Umberto Cugini

From Knowledge Intensive CAD to Knowledge Intensive Engineering

Preface. Part One: Invited Talk. Knowledge-based Innovation - a Technology of the Future S. Ikovenko. Part Two: Architecture. 1. Leadership Based Agent Architecture J.D. Summers, J.J. Shah. Part Three: Methodologies. 2. Design Simplification by Analogical Reasoning M.E. Balazs, D.C. Brown. 3. Geometric Exemplars B. Bettig, J.D. Summers, J.J. Shah. 4. Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining within a Design Environment M.K.D. Haffey, A.H.B. Duffy. 5. A Framework for Knowledge Intensive Artefact Life Design J.C. Borg, X. Yan, N.P. Juster. Part Four: Tools. 6. Representation and Conversion of Dimension Units in CAD Data Models D. Roller, O. Eck, B. Rieg, D. Schafer. 7. Managing CAD Data as a Multimedia Data Type Using Digital Watermarking R. Ohbuchi, H. Masuda. Part Five: Implementation. 8. Integration of Life-cycle Constraints in Design Activity S. Tichkiewitch, D. Brissaud. 9. Document-based Design Process Knowledge Management for Knowledge Intensive Engineering Y. Nomaguchi, M. Yoshioka, T. Tomiyama. Part Six: Application. 10. Integrated Product and Process Design of Microwave Modules Using AI Planning and Integer Programming D.S. Nau, et al. 11. How to Represent Intelligent Components in a Product Model L. Susca, F. Mandorli, C. Rizzi. 12. Topological Constraints in Ship Design L. Solano, I. Gurrea, P. Brunet. 13. Kinematics Support for Design and Simulation of Mechatronic Systems R. Sinha, C.J.J. Paredis, P.K. Khosla. Part Seven: Formal Methods. 14.Towards a Logical Framework for Engineering Design Processes F.A. Salustri. 15. On Engineering Design Generation with XML-based Knowledge-Enhanced Grammars S. Rudolph, H. Noser. Part Eight: Evolution. 16. Issues in Building and Evaluating Networked Engineering Environments W.C. Regli, V. Zaychik, T. Hewett, J. Sevy. 17. Towards a Methodology for Estimating the Global Impacts of Innovative Design Scenarii D. Deneux, O. Senechal, F. Tomala, M. Lawson. Author index. Keyword index.

Modeling with self validation features

One basic intent of feature-based modeling is to provide objects and operators which support the implementation of a complete and consistent description of a part in terms of its shape and related functional and technological information. Although feature-based methodology has matured to the point that results are being incorporated into commercial CAD systems, several problems still remain open. A key problem in feature-based modeling is how to maintain the consistent correspondence between the geometrical description of a feature and its related functional meaning (semantics) during the entire modeling process. Uncontrolled feature shape modification due to geometrical operations among aggregated features can affect the correct functionality of a modeled part. Within described work we propose to approach the problem of controlling feature semantics by using what we call self validation features: an entity concept developed to implement feature specifications replenished with self validation capabilities. Along with this new approach the traditional feature definition is extended in order to include a set of rules that allows for feature instances to control the consistency of their shape in respect to functionality associated. A feature-based modeling operation is then executed by computing within three steps as follows: feature instantiation, feature location and validated feature aggregation. A prototype testbed based on a self validation entity concept has been implemented integrating an in house developed feature system with a commercially available geometric modeling kernel. In order to realize a tight integration between feature semantics and shape representation an interfacing mechanism, based on an entity monitor, has been studied. Its functionality is partly supported by the attribute handling system of the integrated geometric modeling kernel. In the example section of the reported experimental work a selection of validation rules peculiar to some semantics aspects are evaluated and discussed.

From geometric modeling to shape modeling

From Geometric Modeling to Shape Modeling comprises the proceedings of the seventh GEO workshop, which was sponsored by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) and held in Parma, Italy in October 2000. The workshop looked at new paradigms for CAD including the evolution of geometric-centric CAD systems, modeling of non-rigid materials, shape modeling, geometric modeling and virtual prototyping, and new methods of interaction with geometric models.

Design and simulation of non-rigid materials handling systems

The paper presents a software environment to model and simulate non-rigid materials behaviour during handling operations according to their physical properties (e.g. stiffness), and to detect undesirable deformations (e.g., material breakage).

The problem of user interface in geometric modelling

Abstract The paper describes how and why CAD systems based on solid modelling do not have the right user interface. An effort sponsored by CAM-I in the direction of defining the requirements of the right User Interface is briefly described, as well as general rules for designing a user-friendly and effective user interface.

Feature-Based Assembly for Aeronautics

The research work presented in these paper concerns the study of concepts related to assembly features, and the development of a system prototype carried out in the aeronautics field. The work is motivated by the fact that the design of mechanical assemblies carried out using today’s CAD systems is mainly developed by modeling single parts, and then assembling them in a subsequent design phase. This bottom-up approach is not congruent and not satisfying the way designers are used to design assemblies. The introduction of the feature-based approach in assembly design would allow the designers to start drawing the assembly using a top down approach leaving the design of details and sub-systems to a following phase. The work described in the first part of the paper focuses on the concepts related to assembly design, the definition of an assembly feature, and a formalism for the representation of assembly models. The second part of the paper describes the approach followed for the formalization and the validation of the knowledge acquired on assembly features, before embedding it into a CAD system.

Reflective control of attributed entities in feature-based CAD systems using a CARW system manager

Requirements necessary to integrate intelligent computer aided design systems in future KAE/CAM systems aimed at supporting concurrent engineering and the handling of product data, propounding extensions and new developments of system architecture, data structures and functionality. Indispensable among these are an integrated and flexible formalization of the knowledge base and a modular system architecture which can be easily modified to suit current demands. Within our developed framework we propose a homogeneous representation of declarative, procedural, and control knowledge based on a conditional attributed rewriting system (CARW). Design, reasoning and computation are carried out in domains of typed attributed entities, which are replenished with reflective capabilities. Due to the rule-based approach, a high degree of flexibility and modularity can be achieved, while perpetuating the system’s overall control in the form of a CARW manager. The objective of this study is to investigate how far our approach satisfies the requirements under consideration. Of major interest are — within the given scope — consistency aspects among attributed entities of different domains and the use of reflective techniques to support status evaluation of design features, their operators as well as design strategies.

An Approach to Implement Feature-Based Applications Using Knowledge Aided Engineering Technology

Concurrent Engineering methodology and process analysis and modeling showed the importance of tools that allow the designers to evaluate, from the beginning, different aspects of product definition. 3D CAD systems, simulation tools and virtual prototyping technologies can support the designer during her/his decision-making activity but, in order to provide an effective support, they must be tailored to the needs of the design process of each specific product.

Haptic Augmented Simulation Supporting Teaching Skill to Robots

This paper presents the preliminary results of the experimentation done at the University of Parma, and partially carried out as part of the Brite/Euram III Project Skill-MART, aiming at studying the use of digital simulation and haptic interaction for the purpose of analysing human skill and mapping it into a skilled robotics system.

Erratum to: From Knowledge Intensive CAD to Knowledge Intensive Engineering

Erratum to: U. Cugini and M. Wozny (Eds.) From Knowledge Intensive CAD to Knowledge Intensive Engineering DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-35494-1