Visualization techniques for constructive systems in a computer-implemented graphics system

A computer-implemented graphics system for providing visual cues for navigating a three-dimensional space represented therein, comprising:

• (a) a computer having an output device coupled thereto;
• (b) a database for storing one or more objects that comprise a graphical image;
• and
• (c) an image engine, performed by the computer, for;
• (1) displaying a two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space on the output device;
• (2) moving an object through the two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space according to a position of an input device attached to the computer;
• (3) creating a graphical image of the object using constructive geometric data stored therein, wherein the constructive geometric data identifies at least one constructive system and the constructive system identifies at least one constraint on the processing of the object;
• (4) determining a position of the object within the three-dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport;
• and
• (5) generating one or more visual cues to indicate the position of the object within the three-dimensional space relative to the two dimensional viewport, wherein the visual cues are temporary and change in appearance as the object is moved within the three-dimensional space.

An article of manufacture embodying logic for providing visual cues for navigating a three-dimensional space represented in a computer-implemented graphics system, the logic comprising:

• (a) displaying a two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space on a monitor attached to the computer;
• (b) moving an object through the two-dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space according to a position of the input device attached to the computer;
• (c) creating a graphical image of the object using constructive geometric data stored therein, wherein the constructive geometric data identifies at least one constructive system, and the constructive system identifies at least one constraint on the processing of the object;
• (d) determining a position of the object within the three-dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport;
• and
• (e) generating one or more visual cues to indicate the position of the object within the three-dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport, wherein the visual cues are temporary and change in appearance as the object is moved within the three-dimensional space.