Methods and apparatuses for resolving a CAD drawing conflict with an arm around

• US 20080309678A1
• Filed: 05/01/2008
• Published: 12/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: M.E.P. Cad, Incorporated
• Original Assignee: M.E.P. Cad, Incorporated
• Inventors: Hoeft, Shane, Reghetti, Joseph P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,441,502 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/635
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2113/14 Pipes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/00 Computer-aided design [CAD]

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for automatically resolving conflicts in a computer automated design application, and more particularly to utilizing an arm around to alter a graphic object to avoid an obstruction created by a second graphic object. The present invention allows a CAD user to automatically resolve conflicts between sprinkler system piping and obstructions such as heating/cooling ducts or support beams by proposing arm around solutions. The present invention may also be used to resolve conflicts in other types of piping systems or to resolve conflicts in unrelated applications.

Claims

1. A method for altering a first graphic object to avoid an obstruction created by a second graphic object within a CAD drawing, comprising the steps of:

identifying the obstruction created by the second graphic object;

proposing a temporary arm around resolution based on one or more options selected by a user that would alter the first graphic object to avoid the obstruction;

displaying the temporary arm around resolution to the user; and

if the temporary arm around resolution is accepted by the user, automatically altering the first graphic object to avoid the obstruction based on the temporary arm around resolution.