Unified Feature Modeling Scheme for the Integration of CAD and CAx

Chen, G.; Ma, Yongsheng; Thimm, Georg; Tang, Shunxue

doi:10.1080/16864360.2004.10738303

Cited by 35 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Compared with the previous proposal [4], the unified feature definitions are refined for the purpose of managing dependency relations between the knowledge base and the feature model. The nature of such dependencies and the corresponding implementations are discussed.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A unified feature modeling scheme was proposed in [4] in which, feature unification and feature association were highlighted as two aspects of a feature-based integrated product information model. Feature unification provides a generic feature format and granularity for different phases while feature associations keep feature semantics and validities by maintaining feature relations.…”

Section: Unified Feature Definitionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The consistency of relations has to be carried on while the different geometric representations are generated and managed. In the unified feature modeling scheme [4], this associative feature concept was extended to include non-geometric feature relations. The unified feature modeling scheme uses feature-based models as an intermediate information layer to connect knowledge bases to geometry models.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Knowledge-Based Reasoning in a Unified Feature Modeling Scheme

Chen

Thimm

et al. 2005

Computer-Aided Design and Applications

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Feature-based modeling is an accepted approach to include high-level geometric information in product models as well as to facilitate a parameterized and constraint-based product development process. Moreover, features are suitable as an intermediate layer between a product's knowledge model and its geometry model for effective and efficient information management. To achieve this, traditional feature technology must be extended to align with the approach of knowledge-based reasoning. In this paper, based on a previously proposed unified feature modeling scheme, feature definitions are extended to support knowledge-based reasoning. In addition, a communication mechanism between the knowledge-based system and the feature model is established. The methods to embed and use knowledge for information consistency control are described.Keywords: Unified feature; Knowledge-based reasoning; Feature-based modeling INTRODUCTIONHistorically, computer-aided tools, such as CAD, CAPP and CAM systems are developed to support the corresponding product lifecycle phases. Product geometry takes up a significant position in these systems. Feature technology is mainly used to provide high-level geometric representations to facilitate parameterized and constraint-based product geometric design process. However, traditional CAD systems usually assume that a designer has already finished the conceptual design as well as the concept-to-geometry mapping [17]. Therefore, only geometric modeling functions are provided in these CAD systems. Due to this limitation, some information, such as the design intent and the process patterns, is lost during the design process. Explicitly embedding knowledge-based reasoning processes within the traditional engineering systems can significantly enhance the systems' reusability, scalability and flexibility. Knowledge-oriented techniques can support more complex tasks with natural human-oriented intelligent processes. They are more acceptable by human-beings than dataoriented techniques. They can also represent and deal with inaccurate and incomplete information as well as rule-ofthumbs, which are usually difficult to be described mathematically. Due to the different natures between the knowledge information entities and the geometric entities, to interface the knowledge-based reasoning processes with the geometric modeling processes, an intermediate information layer is necessary. Feature-based technology can provide such a bridge. However, the current feature modeling technology has to be extended in two directions. First, feature definitions need to be extended to support knowledge-based reasoning processes. The purpose of this extension are checking and maintaining feature validity in the view of design intent. In other words, each feature model should be consistent to its specific knowledge bases. Second, the communication mechanism between the knowledge bases and the feature models must be established. This paper is intended to address the key issues for enabling knowledge-based reasoning in...

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Unified Feature Definitionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Knowledge-Based Reasoning in a Unified Feature Modeling Scheme

Chen

Thimm

et al. 2005

Computer-Aided Design and Applications

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“…Dynamic collaboration among different systems is still a technical challenge which requires more attentions. Unified feature modelling approach proposed in [2] offers a framework to enable feature level interactions in a heterogeneous environment. However, to develop the targeted system, the issue of interoperability to enable dynamic high-level CAD functional collaboration and information sharing/exchange among different systems, has to be addressed.…”

Section: Proposed Solutionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Collaborative Design Environment with Multiple CAD Systems

Chen¹,

Ma²,

Wang³

et al. 2005

Computer-Aided Design and Applications

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The existing collaborative systems are restricted on one specific CAD system and do not support multiple systems. However, employing various CAD systems to facilitate the product design process is not uncommon. This paper presents an approach for collaborative design environment to support a set of heterogeneous CAD systems such that an object can be geometrically co-modelled simultaneously among a team of designers at geographically distributed locations. A commandbased solution is proposed to deal with the issues identified in developing such collaborative design system. Operations are used as the transmission data type to realize the collaboration. A prototype is implemented to show the feasibility of the solution.

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“…Application features can provide specific view of the EPM. Next, a unified feature model [10] is used to specify the generic feature-modelling framework for common definitions of different application features. …”

Section: System Architecturementioning

confidence: 99%

A Web-based Collaborative Feature Modeling System Framework

Tang

Chen

2004

Proceedings of the 34th International MATADOR Conference

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Abstract:In this paper, a web-based collaborative feature modeling system framework is proposed. To integrate CAx applications, a four-layer information model is proposed. STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data) is extended to build the product model structure for information sharing. Mapping mechanisms are also investigated to convert the EXPRESS-defined information types into the database schemas. The generic feature representation and geometrical data representation in database are given. Mechanisms for feature validation are explained.

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Unified Feature Modeling Scheme for the Integration of CAD and CAx

Cited by 35 publications

References 16 publications

Knowledge-Based Reasoning in a Unified Feature Modeling Scheme

Knowledge-Based Reasoning in a Unified Feature Modeling Scheme

Collaborative Design Environment with Multiple CAD Systems

A Web-based Collaborative Feature Modeling System Framework

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