2012

Table Of Contents
path curve Defines the direction and length that a profile curve is lofted,
swept, or extruded to create a solid or surface. (SWEEP, LOFT, EXTRUDE)
PC2 file Complete plotter configuration file. PC2 files contain all plot settings
and device-specific settings that were saved in previous versions. See also PCP
file and PC3 file.
PC3 file Partial plotter configuration file. PC3 files contain plot settings
information such as the device driver and model, the output port to which
the device is connected, and various device-specific settings, but do not include
any custom plotter calibration or custom paper size information. See also PMP
file, STB file, and CTB file.
PCP file Partial plotter configuration file. PCP files contain basic plot
specifications and pen parameters that were saved in previous versions. Plot
settings that are stored in a PCP file include pen assignments, plotting units,
paper size, plot rotation, plot origin, scale factor, and pen optimization level.
See also PC2 file and PC3 file.
performance tuning A method of optimizing 3D graphics performance. The
performance tuner examines your graphics card and 3D display driver and
decides whether to use software or hardware implementation for features that
support both.
periodic curve A smooth, closed curve such as a circle. Because its control
vertices are not tangent to the object, if the curve is reshaped, it stays smooth
and does not create kinks. See also clamp curve.
periodic surface A smooth, closed surface such as a cylinder. Because its
control vertices are not tangent to the object, if the surface is reshaped, it stays
smooth and does not create kinks. See also clamp surface.
personalization Customizes the executable file during installation with the
user name, company, and other information.
perspective view Objects in 3D seen by an observer positioned at the
viewpoint looking at the view center. Objects appear smaller when the distance
from the observer (at the view point) to the view center increases. Although
a perspective view appears realistic, it does not preserve the shapes of objects.
Parallel lines seemingly converge in the view. The program has perspective
view settings for VPORTS table entries as well as viewport objects.
photometric lights Photometric lights are physically-correct lights. Physically
correct lights attenuate as the square of the distance. Photometry is the science
of measurement of visible light in terms of its perceived brightness.
2312 | Glossary