Method and apparatus for interactively manipulating and displaying presumptive relationships between graphic objects
First Claim
1. A method of operating a computer aided design system in presumptive mode, comprising the steps of:
- moving a selected graphic object relative to a graphic pointing symbol;
determining when the selected graphic object is within a predetermined proximity of an underlying graphic object;
manipulating the selected graphic object into a geometric relationship with the underlying graphic object according to predetermined geometric rules; and
dynamically updating the geometric relationship based on movement of the graphic pointing symbol while the graphic pointing symbol remains within the predetermined proximity of the underlying graphic object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A presumptive mode computer aided design and drafting system for interactively manipulating and displaying graphic objects that employ predefined rules to govern the geometric layout and logical relationships representing a physical design, schematic or process flow diagram. The system is configured to comply with the rules employed by various design disciplines. Specific interactive computer graphics behavior is dynamically accessed to interactively update graphic object relationships according to rules of geometric conduct. The rules of geometric conduct may be stored in external databases along with parameters to verify the logical relationships of the graphic objects used in the drawing. Object orientation is employed in the software design of the system to allow new devices or procedures to adopt the behavior of existing definitions. In the preferred embodiment, a selected object floats with a cursor in a graphic environment until located in proximity with underlying graphic objects. The selected object then aligns, jumps and clings to the underlying graphic object or objects according to predetermined rules. For example, the object is automatically rotated, orientated and positioned relative to a cling point into a correct relationship with the underlying object without further input by the operator. Further, the selected object slides along the underlying graphic object maintaining the correct geometric relationship while the operator moves the cursor in proximity with the underlying graphic. The operator either accepts the presumed relationship or moves the cursor away to uncling the selected object.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of operating a computer aided design system in presumptive mode, comprising the steps of:
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moving a selected graphic object relative to a graphic pointing symbol; determining when the selected graphic object is within a predetermined proximity of an underlying graphic object; manipulating the selected graphic object into a geometric relationship with the underlying graphic object according to predetermined geometric rules; and dynamically updating the geometric relationship based on movement of the graphic pointing symbol while the graphic pointing symbol remains within the predetermined proximity of the underlying graphic object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of operating a computer aided design system, comprising the steps of:
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providing at least one graphic object to be selected for insertion into a graphic design; displaying and moving a selected graphic object with a graphic cursor moved within the graphic design; when the selected graphic object is within a predetermined proximity with respect to one or more underlying graphic objects, automatically manipulating the object into a geometric relationship with the underlying graphic object; and dynamically updating the geometric relationship based on movement of the graphic cursor while the graphic cursor remains within the predetermined proximity of the underlying graphic object. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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24. A presumptive mode computer aided design system for interactively manipulating and displaying a selected object according to predefined geometric relationships, comprising:
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a display device for displaying a graphic environment; memory for storing data, including; a data base defining geometric relationships among graphic objects; a plurality of graphic object files, each defining a corresponding graphic object and associated symbol for display in said graphic environment; and a design file for incorporating a plurality of underlying graphic objects according to said geometric relationships; a pointing device for receiving input from an operator; and a processor coupled to said memory, said display device and said pointing device for controlling said graphic environment; wherein the operator selects an object for insertion into said design file and manipulates a graphic cursor in proximity with one of said underlying graphic objects displayed in said geographic environment, wherein said processor moves said selected object with said graphic cursor and then manipulates said graphic object and said design file in to a geometric relationship when said selected object is within proximity with said one of said underlying graphic objects, and wherein said processor dynamically updates said geometric relationship based on movement of said graphic cursor while said graphic cursor is within proximity of said underlying graphic objects.
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Specification