A hybrid feature recognizer for machining process planning systems

We describe a hybrid feature recognition method for machining features that integrates three distinct feature recognition methods: graph matching, cell-based maximal volume decomposition, and negative feature decomposition using convex decomposition. Each of these methods has strengths and limitations, which are evaluated separately. We integrate these methods in a sequential workflow, such that each method recognizes features according to its strengths, and successively simplifies the part model for the following methods. We identify two anomalous cases in the application of maximal volume decomposition, and their cure by introducing limiting halfspaces. Feature volumes recognized by all three methods are then combined into a unified hierarchical feature representation, which captures feature interaction information, including geometry-based machining precedence relations.