Portalet-based encapsulation for CAx software

Aiming at the problems of encapsulating the traditional CAx software, a Portalet-based encapsulation method and correspondent encapsulation framework were put forward. The concept and characteristics of Portalet model were described. The set of multi-level templates for the encapsulation of CAx software was constructed. The methods of proprietary development and remote calling of design resources were studied. With the help of mixed information transforming and sharing solution based on the combination of extensible Markup Language (XML) and STandard for the Exchange of Product model data (STEP) techniques, the extraction, transformation, interaction, sharing and value-added of information among different design nodes were implemented. The queuing service model for managing design tasks in corresponding CAx software was established and the collaboration problems among different nodes were also resolved. A prototype of Portalet-based encapsulation system for CAx software was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of above-mentioned methods and technologies.