LEDAS Ltd. announced today the release of LGS (LEDAS Geometric Solver) Version 1.1, its two-dimensional computation engine that supports creation and modification of designs using geometric and engineering constraints in CAD/CAM/CAE/PLM solutions. This new, state-of-the-art engine can be used by application developers who need strong variational and constraint-based functionality in CAD, modeling, or engineering software.
Variational modeling is now standard in most high-end mechanical CAD applications. Through the scalable architecture of LGS, variational and parametric techniques can become available in a wide range of products including desktop CAD and modeling tools, architectural software, virtual-reality scene and object modeling tools, publishing software, and many more.
New release features two major improvements to the LGS 1.0 released in January 2004:
- Move under constraints functionality,
- Over-defined parts diagnostics.
The new function "Move under constraints" simplifies and makes the use of LGS in interactive applications more robust and natural. This feature enables the user to modify some parts of a geometric model by simply dragging them to a new position. It prevents unnecessary changes in design and makes the transition to a new position more smooth and predictable. The inclusion of this move under constraints functionality in LGS brings its capabilities closer to those of its competitors.
Diagnostics of over- defined parts is one of the most requested features of LGS. In the new release, this feature becomes powerful and precise enough to use in any application. From the user's point of view, this feature greatly simplifies defining the constraints of a design, showing which parts have too many constraints. LGS 1.1 also includes many improvements affecting stability, performance, accuracy, and predictability of the solutions it produces.
In parallel, LEDAS continues the work on the 3D version of LGS. The first working version is available, and LEDAS is improving scalability of the solution by implementing new computational methods and strategies addressing most difficult 3D problems. The first prerelease of LGS 3D is scheduled for the third quarter of 2004.
Another LGS-related activity of LEDAS is a joint project to develop a small parametric CAD system. Based on bCAD, a small CAD system by ProPro, this new system will use the LGS parametric solver to support constraints. The intent is to provide the users of small CAD systems and 3D modeling software with all the capabilities of parametric design, such as convenient facilities for building precise drawings, simple tools for modification through changing parameters, and much more. First a prototype was made and now both companies are enhancing the product architecture, selecting the features of small CADs that can benefit from using the parametric technology developed by LEDAS. The first prerelease of the new system will be available by the end of 2004.
LGS 1.1 is a C++ class library that runs on Windows 2000 and XP, Linux, FreeBSD, and AIX platforms. It can be integrated (via its API written in C) into any kind of software applications. A sample test application for LGS called Lege'n'd is available for free download at the LEDAS web-site. It was created with the Open CASCADE open-source framework. The application has been updated to reflect the new functionality. It can now highlight constraints in different colors according to its status and has a Move command to demonstrate the new function, "Move under constraints".
In June 2004, LEDAS will present the 2D LGS solution during the isiCAD-2004 International Workshop in Novosibirsk, Russia, before an audience including representatives of international and Russian CAD development companies.
About LEDAS
LEDAS Ltd. is a private software company founded in 1999 and located in Novosibirsk, Russia. LEDAS developed a state-of-the-art proprietary technology based on constraint programming, and applies it for PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) tasks, including CAD/CAM domain. Information on LEDAS is available on the Internet at: ledas.com
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. FreeBSD is a registered trademark of Wind River Systems, Inc. AIX is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Open CASCADE is a registered trademark of Open CASCADE S.A.