The EBP System : Example Based Programming System for Parametric Design1

This paper investigates the problem of parametrics within the perspective of generating and exchanging families of cognate products. Two ways are discussed. A parametric representation gathers together within the same structure the parametric definition and one specific instance: the current instance. An EXPRESS model that follows this approach is presented. Its integration within the STEP Standard would enable the exchange of (simple) parametric designs. The use of a parametric program, based on a standard API, is a more conventional approach. We present the EBP system which enables such a program to be generated through purely graphical interactions. This system provides for all the constructs required in the target program: variables, expressions, functions, and control structures. If the API itself supports all these constructs, the parametric representation may be restored on the receiving system. 1 Workshop on Graphics and Modelling in Science and Technology, Coimbra, Portugal, 27-28 June 1994 The EBP System : Example Based Programming System for Parametric Design1 Guy Pierra, Jean-Claude Potier and Patrick Girard Laboratoire d'Informatique Scientifique et Industrielle ENSMA Site du Futuroscope 86960 FUTUROSCOPE FRANCE e-mail [email protected]