An information integration framework based on XML to support mechatronics multi-disciplinary design

To implement the information integration of multi-disciplinary applications, an information integration framework of mechatronics system multi-disciplinary design is developed. This developed integration framework adopts a XML Web service based architecture which facilitates the seamless information integration in Internet environments. MSCIM (Mechatronics System Common Information Model) is defined as well as the standard data access interfaces are specified. MSCIM includes all the major objects and the relationships of objects in the process of mechatronics systems design. As a neutral and Web-friendly industry standard, the XML Schema is used as the formal definition language of the MSCIM. DAF (Data access facility) is adopted as the standard data access interface and the accurate definition is given via WSDL. Standard data access interfaces are implemented through SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) over HTTP which provides the multi-disciplinary design application with a generic way to exchange information and access public data. Furthermore, this information integration framework provides the multi-disciplinary engineers with an integrated logical view of mechatronics systems and realizes cooperation of multi-disciplinary teams which shortens the development cycle and saves the cost at the same time in mechatronics multi-disciplinary design.