A framework for geometric constraint satisfaction problem

ABSTRACT

This article presents a metalanguage called GCML which allows the description of geometric constraint problems. In the spirit of algebraic specifications, it constitutes a framework to accompany a geometric problem from its expression to its solution. Its originality is to provide a problem with its framework called geometric universe, a tuple (syntax, semantic) which allows to get rid of ambiguities and limitations concerning description which is then freed from any software restriction. Moreover, distinction between syntax and semantic allows pre and post treatments in order to generate tools while adopting different semantic points of view in the following fields: modeling, visualization, resolution and documentation. Pragmatically, this metalanguage is based upon XML which is a language of terminology description, and allows to embed other terminologies to express different semantics.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.3 LOGICS AND MEANINGS OF PROGRAMS

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.2 Automatic Programming
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.1 Requirements/Specifications

Keywords:
algebraic specification, geometric constraint systems description, geometric universe, software engineering