Abstract: A computer-implemented land planning system is designed to generate at least one conceptual fit solution to a user-defined land development problem. The system electronically creates at least one candidate solution to the land development problem. The candidate solution incorporates a number of engineering measurements applicable in development of an undeveloped land site. A fitness function quantitatively evaluates the candidate solution based on its fitness. A heuristic problem-solving strategy manipulates the engineering measurements of the candidate solution to achieve a more quantitatively fit solution to the land development problem. A computer output device outputs to a user documentation illustrating the fit solution to the land development problem.

Abstract: A computer-implemented land planning system is designed to generate at least one conceptual fit solution to a user-defined land development problem. The system employs a computer readable medium and a computer program encoded on the medium. The computer program is operable, when executed on a computer, for electronically creating at least one candidate solution to the land development problem. The candidate solution incorporates engineering measurements applicable in development of an undeveloped land site, the land site including a conceptually designed vehicle parking area. A fitness function quantitatively evaluates the candidate solution based on its cost. A heuristic problem-solving strategy manipulates the engineering measurements of the candidate solution to achieve a more quantitatively fit solution to the land development problem. Documentation illustrating the fit solution to the land development problem is delivered to the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented land planning system is designed to generate at least one conceptual fit solution to a user-defined land development problem. The system electronically creates at least one candidate solution to the land development problem. The candidate solution incorporates a number of engineering measurements applicable in development of an undeveloped land site. A fitness function quantitatively evaluates the candidate solution based on its fitness. A heuristic problem-solving strategy manipulates the engineering measurements of the candidate solution to achieve a more quantitatively fit solution to the land development problem. A computer output device outputs to a user documentation illustrating the fit solution to the land development problem.

Abstract: A system and method to compile different types of data from different locations into one reliable assemblage is provided. The assemblage includes an index of information provided to a user. The assemblage may be in the form of a three dimensional (3D) representation of an object, where the 3D representation includes an index and links to more detailed information regarding the object. The 3D representation of any object, for example, a body part in the context of medical imaging, or a building in the context of architectural and engineering design. The assemblage is comprised of 3D and 2D artifacts. The 2D artifact includes 2D vector and raster embellishment in a variety of forms. The 3D artifact includes vector graphics (2D and 3D) including all data obtained through data conversion methods, and “Point clouds” (voxels).

Abstract: A system and method for auto-transpose replication is provided. Auto-transpose replication may be considered the ability to automatically create copies of a given prototype model. Auto-transpose replication may include receiving a first list of data values and determining a total number of levels of the first list. Auto-transpose may also include creating a rectangularized list, where the rectangularized list is a rectangularized copy of the first list based on the determined total number of levels of the first list. Further, auto-transpose may include creating a return list, detecting an item at the deepest level of the rectangularized list, calculating an index trail of the item, rotating the values in the index trail, and storing the item into the return list according to the rotated index trail.

Abstract: A method in a computer modeling environment having generative component features forming a model is provided. A generative component (GC) feature is created with a method. User input modifying an aspect of the model that affects the GC feature is received. An update method for the GC feature is determined dynamically based on the user input, the properties of the GC feature and input properties of available update methods to obtain a selected update method. The GC feature is updated based on the selected update method to obtain an updated GC feature. The updated GC feature is stored in a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A system and method for adding features to an electronic file is provided. The electronic file can be automatically examined to identify information that relates to features such as navigational aids or enhanced content. Certain information is defined to represent the navigational aids or enhanced content. When the information representing the navigational aid or enhanced content is located in the electronic file, the navigational aid or enhanced content is added to the electronic file. Bookmarks, internal links, web links, attachments, digital signatures and multimedia files are some examples of navigational aids and enhanced content that may be added to the electronic file, although other items may also be included.

Abstract: A system and method of geo-spatially viewing project oriented data relating to engineering, construction, and operations (ECO) computer-aided design (CAD) services online using a browser-based viewer can include a three-tiered client/server architecture for accessing a database storing a plurality of files, each of which is stored as a series of components including spatial information. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system, method and computer program product includes a browser-based project-oriented, collaboration system including a viewer operative to enable viewing of at least one of a business, a project, and a person, geospatially according to geospatial attributes associated with the business, project or person.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium contains software that, when read by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method for tracing a document. The method includes: on the computer, generating a global unique identifier (GUID) for a master document; embedding the GUID in the master document; making a copy of the master document available for viewing on another computer, wherein the copy of the master document includes the embedded GUID; receiving a version verification request from the other computer about the copy, wherein the version verification request includes the GUID from the copy; and providing a latest version of the master document referenced by the GUID from the copy to the second computer in response to the version verification request.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method in a computer modeling environment having generative components may include defining an update method of a parent generative component (GC) feature including means for creating a collection containing at least one child GC feature; creating a parent GC feature having the defined update method; executing the update method for the parent GC feature including creating the collection of child GC features; and returning the collection as the value of the update method, wherein the contents of the collection are automatically associated with the parent GC feature.

Abstract: An enhanced file format to store large quantities of variable-sized data records on a storage medium and to permit efficient access and control over data stored in the enhanced file format. A file format is the structure of a file that defines the way it is stored and laid out on a disk. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a file format includes a model directory containing models. Models include element lists comprising element chunks. The element chunks include elements, where elements are variable-sized data records.

Abstract: A method for removing an area from a raster image includes defining a target area in a raster image, where the raster image has a plurality of pixels and an object area made up of a first subset of the pixels. The target area comprises the object area enclosed by a contour. A resizable target feathering area is defined, enclosing the target area, having an inner edge abutting the contour enclosing the target area, and made up of a second subset of pixels not including the first subset of pixels. A movable template area is defined, made up of a third subset of pixels. A template feathering area is defined, made up of a fourth subset of pixels. The template area pixels are copied to the target area and the template feathering area pixels are copied to the target feathering area, replacing the first subset of pixels of the object area. The template area is selected.

Abstract: In a system of a client and a server, the server stores three dimensional CAD data in a cache. The CAD data is stored in the cache in levels of detail further divided into tiles. When a client receives a request from a user to view part of a CAD file, the client determines which portion of the CAD file is being viewed, and at what resolution. The client then checks a client cache for tiles already stored for the desired view. The client requests the view data from the server by providing to the server the client's resolution, the boundary of the viewing area and a list of tiles that the client already has. The server uses the request information to return to the client only the data that is needed for the client's resolution and that is not already stored on the client.

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 of edge-smoothing in raster images includes: selecting an object in a raster image, the object including an edge having a plurality of edge pixels; finding all of the edge pixels of the object and generating a polygon having a plurality of vertices, each of which is located at the center of a corresponding one of the edge pixels; smoothing the polygon of the object to generate a smoothed polygon; and smoothing the object according to the smoothed polygon.

Abstract: A method of rendering computer graphics is disclosed comprising the steps of: processing a set of light particles in a scene to be rendered; selecting a view of the scene, where the view comprises at least one surface, the surface comprising a plurality of pixels; selecting a pixel to render in the view; determining whether an illumination mesh already exists for a surface comprised of the selected pixel; computing an illumination mesh for the surface, when the illumination mesh does not already exist; and rendering the pixel with the illumination mesh.

Abstract: A quick method of selecting an object in a raster image, comprises the steps of: selecting a seed region in a raster image with an input device, wherein the raster image comprises at least one object and a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a color, and wherein the seed region comprises at least one pixel in the object; moving a cursor corresponding to the input device to a distance d from the seed region in the raster image; generating a selected region from the seed region, wherein the selected region comprises at least all pixels in the seed region, the selected region is enclosed by a contour, and wherein the size of the selected region is based on the distance d and on a comparison of a color of a pixel outside the selected region and a range of color of pixels in the selected region; and choosing the selected region when the selected region is satisfactory to a user.

Abstract: A method of rendering a glyph of a vector-based font comprises the steps of: generating a MIP map for a glyph, where the MIP map comprises at least one level having a plurality of pixels and where each level is generated from original vector data for the glyph; and storing the MIP map on a computer readable medium. The method further comprises placing the glyph in an image to be rendered; retrieving the stored MIP map for the glyph; rendering a level of the MIP map, where the level is associated with a resolution of the glyph; and displaying the glyph as the rendered level.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for displaying option information on a computer display screen. The method includes displaying a workspace and at least one icon, presenting a non-modal dialog box when a predetermined icon is chosen, providing a preference option that may hide or shrink the non-modal dialog box, and providing a means for restoring the non-modal dialog box. The dialog box may subsequently be restored in a manner and a location chosen by the user.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a bidirectional link between data in a file checked-out from a content management system to a user computer and data in at least one file maintained at the content management system is provided. In the method, a first file is scanned at least when it is one of checked in and checked out of the document management system to locate a link in the file. Information is gathered from the first file regarding a source and target of the link. It is determined if an element in the file is the source or the target. The information is the stored in a database. The information in the database is automatically updated when a second file is corresponding to the other end of the link is checked in to the document management system to reflect changes made to the end of the link in the second file. The changes are applied to the information in the first file.