Automatic generation of geometry interfaces between applications programs and CADCAM systems

Abstract

A method is described which uses an expert system to generate interfaces automatically between applications programs and CAD systems. First an instance of a generic model is manually created at the CAD terminal. The applications programmer (guided by the expert system) then defines the model elements' relationship to the assembly. The expert system makes inquiries on the CAD database to analyse the model. Annotated program code is automatically generated and appended to the applications program. This annotated code represents the code needed to generate the model but the specific dimensions and other geometric data defining the instance are replaced by program variable identifiers. These identifiers are linked by the expert system to the appropriate applications program variables to allow parametric creation of models when the program is executed. The modified applications program carries out analyses and produces size information for the model. The automatically generated geometry interface then creates the dimensionally correct solid geometry in the CAD database. An example is presented using the IBM Expert System Environment and CADCAM Interactive Solids Design (ISD).