Artificial intelligence in automatic dimensioning layout

Sophisticated computer aided design and drafting (CADD) systems can automatically generate dimensioning information yet still require user intervention for proper positioning of the dimensions in the drawing layout. The dimension generation and location process is in average a two steps process. This becomes an inefficient use of the designer's time specially when a drawing has several hundred objects.; This thesis main goal was to investigate how dimensioning layout is performed in CADD systems and ways to improve it. From this research the general rules for the automatization of the dimensioning layout process were determined. These rules serve as basis for an intelligent, automatic dimensioning layout (ADL) method. Such a method uses knowledge based optimization to find proper dimension locations in a well organized position with respect to the drawing layout. This method saves time and makes computer based design and drafting process a more productive and user friendly activity.