Abstract: Computer-implemented method and apparatus for processing data representing a three-dimensional object model includes generating an image of a modeled object. The modeled object is formed from a number of different components that can be arranged in different positions, and the generated image depicts a change in a position of a first one of the components with respect to a second one of the components.

Abstract: Modeling of a three-dimensional object includes storing data representing a computer model of the three-dimensional object. The data includes a number of feature objects each of which defines a feature of the computer model. A feature chain is formed and includes at least one feature object having a design effect limited in scope such that an operation for removing material operates to affect the feature of the computer model defined by another feature object in the same feature chain and does not affect the feature of the computer model defined by the feature object not in said same feature chain. Multiple feature chains can be combined to form an interrelationship among feature objects that represents a hierarchy defining construction of the model from the feature objects.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method and apparatus for processing data representing a three-dimensional object model includes generating an image of a modeled object. The modeled object is formed from a number of different components that can be arranged in different positions, and the generated image depicts a change in a position of a first one of the components with respect to a second one of the components.

Abstract: A method for processing a design model generated by a computer aided design system includes accessing model data that includes separately stored data documents detailing construction of the design model from a collection of components, processing the model data to generate image elements representing a projected view of the design model and to generate tag data associating each of the image elements with at least one of the of components and storing the first image elements and the first tag data in a drawing document. Supplementary data can be added to the drawing without the need for the external components to be available on disk or in memory. An updated drawing document can be generated following a change to one of the components. Generating an updated drawing document includes generating tag data that identifies matchings between the original and changed model components. Annotations and other supplementary data can be attached to image elements and stored in drawing documents.

Abstract: Modeling of a three-dimensional object includes storing data representing a computer model of the three-dimensional object. The data includes a number of feature objects each of which defines a feature of the computer model. A feature chain is formed and includes at least one feature object having a design effect limited in scope such that an operation for removing material operates to affect the feature of the computer model defined by another feature object in the same feature chain and does not affect the feature of the computer model defined by the feature object not in said same feature chain. Multiple feature chains can be combined to form an interrelationship among feature objects that represents a hierarchy defining construction of the model from the feature objects.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method and apparatus for processing data representing a three-dimensional object model includes generating an image of a modeled object. The modeled object is formed from a number of different components that can be arranged in different positions, and the generated image depicts a change in a position of a first one of the components with respect to a second one of the components.

Abstract: A dynamic mate inferencing system permits display and manipulation of a computer model, including features of allowing a user to select a feature of the model, determining a characteristic geometry of the feature, dynamically previewing the mating of the feature to a component of the model, allowing the user to alternate between different mating scenarios, and permitting the user to mate the feature to the component in the previewed geometry.

Abstract: A forming tool is provided for manipulating a computer model, including mechanisms for allowing a user to define a forming tool for creating a form feature of the model. Characteristics of the forming tool may be defined so that the forming tool may be reused without the need to redefine its characteristics.

Abstract: A graphical browser displays and manipulates a computer model by accessing data indicative of features and geometric characteristics of the model, presents graphical data indicative of features of the model, and allows a user to graphically manipulate features to provide corresponding changes to the model. The data may be accessed by interfacing to feature data and geometric data of the model. Different icons, indicative of different types of features of the model, may be displayed. The icons may be ordered and connected to indicate an order of creation of features of the model and/or presented in a way to indicate interdependency of features.