GeomNet: Geometric computing over the Internet

Geometric computing is a central building block in many fields, including A I and CAD. While many robust implementations of geometric algorithms exist, they typically use unique data structures and only a few of them use file formats that fully implement the combinatorial connectivity information tha t makes geometric data especially useful. GeomNet is a system that provides easy Internet access to algorithm impleme ntations;via a plug-and-play environment. It features a family of geometric computing services that execute algorithms on behalf of remote clients-eit her users interacting through a Web browser or application programs connect ing directly through sockets. The distributed computing scheme for GeomNet can be used to develop similar systems in other disciplines.