Automatic Recognition of Interacting Machining Features Based on Minimal Condition Sub-Graph

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a new approach for automatic recognition of machining features from the B-Reps of the part. In this approach we combine the conventional graph based recognition method with the hint based feature recognition idea so as to efficiently handle feature interactions and provide alternative interpretations of interacting features. A Manufacturing Face Adjacency Graph proposed here is useful for improving the recognition of isolated features and effectively reducing the search space for virtual links, unifiable faces and features. Isolated (non-intersecting) features are recognized first based on the Manufacturing Face Adjacency Graph. Then, interacting features are recognized based on the Feature’s Minimal Condition Sub-Graph (MCSG) which is proposed as feature hint. The MCSGs for all types of features are defined, generated and completed in a uniform way, independent of feature type. Feature definitions are based on an extended Attributed Adjacency Graph, generated by graph decomposition and completed by adding related virtual links. An efficient algorithm for generating virtual links is developed. A new feature interaction classification and a virtual link classification are also described. Our approach can produce alternative interpretations of intersecting features. The main contribution of this paper is a methodology for recognizing interacting features in a uniform way.