摘要 |
<p>The method of mesh generation comprises a two-step automatic process that requires no user input once a geometric representation of the object (40) has been provided to the apparatus. In the method, the object geometry is first defined in terms of object (subdomain) points (152), wherein each subdomain is a separate geometric region of the object such as a printed circuit board, a hole in the board, and a component mounted on the board. Bounding points defining a frame around the object geometry are then generated for producing a mesh consisting of at least one element (154). From the object points and the bounding points an initial mesh of elements is automatically generated according to a unique algorithm (156, 158). In the second step of the process, each element in this mesh is then individually examined to determine if it meets a predetermined standard of acceptability and, if not, is refined (197-206). This process step employs a rule-based expert system to add additional points to the mesh at automatically determined locations for further mesh generation according to the unique algorithm employed. The steps of refinement repeat until each element in the mesh meets the acceptability standard or is considered no longer refinable.</p> |