Abstract: Methods and systems allow for creating a variable spatial framework for use in designing and manufacturing an architectural component. The spatial framework can define a three-dimensional space having a plurality of boundaries. The system can receive an input to divide the three-dimensional space into multiple independent cells. Each independent cell can comprise an independently executable software object. A plurality of boundaries of the spatial framework can automatically adjust upon receiving an input defining a manufacturing constraint.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus allow for the real-time rendering of specular effects within a three-dimensional model. At least one implementation allows a user to create a map that comprises a representation of at least one light source within a three-dimensional model. Furthermore, at least one implementation casts a viewpoint ray to an object surface point, wherein the viewpoint ray comprises a ray extending from a user perspective within the three-dimensional model. Additionally, at least one implementation casts a reflection ray of the viewpoint ray. Further, at least one implementation identifies an intersection point between the reflection ray and the map. Still further, at least one implementation calculates the specular reflection of the object surface point based on the intersection point.

Abstract: A software application can capture product parameters and attributes in order to allow a non-expert user to create an accurate and complete furniture system layout in a design space. To enable accurate layouts, the software application can automatically apply all applicable components, connectors, rules, attributes, codes, and behaviors to each component/design element in the design space. The intelligent, object-oriented software can automatically recognize required changes effected by a user-driven change, and automatically resolve the layout design by constraining vertical placement of components or automatically generating interconnections between components.

Abstract: System, methods, and apparatus allow for creating translucent surfaces within a three-dimensional model. One or more implementations render a three-dimensional model of a layout of a design space within an architectural design environment. Additionally, one or more implementations identify a first portion of the three-dimensional model that is positioned behind a translucent surface within the three-dimensional model. Furthermore, one or more implementations render a visual distortion effect for the identified first portion of the three-dimensional model. Further still, one or more implementations display on a display device the three-dimensional model comprising the translucent surface, such that the three-dimensional model is displayed behind the translucent surface in a distorted form based on the rendered distortion effect.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus allow for easy and efficient structural design and/or reconfiguration while using existing stock components. One or more implementations allow a designer to import a stock file containing an inventory of stock components that are usable as part of a structural design. In particular, one or more implementations allow the stock components to be used in a structural design while tracking, in real-time, the availability of stock components. Furthermore, one or more implementations automatically correlate stock components with existing components of a structural design or with new components as a designer inserts them into the structural design. Additionally, one or more implementations visually distinguish between new components in the structural design and stock components in the structural design. Furthermore, one or more implementations auto-select or modify surrounding components in the structural design to match an inserted stock component.

Abstract: A software application can capture product parameters and attributes in order to allow a non-expert user to create a valid functional system layout in a design space. To enable accurate layouts, the software application can automatically apply all applicable components, connectors, rules, attributes, codes, and behaviors to each component/design element in the design space. The intelligent, object-oriented software can apply rules and behaviors automatically, not only providing an accurate, valid layout, but also optimizing the layout. The intelligent, object-oriented software can recognize required changes effected by a user-driven change, and automatically resolve the layout design.

Abstract: A software program for use in designing interior and exterior spaces receives user input that is associated with one or more attributes. Subsequent user input, having other attributes, is resolved in light of the first input attributes to create a real-world depiction of design choices in real-time. For example, design choices that conflict with prior design choices are resolved (or modified as necessary) to ensure that each of the prior and present user input choices are represented in an appropriate way. The resolution by the design software is also used to create an accurate parts (and/or price) list so that when the user has completed the design of an exterior or interior space, the design can be submitted directly as an order to be fulfilled. Generally, continual resolution ensures that the user's design intent is captured in an accurate and efficient way in a user interface.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention allow a user to work within a record-based design environment while achieving the advantages provided by an object-oriented database. In particular, the user of components in accordance with the present invention can create designs within a record-based application program, within an object-oriented application program, or within a third application program linked by the object-oriented program, and still have the graphical representation thereof visibly displayed in the record-based application program.