Spatial Relations

This document describes collections, predicates and other Cyc constants that are used to represent spatial objects and relations. See also documents for Groups, Quantities, Movement, Paths & Trajectories, Parts Of Objects, and Geography.

Objects

The collection of all things that have a spatial extent or location relative to some other #$SpatialThing or in some embedding space. Note that to say that an entity is a member of this collection is to remain agnostic about two issues. First, a #$SpatialThing may be #$PartiallyTangible (e.g. #$Texas-State) or wholly #$Intangible (e.g. #$ArcticCircle or a line mentioned in a geometric theorem). Second, although we do insist on location relative to another spatial thing or in some embedding space, a #$SpatialThing might or might not be located in the actual physical universe. It is far from clear that all #$SpatialThings are so located: an ideal platonic circle or a trajectory through the phase space of some physical system (e.g.) might not be. If the intent is to imply location in the empirically observable cosmos, the user should employ this collection's specialization, #$SpatialThing-Localized.
guid: bd58e951-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ObjectType
direct specialization of: #$Individual  
direct generalization of: #$SpaceRegion #$TwoOrHigherDimensionalThing #$EdgeOnObject-Generic #$SpatialThing-Localized #$BilaterallySymmetricObject #$RadiallySymmetricObject #$GeometricallyDescribableThing #$SpacePoint #$AmorphousThing #$SheetShaped #$ShapedThing

A collection of collections, and a specialization of #$RegionType. Each instance of #$SpatiallyDisjointRegionType is a collection of geographical regions, where each of the regions in the collection is spatially disjoint with the other regions in the collection. For example, the collection #$State-UnitedStates is an instance of #$SpatiallyDisjointRegionType, since the territories of U.S. states do not overlap. Other instances of #$SpatiallyDisjointRegionType include #$CanadianProvince, #$IndependentCountry, #$City, and #$Colony. A non-example is #$EcologicalRegion, since ecological regions can overlap.
guid: bd58e513-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$SecondOrderCollection #$AtemporalNecessarilyEssentialCollectionType
direct specialization of: #$RegionType  

A specialization of #$SpatialThing-Localized whose instances are intangible regions of space located in the empirically observable universe. A space region might or might not be connected (see #$spatiallyContinuous). It might be partially or completely filled with (occupied by) #$PartiallyTangibles, or it might be completely empty (but cf. #$EmptySpaceRegion). In any case, the space region itself is not to be confused with a physical object or other spatially localized (non-space-region) thing that might happen to be #$cospatial with it. A given space region can be characterized fully merely by specifying its location and dimensions. Thus (although this is not the case with spatial things in general), space regions are identical (#$equals) if and only if they are #$cospatial. #$SpaceRegion-Empirical is in a way the spatial analogue of #$TimeInterval, whose own instances can be fully characterized by specifying their temporal properties; these two collections can be used, respectively, to talk about space and time as dimensions .
guid: c047ef64-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingStuffType
direct specialization of: #$SpaceRegion  #$IntangibleExistingThing  #$SpatialThing-Localized  
direct generalization of: #$SpaceLine-Empirical #$EmptySpaceRegion #$CavityInteriorRegion #$GeographicalSpaceRegion #$SpacePoint-Empirical

A specialization of #$SpaceRegion-Empirical whose instances are connected regions of empty space located in the empirically observable universe. The meaning of empty depends on context. In a high-energy physics microtheory where empty is defined as containing no particles, an empty space region would be a complete vacuum (see also #$Vacuum). In #$AmbientConditionsMt an empty space region would be occupied by a piece of #$Atmosphere. An undersea context could treat empty space regions as filled with seawater. An instance of #$EmptySpaceRegion is intangible, and not to be confused with the material -- if any -- that occupies it (cf. #$FreeSpaceContent).
guid: bd58ee65-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$StuffType
direct specialization of: #$SpaceRegion-Empirical  #$EmptyRegion-Generic  

Instances of #$FreeSpaceContent are connected, tangible, fluid individuals occupying regions of free space (i.e. instances of #$EmptySpaceRegion): space regions through which solid objects can move more or less freely. Examples include the #$Air in the interior of a room or the sky above a city. In an underwater context, a piece of free space content is likely to be an instance of #$Water. Often, a #$FreeSpaceContent is associated with a geographical region or some physical boundaries that define its edges. But a (partially) tangible #$FreeSpaceContent is not to be confused with the intangible #$EmptySpaceRegion it occupies.
guid: bd5899a9-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingStuffType
direct specialization of: #$Air  #$EmptyRegion-Generic  

The collection of all lines, linear regions, or dividing planes or surfaces--physical or abstract--that each constitutes the boundary between (#$formsBorderBetween) two regions (i.e., two instances of #$SpatialThing).
guid: bd62894d-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ObjectType
direct specialization of: #$SpatialThing-Localized  

A specialization of both #$SpatialThing-Localized and #$SomethingExisting. Each instance of #$Place is a spatial thing which has a relatively permanent location. Thus, in a given microtheory, each #$Place is stationary with respect to the frame of reference of that microtheory.
guid: bd58d3b4-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$FirstOrderCollection
direct specialization of: #$SpatialThing-Localized  #$SomethingExisting  
direct generalization of: #$FixedStructure #$GeographicalRegion #$GroundsOfOrganization #$Horizon #$Place-NonAgent #$PhysicalContactLocation #$SpaceInAFixedHOC

Surfaces Portals And Cavities

The collection of all surfaces, tangible or intangible (see #$Surface-Physical and #$Surface-Intangible), of spatial things. Each instance of #$Surface-Generic is a spatial thing that has extent in at least two dimensions, and either has no thickness (i.e. is a two dimensional object) or has an insignificant thickness compared to its length and width. (If it is a closed surface, e.g. an apple skin, then any significant subregion of it must have insignificant thickness compared to that subregion's length and width). Thus generic surfaces might be two- or three-dimensional; tangible or intangible; spatially connected or not; they might be flat, curved, folded, or crumpled. Other examples: the skin of a basketball, the face-up side of a table top, and a particular face of an abstract cube.
guid: bd958103-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ObjectType
direct specialization of: #$TwoOrHigherDimensionalThing  
direct generalization of: #$Surface-Intangible #$Surface-Open #$Surface-Physical #$FlatSurface

A specialization of both #$GeometricallyDescribableThing-Intangible and #$Surface-Generic. Each instance of #$Surface-Intangible is an intangible, geometrically describable surface. Positive examples are a convex hull of a coffee table or the surface of an abstract sphere. A negative example is the glossy surface of a polished tabletop, since this is a physical surface, and thus partially tangible.
guid: bd5884f6-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ObjectType
direct specialization of: #$GeometricallyDescribableThing-Intangible  #$Surface-Generic  

The collection of all real physical (hence technically three-dimensional) surfaces. The thickness of a #$Surface-Physical is much less than its average length or width, but it is not of zero thickness. A #$Surface-Physical may have holes, tears, and may be unconnected, in multiple pieces.
guid: bd590365-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingStuffType
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  #$Surface-Generic  
direct generalization of: #$ExternalSurface-WholeThing #$GeographicalRegion #$Side #$FlatPhysicalSurface #$InsideSurface #$SurfaceOnTangibleObject

A specialization of both #$Surface-Physical and #$SheetOfSomeStuff. Each instance of #$SurfaceOnTangibleObject is a sheet-like surface (that is, a surface with one dimension significantly smaller than the other two) of a partially tangible object. Such a surface is neither unconnected nor in multiple pieces. Furthermore, the properties of such a surface differ noticeably from the properties of the partially tangible object covered by the surface. So a veneer surface of a table would be an instance of #$SurfaceOnTangibleObject, while the surface of a wooden table with no lining would not. Further positive examples include carpet that is part of a floor, paint on a wall, the earth's crust, and the crust on a piece of bread.
guid: bd590882-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingStuffType
direct specialization of: #$Surface-Physical  #$SheetOfSomeStuff  
direct generalization of: #$PathForWheeledVehicles #$Skin

The collection of all inside surfaces of (surfaces of the interiors of) tangible things. The tangible thing may have a #$Cavity or several cavities or passageways. Often the tangible thing can be thought of as a container of some sort.
guid: bd589b7d-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingStuffType
direct specialization of: #$Surface-Physical  

The collection of all entire outer physical surfaces of tangible objects. Excludes mere patches or portions of the whole surface of an object.
guid: bd589b3e-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$RegionType
direct specialization of: #$Surface-Physical  

The collection of all surfaces that are substantially flat (by the tolerance standards of the the context). This means that there are no 'significant' concave depressions or convex bulges or bumps, and that the surface approximates some portion of a Euclidian plane in space. Note that the surface may have holes or cracks and may be disconnected, in multiple (substantially coplanar) pieces. A typical table top is a #$FlatPhysicalSurface.
guid: bd5885fe-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$RegionType
direct specialization of: #$Surface-Physical  

A specialization of #$SheetOfSomeStuff. Each instance of #$Layer is a sheet-like object situated adjacent, surface-to-surface, to at least one surface or layer or region on one side, and possibly to other layers or surfaces on both sides. An instance of #$Layer may be part of a larger object, or it may be an independent whole object, such as a hide confined in a stack of hides. An instance of #$Layer is _not_ an instance of #$FreeSheet.
guid: bdee251a-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingStuffType
direct specialization of: #$SheetOfSomeStuff  
direct generalization of: #$Skin

The physical structural attribute of being layered, laminate, or made of #$Layers, like stratified rock or an onion. An object that is #$Layered has two or more parts that are each #$Layers.
guid: 5ccc1046-74bb-11d6-8000-00a0c99cc5ae
direct instance of: #$Collection
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  

A specialization of #$SheetOfSomeStuff. Each instance of #$FreeSheet is a sheet of tangible stuff that has two sides open to the environment. That is, over most of each of its surfaces, it is not related by #$sheetSurfaceConnected (q.v.) with something else. Specializations include #$SheetOfPaper, #$Towel, #$Fence, and #$CreditCard.
guid: be2a4be2-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingStuffType
direct specialization of: #$SheetOfSomeStuff  
direct generalization of: #$CreditCard #$PrepaidTelephoneCard #$BankDebitCard #$Leather #$Cloth

A specialization of #$PartiallyTangible. Each instance of #$SheetOfSomeStuff is a partially tangible thing which (in its intrinsic shape -- see #$CurrentShapeVsIntrinsicShape) is continuous and, when flattened, uncrumpled, unfurled, etc., has one dimension which is significantly smaller than the other two dimensions. Although each instance of #$SheetOfSomeStuff is a _continuous_ sheet, it may be penetrable, so #$Screen-Mesh, #$Netting, and #$LaceCloth are specializations of #$SheetOfSomeStuff. Instances of #$SheetOfSomeStuff may be in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. An instance of #$Puddle on a relatively flat surface (but not in a deep pothole) or an instance of #$AltoStratusCloud would be instances of this collection. Note that being an instance of #$SheetOfSomeStuff implies nothing about the current configuration of the instance; in particular, instances of #$SheetOfSomeStuff need not be perpetually lying flat. For example, aluminum foil on a roll or a bedspread crumpled up on a bed are instances of #$SheetOfSomeStuff. Cf. #$SheetShaped.
guid: bd59066e-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingStuffType
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  
direct generalization of: #$Card #$Layer #$FreeSheet #$SurfaceOnTangibleObject

(surfaceAttributeOfSurf SURF SURFATT) means that the particular individual #$Surface-Physical SURF has the #$SurfaceAttribute SURFATT over most or all of its area. It may have more than one such surface attribute.
guid: 078ccbe8-7f01-11d6-8000-0001023560cc
direct instance of: #$BinaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$isa

The collection of all surface curvature attributes. These may apply to a particular piece of a surface of an object, or to the whole surface. For real-world (non-mathematical) surfaces, there is ordinarily some tolerance for minor surface deviations that depends on the context. Thus a 'flat' surface may have relatively small bumps and crevices.
guid: e21898b8-74ad-11d6-8000-00a0c99cc5ae
direct instance of: #$CollectionType
direct specialization of: #$Collection  

A surface attribute meaning that the surface's overall shape is dominated by an outward bulge or mound, or consists of projecting corners between planes. In most contexts, it may have relatively small subregions which are concave or flat, etc., so long as overall shape is convex. Viewing something as convex assumes a perspective. From the opposite perspective, on the `other side', a #$Convex surface would look #$Concave.
guid: 5b6cb4b4-74be-11d6-8000-00a0c99cc5ae
direct instance of: #$Collection
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  
direct generalization of: #$Mountain #$ConvexTangibleObject

This function, when given as an argument an instance of #$SpatialThing (which may be a single object or a #$Group of several unconnected objects), returns the abstract surface that is the convex hull of that spatial thing. (#$ConvexHullFn OBJECT) denotes the convex hull that encloses, precisely, all of the minimal convex region of space that #$spatiallySubsumes all parts of OBJECT. The convex hull is a surface; for the minimal convex region of space, see #$ConvexHullSpaceFn.
guid: c103b180-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$UnaryFunction #$ReifiableFunction #$IndividualDenotingFunction #$Individual

An instance of both #$IndividualDenotingFunction and #$ReifiableFunction. #$ConvexHullSpaceFn takes as its argument an instance of #$SpatialThing (which may be a single object or a #$Group of several unconnected objects) and returns the spatial region that is enclosed by the convex hull of the object or objects. (#$ConvexHullSpaceFn OBJECT) is the minimal convex region of space that #$spatiallySubsumes (q.v.) all parts of OBJECT. The enclosed space is three- or two-dimensional and is not the hull surface itself, which is obtained by the function #$ConvexHullFn (q.v.). See also #$minimalConvexSpaceSubsuming
guid: bf3bb632-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$IndividualDenotingFunction #$UnaryFunction #$ReifiableFunction #$Individual

The collection of all instances of #$PartiallyTangible that are convex; i.e., have no significant concave surfaces, cavities or crevices (the size of allowable minor concavities may depend on the context). An instance of #$ConvexTangibleObject occupies about the same space as its convex hull; see #$ConvexHullFn and #$ConvexHullSpaceFn. A solid physical sphere or cube is an instance of #$ConvexTangibleObject, but a cup or doughnut cannot be.
guid: c0b9215a-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingObjectType
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  

A specialization of #$PartiallyTangible. Each instance of #$CordlikeObject is a partially tangible non-fluid object (so #$CordlikeObject is disjoint with #$FluidTangibleThing) whose length is significantly greater than either its height or width. Moreover, each instance of #$CordlikeObject has a high degree of flexibility. Notable specializations of #$CordlikeObject include the collections #$Nerve, #$Tape, and #$Cable.
guid: bd58f581-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$StuffType
direct specialization of: #$Path-Customary  #$Path-Simple  #$PartiallyTangible  
direct generalization of: #$AnatomicalVessel #$Nerve

The collection of all edges on objects that are instances of #$PartiallyTangible. For a two-dimensional object, its boundaries other than corners are it edges. For a three dimensional object the edges are the outer portions of those extremities, excluding any corners (#$Corner-2or3d), that are much more acute in cross section in one direction than in most other directions at the same point. Some objects, like spheres, hairs, poles and typical burrs, have no edges. A discus has one, round, edge has four edges. A mountain ridge might have only a single edge. A solid polyhedron has six or more edges.
guid: bd58f6db-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$RegionType
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  #$EdgeOnObject-Generic  #$Path-Spatial  

The collection of all regions wherein two linear edges of a two dimensional or sheet-shaped object (i.e., considered in this context to be sheet shaped) meet to form an angle of substantially less than 180 degrees. Polygons have at least three corners each.
guid: c0fbbe43-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$RegionType
direct specialization of: #$Corner-2or3d  

The collection of all regions where three or more surfaces of an object (which is considered three dimensional in current context), and three or more #$EdgeOnObjects, meet. This includes corners of boxes, the tops of pyramids, etc. Each #$Corner-3d includes some solid angle of part of the object.
guid: c0fba450-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$RegionType
direct specialization of: #$Corner-2or3d  

A specialization of #$PartiallyTangible. Each instance of #$Corner-2or3d is a region centered around a point where two edges of a sheet-like object meet at an angle, or where three or more surfaces (together with three or more solid edges dividing them) meet at one place forming a solid angle. Instances of #$Corner-2or3d are either #$Convex or #$Concave with respect to some perspective.
guid: c0fba90e-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$RegionType
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  
direct generalization of: #$Corner-3d #$Corner-2d

An attribute of a surface meaning that it is bumped or indented inward. A concave surface has a pair of points which are both closer to a viewer than points on the surface between them. Depending on the context, it may have relatively small subregions which have convexities (e.g. wrinkles, small dents, corrugations) or are flat so long as the overall shape is concave. Saddle-shapes, although convex in certain dimensions, are concave in others and are therefore concave.
guid: 24a85e9a-74bb-11d6-8000-00a0c99cc5ae
direct instance of: #$Collection
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  
direct generalization of: #$Cavity

A specialization of both #$Path-Spatial and #$Cavity. Each instance of #$Portal is an opening -- in a surface, through a tube, or whatever -- with or without a covering (although any covering is not itself typically part of the portal). Specializations include #$Doorway, #$Valve, and #$BodilyOrifice.
guid: bd58d597-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$RegionType
direct specialization of: #$Path-Spatial  #$Cavity  #$Path-Simple  
direct generalization of: #$PipeEndToCavityJunction #$WindowPortal #$Doorway

(#$containsPortals OBJECT PORTAL) means that the OBJECT has PORTAL as one of its holes, passages, exits or entrances.
guid: bd58d235-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$AntiTransitiveBinaryPredicate #$AsymmetricBinaryPredicate #$FunctionalPredicate #$CotemporalObjectsSlot #$PhysicalPartPredicate
direct specialization of: #$parts #$hasAsCavity

(#$spaceRegionPortals REGION HOLE) means that HOLE is a #$Portal into the #$CavityInteriorRegion REGION.
guid: bd5899bb-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$InterExistingObjectPredicate #$CotemporalObjectsSlot
direct specialization of: #$adjacentTo

A #$CotemporalObjectsSlot that is a specialization of both #$near and #$temporallyIntersects. (#$hasPortalToRegion OBJ1 OBJ2) means that OBJ1 is connected to OBJ2 by some type of #$Portal (q.v.). For example, (#$hasPortalToRegion MyMasterBedroom MyMasterBathroom). See also #$portalConnectsRegions.
guid: bd58b12b-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$SymmetricBinaryPredicate #$CotemporalObjectsSlot
direct specialization of: #$temporallyIntersects #$near

(#$portalConnectsRegions PORTAL HERE THERE) means that the regions HERE and THERE are connected via PORTAL, and that at least one of HERE and THERE contains PORTAL as a physical part.
guid: bd58d88e-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$CotemporalPredicate #$TernaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$pathBetween

The collection of all cavities, including instances of #$Crevice, deep concavities or holes, and cavities of containers (for example, the interior of a box). Instances of #$Cavity can include walls as parts, in which case they are instances of #$CavityWithWalls. Instances of #$Cavity, unlike instances of #$Container, do not have well defined outside walls.
guid: bd5891a8-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingObjectType
direct specialization of: #$CavityOrContainer  
direct generalization of: #$CavityWithWalls #$Portal #$CavityInteriorRegion #$SpaceInAHOC

(#$containsCavityWithWalls OBJECT CAVITY) means that the #$PartiallyTangible OBJECT contains the #$CavityWithWalls CAVITY either somewhere within OBJECT, or on OBJECT's surface.
guid: bd5891ec-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$AntiTransitiveBinaryPredicate #$AsymmetricBinaryPredicate #$FunctionalPredicate #$CotemporalObjectsSlot #$PhysicalPartPredicate
direct specialization of: #$hasAsCavity #$physicalParts

(cavityHasWall CAV WALL) means that the the #$Cavity CAV has WALL as one of its walls (or part of one of its walls), or partly-enclosing inner surfaces. #$cavityHasWall is often used for describing the relationship between some space or part of a #$ConstructionArtifact and the substructures that bound or enclose it (e.g., the relationship between a room and its walls, floor(s), and ceiling(s)).
guid: bd58c7f2-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$PhysicalPartPredicate #$AsymmetricBinaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$physicalParts

The collection of all long, slender cavities or cracks or furrows in otherwise solid objects. The width of a crevice is significantly less than its length. The depth of a crevice is often greater than its width, and is never significantly less than its width.
guid: c0fcdf4c-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingObjectType
direct specialization of: #$CavityWithWalls  

The collection of space regions that constitute cavities inside the walls or boundaries of solid objects. Such regions need not be completely sealed off. As a space region, an instance of #$CavityInteriorRegion is intangible, and thus not to be confused with the partially tangible matter that might fill or occupy it (see #$CavityInteriorContent). See also #$Cavity, whose instances, unlike those of #$CavityInteriorRegion, can include walls (in which cases they are also instances of #$CavityWithWalls).
guid: bd58a8e9-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$RegionType
direct specialization of: #$Cavity  #$SpaceRegion-Empirical  #$CavityInterior-Generic  

(#$CavityInteriorRegionFn OBJECT) denotes the entire interior space region (#$CavityInteriorRegion) within any #$Cavity or cavites (chambers, passages, pockets, bubbles, etc.) that occur inside of OBJECT. This does not include the walls of the chamber(s) or passage(s), just the interior space itself.
guid: bd58ff3c-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$IndividualDenotingFunction #$UnaryFunction #$ReifiableFunction #$Individual

A specialization of #$CylinderShape. Each instance of #$TubeShape is a hollow cylinder whose height is much greater than the radius of its base. Examples include spatially localized objects, such as pipes and hoses, as well as some abstract cylinders.
guid: c10060cb-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ThreeDimensionalShapeType #$GenericShapeType
direct specialization of: #$CylinderShape  

A specialization of #$FluidConduit; the collection of all enclosed tubular fluid conduits with openings at both ends. #$Pipe-GenericConduit encompasses both human-made pipes as well as natural pipes, found naturally occurring in the environment or in an organism's body (like #$BloodVessels).
guid: bd5899fd-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingObjectType
direct specialization of: #$CylindricalHollowObject  #$Container  #$FluidConduit  
direct generalization of: #$AnatomicalVessel

Shape

A collection of collections. Each instance of #$ShapeType is a subcollection of #$SpatialThing (q.v.).
guid: c0f46e0f-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$SiblingDisjointCollectionType #$SecondOrderCollection #$AtemporalNecessarilyEssentialCollectionType
direct specialization of: #$ObjectType  
direct generalization of: #$AbstractShapeType #$ThreeDimensionalShapeType #$TwoDimensionalShapeType #$GenericShapeType

A specialization of #$GeometricallyDescribableThing each of whose instances is abstract in the sense of being intangible (see #$Intangible) as well as lacking spatial and temporal location. Each instance of #$GeometricThing-Abstract is an abstract region of an abstract space (the latter having two or more dimensions). Geometric figures that are located in this (or another) universe are not instances of this collection, but of #$GeometricThing-Localized.
guid: bd5885bc-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ObjectType
direct specialization of: #$GeometricallyDescribableThing-Intangible  #$MathematicalObject  

The predicate #$fitsIn is used to give an approximation of the external size and shape of particular tangible objects, by relating an object to an abstract region of space described as a geometric shape with definite dimensions. (#$fitsIn OBJ SHAPE) gives an upper bound for the size of the object OBJ, by stating what sized shape OBJ will fit inside. #$fitsIn uses the elements of #$ShapeFunction (q.v.) for reference, especially the basic shapes generated by #$RectangularSolidFn, #$CylinderFn, and #$SphereFn. (Note: actual instances of AbstractPhysicalShape are NOT used for assertions made with #$fitsIn.) Examples: (#$fitsIn #$Pittman (#$RectangularSolidFn (#$Meter 2) (#$Meter 0.35) (#$Meter 0.25))) and (#$fitsIn HopeDiamond (#$CylinderFn (#$Centi (#$Meter 10) (#$Centi(#$Meter 10))). When #$fitsIn is used in a rule to represent a class of objects with variable sizes, the #$ShapeFunction used should refer to the largest size that such objects normally have. For example, by default, any sandwich SW (#$fitsIn SW (#$RectangularSolidFn (#$Inch 12) (#$Inch 12) (#$Inch 6))).
guid: bd590bea-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$StrictlyFunctionalPredicate #$BinaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$spatiallyRelated

The predicate #$canContainShapes is used to give an approximation of the internal size and shape of particular tangible objects, by relating an object to an abstract region of space described as a geometric shape with definite dimensions. (#$canContainShapes OBJ SHAPE) gives an upper bound for the size of things that can be contained in the object OBJ, by specifying the dimensions of an abstract shape which OBJ can contain. #$canContainShapes uses the elements of #$ShapeFunction (q.v.) for reference, especially the basic shapes generated by #$RectangularSolidFn, #$CylinderFn, and #$SphereFn. For example, the trunk of my Honda Civic #$canContainShapes of (#$RectangularSolidFn (#$Meter 1) (#$Meter 0.5) (#$Meter 0.75)). Cf. #$fitsIn.
guid: bd58d16d-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$StrictlyFunctionalPredicate #$BinaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$spatiallyRelated

A specialization of #$IndividualDenotingFunction; an instance of #$FunctionCategory. Each instance of #$ShapeFunction returns an element of #$GeometricThing-Abstract. Notable examples of #$ShapeFunction include #$RectangleFn, #$EllipseFn, #$CircleFn, #$RectangularSolidFn, #$CylinderFn, etc. Each shape function takes as argument(s) the dimension(s) of #$Distance needed to determine a geometric shape of that kind, then returns an abstract shape which has those dimensions. For example, (#$CylinderFn L D) denotes an abstract cylinder of length L and diameter D.
guid: bd58809c-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$FunctionCategory
direct specialization of: #$IndividualDenotingFunction  

An instance of #$ShapeFunction. When applied to an instance of #$Distance-Absolute, #$SphereFn returns an an instance of (#$AbstractShapeTypeFn #$SphereShape). (#$SphereFn D) denotes the abstract sphere with diameter D. Positive examples: the #$shapeOfObject of a 2-inch rubber ball is #$SphereShape; the ball #$fitsIn the shape denoted by (#$SphereFn (#$Inch 2)). The #$shapeOfObject of #$PlanetEarth is also #$SphereShape; Earth #$fitsIn the shape denoted by (#$SphereFn (#$Mile 8000)).
guid: bd5880b5-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ShapeFunction #$TotalDenotationalFunction #$UnreifiableFunction #$UnaryFunction #$Individual

An instance of #$ShapeFunction. When applied to a trio of instances of #$Distance-Absolute, #$RectangularSolidFn returns an instance of (#$AbstractShapeTypeFn #$Rectangular3DShape). (#$RectangularSolidFn DP BR HT) returns an abstract rectangular solid of depth DP, breadth BR, and height HT. For example, the #$shapeOfObject of a 2-by-4 stud is #$Rectangular3DShape; it #$fitsIn the #$shapeOfObject denoted by (#$RectangularSolidFn (#$Inch 2) (#$Inch 4) (#$Foot-UnitOfMeasure 8)).
guid: bd5880b4-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ShapeFunction #$TernaryFunction #$UnreifiableFunction #$Individual

An instance of #$ShapeFunction (q.v.). When applied to a pair of instances of #$Distance-Absolute, #$CylinderFn returns an instance of (#$AbstractShapeTypeFn #$CylinderShape). (#$CylinderFn L D) denotes an abstract cylinder of length L and diameter D. For example (#$CylinderFn (#$Inch 10) (#$Inch 5)) denotes an abstract cylinder 10 inches long and 5 inches in diameter.
guid: bd5880b3-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ShapeFunction #$BinaryFunction #$UnreifiableFunction #$Individual

A collection of collections and a specialization of #$ShapeType (q.v.). Each instance of #$ThreeDimensionalShapeType is a specialization of #$ThreeDimensionalGeometricThing (q.v.) all of whose own instances have something in common as regards their shape. Instances include the collections #$CylinderShape, #$SphereShape, and #$Rectangular3DShape.
guid: c0f46ec5-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$SiblingDisjointCollectionType #$SecondOrderCollection
direct specialization of: #$ShapeType  

A collection of collections. Each instance of #$TwoDimensionalShapeType is a specialization of #$TwoDimensionalGeometricThing.
guid: c0f46e93-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$SiblingDisjointCollectionType #$SecondOrderCollection
direct specialization of: #$ShapeType  

A collection of collections. An instance SHAPE of #$ShapeType (q.v.) is also an instance of #$AbstractShapeType if and only if SHAPE is a specialization of #$GeometricThing-Abstract. Since all of the instances of a given instance of #$AbstractShapeType are abstract, the collection #$AbstractShapeType is disjoint with #$GenericShapeType (q.v.), which is the collection of those collections that are instances of #$ShapeType, some of whose instances are abstract, and some of whose instances are localized (note that there is no collection `LocalizedShapeType').
guid: c0f46e32-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$SecondOrderCollection
direct specialization of: #$ShapeType  

A physical attribute. #$LongAndThin is the #$PhysicalStructuralAttribute that characterizes a tangible object which has one dimension whose length exceeds that of each of the other two dimensions by at least a factor of three. E.g., pencils, straws, telephone wire, submarines, skyscrapers. Cf. #$SheetShaped.
guid: 8797c068-74bb-11d6-8000-00a0c99cc5ae
direct instance of: #$Collection
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  
direct generalization of: #$Shaft #$EdgeOnObject #$CordlikeObject #$PathArtifact #$Crevice

Includes anything which tapers to a pointy or sharp end--pens, pencils, needles, pins, nails, and wood-screws, but not wires (no taper). Most knives would be included, but only because they have pointy ends. A knife with a rounded ended and a sharp blade would not be included.
guid: 0122c774-74bd-11d6-8000-00a0c99cc5ae
direct instance of: #$Collection
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  

Includes anything which has a sharp edge. Includes knives, scissors, and broken glass. Does not include the right angle at the edge of a desk--that's not sharp enough. Does not include the edge of a cotton sheet--that's not hard enough to be sharp. Does not include a needle--it may be sharp, but it's not an edge. For needles, nails, etc., see #$PointyEnded.
guid: 1f34ed22-74be-11d6-8000-00a0c99cc5ae
direct instance of: #$Collection
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  

An instance of #$ShapeType. #$SheetShaped refers to an object that is flat and spread out, planar, and neither fully crumpled nor compactly folded. Such an object has two opposing surfaces which have the attribute #$Flat (q.v.). The other surfaces have much smaller area than the two main flat surfaces. Thus, one of the three orthogonal dimensions (length, width or height) of a #$SheetShaped object is much smaller than the other two. Ice over ponds, and sheets of paint on a house are all possible examples of such objects. A bedspread is #$SheetShaped only if it is not folded into a small volume or crumpled. See #$CurrentShapeVsIntrinsicShape. For describing a sheet of something (e.g., waxed paper, aluminum foil, cloth) regardless of its configuration, use #$SheetOfSomeStuff. For 'one-sided' surfaces (see #$SurfaceOnTangibleObject), such as 'TheGreatPlains' #$SheetShaped is not appropriate but #$Flat is appropriate.
guid: bd58c6d6-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ShapeType
direct specialization of: #$SpatialThing  

Symmetry In Space

The collection of objects which are radially symmetric, such as wheels, starfish, etc.
guid: bd5906ff-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingObjectType
direct specialization of: #$SpatialThing  

A specialization of #$SpatialThing. Each instance of #$BilaterallySymmetricObject is an object which is symmetric on both sides of a bisecting axis.
guid: bd58b94b-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingObjectType
direct specialization of: #$SpatialThing  
direct generalization of: #$ClothingItem

An instance of #$TangibleObjectTypeBySide. #$LeftObject is the collection of tangible objects that are meant for, or are found on and distinctively structured for, the left side of some larger object or ensemble of parts. Examples include left hands, left shoes, and automobile left-turn. A given #$LeftObject will typically be one of a pair whose other member is a #$RightObject.
guid: bd58d4ba-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingObjectType
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  

An instance of #$TangibleObjectTypeBySide. #$RightObject is the collection of tangible objects that are meant for, or are found on and distinctively structured for, the right side of some larger object or ensemble of parts. Examples include right hands, right shoes, automobile right-turn indicators. A given #$RightObject will typically be one of a pair whose other member is a #$LeftObject.
guid: bd589f35-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ExistingObjectType
direct specialization of: #$PartiallyTangible  

(#$symmetricPartTypes BIG SMALL) means that every instance of BIG has exactly two, symmetrically positioned, instance of SMALL as parts.
guid: bf12f780-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$IrreflexiveBinaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$physicalPartTypes

The predicate #$uniquePartTypes relates two sub-collections of #$PartiallyTangible. (#$uniquePartTypes BIG SMALL) means that every instance of BIG has exactly one instance of SMALL as a physical part (see the predicate #$physicalParts).
guid: bdc6b464-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ReflexiveBinaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$physicalPartTypes

The class of functions which return one member of a symmetric relation. This class consists of #$LeftFn and #$RightFn.
guid: bd744168-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$FunctionCategory
direct specialization of: #$UnaryFunction  #$ReifiableFunction  

Direction And Orientation Vocabulary

A specialization of #$MathematicalObject. Each instance of #$FrameOfReference is a mathematical (and hence intangible) representation of the context in which certain data are to be interpreted. Such contexts are typically physical (i.e., spatiotemporal), but contexts may also be purely mathematical. A Cartesian coordinate system represents a frame of reference.
guid: bd58d4a0-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ObjectType
direct specialization of: #$MathematicalObject  

The terrestrial frame of reference is the unique individual #$FrameOfReference that generally regards the surface of the #$PlanetEarth as fixed in the background space. It permits fixed notions of #$VerticalOrientation and #$HorizontalOrientation. There are multiple standard coordinate systems based on the #$TerrestrialFrameOfReference, including #$latitude and #$longitude, Earth-Centered Cartesian, and others. Various local frames of reference and coordinate systems assume the #$TerrestrialFrameOfReference.
guid: bd5905ed-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$MathematicalObject #$Individual

The collection of attributes which characterize an object's orientation relative to whatever instance of #$FrameOfReference is being used in the current context. In most contexts, orientation is taken with respect to the #$TerrestrialFrameOfReference.
guid: 44bf811c-74ad-11d6-8000-00a0c99cc5ae
direct instance of: #$CollectionType
direct specialization of: #$Collection  

(#$orientation OBJECT #$HorizontalOrientation) means that OBJECT is horizontal with respect to the current instance of #$FrameOfReference. A linear (#$LongAndThin) object is horizontal if and only if its longest axis lies in the horizontal plane. A planar (#$SheetShaped) object is horizontal if and only if its two longest axes lie in the horizontal plane. Typically, horizontal objects include dinner plates, mousepads, ice skating rinks, parking lots, and stratus clouds.
guid: c0fbacf8-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$AttributeValue #$Individual

(#$orientation OBJECT #$VerticalOrientation) means that OBJECT is vertical with respect to the current instance of #$FrameOfReference. A linear (#$LongAndThin) object is vertical if and only if its longest dimension is perpendicular to horizontal (#$HorizontalDirection). A planar (#$SheetShaped) object has #$VerticalOrientation if and only if its planar surface is perpendicular to the current horizontal plane. Typically, vertical objects include window panes, skyscrapers, trees, radio towers, and walls.
guid: c0fbad0b-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$AttributeValue #$Individual

(#$orientation OBJECT #$UpsideDown) means that OBJECT's intrinsic bottom (e.g., the hull of a ship) is above (#$above-Directly) its intrinsic top (e.g., the masthead). Many things don't work properly when upside down, e.g., sailboats, salad bowls, newspapers.
guid: c0fbac43-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$AttributeValue #$Individual

(#$orientation OBJECT #$RightSideUp) means that OBJECT's intrinsic top (e.g., the lid of a teapot) is above (#$above-Directly) its intrinsic bottom (e.g., bowl of a teapot).
guid: c0fbac6d-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$AttributeValue #$Individual

(#$oppositeDirection-Interval COMING GOING) means that the vector which points in the opposite direction to the vector COMING is the vector GOING. More technically, COMING and GOING are both elements of #$UnitVectorInterval in Cyc's spatial representation, and the midpoint of the direction interval COMING is 180 degrees from the midpoint of the direction interval GOING. Examples: (#$oppositeDirection-Interval #$North-Generally #$South-Generally), (#$oppositeDirection-Interval #$DorsalDirection #$VentralDirection). If a precise opposite direction is needed, use #$oppositeDirection-Precise.
guid: bd58896c-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$StrictlyFunctionalPredicate #$AntiTransitiveBinaryPredicate #$SymmetricBinaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$disjointDirections

Predicate used mainly for reasoning about orientations within a given frame of reference. (#$oppositeDirection-Precise DIR OPPDIR) means that DIR is precisely the opposite direction to OPPDIR. The predicate may be taken to imply that the vectors denoting the directions are separated by 180 degrees.
guid: bd58c726-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$StrictlyFunctionalPredicate #$AntiTransitiveBinaryPredicate #$SymmetricBinaryPredicate
direct specialization of: #$oppositeDirection-Interval #$parallelVectors

A specialization of #$Direction (q.v.). Each instance of #$TerrestrialDirection is a direction that characterizes the orientation of objects on or near the surface of the Earth. An important specialization is #$GeographicalDirection (q.v.).
guid: bd588a62-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ObjectType
direct specialization of: #$Direction  
direct generalization of: #$GeographicalDirection

An instance of #$TerrestrialDirection. #$Up-Generally comprises the cone-shaped set of vectors pointing (from some reference point) within approximately forty-five degrees of #$Up-Directly.
guid: bd58a4d6-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$TerrestrialDirection #$Individual

The direction straight up. In the terrestrial context, #$Up-Directly points in the opposite direction of Earth's gravitational force vector.
guid: bd5889a9-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$UnitVector-Precise #$TerrestrialDirection #$Individual

An instance of #$TerrestrialDirection. #$Down-Generally comprises the cone-shaped set of vectors pointing (from some reference point) within approximately forty-five degrees of #$Down-Directly.
guid: bd58a496-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$TerrestrialDirection #$Individual

The direction straight down. In the terrestrial context, #$Down-Directly points in the same direction as Earth's gravitational force vector.
guid: bd5889eb-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$TerrestrialDirection #$UnitVector-Precise #$Individual

The element of #$VectorInterval that comprises all the vectors which are perpendicular to #$Up-Directly and #$Down-Directly.
guid: bd58ba3a-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$TerrestrialDirection #$Individual

The element of #$VectorInterval that comprises all the vectors that are parallel to #$Up-Directly and #$Down-Directly.
guid: bd58baba-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$TerrestrialDirection #$Individual

A specialization of #$TerrestrialDirection (q.v.). The #$GeographicalDirections derive from the intrinsic directional axes of a terrestrial frame of reference: North-South and East-West. Like all #$VectorIntervals, geographical directions can be specified precisely (e.g. #$North-Directly) or as proper intervals (e.g. #$North-Generally); see the specializations #$GeographicalDirection-Direct and #$GeographicalDirection-General.
guid: bd58dbdb-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$ObjectType #$AtemporalNecessarilyEssentialCollectionType
direct specialization of: #$TerrestrialDirection  
direct generalization of: #$GeographicalDirection-Direct #$GeographicalDirection-General

An instance of #$GeographicalDirection. #$North-Generally comprises the cone-shaped set of vectors pointing (from some reference point) within approximately forty-five degrees of #$North-Directly (q.v.).
guid: bd588776-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$GeographicalDirection-General #$Individual

Due North, an instance of #$GeographicalDirection.
guid: bd58fb02-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$GeographicalDirection-Direct #$Individual

The general direction of South. In the context of the CPoF Block Party VI simulation, this constant has a narrower meaning according to which it corresponds to a range of degrees that is half what it is in the BaseKB, so that it does not overlap with that of any other general direction. Thus: The instance of #$VectorInterval that comprises the cone-shaped set of vectors pointing (from some reference point) within approximately 22.5 degrees (in either direction) of #$South-Directly.
guid: bd5887b7-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$GeographicalDirection-General #$Individual

Due South. An instance of #$TerrestrialDirection.
guid: bd58dde2-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$GeographicalDirection-Direct #$Individual

The general direction of East. In the context of the CPoF Block Party VI simulation, this constant has a narrower meaning according to which it corresponds to a range of degrees that is half what it is in the BaseKB, so that it does not overlap with that of any other general direction. Thus: The instance of #$VectorInterval that comprises the cone-shaped set of vectors pointing (from some reference point) within approximately 22.5 degrees (in either direction) of #$East-Directly.
guid: bd58a558-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$GeographicalDirection-General #$Individual

Due East, an instance of #$GeographicalDirection.
guid: bd58f124-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$GeographicalDirection-Direct #$Individual

The general direction of West. In the context of the CPoF Block Party VI simulation, this constant has a narrower meaning according to which it corresponds to a range of degrees that is half what it is in the BaseKB, so that it does not overlap with that of any other general direction. Thus: The instance of #$VectorInterval that comprises the cone-shaped set of vectors pointing (from some reference point) within approximately 22.5 degrees (in either direction) of #$West-Directly.
guid: bd58a517-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$GeographicalDirection-General #$Individual

Due West, an instance of #$GeographicalDirection.
guid: bd58f165-9c29-11b1-9dad-c379636f7270
direct instance of: #$GeographicalDirection-Direct #$Individual