Prof. Riccardo Migliari, lecturer at Rome University - La Sapienza, is the author of two new essays on Descriptive Geometry whose results were achieved using think3’s CAD program, ThinkDesign

Milan, September 1, 2008 The new possibilities of 3D design offered by digital modelling programs has sparked new developments of Descriptive Geometry, both theoretical and applied. To demonstrate this premise, Prof. Riccardo Migliari, Permanent Lecturer of Fundamentals and Applications of Descriptive Geometry at Rome University, La Sapienza, examined the Apollonius' Problem using think3's CAD software ThinkDesign to provide a solution which is true both in plane and in space.
In a plane, the complete solution to Apollonius' problem requires a graphic construction which can be made using basic geometry tools, whereas in space it requires a 3D graphic construction which only descriptive geometry methods can give. ThinkDesign offers a new way of interpreting descriptive geometry thanks to its powerful functions and the philosophy governing many of its commands which are capable of fully reflecting mathematical modelling theory.
The results of the studies carried out by Prof. Migliari on Apollonius' Problem will be published in September in two essays: “Representation as experimentation” (in the Ikhnos series) and “Apollonius' Problem and descriptive geometry” (in Disegnare Idee Immagini, an international journal published by Gangemi Editore with RADAAR, the Environment and Architecture Survey, Analysis and Design Department of 'La Sapienza' University in Rome).
“All the models developed as part of these studies,” said Prof. Migliari, "were constructed with ThinkDesign. This program is particularly suited to geometry experiments thanks to its high accuracy level (1 micron) and its wealth of functions."
“In the last few years there has been growing awareness of the needs of modellers in the geometry environment for didactic and research," said Prof. Migliari. “ThinkDesign is an accurate tool and very useful for analysing the work. For example, it allows us to understand whether a curve is quadratic or third order. Even though it is configured for industrial use, the theory on which it is based is perfect for university activity. It is easy to use, intuitive and particularly versatile as it allows users to manage the mathematics of the shapes and to model both solids and surfaces in a user-friendly way."
The examination of Apollonius' Problem and its solution in virtual space demonstrates that the approach to descriptive geometry in research and teaching can now be dramatically changed.
“My intention," said Migliari, "is to teach my students a new way of understanding descriptive geometry through ThinkDesign, an extremely innovative easy to use tool. It is vital that descriptive geometry is reformed, taking account of the great cultural heritage of the past and making use, at the same time, of new techniques."

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Information about think3, Inc.

Think3 has been operating in the ICT sector for more than 25 years and provides the only technology that links three separate design areas: the concept, its development and the finished product. In this way, think3 enables thousands of company customers to innovate, to compete and to rise to the challenges of global markets, thanks to the integration of processes, which helps to accelerate time to market and to reduce costs.
Having been active in emerging markets with dedicated structures for many years, think3 can provide outsourcing services, thus offering companies a new opportunity to go international.
Think3 boasts a consolidated presence across Europe, the US and Asia. The company has also secured a strong presence in China following joint venture deal sealed with Beijing Extech Science & Technology Co. Ltd to create EXTECH, a brand new company based in Beijing, with offices across the country. In the rest of the world, think3 is present throughout its network of selected VARs (Value Added Resellers).

All this means that think3 can count among its customers some of the most significant enterprises in the industrial market.
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