Computer apparatus and method for logical modelling

[54] COMPUTER APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOGICAL MODELLING

[75] Inventors: Mark Addesso, Hamden;

Venkatraman R. Iyer, New Haven;
Robert M. Dunn, Redding, all of
Conn.

[73] Assignee: Cadware, Inc., New Haven, Conn.
[21] Appl. No.: 334,080
[22] filed: Apr. 5,1989

[51] Int. CI.5 G06T 15/46

[52] U.S. CI 364/192; 364/521

[58] Field of Search 364/192, 188, 474.24,

364/512, 522, 521, 578, 729, 200, 900, 488, 189

[56] References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

4,697,239 9/1987 Sicard et al 364/468

4,700,317 10/1987 Watanabe et al 364/512

4,831,546 5/1989 Mitsuta 364/512

Primary Examiner—Clark A. Jablon
Assistant Examiner—Paul Gordon
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Barry R. Lipsitz

[57] ABSTRACT

A computer based modelling system includes a computer processor and a memory for storing a model database. A set of primitives is stored in the database. An interface coupled to the computer processor enables a user to input, retrieve and manipulate data within the database. A high level user of the modelling system creates a modelling methodology by editing the database to define: (a) modelling objects in terms of the primitives, (b) modes of viewing the modelling objects, and (c) logical relationships between elements of the views and the modelling objects. A system modeler can create models for specific applications by selecting views representative of modelling objects stored in the database, and manipulating the views in accordance with the methodology defined by the system tooler. Invalid manipulations are prohibited. Policies of coordination can be established among a plurality of modeling sessions of one or more low level users. The system database has a recursive structure, whereby a change made to a first object or view will initiate corresponding changes in every other object or view logically related to the first object or view.

30 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets