Tribon

Abstract: In this paper, a PC-based offline programming (PC-OLP) method for welding robots in shipbuilding is proposed. Also, this paper explains the methodology of 3D simulations for new type robotic systems. The proposed OLP system consists of a robot's 3D simulation, a block arrangement simulation, an optimal path planning by genetic algorithm (GA), an automatic robot program generation, and a Tribon CAD interface. The strength of the developed OLP system lies in its flexibility in handling the changes in the robot's target objects. Also, by use or the developed OLP, the operator can generate robot programs very easily and quickly. We employ Visual C++, Open Inventor, Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML), and Windows 2000 system. The VRML makes the developed OLP possible to extend to an Internet-base OLP. The developed OLP can also be used for other robot applications such as painting or grinding robots in shipbuilding industry.

Abstract: In the shipbuilding industry, different computer-aided design (CAD) systems are used for different design domains, structure, and outfitting. We need to exchange data among different CAD systems such as Tribon, AutoCAD, Intergraph or PDMS to complete the whole design and production process. There are two approaches to data exchange. One is direct translation; the other is indirect translation, which is based on a neutral format. If we use a neutral format, the data specification is open to the public and the design model can be used by other CAD systems, including next-generation CAD systems. In this paper, we propose an indirect method that uses ISO 10303 (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data) AP227 and ISO 15926 to define neutral formats. A separate ShapeDB is constructed to manage the geometry information, referenced to the catalogue data defined by ISO 15926. An experimental implementation for data exchange between Tribon and PDMS is described.

Abstract: A method to automatically draw 2-dimentional design of 3-dimentioal model data to construct or install products in plant engineering and shipbuilding is provided to draw 2-dimentional construction or installation drawing by using a computer in order to embody 2-dimational drawing for 3-dimentional model by using different types of model data which are general 3-dimentional modeling programs for plant and ship design, such as PDS, SmartPlant 3D, PDMS, AutoPlant, PlantSpace, and Tribon. Through a user interface, the method for automatically drawing 2-dimentional design of 3-dimentioal model data to construct or install products in plant engineering and shipbuilding selects a 3-dimentional model graphic file made from the 3-dimentional modeling program, a path connecting to 3-dimentional model database, a path that the final drawing is printed, and one of piping, electrical instrument or a part of HVAC(Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning). The method comprises the following steps: an environment setting up step which selects and stores drawing information to draw a pertinent part on the 2-dimentional drawing(100); a common format conversion step that the 3-dimentional model graphic file and 3-dimentional model data base are connected according to the set up environment information, the 3-dimentional data corresponded to the selected part are extracted, and then the 3-dimentional model data are converted to a common format according to the design form taken up modeling(400); a 2-dimentional drawing data conversion step that the 3-dimentional data converted to a common format are converted to the 2-dimentional drawing data(500); a space search step that location to write label and size on the data converted to the 2-dimentional data is searched and selected(600); and a step to write label and size on the 2-dimentional data passing through the space search step(700).

Abstract: In this paper, a PC-based off-line programming (OLP) method using the virtual reality modeling language is proposed. The developed OLP system consists of simulation programs, a block-arrangement algorithm, an optimal traveling-path generation algorithm, an automatic robot program generator and the TRIBON CAD interface. The strength of the developed PC-based OLP system lies in its flexibility in handling the changes in the robot's target objects. The operator can generate robot programs very easily and quickly. Possible applications of the developed OLP can be extended to port automation, container loading/unloading processes as well as painting and grinding processes in the shipbuilding industry.