Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to store user defined scenarios in a three-dimensional system. A 3D view of a real world scene is displayed, using a three-dimensional (3D) graphics application. Plug-ins are installed into the 3D graphics application. A user selects a subset of the plug-ins, defines settings for the subset of plug-ins, and defines a visualization trait for each plug-in in the subset. The user associates an identification of the selected subset, the settings, and the visualization trait with a scenario bookmark that is saved. The bookmark can be selected by a user to display a visualization of a scenario based on the selected subset, settings, and visualization trait.

Abstract: A method for predicting and quantifying risk in information technology (IT) service contracts includes comparing features of a new IT service contract with similar features from one or more previous IT service contracts selected from a plurality of previous IT service contracts to calculate a similarity value between each pair of the new IT service contract and one of the one or more previous IT service contracts, aggregating the similarity values, and using the aggregated similarity values with a prediction model to predict risk factors affecting the new IT service contract and to quantify an impact of each predicted risk factor on an expected gross profit margin.

Abstract: A method for predicting and quantifying risk in information technology (IT) service contracts includes comparing features of a new IT service contract with similar features from one or more previous IT service contracts selected from a plurality of previous IT service contracts to calculate a similarity value between each pair of the new IT service contract and one of the one or more previous IT service contracts, aggregating the similarity values, and using the aggregated similarity values with a prediction model to predict risk factors affecting the new IT service contract and to quantify an impact of each predicted risk factor on an expected gross profit margin.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to display (using a 3D graphics application) an overlayed window containing an alternate data representation in a three-dimensional system. A first 3D view of a real world scene (that includes a first set of data layers) is displayed on a display device. The user selects a set of entities that together define an alternate representation of the first 3D view. The alternate representation is a second set of data layers that is different than the first set of data layers. An overlayed window is displayed on top of the first 3D view and displays the alternate representation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a land planning tool that maybe used to perform a variety of land planning tasks. The land planning tool may interpret global information systems (GIS) electronic data in conjunction with user-specified constraints to analyze and display a development site, visually indicating developable areas. The user may then use a pen-based device to sketch outlines of land planning objects. As the user sketches, the land planning tool may generate vector geometry stored in an electronic database for use by a variety of computer aided design tools.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a credit account can be associated with a locational restriction and a corresponding monetary restriction. The locational restriction sets forth a specific merchant or type of merchant at which a credit account can be used. The monetary restriction sets forth a maximum monetary amount that can be charged to that account by the specified merchant or type of merchant. When a request to approve a purchase using the credit account is received from a merchant, it will be determined whether the locational and monetary restrictions are met. If so, the request is approved. However, if either restriction is not met, the request will be denied.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to display a sun and shadow simulation in a 3D system. A 3D view of a real world scene is displayed, using a 3D graphics application, on a display device. A plug-in is installed into the application. A calendar period (e.g., a month, day, and year) is defined by the user. A timeline arc is displayed with the calendar period defining a radius of the arc, and starting stopping endpoints of the timeline arc defining an interval of time during the calendar period. A timeline slider is displayed on the arc that indicates a time of day within the calendar period. A visualization is displayed, in the 3D view, of shadows cast by a sun on objects in the 3D view. A position of the sun is based on the calendar period and the time of day.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to display (using a 3D graphics application) an overlayed window containing an alternate data representation in a three-dimensional system. A first 3D view of a real world scene (that includes a first set of data layers) is displayed on a display device. The user selects a set of entities that together define an alternate representation of the first 3D view. The alternate representation is a second set of data layers that is different than the first set of data layers. An overlayed window is displayed on top of the first 3D view and displays the alternate representation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to store user defined scenarios in a three-dimensional system. A 3D view of a real world scene is displayed, using a three-dimensional (3D) graphics application. Plug-ins are installed into the 3D graphics application. A user selects a subset of the plug-ins, defines settings for the subset of plug-ins, and defines a visualization trait for each plug-in in the subset. The user associates an identification of the selected subset, the settings, and the visualization trait with a scenario bookmark that is saved. The bookmark can be selected by a user to display a visualization of a scenario based on the selected subset, settings, and visualization trait.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to display a sun and shadow simulation in a 3D system. A 3D view of a real world scene is displayed, using a 3D graphics application, on a display device. A plug-in is installed into the application. A calendar period (e.g., a month, day, and year) is defined by the user. A timeline arc is displayed with the calendar period defining a radius of the arc, and starting stopping endpoints of the timeline arc defining an interval of time during the calendar period. A timeline slider is displayed on the arc that indicates a time of day within the calendar period. A visualization is displayed, in the 3D view, of shadows cast by a sun on objects in the 3D view. A position of the sun is based on the calendar period and the time of day.

Abstract: A cylindrical member conditioning device. The device includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and a passageway extending along the longitudinal axis, the passageway being of sufficient size to receive the cylindrical member and to facilitate its movement through the housing. The housing includes at least one roller pair, each roller of the roller pair having an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each roller is rotatable about its axis, the rollers of the roller pair positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. The surface of each roller is sized to extend sufficiently into the passageway such that as the cylindrical member passes through the housing, the rollers change a surface condition thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical member maintenance device that includes housing having a central opening for the passage of the cylindrical member and one or more cutting rings disposed within the housing for engaging the cylindrical member as the housing is moved along a length of the cylindrical member. The device may further include or more brush assemblies disposed within the housing for engaging and cleaning the cylindrical member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a land planning tool that maybe used to perform a variety of land planning tasks. The land planning tool may interpret global information systems (GIS) electronic data in conjunction with user-specified constraints to analyze and display a development site, visually indicating developable areas. The user may then use a pen-based device to sketch outlines of land planning objects. As the user sketches, the land planning tool may generate vector geometry stored in an electronic database for use by a variety of computer aided design tools.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a land planning tool that maybe used to perform a variety of land planning tasks. The land planning tool may interpret global information systems (GIS) electronic data in conjunction with user-specified constraints to analyze and display a development site, visually indicating developable areas. The user may then use a pen-based device to sketch outlines of land planning objects. As the user sketches, the land planning tool may generate vector geometry stored in an electronic database for use by a variety of computer aided design tools.

Abstract: A cylindrical member maintenance device is comprised of a housing comprised of two hinged halves for being closed around a cylindrical member, such as a stranded steel cable. A rotary helical brush assembly and a rotary longitudinal brush assembly are positioned in the housing and rotatable about an axis of the housing. Each rotary brush assembly is comprised of coaxial split rings with rotary cylindrical wire brushes connected in between and which are independently rotatable about their own axes. Nozzles are positioned on the inside of the housing for applying a cleaning fluid or paint to the cylindrical member. Apertures in the housing are for connecting to a suction device for removing debris, cleaning fluid, and paint to avoid contaminating the environment. Loops on the housing are for attaching to cables for moving the housing along the cylindrical member.