Abstract: A parametric design system comprises an estimate generator, a layout drawing generator, and a design generator. The estimate generator for generating a cost estimate based on at least one of predetermined properties of the engineered object as defined by a request for proposal defining the engineered object, parameters associated with components of the engineered object, and engineering rules and knowledge. The layout drawing generator generates a layout drawing based on at least one of specifications of the engineered object as defined by the request for proposal, parameters associated with components of the engineered object, and engineering rules and knowledge. The design generator generates the object design based on an order and a proposal. The proposal is generated based on the cost estimate and the layout drawing. The order is generated based on the proposal.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for enabling an automatic creation of a parts list and 3-dimensional illustrations of a product based on 3-dimensional CAD or XVL data of an industrial product consisting of a plurality of parts. A method for generating a parts catalog consisting of a parts list and corresponding disassembly illustrations is provided. This method comprises the steps of (a) assigning reference numerals/symbols based on the parts list; (b) building a disassembly algorithm based on the parts list; and (c) generating disassembly illustrations based on the disassembly algorithm, wherein minimum disassembly units of the disassembly illustrations are parts and parts groups assigned with the reference numerals/symbols, and displaying the reference numeral/symbol for each of the parts and parts groups in the disassembly illustrations.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to update a drawing surface in a CAD/GIS computer application. First, a drawing surface is displayed in a CAD/GIS application. A surface edit operation is then performed on the drawing surface. The CAD/GIS application then determines if an automatic rebuild option is active. If the rebuild option is active, the drawing surface is dynamically and automatically rebuilt to reflect the surface edit operation. Alternatively, if the automatic rebuild option is inactive (e.g., toggled off), the drawing surface is flagged as out-of-date.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that include advantages such as the ability to identify sizes, shapes and locations of frequently unwanted additional features that occur as a result of photolithographic interference. The additional feature information is obtained through use of simulation methods with reduced processing time or solving a system of equations. This allows a user to quickly find information about additional feature printing before the features are printed, and before the reticle is made.

Abstract: A mechanism for incorporating user input modes in a scripting language are provided for. A context allows use of user input modes in a scripting language in a manner that corresponds to their use in a GUI. A programming construct, referred to as a context, specifies at least one user input mode and a state for the user input mode that are applied to a set of instructions. The operations specified by the instructions that are referenced by a context are executed as if the user input modes referred to by the contexts have the state specified by the contexts.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional CAD-system for adding data about a drafting direction of a die to three-dimensional data about the part to be formed by that die, and a cost calculation system for calculating the cost of the part based on that drafting direction data. A three-dimensional model generation unit of a CAD system generates: a three-dimensional shaped model of a given part based on information coming from an input operation unit. A drafting direction data setting unit establishes drafting direction data when the input operation unit is operated to designate the drafting direction of the die for press molding, injection molding or the like of the part in question. A projected area calculation unit calculates a projected area S of the part on a plane perpendicular to the drafting direction of the applicable die on the basis of the three-dimensional model of that part and the drafting direction data involved.

Abstract: A design apparatus for efficiently designing a mold that has improved quality. The mold is manufactured by removing cutting area from a mold material. The apparatus includes a database for storing geometry data, which represents a shape of the mold, and a further database for storing process data, which represents the shape of the cutting area, in association with the geometry data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to manipulate a drawing surface in a CAD/GIS computer application. A drawing surface is displayed in a CAD/GIS application followed by the performance of a surface edit operation on the drawing surface. The surface edit operation is stored/saved as an atomic property in a list of surface edit operations. The list of surface edit operations is displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI). Each surface edit operation may be independently toggled on/off in the GUI and such toggling is reflected in the CAD/GIS application by displaying an effect of executing the surface edit operation if toggled on and displaying the drawing surface without execution of the surface edit operation if toggled off.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for dynamically provisioning a user interface for a shader. Signals received from a user input device are interpreted to select the shader. Source code including program instructions for the shader is parsed to identify user-controllable parameters and preferred user interface components that are then displayed within a user interface. Additional user input signals are obtained based on user interactions with the user interface components and the shader is executed to display the effect of the user interactions.

Abstract: A machine-readable definition of a scene including three dimensional objects is represented. A schematic representation of the scene displays an object in which elements of the object are defined by nodes and relationships between these nodes are represented by links. Several unique relationship types are used to define specific functions applying to a node or between nodes. Selection data is received in response to user input that selects one of the relationship types. Appearance of the displayed links is modified so as to identify occurrences of the selected type to the user. Furthermore, a link may be added to display a relationship type defining a specific function for two or more nodes.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product that have a graphical user interface capable of easily generating different kinds of items on a canvas by a user by operation of a mouse pointer on the canvas without requiring movement of the mouse pointer between a palette and the canvas are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a system is provided which comprises displaying means to display a pointer and a positional reference on a display screen; input means to accept an operation by a user; and control means to control a position and a function of the pointer on the display screen in response to the operation; wherein the control means determines the function of the pointer according to a distance between the position of the pointer and the positional reference.

Abstract: The present invention is a network-based system and method for providing a centrally controlled single source location for storing electronic data (including but not limited to part information such as Computer Aided Designed [CAD] solid models, associated textual data, images, mathematical algorithms, and links to associative websites) to be accessed by users creating various products/designs using various application programs. The system includes a central computer system and a plurality of user computer systems coupled to a network. The central computer system stores a plurality of computer solid models. From a user computer system, a user accesses an application program run by the central computer system in order to search and retrieve the stored data files (solid models).

Abstract: A furniture design support system comprises a computer system. The computer system comprises an HD unit, which stores a furniture design support program and data representing the basic forms of units and parts. An operator defines a size, a finishing color, a material (the kind of wood), etc. with respect to the unit to be used for furniture to be designed on the basis of the desires of a customer, and also defines a finishing color, a material, etc. with respect to the part (a drawer, a door leaf, etc.) (step 33). Completed furniture is displayed on a display screen by assembling the unit and the part on the display screen. An HD stores design data related to the completed furniture (step 34). The appearance of the completed furniture is displayed on the display screen on the basis of the design data, and a design drawing is outputted from a printer (step 35).

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for preparing geometric models for use in a design tool are disclosed. The method comprises generating a first base shape model, separating the first base model into components, and characterizing the components. Further, the method provides for comparing the second base model, similarly prepared and characterized, to the first, and adjusting the features used to characterize the base model components until the two objects can be placed in correspondence. The system comprises a processor capable of processing instructions for generating base shape models wherein the processor is capable of processing instructions for separating a base model into components and further capable of processing instructions for characterizing base model components. Accordingly, the method may provide for defining a geometric model template by adjusting a base model to match a succession of input models.

Abstract: A method for creating a three-dimensional (3D) graphical user interface (GUI) involves creating a first two-dimensional (2D) container and a second 2D container, and placing the first 2D container and the second 2D container in a 3D environment to create the 3D GUI, wherein the orientation of the first 2D container in the 3D environment and the orientation of the second 2D container in the 3D environment are set prior to run time.

Abstract: A system and method providing an optimal way to create, manage and use resource data is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the system and method provide the ability to store resource data in a library, namely a resource library. A resource library includes resource files that can be attached to a regular data file either automatically, for example, by setting an environment variable, or manually. More than one resource library or resource file may be created and simultaneously attached to a data file. The resource file defines attributes of elements that may be used in creating the CAD model. Typically, the resource library includes attributes that are to be standardized across a project, file, or model.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium for editing electronic drawings or drafting documents are provided. The method includes presenting a representation of an electronic drawing, including a version of the drawing itself, to be edited, receiving edits to the representation, and storing the edits in a file that is separate from the electronic drawing. The edits are not initially made directly to the drawing. Rather, the edits are received distinct from the drawing and later made to the drawing by a central authority.

Abstract: A method for extracting data from a computer aided design (CAD) file comprising the steps of displaying at least one part attribute stored in the CAD file on a computer display, ballooning the at least one part attribute, extracting data based upon the ballooned at least one part attribute, passing the extracted data to a user interface for display, editing the extracted data displayed on the user interface, and saving the edited extracted data.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a system and method method for creating a sub-system in a measurement system. A user may group together various components of the measurement system into a sub-system. Grouping a subset of components together in the sub-system may enable the subset of components to be treated as an atomic unit in various ways. In particular, the subset of components may be displayed as a single unit. For example, in one embodiment the user may be able to request the sub-system to be collapsed into a single icon. In response the individual components within the sub-system may be hidden from view, and a single sub-system icon representing the entire sub-system may be displayed. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for grouping together a plurality of measurement components into a single icon, where each measurement component represents a measurement to be acquired by the measurement system.

Abstract: A method and a carrier medium carrying code to execute a method of designing a carton. The method includes accepting carton structural information, forming a 2D unfolded model of the substrate that when cut and folded forms the carton, and forming a 3D model of the carton. The method further includes displaying a 2D view of the unfolded carton design, and a perspective view of the 3D model. A user has the ability to manipulate the view of the 3D model, and also to select a flap of the carton on perspective view. As a result of the selecting, the method modifies the 2D unfolded view to be of the selected flap shown in an orientation suitable for designing the selected flap. The user designs the flap and the method accepts the design. The method includes modifying the perspective view of the 3D model to include any changes made in the design.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide data file interoperability between two drawing programs using a single composite drawing file. A method of generating a drawing file shared by a source application and a target application includes storing a copy of a computer aided design (CAD) drawing in a composite drawing file, where the CAD drawing is stored according to a drawing format used by the source application. The method also includes generating a visual representation of the CAD drawing, where the visual representation is formatted according to a drawing format used by the target application. The method also includes storing the visual representation in the composite drawing file, where a display of the visual representation generated by the target application is substantially similar to a display of the CAD drawing generated by the source application.

Abstract: A method of generating an application programming interface (API) for an electronic circuit. A graphical user interface is displayed through which a user can initiate generation of the API. A component is selected from a plurality of components for placement in said electronic circuit. The component represents an implementable function in the electronic circuit. The component is configured using the graphical user interface. The data pertaining to the selected component and the configuration of the component is stored. The graphical user interface is utilized to access the stored data. The interface is initiated to invoke a processing of said data which causes a generation of the application programming interface. The application interface is for controlling the function of the component in said electronic circuit.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an engineered object comprising an estimate generator, layout drawing generator, and design generator. The estimate generator generates a cost estimate based on a request for proposal defining the engineered object. The layout drawing generator generates a layout drawing based on the request for proposal. The design generator generates, based on an order and a proposal, an object design comprising an assembly specification, a detail specification, and machine control files. The proposal is generated based on the cost estimate and the layout drawing. The order is generated based on the proposal. Manufactured components are generated based on the machine control files. Subassemblies are generated from the manufactured components and the procured components based on the detail specifications. The engineered object is generated based on the subassemblies and the assembly specifications.

Abstract: A system and method for computer-aided engineering analysis using direct mesh manipulation of a mesh model is provided. The system includes a computer system having a memory, a processor, a user input device and a display device. The method includes the steps of selecting a geometric model in a computer-aided design (CAD) format, converting the CAD model into a mesh model and evaluating the mesh model using a computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis. The method also includes the steps of modifying a surface of the mesh model by varying a predetermined parameter using direct surface manipulation (DSM), updating the mesh model and using the updated mesh model in further CAE analysis.

Abstract: A coordinate design and information system (CDIS) combining coordinate geometry, spatial features and drafting into one package. CDIS uses an object-oriented and spatial-based approach in which all objects have a set of attributes, while space and areas are defined and tracked. The invention has such features as incremental numbering with automatic parceling, duplicating a cluster, pulling a line tangent to a curve, erasing figures by type, converting lines to polylines, computing an average radius from digitized points, wiping out triangles greater than a certain length, exploding a text file inserted as multi-line text into individual lines of text, and specifying parcel report precision.

Abstract: An outsourcing service center (7) discloses information obtained through outsourcing services for a first sheet metal processing factory (3) to promote sales. A first ordering customer (5) requests a first sheet metal processing factory (3) to make an estimate for manufacturing a product. The first sheet metal processing factory (3) requests an outsourcing center (7) to perform the work of making the estimate. The outsourcing center (7) logs in to a computer (9) of the first sheet metal processing factory via a computer (15) of the outsourcing center, and, by remote control, works together with the first sheet metal processing factory to perform outsourcing services such as making an estimate and creating NC process data. The processes of these remotely performed services are stored in memory constituting know-how and are then disclosed on a Web page. In this way, examples of previous work successes are introduced and thereby used for promoting CAD/CAM software used in the work processes.

Abstract: Three values for each CAD image element are set: an element priority, a level priority, and a model reference priority. In addition, for the CAD project that contains the CAD image element, a separate priority multiplier value may be set project-wide for elements, levels, and models, creating an element priority multiplier, a level priority multiplier, and a model reference priority multiplier. Once the priority values and priority multiplier values have been set, either by default values or by the user, the values are used to calculate an image depth for each CAD image element. The image depth values are stored, for example in a z-buffer, and can be used to set the display priority for the CAD image elements regardless of the order in which they are placed into the image.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a prosthetic device includes the step of displaying a graphical user interface. The method further includes determining a user selected prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. The method also includes determining a first user selected orientation for the prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. Moreover, the method includes displaying an image of the prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. The method yet further includes calculating a first data set indicative of a first range of motion for the prosthetic device orientated in the first user selected orientation, and displaying a graphical representation of the first data set via the graphical user interface. An apparatus for analyzing a prosthetic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic catalogue system which, for easy sensory recognition of the size of a commercial product which is displayed in an electronic catalogue, displays on one screen the image of the commercial product together with the image of an article for comparison which is for comparing and notifying the size comprises: a communication control part which reads three-dimensional data DTA regarding the commercial product and three-dimensional data DTB regarding the article for comparison; an observation image generating part which generates the image of the commercial product and the image of the article for comparison based on thus read three-dimensional data DTA regarding the commercial product and three-dimensional data DTB regarding the article for comparison; and a displaying part which displays the generated images.

Abstract: A method for remote mask data jobview through a network featuring 24-hour service, reduced cycle time and lower cost, whereby customers can obtain real time mask data access instead of downloading entire pattern files. Expensive CAD/CAM software is unnecessary for the mask data jobview; instead, only a web browser is required. The method for remote mask data jobview through a network comprising the steps of: storing a mask data file to a jobview computer, wherein drawing software is installed on the jobview computer; logging onto a web server from a customer computer through a first network, wherein a web-based graphic mode emulator is installed on the web server; logging onto the jobview computer from the web server through a second network; using the web-base graphic mode emulator to operate the drawing software; and using a browser installed on the customer computer to operate the drawing software to open and review the mask data file.

Abstract: The invention includes computer instructions that detect a cursor in a proximity of a geometry piece of a mechanical design having multimedia associated with the geometry piece. Once the cursor is detected, the instructions automatically generate an icon associated with the geometry piece for accessing the associated multimedia. As a result, CAD model information is conveyed utilizing multimedia associated with one or more geometry pieces of the CAD model. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application. In one embodiment, the mechanical software application including the computer instructions is embodied in a distribution storage medium.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a graphical program which accesses registers of a hardware device. In one embodiment, a register access node or primitive may be included in a graphical program, such that when the graphical program is executed on the computer system, the register access node is operable to access (i.e., either read or write) registers of a hardware device in the computer system. The method may comprise first displaying a register access node in the graphical program in response to user input. For example, the user may select the register access node from a palette and drag and drop the register access node onto a window of the graphical program being created. The user may then configure the register access node to access one or more registers of a selected hardware device, e.g., by using a user interface for performing this configuration.

Abstract: System and method for deploying a graphical program to a device in a wireless manner. A graphical program (GP) is created that implements a measurement function. Some or all of the GP is transmitted to a measurement device via wireless means in accordance with a wireless communication protocol. The measurement device executes the transmitted portion of the GP to perform the measurement function, thereby generating resultant data, which is received from the measurement device via wireless means. The GP may include a block diagram that executes on the measurement device, and a user interface portion that is displayed by a first computer system. Alternatively, the GP is transmitted to a hub over a network, and the hub deploys some or all of the graphical program to the device via wireless means. The measurement device executes the GP and sends the resultant data back to the hub or computer system wirelessly.

Abstract: An integrated building production information system including design CAD (computer-aided-design) based on software of building, structure, and equipment, and databases built in the outside separately from the design CAD, the databases making an integrated DB (shared database)-CAD system of building, structure and equipment as an execution-linked system in DB-CAD's sharing of a standard database, wherein the integrated building production information system stores the information made compatible by three-dimensional superposition at the time of design into a shared database (DB) of the integrated DB-CAD system, and further receives and links information of this shared database to extemal systems such as a skeleton drawing CAD, a reinforcing bar and steel frame system and the like and produces execution information.

Abstract: A method of implementing an administration system for use with a computer aided design (CAD) system. The method includes generating multiple CAD objects using the CAD system, and generating multiple web objects. A set of object properties is defined for each of the CAD objects; and for each of the web objects. A plurality of links are created, with each link defining a conditional relationship between a parent object and a child object. Each parent object is one of the CAD objects or one of the web objects, and each child object is one of the CAD objects or one of the web objects. A set of link relationships is defined for each of the links.

Abstract: A Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) system enables high efficiency and high quality. The CAM system of this invention includes a unit that uses a computer aided design (CAD) model that is solid model data of a metal mold to be made and a measured work geometric model that is geometric model data of a work, which is obtained by measuring a work to be machined, to generate a cutting margin model that is difference between the measured work geometric model and the CAD model, and unit that generates numerical control (NC) data based on the generated cutting margin model. According to this invention, one of ordinary skill in the art can easily machine an actual article in conformity with the actual shop floor in the actual factory to make a metal mold.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and an article of manufacture for acquiring and unacquiring data points of interest in a drawing program. Data points of interest are acquired after a display cursor is positioned over the data point of interest for an acquisition pause time. This technique presents the flashing of superfluous information on the display as the cursor passes over objects in the drawing. Embodiments are presented which implement alignment and extension of objects using acquired data points, and non-symmetric acquisition pause times and snap distances.

Abstract: A method to facilitate programming a microcontroller is disclosed. In one embodiment, after a user configures the circuit by selecting circuit parameters and pin-outs, various items are automatically generated to facilitate programming the microcontroller. The generated items may include: application programming interfaces (APIs) for programming the operation of one or more user modules; source code for realizing the user modules in hardware; interrupt vectors to call interrupt service routines for one or more modules; and a data sheet for the circuit.

Abstract: An element selection is made in reference to a first graphical display showing a first subset of elements of a design having a number of elements coupled to one another. The selection is learned. In response, a second graphical display is provided. The second graphical display shows a second subset of the elements of the design, including at least a number of elements that are not part of the first subset but having an informational nexus to the selected element. As a result, a designer may selectively explore a complex design at the designer's direction.

Abstract: An object may be colored to indicate draft angles of a pull direction at various locations of the object. The coloration advantageously employs a color map specifying a color spectrum for a range of trigonometric values of the draft angles.

Abstract: A design work assistance apparatus, comprising: a design work guidance means for guiding along with a process template, which represents processing steps of design work process by unit work processes in a sequence thereof; a design work history accumulation means 107 for accumulating data of design work history, in particular information relating to failures in the past, by referring to a predetermined unit work process in parallel with the design work guidance; and a knowledge visualizing means 108 for transmitting information, which has high importance among the accumulated data of the design work history (for example, a failure case), to a design worker, thereby achieving the design work guidance with utilizing the cases of the past design works effectively.

Abstract: The mouse cursor is moved over the register of a register dialog once a drop-and-drag action has been initiated, then the register under the mouse cursor is automatically moved to the foreground after a variable time interval, and the contents can thus be seen. Process of making the item visible is initiated just by locating the mouse over the register of the concealed registered dialog. The invention can be extended to normal mouse movements (that is to say that other than drag drop.) Dropping an object on to a drop destination in a concealed register of a register dialog for drag and drop actions and drag and drop between the registers of a tabbed dialog or the pages of a workbook (such as the various tables in Excel, for example.

Abstract: A method for engineering management and planning for the design of a communications network in three dimensions (3-D) combines computerized organization, database fusion, and site-specific communication system performance prediction models. The method enables a designer to keep track of communication system performance through the process of pre-bid, design, installation and maintenance of a communication system. Automated selection, placement and configuration of communication component equipment can be performed using desired performance criteria identified at finite locations within the environment along with a finite set of communication component models and suitable locations and configurations in the environment.

Abstract: A method of designing the form of a cable clamp and cables using a three-dimensional CAD system for easily designing the form of the cables passing through the cable clamp is disclosed. According to the method, the cable clamp is checked by comparing the area necessary for clamping the cables with the inner-diameter area of the cable clamp; the control points related to the cable clamp are designated; and the data of the designated control points are added to the data of control points assigned to each cable in advance. Therefore, the form of the clamped portion of each cable can be simultaneously determined together with the forms of the other portions of the cable, so that the designer can execute the verification of the cable clamp and the design of the cable forms in a short time.

Abstract: Permitting or prohibiting a drop is executed at the beginning of the drag-and-drop action initiated by the user, by mouse-clicking on the object to be dragged, for example. Thus, the drag-and-drop action is shown as a visual drop permission or prohibition in the relevant drop areas, such as a visual queue, for example, check mark, etc. In the preferred embodiment, and upon initiation of the action, the surface components display which areas, parts, elements or substructures can or cannot accept a given object or data element before a mouse pointer, arrow or cursor reaches or moves over the relevant areas, parts, elements or substructures.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method, which assist CAD data to be usable by supplier's own CAD and automatic programming tool no matter how a format of the CAD data from an orderer may be. Electronic drawing data Dx prepared in an orderer 11 is received in an outsourcing service center 14, the received electronic drawing data Dx is subjected to data conversion into electronic drawing data Dc in a format designated by the supplier 12, and the electronic drawing data Dc having been subjected to the data conversion is transmitted to the supplier 12 or a designated destination.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for a tape-out request. In one example, the method includes receiving initial information from a customer and loading a mask tooling template based on the initial information. A mask tooling form may be customized based on metal layer information provided by the customer via the mask tooling template and answers to questions provided to the customer. The method may then generate logical operations based on information received from the customer via the mask tooling form.

Abstract: Computer implemented techniques for edge correlation between design objects in computer-aided design systems are provided. According to one embodiment, a source edge is exported from a source CAD system into a data representation in a global scene. The global scene is imported into a target CAD system so that one or more candidate target edges can be identified. Once the candidate target edges are identified, they are exported into a data representation of a local scene. Through a series of techniques, which can include an edge overlap algorithm, a region containment algorithm, an edge containment algorithm, and an edge extension algorithm, non-overlapping candidate target edges are removed from the local scene until a correlated set of target edges is produced. Design features, such a round or chamfer operation, can then be performed in the target CAD system on the correlated set of edges, just as they are in the source CAD system.

Abstract: A netlist of a schematic diagram is generated. The netlist indicates the connectivity of components through connection lines. A normal display mode is provided in which at least a portion of the components are presented on the display, and connection lines corresponding to the components are also displayed. A topology display mode is provided in which the components are presented on the display without the connection lines. The user can switch between the topology display mode and the normal display mode while editing the schematic diagram. Automatic pin assignment and routing of the connection lines is performed according to the netlist, and is based upon grouping similarly classified connection lines. An abstract display mode is provided that presents abstract lines for a selected component, with a single abstract line running between two connected components. The abstract display mode is combinable with the topology display mode.

Abstract: A system and method which employ one or more portable hand held computers and one or more servers, allows a field engineer to complete the entire design, deployment, test, optimization, and maintenance cycle required to implement successful communications networks. The engineer may take the portable hand held computer into the field, and make alterations to the components, position of the components, orientation of the components, etc. based on on-site inspection. As these alterations to the computerized model are made, predictions for the effects these changes will have on the communications network are displayed to the engineer. Measurements may also be made using equipment connected to or contained in the portable hand held computer, and these measurements may be used to optimize performance criteria. Information can be transmitted to and from the portable hand held computer and the server to allow for complex processing to be performed.

Abstract: RF and gradient pulse combinations (30, 32, 36, 38) are applied to limit or define a region of interest in two dimensions (42) by pre-saturating surrounding regions (34a, 34b, 40a, 40b). A 90.degree. RF pulse (50) is applied in the presence of a slice select gradient (60) to excite selected dipoles in a slice or slab, defining the region of interest or voxel in the third dimension. Phase encoding gradients (62) and (64) are applied to encode spatial position in two dimensions of the slice. A binomial refocusing pulse (52) suppresses the water and refocuses the metabolite resonance into an echo which is acquired (68) by a receiver (26). A Fourier transform means (72, 74) transforms the received magnetic resonance signals to create a two dimensional array (76) or matrix of spectra (78) corresponding to a two dimensional array of spatial positions within the slice.