This dissertation presents a new approach to the generation of integration systems for CAD/CAM application programs which enlists the tools and methodologies of computer aided software engineering, also referred to as CASE. A CASE workbench is described which aids in the design, analysis and automatic generation of program code for the integration of CAD/CAM applications based on a variety of integration models. The requirements and detail design of a CASE integration toolkit, which will be incorporated into the CAD/CAM CASE workbench, is presented. This toolkit assists with the identification of vital information from the CAD/CAM application programs, such as code structure, comment blocks and explicit information about the occurrence and location of variables, arrays and subprograms, that is not normally supplied by compilers or other source code analysis tools. This specialized toolkit helps to quickly acquaint the integration system designer with unfamiliar application programs and greatly assists in the integration process. The information obtained by the CASE integration toolkit is subsequently passed into the CASE design and analysis toolkits and used to assist in the semi-automatic generation of the integration system. As a basis for many of the ideas in this research, a survey of CAD/CAM integration in industry was undertaken. A wide variety of Fortune 500 companies participated in this project, providing important information on current integration methods, problems and needs. A synopsis of the survey questions and responses is presented. Additionally, a new integration model, referred to as the High-level Autonomous Integration Model (HAIM), is also described. The autonomous integration model allows a higher-level of integration than is normally considered through the utilization of the X Window System and database methods. This model includes the transfer of necessary data as well as simultaneous execution of application programs and the ability to share menus and functions between applications. The CAD/CAM CASE workbench and integration toolkit are designed to assist an integration system designer with the tedious tasks necessary in any CAD/CAM applications integration. This is not meant to infer that the workbench allows complete automation of the integration process. A skilled and knowledgeable designer, however, can save a great deal of time through the utilization of the analysis, design and generation capabilities provided by the CAD/CAM CASE workbench. A description of the necessary skills and tasks performed by the systems integration designer is also included. / Ph. D.

This thesis introduces GENMOD, a collection of subroutines which allow automatic geometric modeling of 3-D models for spatial links or linkages given a minimum amount of information as input. The subroutines utilize the CADCD (CADAM, Inc.) geometry interface software to enter 3-D data directly into the CAD/CAM database. Wire-frame and surface models are produced. Input is accepted from user created files with a standardized format allowing the GENMOD subroutines to be implemented regardless of the synthesis and analysis routines used. The realistic visualization of a mechanism during the synthesis and analysis process can help the mechanism designer to eliminate unacceptable linkage configurations in the early design stages thereby saving time and money. A complete description of the subroutines is provided in addition to sample graphic output. / M.S.

This work defines an expert machinability data system integrated with a CAD system, for computing complete machining parameters required for further processing with NC software. The main objective is to move toward the concept of a fully computerized system, from design to the generation of NC code which can be directly sent to a manufacturing unit. A typical example of such a system, MICADEX, is described in this thesis. MICADEX is capable of retrieving geometric description of components from their 2-D CADAM drawings using the IUE (CADAM Access) facilities and making decisions on machining parameters required for the turning operation, in consultation with the user. MICADEX is designed to be a representative example of an intelligent system capable of providing virtual machining facilities on a CAD system, and lt does not require its users to have a high level of engineering skills. / Master of Science

Computer aided design (CAD) software delivered by vendors is seldom complete. Customizing and/or developing new software is inevitable. A recent survey indicates that most companies purchase or write custom computer aided design software tailored to their specific needs. Design of such software requires the development of modeling tools for the creation of CAD geometry. This research investigates the capabilities of the proposed graphics standard, PHIGS plus, as a geometric modeling interface in CAD that off-loads many basic modeling functions to PHIGS. Specifically, how the B-spline modeling capabilities of PHIGS plus can be enhanced through the use of a new modeling interface prototype is examined. This prototype consists of a proposed graPHIGS modeling toolbox based entirely on PHIGS plus concepts. The prototype provides functionality to easily create B-spline curves and surface geometric entities based on data points and continuity constraints. Functionality is also included to easily perform modeling operations on B-spline surfaces such as intersection and trimming. / Master of Science

Traditionally, design geometries are represented using orthographic views which require a human being to interpret them and recognize geometric features to evaluate the design. Solid modeling systems have made the task somewhat easier, but they often require tedious and complex operations using simple geometric primitives. This has led to investigation of modeling systems which allow the creation of assemblies the way engineers conceive them - as features. To be able to efficiently describe models in terms of features, a rich set of feature descriptors are necessary. An exhaustive study of English words describing form, shape, feature, shape altering transformations and surface conditions was done to establish a wide vocabulary for feature based description. Classification based on topology and form was done and prototype constraint relations were implemented to differentiate between some features. A feature is created from a topological group by computing points and interpolating them with uniform rational B-spline patches. Control points needed to compute the patches are computed from the interpolation points by an inverse relation. A designer-oriented modeling language, based on simple English syntax, was devised to specify procedures to be executed by the modeler in order to create features using minimal user input. / Ph. D.

Every year thousands of specialized CAD/CAM applications programs are developed to meet the needs of industry, education and research. The international 3-D graphics standard, PHIGS, has proven to be very useful in the creation of custom CAD/CAM software. Although PHIGS+ promises to deliver some geometric modeling procedures, not nearly enough is being done to support the writing of CAD/CAM software. CAD/CAM applications programmers should have available a standardized high level applications programming environment which supports the creation of device-independent and portable design and manufacturing software. In this dissertation, one approach towards the establishment of a CAD/CAM programming standard has been presented. This programming environment is called CADMADE - Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Applications Development Environment. CADMADE includes not only graphics programming support, but also high level procedures to support the creation of geometric modeling, mechanical design, manufacturing, expert systems and user interface software. The requirements of CADMADE have been created. CADMADE consists of five environments: the User Interface Environment (UIE), the Design and Modeling Environment (DME), the Virtual Manufacturing Environment (VME), the Expert Consultation Environment (ECE) and the PHIGS+ Environment. The User Interface Environment has been designed in great detail. A prototype of the User Interface Environment has been created using PHIGS. Examples of applications programs which use the prototype User Interface Environment are presented. The Design and Modeling Environment has also been designed. A new set of logical input/output devices has been created for the Design and Modeling Environment. The requirements of the Expert Consultation Environment and some new concepts in expert system consultation are discussed. / Ph. D.

CAM applications for the Hong Kong garment industry ; by Yung Kai-tai. / Bibliography: leaf 55 / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1986

by Mok Chun-Hung. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1987. / Bibliography: leaves 72-75.

by Tsang Tze-kon. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-51). / ABSTRACT --- p.iii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.v / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.vii / CHAPTER / Chapter 1. --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Technology-based Products --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Computer-Aided Design & Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Research Objectives --- p.3 / Chapter 2. --- LITERATURE REVIEW / Chapter 2.1 --- Characteristics of High-Technology Market --- p.4 / Chapter 2.2 --- Non-technical Approach to Marketing High-Tech --- p.5 / Chapter 2.3 --- Importance of Pre-Sale & Post-Sale Services --- p.7 / Chapter 2.4 --- Technical Life Cycle --- p.7 / Chapter 2.5 --- Innovation-Driven versus Market-Driven --- p.9 / Chapter 2.6 --- Product Positioning of Technology-based Products --- p.10 / Chapter 2.7 --- Country -of- Origin Issue --- p.12 / Chapter 3. --- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY / Chapter 3.1 --- Exploratory Research --- p.14 / Chapter 3.2 --- Descriptive Research --- p.14 / Chapter 4. --- FINDINGS / Chapter 4.1 --- Case Studies --- p.16 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Company C / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Prima Design System Ltd. / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Splineware Graphics Systems Co. Ltd. / Chapter 4.2 --- Findings of Survey & Data Analysis --- p.29 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Sample Characteristics / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Factors Affecting Buying Decision / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Country -of- Origin Issue / Chapter 5. --- DISCUSSION / Chapter 5.1 --- Marketing Strategy of Company C --- p.31 / Chapter 5.2 --- Marketing Strategy of Prima Design Systems Ltd. --- p.33 / Chapter 5.3 --- Marketing Strategy of Splineware Graphics Systems Co. Ltd. --- p.35 / Chapter 5.4 --- Role of the Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corporation --- p.36 / Chapter 5.5 --- Limitations of Case Studies --- p.37 / Chapter 5.6 --- Limitations of Questionnaire Survey --- p.38 / Chapter 5.7 --- Country-of-Origin Issue --- p.39 / Chapter 5.8 --- Future of Technology-based Companies in Hong Kong --- p.40 / Chapter 6. --- RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSIONS / Chapter 6.1 --- Recommendations --- p.42 / Chapter 6.2 --- Conclusions --- p.43 / APPENDICES / Appendix A: Questionnaire for Case Study --- p.44 / Appendix B: Questionnaire for Descriptive Research --- p.46 / Appendix C: Survey Findings --- p.48 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.50

published_or_final_version / Mechanical Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy