Abstract: A current parameter file is periodically selected at random from an active pool, and testcases are generated and executed from the current parameter file against a device, where the execution of the testcases against the device hits events generated by the device over periods. A determination is made whether a number of the events hit by all testcases from the current parameter file in a current period meets a goal for the current parameter file. If the determination is false, the current parameter file is added to a miss pool if a number events for all periods for the current parameter file does not meet a goal for all periods for the current parameter file; the current parameter file is added to a retired pool if the number of events for all periods for the current parameter file meets the goal for all periods for the current parameter file; and the current parameter file is changed to another parameter file from the active pool.

Abstract: The method of collaborative work takes place between a first user working on a first object (1) on the basis of a visual representation of the first object displayed in an authoring environment of a first local computer; and a second user working in an authoring environment of a second local computer connected with the first computer via a computer network. The method comprising the steps of: a) selecting at the first computer one type among a plurality of types of data about the first object, each type of data comprising visual representation data about the first object; b) providing to the second computer data about the first object according to the selected type; c) displaying a visual representation of the first object in the authoring environment of the second computer.

Abstract: The invention proposes interacting with a database having data related to modeled products and parts using a graphical user interface displayed by a computer. The graphical user interface is adapted to allow a user to access the database. The method also includes providing within the graphical user interface a toolbar with at least one field suitable for displaying an argument. The toolbar is adapted for allowing a user to execute a function using the argument. The method further includes the steps of querying the database and updating the argument displayed in the field using a result of the querying step.

Abstract: A computer system operation method for allowing a user to work on interrelated documents includes forming groups of software tools. Different groups of software tools are used to perform different tasks on documents in a software system. Documents in the software system have different document types. The document types are functionally associated with the different groups of software tools. The method monitors a user's selection of a second group of software tools, when the user is using a first workbench to work on data contained in a first document. The method invokes a second document, upon the user's selection of a second group of software tools. The second document is of a document type that is associated with the second workbench.

Abstract: A software control method includes forming groups of software application functions. A different characteristic is associated with each of the groups, and a different graphical user interface (GUI) object is formed for each function in each of the groups. Each GUI object includes the characteristic associated with its function's group and a second characteristic that distinguishes its function from other functions within its function's group. A computer program residing on a computer-readable medium includes instructions for causing a computer to form a different graphical user interface (GUI) object for each of a collection of software functions. Each GUI object may include a first visual characteristic that identifies a first characteristic of the object's associated function, and a second visual characteristic that identifies a second characteristic of the object's associated function.

Abstract: The invention provides generally a method and system for selecting an element of a computer generated drawing model graphically represented on a computer screen wherein each selectable element of the model occupies a position in a hierarchical tree describing the model. A pointer can be used to specify a position on the screen and pre-selecting an element on an axis extending from the position of the pointer along a predetermined direction such that the direction is not in the plane of the screen. Pre-selection can be moved from a first position on the hierarchical tree to a second position on the hierarchical tree in response to activation of an arrow mechanism. Full selection can be accomplished by activating a selection mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling shadow geometry on a computer display in an interactive computer display system. The method and apparatus comprises: maintaining primary element information defining a primary element; generating shadow geometry information defining a shadow geometry, the shadow geometry information having a predetermined mathematical relationship with the primary element, the shadow geometry information being generated in response to user manipulation of the primary element; integrating the shadow geometry with the primary element to form a single graphical unit (called a "par"); and selectively displaying the secondary element concurrently with the primary element.

Abstract: A computer-aided design and drawing system having a dynamically oriented compass cursor is disclosed. In the interactive computer-controlled drawing system, a method and apparatus is disclosed for automatically generating and manipulating a dynamic compass cursor. The method comprises the steps of: 1) generating a compass cursor in a first orientation, the compass cursor being responsive to movement of a cursor control device; 2) selecting a geometrical element having a second orientation; and 3) selectively re-orienting the compass to the second orientation and maintaining the second orientation until a new orientation for the dynamic compass cursor is selected.