Information retrieval system for optical-disk-filed machine drawings based on feature description

We propose a method to retrieve the contents of drawings, which employs descriptions of features of machine structures as retrieval keywords. A prototype retrieval system was developed that utilizes optical disks and an image scanner together with a DBMS. Feature Description (FD), on which studies have been promoted by Nakajima et al. at the University of Tokyo and Gossard et al. at MIT, was used as an expression method of machine structures. Feature Description Language (FD language), a language for designers based upon the FD, was employed as an aid for query formation of drawings. Machine structures expressed by the FD were managed by the DBMS based upon a graph data model. As an example, drawings of rolling bearings were stored in the system, and retrieval of combinations of shafts and bearings including fixtures and seals was conducted, which proved that retrieval by contents was effective.