Experiments With the Integration of Reasoning, Optimization and Generalization in Process Planning

The paper describes a feature-based process planning model and planning methods as verified in a prototype system with the following distinctive properties: (1) reasoning over a detailed model of the part, the manufacturing processes and resources, (2) detection of conflicts and combinatorial conflict resolution among pieces of technological advice, (3) optimization of the manufacturing cost with a genetic algorithm, (4) generalization of plans by omitting incidental detail. Generalization, being the newest development in the system, is discussed more thoroughly. While the focus of attention is on the fundamental assumptions, the technical feasibility of the approach is illustrated by an example.