Framework Programmable Platform for the Advanced Software Development Workstation (FPP/ASDW). Demonstration framework document. Volume 1: Concepts and activity descriptions

The Framework Programmable Software Development Platform (FPP) is a project aimed at effectively combining tool and data integration mechanisms with a model of the software development process to provide an intelligent integrated software development environment. Guided by the model, this system development framework will take advantage of an integrated operating environment to automate effectively the management of the software development process so that costly mistakes during the development phase can be eliminated. The Advanced Software Development Workstation (ASDW) program is conducting research into development of advanced technologies for Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE)

EXPLORATION OF COLLABORATIVE DESIGN SPACES: ENGINEERING INTERACTIONS AND WORKFLOWS IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) initiatives can improve an enterprise’s efficiency by increasing collaborative design opportunities within its business structure. PLM solutions provide digital mediums to collaborate on all aspects of a company’s workflow, including engineering, testing, manufacturing, marketing, business, and field support services. This paper examines the major PLM tools and software used to establish a collaborative engineering design space; computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and product data management (PDM). The interactions between these PLM tools and a design team’s organizational structure are analyzed to determine some of the most effective PLM integration strategies to improve collaboration for all business functions. Engineering enterprises may split their work functions into technical and non-technical categories and match them with PLM solutions to create a collaborative design space that integrates all departments. A case study presents a university design team whose objective was collaborative creation of a digital twin for a scale tracked vehicle. The Siemens Teamcenter software tool was integrated within the team’s design procedures to improve the process. The results of integrating advanced PDM software into their workflow, including troubleshooting issues and problems, were explored in this paper. PDM and workflow interactions throughout the case study produced many unique outcomes that require additional PLM engineering solutions. Overall, advanced PDM software increased collaboration and efficiency of their design process

A model of case implementation and an experience of unsuccessful case adoption

Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) is a revolutionary technology that seeks to automate the software development process. Current literature reports on many successes of CASE adoption Despite of such successes, many organisations are experiencing difficulties in implementing CASE technology . Even many powerful CASE tools have become 'shelfware'. It is argued that the benefits of CASE are unlikely to be realised, unless it is introduced based on a sound implementation plan This article presents a conceptual model to introduce CASE technology within a MIS department Such a plan faciliiaus change in software culture and management practice and enables management to deal with confusion and skepticism prior to its occurrence. Furthermore, a case study is described that focuses on a CASE implementation that failed to achieve its purpose The reasons for the failure are critically examined and explained in the light of the model

IPAD 2: Advances in Distributed Data Base Management for CAD/CAM

The Integrated Programs for Aerospace-Vehicle Design (IPAD) Project objective is to improve engineering productivity through better use of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The focus is on development of technology and associated software for integrated company-wide management of engineering information. The objectives of this conference are as follows: to provide a greater awareness of the critical need by U.S. industry for advancements in distributed CAD/CAM data management capability; to present industry experiences and current and planned research in distributed data base management; and to summarize IPAD data management contributions and their impact on U.S. industry and computer hardware and software vendors

The development and technology transfer of software engineering technology at NASA. Johnson Space Center

The United State's big space projects of the next decades, such as Space Station and the Human Exploration Initiative, will need the development of many millions of lines of mission critical software. NASA-Johnson (JSC) is identifying and developing some of the Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) technology that NASA will need to build these future software systems. The goal is to improve the quality and the productivity of large software development projects. New trends are outlined in CASE technology and how the Software Technology Branch (STB) at JSC is endeavoring to provide some of these CASE solutions for NASA is described. Key software technology components include knowledge-based systems, software reusability, user interface technology, reengineering environments, management systems for the software development process, software cost models, repository technology, and open, integrated CASE environment frameworks. The paper presents the status and long-term expectations for CASE products. The STB's Reengineering Application Project (REAP), Advanced Software Development Workstation (ASDW) project, and software development cost model (COSTMODL) project are then discussed. Some of the general difficulties of technology transfer are introduced, and a process developed by STB for CASE technology insertion is described

An ontology framework for developing platform-independent knowledge-based engineering systems in the aerospace industry

This paper presents the development of a novel knowledge-based engineering (KBE) framework for implementing platform-independent knowledge-enabled product design systems within the aerospace industry. The aim of the KBE framework is to strengthen the structure, reuse and portability of knowledge consumed within KBE systems in view of supporting the cost-effective and long-term preservation of knowledge within such systems. The proposed KBE framework uses an ontology-based approach for semantic knowledge management and adopts a model-driven architecture style from the software engineering discipline. Its phases are mainly (1) Capture knowledge required for KBE system; (2) Ontology model construct of KBE system; (3) Platform-independent model (PIM) technology selection and implementation and (4) Integration of PIM KBE knowledge with computer-aided design system. A rigorous methodology is employed which is comprised of five qualitative phases namely, requirement analysis for the KBE framework, identifying software and ontological engineering elements, integration of both elements, proof of concept prototype demonstrator and finally experts validation. A case study investigating four primitive three-dimensional geometry shapes is used to quantify the applicability of the KBE framework in the aerospace industry. Additionally, experts within the aerospace and software engineering sector validated the strengths/benefits and limitations of the KBE framework. The major benefits of the developed approach are in the reduction of man-hours required for developing KBE systems within the aerospace industry and the maintainability and abstraction of the knowledge required for developing KBE systems. This approach strengthens knowledge reuse and eliminates platform-specific approaches to developing KBE systems ensuring the preservation of KBE knowledge for the long term

A multidisciplinary and collaborative problem solving architecture for high-level computer aided process planning in discrete manufacturing

Student Number : 0111474R - PhD thesis - School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering - Faculty of Engineering and the Built EnvironmentOne of the most daunting challenges in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is bridging the gap between Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP). Past research into CAPP, considered one of the most important and most complicated computer aided systems, resulted in a wealth of knowledge but unresolved problems still exist. The actual CAPP systems are considered large, complex, and monolithic, with limited extensibility, low-level of integration with other applications, and high development and maintenance costs. Consequently, this thesis develops a new framework that focuses on a CAPP architecture for problem solving that manages complexity through simplicity, and applies principles and strategies used in manufacturing enterprise management, automation, robotics, and software engineering, that finally leads to a system of systems which is human-centric, architectural-centric, process-centric, and in line with the IT (Information Technology) infrastructure trends. Thereafter, the framework is used to develop a number of software applications that apply object-oriented programming as a new way of thinking about solving CAPP problems and as a promising alternative to other techniques. Then, the capabilities of the new approach are demonstrated through the use of examples. The thesis ends with conclusions about the new CAPP approach, and finally highlights its theoretical and practical implications

A Design and Implementation of Version Model in Object-Oriented Databases

Due to the advances in computer technology, new applications such as office automation, software engineering and computer aided design (CAD) have emerged.These new applications not only demand fast retrieval and modification as the earlier applications but also new requirements, for in stance, the capability to represent complex object.Many approaches have been proposed in order to meet the new requirements. It is claimed that Object- oriented Database Management System s (OODBMSs) offer a good solution. One of OODBMSs' facilitiesis the version control management. With a version control management, the management and control of object versions can be done in a systematic way

Investigation on soft computing techniques for airport environment evaluation systems

Spatial and temporal information exist widely in engineering fields, especially in airport environmental management systems. Airport environment is influenced by many different factors and uncertainty is a significant part of the system. Decision support considering this kind of spatial and temporal information and uncertainty is crucial for airport environment related engineering planning and operation. Geographical information systems and computer aided design are two powerful tools in supporting spatial and temporal information systems. However, the present geographical information systems and computer aided design software are still too general in considering the special features in airport environment, especially for uncertainty. In this thesis, a series of parameters and methods for neural network-based knowledge discovery and training improvement are put forward, such as the relative strength of effect, dynamic state space search strategy and compound architecture. [Continues.

MANAGING DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTIVITY OF THE COMPUTER AIDED SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (CASE) PROCESS WITH DYNAMIC LIFE CYCLE TRAJECTORY METRICS

This paper proposes a new vision for the measurement and management of development productivity related to computer aided software engineering (CASE) technology. We propose that they be monitored and controlled via the application of dynamic software development "life cycle trajectory metrics." This view develops out of management accounting approaches for process control and recent advances in CASE technology that make automated measurement possible. We suggest that current approaches involve the use of "static metricsâ for estimation and evaluation, with the result that the depth of the insights they can provide to management is necessarily limited. They only provide "point estimatesâ of output or productivity at the beginning and end of the project. Yet to manage software development proactively for improved efficiency and effectiveness, management needs to track the range of activities and effort across the entire software development life cycle. This can only be accomplished when timely and relevant information is obtained about the software size output, as well as costs, via âdynamic metrics,â which provide a richer phase-by-phase view.Information Systems Working Papers Serie