Chapter 3: Interoperability

Title: Shape-function-relationship (SFR) framework for semantic interoperability of product model

Author(s): Ravi Kumar Gupta, Balan Gurumoorthy

Address: Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India | Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India

Reference: International Conference on Product Lifecycle Management 2009 pp. 150 - 162

Abstract/Summary: The problem of semantic interoperability arises while integrating applications in different task domains across the product life cycle. A new shape-function-relationship (SFR) framework is proposed as a taxonomy based on which an ontology is developed. Ontology based on the SFR framework, that captures explicit definition of terminology and knowledge relationships in terms of shape, function and relationship descriptors, offers an attractive approach for solving semantic interoperability issue. Since all instances of terms are based on single taxonomy with a formal classification, mapping of terms requires a simple check on the attributes used in the classification. As a preliminary study, the framework is used to develop ontology of terms used in the aero-engine domain and the ontology is used to resolve the semantic interoperability problem in the integration of design and maintenance. Since the framework allows a single term to have multiple classifications, handling context dependent usage of terms becomes possible. Automating the classification of terms and establishing the completeness of the classification scheme are being addressed presently.

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