Abstract: Method for describing a thread as a geometric object in a three dimensional computer graphics system. The method comprises generating a set of fixture points defining points in space through which the thread passes, generating a set of one or more segments representing the thread between adjacent fixture points, linking each segment to a pair of fixture points, one at each end of the respective segment, and describing the geometrical properties of each segment. The segments and fixture points are preferably defined as objects containing functions and variables allowing the exchange of data between the various objects. The method allows for the calculation of the shape of the thread based on a calculation of the shape of each individual segment.

Abstract: Method for describing a thread as a geometric object in a three dimensional computer graphics system. The method comprises generating a set of fixture points defining points in space through which the thread passes, generating a set of one or more segments representing the thread between adjacent fixture points, linking each segment to a pair of fixture points, one at each end of the respective segment, and describing the geometrical properties of each segment. The segments and fixture points are preferably defined as objects containing functions and variables allowing the exchange of data between the various objects. The method allows for the calculation of the shape of the thread based on a calculation of the shape of each individual segment.

Abstract: A computer system for designing and performing interactive training sessions for training persons to perform procedures involving manual dexterity and/or eye-hand coordination, comprising a simulator for performing procedure simulations as well as modules for designing training scenes and procedure descriptions and for, during training, switching between an animation mode based on the procedure descriptions and an interactive mode where a trainee performs the procedures. The designing of training sessions include recording the execution of a procedure performed by an expert and converting this recording to a procedure description containing positional data for instruments as well as additional information including topological stamps indicating the occurrence of topological events in the scene description.