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User/computer relationship flows with STREAM
By Anna Allen, Staff Editor -- Design News, February 1, 1999
In researching user productivity for a new version of Solid Edge, Unigraphics Solutions (UGS) analyzed computer system functionality. Studies revealed that users spend relatively little time waiting for their computers to process--but spend a great deal of time inputting information.
That finding led UGS developers to think about ways to improve the process through which people and computers communicate. The result: STREAM Technology, a new feature built into Solid Edge. This technology captures engineers' solid modeling design intentions through inference logic and decision-management concepts.
Inference logic intuitively predicts the next action a designer is likely to choose, reducing time spent searching different options. Decision management tools streamline problem solving, and process-specific features encompass modeling processes.
For example, open profiles infer closed volumes which are maintained as surrounding geometry changes. IntelliSketch can infer nine different types of geometric relationships solely from the position and movement of the cursor while drawing.
"Trying to differentiate mid-range CAD products based on feature/function arguments is difficult," says CAD industry consultant Evan Yares. "The best differentiator is productivity, which won't fundamentally improve until there is a breakthrough in user interaction that makes CAD easier to use. This is what Solid Edge is addressing with STREAM technology."
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