Feature-based solid modeling by using a sweeping-model approach

A major goal in the utilization of various computer-aided design and manufactoring methodologies is to link the previously separate design, planning and manufactoring functions together to form a whole product information. In this context, the idea of a product model as a basic representation naturally leads to feature modeling that enables a unique, complete, and unambiguous definition of functional entities which can be interpreted by various applications without the need for human interference.This papaer presents an approach to the precise definition of features as high-level modeling tools and to the development of a feature modeling schema for sweep features.