Abstract
Conflicts resolution is one of the key issues in maintaining consistency and in supporting smooth human–human interaction for real-time collaborative systems. This paper presents a novel approach of meta-operation conflict resolution for feature-based collaborative CAD system. Although commutative replicated data type (CRDT) is an emerging technique for conflict resolution, it is not capable of resolving conflicts among meta operations for 3D CAD systems. By defining 3 types of meta operations, this work extends CRDT capability to meta operation conflict resolution from 1D to 3D applications. The paper defines the dependency, casuality, conflict and compatible relations specific for 3D collaborative CAD systems. The conflicts of feature-based operations are automatically detected by tracking topological entity changes with the assistance of a persistent data structure, topological entity structure tree (\(TES\_Tree\)). An efficient commutativity-based confliction combination method is proposed to preserve the design intention of each user in a transparent way and maintains the eventual consistent state of the system. The proposed methods are tested in a prototype system with case studies, time complexity analysis and correctness proof.






Similar content being viewed by others
References
Zeng, Y., Horvth, I.: Fundamentals of next generation CAD/E systems. Comput. Aided Des. 44(10), 875–878 (2012)
Goel, A.K., Vattam, S., Wiltgen, B.: Cognitive, collaborative, conceptual and creativefour characteristics of the next generation of knowledge-based CAD systems: a study in biologically inspired design. Comput. Aided Des. 44(10), 879–900 (2012)
Cai, X., He, F., Li, W., Li, X., Wu, Y.: Encryption based partial sharing of CAD models. Integr. Comput. Aided Eng. 22(3), 243–260 (2015)
Zhang, D., He, F., Han, S., Li, X.: Quantitative optimization of interoperability during feature-based data exchange. Integr. Comput. Aided Eng. 23(1), 31–51 (2016)
Trossen, D.: Turing, the internet and a theory for architecture: a fictional tale in three parts. ACM SIGCOMM Comput. Commun. Rev. 42(3), 47–53 (2012)
Han, Y.: On the clouds: a new way of computing. Inf. Technol. Libr. 29(2), 87–92 (2013)
Li, W., Lu, W., Fuh, J.: Collaborative computer-aided designresearch and development status. Comput. Aided Des. 37(9), 931–940 (2005)
Chandrasegaran, S.K., Ramani, K., Sriram, R.D.: The evolution, challenges, and future of knowledge representation in product design systems. Comput. Aided Des. 45(2), 204–228 (2013)
Wu, Y., He, F., Zhang, D., Li, X.: Service-oriented feature-based data exchange for cloud-based design and manufacturing. IEEE Trans. Services Comput. (2015). doi:10.1109/TSC.2015.2501981
Movahed-Khah, R., Ostrosi, E., Garro, O.: Analysis of interaction dynamics in collaborative and distributed design process. Comput. Ind. 61(1), 2–14 (2010)
Red, E., Jensen, G., Weerakoon, P., French, D., Benzley, S., Merkley, K.: Architectural limitations in multi-user computer-aided engineering applications. Comput. Inf. Sci. 6(4), 1–16 (2013)
Red, E., French, D., Hepworth, A., Jensen, G.: Multi-user computer-aided design and engineering software applications. Cloud-Based Design and Manufacturing (CBDM), pp. 25–62. Springer, New York (2014)
Pirrone, D., Andolina, S., Santangelo, A., Gentile, A., Takizava, M.: Platforms for human–human interaction in large social events. In: Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Broadband. Wireless Computing, Communication and Applications (BWCCA), pp. 545–551. IEEE, Victoria (2012)
Sun, C., Xu, D.: Operational transformation for dependency conflict resolution in real-time collaborative 3D design systems. In: Proceedings of the ACM 2012 Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, pp. 1401–1410. ACM, Seattle (2012)
Ellis, C.A., Gibbs, S.J.: Concurrency control in groupware systems. ACM Sigmod Record 18(2), 399–407 (1998)
Preguica, N., Marques, J.M., Shapiro, M., et al.: A commutative replicated data type for cooperative editing. In: Proceedings of 29th IEEE International Conference on Distributed Computing Systems (ICDCS), pp. 395–403. IEEE, Montreal (2009)
Oster, G., Urso, P., Molli, P., et al.: Data consistency for P2P collaborative editing. In: Proceedings of the 20th Anniversary Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, pp. 259–268. ACM, Banff (2006)
Weiss, S., Urso, P., Molli, P.: Logoot-undo: distributed collaborative editing system on p2p networks. IEEE Trans. Parallel Distrib. Syst. 21(8), 1162–1174 (2010)
Cheng, Y., He, F.Z., Zhang, D.J.: To support human–human interaction in collaborative feature-based cad systems. In: Post Conference Proceeding of 2014 International Conference on Human-Centered Computing (HCC 2014). Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 8944, pp. 609–618. Springer, Phnom Pehn (2015)
Li, X., He, F., Cai, X.: A method for entity matching in the integration of heterogeneous cad systems. Integr. Comput. Aided Eng. 20(1), 15–30 (2013)
Tessier, S., Wang, Y.: Ontology-based feature mapping and verification between CAD systems. Adv. Eng. Inf. 27(1), 76–92 (2013)
He, F., Han, S.: A method and tool for human-human interaction and instant collaboration in CSCW-based CAD. Comput. Ind. 57(8), 740–751 (2006)
Li, M., Gao, S., Wang, C.C.: Real-time collaborative design with heterogeneous CAD systems based on neutral modeling commands. J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng. 7(2), 113–125 (2007)
Zhang, H., Wang, H., Chen, D.: A model-driven approach to multidisciplinary collaborative simulation for virtual product development. Adv. Eng. Inf. 24(2), 167–179 (2010)
Chen, X., Li, H., You, L.: A Framework of CAD/CAE integration system and its implementation for container crane. In: Proceedings of ASME 2014 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, pp. V01AT02A062–V01AT02A062. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Buffalo (2014)
Hofmeyer, H., Delgado, J.M.D.: Automated design studies: topology versus one-step evolutionary structural optimisation. Adv. Eng. Inf. 27(4), 427–443 (2013)
Wang, H., Zhang, H.: A distributed and interactive system to integrated design and simulation for collaborative product development. Robot. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 26(6), 778–789 (2010)
Cera, C.D., Kim, T., Han, J.H.: Role-based viewing envelopes for information protection in collaborative modeling. Comput. Aided Des. 36(9), 873–886 (2004)
Wang, W., Li, Y., Li, H.: An agent-based collaborative design framework for feature-based design of aircraft structural parts. Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf. 25(10), 888–900 (2005)
Shen, W., Hao, Q., Mak, H.: Systems integration and collaboration in architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management: A review. Adv. Eng. Inf. 24(2), 196–207 (2010)
Shen, W., Hao, Q., Li, W.: Computer supported collaborative design: retrospective and perspective. Comput. Ind. 59(9), 855–862 (2008)
Lee, H., Kim, J., Banerjee, A.: Collaborative intelligent CAD framework incorporating design history tracking algorithm. Comput Aided Des. 42(12), 1125–1142 (2010)
Yang, J., Han, S.: Repairing CAD model errors based on the design history. Comput. Aided Des. 38(6), 627–640 (2006)
Kim, J., Lee, H., Banerjee, A.: Cooperative modeling and design history tracking using design tracking matrix. In: Proceedings of the 2009 Industrial Engineering Research Conference, pp. 1530–1535. Institute of Industrial Engineers, Miami (2009)
Ouertani, M.Z.: Supporting conflict management in collaborative design: an approach to assess engineering change impacts. Comput. Ind. 59(9), 882–893 (2008)
Zheng, Y., Shen, H., Sun, C.: Inspiring innovative design integration by collaborative exploration of Boolean operations. IEEE Trans. Ind. Inf. 6(2), 243–250 (2010)
Zheng, Y., Shen, H., Sun, C.: Collaborative design: improving efficiency by concurrent execution of Boolean tasks. Expert Syst. Appl. 38(2), 1089–1098 (2011)
Wang, Y., Wu, J., Chen, L.: Identity propagation for tracing alterations of a entity in a history-based solid modeling system. Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 27, 305–312 (2005)
Van der Meiden, H.A., Bronsvoort, W.F.: Tracking topological changes in parametric models. Comput. Aided Geom. Des. 27(3), 281–293 (2010)
Sun, C., Xu, D.: Operational transformation for dependency conflict reresolution in real-time collaborative 3D design systems. In: Proceedings of the ACM 2012 Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, pp. 1401–1410. ACM, Seattle (2012)
Gao, L., Wang, S., Guo, S., et al.: Solving two special dependency conflicts in real-time collaborative design systems. In: Proceedings of 2013 IEEE 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD), pp. 11–16. IEEE, Whistler, BC, Canada (2013)
Jiang, J., Chen, Z., He, K.: Construction of parent-child relationship among the topological elements in feature-based CAD models (in Chinese). J. Comput. Aided Des. Comput. Graph. 25(3), 417–424 (2013)
Liu, J., Chen, Z., Gao, S.: Design intent maintenance and topological entities naming in design process. J. Comput. Aided Des. Comput. Graph. 21(8), 1106–1117 (2009)
Lukas, U.: Collaborative geometric modeling using CORBA services. In: Proceedings of the ECSCW 1997 Workshop on Object-Oriented GroupWare Platforms OOGP, pp. 91–92. Springer, Lancaster, UK(1997)
Stork, A., Jasonch, U.: A collaborative engineering environment. In: Proceedings of TeamCAD 1997 Workshop on Collaborative Design, pp. 25–33. Georgia Institute of Technology, Graphics Visualization & Usability Center, Atlanta, USA (1997)
Hepworth, A.I., Tew, K.: Automated conflict avoidance in multi-user CAD. Comput. Aided Des. Appl. 11(2), 141–152 (2014)
Zhao, S., Li, D., Gu, H., Shao, B., Gu, N.: An approach to sharing legacy TV/arcade games for real-time collaboration. In: Proceedings of 29th IEEE International Conference on Distributed Computing Systems, pp. 165–172. IEEE, Montreal (2009)
Gu, H., Zhang, Q., Shao, B.: Making AutoCAD collaborative: implementation and application of CoAutoCAD. In: Proceedings of 2nd International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Applications(ICPCA), pp. 168–173. IEEE, Birmingham (2007)
Sun, C., Xia, S., Sun, D., Chen, D., Shen, H., Cai, W.: Transparent adaptation of single-user applications for multiuser real-time collaboration. ACM Trans. Comput. Hum. Interact. 13(4), 531C–582 (2006)
Borghoff, U.M., Schlichter, J.H.: Computer-Supported Cooperative Work: Introduction to Distributed Applications. Springer, New York (2000)
Jing, S., He, F., Han, S.: A method for entity correspondence in a replicated collaborative CAD system. Comput. Ind. 60(7), 467–475 (2009)
Lamport, L.: Time, clocks, and the ordering of events in a distributed system. Commun. ACM. 21(7), 558–565 (1978)
Bravo, M., Diegues, N., Zeng, J.: On the use of clocks to enforce consistency in the cloud. IEEE Data Eng. 38(1), 18–31 (2015)
Kobus, T., Kokociski, M., Wojciechowski, P.T.: Introduction to Transactional Replication. Transactional Memory. Foundations, Algorithms, Tools, and Applications, pp. 309–340. Springer, New York (2015)
Gao, L., Shao, B., Zhu, L.: Maintaining time and space consistencies in hybrid CAD environments: framework and algorithms. Comput. Ind. 59(9), 894–904 (2008)
Gao, L., Fu, Q., Gao, L.: Research on consistency maintenance of right management operations in real time collaboration environments. Int. J. Database Theor. Appl. 7(3), 255–264 (2014)
Cheng, Y., He, F., Cai, X.: A group Undo/Redo method in 3D collaborative modeling systems with performance evaluation. J. Netw. Comput. Appl. 36(6), 1512–1522 (2013)
Sun, D., Sun, C., Xia, S.: Creative conflict resolution in collaborative editing systems. In: Proceedings of the ACM 2012 Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, pp. 1411–1420. ACM, Seattle (2012)
Acknowledgments
The work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC Grant Nos. 61472289 and 61502353) and Hubei Province Science Foundation (Grant No. 2015CFB254). The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers and the editor for their comments to improve the paper.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cheng, Y., He, F., Wu, Y. et al. Meta-operation conflict resolution for human–human interaction in collaborative feature-based CAD systems. Cluster Comput 19, 237–253 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10586-016-0538-0
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10586-016-0538-0