Abstract
This paper presents the design and implementation of a constraint-based virtual environment for supporting interactive assembly and maintenance tasks. The system architecture of the constraint-based virtual environment is based on the integration of components such as OpenGL Optimizer, Parasolid geometric kernel, a Constraint Engine and an Assembly Relationship Graph (ARG). The approach presented in this paper is based on pure geometric constraints. Techniques such as automatic constraint recognition, constraint satisfaction, constraint management and constrained motion are employed to support interactive assembly operations and realistic behaviour of assembly parts. The current system has been evaluated using two industrial case studies. This work is being carried out as a part of a research programme referred to as IPSEAM (Interactive Product Simulation Environment for Assessing Assembly and Maintainability), at the University of Salford.
