US Patent:
20070089087, Apr 19, 2007
Inventors:
Edward Connor - Manchester NH, US
Craig Storms - Concord NH, US
Michael Appolo - Derry NH, US
Tim Burnham - New Boston NH, US
Anandaraja Devan - Manchester NH, US
Steve Milligan - Merrimack NH, US
Michael Rogerson - Manchester NH, US
Kenneth Spalding - Mont Vernon NH, US
International Classification:
G06F 9/44
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus and article of manufacture for modeling a variety of three-dimensional (3D) utility networks constructed from individual network part elements. In one embodiment, users may construct a utility network by selecting and assembling a network of inter-connected parts, where each part is selected from a pipe and structure list. Connectivity among parts is established through part placement. Structure and connected pipe properties may be managed as a single property set. As parts are placed in the utility network, auto-sizing logic resizes existing structures to connected pipes. Pipes and structures are represented by part model data that defines a set of common behavior and properties. When a user modifies part model data or property sets or moves inter-connected parts, a logic component resizes and automatically updates any associated two-dimensional and three-dimensional views of the utility network.