Graph Rewriting Rule Merging for CAD Conflict Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for merging two modeled objects in collaborative design fail to identify concurrently modified elements and miss conflicts, as they rely on single push-out or partial morphism rewriting rules, which do not capture invariant parts or conflicts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the computation of first and second rewriting rules to transform an initial graph into two modified graphs, with a third rewriting rule assembled to merge the objects, allowing for conflict detection and resolution through user interaction and graphical user interface support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single push-out or partial morphism rewriting rules are used for merging modeled objects, then the merging process is simpler, but conflicts between concurrently modified elements cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rewriting rule into multiple components: a first rewriting rule for the first modified version, a second rewriting rule for the second modified version, and a third rewriting rule for the merged version. This segmentation allows independent analysis of each modification while maintaining the ability to detect conflicts through interface compatibility checking between the rules.
2Reliability
If comprehensive rewriting rules are used to detect all conflicts, then conflict detection capability is improved, but the merging process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary compatibility check that examines whether the interfaces of the first and second rewriting rules are compatible. This intermediary step acts as a mediator that systematically identifies conflicts without requiring complex manual analysis, thereby improving conflict detection while maintaining a structured and manageable merging process.
3Reliability
If manual merging of concurrently modified elements is performed, then conflict detection may be achieved, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating the three rewriting rules and checking their interface compatibility to detect conflicts. This automated approach eliminates the need for manual merging operations while maintaining comprehensive conflict detection capability, thereby preserving design efficiency and productivity.
4Productivity
If invariant parts of the graph are not captured, then the merging process is faster, but conflicts between concurrently modified elements are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the interfaces of the first and second rewriting rules before the merging process. These interfaces capture the invariant parts of the graph that remain unchanged during modification. By having these interfaces established in advance, the system can quickly check for compatibility without slowing down the merging process, thus maintaining both speed and conflict detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for merging a first and second modeled object which are modified versions of an initial modeled object and are defined by a first and second graphs. The method comprises merging the first graph and the second graph. For this, the method comprises computing a first rewriting rule and a second rewriting rule corresponding respectively to a transformation of an initial graph into the first graph and the second graph, determining a third rewriting rule by assembling the first rewriting rule and the second rewriting rule, and computing a merged graph by applying the third rewriting rule to the initial graph. Such a method is an improvement for the merging of modeled objects.