Design and application of data interchange formats (DIFs) for improving interoperability in SBA

Data Interchange Formats(DIFs) can enhance interoperability of physically distributed organizations in Simulation Based Acquisition(SBA) process by being used as a template for exchanging information in Distributed Product Descriptions(DPDs) directly without data format interchange among different acquisition tools. In this paper, we propose a framework for developing DIF and demonstrate its validity by using XML-based implementation. Specifically, we show that Solid Edge CAD file can be converted to XML-based DIF file using the neutral format and to Robcad CAD file, while keeping the shape information as well as kinematics, axis, the surface information. Based on this work, we can increase the possibility to provide interoperability in Integrated Collaborative Environment(ICE) based SBA.