A Framework for the Geometric Modeler with Open Architecture

The use of CAD/CAM systems is growing fast in the shipbuilding industry. To develope a geometric modeler, the existing CAD/CAM systems have been analysed. Because existing systems have closed architectures, it is not easy to investigate the internal structures. However, new trends in the software engineering, open architectured systems, pose some possibility to develope the geometric modeler. Several geometric modelers are analysed to extract component functions and modules. ACIS of the Spatial Technology, AIS of the CAM-I consortium, the STEP part for the geometry and topology, CAD*I of the ESPRIT project, and domestic modelers are investigated. Based on this analysis, a reference model which shows the framework of the modeler is proposed. With the data structure supporting non-manifold topologies, the reference model can be used to encourage a cooperative development program.