Product data integration framework for synergetic CAD systems

A three phase experiment is being conducted in integrating CAD systems that work synergetically, at different levels of abstraction, to perform specialized tasks throughout the product design cycle. The first phase of the experiment involved a unidirectional information flow between a symbolic sketchpad, a knowledge-based design system, a feature-based part modeler, and a feature-based assembly modeler. In the second phase, a framework is developed for providing an integrated view of the individual databases, with ONTOS providing network transparency as well as physical file format transparency. Individual ONTOS databases provide interfaces to each design tool within the environment. In the third phase, bi-directional information flow will be supported. This paper describes the second phase of the experiment, which deals with the expression of database constraints that involve data from different design systems. Constraints between design tools support the ability to automatically maintain constraints as design changes occur. Using this framework, sophisticated queries are possible for data to be retrieved from multiple data sources based on an object-oriented view of the complete environment.