5.1.2.3 EVALUATION METHODS

The Evaluation selection from the folders to menu deals with choices of feature extraction and PIMES evaluation. Evaluations can take place only if certain representations are present. Usually a user can figure out whether he or she can run a certain evaluation by looking at the status of the status tiles. If evaluation is invoked on the design and that representation is not present, nothing happens.

If a Model is present, evaluation on the artifacts includes abstract features, images, and parameters. This selection launches the DDPF feature abstraction application. When parameters are made available, other evaluations involve feature evaluation, mold evaluation, and machine selection. These are PIMES-based methods. Selection of a method sends a message, along with certain data such as a part name, requesting specific processing from the running PIMES server The PIMES server returns the results to a database.

The initial form for a mold evaluation is represented in Figure 44. Required information for the mold dimensioning calculations includes material, number of parts in the mold, and part orientation. The last two parameters are menu selectable, as illustrated in the figure.

Figure 44 Mold Size Determination Form

The nexpert selection sends a message to PIMES to invoke its own user interface. This user interface allows extensive, visual work with the Nexpert Object libraries class and rule system. It allows the user to see what objects are currently being processed in PIMES.