Patent ID: 8180597
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a utility network within a computer-aided design (CAD) application that includes a plurality of network parts, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a selection of a network part that is included in a catalog of network parts, wherein the selected network part is associated with a set of design rules, and wherein each design rule in the set of design rules includes one compliance parameter associated with the selected network part and an indication of whether an instance of the selected network part should be dynamically modified to comply with the associated design rule when the instance of the selected network part is placed within the 3D model; incorporating the instance of the selected network part into the 3D model of the utility network; identifying a first design rule in the set of design rules associated with the selected network part, wherein a user-specified priority is specified for each design rule in the set of design rules and higher priority design rules are applied first; by execution of the CAD application, comparing the first design rule to a first instance parameter associated with the selected network part and determining that the instance of the selected network part does not comply with the first design rule; by execution of the CAD application, determining that the first design rule indicates that the instance of the selected network part within the 3D model of the utility network should be dynamically modified to comply with the first design rule; and by execution of the CAD application, dynamically modifying the first instance parameter to bring the instance of the selected network part into compliance with the first design rule.