Technology Computer-aided design

a cad model of computer mouse.

originally software computer-aided design systems developed computer languages such fortran, algol advancement of object-oriented programming methods has radically changed. typical modern parametric feature based modeler , freeform surface systems built around number of key c modules own apis. cad system can seen built interaction of graphical user interface (gui) nurbs geometry or boundary representation (b-rep) data via geometric modeling kernel. geometry constraint engine may employed manage associative relationships between geometry, such wireframe geometry in sketch or components in assembly.

unexpected capabilities of these associative relationships have led new form of prototyping called digital prototyping. in contrast physical prototypes, entail manufacturing time in design. said, cad models can generated computer after physical prototype has been scanned using industrial ct scanning machine. depending on nature of business, digital or physical prototypes can chosen according specific needs.

today, cad systems exist major platforms (windows, linux, unix , mac os x); packages support multiple platforms.

right now, no special hardware required cad software. however, cad systems can graphically , computationally intensive tasks, modern graphics card, high speed (and possibly multiple) cpus , large amounts of ram may recommended.

the human-machine interface via computer mouse can via pen , digitizing graphics tablet. manipulation of view of model on screen done use of spacemouse/spaceball. systems support stereoscopic glasses viewing 3d model.technologies in past limited larger installations or specialist applications have become available wide group of users. these include cave or hmds , interactive devices motion-sensing technology