Feature-based similarity assessment of solid models

Abstract

This paper presents our initial efforts to develop a systematic approach for assessing the similarity of solid models based on how they will be manufactured. The goal of this work is to develop methods that, given a solid model representing the design of a new product, query a product information database (of solid models, associated manufacturing plans, and related attributes) and identify existing designs with manufacturing plans similar to some reasonable plan for the new design-or useful as a starting point for creation of a new plan for the new design.