PROFIL: A decision support tool for metallic sections design using a CBR approach
Résumé
This paper presents the PROFIL system, a Decision Support Tool for the Design of metallic sections production. The PROFIL system uses a Case-Based Reasoning approach for the selection of pertinent former designs. Production of metallic sections is done by a succession of forming operations. The design task is composed of two parts: selection and scheduling of operations and assessment of forming tools geometry. The PROFIL system also provides support to production technicians, to input process parameters and control measurements as part of cases, and to adjust settings during preproduction trials. Selection of cases is made by following two orthogonal points of view, on similarity and quality of produced parts. Similarity is based on selection of relevant dimensions of the section, while quality is based on selection of potential defects. Each dimension or defect is associated to an evaluation function which uses a fuzzy logic approach. To improve ergonomy, relevant cases are displayed in a two-dimension space: similitude/quality. Implementation of the system has been done on a computer workstation, using a commercial DBMS, in order to cope with industrial requirements. The PROFIL system is operational in the industrial site and provides support to designers and process technicians.