A proposed integration framework for STEP:

Abstract

This paper presents a proposed integration framework for product data modeling. The framework provides for the representation of functional, programmatic, and physical product data across all phases of a product's life cycle. It provides a single coherent approach to product data modeling for the specification of application views. Most importantly, it creates an open system that encourages the innovative use of information. The framework has as its major feature an integrated product information model with four conceptual levels. These include generic product description, property description, representation & presentation, and mathematical resources. A generic product data model is the key element of the framework. It is composed of application-independent facts common to all products. The generic model is a distillation from the models currently under consideration by the STEPi and PDES2 projects.^The generic product data model meets the requirements of multiple application areas by providing for the interpretation of generic facts in specific contexts. It also provides a logical structure for the integrated product information model which is used by application models to fulfill user requirements.