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ACIS 3D Geometric Modeler (ACIS) is an object-oriented three-dimensional (3D) geometric modeling engine from
Spatial Corp. (Spatial). It is designed for use as the geometry foundation within virtually any end user 3D modeling application.
ACIS provides an open architecture framework for wireframe, surface, and solid modeling from a common, unified data structure.
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ACIS is designed using software component technology.
ACIS is written in
C++ and consists of a set of
C++ classes (including data and member functions, or methods) and functions. A developer uses these classes and functions to create an end user 3D application.
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Spatial does not guarantee that an operation on an object in
ACIS will have the same result from release to release.
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In This Manual
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This manual discusses some fundamental concepts of
ACIS, including:
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How
ACIS uses
C++
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Basic math concepts such as dimensionality, continuity, transforms, etc., and how
ACIS implements a math foundation in
C++
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Model objects (including the
C++ class
ENTITY and its relationship to other classes)
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Construction and model geometry of
ACIS models
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Model topology and boundary representation
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Curves and surfaces
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Tolerance variables in
ACIS
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Model modification and analysis techniques
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Prerequisites for Using ACIS
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Before you begin working with
ACIS, you should have the following foundation:
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An understanding of geometric modeling
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An understanding of object oriented design and programming
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Familiarity with
C++ (preferably, prior programming experience with
C++)
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The following list summarizes the minimum set of
ACIS fundamental subjects you should understand before you start to develop your application:
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ACIS software architecture, including the object libraries
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Geometry
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mathematical
C++ classes (such as
SPAposition,
SPAvector,SPAtransf)
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construction geometry
C++ classes (such as
curve,
sphere,
surface, etc.)
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model geometry
C++ classes (such as
CURVE,
SPHERESURFACE, etc.)
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Model topology
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boundary representation
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topology
C++ classes (such as
BODY,EDGE,FACE, etc.)
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Entities and the
ENTITY class
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Model objects and class relationships
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Attributes
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types of attributes
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C++ class
ATTRIB and classes derived from it
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History and roll
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bulletin board
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delta state
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history stream
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Save and restore
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save file format
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C++ class
ENTITY_LIST
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These subjects are discussed in the following manuals in online help (as well as in various reference templates for
C++ functions and classes):
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3D ACIS Getting Started Guide
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3D ACIS Fundamental Concepts Guide
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3D ACIS Application Development Manual
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Component manuals, including the
Kernel Component Manual
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