Interoperability framework for supporting information-based assistance in the factory

The aim of this paper is to propose new interoperability solution, based on Info-Engine framework and web services technology to support data exchange and extraction from PLM system, specially the Windchill tool. This solution will be implemented as a connector module of more generic framework, named Digital Factory Assistant (DFA). The DFA framework aims to provide factory workers by a set of knowledge and information based decision support to improve their activity performance

Spectral-based mesh segmentation

In design and manufacturing, mesh segmentation is required for FACE construction in boundary representation (BRep), which in turn is central for featurebased design, machining, parametric CAD and reverse engineering, among others -- Although mesh segmentation is dictated by geometry and topology, this article focuses on the topological aspect (graph spectrum), as we consider that this tool has not been fully exploited -- We preprocess the mesh to obtain a edgelength homogeneous triangle set and its Graph Laplacian is calculated -- We then produce a monotonically increasing permutation of the Fiedler vector (2nd eigenvector of Graph Laplacian) for encoding the connectivity among part feature submeshes -- Within the mutated vector, discontinuities larger than a threshold (interactively set by a human) determine the partition of the original mesh -- We present tests of our method on large complex meshes, which show results which mostly adjust to BRep FACE partition -- The achieved segmentations properly locate most manufacturing features, although it requires human interaction to avoid over segmentation -- Future work includes an iterative application of this algorithm to progressively sever features of the mesh left from previous submesh removal

Dynamic Customization and Validation of Product Data Models Using Semantic Web Tools

Part 7: Web, Semantics and Ontologies for PLMInternational audienceProduct Lifecycle Management (PLM) has always required robust solutions for representing product data models. Product data models enable information exchange across different organizations, actors, processes and stages in the product lifecycle. In this context, standardization of models plays a key role, since it ensures interoperability between the different systems that support information exchange. These standard models need to support diverse domain-specific requirements from the multitude of disciplines involved during a product’s lifecycle. Due to this diversity, challenges are to (1) develop multidisciplinary reusable models, (2) extend them to support new requirements over time (new products, new regulations, new materials, new processes) and (3) implement the resulting gigantic information models. ISO 10303, the reference standard for PLM-related data models provides two mechanisms that enable specialization of generic product data to address some of these challenges. In this paper we introduce the need for dynamic PLM-related information models, detail the existing ISO 10303 method and identify its limitations. We then present a methodology for enhancing that method using the Web Ontology Language (OWL) and ontologies for representing product data models and the SPARQL Inference Notation (SPIN), a new Semantic Web technology, for validating product data and overcoming OWL limitations

An SOA Based Approach to Improve Business Processes Flexibility in PLM

Part 3: Service-Oriented SystemsInternational audienceCompanies collaborating to develop new products need to implement an effective management of their design processes (DPs). Unfortunately, PLM systems dedicated to support design activities are not efficient as it might be expected. DPs are changing, emergent and non deterministic whereas PLM systems based on workflow technology don't support process flexibility. So, needs in terms of flexibility are necessary to facilitate the coupling with the environment reality. Furthermore, service oriented approaches (SOA) ensure a certain flexibility and adaptability of composed solutions. Systems based on SOA have the ability to inherently being evolvable. This paper proposes an SOA based approach to deal with DP flexibility in PLM systems. To achieve this flexibility, the proposed approach contains three stages. In this paper we focus on the first stage identification

Business Agility and Flexibility in Enterprise Service-based Information Systems: Application to PLM Systems

International audienceIndustrial companies collaborating to develop new products need to implement the effective management of their product design processes (PDPs) and product information. PDPs are known for their changing, emergent and non-deterministic characteristics due to the business environment within which they are executed. Unfortunately, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, which are dedicated to support product design activities, are not as efficient as might be expected. PLM systems are based on workflow technology, which does not support PDP's agility. Process support flexibility requirements, are necessary in order to facilitate coupling with the business reality. Furthermore, systems based on Service Oriented Architectures (SOA) have the inherent ability to evolve. We believe that SOA can promote the support of flexible PDPs. The aim of the work presented in this chapter is to propose an alternative approach for flexible product design process support within PLM systems, by making profiles from SOA. The objective is to specify, design and implement PDPs in a very flexible manner, in order to ensure that business changes can be rapidly made in PLM solutions. A generic services identification approach is proposed for architecting agile process-centered service-based information systems

Classification and diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis

Objective: Since the initial description of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) in the early 1900s, classification of this disease has been in flux. The goal of this manuscript is to review the existing literature and to revisit definitions and diagnostic criteria for AgP. Study analysis: An extensive literature search was performed that included databases from PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science. Of 4930 articles reviewed, 4737 were eliminated. Criteria for elimination included; age > 30 years old, abstracts, review articles, absence of controls, fewer than; a) 200 subjects for genetic studies, and b) 20 subjects for other studies. Studies satisfying the entrance criteria were included in tables developed for AgP (localized and generalized), in areas related to epidemiology, microbial, host and genetic analyses. The highest rank was given to studies that were; a) case controlled or cohort, b) assessed at more than one time-point, c) assessed for more than one factor (microbial or host), and at multiple sites. Results: Epidemiologic studies provided insight into ethnic and societal factors affecting AgP. DNA analysis of microbes showed some consistency but significant variability. Host factor analysis was less consistent. Many genetic studies were conducted but few had either sufficient power or looked at multiple genes in AgP. Conclusions: Conflicting data resulted for several reasons; 1) the classification was too broad, 2) the disease (AgP) was not studied from its inception, at differing time points (temporal), and at different locations (topographic). New technologic advances coupled with a more delimiting definition of disease will allow for genetic, host and microbial factor analyses in an unbiased manner. As such we predict that progress can be made in identifying a robust group of genetic, host, and microbial risk-markers associated with periodontal disease that can improve diagnostic capability in disease associated with juveniles, adolescents, and post-adolescent individuals