A PROPOSAL FOR FEATURE CLASSIFICATION IN FEATURE-BASED DESIGN

Computer-aided design based on the notion of features is currently being discussed in the scientific community as a means for better capturing the involved semantics. i.e., the designer's intent. Several systems proposed in this area employ feature classification schemes based on the respective user's points of view or specific application requirements[1]. This paper aims to provide a common classification of features that is based on semantic meaning; the central concern is the classification of form features. The general argument is that adoptation of such a classification would provide a basis for modeling that is more flexible and user-friendly in the context of computer-aided design. On the basis of this classification, a concept for feature-based design is given. We argue that features are not product parts themselves, but rather. distinctive characteristics (properties) of these parts which exist only within the parts. Thus, feature-based design can be characterized as a method for designing Product parts by defining and manipulating the properties of those parts.