Graphical User Interface (GUI) Design for Ballistic Research Lab-Computer-Aided Design's (BRL-CAD's) Geometry Difference (GDiff) Tool

Abstract

Abstract : Ballistic Research Laboratory Computer-Aided Design (BRL CAD) is a solid modeling system used by the Army for ballistics analysis. US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) target describers use the BRL CAD Geometry Difference (GDiff) tool to determine the differences between their target models. GDiff is currently a command-line-only utility lacking a graphical user interface (GUI). To improve the usability of the tool and to increase target describers productivity, a GUI for the tool is being created. Various differencing-type GUIs were researched to create an initial GUI design. Several possible designs were sketched and then made, and an initial design concept was reviewed by ARL target describers who provided feedback that improved the GUI design. A final sketch of the GUI was then created. The GUI is being implemented using the Tcl/Tk tookit in the form of an extension to Archer, which is a GUI for BRL CAD itself. Previous plug-ins for Archer are being examined to determine how to best implement the new GUI that is being written and tested.