In the past few years there has been a lot of interest and excitement generated by solid modeling. Numerous papers have been presented on the value and benefits of this technology. Many talented individuals have contributed to the state of the art. Solid modeling has played a larger role at SIGGRAPH in the past three years, with tutorials, panel discussions and technical papers. All this material has been presented for the most part by academics, researchers and developers of solid modeling systems.

Solid modelling systems in current use are based on approaches that are fundamentally different. The panelists will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches, especially from the user's point of view.

Success with computer graphics depends upon the users as much as the system itself. This paper outlines procedures for selecting and successfully using an interactive computer graphics system. Ford Motor Company's experience with computer graphics is reviewed, followed by a brief description of the various types of graphics systems that are available. INITIAL PREPARATION examines the techniques used to evaluate graphic systems including formation of an evaluation team, and application analysis. GRAPHICS EVALUATION describes the methods used to test a graphics system, including benchmark specification and human engineering considerations. COMPUTER SYSTEM EVALUATION examines other factors in system selection: programming, communications, documentation, and service. SYSTEM START UP addresses site preparation, people preparation, system acceptance, and operator selection. Finally, operator TRAINING and SYSTEM MANAGEMENT are discussed.

Over the past fourteen years the Ford Motor Company actively pursued the development and use of interactive computer graphics in the design and manufacture of automobiles. The success of Ford's pioneering efforts in the area of minicomputer graphics led to widespread acceptance and support for graphics within the corporation. This in turn led to a rapid expansion of computer graphics equipment. The advent of numerous Federal regulations in the areas of fuel economy, emissions control, and safety has generated additional Corporate interest in the use of computer graphics to help solve these difficult problems. Use of the Ford Computer Graphics System, as well as various commercially available turnkey computer graphics systems, has contributed substantially to cost reductions, improved productivity, and better documentation and control.