Using the computer to design objects by modeling their components with real-world behaviors and attributes. Typically specialized for either mechanical design or building design, a parametric modeler is aware of the characteristics of components and the interactions between them. It maintains consistent relationships between elements as the model is manipulated. For example, in a parametric building modeler, if the pitch of the roof is changed, the walls automatically follow the revised roof line. A parametric mechanical modeler would ensure that two holes are always one inch apart or that one hole is always offset two inches from the edge or that one element is always half the size of another.
Parametric modeler software also provides tabular views of the components (parts list, door schedule, window schedule, etc.) and maintains their association with other views of the model. If a component is edited graphically, the list is updated; if a component is edited on the list, the graphic views are updated. See parametric symbol.
Using Parametric Modeling
The door in this room has been "locked" to four feet from the right wall. When the wall is dragged to the right to make the room larger, the door maintains its relationship with the wall. This screen shot is in Autodesk Revit, the first parametric building modeler to tie together all component views and annotations parametrically for the A/E/C industry. In addition, the program maintains automatic interaction between graphic and schedule views (note door schedule at right). If either one is changed, its counterpart is updated. (Screen shot courtesy of Audodesk, Inc., www.autodesk.com)
Parametric modeler software also provides tabular views of the components (parts list, door schedule, window schedule, etc.) and maintains their association with other views of the model. If a component is edited graphically, the list is updated; if a component is edited on the list, the graphic views are updated. See parametric symbol.
Using Parametric Modeling
The door in this room has been "locked" to four feet from the right wall. When the wall is dragged to the right to make the room larger, the door maintains its relationship with the wall. This screen shot is in Autodesk Revit, the first parametric building modeler to tie together all component views and annotations parametrically for the A/E/C industry. In addition, the program maintains automatic interaction between graphic and schedule views (note door schedule at right). If either one is changed, its counterpart is updated. (Screen shot courtesy of Audodesk, Inc., www.autodesk.com)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Driving Dimensions for Google SketchUp 1.1 (Windows)
- Driving Dimensions is a plugin for Google SketchUp (a free, easy to learn 3D modeling program) that allows you to edit any 2D and 3D models in very simple and intuitive way. Just add dimensions to the elements of your model and edit their values -- your geometry will be...
- Software downloads 2009-06-30
- Driving Dimensions for Google SketchUp 1.1 (Mac)
- Driving Dimensions is a plugin for Google SketchUp (a free, easy to learn 3D modeling program) that allows you to edit any 2D and 3D models in very simple and intuitive way. Just add dimensions to the elements of your model and edit their values -- your geometry will be...
- Software downloads 2009-06-24
- TouchCAD 3.6 (Windows)
- TouchCAD 3.6 is a combined 3D modeling and shape/image unfolding program focusing on the ability to generate complex 3D shapes and converting them into physically buildable models. The TouchCAD 3.6 modeling engine provides fast and advanced push-pull free form 3D modeling based on 3D-math curves. The toolbox includes many basic...
- Software downloads 2009-04-06
- TouchCAD 3.6 (Mac)
- TouchCAD 3.0 is a combined 3D modeling and unfolding program focusing on the ability to generate complex 3D shapes and converting them into physically buildable models. The TouchCAD 3.0 modeling engine provides advanced free form 3D modeling based on 3D-math curves. The toolbox includes many basic shapes such as...
- Software downloads 2009-04-04
- Generalizations of Generalized Additive Model (GAM): A Case of Credit Risk Modeling
- Famous for its easy implementation, Logistic Regression has been the primary model in credit scoring. Albeit attractively simple, it is criticized for failing to capture nonlinearity and nonmonotonicity and therefore possibly not leads to satisfactory results. Introduced by Hastie and Tibshirani, Generalized Additive Model GAM provides the ability to detect...
- White papers 2009-03-19
- Argon 8 SP1 (Windows)
- Argon offers entry-level 3D modeling without the commitment of high-end professional packages. It contains the same solid and surface modeling, rendering engine and animation tools found in Cobalt and Xenon, but without the high-end mechanical design and extreme productivity features you may not need--yet. For both Macintosh and Windows, Argon...
- Software downloads 2008-12-08
- Cobalt 8 SP1 (Windows)
- Cobalt matches professional power with speed and ease-of-use for flexible, precision 3D modeling. It lets creative people work without worrying about their software. Designers save time and by moving quickly from conception through completion in the real world of last minute changes. Primarily for designers, engineers and inventors, Cobalt leads...
- Software downloads 2008-12-08
- Axel 0.4 (Mac)
- An algebraic geometric modeler, which aim is to provide “algebraic modelingâ€? tools for the manipulation and computation with implicit and parametric curves or surfaces. Its primary goal is to embed Synaps algebraic capabilities to provide new modeling techniques. Its main functionnalities are: Topology: compute the certified topology of curves...
- Software downloads 2007-10-25
- Axel 0.3.3 (Mac)
- Axel is an algebraic geometric modeler, which aim is to provide algebraic modeling tools for the manipulation and computation with implicit and parametric curves or surfaces. Its primary goal is to embed Synaps algebraic capabilities to provide new modeling techniques. Its main functionnalities are: topology: compute the certified topology of...
- Software downloads 2007-03-25
- Exact Procedural CSG Modeling for Real Time Graphics
- Generative CSG models, while having the desirable characteristics of compactness and resolution independence, have never been used for real time rendering because no algorithms existed which could both maintain their compact representation and render them efficiently at run time. The key difficulty in doing this was finding a compact, exact...
- White papers 2007-03-16
- Freeship 2.6 (Windows)
- Freeship is developed to offer an alternative to hullform definition programs based on NURB surface modeling. Most hull modeling packages use these parametric spline surfaces which can be very tricky to use. Freeship uses subdivision surfaces instead, which offer many advantages over NURB surfaces, such as: no need for a...
- Software downloads 2006-07-11
- VectorWorks Machine Design 12.0 (Windows)
- VectorWorks Machine Design is specifically engineered for design firms, machine shops and metal fabricators who need an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use 2D drafting and 3D modeling solution. With VectorWorks Machine Design, you can: Design with "intelligent" 2D/3D machine components Create precision working drawings with sophisticated drafting tools Design in 3D with flexible...
- Software downloads 2006-01-20
- Paralogix Level One 2.11 (Windows)
- A full-featured, procedural, parametric, Parasolid-based solid modeling CAD system. Powerful features, no frills, with many unique capabilities. Highlights include: Intelligent 2D sketching tools, including extracted edges of existing components to create new ones. Full-featured Solid modeling, including Extrusions, Revolves, Sweeps including a router mode, and Lofting. Also Fillets and Chamfers,...
- Software downloads 2003-02-21
- T-RackS 24 Demo 2.0.4 (Windows)
- T-RackS24 is the only software dedicated entirely to audio mastering, built with actual physical models of tube circuitry. It offers a complete workstation made of 4 discrete processors: a state-of-the-art six band parametric EQ, a classic stereo tube Compressor/Leveler and a multiband master stereo Limiter and a soft-clipping output stage....
- Software downloads 2001-07-29
- Autodesk Mechanical Desktop 6.0 (Windows)
- Autodesk® Mechanical Desktop® 6 is a powerful and flexible 3D solid modeling system built on the AutoCAD® 2002 foundation. Autodesk Mechanical Desktop is renowned for uniting 2D and 3D design within the AutoCAD foundation, offering 2D, 3D wireframe, 3D surface and parametric solids modeling. It is the worldÂ's best selling...
- Software downloads 2001-06-03
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- The more you simplify, the more you save
-
When you transition from your existing Red Hat environment to SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, you can recognize dramatic cost savings, perhaps as much 50%
- Learn more >>
- The best support in the Linux business
-
If Linux is going to power your mission-critical applications, you'd better have the best support known to business. Novell was rated the top provider of Linux technical support.
- Learn more >>
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
- New Online Dashboard for IT Leaders
-
Read about top issues IT decision-makers face every day, plus get cost-effective solutions to real-life IT problems.
- Learn more >>
SmartPlanet
- Thought-provoking progressive ideas on diverse topics that intersect with technology, business, and life, and matter to the world at large. Visit SmartPlanet
- More from IBM
-
- Innovate your business' process model, play against the market, compete against others on our scoreboards and WIN! Try INNOV8 2.0: A BPM Simulator
- Enabling Real-World Business Transformation through IBM Service Management Read the EMA Analyst Report
