MULTIPLE DOMAIN FEATURE MAPPING - A METHODOLOGY BASED ON DEEP MODELS OF FEATURES

In the research described in this paper, an approach that utilizes dee p models of features to transform a component design represented by ne utral features into domain-specific features has been developed. The n eutral features are known as feature-oriented generic shapes (FOGSs). The proposed approach provides the flexibility needed to represent bot h the deep and shallow knowledge required in feature mapping. A deep m odel of a feature is represented in the form of a face connectivity gr aph (FCG) that embodies deep knowledge about its geometry, while other non-geometrical information can be represented as rules or procedural functions. By comparing the original faces of a product model with th ose of the resultant evaluated boundary model, faces of interest can b e easily extracted and described using FCGs. A FCG can then be examine d to determine its class and the relevant parameters for applications in such domains as process planning. The mapping shell is designed wit h layered architecture that makes it highly appropriate for implementa tion using blackboard technology.