An object model for collaborative CAD environments

This paper presents a distributed dynamic object model that is aligned with the concept of design history in the context of design problem solving activities. A distributed object model is proposed as an enabling feature for distributed CAD (computer-aided design) allowing teams to work cooperatively, accessing and exchanging information at run time in a distributed engineering environment. The architecture of the proposed CAD environment allows for the artefact properties to be associated with any relevant aspect of the design process, including those related with the artefact specification, but also with the organisation hierarchy, planning and process workflow.