Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus that include a novel connection between a 3D raytracing application and an editing application to allow live editing of an image representing the lighting of a 3D model. Further embodiments include a novel pin control in the editing application that allows pin control of lighting of a specific portion of the lighting image and 3D model to adjust the intensity, color, and blur of the environment within a given region. The pins can also be used to copy regions of data from the lighting image to new locations. The pins can be placed either directly by clicking in the lighting image or by clicking on the 3D model in the raytracing application to indicate where the illumination should fall or reflect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus that include a novel way of automatically assigning materials to 3D CAD models. A predefined material template specifies that a particular part or material name is assigned to a particular material such that all instances of the particular part name are assigned or modified automatically by the material template. By having a consistent naming convention for the parts in the CAD file, this material assignment can be performed automatically when the CAD file is imported or viewed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel 3D animation system for animating models. The system uses offset transforms to make it possible to make animation components that can be added individually to the animation system. The animation components simplify the process of animating 3D models performed conventionally. For example, the user can apply various animation components to the 3D object to make it move for a specific time, rather than the conventional process of specifying the precise position of a 3D object at specific frames.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus that include a novel way of automatically assigning materials to 3D CAD models. A predefined material template specifies that a particular part or material name is assigned to a particular material such that all instances of the particular part name are assigned or modified automatically by the material template. By having a consistent naming convention for the parts in the CAD file, this material assignment can be performed automatically when the CAD file is imported or viewed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus that include a novel connection between a 3D raytracing application and an editing application to allow live editing of an image representing the lighting of a 3D model. Further embodiments include a novel pin control in the editing application that allows pin control of lighting of a specific portion of the lighting image and 3D model to adjust the intensity, color, and blur of the environment within a given region. The pins can also be used to copy regions of data from the lighting image to new locations. The pins can be placed either directly by clicking in the lighting image or by clicking on the 3D model in the raytracing application to indicate where the illumination should fall or reflect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel 3D animation system for animating models. The system uses offset transforms to make it possible to make animation components that can be added individually to the animation system. The animation components simplify the process of animating 3D models performed conventionally. For example, the user can apply various animation components to the 3D object to make it move for a specific time, rather than the conventional process of specifying the precise position of a 3D object at specific frames.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assisted decision-making. A knowledge base comprises a plurality of executable stories. A given story comprises a belief network containing at least one associated hypothesis and evidence associated with the at least one hypothesis. The system further comprises at least one decision algorithm having respective associated input formats. A translation interface is operative to convert a given story from the knowledge base into a decision network having a format associated with the at least one decision algorithm.