Feature modeling in a product design environment

This paper introduces a concept of product design environment based on features in terms of a hierarchical design process and corresponding mechanism for feature definition. The concept is defined by the use of the STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data) methodology that allows product model representation in a form which can be used in the later product model data exchange between defferent CAD systems. In this context, a feature modeling schema as a whole product modeling framework for support of different feature types is described. In order to represent the feature modeling schema in a formal manner, the EXPRESS information modeling language is used.