Abstract: The invention includes computer instructions that operate to generate a failure indication upon encountering a failure during an operation performed for a user design. The instructions further operate to automatically facilitate a user in determining a solution for the failure. As a result, the invention provides improved error reporting and recovery.

Abstract: Computer instructions for a Computer Aide Design (CAD) system that operate to automatically facilitate a user in manipulating geometric constraints associated with a first piece of geometry of a mechanical design, when executed, are disclosed. The computer instructions operate to facilitate the manipulation responsive to a location of a cursor, when the location is within a predetermined proximity of the first piece of geometry. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and representing error messages within a computer-aided design environment is described. The present invention allows error/warning information to be stored in a central storage location by the function in which the error/warning causing fault occurs. The function then returns a result indicating that the function did not perform as expected. The calling function does not add an error/warning message of its own when returning, if necessary, to another calling function. Thus, only a single warning/error message can be stored and used for reporting the fault that caused the error/warning. In one embodiment, a hierarchical graphical error/warning log provides varying levels of error/warning information in response to user input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and representing error messages within a computer-aided design environment is described. The present invention allows error/warning information to be stored in a central storage location by the function in which the error/warning causing fault occurs. The function then returns a result indicating that the function did not perform as expected. The calling function does not add an error/warning message of its own when returning, if necessary, to another calling function. Thus, only a single warning/error message can be stored and used for reporting the fault that caused the error/warning. In one embodiment, a hierarchical graphical error/warning log provides varying levels of error/warning information in response to user input.