Elaine Salisbury Palmer

US Patent:

48623768, Aug 29, 1989

Filed:

Oct 28, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/113837

Inventors:

Kate M. Ferriter - Atlanta GA
Elaine R. Palmer - Yorktown Heights NY

Assignee:

International Business Machines Corp. - Armonk NY

International Classification:

G06F 1521

US Classification:

364468

Abstract:

A method for interfacing between a product planning conceptual design tool and a CAD/CAM environment allows an indented bill of materials to be imported to the CAD/CAM environment while retaining the characteristics as a primitive text file. The conceptual design tool uses a sketch sheet approach on a computer display to enter the functional design of a new or modified product, thereby encouraging the designer to use a top down approach to the design process. The user keys in item information, and the system automatically draws a hierarchical tree structure on the computer display. The system then automatically generates an indented bill of materials which is stored in a graphics standard file that retains the character of text primitives. From this file an image of the bill of materials can be displayed in the CAD/CAM environment. The designer can use this image as an aid in the design process.