CADIS (abstract only): a kernel approach toward the development of intelleigent data management support for computer-aided design systems

This research is concerned with the introduction of design knowledge base primitives into a CAD system kernel so that the system may be more extendible. The design management facility built upon these primitives serves as a support system within an integrated flexible CAD environment. The use of SARA/IDEAS system as a test bed defines our CAD system domain as support for the design of concurrent hardware/software digital systems. Some of the limitations found with other research efforts are marked for correction including: lack of flexibility in the CAD system, separation of the design interaction from data interaction, separation of knowledge base issues from data management issues, no distinction between DBMS implementation of system policy and DBMS support for system policy. The approach taken is object oriented. The kernel DBMS is an object containing objects, relationships and properties. Methods defined for the object data base are the primitives available to a tool for defining tool specific data management facilities. Support for the kernel is provided through an extended relational model.