Geometric Over-Constraints Detection: A Survey

Abstract

Currently, geometric over-constraints detection is of major interest in several different fields. In terms of product development process (PDP), many approaches exist to compare and detect geometric over-constraints, to decompose geometric systems, to solve geometric constraints systems. However, most approaches do not take into account the key characteristics of a geometric system, such as types of geometries, different levels at which a system can be decomposed e.g numerical or structural. For these reasons, geometric over-constraints detection still faces challenges to fully satisfy real needs of engineers. The aim of this paper is to review the state-of-the-art of works involving with geometric over-constraints detection and to identify possible research directions. Firstly, the paper highlights the user requirements for over-constraints detection when modeling geometric constraints systems in PDP and proposes a set of criteria to analyze the available methods classified into four categories: level of detecting over-constraints, system decomposition, system modeling and results generation. Secondly, it introduces and analyzes the available methods by grouping them based on the introduced criteria. Finally, it discusses possible directions and future challenges.