Design history functionality in FROOM

This paper elaborates on the design history functionality in a prototype of a computer support system for re–design, called FROOM. Design history information is information which cannot be inferred from the product model alone; it is related to the how’s and why’s behind a design. Design history information can be recorded, organized, stored and played back. Design history information can be recorded by means of speech or text input. Sketch input is anticipated. Information types which are supported are: function, construction, constraints and intents. All these information types are related to either assembly, component, feature or relation level. Storage has been implemented by means of a combination of files and a relational database. Play back of geometry and all design history information which has been stored previously is possible. The design history information is closely related to the design objects (assemblies, components, features) and relations which exist between these objects. Conceptual graphs are used for the representation of the design objects and the relations between these entities.