Recognition of maximal features by volume decomposition

Multiple feature interpretations and lack of scalability have been issues in the latest feature recognition research. A feature recognition method has been developed that handles these issues well. The method recognizes a set of machining features called maximal features in a designed part by decomposing the delta volume, which is the difference between the stock and the part, Maximal features are inter-mediate features, By performing process planning with maximal features, the optimal or satisfactory feature interpretation will be found. Scalability has been achieved by adopting a divide-and-conquer approach in the process of decomposing the delta volume. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.