Retrieval of solid models based on assembly similarity

ABSTRACTThe research objective is to (re)use geometric part information to mine databases for process design information. Specifically, this research investigates an approach to use assembly solid model similarity to mine databases for assembly work instructions from the perspective of an automotive original equipment manufacturer. Results from this research will allow generation of assembly work instructions based on input of a solid model. This research presents an approach to determine similarity between query assembly solid model and database assembly solid models. In this method, similarity scores for the overall assembly solid model are used in conjunction with the similarity score of individual components. These similarity scores are obtained by computing histogram-based similarity scores, surface area differences and tessellation area distribution differences. A multi-index sort of the computed values for each (query-database) pair of assembly solid models results in a list of similar assembly sol...