Abstract: A product lifecycle management system cannot interact with 3D models and data representing a product or process that lacks information for creating a three-dimensional model in a seamless and uniform manner. Such incompatible data includes legacy and conceptual data. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are provided to create from such data, an intermediary representation that is compatible with the three-dimensional model domain but differs from a three-dimensional model that has real-world geometry of the product or process. The intermediary structure is formed in a manner that enables the product lifecycle management system to interact with the intermediary representation and three-dimensional models in a seamless and uniform manner, and is capable of being updated with real-world geometry of the product or process.

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: 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: A television system is provided wherein a target region in successive video images is replaced by a matching pattern adapted to be inserted into the target region, using a virtual insertion unit located downstream of the originating site. The system includes television cameras for, when active, producing a sequence of video images of a scene, and a switcher or multiplexer for switching between camera images. A broadcast image processor located with the multiplexer in an outside broadcast van receives the video images and adds layers of graphics and special effects to the video images to produce a broadcast feed. The virtual insertion unit, which is located off-site from the van, receives the broadcast feed and modifies the video images of the broadcast feed by replacing the target region of these images with a replacement pattern adapted to be inserted into the target region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transmitting data about an object within a defined field and using the transmitted data to generate a virtual object on the display screen of a computer. In one embodiment of the present invention the object used to transmit input data is a wireless glove assembly. The glove assembly supports a transmitting device which transmits data bursts, containing position and gesture information, in the radio frequency wavelength to four stationary receivers. The received signal is converted to a digital signal and input to a microprocessor control unit. The software used in the microprocessor control unit uses an averaging method to generate a virtual object on the computer display screen. The position of the virtual object is calculated based on the strength of the signal received. The movement of the virtual object on the computer display screen is in the same direction as and is proportional to the glove movement.

Abstract: Improvements in systems and methods for replacement of a target region in successive video images transmitted via a digital data stream. In one aspect, the invention provides for replacing only those portions of the target region that are not overlaid with added graphics, such as text. In another aspect, the invention provides for personalizing the video images by selecting the object to replace the target region based on information regarding the viewer or user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transmitting data about an object within a defined field and using the transmitted data to generate a virtual object on the display screen of a computer. In one embodiment of the present invention the object used to transmit input data is a wireless glove assembly. The glove assembly supports a transmitting device which transmits data bursts, containing position and gesture information, in the radio frequency wavelength to four stationary receivers. The received signal is converted to a digital signal and input to a microprocessor control unit. The software used in the microprocessor control unit uses an averaging method to generate a virtual object on the computer display screen. The position of the virtual object is calculated based on the strength of the signal received. The movement of the virtual object on the computer display screen is in the same direction as and is proportional to the glove movement.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a casing and a PC-Board in sheet form arranged therein, having a comb-spring and projecting freely into a recess of the wall of the casing. The lower face of the PC-board is furnished with a set of conductive pathways leading to microchips to be connected to an independent electric system by bending the PC-board sheet so as to make contact with a second set of homologous conductive pathways belonging to said system. This bending is obtained by displacing a shoe pushing a cylindrical bar freely engaged in a slot of the wall of the casing in communication with the recess, the bar lying on the structure formed by the combining and the PC-board sheet.The electrical contact between both sets of conductive pathways can be interrupted by moving the shoe axially in a first direction corresponding to the bending of the PC-board sheet; a motion of the shoe in a second opposite direction re-establishes the electrical contact conditions of both sets of pathways.