[cad-linux-dev] Re: simplicity in the face of complexity
- From: Bruno Postle <bruno@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: CAD linux development <cad-linux-dev@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 4 Oct 2003 17:38:34 +0100
On Fri 03-Oct-2003 at 07:56:24PM -0500, Eric Wilhelm wrote:
> The question is: "How can complex data be represented in a simple
> way that facilitates calculations (both for display and analysis)
> and how can it be tied to geometric objects without being lost
> during vector calculations and transformations?"
>
> I realize that this is a big question. The problem space quickly
> becomes very complex when you try to encompass all of the
> possibilities for which a data format might be used. Simplicity
> will help it remain flexible, but it has to set out to be flexible
> in the first place.
A data format can have a few features above simple geometric shapes:
* Simple parametric modelling, such as sharing nodes between lines
and dimensions such that changing one changes the other.
* More complex rule-based logic, effectively a scripting language
is needed that can modify the display of objects at run-time.
This would have to be understood by all applications that used
the data format.
* Extended attributes that can be used for calculating physical
properties.
* Easy access to data for software 'agents' that can read and
modify the virtual environment as applications in their own
right.
Other than it being clear to me that a 'deconstructed' multiple
files-in-directories framework is very powerful, the exact form of
the contents of the files themselves to allow all this isn't that
obvious.
--
Bruno
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