A knowledge-based preprocessor generator for coordinate-measuring machines

Abstract

The state of the art in interfacing computer-aided-design (CAD) packages and coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) to realize computer-aided inspection (CAI) is reviewed. The complexity of integrating CAD systems with CMMs is discussed. A knowledge-based software package for assisting application engineers to develop a preprocessor for inspection programs is described. The package consists of two main modules: function definition and program synthesis. The function definition module is implemented in an expert system shell with a powerful inference engine, comprehensive explanation facility and rule-based and object-oriented knowledge representation. A uniform information storage format is adopted in the program synthesis module. Details of the modules are presented together with a simplified example of a sample consultation session using the knowledge-based system developed.