By using the beam angle special tool, it is possible to adjust the vertical position and angle of a given beam. IWBNI it were possible to the adjust the vertical position of the left end of a beam by dragging a handle (without simultaneously altering the position of the right end of the beam).

As it is now, one may drag the right beam handle up or down to change the vertical position of the right end of a given beam. Dragging the left handle up or down changes the vertical position of the entire beam without changing the slope.

Here are three possible ways to enhance the beam handles associated with the beam angle special tool:

Implementation Option 1:

Create a new handle that is located in the center of the beam. This new handle would be used to adjust the vertical position of the beam without altering the slope of the beam. Change the functionality of the left handle so that when it is dragged, the vertical position of the left end of the beam is adjusted and the slope is changed. Leave the functionality of the right beam handle as it is now.

Implementation Option 2:

Leave all functionality as it is now. Add a new feature that allows one to hold the control key down while dragging or using the arrow keys to adjust the vertical position of the left beam handle. If the control key is held down, the vertical position of the left end of the beam is adjusted and the slope is changed.

Implementation Option 3:

Change the functionality of the left handle so that when it is dragged, the vertical position of the left end of the beam is adjusted and the slope is changed. Leave the functionality of the right beam handle as it is now. Add a new feature that allows one to hold the control key down while dragging either handle to modify the vertical position of the beam without changing the slope.

Implementation Option 4:

This would be Options 1 and 3 combined. That is, introduce a third handle in the middle of the beam for moving the beam up and down without changing its slope. But also allow one to achieve the same effect by holding the control key down while dragging the left or right handles.

All all these options, perhaps Option 3 is the best.

Created: November 17, 1999
Last Updated: December 1, 1999
Version: Finale 2000b