Large numbers of legacy data in heterogeneous formats are in general the source for new product designs and product re-designs. Regardless of whether this is accomplished using physical mockups or virtual prototypes, the need to convert legacy data to intelligent feature representations that can be efficiently handled by today’s commercial CAD systems will be a challenge to many small and large companies for many years.

Imagecom has been continually developing its FlexiDesign technology to help users transition from legacy 2D data to intelligent 3D models. The technology provides a cost efficient, time saving, productivity improving solution that is considered state-of-the-art. Over 10 years of research and development has gone into the technology and new features are being added everyday. Three different software versions of the technology are currently available as outlined in the table below. Please note that these software are/will be only available in the ASP (Application Service Provider) mode.

Technology	Input	Output	Output Format
Flexicheck	2D CAD in DXF/DWG	Quality checked 2D CAD	Autocad Mechanical Desktop
FlexiDesign	2D CAD in DXF/DWG	Parametric constrained feature-based 3D CAD	Mechanical Desktop, SolidWorks
FlexiMan (not yet available)	2D CAD, 3D explicit CAD	Manufacturing features	STEP AP224

The technology is based on sophisticated artificial intelligence methods that makes the computer interpret and convert drawings the way human beings would. For example FlexiDesign has a huge knowledge base of design rules that human beings typically use to build an intelligent 3D models from 2D drawings. The software is then "trained" using these rules. As a result, the models built by FlexiDesign capture general design intent and the models are editable just as easily as if they were modeled interactively by a human. By extensively training the system and increasing the knowledge base, the system's robustness and generality can be increased. On the same note, the system can be easily customized to a specific industry (say sheetmetal) by simply changing the rules and knowledge base that it operates on.

Each software in the FlexiDesign technology suite has its own applications and these are listed under the description of each technology. Features common to all are listed below -

• Conversions are completely automated.
• Inputs are standard 2D orthographic views in a neutral file format like DXF/DWG or IGES.
• Algorithms operate on 2D CAD views as base input. Complex analysis such as feature extraction is accomplished in 2D.
• Core technology independent of the commercial CAD interface. This makes it easy to develop separate interfaces to CAD systems depending on the customers requirements.
• Outputs stored in the CAD system’s native format and not as neutral file formats thus providing accurate descriptions.
• Outputs can be exported and imported between different CAD systems through neutral file formats.
• Output 3D models are completely editable.
• Can be used to perform quality checks on input 2D views for view inconsistencies. ambiguities and discrepancies.