Document based knowledge base engineering method for ship basic design

We propose a basic ship design knowledge-model for information storage and retrieval using a knowledge-based engineering (KBE) system and develop a semantic inquiry function that allows users to use the retrieved information immediately. Our aim is to merge the repetitive access and calculating tasks and data such as the principal dimensions required during the basic ship design process into a single database, so that this information remains available for future construction projects. However, the concept of linking a design knowledge base and inference engine requires the combining of ship design information with the KBE system. This research enhances the flexibility, extension, and operation of the inference mechanism of the KBE design methodology through the establishment of a user interface, knowledge base, and inference engine. The design information is managed a document-based approach, which requires the conversion of the original documents into the XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format, and compiles rules for the basic design process. This system uses the KBE method attempts to reduce the double workload of design and modeling at the commencement of a new project with the document-generating integration work.