Abstract: A combined viewer-spreadsheet application provides display of (i) a spreadsheet including a tree window for an extendable tree structure of an object and (ii) a three dimensional (3D) model of the object. A user of the application is able to add one or more columns or arrays to the tree structure and to reflect in the 3D model the values of elements of the columns or arrays added. The tree structure includes at least one assembly, a plurality of subassemblies forming the assembly, and a plurality of parts for each of the subassemblies.

Abstract: A method is provided for degrading 3D information such as a 3D image file from its original form so that that the subject matter of the 3D image is altered in a way which prevents one from reverse engineering or manufacturing the subject matter of the 3D image while the degraded image is still identifiable or recognizable as that of the original 3D image. The degrading method selectively alters dimensions or relationships between portions or parts of the 3D image from their original form while maintaining the integrity and recognizablility of the image as that of which was in the original 3D image. The present method can be applied to both original CAD files as well as reduced or lightweight files produced from an original CAD file.

Abstract: A computer-based method enables a selected part of a three-dimensional image on a screen to the followed throughout the three-dimensional image. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a part included in the image, removing any obstacles included in the image that impede viewing of the part, moving a cursor along the part while constraining the movement of the cursor to the selected part, and, while moving the cursor, automatically removing, in a selected area of the viewing screen, any further obstacles appearing that impede viewing of the part during moving of the cursor so that the cursor can follow the geometry of the part. Thus, a user is provided with an unimpeded view of the part in the selected area when following the geometry of the part.

Abstract: A method is provided for degrading 3D information such as a 3D image file from its original form so that that the subject matter of the 3D image is altered in a way which prevents one from reverse engineering or manufacturing the subject matter of the 3D image while the degraded image is still identifiable or recognizable as that of the original 3D image. The degrading method selectively alters dimensions or relationships between portions or parts of the 3D image from their original form while maintaining the integrity and recognizablility of the image as that of which was in the original 3D image. The present method can be applied to both original CAD files as well as reduced or lightweight files produced from an original CAD file.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for constructing and viewing a computer model image. The invention comprises the following steps: at least one zone of the image is selected; the part of the image that is located outside the selected zone (2) is displayed with standard display attributes; specific display attributes are defined for the objects to be displayed in the selected zone (2); and the part of the image that is located inside the selected zone (2) is displayed with the specific display attributes.

Abstract: A combined viewer-spreadsheet application provides display of an extendable tree structure of an object and a three dimensional (3D) model of the object. A user of the application is able to add one or more columns or arrays to the tree structure and to reflect in the 3D model the values of elements of the columns or arrays added.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for constructing and viewing a computer model image. The invention comprises the following steps: at least one zone of the image is selected; the part of the image that is located outside the selected zone (2) is displayed with standard display attributes; specific display attributes are defined for the objects to be displayed in the selected zone (2); and the part of the image that is located inside the selected zone (2) is displayed with the specific display attributes.