Object-oriented intelligent computer-integrated design, processplanning, and inspection

The methodology for developing intelligent integrated computer-aided design and manufacturing systems based on object-oriented principles is discussed. The ways in which the application of these principles affects the nature of these systems are reviewed. The implementation of an automated, intelligent, and flexible computer-integrated-manufacturing (CIM) system prototype using an object-oriented programming environment (Smalltalk-80, Version 4.0) is detailed. A CIM system includes CAD, a process planner, and an inspection planner. Each of these components is discussed individually