On Friday 30 August 2002 12:19 pm, EATON,JOHN (HP-Vancouver,ex1) wrote: > Vectors? They made sense when pen plotters used actual pens They still make plenty of sense to all 3D modeling software. Bezier curves and surfaces in 2 or 3 dimensions define volumes with low data intensity and high fidelity to smooth blended surfaces. Some are beginning to incorporate texture and translucence and reflectivity into the surface models. Any one view with light effects reduces to a .png output
In that scheme of things, a mask for circuit making is a 2D minimal vector model which could be integrated into a full 3D model with material properties included, and process dependent edge shape changes included. 2D design doesn't allow complete cross checking of a specification. 3D rule checking will allow catching mistakes early in the full electromachanical product design flow. Standards that appeal to a broad community rather than just the circuit board folks have a big benefit. John Griessen
