The Application Of XML To Modular Fixture Graphics Library

Computer Aided Fixture Configuration systems can avoid extra work and improve the effectivity in fixture design. But the graphic data in the library of fixture elements is created by CAD software, which the graphic data must be transformed in order that other CAD software may use it. Nowadays traditional methods of CAD data exchange aren't adapted to the application of CAD based on internet.The successful application of XML to internet is well exampled to the description of CAD information and data exchange in different CAD systems. The paper is focused on problems about graphic data based on XML. In the paper the following problems are solved:(1)The modeling method of graphic information using XMLAfter some modeling methods of graphic information are analyzed and compared, CSG modeling method based on solid model is applied to graphic information of fixtures. First, the fixtures are classified. Then every class of fixtures is divided into some elements. Afterward all the cell solids are abstracted to some basic elements. In succession the basic elements combine to a fixture graphics according to CSG modeling method. Last, the data model of fixture graphics is set up.(2)The data structure of fixture graphicsFirst, the data of basic elements is indicated. Then the data of basic elements combining to the fixture graphics groups together according to CSG tree structure.(3)The mapping between graphic data and XML dataGraphic data structure maps XML hierarchy structure. Graphic data maps XML elements.In the paper the graphics library of modular fixture is based on XML. Development of the library is based on dot net frameworks, ActiveX, JavaScript, and ARX of AutoCAD. The lib can process graphic data based on XML and output 3D graphics and generate parameterized graphic data.