A collaborative framework for integrated part and assembly modeling

An ideal product modeling system should support both part modeling and assembly modeling, instead of just either of them as is the case in most current CAD systems. A good basis for such integration is multiple-view feature modeling, as it allows focusing on different aspects of the product, while at the same time maintaining the consistency among all model views. This paper presents a framework that supports synchronous collaborative sessions via the Internet, among members of a distributed development team, with such a modeling system. The framework provides facilities for creating a hierarchical product structure, with single and compound components, and meanwhile assigning tasks to team members. The actual design of a single component is supported by a web-client specialized in part design, whereas the specification of assembly relations among components is supported by a web-client specialized in assembly design. All clients make use of the same server, which runs a multiple-view feature modeling kernel and maintains the complete product model, guaranteeing the consistency between the part design and the assembly design views. In addition, the server keeps all clients up to date and manages all communication.