Exchange Of Model Data Research Articles

Feature-based translation of CAD models with macro-parametric approach: issues of feature mapping, persistent naming, and constraint translation

Abstract Feature-based translation of computer-aided design (CAD) models allows designers to preserve the modeling history as a series of modeling operations. Modeling operations or features contain information that is required to modify CAD models to create different variants. Conventional formats, including the standard for the exchange of product model data or the initial graphics exchange specification, cannot preserve design intent and only geometric models can be exchanged. As a result, it is not possible to modify these models after their exchange. Macro-parametric approach (MPA) is a method for exchanging feature-based CAD models among heterogeneous CAD systems. TransCAD, a CAD system for inter-CAD translation, is based on this approach. Translators based on MPA were implemented and tested for exchange between two commercial CAD systems. The issues found during the test rallies are reported and analyzed in this work. MPA can be further extended to remaining features and constraints for exchange between commercial CAD systems.

A Design of New Product Database System for Supporting Step-Compliant Total Integration Applications

Computer technology has become a very important element in an advanced manufacturing system. The good and systematic data model for the exchange of manufacturing information between different stages of development of product life cycle is paramount to ensure the product is manufactured and delivered to the market successfully. As a result, ISO 10303, an international standard, or well known as Standard for Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) is not just for providing a neutral data format within the heterogenous CAD systems, its functionality has extended to the whole life cycle of product. STEP Part 21 is the first implementation method from EXPRESS modelling language and implemented successfully as neutral product data to integrate heterogeneous CAD platform. However, this CAD STEP Part21 text file is hardly to be applied in manufacturing processes since it consists of purely geometrical and topological data. In this research, a nonprocedural approach is presented to translate the EXPRESS language model of STEP CAD data into a new product database system model. A new nonprocedural approach of data enrichment and automated machining feature recognition is proposed and implemented on this newly developed product database system and provide a solution for the interrelated tasks of automated machining feature recognition: (1) extraction of geometrical feature from STEP CAD model data of the part (2) formation of part representation suitable for form feature identification (3) matching of form features. This paper proves the validity of this newly developed product database system by translating STEP Part21 file from a commercial CAD system to database system format, data enrichment, performing automated machining feature recognition and lastly generating STEP standard data according to AP224 for supporting STEP based process planning and manufacturing applications.

Artificial Neural Network Based Machining Operation Selection for Prismatic Components

Computer-aided process planning systems are used to assist human planners in producing better process plans. New artificial intelligence techniques play a significant role in CAPP. CAPP research includes neural network approaches, knowledge-based techniques, Petri nets, agent-based, fuzzy set theory, genetic algorithm, Standard for the Exchange of Product model data (STEP)-Compliant CAPP, and Internet-based techniques. This study deals with the application of the Artificial Neural Network techniques (ANN) in CAPP because of their learning ability and massive potential toward dynamic planning. This study focuses on the usage of artificial neural networks machining operation selection and sequences of operations for prismatic components. The intelligent CAPP system suggests the best machining operation and its sequences for the prismatic components using tolerances, material requirements, and surface finish details. The process planning of machining features in part is the starting point. An enormous amount of knowledge is required for part feature process planning, like selecting proper material, size, stock, dimensional tolerance, and surface finish. In this work, various prismatic features, such as a hole, slot, pocket, boss, chamfer, fillet, and face are taken and details like material, size, stock, dimensional tolerance and surface finish are properly normalized and given as input to neural networks to find the required sequence of machining operation. LevenbergMarquidt algorithm was used to train the networks and was found very effective in operation sequence selection. A sample prismatic component with nine features have been analyzed and found to be more productive. Levenberg Marquidt algorithm is then compared with the conjugant space algorithm, and it is found that the former produces less error in outputs compared to them later.

Proof of usage: user-centric consensus for data provision and exchange

This paper presents a new consensus algorithm, Proof of Usage (PoU), for the blockchain technology. This consensus is introduced for permissioned (or private) blockchains and is designed for a user-centric personal data market. This market is subject to specific regulations with which conventional blockchains fail to comply. Proof of Usage aims to promote a new paradigm dedicated to usage incentivization, valuation, and control of user data in various sectors, such as banking and insurance. Other consensuses such as Proof of Stake or historical Proof of Work do not encourage coin spending and usage (in fact, Proof of Stake promotes the opposite). However, the value of the currency mainly depends on its use. This paper first introduces a contextualization of blockchain technology and decentralized consensus models. The motivation is then discussed for a new model of personal data exchange in a decentralized but supervised environment. The PoU protocol and its process flow are defined in detail. Furthermore, the paper explores two different approaches regarding the reward mechanism and the incentive model. Finally, the paper focuses on security requirements and how PoU meets such requirements in a permissioned-based blockchain system.

Blockchain application in mining management

A new tool for achieving a sustainable business climate in mining is DLT communication and blockchain data recording. The introduction of DLT will help increase confidence among participants mining executives, employees, regulators and suppliers. The factors that interdict the implementation of DLT are classified. Each of them has been analyzed and models for data exchange among roles have been proposed for illustration. The example is for measurement of the energy consumed and the material mined for an open pit. A scheme for the introduction of correction in case of measurement unaccuracy has been developed.

STEP-NC Architectures for Industrial Robotic Machining: Review, Implementation and Validation

In the manufacturing sector, industrial robots are being increasingly improved to execute machining tasks as they exhibit significant advantages in terms of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, affordability, and larger work-space when compared to traditional computer numeric control (CNC) machines. However, programming this kind of equipment for robotic machining is complex, due to closed architecture controller and proprietary programming languages limitations. For that reason, this work aims at contributing to the adoption of the STEP-NC standard (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data- Numerical Control (ISO 10303-238 and ISO 14649)), generating programs for robotic machining operations. The STEP-NC data model enables the integration of information from design, process planning, simulation, manufacturing, and even inspection in a single platform, which could create new alternatives for industrial robotic machining programming. In this context, several previous studies are described in this manuscript aiming to highlight the contribution of this work, in addition to the analysis, implementation, and validation of six different STEP-NC architectures describing the advantages that each architecture provides for achieving robotic machining capabilities. Each introduced architecture can successfully generate a STEP-NC robotic machining program, either as ISO 10303-238 or ISO 14649, which are validated in a simulation environment with both a virtual robot model and a real industrial robot equipped with a LinuxCNC controller. This approach can be implemented in different industrial robots.

XML-based DEVS modelling and simulation tracking

Discrete event system specification (DEVS) is a modelling and simulation formalism for discrete event dynamic systems. DEVS has known different variants and software implementations to meet specific needs. Unfortunately, these implementations do not necessarily share models and cannot capitalise on model reuse and data exchange. XML, as a meta-language, seems to be an appropriate language for helping modellers with weak programming knowledge. Indeed, XML is adopted as a standard for information exchange and knows an increasingly important use on the web. This work aims at determining an XML-based implementation of DEVS for devising an efficient modelling and simulation framework. After defining and validating our XML schemas, an execution step of these models is defined based on our XML abstract simulator which executes a set of XSLT transformations and generates an XML simulation tree describing the different steps of the system during the simulation time.

Digital Twin-Driven Analysis of Design Constraints

Design constraints play a critical role in product development. Management of constraints significantly affect achievements of functions. Conventionally, constraints analysis is driven by designers’ knowledge, cognition and experience. Besides, constraints analysis is an iterative work with high cost, time and efforts. As an emerging technology, digital twin enhances the information processing with its synchronization, high-quality model and real-time data exchange. Therefore, digital twin is expected to enhance the conventional constraints analysis. This report is written to envision the digital-twin driven analysis of design constraints. The envision will focus on constraints identification, boundaries detection and importance analytics. A case study of robot vacuum cleaner is used as an illustrative example. It is concluded that DT improves the overall reliability of constraints analysis while reducing human efforts into iterative work.

BIM assisted Building Automation System information exchange using BACnet and IFC

Smart buildings are the trend of the next generation's commercial buildings that link different building systems together with the Building Automation System (BAS). Building information modeling (BIM) assists in data exchange and information flow. Previous research has explored BAS and BIM integration for energy management, building design optimization and operation, and building fault detection and diagnostics. However, it is rarely seen to design BAS or exchange BAS information in different project stages using BIM tools. The current design of the BAS system is either using 2D drawings based on AutoCAD or vendor customized tools. Unlike the other building systems, BAS seldom participates in design-build BIM cycle but blends into facility management in the later stage. To tackle this issue, this research aims to set a fundamental step to facilitate information exchange for BIM assisted BAS design and operation using one of the BAS open communication protocol named Building Automation and Control Networks (BACnet) and open BIM standard Industry Foundation Class (IFC). This paper leverages Information Delivery Manual (IDM) and Model View Definition (MVD) methodologies to define an IFC subset schema (a BACnet MVD) so that BAS information conforming to the BACnet protocol can be represented in IFC data model for information exchange throughout various project stages with BIM tools. Revit and a web browser were used to demonstrate the implementation of the BACnet MVD for BAS information exchange. In this way, BAS information represented in the open BIM standard can unlock the potential of future smart building information exchange and integration.

The question simulation of internet data exchange, according the features of functioning the hybrid content delivery networks

The article deals with an approach to modelling request routing and resource management processes of content-oriented services, based on the concept of hybrid content delivery networks. Proposed approaches to the formation characteristics of the Internet data exchange model in the framework of solving the problem efficiency increasing of the functioning information monitoring systems.

RSA based encryption approach for preserving confidentiality of big data

Sensitive Health Information (SHI) is a developing patient-centric model of medical data exchange, which is frequently outsourced to be stored at third party servers. Though, there have been various privacy issues as SHI could be disclosed to the unauthorised and third parties. This is a promising method to encrypt the SHI before outsourcing to assure the patients’ control over access to their own SHI. However, challenges like scalability in key management and flexible access have remained the most significant issues toward achieving fine-grained, cryptographically data access control. In this paper, the authors proposed a novel patient-centric system model for access control to SHIs stored in semi-honest servers. For fine-grained and scalable access control for SHIs, authors have proposed an encryption technique which is an improvement over RSA techniques to encrypt every patient’s SHI file. To different from previous works in secure data transmission, the authors focus on the data owner and divide users into several domains in SHI, which greatly decrease the key management complexity for data owners and users. Comprehensive analytical and experimental results are presented which reflect the efficiency of the proposed approach.

Applying OGC Sensor Web Enablement Standards to Develop a TDR Multi-Functional Measurement Model.

Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) is considered as a passive monitoring technique which reveals multi-functions, such as water level, bridge scour, landslide, and suspended sediment concentration (SSC), based on a single TDR device via multiplexing and related algorithms. The current platform for revealing TDR analysis and interpreted observations, however, is complex to access, thus a coherent data model and format for TDR heterogeneous data exchange is useful and necessary. To enhance the interoperability of TDR information, this research aims at standardizing the TDR data based on the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) standards. To be specific, this study proposes a TDR sensor description model and an observation model based on the Sensor Model Language (SensorML) and Observation and Measurement (O&M) standards. In addition, a middleware was developed to translate existing TDR information to a Sensor Observation Service (SOS) web service. Overall, by standardizing TDR data with the OGC SWE open standards, relevant information for disaster management can be effectively and efficiently integrated in an interoperable manner.

Exchange of parametric assembly models based on neutral assembly constraints

It is difficult to exchange parametric assembly models using conventional neutral formats such as the standard for the exchange of product model data or the initial graphics exchange specification. These formats only support the boundary representation information that leads to the inability to perform parametric re-evaluation, once a model is exchanged. In order to exchange parametric information along with the design intent, a design history-based macro-parametric approach was proposed. Our method is macro-parametrics approach, however, supported only the exchange of individual part models. As most of the products are manufactured in assemblies, where several components are connected with multiple constraints, it is necessary to exchange the assembly model data. To overcome the issue of post-exchange editability, a collection of neutral assembly commands was introduced to extend the capabilities of the macro-parametric approach. A set of neutral assembly constraints was defined and a system for exchanging the parametric assembly models was implemented. An assembly model consisting of coaxial and incidence constraints was successfully exchanged between two commercial computer-aided design systems: CATIA and NX. It was possible to re-evaluate the assembly model parametrically after the exchange. The method can be further extended to exchange the remaining constraint types in different commercial computer-aided design systems.

Transmission and distribution coordination in power systems with high shares of distributed energy resources providing balancing and congestion management services

AbstractThis paper presents a literature review on the coordination between transmission and distribution grid operators in power systems, with particular emphasis on the provision of balancing and congestion management services. Firstly, a brief historical background is presented in order to highlight the ongoing changes current power systems are experiencing and that call for greater coordination between transmission system operators (TSO) and distribution system operators (DSO). These include the growth in distributed energy resources (DER), new roles to be adopted by both system operators (SO), and the integration of new agents such as independent aggregators. Next, the paper places its focus on a particular topic which, based on the review presented, is presumably considered as the most relevant issue requiring tighter cooperation mechanisms, that is, the procurement of balancing services from DER by TSOs whilst DSOs procures the same DER flexibility to manage local congestions. Four key elements are identified for this coordination to take place, namely (a) DER flexibility integration, (b) coordination schemes, (c) transmission‐distribution optimization, and (d) data exchange. For each one of them, the paper presents a literature review and identifies the main existing technical, economic, and regulatory barriers. These barriers include, among others, the limitation for small DER flexibility to participate in grid service markets, the challenges for independent aggregators, the technical barriers for optimizing a transmission‐distribution grid, and the lack of maturity in coordination schemes and TSO‐DSO data exchange models. This article is categorized under: Energy Systems Analysis > Systems and Infrastructure Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Application of Artificial Neural Network Techniques in Computer Aided Process planning- A review

Computer aided process planning (CAPP) bridges the gap between computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing. CAPP research includes neural network approaches, knowledge-based techniques, Petri nets, agent- based, fuzzy set theory, genetic algorithm, standard for the exchange of product model data (STEP)-Compliant CAPP and internet-based techniques. This study mainly focuses on the application of the artificial neural network (ANN) techniques in CAPP because of their learning ability and huge potential toward dynamic planning. The role of an artificial neural network in feature recognition, machine selection, operation and machine tool selection are emphasised in detail in this survey paper.

Secure and efficient access of personal health record: a group-oriented ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption

ABSTRACTThe personal health record (PHR) service is a promising model for health data exchange. In practice, however, users’ health data need to be stored in an untrusted cloud server, which requires the design of a mechanism to achieve secure data sharing. Although the traditional attribute-based encryption (ABE) can be employed to facilitate PHR sharing with confidentiality protection, it will become powerless when confronting certain case. For instance, this happens when the health data is encrypted under (‘ophthalmologist’ AND ‘dermatologist’) AND (‘chief physician’). The ciphertext cannot be successfully decrypted in the scenario if there is no doctor who is a specialist in both dermatology and ophthalmology, Motivated by this observation, we propose a group-oriented ciphertext-policy ABE, which classifies users into different groups. Specifically, users in the same group own the same group identifier and different users can combine their attributes to complete the decryption. The decryption operation can be completed successfully when the union of their attributes satisfies the Access Control Policy (ACP) involved in the ciphertext. Additionally, we propose a concrete scheme with a constant ciphertext size, which is independent of the count of attributes in the ACP. Our security analysis shows that the proposed scheme is secure against selective chosen-plaintext attack under the decisional n-BDHE assumption.

Turing Machine-Based Cross-Network Isolation and Data Exchange Theory Model

Due to the confidentiality of the classified information system, it is isolated from the external network, but it is necessary to exchange data with an external network. This makes data exchange security between classified networks an important problem. Previous research focused on using access control policies to limit data access at different security levels, using some security checks to detect the security of the data itself. The security threat of the access control policy itself will threaten the data exchange between the classified networks. Moreover, the data should be performed security check isolated from user during the physical transmission to prevent the attack behavior which bypass the data security check from the user side. At present, the cross-network isolation and data exchange models are designed based on fixed business scenarios and lack generality. Therefore, this paper proposes a Turing machine-based theoretical model for cross-network isolated data exchange. This model consists of two parts: the proof system module and the physical transmission channel module. The proof system module uses an interactive Turing machine to model the part of the operational security and data security check of the communicating party’s authority to provide security and versatility. The physical transmission channel module isolates different networks and provides a detection mechanism independent of the communication parties to ensure the security and efficiency of the transmission. The proof given shows that the theoretical model can exchange data efficiently and safely. Finally, based on the given theoretical model, an intuitive cross-network isolation and data exchange function model is constructed in the form of a functional tree to illustrate the model versatility.

Integrated Inspection System STEP-Compliant for the Exchange of Dimensional Metrology Data

To meet the demands of information virtualization promoted by the fourth industrial revolution, the processes of manufacturing and quality require an architecture that facilitates the integration of processes. The objective of this article is to present an alterna- tive solution, framed in the concept of interoperability, to link the results obtained in the inspection of a part with the data generated in Compliant-STEP Systems CAD/CAM/CNC. For the implementation of the solution, a closed-loop architecture for manufactu- ring and inspection it was designed that uses as a mechanism of integration a data model in a neutral format. The measurement results are homogenized both semantically and syntactically to be handled by each of the systems involved in the closed-loop Manufacturing. Dimensional metrology data are used to create a compensation strategy and correct identified manufacturing errors in the inspection process. A framework was designed to manage the exchange of information. The main contribution of the article is the detailed description of the development of the adherent system to the standard ISO 10303 known as STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data). Finally, an analysis is done based on a case study that involves definition and extraction of design specifications, used for both manufacturing and measurement. The solution presented allows the use of measurement data within a closed manufacturing loop, ensuring the integrity of information and access so that each system can use it for different purposes.

Review of STEP-NC System Controlled by Android Platform Through Wifi

STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data, ISO 10303) data for numerical control (NC), or the new standard STEP-NC (ISO 14649), is intended to provide full product and process data interoperability between computer-aided manufacturing systems and machine tool controllers. Wireless networks have been widely developed compare to wired network, and the wireless communication removes the restriction of wired connections. One of successful wireless networks architecture is WiFi (wireless fidelity) and it is very popular in providing different data services. Integrated WiFi network is a great potential for the future due to the high data transport capacity of WiFi. Google’s Android platform is a widely anticipated open source operating system for mobile phones and the idea to integrate with NC machine through WiFi will be a contribution for manufacturing industries. This research focuses to explore the theories and techniques behind procedure of STEP-NC system controlled by android platform through WiFi. The developed application controller enables the machine tool to be controlled based on wireless communication, android platform and STEP-NC data generated from CAD/CAM systems.

A Closed-Loop Inspection Architecture for Additive Manufacturing Based on STEP Standard

Among the challenges posed by the new industrial revolution-Industry 4.0 is the integration of systems associated with manufacturing. In this sense, the inspection process assumes an important role since it provides the information base to make the decisions that allow reaching the design and quality specifications. From the manufacturing point of view, Additive Manufacturing (AM) contains the potential to meet production demands by making efficient use of resources, reducing manufacturing time, and enabling the manufacture of complex parts. The idea of integrating the inspection process with a robotic system for additive manufacturing seeks both to improve the quality of the parts produced and to find methods to optimize the process and create a sustainable system. However, to make this combination a reality, it is necessary to face the barriers posed by the lack of integration of the information produced by the different computerized systems throughout the life cycle of the product. Thus, there is no integration of feedback information from shop-floor necessary for inspection and validation of the part manufactured with AM, which does not allow a closed-loop digital thread. Concerning this, the present article proposes the development of an integration strategy with a digital data model based on STEP-NC (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data - Numerical Control) for closed-loop AM. The data models in STEP-NC for the AM and inspection tasks it develops, highlighting the scenario of integrated feedback for the closed-loop AM digital thread. Are presented the architecture of integration validated by using an open AM platform and the results of error control over the parts.