MCAD Tech News (#221)
19 Sep, 2007 By: Jeffrey RoweGeolus Search, The Google of 3D
THE HUGE POTENTIAL FOR SHAPE-BASED SEARCH ENGINES HAS ONLY BEGUN TO BE TAPPED.In the last issue of MCAD Tech News, I gave a brief overview of 3D geometry search engine technology and identified a couple of companies that develop and market that technology. This week I'll discuss Geolus Search (from UGS PLM Software), where it came from, where it is heading, and how it works. In fact, the company is so confident about Geolus Search’s capabilities, it terms the technology “the Google of 3D” — quite a bold claim.
Geolus Search has a relatively short, but interesting, history. What is now known as Geolus Search was originally developed by software design & management AG (sd&m AG). The company is a subsidiary of Capgemini and develops custom software and provides IT consultancy services.
In June 2006, UGS announced it had acquired the shape search technology from sd&m and renamed it Geolus Search. (It was formerly sold as geolus SHAPE.) It is basically a shape search application that allows manufacturers to quickly locate 3D models of digitally defined parts from large heterogeneous data sources on the basis of geometric similarity. The intent of the acquisition was to allow UGS to build advanced geometry-based search applications that promote data reuse and eliminate the time and expense associated with designing or purchasing duplicate parts. Today, it is used primarily by two distinct groups within enterprises: design/engineering and procurement. The core functionality of Geolus Search acts as UGS PLM's search engine for assisting with the development, control, and procurement of parts. Read more>>
By Richard Doyle
The latest release from SolidWorks, SolidWorks 2008, brings some terrific interface changes to the table. In this month's "Solid Thinking," the first in a series of SolidWorks 2008 articles, I'll look at some of the productivity enhancements that are a result of those changes.
The first changes you will notice are the standard menu bars. Cleverly displayed, the menu bars serve as both standard toolbars and a set of menus for accessing other commands. The standard toolbar is shown by default, but if you hover over or select the SolidWorks icon, the toolbar changes to show the drop-down menu interface, exposing standard commands such as File, Edit, and View. You can also now pin the menu bars in place. Read more>>Mark Your Calendar: MCAD Events
Automation Studio Training: Hydraulic System
October 1-3, 2007
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Automation Studio presents this training session, presented in English, to help users rapidly attain a higher level of proficiency. Other sessions can be held on the user's premises, in the company's headquarters in Montreal, or online. Read more
Automation Studio Training: Hydraulic and Electrotechnical System
October 2-5, 2007
Modena, Italy
Automation Studio presents this training session, presented in English, to help users rapidly attain a higher level of proficiency. Other sessions can be held on the user's premises, in the company's headquarters in Montreal , or online. Read more
Click here to view the complete calendar of events at Cadalyst.com.
Notice: CAD Manager's Survey Now Online
It’s that time of year again — log on and take Robert Green's CAD Manager’s Survey. This annual survey measures the latest metrics and takes the pulse of the marketplace where we all work. In response to reader feedback, Robert has restructured the survey to consider more workplace factors. Please participate in the survey because more responses ultimately yield more accurate results. The CAD Manager's Survey 2007 is online now and awaiting your input.
