The use of expert systems in CAD

Abstract

Computer Aided Design, or CAD. is a powerful graphical tool used to produce detailed and complex drawings and to carry out engineering analysis. The operator interprets tnese drawings and attaches meaning to the entities within the CAD. Expert systems capture expertise within a knowledge base in a specialised area. By incorporating an expert system within the CAD system, forming an "intelligent CAD" system, the computer can manipulate the information within the CAD system in a meaningful way. It can become an on board co-assistant to the designer. The aim of the project report is to describe a software structure which enables a CAD system and an expert system to interact and share information. The report discusses relevant issues which need to be taken into account. A Basic prototype has been created using object oriented programming techniques with the C++ programming language, Its main focus is to establish the functions of the various components and the type of information that needs to be exchanged between them. It also looks at ways of structuring the software into independent components which are reusable, easily maintainable and independent from one another, The prototype has highlighted requirements and weaknesses of "intelligent CAD" systems .. Data representation is found to be extremely important. It involves the representation of entities and the relationships between other entities. Messages are the means ot cemmnnication between components and they enable components to be decoupled and independent from one another.