Automatic adjustment of invalid feature models

Abstract

In current feature modeling systems, all dimensions in a model have to be fully specified by the user. It is desirable that systems become more flexible in this respect, i.e. that non-critical dimensions in a model can be declared as variant, and that the model can be automatically adjusted when this is appropriate. A method and an implementation to realize this will be described. The underlying feature model definition and validation approach will be introduced. Validation is done by a collection of constraint solvers. An overview of invalid situations in which automatic model adjustment can be applied will be given. The constrain solving scheme and, in particular, the automatic model adjustment strategies for different types of constraints will elaborated. Applications in the areas of design by features, creating a member from a family of products, and feature conversion will be given. These will illustrate that automatic feature model adjustment is a very useful concept.