Feature extraction and validation within a flexible manufacturing protocol

摘要

An intelligent feature extraction methodology has been developed for use with a flexible manufacturing protocol. A wireframe input scheme based on the standard Initial Graphics Exchange Specifications format is used. The methodology has nine tasks. The first task involves the processing of a wireframe CAD file in the IGES format. The last task generates a feature file represented in another standard format. The intermediate tasks are concerned with locating the planes, the contours, the cylindrical surfaces and the boundary faces present within the part drawing. This methodology has been implemented on a Sun microcomputer within the Franz Lizp environment. The feature extractor runs in both automated and interactive modes. It accepts CAD files generated by any commercial CAD tool with an IGES interface. It has been tested with two such tools.