In this paper, we present a machining time estimation algorithm for 5-axis high-speed machining. Estimation of machining time plays an important role in process planning and production scheduling of a shop. In contrast to the rapid evolution of machine tools and controllers, machining time calculation is still based on simple algorithms of tool path length divided by input feedrates of NC data, with some additional factors from experience. We propose an algorithm based on 5-axis machine behavior in order to predict machining time more exactly. For this purpose, we first investigated the operational characteristics of 5-axis machines. Then, we defined some dominant factors, including feed angle that is an independent variable for machining speed. With these factors, we have developed a machining time calculation algorithm that has a good accuracy not only in 3-axis machining, but also in 5-axis high-speed machining.

In the product design process computer-aided engineering and optimization tolls are widely utilized in order to reduce the total development time and cost. Since several simulation tools are involved in the process, information losses, omissions, or errors are common and the importance of seamless information exchange among the tools has been increased. In this work, ISO STEP standards are adopted to represent the neutral format for structural analysis and optimization. The schema of AP209 defined the information of finite element analysis is used and the new schema is proposed to describe the information of structural optimization based on the STEP methodology. The schema is implemented by EXPRESS, information modeling language, and ST-Developer is employed to generate C++ classes and STEP Rose Library by using the schema denoted. To substantiate the proposed approach, the information access interfaces of the finite element modeling software (FEMAP), structural optimization software(GENESIS) and in-house topology optimization program are developed. Examples are shown to validate the information exchange of finite element analysis and structural optimization using STEP standards.

We have developed a method that enables a user to better understand and enjoy the contents of 3D digital archives, thereby enhancing the user's experience. The system's interactive interface, built using virtual reality technology, enables the user to "walk through" the archives, comparing two or the same content at different points in time. For example, a user can compare the proposed design for a building with the actual building and can compare the states of restoration of a cultural heritage site over time. This ability to perform multilateral comparisons enables the user to clarify the relationship between contents, the influence of one content on another, and the causal relationship between contents. Testing of a prototype system for a 3D digital archive of cultural heritage sites showed that it worked smoothly and that the users could easily operate the navigation system.

This paper describes a multiresidual approximation method for scattered volumetric data modeling. The approximation method employs a volumetric NURBS or VNURBS as a data interpolating function and proposes two multiresidual methods as a data modeling algorithm. One is called as the residual series method that constructs a sequence of VNURBS functions and their algebraic summation produces the desired approximation. The other is the residual merging method that merges all the VNURBS functions mentioned above into one equivalent function. The first one is designed to construct wavelet-type multiresolution models and also to achieve more accurate approximation. And the second is focused on its improvement of computational performance with the save fitting accuracy for more practical applications. The performance results of numerical examples demonstrate the usefulness of VNURBS approximation and the effectiveness of multiresidual methods. In addition, several graphical examples suggest that the VNURBS approximation is applicable to various applications such as surface modeling and fitting problems.

Recently three-dimensional (3-D) die design and production process has been widely introduced into the tooling shops of automotive manufacturers to reduce time-to-production of brand-new automobiles. 3-D solid models created in CAD systems are used not only for various simulations for design verification, but also for NC tool path generation to machine dies and their Styrofoam patterns. However, a lot of time and cost will be required to build solid models for dies if designers use only the generalized modeling capabilities of commercial 3-D CAD systems. To solve this problem, it is necessary to customize 3-D CAD system for the specific die design and manufacturing process. This paper describes a dedicated 3-D CAD system based on Unigraphics for die design for automotive body panels. The system provides not only 3-D design capabilities, but also standard part libraries, to enhance design productivity. The design process modeling technology has been introduced to facilitate redesign of the die for the modified panel. By introducing this system, dies can be designed more rapidly in the 3-D space, and their solid data can be directly transferred to CAM tools for NC tool path generation and simulation tools for virtual manufacturing.

In recent years, many robotics researches have been focused on developing human-friendly robots, that is, humanoid biped robots. The researches of humanoid robots include various areas such as hardware development, control of biped locomotion, artificial intelligence, human interaction, etc. The present work concerns the hardware development of a mid-size humanoid robot, BONOBO, focusing on rapid development of outer body parts with integrated application if CAD/CAM/CAE/RP. Most parts are three-dimensionally designed using 3D CAD, and effectively connected with CAE analyses using both kinematic simulation and structural analysis. In order to reduce lead time and investment cost for parts developments, Rapid Prototyping (RP) and CAM are selectively utilized for manufacturing body parts. These master parts are then replicated using the vacuum casting process, from which we can obtain plastic parts repeatedly. Through this integrated approach, the first prototype of BONOBO can be successfully developed with relatively low time and investment costs.

This paper described a method for the construction of a surface through a set of nonuniform scattered points. When the shift vectors of some points as constraints on the original surface are given, those of the other points should be computed to make the new surface. To keep up the look-see and smoothness with the original surfaces, the proper relationship should be formulated between the shifts of the constraint points and those of the other points. Vector fields for 3 dimensional shift of a point on the surface are made based in the constraint shifts. Vector fields for 3 dimensional shift of a point on the surface are made based on the constraint shifts. Multilevel B-spline approximation technique was used to construct the vector field. The technique uses coarse-to-fine hierarchy of control lattices. The developed method was applied to shoe sole design system especially for grading. Using this system, a shoe sole can be modified effectively.

During the lifecycle of a nuclear power plant many organizations are involved in KOREA. Korea Plant Engineering Co. (KOPEC) participates in the design stage, Korea Hydraulic and Nuclear Power (KHNP) operates and manages all nuclear power plants in KOREA, Dusan Heavy Industries manufactures the main equipment, and a construction company constructs the plant. Even though each organization has a digital data management system inside and obtains a certain level of automation, data sharing among organizations is poor. KHNP gets drawing and technical specifications from KOPEC in the form of paper. It results in manual re-work of definition and there are potential errors in the process. A data warehouse based on a neutral model has been constructed in order to make an information bridge between design and O&M phases. GPM(generic product model), a data model from Hitachi, Japan is addressed and extended in this study. GPM has a similar architecture with ISO 15926 "life cycle data for process plant". The extension is oriented to nuclear power plants. This paper introduces some of implementation results: 1) 2D piping and instrument diagram (P&ID) and 3D CAD model exchanges and their visualization; 2) Interface between GPM-based data warehouse and KHNP ERP system.