XML-based representation in a CBR system for fixture design

Abstract

Fixture design is a complex process and largely relies on a designer's experience to solve current problem. Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) provides a promising methodology for solving design problems in this complex domain based on the idea that past problem-solving experiences can be reused and learned from in solving new problems. In order to realize a CBR design system to assist designers to solve fixture design problems in the Internet-enabled environment, case representation is described using XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format in this paper. The XML-based representation structure using UML (Unified Modeling Language) notation is illustrated and discussed. A design process with an example is presented in the developed system applied with XML-based representation. The Internet-enabled CBR system for fixture design is developed and implemented in client-server mode architecture.