hxBrowser - Using Algorithms
You need to have a helix defined before you can popup the algorithm dialog window. Use View->Algorithm Window in the menu bar. Below is a screenshot of the window.

The algorithm window has currently two tabs:

  • DCA to Point that allows you to calculate and display the distance-of-closest-approach (DCA) to any space point. Enter xyz coordinates of a space point in the input fields. Press the Calculate & Display button to activate the algorithm. The result will be displayed in the lower part of the window. In addition the space point and the point of DCA is displayed in the main window. An example is shown below.

    The yellow cross depicts the entered space point and the green line connects the point on the helix at the DCA and the space point. It is displayed as long as the referring tab in the algorithm window is active.
  • Intersection with Cylinder allows you to calculate just that. Input is the radius of the cylinder and an optional offset in x, y. After pressing the Calculate & Display button the xyz coordinates of the two possible intersection points are shown and also rendered in the main window together with the cylinder.

Note that you can change the size of the marker that depicts the space points in the settings dialog.