Expert systems and CAD databases

Database management systems and expert systems will be important components of integrated computer-aided design systems. A powerful, adaptable interface between these components Is necessary to build a comprehensive CAD system. The paper discusses the basic Issues involved in interfacing expert systems with database management systems and describes the architecture of a prototype system, KADBASE, that is currently under development. KADBASE is a flexible, knowledge-based interface In which multiple expert systems and multiple databases can communicate as Independent, self-descriptive components within an integrated, distributed engineering CAD system. The paper presents a detailed example to demonstrate the use of KADBASE in a typical engineering design application.