Category Theory-Based Object-Oriented Data Management for Virtual Manufacturing

This paper discusses a graph?based semantic data model using the Category Theory for constructing a knowledge-based Virtual Surface Texture Analysis (VSTA) system, which aims to automatically implement surface texture parameters relating to surface characteristics defined in the Geometric Product Specification (GPS) and Verification standards. The paper starts with a literature review on the related research areas. Based on the problems highlighted, a categorical data modelling method is introduced and its usage explained. A web-based virtual environment for hosting the VSTA system interface is then discussed. The paper concludes with a case study of the implementation for the VSTA system to illustrate the design features of the devised categorical data model.