displayed on the PDA. A file comprised of the markup data is created and then uploaded from the PDA to the server. Accordingly, the markup data comprises a markup layer that is stored locally on the PDA and uploaded (synchronized) with the server automatically when a list of a set of maps is updated.

Abstract: An application on a personal digital assistant (PDA) displays a map. A graphical user interface permits the application to receive single gesture inputs of a stylus. If the single gesture input comprises a drag of the stylus a minimum distance, the map is panned such that the map is shifted to a new center view. The displayed map may contain one or more map objects. If the input comprises a single tap on a specific map object, the map object under the tap may be selected and highlighted. Further, a ToolTip for the map object may be displayed. A further tap of the ToolTip may result in the navigation to a link or URL associated with the map object selected. One or more zoom buttons may also be displayed. If a zoom button is tapped by the user, the map may be displayed in a different level of detail.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that allows a user to physically rotate a three-dimensional volumetric display enclosure with a corresponding rotation of the display contents. The rotation of the enclosure is sampled with an encoder and the display is virtually rotated by a computer maintaining the scene by an amount corresponding to the physical rotation before being rendered. This allows the user to remain in one position while viewing different parts of the displayed scene corresponding to different viewpoints. The display contents can be rotated in direct correspondence with the display enclosure or with a gain (positive or negative) that accelerates the rotation of the contents with respect to the physical rotation of the enclosure. Any display widgets in the scene, such as a virtual keyboard, can be maintained stationary with respect to the user while scene contents rotate by applying a negative rotational gain to the widgets.

Abstract: A visible digital watermark is applied to output images from a computer program. Various attributes of the watermark are modified from image to image, making the watermark difficult to remove. For example, a watermark indicating “not for commercial use” can be applied to all output images from the program. Such watermarking permits full functioning demonstration versions of the computer program to be freely distributed to users while commercial use is inhibited. This is accomplished by a minimal level of intrusiveness to file sharing capabilities between a commercial version of the software and a non-commercial version of the software.

Abstract: A method of displacing a tessellated surface, based on features of a displacement map, by analyzing a model to determine the level of detail in the model. Where the level of detail is high the number of polygons, typically triangles, used to represent the high detail area is increased through the use of “sub-triangles”. The positions of the sub-triangles are also strategically located and constrained to better represent the high detail area, particularly any edges in the area. The level of detail can be determined using a displacement map for the surface. The positions of the triangles can be located by determining feature points (or sub-triangle vertices) in the areas of detail where the feature points can be moved toward the areas of high rate of change and additional feature points can be added. The feature points can be connected to form the sub-triangles with an emphasis or constraint on connecting points along an edge or border.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture determine a path on a network. A Global search is commenced for one or more Global paths on the network. Thereafter, when a turn restriction on a first node on the network exists, a hidden node that is not reachable from the first node due to the turn restriction is detected. A Local search commences from the hidden node in a reverse direction creating a Local search path. When the Local search can connect to the Global search, the Local search path is converted to a new Global path, and added as an alternative to the Global search.

Abstract: A system that transitions from freeform camera motion to surface following motion as a surface of an object is approached by clipping the vectors for closest point and look-at point. When the surface is reached and while following the surface the user can designate an up model that sets an up vector to conform the view to a users expectations while the system operates using a local up vector for computations. A restricted surface field of view along with an obstacle field of view can be used by the system to allow the view to traverse cavities and maintain a specified surface following distance from an obstacle, from a wall and from a floor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to display and use object manipulators in a computer graphics program. In some embodiments, an object manipulator (i.e., a button object manipulator or traditional object manipulator) is displayed on a graphics object and activated. In response to the activation, a property of the graphics object is directly modified. Various forms and properties of the object manipulator provide additional capabilities that may assist the user in the graphics program.

Abstract: A method for defining at least one parameter for a finite elements analysis (FEA) calculation in a computer-assisted drafting (CAD) program comprises the steps of determining a body for which said parameter is to be defined, said body being a entity processed by said CAD program; and using at least one graphical function of said CAD program to define a region within a face of said body, said region being used to define a load/support condition for said FEA calculation. A computer program product and an apparatus comprise corresponding features. The present invention provides an improved way of defining parameters like load or support conditions for an FEA calculation in a CAD program.

Abstract: A system that provides a bimanual user interface in which an input device is provided for each of the users hands, a left hand (LH) device and a right hand (RH) device. The input devices are used in conjunction with a large format, upright, human scale display at which the user can stand and upon which the input devices are moved. The positions of the input devices on the display are marked by displayed cursors. The system detects the position of the input devices relative to the display and draws a vector corresponding to unfastened tape between positions of cursors of the corresponding input devices and pointing from the LH device to the RH device. By changing the state of the LH input device the unfastened tape can be fastened or pinned along the vector as the user moves the LH device toward the RH device. By changing the state of the RH device, the tape can be unfastened by moving the LH device away from the RH device. Straight lines are drawn by holding the RH fixed while the LH pins the tape.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and an article of manufacture for acquiring and unacquiring data points of interest in a drawing program. Data points of interest are acquired after a display cursor is positioned over the data point of interest for an acquisition pause time. This technique presents the flashing of superfluous information on the display as the cursor passes over objects in the drawing. Embodiments are presented which implement alignment and extension of objects using acquired data points, and non-symmetric acquisition pause times and snap distances.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for modifying a three-dimensional model. A composite three-dimensional model is displayed in a computer implemented solid modeling system. The composite model comprises a first primitive and a second primitive. A first face of the first primitive is selected. Once selected, a first boundary representation of the first primitive is modified using the selected first face. Thereafter, a second boundary representation of the second primitive is automatically modified based on the modification to the first boundary representation.

Abstract: The invention includes computer instructions that operate to receive a request to generate an identifier in a computer aided design (CAD) application. Additionally, the instructions operate to determine if an input corresponds to a predetermined shape for the identifier, the input being a single variable input. Then, the instructions operate to generate the identifier with the predetermined shape based at least in part on the input. As a result, an improved way of generating geometric shapes for identifiers is facilitated.

Abstract: The invention includes computer instructions that operate to receive an indication of a modification of a design, the design being displayed as part of a drawing within a computer aided design (CAD) environment. Responsive to the received indication, the computer instructions operate to automatically generate and display design change information of the design on the drawing, based at least in part on the received indication. As a result, design change information is advantageously automatically generated and displayed responsive to receiving an indication of a modification in design facilitating simplified conveying and tracking of design change information on a drawing within a CAD environment.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to flare-suppress a source frame. A distance value is defined that, for any pixel, describes how close its color is to a specified color, and the processing means calculates a transformation that maximizes the distance value of a selected background pixel. A flare value is then calculated for each pixel that is a function of the distance value of the corresponding transformed pixel. Compensating values are also calculated that are functions of the amounts that when added to the components of the transformed selected background pixel make its color grey. The processing means then, for each pixel, multiplies the compensating values by the flare value and adds the results to the components of the pixel to suppress flare of the backing color from the foreground image.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to color-suppress a source frame that is composed of a plurality of pixels, each pixel being represented by three components defining a position within a color space. The source frame, comprising a foreground image against a background of a substantially uniform backing color, is provided to a processing means via an input means. A distance value is defined that for any, pixel describes how close its color is to a specified color, and the processing means calculates a transformation that maximises the distance value of a selected background pixel. Then, for each pixel, the processing means calculates a transparency value that is a function of the distance value of the corresponding transformed pixel. The transparency value is used to calculate how much of the backing color should be subtracted. The foreground image can then be composited with a replacement background using the same transparency values.

Abstract: The present invention includes computer instructions that facilitate characterizing a geometry piece based upon one or more received input selections, generating a temporary dimension type based, at least in part, upon the characterization, storing the temporary dimension type, and displaying the temporary dimension type. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application. In one embodiment, the mechanical software application including the computer instructions are embodied in a distribution storage medium.