Conference noted::corporate_cad_tool_directory

102.0. "DECview3D - CAD Viewing + Annotation" by ALLVAX::NICKERSON () Mon Nov 12 1990 09:15

The location of the DECview3D kits and documentation are: 

	VIEW3D::DECVIEW3D$KITS:

	This location contains kits that have been approved for final release.

	VIEW3D::DECVIEW3D$DOCS:

	This location contains documentation that has been approved for final
	release.

	VIEW3D::DECVIEW3D$FT_KITS:

	This location contains kits and documentation under development.



PRODUCT NAME: DECview3D for VMS Version 2.0                    SPD 26.95.04

DESCRIPTION

DECview3D is a software tool used for display, review, markup, analysis and 
manipulation of engineering graphics created by CAD (Computer Aided Design) 
packages.  It combines data translation, snapshot generation and LiveLinks 
to DECwrite compound document editor. DECview3D can be used to integrate 
engineering graphics into other applications, or as a standalone tool for 
display and review of those graphics.

DECview3D runs under VMS DECwindows and adheres to the XUI Style Guide.
It has the same look and feel as other Digital developed DECwindows 
applications. DECview3D also supports graphics terminals, such as VT240/241 
and VT330/340.

Features

Input Translation

DECview3D can read and translate files that conform to the following formats:

IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification)

DECview3D will read and translate files that conform to the IGES 
V4.0 specification and that contain those entity types and forms 
supported by DECview3D.  

HP-GL(tm) Plot Files

DECview3D will read and translate HP-GL(tm) Plot formatted files. 
All non-shading plotting commands and all non-plotter specific 
initialization and settings commands are supported. 

CalComp(tm) 960 Files:

DECview3D will read and translate CALCOMP(tm) 960 Plot formatted files. 

The list of supported IGES entities, HP-GL(tm) and CalComp(tm) 960 plot 
commands is provided in the DECview3D Reference Manual.

Display and Manipulation Features

DECview3D allows the user to create one or many LAYOUTS in a DECview3D file.
A LAYOUT displays the graphics that have been translated into DECview3D, and 
keeps a record of how they were manipulated, sized, positioned or annotated 
during any working session. Users can navigate through the LAYOUTS contained 
in a DECview3D file, and control the display of the LAYOUT with PAN and ZOOM 
operations.

Graphics that are translated into DECview3D are displayed in VIEWPORTS on 
a layout. Each layout can contain one or many individual VIEWPORTS.
Users control the display of the graphics using a selection of PAN, ZOOM,
and ROTATE operations. Any pan, zoom and rotate combination can be stored in a 
user defined VIEW. User defined VIEWS can be added to the list of pre-defined 
VIEWS which are available in DECview3D. Pre-defined views are FRONT, BACK, 
LEFT, RIGHT, TOP, BOTTOM, ISOMETRIC and TRIMETRIC. The SELECT VIEW 
command allows the user to apply defined views to a graphic in DECview3D.

Markup Operations

Users can annotate or markup layouts with text information and graphic objects 
and symbols. These markups can be moved, deleted, copied, or customized 
by changing specific markup attributes.

Color Support

Files translated into DECview3D will display the original application color 
definition limited by the capability of the display device.  The DECview3D 
color table can be changed by the user, allowing the user to alter the display 
of the translated file.  Color changes will be reflected in the snapshot file 
formats, limited by the capability of the output device.

Analysis Functions

Users can search for information about a specific entity of a drawing e.g. 
lines or arc angles. The SELECTION FILTER can be customized to help 
users control the scope of the entity search. Once an entity has been 
selected, its characteristics or geometry information can be displayed and 
compared to other entity analyses.  This information can be stored in a text 
file, mailed to other users, or included as a text annotation on a DECview3D 
layout.


Snapshot Generation

A SNAPSHOT is a file containing a 2D representation of a specified layout, 
portion of a layout, or selected viewport. It shows the drawings and 
any markups that the user has added.  Snapshot files can be used for 
producing hardcopies, or for integrating into other applications. The 
following snapshot formats are supported in DECview3D:

. DDIF, Digital's Document Interchange Format
. Sixel
. ReGIS
. HP-GL(tm). The list of supported plot commands is provided in the DECview3D
  Reference Manual.
. Interleaf (tm) ASCII
. GKS-metafile
. CGM, Computer Graphics Metafile
. Tektronix(tm) 4014 protocol
. PostScript(tm)


User Interface

All DECview3D functions are available through a graphical user interface. The 
top level menu options include File, Edit, Display, Annotate, Analyze, 
Customize, and Help. Pull-down menus and dialog boxes allow the user to 
utilize all the functions of DECview3D.

The user interface also features the following:

Help

Two levels of help are available to the user:

^  Menu
^  General

Menu Help (found in the Main Menu) provides the user with an overview of
DECview3D, its functionality, and generic instructions relating to DECview3D
formats and commands. 

General Help (available at the VMS level) provides an overview of the system
and instructions to run DECview3D.

LiveLink

DECview3D can be invoked from the LiveLink capability available in DECwrite.
With LiveLinks, graphics from DECview3D can become part of a DECwrite document 
and may be automatically updated when the document is next edited. These 
updates can be controlled by the user so that they occur only when desired. 
Links from DECwrite to DECview3D can be modified or deleted.

DECview3D supports LiveLinks to external CAD files. If the user selects the 
LINK TO GRAPHIC option, this will ensure that the latest version of the 
external CAD file is always translated whenever the DECview3D Layout file is 
edited. Links from DECview3D to external CAD files can be modified or deleted.


High Quality Output

DECview3D provides high-quality output to DIGITAL PostScript printers such as 
the PrintServer 20 and PrintServer 40. In addition, it supports, the LN03, 
LN01S, and LN03 PLUS printers.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

VAX, MicroVAX or VAXstation configuration as specified in the System 
Support Addendum (SSA 26.95.04).

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS 

For Systems Using Terminals (No DECwindows Interface):

^ VMS Operating System
^ DEC GKS Run_Time Option or GKS Development System

For Systems Running DECwindows:

^ VMS Operating Systems (and necessary components of VMS DECwindows)
^ DEC GKS Run-Time Option or GKS Development System


Refer to the System Support Addendum (SSA 29.95.04A) for availability and 
required versions of prerequisite software and for information regarding 
components of VMS DECwindows


ORDERING INFORMATION

Software Licenses: QL-7969*-**
Software Media: QA-796AA-**
Software Documentation: QA-796AA-GZ
Software Product Services: QT-796A*-**

Now on ULTRIX.  See Note 313.0 in ALLVAX::DECVIEW3D notesfile