Modeler-independent feature recognition in a distributed environment

Geometric/Solid modelers and CAD/CAM components are moving to distributed, heterogeneous environments. Communication between such systems requires standards for data exchange. This paper describes (i) modeler independent standardized interfaces called adaptors, and (ii) feature recognition in a distributed environment. A solid modeler is augmented with an adaptor so as to provide a standard procedural interface to applications and function as a geometric server. Adaptors give the applications portability and free the application programmers from the details of speciic modelers. Adaptors are routinely used at USC. The issues raised in adaptor development and their solutions are discussed. USC's feature recognition system works in a distributed environment where a solid modeler augmented with an adaptor, a feature recognizer and a graphics renderer run as separate processes and communicate with one another through local area networks. The solid modeler augmented with an adaptor is working as a central server and provides services to multiple clients. This communication architecture has been extended so as to include a design system and make the feature recognizer run incrementally. Problems of existing process planning systems are discussed, and a solution is proposed in our communication architecture.