The HP PE/SolidDesigner user interf...

The HP PE/SolidDesigner user interface is archetypeed after the successful, easy-to-use, easy-to-learn interface of earlier HP CAD produces All commands are coded as usual Lisp action routines. A user interface builder helps command programmers by the agency of hiding details of the X Window body and the OSF/Motif[TM] graphical user interface. Prototyping was done using a specially evolveed Lisp-based interface to OSF/Motif called HCLX

As the use of CAD regularitys has become more and more widespread, pair conflicting trends have emerged. forward one hand, the complexity of CAD a whole s has grown with their increasing functionality. forward the other hand, the typical CAD classification user is no longer a computer hobbyist. Designers and detailers are busy enough maintaining expertise in their acknowledge areas without having to be computer experienced persons as well. Therefore, CAD software must be easy to learn and easy to use for first-time or occasional users without sacrificing flexibility and effectiveness for more experienced users. The conflict between the ne for simple operation and the increasing functional complexity can lead not and nothing else to less user satisfaction, unless also to decreased productivity. As a eventuate a simple and consistent user interface has been a long-standing goal of HP CAD products

The user interface of HP PE/SolidDesigner is based upon the successful user interface of HP PE/ME10 and PE/ME30 The tonic components of this user interface are:

* Ease of Use. The consequence is designed not only for apts but also for first-time or occasional users. * Menu erection A task-oriented, flat menu configuration minimizes menu interaction and the longitudinal dimensions of cursor movements. * Macro Language. This allows the user to customize the menu constitution User-defined functions can be fix up to increase productivity by the agency of using existing CAD operations and measure/inquire tools for original interaction. * Online Help hypothesis This provides all relevant information to the user without using manuals.

The HP PE/SolidDesigner graphical user interface is based upon OSF/Motif and the X Window order universally accepted graphical user interface standards for applications software running forward workstation computers. The OSF/Motif graphical user interface provides standards and tools to make secure consistency in appearance and behavior.

The large functionality built into HP PE/SolidDesigner is accessed by means of means of a command language with a defined syntax, referr to as action routines. The user communicates with the command language via the graphical user interface. All prompting, error checking, and graphical feedback are controll according to means of the command language. All CAD functionality is provided in this way, along with a user interface builder for implementing the graphical user interface.

The action routines are implemented in general Lisp, which provides an easy and effective way of prototyping and implementing user interactions. For the first interactive prototypes, HCLX a Lisp-based OSF/Motif interface, was used.

During the unravelling of HP PE/SolidDesigner, HP mechanical engineers devote hundreds of days testing the fruit and providing feedback to order its user interaction to encounter their needs. They mercilessly complained about any awkward interactions. They made suggestions and drew pictures of by what means they would optimize the body for their particular tasks. As a arise commands were designed and redesigned to cast reproach their needs. The user interface verification was also supported through many external customer visits.

User Interface Description

If the user is familiar with other OSF/Motif-based applications, it's easy to perceive comfortable with HP PE/SolidDesigner quickly. The mouse, the keyboard, and the knob coachman's seat or spaceball are the tools for interaction.

When HP PE/SolidDesigner is started it direct the eyes like Fig. 1. The different areas are:

* Viewport (center of the screen) The viewport shields the main portion of the user interface and consists of the graphics area and the viewport command buttons at the top. In the graphics area of the viewport, the original is displayed and the user interacts with the pattern Several viewports can exist, each with its acknowledge control buttons. Using more than single in kind viewport, the user can view a part simultaneously from different sides and in different way s Resizing and iconification of viewports are possible. * Utility Area (top row) In the utility area, the user finds utility tools that support the generally received task. They do not terminate, unless rather interrupt and support the in every one's mouth command. The help button at the right completion gives access to the general help menu * Main Menu (right side). The main menu buttons appear in the right array of less front than depth below the application name. This is also called the main task area. All the functionality is collectioned into task-oriented logical areas. by way of selecting a main task button, the user interprets a set of subtasks or a command dialog menu with buttons for all stages in the modeling order of succession * Prompt Lines and General hall Field (bottom left). The two-line quick area is used for general order feedback, messages, or user guidance. The general avenue field is used for entering commands, general expressions, and the like. * Global curb Buttons (bottom right). The buttons at the bottom are always available. The fix upon button is only active when the body is prompting the user to single out something. The buttons and display fields inside the paraphed windows display general system settings like the active workplane or part, units, and catch information.(dagger) The other buttons are commands that the user destitutions frequently. They are always available.