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NISTIR 6339

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James E. Fowler

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

William M. Daley,

Secretary of Commerce

Technology Administration

Gary R. Bachula,

Acting Under Secretary for Technology

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Raymond Kammer,

Director

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NISTIR 6339

James E. Fowler

Manufacturing Systems Integration Division

Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory

National Institute of Standards and Technology

April 1999
ii

Program Office Staff

The SIMA Program Office is responsible for managing and compiling information for all projects 

supported by the SIMA Program. The SIMA Program Office staff are:

• James Fowler (Program Manager) jefowler@nist.gov

• Mark Carlisle (Administrative Specialist) carlisle@cme.nist.gov

• Clarence Johnson (Program Analyst) ceejay@cme.nist.gov

Disclaimer

No approval or endorsement of any commercial product by the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology is intended or implied. Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are 

identified in this report in order to facilitate understanding. Such identification does not imply 

recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor does it 

imply that the materials or equipment identified are necessarily the best available for the purpose.

This publication was prepared by United States Government employees as part of their official duties 

and is, therefore, a work of the U.S. Government and not subject to copyright.
iii

Table of Contents

Introduction....................................................................................................................................1

SIMA Overview..............................................................................................................................1

Background ...............................................................................................................................2

Major Technology Efforts ........................................................................................................2

Interface Standards Efforts ................................................................................................. 2

Information Access Efforts............................................................................................... 11

Collaboration Mechanisms ............................................................................................... 11

SIMA Vision ...........................................................................................................................12

Project Accomplishments............................................................................................................13

Interface Standards Project Summaries ..................................................................................14

IS1: Application Protocol Development Environment (APDE) ..........................................14

IS2: Design - Process Planning Integration (DPPI) .............................................................16

IS3: Electronic Commerce for the Electronics Industry (ECEI) .........................................17

IS4: Enterprise Resource Planning Interfaces (ERP-I) ........................................................19

IS5: Information Exchange Protocols for Design ................................................................20

IS6: Internet Commerce for Manufacturing ........................................................................22

IS7: Framework ...................................................................................................................24

IS8: Operator Interfaces for Virtual and Distributed Manufacturing ..................................26

IS9: Process Specification Language ...................................................................................27

IS10: Production and Product Data Management Applications ..........................................29

IS11: Reference Model Architecture ...................................................................................31

IS12: STEP Conformance and Interoperability Testing ......................................................33

IS13: STEP for the Process Plant Industries ........................................................................35

IS14: Virtual Environments and Visualization for Manufacturing .....................................36

Information Access Project Summaries ..................................................................................37

IA1: Analysis Tools for Assessment and Optimization of Process and Product Design ....37

IA2: Web-based Testing Service for Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Software ...39

Standard Reference Data Delivery and Use Projects ...........................................................40

IA3: Computerized Access to Full Structural Crystallographic Data ...............................40

IA4: Green’s Function Library for Advanced Materials Applications with Web Access 41

IA5: Integration of NIST Standard Reference Data into Information Networks ..............41

IA6: NIST Ceramics WebBook ........................................................................................42

IA7: Online Access to NIST Chemical Reference Data ...................................................42

IA8: Standards for Exchange of Instrument Data and NIST Chemical Reference Data ..43

IA9: Web-Based Bioinformatics Databases .....................................................................43

Collaboration Mechanisms Project Summaries ......................................................................45

CM1: NIST Manufacturing Collaboratory ..........................................................................45

CM2: Virtual National Advanced Manufacturing Testbed (VNAMT) ...............................46

Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................47

References.....................................................................................................................................47

Appendix A: Program Organization .........................................................................................49

Program Technology Areas ....................................................................................................50
iv

Participating NIST Organizational Units ................................................................................50

Appendix B: Collaborators ........................................................................................................52

Appendix C: FY97-98 Project Publications ..............................................................................76

Appendix D: Program Products Newly Available in FY97-98 ................................................84
Introduction

1

Introduction

The Systems Integration for Manufacturing Applications (SIMA) Program is an intramural effort being undertaken at 

the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the application of information technologies to 

the manufacturing domain. Initiated in 1994, the Program works with industry to develop technology solutions 

enabling integration of the systems used in the engineering and manufacturing of various kinds of products. The plans 

for the Program were originally described in [1] and were updated in 1997 [2]. Program activities and project 

accomplishments for previous years have been documented in [3] and [4]. The purpose of this document is to report 

on two fiscal years of the Program’s technical activities: 1997 and 1998 (FY97-FY98). The intended audience for this 

document includes private sector organizations and federal agencies collaborating with NIST, other agencies 

participating in the federal Computing, Information, and Communications (CIC)1 effort, and the general public. This 

report is available via the SIMA web page (http://www.nist.gov/sima/) or by electronic mail request to the SIMA 

Program Office secretary (simasec@nist.gov).

This report is comprised of three major sections: the SIMA Overview, the Project Accomplishments, and the 

Appendices. The SIMA Overview section provides a high-level description of the Program’s goals, technical efforts, 

results, and progress. The Project Accomplishments section provides individual descriptions for each of the projects 

funded by SIMA in FY97 and FY98. Each project description includes a summary of the project’s technical 

accomplishments along with a list of the project’s collaborators. The Appendices to the report include a description of 

the organization of the Program (Appendix A), tables summarizing all collaborators enumerated in each of the project 

descriptions (Appendix B), a list of publications completed by the projects (Appendix C), and a list of products 

available from the projects (Appendix D).

SIMA Overview

NIST’s SIMA Program is the agency’s coordinating focus for its CIC activities addressing the information interface 

needs of the U.S. manufacturing community. Specifically, the SIMA Program performs the following activities:

• develop standards for information exchange and interface protocols addressing interoperability problems in 

manufacturing systems.

• provide online access to NIST-resident capabilities supporting manufacturing technologies.

• develop collaboration technologies enabling industry researchers, practitioners, and NIST staff to remotely 

work together.

These efforts will allow manufacturing industries to make use of computer networks - be they local or wide-area, 

public or private - as a mechanism for communicating information among manufacturing activities. In the context of 

the SIMA Program the phrase “manufacturing activities” is broader than simply operations on the shop floor; it also 

includes activities such as the research conducted to devise new products and processes, the design of products and 

processes, the engineering analysis of prospective solutions, the planning of manufacturing operations, the scheduling 

of production operations, the engineering of production capabilities, and the myriad of other information-intensive 

activities required in industry today. All such activities are conducted using manufacturing software systems and 

these systems require information interfaces in order to communicate with each other. Those information interfaces 

may be realized as specifications for application programming interfaces, for data exchange protocols, or even as 

human-computer interfaces. The primary focus of the SIMA Program is the development and testing of information 

1. The federal government’s initiative in High Performance Computing and Communications was subsumed by the overarching 

multi-agency Computing, Information, and Communications efforts in 1997.
SIMA Overview

2

interfaces that provide scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel with the capability to share information 

among different activities, among different application software components within manufacturing enterprises, and 

throughout the entire supply chain.

Background

The U.S. government initiated the High Performance Computing and Communication (HPCC) Program in 1991 with 

the High Performance Computing Act (Public Law 102-194). The government’s effort was intended to accelerate the 

development of future generations of high performance computers and networks and the use of these resources in the 

government and throughout the U.S. economy. The four original components2

 of the HPCC Program were augmented 

in FY94 with a new component known as Information Infrastructure Technology and Applications (IITA) [5]. The 

IITA component supported research and development efforts that would enable integration of critical information 

systems and demonstrate feasible solutions to problems of national importance [6]. Twenty-first century 

manufacturing, i.e., advanced manufacturing processes and products, was one of the challenges to be addressed by 

IITA activities [7]. In recognition of the HPCC Program’s continuing successes and broadening scope, the Program 

was renamed as Computing, Information, and Communications and the components of the Program were refocused 

into Program Component Areas (PCAs) [8]. These PCAs build on the foundations established in the previously 

identified component domains and continue to address the HPCC challenge problems. The PCAs are known as High 

End Computing and Computation, Large-Scale Networking, High Confidence Systems, Human-Centered Systems, 

and Human Resources, Education, and Training. The Human Centered Systems (HuCS) PCA, which evolved from 

the IITA component, performs research and development making the products of computing systems and 

communication networks more easily accessible and useable to a wide range of user communities. HuCS efforts 

focus on knowledge repositories, collaboratories, multi-modal system interactions, and virtual reality environments. 

Information interface issues are central to such research and development efforts, hence NIST’s SIMA Program is 

part of the larger multi-agency HuCS PCA [9].

Major Technology Efforts

SIMA technology efforts stem from both the short- and long-term needs of U.S. manufacturers and their software 

suppliers. Industry needs evolve in response to technology and market realities, thereby resulting in corresponding 

changes in the SIMA Program’s project portfolio over time. Twenty-five (25) projects comprised the SIMA Program 

in FY97 and FY98. These projects addressed a wide range of industry manufacturing domains: chemical products, 

electrical products, materials, mechanical products, and constructed facilities. In this section, the focus is on the 

technology areas addressed in the projects. As illustrated in Figure 1 the Program is organized into three technology 

areas: Interface Standards, Information Access, and Collaboration Mechanisms. Appendix A of this document 

provides organizational details of the Program. Each technology area is discussed in more detail below.

Interface Standards Efforts

The foundation for all efforts in the SIMA Program is the development, testing, and standardization of information 

specifications enabling communication among the multitude of software applications used in manufacturing 

industries. Even when software systems reside on the same computer, the present state of affairs is such that there is 

no guarantee that they can do anything more than send unintelligible data at one another. Still it stands to reason that, 

for example, the software used to design products should be able to provide design data to the software that is used to 

plan the manufacturing of the design. In reality engineers and other technical staff spend time recreating data in one 

software system that already exists in another, devising ad hoc data translation solutions, acquiring unique point-to2. High Performance Computing Systems; National Research and Education Network; Advanced Software Technology and 

Algorithms; Basic Research and Human Resources.
SIMA Overview

3

point translation services, and identifying the errors that many of these work-arounds introduce. This lack of 

interoperability among software systems exists whether the systems are accessible to each other on the same intranet 

or on a wide-area network.

To address these interoperability issues, SIMA projects work in conjunction with industry collaborators to identify 

the requirements for the information that needs to be exchanged among engineering and manufacturing software 

applications. These requirements form the basis for the information models from which interface specifications are 

derived. With formal interfaces specifications in hand, prototype implementations of information exchange 

mechanisms can be developed to help validate the accuracy and utility of the specifications. These tests typically lead 

to pilot implementations in industry to further increase the robustness of the interoperability solution and to verify the 

business case for the solution (i.e., Is the prospective cost of the solution justified by the increase in efficiency? Is it 

less error-prone than existing methods?). With support from the manufacturing users and software developers, the 

interface specifications can be submitted to formal (or informal) standards developing organizations, e.g., the 

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the Object Management Group for further development and 

eventual standardization. These interoperability solutions have the effect of improving the degree of integration 

between particular software systems.

Figure 1. SIMA Technology Areas

Collaboration Mechanisms

Information Access

Interface Standards
SIMA Overview

4

Given that the process for developing interface specifications is fundamental to many SIMA efforts, the Program has 

documented a methodology for their development. The methodology is called the Initial Manufacturing Exchange 

Specification (IMES) process [10] and the output from the process is known as an IMES. IMESs are information 

interfaces which can take the following forms:

• an interface specification between a human and a software application.

• an interface specification between two or more software applications.

• a reference information repository specification.

The third type of IMES refers to a specification for the contents of a repository (typically a database) that is used to 

provide information to many activities, but the contents of which are updated by only a single process (typically an 

administration process).

The IMES Process

An IMES is developed through an industry review and consensus process and is accepted by the manufacturing 

community as a definitive solution to a particular interoperability problem. The IMES process involves seven phases. 

The execution of these phases need not occur sequentially -- some may overlap while others may occur in parallel. 

Figure 2 illustrates the seven phases showing how results from each phase are used by the others. The individual 

phases are described as follows:

Phase 1: Identify/Define Industry Need

The initial activity of IMES development is identifying and documenting an industry need, manufacturing scenario, 

or problem statement to define the scope and manufacturing domain of the proposed project. This need could be 

identified in several ways. Industrial collaborators are to be involved in defining this need.

Phase 2: Analyze Requirements

This IMES development phase consists of analyzing the current situation within the manufacturing scenario to 

understand current capabilities, prior attempts at a solution, and specific needs that must be accommodated in the 

proposed IMES solution. A requirements specification is the primary desired output from this project phase. Such a 

specification will enable widespread industry review of the detailed requirements that a solution must satisfy in a 

form that is understandable by the majority of the target manufacturing community.

Phase 3: Design/Develop

This IMES development phase consists of the actual design, development, and documentation of the proposed IMES 

technical solution that satisfies the requirements specified in the previous phase. The solution may consist of a 

combination of deliverable types, including information model(s), interface protocol(s), or process model(s), as 

required by the problem to be solved. The primary output of this phase is the initial version of the strawman proposal 

for external review.

Phase 4: Validate

A validation phase is required to ensure the completeness, validity, and usability of the proposed IMES solution. 

Validation activities may take several forms, including: prototype implementations, detailed walk-through with 

domain experts, or a comparison with known references. A proposed solution with demonstrated prototype 

implementations and validation test results makes a much stronger case for standardization. The documented test 

results (obviously based upon the prototype implementation, test environment, test suites, or other validation tools) 

are considered the primary output of this phase.

Phase 5: Build Consensus

By definition, an IMES is developed from an industry consensus viewpoint. Whereas most IMES development phases 

require some collaboration or interaction with industrial counterparts, this phase of IMES development requires 

interaction with a large segment of the target manufacturing community. This interaction can be accomplished 

through technical workshops, user group meetings, correspondence, or site visits. IMES development projects should 
SIMA Overview

5

endeavor to obtain and accommodate as much input and feedback from industry as possible in the proposed project 

solution. True consensus may never be reached. This project phase is deemed necessary, however, for positioning and 

delivering a quality-proposed strawman for standardization to an appropriate standards development organization. 

This phase is differentiated from the actual standardization process to allow and encourage other consensus-building 

activities without the potential constraints and procedures required by standards organizations. The primary 

deliverable of this phase is an updated Strawman IMES resulting from the consensus-building activities. In some 

cases, significant comments and suggestions may indicate the need for the project to iterate back to the IMES Design/

Develop Phase 3.

Phase 6: Transfer Technology

One of the primary missions of NIST is to provide technology transfer of NIST research results to industry. The 

SIMA Program supports this mission. IMES development efforts will include aspects of technology transfer to 

publicize, market, and transition project activities and results to industry or standards development organizations. 

Technology transfer should be an ongoing project activity. Various methods of technology transfer can be employed 

at the various stages of the IMES development effort to supply industry collaborators and the manufacturing 

community with current information. The primary deliverables for this phase consist of a final report and system 

demonstrations.

Identify/Define

Industry Need

Phase 1

Analyze 

Requirements

Phase 2

Design/Develop

Phase 3

Validate

Phase 4

Build Industrial 

Consensus

Phase 5

Initiate 

Standardization

Phase 7

Transfer Technology

Phase 6

Walk-Through

Info Dissemination Trade Shows

User Testing

Publications

Deployment Commercialization

Prototype Implementations

Marketing

Problem 

Statement

Manufacturing 

Scenario

Test Results

Test Results

Reviewed/Consensus 

IMES

Stds. Dev. Org. 

New Work Item

Std in CD status

Final Report

System Demos

Requirements

Requirements

Strawman

Strawman

Strawman

Test Results

Reviewed/Consensus 

IMES

3 Year Process

Request from Industry

3 Year Process

Test Results

Test Results

Test Results

Figure 2. IMES Process Activities
SIMA Overview

6

Phase 7: Initiate Standardization

Since an IMES is a proposed standard solution to a manufacturing integration need, IMES development efforts must 

include interaction with appropriate standards development organizations to initiate this standardization. These 

activities may include attending standards meetings, participating on various standards committees, or writing project 

correspondence with standards development organization conveners. The objective of this phase is to initiate the 

proposed standards work (either as a new work item or modifications to existing standards/work items) to a point 

where it will be self-sustaining within the standards development organization.

IMES Progress

Six of the SIMA projects have identified a total of seventeen IMES development efforts. Table 1 depicts the IMESs 

under development and their stage of completion in the IMES process as of the end of FY98. The majority of the 

IMESs are in the initial phases of development reflecting the projects’ efforts in working with industry collaborators 

to define the scope of the problems that can be addressed through development of these information interface 

specifications. 
7

Project Name Identify Industry Need Analyze Requirements Develop Solution Validate Solution Build Consensus Technology Transfer 

Design - Process Planning Integration (DPPI)

Conceptual CAD to Conceptual Process Planning Interface

❍ ❍

Information Exchange Protocols for Design

Design Knowledge Exchange ❍Explicit Parametrization and Constraints for Geometric Product Models

● ● ● ❍

History-based Modeling

❍ ❍

Solid Interchange Format ❍Traditional CAD to Immersive CAD Interface

● ❍

Operator Interfaces for Virtual and Distributed Manufacturing

Remote, Internet-based Operator Interfaces ❍

Process Specification Language Process Specifi- cation Language ● ● ●

TABLE 1. IMESs by Project. The topic area for each IMES is listed in the Industry Need column. The ❍ symbol indicates on-gcorresponding IMES phase, the ● symbol indicates work in that phase is complete, and no symbol at all indicates that no work corresponding IMES phase.
8

Production and Product Data Management Appli- cations Discrete Event Simulation for Production Systems Engineering ●

Job, Schedule, and Routing Data Exchange

❍

Plant Layout to Simulation

● ❍

Shop Floor Status ● ❍Workstation Level Process Plan

● ❍

Reference Model Architecture Generic Control Node Shell 

Specification

●❍❍❍❍

Human Oversight Interface Specification

●❍❍

Message Suite Specifications

●❍❍❍❍

Plan Interface Specifications

●❍❍❍❍

Project Name Identify Industry Need Analyze Requirements Develop Solution Validate Solution Build Consensus Technology Transfer 

TABLE 1. IMESs by Project. The topic area for each IMES is listed in the Industry Need column. The ❍ symbol indicates on-g

corresponding IMES phase, the ● symbol indicates work in that phase is complete, and no symbol at all indicates that no work 

corresponding IMES phase.
SIMA Overview

9

Standards Progress

Seven projects are contributing to the development or testing of information interfaces which are already in the formal 

standardization process (and hence are not considered IMESs). Specifications in these stages of development are 

typically those that have been in development for at least two years. Table 2 summarizes the twenty-two (22) 

Project Name Standard Designation

FY98 

Status

Design - Process Planning Integration (DPPI)ISOa

 10303-213: Numerical control process plans for 

machined parts

Draft International 

Standard

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics Industry (ECEI)

IECb 62016: Design automation reference model - Core 

conceptual model of the electronics domain (CCM)

Committee 

Draft

Electronic Design Interchange Format International Standardc

IPCd 2510: Generic Computer Aided Manufacturing 

Descriptions for Printed Boards and Printed Board 

Assembly (GenCAM)

Industry 

Standard

IEC 61360: Standard data element types with associated 

classification scheme for electric components

International Standard

ISO/IEC 10303-210: Electronic assembly, interconnect, 

and packaging design

Draft International 

Standard

IPC: Standard Recipe File Formate Industry 

Standard

Enterprise Resource Planning 

Interfaces (ERP-I)

OMGf

: Enterprise Resource Planning Request for 

Information

Framework ISO 10303-219: Exchange of dimensional inspection 

information

Preliminary Work 

Item

OMG: Data Acquisition from Industrial Systems Request for 

Proposals

OMG: Manufacturing Execution Systems Request for 

Information

OMG: Product Data Management Enablers SpecificationAdopted

OMG: Release for Production Request for 

Proposals

Standard for the Exchange of 

Product Model Data (STEP) 

Conformance and Interoperability Testing

ISO 10303-302: Abstract test suite: Associative draughtingWorking 

Draft

ISO 10303-303: Abstract test suite: Configuration controlled 3D designs of mechanical parts and assembliesWorking 

Draft

TABLE 2. Standards Efforts by Project
SIMA Overview

10

standards to which the projects have been contributing.

As these standards become more fully deployed in industry it will become practical to assess the effects they are 

having on specific interoperability problems, and to assess the NIST contributions to those benefits. In the interim, the 

SIMA Program has already initiated efforts that will lay the foundation for future assessments. One recently 

completed effort is a study of the interoperability costs incurred by companies in the U.S. automotive supply chain 

[11]. That study identified annual costs of one billion dollars owing to problems in the exchange of technical data 

amongst the numerous engineering and manufacturing software applications used by those companies. The costs 

identified included expenditures for additional engineering labor to fix errors resulting from inaccurate data 

exchanges and time-to-market delay costs. The study indicated that these costs were likely to be representative of the 

interoperability costs experienced in other transportation manufacturing industries as well (e.g., aerospace). The 

information interfaces and interoperability solutions resulting from the SIMA Program are expected to play a 

significant role in reducing the interoperability costs that manufacturers are incurring.

STEP for the Process Plant 

Industries

ISO 10303-227: Plant spatial configuration Draft International 

Standard

ISO 10303-231: Process engineering data: Process 

design and process Specification of major equipment

Committee 

Draft

ISO 10303-327: Abstract test suite: Plant spatial configurationPre-working Draft

ISO 10303-331: Abstract test suite: Process engineering 

data: Process design and process Specification of major 

equipment

Pre-working Draft

Standards for Exchange of 

Instrument Data and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data

ASTMg E1947-98: Standard Specification for Analytical 

Data Interchange Protocol for Chromotographic Data

National 

Standard

ASTM: Laboratory Equipment Communication Interface Specification

Draft Standard

NCCLSh AUTO3-P: Communications with Automated 

Clinical Laboratory Systems, Instruments, Devices, and 

Information Systems

Draft Standard

a. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a formal standards developing organization.

b. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a formal standards developing organization.

c. This specification is continuing to develop under the auspices of the Electronic Industries Alliance, an 

industry trade association. Existing versions of the specification have been adopted as national standards by 

the American National Standards Institute and as international standards by the IEC.

d. The Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits (IPC) is an industry trade association.

e. This specification was developed under the auspices of the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturer’s 

Association (SMEMA). SMEMA has since merged with the IPC, where the specification continues to 

evolve.

f. The Object Management Group (OMG) is an industry trade association..

g. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a formal standards developing organization.

h. The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) is a formal standards developing 

organization.

Project Name Standard Designation

FY98 

Status

TABLE 2. Standards Efforts by Project
SIMA Overview

11

Information Access Efforts

The Internet provides an information access capability that continues to evolve and grow with each passing month. 

Information resources are now available at the user’s desktop with only a few keystrokes. With many thousands of 

information resources however, users are potentially overwhelmed, unable to find what is needed, and unable to use 

resources efficiently if found because of incompatabilities. Moreover, the veracity of information found on the 

Internet is frequently called into question. Yet the scientists and engineers responsible for creating new products and 

processes must have reliable, accurate, and timely access to technical data of known quality in order for their efforts 

to be successful.

The SIMA Program effort in providing Internet access to technical data is addressing such issues. This effort builds 

on NIST’s well-respected Standard Reference Data Program (SRDP), which serves the U.S. technical community by 

collecting published technical data and determining their reliability. NIST’s SRDP offers evaluated scientific data 

collections that together represent the world’s largest collection of evaluated scientific data. These data collections are 

drawn from the more than 1,000,000 technical papers reporting research published each year in the fields of 

chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. The information in those papers includes numeric data used 

by U.S. scientists and engineers in their daily work of research, testing, and product/process development. The private 

sector does not offer the evaluated data services performed by NIST because preparation of reliable scientific 

databases is not a commercially viable activity. Reliable data requires evaluation, the assessment of data accuracy by 

expert scientists and engineers. With its strong technical staff, NIST sets the world benchmark for evaluation 

capability.

The SIMA Program adds value to NIST’s existing SRDP effort by making these data collections available to any user 

with an Internet connection. This not only improves the penetration of these data in the technical community but also 

ensures that the data the users are depending on are the latest available. In addition, the evolving technical capabilities 

of internet browsers enable new mechanisms for interacting with these data collections. These include innovative 

search capabilities based on graphical input from users, interactive manipulation of data graphs, as well as outputs 

from the data collections that can be directly incorporated into the software on the user’s local computer. Seven SIMA 

projects are involved in these SRDP efforts and have demonstrated considerable success as evidenced by the 

significant usage of their online data collections by industrial sites.

The SIMA Program also continues to explore related needs for online access to technical information as well as 

online access to technical capabilities. Other areas of active work include efforts to make interactive versions of 

widely used NIST reference books in statistics and mathematical functions available on the Internet. Another new 

effort is making NIST test services for manufacturing software available on the Internet. While the technical 

community is reaping immediate benefits from these types of capabilities, we expect that the continuing evolution of 

both Internet technologies and the information interfaces developed in the other parts of the SIMA program will 

together provide even greater information access benefits in the future.

Collaboration Mechanisms

“Research is conducted in virtual laboratories in which scientists and engineers can routinely perform their 

work without regard to physical location - interacting with colleagues, accessing instrumentation, sharing 

data and computational resources, and accessing information in digital libraries.”

President’s Information Technology Advisory Committee Interim Report To The President, August 1998

The concept of a collaboratory (collaboration + laboratory) is attributed to Dr. William Wulf, who explored the idea in 

a white paper (1989) while he was the assistant director of the National Science Foundation's Directorate for 

Computer and Information Science and Engineering. His vision is repeated in the above report to the President, which 

among other things, recommends transforming the way research is performed. A variety of technologies need to be 

more fully developed in order to realize this vision. While the interface standards and information access efforts of 

the SIMA Program will help to enable this vision, the efforts most relevant to that vision are those in the Program’s 
SIMA Overview

12

projects in collaboration mechanisms. Here, projects are developing the components of a collaboratory environment 

that will enable NIST researchers and their partners to share information, work together remotely, and in so doing 

improve the nature of computer-supported collaborations for manufacturing research.

NIST is working to deploy a cutting-edge manufacturing collaboratory as a neutral environment in which other 

industrial and government partners can cooperate and learn, and in which NIST can begin the active development 

work necessary to support the next generation of standards for using collaboration technology to support 

manufacturing. The manufacturing collaboratory provides an environment to test the applicability of human-centered 

design when applied to manufacturing requirements. Manufacturing partners benefit through early access to frontier 

collaboration technologies as well as to methodologies for evaluating the impact of these technologies. This exposure 

is likely to offer valuable insights into how to produce and introduce usable and useful systems for long-distance 

collaboration. In a broader sense, the manufacturing engineering community will benefit from the existence of a 

collaboratory testbed. In particular, the testbed will create a new forum for the exchange of technical information 

among academic, industry, government, and standards bodies. The ultimate goal of the effort will be to create a selfsustaining "critical mass" of expertise and experience with collaboratories, to be drawn upon by projects at NIST, 

manufacturing researchers, and practitioners.

Looking to the future we can expect that collaboration technologies will lead to new paradigms for the interactions 

that take place amongst users and amongst manufacturing software applications - indeed in all likelihood there will be 

new classes of software applications used in manufacturing in this context. The results will undoubtedly be new 

requirements for information interfaces addressing whole new interoperability problems. Hence the SIMA Program 

looks to the results of the efforts in collaboration mechanisms as a source of requirements for the other two focus 

areas of the Program.

SIMA Vision

The vision for the SIMA Program is that of product realization environments based on seamless communication of 

information among business enterprises, people, software systems, and hardware systems. It is our belief that the 

three major technology areas in the Program - interface standards, information access, and collaboration mechanisms 

- together cover most, if not all, of the significant technical challenges preventing a seamless environment for product 

realization. Decomposing those technology areas a bit further leads to a picture like that shown in Figure 3. 

Underlying the work of the Program is foundational knowledge of how to integrate systems, drawn from information 

theory, software engineering, systems engineering, and the like. This foundational knowledge manifests itself as 

methodologies for developing robust, extensible information-interface specifications and methodologies for testing 

implementations of those specifications. The importance of these testing methodologies can not be overstated, since 

the confidence in the implementation of the specification (and therefore its usefulness as an interoperability solution) 

is related directly to the confidence in the testing methods.

Based on this foundation of integration “know-how,” we then have SIMA projects involved in the solution of 

particular interoperability problems; sometimes from the outset (as in the projects developing IMES’s), and 

sometimes participating at later stages (as in the projects participating in standards development and deployment). 

The projects targeted at specific problem areas continue to add to the foundational knowledge for systems integration. 

Hence the short-term benefits of the Program manifest themselves as solutions to specific interoperability problems. 

But the lasting impact of the Program may well be the legacy of general methods and practices for development and 

testing of interoperability solutions.
Project Accomplishments

13

Project Accomplishments

The following descriptions provide summaries of each SIMA Program technical project. Project summaries are 

organized by program environment element (see Appendix A for a description of the organization of projects). Each 

project summary provides a brief description of objectives, accomplishments, and collaborations. Detailed 

information on any project may be obtained by contacting the principal investigator listed for that project.

Figure 3. The SIMA Vision

Seamless

Product Realization

Environment

Advancing

Interoperability

Collaboration

Mechanisms

Information

Access

Specification & Testing Methods

Validation of Candidate Interoperability Solutions

Development of Models & Protocols (IMES’s...Standards)

Standardization of Interoperability Solutions

Science of Manufacturing Systems Integration

Testing of Commercial Interoperability Solutions

Integration

Foundations

Interoperable

Applications
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

14

Interface Standards Project Summaries

IS1: Application Protocol Development Environment (APDE)

Principal Investigator: Joshua Lubell

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3563

E-mail: joshua.lubell@nist.gov

The APDE project is working to accelerate 

the development of ISO 10303 (informally 

known as the STandard for the Exchange of 

Product model data, or “STEP”) [12] by 

aiding application protocol (AP) developers 

in creating STEP specifications of higher 

quality at lower cost. The APDE project is 

meeting these objectives by providing an 

environment for authoring STEP 

specifications using the Standard Generalized 

Markup language (SGML) [13] as well as by 

providing web-based access to STEP 

specifications and software tools. STEP 

specifications submitted to ISO must meet 

specified criteria for document formatting 

and integration with existing STEP building 

block specifications. Application protocols 

(AP) usually require extensive rework before 

they are allowed to progress through the 

standards process. Current practices used for 

AP development require extraordinary labor 

expenditures on behalf of AP developers to create AP documents. While AP developers may use some software tools 

to help them accomplish their AP development tasks, the tools work independently, are not integrated, and have not 

been customized specifically for the purpose of AP development. By providing an SGML-based environment for 

STEP specification authoring, NIST is increasing the ability of AP developers to reuse relevant portions of existing 

specifications, to manage complex standards documents, and to improve the quality of the finished standard product.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Supported the Draft International Standard publication of ISO/IEC 10303-210 [14] (Electronic Assembly, 

Interconnect, and Packaging Design), a 3600 page STEP application protocol utilizing the APDE SGML 

authoring environment.

• Provided an Internet-accessible, publicly available interface to software tools enabling the processing of STEP 

information models and data files.

• Developed and deployed a software tool enabling the conversion of SGML-tagged STEP specifications into 

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) making them viewable by any Internet browser.

• Provided an Internet browser accessible resource enabling STEP AP developers to search for and view STEP 

specification building blocks (“units of functionality”).

APDE components

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Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

15

Collaborations

• Boeing, for development of ISO/IEC 10303-210.

• Concurrent Technologies Corporation, for joint development of AP software tools and methods.

• Delphi Delco, for development of ISO/IEC 10303-210.

• Industrial Technology Institute, for development of AP software tools.

• PDES Inc., for development of ISO/IEC 10303-210.

• PlantSTEP, for evaluation of APDE-developed methods and software.

• Rockwell Collins, for development of ISO/IEC 10303-210.

• SoftQuad, Inc., for customization of SGML editing tools for the STEP community.

• STEP Tools Inc., for use of their software tools in the development of the APDE.

• U.S. Army, for development of ISO/IEC 10303-210.

• University of Darmstadt, for development of SGML document type definitions.
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

16

IS2: Design - Process Planning Integration (DPPI)

Principal Investigator: Shaw Feng

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3551

E-mail: shaw.feng@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to enable 

interoperability among the activities of 

conceptual design, detailed design, 

conceptual process planning, detailed 

process planning, and cost estimating. To 

achieve this, the project is working towards 

developing interfaces among the software 

applications used in those activities, 

reusing existing interface specifications 

where available, and validating prototype 

interoperability solutions.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Acquired commercially available, knowledge-based design systems, modeling systems, and process planning 

systems for use in assessing existing interoperability issues and potential solutions.

• Developed a design/manufacturing model of a gearbox and a conceptual design/process planning system for use 

in testing evolving interoperability solutions.

• Presented a project overview at the Artificial Intelligence and Manufacturing Research Workshop in Albuquerque, 

New Mexico, 1998.

• Published a report assessing the coverage of the STEP Application Protocol Process Planning for Numerical 

Controlled Machining (ISO 10303-213) [15].

• Assisted with the resolution of ballot comments for ISO 10303-213 and thereby enabled the promotion of the 

document to Final Draft International Standard status.

• Developed and demonstrated a prototype implementation of ISO 10303-213 using commercial process planning 

and numerical control software systems.

Collaborations

• CAMAX, for validation of numerical control (NC) programming application information requirements using their 

NC programming system, SmartCAM.

• CIMx, for validation of process planning application information requirements using their process planning 

system, CS/CAPP.

• CNC Software, Inc., for validation of NC programming application information requirements using their system, 

Mastercam.

• Institute for Advanced Manufacturing Sciences (IAMS), for work on a pilot implementation of ISO 10303-213.

• PDES Inc., for coordination of the ballot process on ISO 10303-213 and to participate in abstract test suite 

development.

• Technologies Enabling Agile Manufacturing (TEAM), for definition of requirements for integrated process 

planning.

• University of Maryland, for investigation of requirements for process specification languages.

Interactions between engineering design and process planning systems

Process

Planning

Production

Resource

Data

Process

Plan

Data

Design

Production

Planning

Product

Data

MESSAGES

DATA

MESSAGES
Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

17

IS3: Electronic Commerce for the Electronics Industry (ECEI)

Principal Investigator: James St. Pierre

Telephone: (301) 975 - 4124

E-mail: jimstp@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to contribute to the 

technical development of the neutral product data 

exchange specifications and the component 

information infrastructure for the electronics 

industry. Towards this goal, the project strives to 

resolve conflicts among competing and conflicting 

standardization efforts within the electronics 

industry. Project staff work with industry and other 

government laboratories to promote the transfer of 

technical information among the manufacturers of 

electronic parts and those who need parts for the 

design, manufacture, and repair of electronic 

systems. These efforts include research-based 

prototype development as well as specification 

development.

Some of the technical areas addressed by this project are: the fundamental terminology used to describe components, 

the organization of the component data and metadata, and the ability to access this data and incorporate it into the 

lifecycle of a design. Assisting in the development of standards in this domain is crucial in order for U.S. electronics 

manufacturers to take advantage of the global marketplace. Industry and standards groups in both Japan and Europe 

are working actively on ECEI-related projects. This project will work with these groups to minimize overlapping 

standards development and to ensure interoperability between U.S. ECEI data and that of other countries.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Developed a prototype testing environment for implementations of the SEMATECH Computer Integrated 

Manufacturing (CIM) Framework. The environment can be viewed at http://megavolt.eeel.nist.gov/CIM.html.

• Developed a prototype dictionary translation tool enabling the conversion of electronic component information 

into the electronic component terminology format defined by the Silicon Integration Initiative. This capability was 

demonstrated at the Design Automation Conference in Anaheim, California, in June 1998.

• Provided key technical contributions to the development of the STEP Application Protocol for Electronic 

Assembly, Interconnect, and Packaging Design (ISO/IEC 10303-210) [14].

• Provided key technical contributions to the development of the “Standard Recipe File Format” under development 

by the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

• Co-hosted a workshop on Electronic Commerce of Component Information (July 1998) with one result being a 

plan to initiate an international interoperability pilot test involving Europe and Japan.

• Conducted a joint Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/NIST/Electronics Design Automation 

(EDA) Industry Council workshop on design reuse and intellectual property cores (January 1997).

Engineering of electronic products via the internet

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Dictionaries

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Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

18

Collaborations

• Electronic Industries Association, for resolution of issues on the Electronic Design Interchange Format (EDIF).

• Electronic Equipment and Component CALS (E-CALS), for development and deployment of electronic 

component information technologies.

• Component Information Representation European Project (CIREP), for evaluation of component dictionary tools.

• Georgia Institute of Technology, for use of their board assembly facility and development of software tools testing 

evolving interchange specifications.

• IGES Data Analysis, for development of electronic product information viewer specifications.

• National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative, for development of mechanisms enabling integration of electronics 

manufacturing equipment.

• Mitta Technology Group, for commercialization of the NIST-developed CIM Framework testing environment.

• Naval Research Laboratory, for analysis of standards issues in the Microwave & Millimeter-wave Advanced 

Computational Environment (MMACE) Program.

• PDES Inc., for development of ISO 10303-210.

• SEMATECH, for validation of the CIM Framework.

• Silicon Integration Initiative (formerly CAD Framework Initiative), for development of online electronic 

component databooks standards and software testing tools.

• Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association (SMEMA), for development of interface specifications 

enabling control of printed circuit board manufacturing equipment.

• Texas Instruments, for development of electronic component dictionary tools.

• Viewlogic Systems Inc., for analysis of electronic component data requirements in electronic engineering and 

design software.

• Virtual Socket Interface Alliance, for development of software tools helping to resolve terminology issues in the 

electronics industry.
Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

19

IS4: Enterprise Resource Planning Interfaces (ERP-I)

Principal Investigator: Mary Beth Algeo

Telephone: (301) 975 - 2888

E-mail: mary.algeo@nist.gov

Principal Investigator: Edward Barkmeyer

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3528

E-mail: edward.barkmeyer@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to investigate the 

need for standards among the software systems 

used in Supply Chain Management (SCM), 

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and the 

other manufacturing software systems that may 

interface with those systems such as Product 

Data Management (PDM), Manufacturing 

Execution Systems (MES), and electronic 

commerce systems. The approach that the 

project will follow will be to identify the stateof-the-practice with respect to the enterprise 

activities making use of these systems, 

investigate the availability of evolving standards 

in these areas, identify a framework in which 

these multiple standards co-exist, identify gaps 

in the standards efforts, and identify NIST 

activities that can address those gaps.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Developed a draft model of enterprise activities, the information resources employed in those activities, and the 

decision systems supporting those activities.

• Participated in the development of the Object Management Group’s Manufacturing Domain Taskforce Release for 

Production Request for Proposals.

• Developed a state-of-the-art assessment of supply chain management practices.

Collaborations

• Advanced Manufacturing Research, for establishing a forum in which to uncover standards-related issues.

• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, for work with the Affordable Multi-Missle Manufacturing Program 

(AM3) on supply chain issues in missle manufacturing.

• Gartner Group, for identification of industry and market analysis information.

• Indian Institute of Management, for research in enterprise resource management.

• National Industrial Information Infrastructure Protocols (NIIIP) Program, for investigation of supply chain issues 

in missle manufacturing.

• Supply Chain Council, for modeling of intracompany and intercompany supply chains.

Development of production plan
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

20

IS5: Information Exchange Protocols for Design

Principal Investigator: Ram Sriram

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3507

E-mail: ram.sriram@nist.gov

The objective of this project is 

to develop appropriate 

standards and protocols for 

interoperability of design with 

other engineering tasks, such as 

process planning and 

production engineering. 

Specific objectives of the 

project are as follows:

• to enhance ISO 10303 

(informally known as the 

STandard for the Exchange 

of Product model data, or 

“STEP”) [12] for the 

capture and exchange of 

parametric, constraintbased and feature-based 

models such as are 

generated by all major 

modern computer-aided 

design (CAD) systems.

• to develop a more robust mechanism for the exchange of design data between CAD systems and rapid prototyping 

systems.

• to address integration issues of linking assembly-oriented tools (e.g., virtual assembly and design-for-assembly) to 

traditional CAD systems.

• to explore the development of engineering ontologies for communication of design knowledge information.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Chaired meetings of the ISO TC184/SC4 Parametrics Working Group in Canada, the United Kingdom, California, 

Italy, Florida, and Germany as well as special workshops in Germany and Maryland.

• Published a study of proposals for standard computer-aided design system application programming interfaces as 

a precursor to standardizing such capabilities in STEP.

• Presented seminars on STEP Parametrics and related work at numerous company sites, universities, and 

conferences.

• Conducted an industry workshop on Measurements and Standards Issues in Rapid Prototyping in Oct. 1997 with 

partipation by numerous rapid prototyping system vendors and users; a white paper resulting from the workshop 

is being used to catalyze future efforts.

• Presented seminars on rapid prototyping measurement and standards issues at several conferences and industry 

events.

• Developed an initial data planning model for a solid interchange format for rapid prototyping systems based on 

existing and enhanced STEP models.

• Developed a preliminary function-assembly-behavior model which conceptually integrates function, form, and 

behavior models with assembly models.

Interactions between design process and manufacturing

Augmented CAD Traditional CAD

Knowledge-based CAD

Manufacturing

Simulation

Process Planning

Design

Rapid

Prototyping Manufacture

System

Assembly
Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

21

• Developed an initial specification for the Open Assembly Design Environment (OpenADE) in the Unified 

Modeling Langage (UML).

• Conducted an industry workshop at NIST in November of 1997 to gather requirements for exhange of knowledge 

and design intent among engineering applications.

Collaborations

• Allied Signal, for development of ISO TC184/SC4 parametrics representations.

• Boeing, for investigation of knowledge-based system interchange issues.

• Black and Decker, for investigation of product development scenarios and as a source of data.

• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, for joint work in the Enabling Next Generation Design (ENGEN) 

project, the Rapid Design Exploration and Optimization (RaDEO) project, and the Solid Freeform Fabrication 

project.

• D.H. Brown Associates’ Open CAD Architecture Interface project, for development of feature-based 

representation specifications.

• General Engineering and Systems Analysis Co., for investigation of tolerancing and design issues.

• George Washington University, for investigation of computer-assisted design (CAD) and virtual reality integration 

issues.

• International Business Machines Co., for investigation of tolerancing issues in assembly representations.

• Knowledge-based Organization, for investigation of knowledge-based system interchange issues.

• Knowlege Technologies Inc., for investigation of knowledge-based system interchange issues.

• National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, for work with the Rapid Prototyping Technology Advancement 

Program towards gathering industry requirements and development of an industry roadmap.

• Nihon Unisys, for development of ISO TC184/SC4 parametrics representations.

• Paccar Inc., for investigation of CAD and virtual reality integration issues.

• Rapid Prototyping Association of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, to investigate industry requirements 

and potential standards development activities.

• Stanford University, for investigation of data representations suitable for the solid interchange format.

• Syracuse University, for investigation of tolerancing issues in assembly representations.

• Technosoft Inc., for investigation of knowledge-based system interchange issues.

• University of Maryland, for investigation of integration between knowledge-based design and traditional CAD.

• University of Michigan, for investigation of respresentations of materials in rapid prototyping interchange.

• University of Rochester, for investigation of tolerancing issues in assembly representations. 

• Washington State University, for investigation of CAD and virtual reality integration issues.

• Wichita State University, for investigation of CAD and virtual reality integration issues.

• Xerox Corp., for investigation of tolerancing issues in assembly representations.
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

22

IS6: Internet Commerce for Manufacturing

Principal Investigator: Barbara Goldstein

Telephone: (301) 975 - 2304

E-mail: barbara.goldstein@nist.gov

The objective of this project, initiated in 1998, is to 

work with industry to create an environment where 

small manufacturers of mechanical and electronic 

components may participate competitively in virtual 

enterprises for manufacturing printed circuit 

assemblies (PCAs). In particular, this project will 

identify and overcome some of the manufacturing 

information technology problems that exist at the 

intersection of manufacturing and electronic 

commerce systems. To accomplish this objective, 

the project will:

• Gather and document industry requirements and 

current practice through a series of scenario 

development/strategy workshops. This 

information will be used to develop or select an 

activity model to guide the project, and to 

publish a business case to document the 

economic motivation for migrating towards 

Internet commerce in the PCA industry.

• Identify and develop needed standards. A standards roadmap will be published to reflect the availability and status 

of standards for the exchange of both technical and business information. Team members will participate in the 

development and testing of those standards identified as critical to the migration towards Internet commerce, such 

as the Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuit (IPC) Generic Computer Aided 

Manufacturing (GENCAM) format and the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association (SMEMA) 

Standard Recipe File Format (SRFF).

• Establish an Internet Commerce for Manufacturing testbed at NIST. A testbed will be established at NIST to 

validate the ability to use standards identified in the standards roadmap to address the industry needs identified in 

the business case and requirements document. Industry and academic partners will serve as demonstration nodes 

within the scenario.

• Transfer results to industry, academia and other agencies. The team will participate in a variety of in-house and 

conference demonstrations. The business case, standards roadmap, and proceedings from all workshops will be 

published and disseminated.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Conducted multiple industry workshops to review the project’s strategy, to develop scenarios, and to develop an 

architecture. An architecture advisory board was established with participation by several industry and academic 

experts.

• Released an initial version of a GENCAM conformance test module which is available for download from the IPC 

GENCAM website (http://www.gencam.org/software/ctm/ctmupload.html). The test module was demonstrated at 

several industry trade shows.

• Developed preliminary versions of an electronic-commerce scenario document for manufacturers and a standards 

roadmap.

OEM Preferred

EMS

Suppliers

Component

Suppliers

Design

Verification

Service

Board

Fabs

Test 

Fixture

Suppliers

Stencil

Suppliers

Architecting the Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain
Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

23

Collaborations

• Automata Design Inc., for implementation and testing of GENCAM and prototyping of web-based manufacturing 

services.

• CommerceNet, for work with the eCo system project in development of electronic commerce scenarios.

• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, for work with the Electronic CAD to CAM Exchange (ECCE) 

project.

• GenRad, for implementation and testing of GENCAM.

• Georgia Institute of Technology, as a testbed for for technologies and standards developed through this project.

• Hewlett Packard, for implementation and testing of GENCAM.

• Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronics Circuits (IPC), for development and testing of GENCAM 

as a design transfer solution.

• National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative, for work with the Factory Information Systems working group to 

identify technology roadmaps.

• ORCAD, for implementation and testing of GENCAM.

• RosettaNet, for development of relevant standard interfaces and evaluation mechanisms.

• Solectron, for implementation and testing of GENCAM.

• State University of New York at Binghamton, for investigation into the electronics supply chain.

• Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association, for development of the Standard Recipe File Format as a 

means for transferring information to board assembly equipment.

• Veo Systems, for development of electronic commerce infrastructure.
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

24

IS7: Framework

Principal Investigator: Neil Christopher

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3888

E-mail: neil.christopher@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to accelerate the establishment and adoption of standards for distributed manufacturing 

systems through the implementation, testing, and analysis of emerging, open-industry specifications. In particular, 

this project addresses standards for the representation of information used or generated by manufacturing execution 

systems, enterprise resource planning systems, and shop floor control systems. The project addresses standards for 

the definition of interfaces to the software components that comprise these systems and the mechanisms for 

communication among components of these systems. The project also addresses standards for interfaces to systems 

that manage these types of information, such as product data managers and production information-bases. The project 

accomplishes its objective through validation testing of emerging, pre-standard, industry-specified, distributed 

manufacturing system technologies. The validation process consists of identifying specifications to test, analyzing the 

specifications, developing a test scenario, designing and implementing a test system and tools, feeding the results 

back to the industry sponsors, and feeding the results forward into the standards process. Pre-standard specifications 

to be evaluated must have an initial core of industry support, they must be generally non-proprietary, and they must 

contain elements that are suitable for standardization. These specifications are then implemented in NIST’s laboratory 

environment and tested with production test data against a manufacturing scenario that operates physical and 

simulated manufacturing devices. The results of the implementation and testing form the basis for documented 

reviews of the specifications. These reviews address the internal consistency of each specification as well as the 

technical relationships among the specifications. These reviews are used as input to ongoing development within 

various consortia and they are used in the formal consensus building process within standards organizations.

Framework Test System

Production

Info Base

Fixturing 

Control Module

Product

Data Mgr.

Probe Change

Control Module

Guardian 

User Interface

Shop Controller

(Executor)

Task Level

Control Module

CMM Workcell

Controller

CMM emove

Control Module

Standards

Development 

Organizations

Test System

Scenario

Test Data

SEMATECH CIMF

OMG CORBA

STEP AP 219

SDAI/CORBA

NIST EMC Spec.

Analysis

PDM Interface Spec Feedback to 

Stakeholders

ISO/PWI 10303-219
Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

25

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Provided key technical contributions to the Object Management Group Manufacturing Domain Taskforce 

(MfgDTF) Product Data Management (PDM) Enablers specification.

• Provided technical contributions to the evolving Object Management Group MfgDTF standardization efforts for 

manufacturing execution systems, enterprise resource planning, and release for production.

• Established a formal liaison between the Object Management Group MfgDTF and the International Organization 

for Standardization Subcommittee on Industrial Data (ISO TC184/SC4).

• Participated in the development of a new preliminary work item (PWI) for inspection information in the Standard 

for Exchange of Product model (STEP - ISO 10303).

• Conducted testing on the Honeywell Advanced Process Control framework implementation in NIST’s National 

Advanced Manufacturing Testbed.

• Completed testing of the capability of software based on Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) 

implementations to satisfy real-time control requirements.

• Publicly released the Manufacturer’s CORBA Interface Testing Toolkit (MCITT) software.

Collaborations

• Advanced Micro Devices, for validation of the Advanced Process Control framework.

• Honeywell, for validation of the Advanced Process Control framework.

• Intelligent Automation Inc., for investigation of agent-based systems.

• Industrial Technology Institute, for development of CORBA-based interfaces.

• National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), for development of product data management system 

interfaces.

• NIIIP (National Industrial Information Infrastructure Protocols), for analysis of manufacturing integration 

architectural approaches.

• SEMATECH, for investigation of integration methodologies and the computer-integrated manufacturing 

framework (CIMF).

• Software Engineering Institute, for investigation of real-time software issues.

• Technologies Enabling Agile Manufacturing (TEAM), for analysis of integration solutions.

• University of Cincinnati, for investigation of integration methodologies.
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

26

IS8: Operator Interfaces for Virtual and Distributed Manufacturing

Principal Investigator: Ernie Kent

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3460

E-mail: ernest.kent@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to address human 

interface issues for development, planning, 

management, monitoring, and control of 

remote, distributed, or simulated manufacturing 

systems and their component activities. One 

approach being pursued addresses these issues 

in a laboratory setting using the Immersadesk 

virtual reality interface and other real-time 

graphics interfaces. A parallel approach has 

focused on the development of real-time, 

interactive, Internet-based, multi-user interfaces 

into manufacturing databases to support 

cooperative, remote access. A multi-user, realtime, interactive, shared-environment has been 

established that can be reached from anywhere 

on the Internet with PC-based equipment and 

standard phone lines. The general problem is to 

collect and present the relevant information, at 

the appropriate level of detail, and in the most 

efficient possible format, to a wide variety of 

remote users, operators, consultants, and 

decision-makers, and to allow them to singly or 

interactively view simulations, manipulate 

remote databases, examine remote situations, 

and cooperatively control remote environments.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Completed development of system for interfacing multiple, simultaneous, remote users to one another, to local 

operators, and to controlled systems using coordinated graphics and bidirectional, text-based interactions over the 

Internet. Demonstrated systems’s functionality in the context of simulated control of an octahedral hexapod 

milling machine tool (“the hexapod”).

• Demonstrated immersive display capabilities for hexapod workspace visualization and for observing calibration 

errors in laser range data.

Collaborations

• Clearwater Technical Services, for development of web-projector technology.

• Deneb Robotics, for technology transfer of Immersadesk interface software into their products.

• University of Illinois, to enhance Immersadesk capabilities.

Prototype Web Interface for Hexapod Machine Tool
Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

27

IS9: Process Specification Language

Principal Investigator: Craig Schlenoff

Telephone: (301) 975 - 6536

E-mail: craig.schlenoff@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to 

develop a process representation 

that is common to all manufacturing 

applications, generic enough to be 

decoupled from any given 

application, and robust enough to 

be able to represent process 

information for any given 

application. This representation, the 

Process Specification Language 

(PSL), will facilitate the automated 

exchange of process information 

among the many process-related applications found in the manufacturing environment. In the last decade, there has 

been an increase in the number and types of software applications that attempt to capture the essence of process. 

These range from tools that simply portray processes graphically to tools that enable simulation, analysis, and/or 

control of processes. As more of these automated applications are implemented and integrated, there must be a robust, 

standard, formal method for representing processes to allow for the exchange of process information. Key challenges 

in defining this neutral process representation include defining a common understanding of the meanings of terms 

(the semantics) describing process and developing multiple syntactic interpretations of these semantic descriptions to 

enable a mapping to various legacy applications. Several related efforts are underway to address these needs, 

including the Process Interchange Format (PIF) project, a DARPA-funded, informal consortium focusing on business 

processes. NIST is welcomed into this community as an organization that can coordinate efforts and offer expertise in 

manufacturing processes, in data exchange standards, and in standards development. This project is designed 

specifically to promote outreach and consensus through activities such as electronic discussion lists, active industry 

review and feedback, and on-line project status over the Internet. Already completed under this project are an indepth identification of requirements for specifying process, an analysis of existing process representations, definition 

of an initial core PSL, and identification and support of a community of researchers from academia and industry.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Completed development of an initial, limited version of the Process Specification Language (PSL), which is 

available on the project web page (see http://ww.nist.gov/psl/).

• Conducted a “Process Information Technology” workshop in March 1998, bringing together researchers in the 

process specification field for the purposes of collectively addressing research issues in the field of process 

specification. One significant result of the workshop was to solidify the involvement of software vendors in pilot 

implementations of the PSL.

• Exploited the power of the Internet as the means to involve geographically dispersed reserachers in online 

discussion and analysis of process representations, resulting in the identification of the means to address the 

project’s process representation requirements.

• Convened a two-day PSL roundtable meeting in April 1997, for experts from industry and academia to discuss 

issues central to the development of the initial version of the PSL.

Process Planning Scheduling Machining

PSL-enabled information exchange
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

28

Collaborations

• Boeing Helicopter, for work with the Natural Language Processing group to develop a PSL encoding.

• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, for work with the DARPA-sponsored Process Interchange Format 

group.

• George Washington University, for investigation of process representation requirements, semantics, and scenarios.

• Knowledge Based Systems Inc., for work on the development of manufacturing semantics and pilot 

implementations.

• Raytheon Electronic Systems, for validation of the PSL requirements and manufacturing scenario development.

• STEP Tools Inc., for work on syntactic representations of the PSL as well as mappings to other languages.

• University of Edinburgh, for work with the Artificial Intelligence Application Institute on the development of 

manufacturing scenarios.

• University of Maryland, for work with the Institute for Systems Research on language development issues and the 

integration of formal ontologies.

• University of Toronto, for work with the Enterprise Integration Laboratory on the development of core language 

semantics.
Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

29

IS10: Production and Product Data Management Applications

Principal Investigator: Charles McLean

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3511

E-mail: charles.mclean@nist.gov

This project is addressing integration 

problems associated with product data 

management, production engineering, 

scheduling, and simulation systems. The 

project is developing process models, 

information models, interface 

specifications, databases, and extensions to 

commercial production software that 

resolve or facilitate system integration. 

After assessing industry needs, this project 

has selected and installed software 

applications that are used to engineer a 

production system, perform production 

scheduling, and simulate production. 

Prototype, integrated systems are being 

constructed from commercial products and 

industry-provided data. The principal elements of the technical approach are:

• identify and address critical industrial needs.

• develop solutions to integration problems for production software.

• construct prototype solutions using commercial products.

• validate results through industrial testing of system implementations.

• specify and promote needed industry standards.

• facilitate rapid commercialization of new technology.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Developed a reactive scheduling testbed for validation of scheduling and shop floor data collection interfaces. The 

testbed incorporates numerous commercial software applications and employs interfaces for components 

developed in the Unified Modeling Language and communication among components is implemented using the 

Common Object Request Broker Architecture.

• Developed a supply chain simulation testbed modeling a two-level supply chain for the manufacture and 

distribution of personal computers. The simulation incorporates aspects of production planning, bill-of-material 

explosion, and master production scheduling.

• Developed a demonstration interface between assembly planning systems and a simulation of a miter saw 

production line.

• Provided key technical contributions to the development of the Object Management Group’s Manufacturing 

Domain Taskforce specification for product data management interfaces.

• Submitted the SIMA Architecture Activity Models [16] to the Object Management Group’s Manufacturing 

Domain Taskforce where it was accepted as the base roadmap document for interface standards development.

Simulated production facility
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

30

Collaborations

• AMP, Inc., for integration of scheduling and shop floor data collection.

• Arizona State University, for development of a production systems engineering decision model.

• AutoSimulation Inc., for integration of scheduling and simulation applications with upstream and downstream 

applications.

• B. F. Goodrich Corp., for integration of scheduling and simulation applications with shop floor data collection and 

supply chain models.

• Black and Decker, to provide test parts and manufacturing data.

• Deneb Robotics, for integration of simulation applications with upstream and downstream applications.

• DLoG REMEX Inc., for integration of shop floor data collection software with upstream and downstream 

applications.

• Eindhoven University of Technology, for development of information models for interfaces to scheduling systems.

• Institut Francais de Mecanique Avancee, for development of infrastructure for distributed simulations.

• Intelligent Manufacturing Systems MISSION Project, for work with this international consortium on development 

of neutral interfaces for simulation software.

• Michigan Technological University, for development of interfaces between assembly process specification and 

simulation.

• Musahi University, for development of object-oriented simulation modeling and business process models for 

supply chain management.

• National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, for work with the Rapid Response Manufacturing (RRM) 

consortium on definition of product data management and manufacturing application interfaces.

• Ohio University, for engineering tool integration, simulation, and other system interfaces.

• Orca Computers Inc., for integration of simulation applications with upstream and downstream applications.

• Pennsylvania State University, for development of a routing specification interface for both scheduling and 

simulation.

• Politechno di Milano, for development of generic simulation objects for discrete event simulations.

• Pritsker Corporation, for integration of scheduling and simulation applications with upstream and downstream 

applications.

• SEMATECH, for definition of product data management and manufacturing application interfaces.

• Systems Modeling Corp., for integration of scheduling and simulation applications with upstream and 

downstream applications.

• University of Illinois, for development of interfaces for production systems engineering applications.

• University of Maryland, for development of information requirements and models for performance metrics for 

manufacturing system design.

• Universite de Nancy, for development of interfaces among scheduling, simulation, and shop floor data collection.

• Virginia Polytechnic Institute, for development of interfaces for production systems engineering applications.

• Wonderware Inc., for integrayion of shop floor data collection applications with upstream and downstream 

applications.
Project Accomplishments Interface Standards Project Summaries

31

IS11: Reference Model Architecture

Principal Investigator: Harry Scott

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3437

E-mail: harry.scott@nist.gov

The objectives of this project are to develop a detailed reference model architecture for intelligent control of 

manufacturing processes, and to demonstrate, validate, and evaluate the NIST Reference Model Architecture through 

analysis and performance measurements of a simulated and prototype implementation. The approach includes 

leveraging the work of other programs, such as the NIST Enhanced Machine Controller, in developing interface 

specifications among the architectural components, and working with industry in developing tools to support 

development of Reference Model Architecture-based system implementations. The goals of this work are to provide 

U.S. industry with state-of-the-art manufacturing architectures and models, foster the development and 

implementation of advanced manufacturing systems, and anticipate and address the needs of the U.S. manufacturing 

industry for the next generation of advanced systems and standards.

ENVIRONMENT

SENSORS ACTUATORS

BEHAVIOR

GENERATION

SENSORY

PROCESSING

WORLD

MODEL

DATABASE

INTERNAL

EXTERNAL 

UPDATES PLANS

PREDICTED STATES

INPUT

PLAN

SITUATION

EVALUATION

 RESULTS

EVENTS ACTIONS

OBSERVED

INPUT

COMMANDED

ACTION

VALUE 

JUDGMENT

Planning and 

Execution

Situation

Assessment

Abstract model of the architecture
Interface Standards Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

32

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Completed implementation of the core functionality required for the generic control shell. Numerous 

improvements have been incorporated in this portion of the architecture implementation including modularization 

of the code structure to facilitate integration with other modules, performance measurement capabilities, and 

additional interfaces for planning and execution.

• Developed a testbed implementation for a coordinate measuring machine inspection workstation in which motion 

control and machine vision are integrated and in which features extracted from an image captured by the vision 

system are used to compute the actual location and orientation of the part.

• Demonstrated feature-based, inspection highlighting multi-level planning, generation of plans from feature 

representations, generation of coordinate measuring machine and machine tool control programs, and 

modularization of the architecture.

• Completed an initial version of a finite-state-machine package for the Open Modular Architecture Controller 

(OMAC) interface testbed.

• Hosted a meeting of the OMAC workgroup, including participation from General Motors and Boeing, in 

November 1997 that led to the finalization of the OMAC interface specifications.

• Participated in the formation of the Open Modular Architecture Controller Users Group in February 1997. 

Members include end users, integrators, and technology providers.

Collaborations

• Advanced Technology and Research Corp., for development of real-time control system software and supporting 

tools.

• Catholic University, for development of inspection-related software.

• Department of Energy, for work with the Technologies Enabling Agile Manufacturing (TEAM) Consortium on 

the development of message interfaces as part of the Intelligent Closed Loop Processing effort and for 

development of an enhanced machine controller (EMC).

• Enhanced Machine Controller Consortium, for development of software and hardware environments enabling 

implementation of Reference Model Architecture concepts.

• Drexel University, for development of experimental planning and learning components.

• National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), for development of the Next Generation Inspection System 

control system.

• Open Modular Architecture Controller (OMAC) Users Group, for development of interface specifications for 

machine controllers.

• Real-time Innovations Inc., for investigation of control system design tools and technology transfer of architecture 

concepts.

• University of Illinois, for development of real-time scheduling capabilities in discrete-event systems.

• University of Maryland, for investigation of computational intelligence methodologies for learning systems and 

development of planner/learning functions.
Project Accomplishments

33

IS12: STEP Conformance and Interoperability Testing 

Principal Investigator: Simon Frechette

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3335

E-mail: simon.frechette@nist.gov

This project is providing the means 

by which vendors’ software products 

will be measured for conformance to 

the ISO 10303 (informally known as 

the STandard for the Exchange of 

Product model data, or “STEP”) 

[12], and is promoting industry 

consensus on STEP implementation 

by identifying requirements for 

interoperable systems through 

participation in industry pilots. The 

project continues development of 

software tools for vendors to use 

during their product development 

process. With these tools, vendors 

gain confidence that their products 

can pass testing, can improve the 

quality of their products and reduce 

the costs of software testing, and 

gain in the expanded market that 

user confidence in testing brings. In 

addition, the project is participating in the formation of an industry-led certification authority for STEP 

implementations and is helping to ensure that U.S. certification procedures are compatible with foreign certification 

practices. Finally, through participation in industry pilots of STEP implementation, the project is helping to identify 

the data-exchange metrics, practices, and guidelines that will lead to improved interoperability between STEP 

implementations.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Completed a revised release of the Expresso software toolkit1 which is used for validating STEP information 

models and the data corresponding to those models.

• Completed testing trials for a revised version of the STEP conformance testing tools with the participation of four 

major computer-aided design system vendors.

• Provided significant contributions to STEP testing standards, including abstract test suites as well as a technical 

corrigendum for ISO 10303-203 [17] (Configuration controlled 3-dimensional design).

• Participated in the formation of a U.S. certification control board for vendor implementations of STEP. The board 

includes representatives from the STEP user community and from the STEP implementer community as well as 

representation of a commercial test laboratory that will be conducting the actual certification tests.

• Developed evaluation metrics for data exchange trials conducted under the auspices of the AutoSTEP 

implementation pilot project and performed analyses of exchange results to isolate sources of errors.

1. For more information about Expresso see Program Products Newly Available in FY97-98 (p. 84).

 Conformance testing process
Project Accomplishments

34

Collaborations

• Automotive Industry Action Group, for work on the evaluation of STEP capabilities in production environments.

• Boeing, for development of conformance testing and vendor certification requirements.

• Industrial Technology Institute, for development of STEP test systems and test methods.

• National Industrial Information Infrastructure Protocols, for investigation of protocols facilitating the 

establishment of virtual enterprises.

• PDES Inc., for validation of conformance testing tools through pilot implementation projects and for investigation 

of solutions to STEP interoperability issues.

• U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command, for investigation of STEP implementations for the defense supply chain.

• Wayne State University, for investigation of business issues related to STEP adoption.
Project Accomplishments

35

IS13: STEP for the Process Plant Industries

Principal Investigator: Mark Palmer

Telephone: (301) 975 - 5858

E-mail: mark.palmer@nist.gov

This project is working with industry to develop, 

test, and demonstrate the ISO 10303 (informally 

known as the STandard for the Exchange of 

Product model data, or “STEP”) [12] application 

protocols (APs) needed for exchanging and 

sharing information during the design, 

construction, operations, and maintenance of 

process plants. The objectives of this project are:

• analyze the information exchange problems 

and needs of the process plant industries.

• define a strategy for the collaborative development of the STEP application protocols (APs) that meet the 

industries’ requirements.

• work with industry to develop and validate the highest priority APs.

• demonstrate prototypes and support the industrial implementation of these APs as international standards.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Completed the draft international standard version of the Plant Spatial Configuration application protocol 

specification (ISO 10303-227) [18].

• Completed the committe draft version of the Process Engineering Data application protocol specification (ISO 

10303-231) [19].

• Provided significant technical contributions to the review of the committe draft ballot on the Functional Data and 

Schematic Representation for Process Plant application protocol specification (ISO 10303-221) [20].

• Completed an initial version of the Process Industry Executive for achieving Business Advantage using Standards 

for data Exchange (PIEBASE) Industry Activity Model; the model has since been adopted by mutiple ISO 

standards development projects.

• Established an implementers forum enabling users and developers of ISO 10303-227 to resolve ambiguities in the 

specifications in the context of industry trial implementations.

Collaborations

• Bechtel, for development, testing, and deployment of ISO 10303-227 as well as on PIEBASE efforts.

• Black & Veatch, for development of ISO 10303-227 and on an industry roadmap for information exchange 

standards for the process and construction industries.

• DuPont, for development, testing, and deployment of ISO 10303-227 and ISO 10303-231 as well as on PIEBASE 

efforts.

• Merck, for development, testing, and deployment of ISO 10303-227 as well as on PIEBASE efforts.

• PIEBASE, for development of an industry roadmap for information exchange standards for the process and 

construction industries as well as the development of a common industry activity model.

• PlantSTEP Inc., for development of ISO 10303-227 and on development of test suites for that standard.

• POSC (Petrotechnical Open Software Corporation), to identify industry requirements for standards to support data 

sharing over the lifecycle of process plants.

• Process Data eXchange Institute of AIChE (pdXi), for development of ISO 10303-231 and on development of test 

suites for that standard.

Process plant model
Project Accomplishments

36

IS14: Virtual Environments and Visualization for Manufacturing

Principal Investigator: Sandy Ressler

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3549

E-mail: sressler@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to 

create new visualization 

environments that improve the 

usability of the data available from 

advanced manufacturing software. 

By creating prototypes of various 

virtual manufacturing worlds we 

will provide human interface 

guidelines to improve the 

effectiveness of those worlds. 

Existing proprietary software 

tools are being used as 

mechanisms to create portable, 

interoperable environments using 

non-proprietary standard 

representations such as the Virtual 

Reality Modeling Language 

(VRML) (ISO 14772). Finally, the 

introduction of virtual humans 

into the factory floor will 

revitalize the practice of 

ergonomic and human motiontime studies, a necessary factor in 

the design of production spaces.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Developed VRML translators enabling integration of multiple software vendors’ virtual environment/simulation 

systems into a single virtual world. Knowledge Revolution has incorporated the NIST-developed translation 

capabilites into their commercial “Working Model 3D” product.

• Provided Internet access to a collection of children’s anthropometric data originally developed by the Consumer 

Product Safety Commission in the 1970’s. Through collaboration with Transom Technologies, this data has been 

incorporated into Transom’s commercial “Jack” human ergonomic modeling product.

• Organized and conducted a workshop on Systems Anthropometry in conjunction with the Consumer Product 

Safety Commission in April 1997.

Collaborations

• Black and Decker, for provision of manufacturing data and scenarios.

• Consumer Product Safety Commission, for investigation of human anthropometry issues.

• Deneb Robotics, for investigation of the use of VRML in conjunction with their software.

• Knowledge Revolution, for investigation of the use of VRML in conjunction with their software.

• Transom Technologies, for investigation of human modeling issues.

• University of Pennsylania, for investigation of human modeling issues.

Simulation model of product assembly line

Deneb Robotics VRML Laboratory HANIM Compliant

Models

User Interface to Dynamics Engine

Animation from Dynamics Engine

Working Model 3D

from PC Products
Project Accomplishments Information Access Project Summaries

37

Information Access Project Summaries

IA1: Analysis Tools for Assessment and Optimization of Process and Product Design

Principal Investigator: James Filliben

Telephone: (301) 975 - 2855

E-mail: filliben@cam.nist.gov

The objective of this project is to develop an integrated computer 

environment that provides a design/manufacturing engineer immediate 

on-line access to those statistical analysis tools necessary for 

characterizing, modeling, monitoring, and optimizing a process or 

product. This is achieved by creating an engineering-friendly, 

integrated system with the following capabilities:

• ready access to an on-line “statistics for engineering” handbook 

with state-of-the-art discussion/exposition of statistical solutions 

for everyday engineering problems.

• an on-line translator that maps engineering problems into 

appropriate statistical counterparts.

• an on-line solver that identifies via its structure what the optimal 

statistical methodology is for a given engineering problem.

• an on-line environment that has seamless and simultaneous access 

to both the engineer’s data and to an appropriate analysis engine so 

as to automatically and immediately apply the correct methodology 

to the engineer’s data.

• an on-line interpreter that translates the output of the statistical methodology tools into conclusions that are 

significant and meaningful to the engineer.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Augmented Dataplot statistical software engine for easier access from Windows and Windows NT platforms.

• Developed draft version of revised Dataplot statistical software reference manual. Tested options for transforming 

the manual into an Internet-accessible version.

• Implemented a prototype version of an on-line “graphics gallery” providing a resource for common graphical data 

analysis techniques referred to and recommended during handbook usage.

• Implemented an initial on-line resource consisting of frequently-asked-questions on Dataplot usage.

• Implemented an initial version of an on-line glossary to reduce terminology ambiguities that may arise between 

statistical and engineering disciplines.

• Developed and evaluated alternatives in the handbook organization, structure, and visual design. 

• Implemented prototype versions of parts of selected chapters to identify issues of dynamics and navigation. 

• Developed a compact navigation bar and uniform layout to apply to all handbook pages.

• Converted prototype handbook text, equation, and graphics input from multiple platform sources. Evaluated 

different text to hypertext markup language (HTML) processing systems. Started investigation to allow direct 

HTML entry via HTML template to obviate conversion problems and increase flexibility and uniformity of page 

appearance.

Web interface to handbook
Information Access Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

38

Collaborations

• Advanced Micro Devices, to co-author the Engineering Statistics Handbook.

• Arizona State University, to co-author the Engineering Statistics Handbook.

• Motorola, to co-author the Engineering Statistics Handbook.

• SEMATECH, to co-author the Engineering Statistics Handbook.

• University of Texas, to co-author the Engineering Statistics Handbook.
Project Accomplishments Information Access Project Summaries

39

IA2: Web-based Testing Service for Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Software

Principal Investigator: Neil Christopher

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3888

E-mail: neil.christopher@nist.gov

Initiated in 1998, this project is working to 

provide a web-accessible testing service for 

coordinate measuring machine (CMM) 

software. The web-based service will be 

implemented using NIST’s existing Special 

Test Service, which is currently providing 

industry with assessment of the accuracy of 

the geometric algorithms embedded in 

CMMs. CMMs are used in the discrete parts 

industry to determine whether manufactured 

parts meet tolerance specifications. The webbased calibration service will give CMM 

users the capability of performing CMM 

software validation tests readily in house 

while still acquiring official results from NIST. The dimensional metrology community, users, vendors, and 

manufacturers of CMMs need formal mechanisms for testing and evaluating the performance of data analysis 

software embedded in CMMs. This service will help industry reduce inspection costs, improve procurement methods, 

and decrease measurement uncertainties, while providing traceability of measured results to national standards.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Documented initial requirements for web-based testing-service capabilities, documented design specifications, 

and specified user interface characteristics.

• Developed initial testing-service database, demonstrating an interface to an underlying commercial database 

management system and an interface to a commercial mathematical analysis software application.

Collaborations

• Computer Data Systems Inc., for implementation of the web interface to the existing special test service.

CMM software testing process

Reference 

Algorithms

Data 

Generator

Analysis 

of Fits

Software 

Under Test

Test 

Description

Data 

Sets

Software 

Assessment

Reference 

Fits

Test 

Fits
Information Access Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

40

Standard Reference Data Delivery and Use Projects

Project Coordinator: John Rumble

Telephone: (301) 975 - 2200

E-mail: john.rumble@nist.gov

Critical decisions in manufacturing and 

engineering depend on reliable data. The 

NIST Standard Reference Data Program 

(SRDP) provides numeric data, critically 

evaluated in data centers throughout the NIST 

laboratories. The thrust of this group of 

SIMA projects is to make that data more 

readily available to engineers and scientists in 

U.S. industry. The breadth of the NIST data 

program and the diverse expectations of the 

industrial community require that NIST 

provide tools to help users find the data they 

need. Project participants are creating ways to 

reuse existing structures and algorithms and 

generating new algorithms where necessary 

to deliver existing and future NIST data so 

that the data are both accessible on-line to individuals and freely exchangeable among instruments. SIMA efforts are 

taking place in three NIST laboratories, the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory, the Materials Science and 

Engineering Laboratory, and the Physics Laboratory. These SIMA efforts are coordinated and jointly supported by 

SRDP. Recently released or revised on-line sources of standard reference data (SRD) information are detailed in 

Appendix D, “Program Products Newly Available in FY97-98” on page 84.

IA3: Computerized Access to Full Structural Crystallographic Data

Principal Investigator: Vicky Lynn Karen

Telephone: (301) 975 - 6255

E-mail: vicky.karen@nist.gov

Initiated in 1998, this project is working to make the inorganic crystal structure database readily accessible via the 

Internet using a modern database management system and to offer additional functionality through the development 

of software tools for the calculation and standardization of derived data items as well as modules for intelligent access 

of scientific data.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Created initial relational database structure from existing inorganic crystal structure data files.

• Completed preliminary design for a graphical user interface based on the periodic table of the elements.

Collaborations

• Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe Gesellschaft für wissenshaftlich-technische Information mbH (FIZ 

Karlsruhe), for development of the inorganic crystal structure database.

• Max-Planck Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V., (the Max Planck Society for the Advancement 

of the Sciences) for development of the inorganic crystal structure database.

Data plot from the NIST ionization cross section database
Project Accomplishments Information Access Project Summaries

41

IA4: Green’s Function Library for Advanced Materials Applications with Web Access

Principal Investigator: Vinod Tewary

Telephone: (303) 497 - 5753

E-mail: tewary@boulder.nist.gov

The objective of this project is to develop an Internet-accessible tool for using Green’s function and boundary element 

methods in analysis of components made with advanced materials. With the Green’s functions approach, problems in 

stress analysis, ultrasonics, and acoustics involving anisotropic materials can be analyzed more efficiently than with 

conventional approaches. 

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Completed a Green’s Function Library capability to calculate and visually display farfield ultrasonic data for 

scattering of ultrasonic waves from buried flaws in linear, isotropic, and elastic structures.

• Completed a Green’s Function Library capability to calculate and display results for intact and damaged 

composite material models.

Collaborations

• Colorado School of Mines, for development of the library and the user interface to the library.

• Iowa State university, for development of the library in the context of specialized applications.

IA5: Integration of NIST Standard Reference Data into Information Networks

Principal Investigator: Edward Saloman

Telephone: (301) 975 - 5554

E-mail: edward.saloman@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to make physical reference data available via the Internet (http://physics.nist.gov/data) 

and in so doing demonstrate a prototypical framework for making the full range of scientific and engineering 

information available to application systems. 

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Released the NIST standard reference database for photon cross sections for use via the Internet. This database 

can be used to determine photon cross sections for scattering, photoelectric absorption, and pair production as 

well as total attenuation coefficients in any element, compound or mixture. The database provides both graphic 

and tabular results as well as providing users with the capability to upload a set of energies for which tabular 

results will be calculated. These data are used in many scientific and engineering applications as well as in 

medical applications.

• Revised and upgraded both the database of fundamental physical constants and the bibliographic database of 

fundamental physical constants. The latter database has provided citations for important theoretical and 

experimental publications relevant to the fundamental physical constants and related precision measurements 

since the mid 1980s. For both databases, new user interfaces were developed, new references were added, and the 

capability to “cut and paste” materials from the database was added.

• Released the database of electron-impact ionization cross sections for use via the Internet. The database provides 

the analytic formula and a means of calculating cross sections at given energies with results presented in both 

tabular and graphical forms. These data are used in the modeling of plasmas used in semiconductor processing, 

design of flourescent lamps, and in modeling radiation effects on materials.
Information Access Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

42

Collaborations

• Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, for development of the atomic spectroscopy database.

• University of Melbourne, for development of the X-ray form factor, attenuation, and scattering database.

• University of New Brunswick, for development of a database of ground state energy levels for certain small 

molecules.

IA6: NIST Ceramics WebBook

Principal Investigator: Ed Begley

Telephone: (301) 975 - 6118

E-mail: edwin.begley@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to make NIST ceramics-related reference databases, topical data sets, data guides and 

advisories, tools, and references to other resources related to advanced ceramics materials accessible via the Internet 

(http://www.ceramics.nist.gov/webbook/webbook.htm).

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Released the structural ceramics database for use via the Internet. Structural ceramics are used in designs of high 

efficiency, high temperature heat exchangers, corrosion resistant components, and electronic packaging. The 

database contains high temperature mechanical, thermal, and corrosion materials property data for a wide variety 

of boride, carbide, nitride, oxide, and oxynitride materials.

• Released the high temperature superconducting materials database for use via the internet. High temperature 

superconductivity remains a field of great interest to scientists and engineers. This database provides physical and 

materials characteristics for oxide superconductors.

IA7: Online Access to NIST Chemical Reference Data

Principal Investigator: Gary Mallard

Telephone: (301) 975 - 2564

E-mail: gary.mallard@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to make NIST chemical reference data available via the Internet (http://

webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/) and to develop the tools and mechanisms necessary to make all NIST chemical data 

uniformly accessible.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Released three new versions of the NIST Chemistry WebBook in the last two years.

• Augmented capabilities for searching by chemical substructures by enabling input of industry standard file 

formats as well as by specification of structures through an interactive drawing applet.

• Provided new data types, including Henry’s Law constants (solubility of gas in water), fundamental infrared 

frequencies, and high accuracy fluid properties.

• Enhanced tools for acquiring Chemical Abstract Service registry numbers from files for more rapid processing.

• Improved equation handling capabilities as well as the graphical display of equations. Developed browserindependent and operating system-independent mechanisms for display of Greek and scientific characters.
Project Accomplishments Information Access Project Summaries

43

Collaborations

• Dow Chemical, for development of prediction techniques.

• Long Island University, for evaluation of data for hydrogenation reactions.

• Monsanto Chemical Company, for evaluation of data for phosphorous compounds.

• Pacific Northwest Laboratory, for development of prediction techniques.

• University of Canterbury, for evaluation of ion cluster data.

• University of Maryland, for evaluation of data for chemical thermodynamics.

• University of Tennessee, for evaluation of data for ion thermochemistry.

IA8: Standards for Exchange of Instrument Data and NIST Chemical Reference Data

Principal Investigator: Gary Kramer

Telephone: (301) 975 - 4132

E-mail: gary.kramer@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to develop information models supporting data exchange standards in analytical 

chemistry for instrument-to-instrument, instrument-to-application, and application-to-application interchanges and to 

evaluate current industry standards for NIST reference data interchange.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Extended the device capability dataset for laboratory instruments with the notion of system-level capabilities. 

Initiated prototype implementation for these instrument interfaces using a spectrophotometer as the basis for 

validation.

• Presented project results at several significant events, including a keynote address on laboratory automation at 

Eastman Chemical’s Annual Analytical Technology Forum and award-winning poster presentations at the 

LabAutomation 1998 Conference in San Diego, CA.

• Advanced several specifications further in the ASTM standardization process, including the Laboratory 

Equipment Communication Interface Specification and the Analytical Data Interchange Standard.

Collaborations

• Fachhochschule Wiesbaden, for development of instrument control interface models.

• Hypertek Inc., for development of software for control of laboratory instruments.

• Information Management Resources, for development of databases supporting data sharing among instruments.

• Los Alamos National Laboratory, for implementation and validation of instrument control interface specifications.

IA9: Web-Based Bioinformatics Databases

Principal Investigator: Michael Gilson

Telephone: (301) 738 - 6217

E-mail: michael.gilson@nist.gov

Principal Investigator: Gary Gilliland

Telephone: (301) 975 - 2629

E-mail: gary.gilliland@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to provide access to two databases of importance to biotechnology and that contain 

evaluated data on the properties, structures, and interactions of biological macromolecules. One database focuses on 

data characterizing the recognition by one molecule of a suitable reaction site on another; this database will also 

feature an online contribution facility. The second database is the Protein Data Bank, an international archive. This 

second database will also will be coupled with internet-accessible data evaluation software.
Information Access Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

44

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Formed the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) as a non-profit consortium dedicated to 

improving the understanding of biological systems through knowledge of 3-dimensional biological 

macromolecular structures. Other members are Rutgers University and the University of California.

• Developed comprehensive plans for the scope, implementation, and management of the molecular recognition 

database were developed in conjunction with bioinformatics groups at Rutgers University and the University of 

California.

• Completed work to adapt the software programs MAXIT and mmCIF Input Tool to allow their use in the 

evaluation and conversion of protein data structures.

• Completed the evaluation and conversion of all structures in one family of proteins and initiated work on the 

evaluation and conversion of proteases, immunoglobins, and hemoglobins; together these represent a significant 

fraction of the Protein Data Bank.

• Hosted a workshop on molecular recognition issues, August 1997. The workshop helped to establish a 

preliminary data model, the scope of data to be included in the molecular recognition database, preliminary 

guidelines for the user interface to the database, and future collaborative work. Participants included 

representatives from pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and other government agencies.

Collaborations

• DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company, for development of the molecular recognition database.

• Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, for development of the molecular recognition database.

• Rutgers University, for development of the molecular recognition database.

• University of California, for work with the San Diego Supercomputer Center on development of the molecular 

recognition database.

• University of Pittsburgh, for investigation of molecular recognition involving small organic molecules.
Project Accomplishments Collaboration Mechanisms Project Summaries

45

Collaboration Mechanisms Project Summaries

CM1: NIST Manufacturing Collaboratory

Principal Investigator: Michelle Steves

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3537

E-mail: michelle.steves@nist.gov

Principal Investigator: Amy Knutilla

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3514

E-mail: amy.knutilla@nist.gov

The objective of this project is to enable 

individuals and groups of manufacturing 

researchers to gain access to, as well as 

contribute to, the collective knowledge 

regarding advanced manufacturing 

research and standards in a coherent, 

unencumbered fashion. The project will 

work to address manufacturing domainspecific issues for collaboratories and 

collaboratory technologies. A testbed 

for research in collaboratory technology 

for manufacturing will be developed. 

The testbed will provide an environment 

to test the applicability of humancentered design when applied to 

manufacturing requirements. In the 

longer term there is the expectation that 

deployment of collaboration 

technologies in the manufacturing 

environment will lead to new business 

processes and these in turn will lead to 

the identification of new manufacturing 

software integration requirements.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Identified and analyzed initial user requirements for systems and tools to be included in the initial collaborative 

environment. Selected commercial off-the-shelf tools and customized them according to user needs.

• Deployed a pilot collaboratory for robotic arc welding researchers developing standards for automated robotic 

gas-metal arc welding. The pilot environment enables synchronous and asynchronous collaborations, exchange of 

mutiple diverse data formats, and remote collaborations. Participating researchers are located on the NIST 

Gaithersburg (Maryland) campus and the NIST Boulder (Colorado) campus as well as at industrial sites in 

Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio.

• Initiated investigations into how to assess the effectiveness of collaborations in the robotic arc welding pilot.

Collaborations

• General Motors Corporation, for investigation of robotic arc welding collaboratory capabilities for 

troubleshooting problems on the shop floor.

• Sun Microsystems, for implementation and analysis of the pilot collaboratory.

• TeamWave Software, Ltd., for implementation and assessment of collaboration systems.

• University of Michigan, for development, piloting, and analysis of collaboratories in the manufacturing domain.

Remote welding collaboration demonstration
Collaboration Mechanisms Project Summaries Project Accomplishments

46

CM2: Virtual National Advanced Manufacturing Testbed (VNAMT)

Principal Investigator: Keith Stouffer

Telephone: (301) 975 - 3877

E-mail: keith.stouffer@nist.gov

Initiated in 1998, this project is 

working to provide an Internetaccessible version of NIST’s 

National Advanced 

Manufacturing Testbed (NAMT) 

bringing the capabilities of the 

NAMT and results stemming from 

NAMT projects to interested 

researchers and collaborators. The 

multimedia VNAMT environment 

will provide access to live and 

stored video, control of cameras in 

NAMT project laboratories, 

interactive manipulation of virtual 

reality models of equipment, and 

relevant project information.

Significant FY98/97 Accomplishments

• Developed a prototype VNAMT environment illustrating capabilities to provide live video from welding 

experiments, client control of cameras, controller interfaces, and interactive models of NIST’s octahedral hexapod 

machine tool.

Supported Projects

• Nanomanufacturing of Atom-Based Dimensional Standards

http://www.mel.nist.gov/namt/projects/nano/nano1.htm

• Characterization, Remote Access, and Simulation of Hexapod Machines

http://www.mel.nist.gov/namt/projects/hexapod/hex1.htm

• Interface Standards and Internet Technologies for Robotic Arc Welding

http://www.mel.nist.gov/namt/projects/weld/weld1.htm

Robotic welding demonstration
Conclusion

47

Conclusion

The premise of the SIMA Program is that the multitude of software systems used in manufacturing activities do not 

interoperate as well as required. The SIMA Program’s project leaders work with their industrial partners to identify 

information needs among manufacturing enterprise activities, the contexts for those needs, in order to identify the 

information representation issues between the software systems used in those activities, and to define mechanisms 

appropriate to resolving those issues. By maintaining a neutral perspective in the testing of information interfaces for 

engineering and manufacturing, the Program ensures that validated solutions addressing the common requirements of 

both users and software providers can be adopted.

References

[1] “Technical Program Description Systems Integration for Manufacturing,” Bloom, H., NISTIR 5476, NIST,

Gaithersburg, MD, July 1994.

[2] “Systems Integration for Manufacturing Applications Technical Program Plan,” Fowler, J., NISTIR 5986,

NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, March 1997.

[3] “Systems Integration for Manufacturing Applications Program 1995 Annual Report,” Fowler, J., Luce, M.,

NISTIR 5839, Gaithersburg, MD, May 1996.

[4] “Systems Integration for Manufacturing Applications Program 1996 Annual Report,” Fowler, J., NISTIR

6026, Gaithersburg, MD, May 1997.

[5] “High Performance Computing and Communications: Toward a National Information Infrastructure,” Report

by the Committee on Physical, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences, Federal Coordinating Council for

Science, Engineering, and Technology, Office of Science and Technology Policy, published by the National

Coordination Office for HPCC, 1994.

[6] “Information Infrastructure Technology and Applications,” Report of the IITA Task Group, High

Performance Computing, Communications and Information Technology Subcommittee, Federal

Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology, Office of Science and Technology Policy,

published by the National Coordination Office for HPCC, February 1994.

[7] “HPCC FY95 Implementation Plan,” Office of Science and Technology Policy, published by the National

Coordination Office for HPCC, April 1994.

[8] “High Performance Computing and Communications: Advancing the Frontiers of Information Technology,”

Report by the Committee on Computing, Information, and Communications, National Science and

Technology Council, published by the National Coordination Office for Computing, Information, and

Communications, 1996.

[9] “Networked Computing for the 21st Century,” Report by the Subcommittee on Computing, Information, and

Communications, Committee on Technology, National Science and Technology Council, published by the

National Coordination Office for Computing, Information, and Communications, 1998.

[10] “Initial Manufacturing Exchange Specification (IMES) Concept Document For Manufacturing Systems

Integration,” Kemmerer, S., Fowler, J., ed., NISTIR 5978, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, February 1997.

[11] “Interoperability Cost Analysis of the U.S. Automotive Supply Chain,” 99-1 Planning Report, Prepared by

the Research Triangle Instutute for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, March, 1999.

[12] ISO 10303-1:1994, “Industrial automation systems and integration - Product data representation and

exchange - Part 1: Overview and fundamental principles,” International Organization for Standardization,

Geneva, Switzerland.
References

48

[13] ISO 8879:1986, “Information processing -- Text and office systems -- Standard Generalized Markup

Language (SGML), International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.

[14] ISO/IEC/DIS 10303-210 “Industrial automation systems and integration -- Product data representation and

exchange -- Part 210: Electronic assembly, interconnect and packaging design,” International Organization

for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.

[15] ISO/DIS 10303-213 “Industrial automation systems and integration -- Product data representation and

exchange -- Part 213: Application protocol: Numerical control process plans for machined parts,”

International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.

[16] "SIMA Reference Architecture Part I: Activity Models," NISTIR 5939, National Institute of Standards and

Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 1997. 

[17] ISO 10303-203:1994, “Industrial automation systems and integration -- Product data representation and

exchange -- Part 203: Application protocol: Configuration controlled design,” International Organization for

Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.

[18] ISO/DIS 10303-227 “Industrial automation systems and integration -- Product data representation and

exchange -- Part 227: Plant spatial configuration,” International Organization for Standardization, Geneva,

Switzerland.

[19] ISO/CD 10303-231 “Industrial automation systems and integration -- Product data representation and

exchange -- Part 231: Process engineering data: Process design and process specification of major

equipment,” International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland. 

[20] ISO/CD 10303-221 “Industrial automation systems and integration -- Product data representation and

exchange -- Part 221: Functional data and their schematic representation for process plants,” International

Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Program Organization

49

Appendix A: Program Organization

The SIMA Program was one of two CIC initiative efforts underway at NIST in FY97-98 (see Figure 4). The SIMA 

Program is directed by a manager in the Manufacturing Systems Integration Division (MSID) of NIST’s 

Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL). Individual SIMA projects are led by NIST research staff. The 

projects are organized into the technology areas briefly described below. 

NIST HPCC Initiative

Information Technology 

Metrology, Testing, and 

Applications

SIMA 

Program

Interface Standards Projects Collaboration Mechanisms Projects Information Access Projects

1. Application Protocol Development 

Environment (APDE)

2. Design - Process Planning 

Integration (DPPI)

3. Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics Industry (ECEI)

4. Enterprise Resource Planning 

Interfaces (ERP-I)

5. Information Exchange Protocols for 

Design

6. Internet Commerce for 

Manufacturing

7. Framework

8. Operator Interfaces for Virtual and 

Distributed Manufacturing

9. Process Specification Language

10. Production and Product Data 

Management Applications

11. Reference Model Architecture

12. STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability Testing

13. STEP for the Process Plant 

Industries

14. Virtual Environments and 

Visualization for Manufacturing

1. NIST Manufacturing Collaboratory

2. Virtual National Advanced 

Manufacturing Testbed (VNAMT)

1. Analysis Tools for Assessment and 

Optimization of Process and Product 

Design

2. Web-based Testing Service for 

Coordinate Measuring Machine 

(CMM) Software

3. Computerized Access to Full 

Structural Crystallographic Data

4. Green’s Function Library for 

Advanced Materials Applications with 

Web Access

5. Integration of NIST Standard 

Reference Data into Information 

Networks

6. NIST Ceramics WebBook

7. Online Access to NIST Chemical 

Reference Data

8. Standards for Exchange of 

Instrument Data and NIST Chemical 

Reference Data

9. Web-Based Bioinformatics 

Databases

Standard Reference Data Delivery & 

Use

Figure 4. Organization of NIST’s CIC Efforts
Program Organization

50

Program Technology Areas

To align the resources of the program with the needs defined by industry, the SIMA Program organizes projects into 

one of three program areas: (1) Interface Standards, (2) Information Access, and (3) Collaboration Mechanisms. 

Activities within each area satisfy a unique NIST role in support of CIC goals and address the major technology and 

standards issues outlined in the IITA program report [6]. The focus of these technology areas are as follows.

Interface Standards (IS)

These SIMA projects continue work leading to the definition and creation of standards facilitating the exchange of 

manufacturing data within and across all levels of the product realization process. Objectives include the 

establishment of:

- rigorous methods for defining and testing interoperability solutions.

- standards specifying information to be exchanged as well as the interface mechanisms necessary to do so.

- tests validating potential standards solutions and implementations.

Information Access (IA)

SIMA-supported efforts in this area are providing greatly broadened access to large amounts of authoritative 

scientific engineering data in NIST databases by initiating effective Internet access to those databases through userfriendly interfaces and sophisticated search techniques.

Collaboration Mechanisms (CM)

By supporting the establishment and evolution of computer-supported collaboration mechanisms for NIST 

researchers to work with each other and with external partners, the SIMA program aims to: 

- improve the effectiveness of the researchers’ work.

- evaluate and, where benefical, adapt and refine collaborative technologies.

- identify and address interaction issues resulting from remote collaborations.

Participating NIST Organizational Units

All of NIST’s intramural, technical organizational units participate in the SIMA Program. The following descriptions 

briefly summarize the mission of each participating NIST organization1.

Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL)

BFRL works to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industry and public safety through performance prediction and 

measurement technologies and technical advances that improve the lifecycle quality of constructed facilities. 

Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory (CSTL)

As the Nation’s Reference Laboratory, CSTL performs cutting edge research in measurement science. The 

Laboratory develops and maintains measurement methods, standards, and reference data; and develops models for 

chemical, biochemical, and physical properties and processes.

1. More information about NIST Laboratories can be found at http://www.nist.gov/labs2.html.
Program Organization

51

Information Technology Laboratory (ITL)

ITL develops, demonstrates, and supplies high quality information technology, metrology, and standards that enable 

U.S. industry to develop usable, reliable, interoperable products. In doing so, the ITL serves as a neutral agent to 

accelerate acceptance and use of information technology that will promote economic competitiveness and the public 

good. ITL provides leadership and collaborative research to NIST programs in the areas of mathematics, statistics, 

and information technology use and services to enable NIST to maintain its status as a world class institution.

Electronic and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL)

EEEL promotes U.S. economic growth through improved international competitiveness, by providing measurement 

capability of high economic impact focused primarily on the critical needs of the U.S. electronics and electricalequipment industries.

Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL)

MEL works to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by working with industry to develop and apply 

infrastructural technology, measurements, and standards for manufacturing.

Material Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL)

MSEL works to stimulate the more effective production and use of materials by working with materials suppliers and 

users to assure the development and implementation of the measurements and standards infrastructure for materials.

Physics Laboratory (PL)

PL supports U.S. industry by providing measurement services and research for electronic, optical, and radiation 

technology.

Technology Services (TS)

TS provides a wide variety of services and programs to help U.S. industry improve its international competitiveness. 

TS supplies NIST reference materials, data, and calibrations to help industry maintain production quality control. TS 

also provides information and assistance concerning national and international voluntary and regulatory product 

standards and certification systems.
Collaborators

52

Appendix B: Collaborators

Consortia, National Programs, Professional and Trade Associations

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)

Automotive Industry Action 

Group (AIAG)

Southfield, 

MI

An automotive trade association addressing industry 

issues in supply, manufacturing, engineering, quality, 

and finance. The association has over 1000 member 

companies and includes Chrysler, Ford, and General 

Motors.

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

CAD Framework Initiative, 

Inc.

Austin, TX An international, not-for-profit consortium whose mission is to facilitate and promote the adoption of open 

electronic design automation technologies that improve 

designer productivity. CFI’s membership includes over 

40 companies comprised of electronic design automation 

designers and suppliers of high performance semi-custom silicon in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

CommerceNet Palo Alto, 

CA

An international, not-for-profit organization meeting the 

evolving needs of companies doing electronic commerce. 

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

Component Information Representation European Project 

(CIREP)

Orsay, 

France

An effort funded by ESPRIT to build a complete information system for the electronic exchange of standardized libraries of Component Information 

Representations (CIR).

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Electronics Industries Association (EIA)Arlington, 

VA

A trade association representing the U.S. high technology community. EIA has created a host of activities to 

enhance the competitiveness of the American producer 

including such valuable services as technical standards 

development, market analysis, government relations, 

trade shows and seminar programs. 

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Enhanced Machine Controller 

(EMC) Consortium

Gaithersburg, MDProvides initial open-architecture control system and 

development environment hardware and software configuration, base controller template, Java-based operator 

tools and communications mechanism for Joint Architecture project implementation testbeds

Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

Institute for Interconnecting 

and Packaging Electronics Curcuits (IPC)

Northbrook, ILTrade association for companies in the electronic interconnection industry.Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)
Collaborators

53

Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Sciences (IAMS)Cincinnati, 

OH

Not-for-profit organization for manufacturers, offering 

solution-focused implementation of change in manufacturing operations.

Design - Process 

Planning Integration (DPPI) 

(p. 16)

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) MISSION ProjectTokyo, 

Japan

The primary objective of MISSION is a bridge from 

today’s tools and regionally-oriented factory design processes into those needed for extended enterprises and/or 

virtual enterprise networks. 

Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Knowledge-based Organization n/a A loosely based conglomerate of companies dedicated to 

incorporating knowledged-based systems into their businesses.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

National Electronics Manufacturing InitiativeHerndon, 

VA

Consortium dedicated to facilitating long-term North 

American leadership in volume electronics manufacturing.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

National Industrial Information Infrastructure Protocols 

(NIIIP)

Stamford, 

CT

The NIIIP consortium’s objective is to develop open 

industry software protocols that will make it possible for 

manufacturers and their suppliers to interoperate effectively as if they were part of the same enterprise. The 

consortium includes IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation, Enterprise Integration Technologies, General 

Dynamics, Lockheed Aeronautical Systems, Magnavox, 

Texas Instruments, and other participants.

Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

Framework (p. 

24)

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

Next Generation Inspection 

System Program

Ann Arbor, 

MI

NGIS is a program of the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, Production Equipment and Systems 

Special Interest Group. The objective is to develop nextgeneration inspection capabilities on coordinate measuring machines and machine tools.

Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

Open Modular Architecture 

Control (OMAC)

Oak Ridge, 

TN

OMAC seeks to develop an Open Architecture, Application Programming Interface (API) for machine controllers

Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

Consortia, National Programs, Professional and Trade Associations

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

54

PDES, Inc. Charleston, SCThe PDES, Inc. consortium’s objective is to accelerate 

the development and implementation of STEP. The consortium includes the South Carolina Research Authority, 

Boeing, Ford, General Motors, Hughes, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and other participants.

Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

Design - Process 

Planning Integration (DPPI) 

(p. 16)

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

PIEBASE (Process Industry 

Executive for achieving Business Advantage using Standards for data Exchange)

London, 

UK

PIEBASE is a global umbrella that coordinates development and implementation of data exchange and datasharing standards for the process plant industry consortia 

and member companies.

STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

PlantSTEP, Inc. Wilmington, DEPlantSTEP, Inc. is a consortium working to support the 

development of information exchange standards to 

advance the capabilities of process plant and construction industries. Members include DuPont, Merck, Black 

& Veach, Bechtel, Intergraph, Computervision, and 

CAD Centre.

Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

POSC (Petrotechnical Open 

Software Corporation)

Houston, 

TX

A not-for-profit corporation dedicated to facilitating 

integrated business processes and computing technology 

for the exploration and production segment of the international petroleum industry.

STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

Process Data eXchange Institute of AIChE (pdXi)New York, 

NY

pdXi is an industry trade group working to develop and 

maintain open approaches to electronic data exchange 

and management of process engineering data. Members 

include DuPont, Exxon, and Simulation Sciences, Union 

Carbide, and others.

STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

Process Interchange Format 

Group

Manoa, HI Informal industry and academic consortium. Process Specification Language (p. 27)

Rapid Prototyping Association 

of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers

Dearborn, 

MI

Association seeking to communicate the vision and 

direction of rapid prototyping technology to users.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Consortia, National Programs, Professional and Trade Associations

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

55

Rapid Response Manufacturing Ann Arbor, 

MI

The RRM consortium’s objective is to increase first 

product quality while decreasing design to manufacturing cycle time. The RRM consortium includes the 

National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), 

General Motors, Ford Motor, Texas Instruments, United 

Technologies, Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, and 

other participants.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Framework (p. 

24)

Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Research Collaboratory for 

Structural Bioinformatics 

(RCSB)

Piscataway, NJA non-profit consortium dedicated to improving our 

understanding of the function of biological systems 

through an understanding of 3-dimensional biological 

macromolecular structure.

Web-Based Bioinformatics 

Databases (p. 

43)

RosettaNet Los Angeles, CAConsortium dedicated to development of industry-wide 

electronic business operability standards.

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

SEMATECH Austin, TX The SEMATECH consortium’s objective is to sponsor 

and conduct research aimed at assuring leadership in 

semiconductor manufacturing technology for the U.S. 

semiconductor industry. The consortium includes 

Advanced Micro Devices, Digital Equipment Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, IBM, Lucent Technologies, 

Motorola, National Semiconductor Corporation, Rockwell International, and Texas Instruments.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Framework (p. 

24)

Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Analysis Tools 

for Assessment 

and Optimization of Process 

and Product 

Design (p. 37)

Silicon Integration Initiative Austin, TX Organization of industry-leading silicon systems and 

tool companies focused on improving productivity and 

reducing cost in creating and producing integrated silicon systems.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Software Engineering Institute 

(SEI)

Pittsburgh, 

PA

Department of Defense-funded R&D center tasked to 

provide leadership in advancing the state of the practice 

of software engineering to improve the quality of systems that depend on software.

Framework (p. 

24)

Consortia, National Programs, Professional and Trade Associations

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

56

Surface Mount Equipment 

Manufacturers Association 

(SMEMA)

Highland 

Park, IL

A non-profit organization of companies manufacturing 

equipment or producing software for surface mount 

board production.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

Supply Chain Council Pittsburgh, 

PA

A cross-industry consortium formed to establish a 

framework to enable manufacturers and their supplychain vendors to build a stronger supply chain and reap 

the competitive rewards of improved supply-chain management. 

Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

Technologies Enabling Agile 

Manufacturing (TEAM)

Oak Ridge, 

TN

The TEAM consortium’s objective is to enhance 

national industrial competitiveness by advancing and 

deploying manufacturing technologies that promote agility. The consortium includes American firms and consortia representing many industrial sectors including 

aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, and software along with multiple federal agencies and facilities.

Design - Process 

Planning Integration (DPPI) 

(p. 16) 

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Framework (p. 

24)

Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

VSI Alliance Los Gatos, 

CA

The VSI Alliance is chartered to define, develop, authorize, test, and promote open standard specifications relating to data formats, test methodologies, and interfaces. 

These standards are to facilitate the mix and match and 

the reuse of blocks of electronic circuit functions from 

different sources in the design and development of system-level ICs. 

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Consortia, National Programs, Professional and Trade Associations

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

57

Individual Companies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)

Advanced Manufacturing 

Research

Boston, 

MA

Industry and market analysis firm specializing in enterprise applications and related trends and technologies.Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Austin, TX Supplier of integrated circuits for the computer and communications markets.Framework (p. 

24)

Analysis Tools 

for Assessment 

and Optimization of Process 

and Product 

Design (p. 37)

Advanced Technology and 

Research Corporation

Burtonsville, MDConsultants specializing in research and development of 

intelligent control systems, automation, robotics, simulation, engineering analysis, and computer science.

Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

AlliedSignal Kansas City Plant Kansas 

City, MO

Manufacturer of electrical, mechanical, and engineered 

materials for weapons production.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

AMP, Inc. Harrisburg, PAManufacturer of electronic connectors. Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Automata Design, Inc. Herndon, 

VA

Vendor of software simulating circuit board design and 

production processes.

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

AutoSimulation, Inc. Bountiful, 

UT

Vendor of simulation and scheduling software. Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Bechtel San Francisco, CAProvider of services to develop, engineer, construct, and 

manage capital projects and facilities worldwide.

STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

B.F. Goodrich Corporation Cleveland, 

OH

Aerospace and performance products manufacturer. Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)
Collaborators

58

Black and Decker Towson, 

MD

Manufacturer of portable power tools and household 

appliances.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Virtual Environments and Visualization for 

Manufacturing 

(p. 36)

Black & Veatch Kansas 

City, MO

An engineering construction company. STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

Boeing Seattle, 

WA

Aerospace manufacturer. Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14)

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Boeing Commercial Airplane 

Group

Seattle, 

WA

Manufacturer of commercial aircraft. STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

Boeing Helicopters Philadelphia, PAManufacturer of rotary-wing aircraft. Process Specification Language (p. 27)

CAMAX Eugene, 

OR

Vendor of computer-aided manufacturing software. Design - Process 

Planning Integration (DPPI) 

(p. 16)

Caterpillar Peoria, IL Manufacturer of heavy earth-moving equipment. Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

CIMx Cincinnati, 

OH

Vendor of software systems for discrete manufacturing 

applications.

Design - Process 

Planning Integration (DPPI) 

(p. 16)

Individual Companies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

59

Clearwater Technical Services Yungaburra, 

Australia

A consulting firm specializing in custom software development and network support.Operator Interfaces for Virtual 

and Distributed 

Manufacturing 

(p. 26)

CNC Software, Inc. Tolland, 

CT

Vendor of software tools for the CAD/CAM manufacturing markets.Design - Process 

Planning Integration (DPPI) 

(p. 16) 

Computer Data Systems, Inc. Rockville, 

MD

Provides data processing and professional computer services and products.Web-based Testing Service for 

Coordinate 

Measuring 

Machine 

(CMM) Software (p. 39)

Concurrent Technologies CorporationJohnstown, 

PA

A non-profit company chartered to take technology from 

research labs to the commercial workplace.

Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

Delphi Delco Indianapolis, INElectronics manufacturer. Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

Deneb Robotics Auburn 

Hills, MI

Vendor of 3D graphics-based factory simulation, telerobotic, and virtual reality software.Operator Interfaces for Virtual 

and Distributed 

Manufacturing 

(p. 26)

Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Virtual Environments and Visualization for 

Manufacturing 

(p. 36) 

D.H. Brown Associates 

(DHBA)

Port Chester, NYDHBA is a research analysis firm specializing in analysis of technologies to support computer environments for 

engineering, manufacturing, design, and open systems.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Individual Companies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

60

DLOG Corporation Chicago, 

IL

Vendor of shop floor data collection software. Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Dow Chemical Company Midland, 

MI

The Dow Chemical Company provides chemicals, plastics, energy, agricultural products, consumer goods and 

environmental services.

Online Access 

to NIST Chemical Reference 

Data (p. 42)

Dupont Wilmington, DEAn energy and chemistry-based company. STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

Dupont-Merck Pharmaceutical 

Co.

Wilmington, DEA company focusing on research, development and 

delivery of pharmaceuticals to treat currently unmet 

medical needs 

Web-Based Bioinformatics 

Databases (p. 

43)

Fachinformationszentrum 

Karlsruhe Gesellschaft für wissenschaftlich-technische Information mbH

Karlsruhe, 

Germany

A non-profit organization set up to provide information 

and information services for academic and industrial 

research & development, as well as for business and 

administration.

Computerized 

Access to Full 

Structural Crystallographic 

Data (p. 40)

Gartner Group Stamford, 

CT

Research and consulting firm specializing in the information technology arena.Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

General Engineering and Systems Analysis Co. (GESAC)Boonsboro, MDEngineering consulting firm and manufacturer of crash 

test dummies.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

General Motors Corporation Detroit, MI Large industrial corporation and vehicle manufacturer. NIST Manufacturing Collaboratory (p. 45)

GenRad, Inc. Westford, 

MA

Supplies electronics OEMs and their customers with 

hardware, software, inspection systems and services to 

optimize design, manufacturing and aftermarket service 

productivity. 

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

Hewlett-Packard Palo Alto, 

CA

Producer of Computers and test and measurement equipment.Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

Honeywell Minneapolis, MNSupplier of automation and control systems, components, software, products and services for homes, industry, and aerospace.

Framework (p. 

24)

Individual Companies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

61

Hypertek, Inc. Gaithersburg, MDIndependent computer consultant. Standards for 

Exchange of 

Instrument Data 

and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data (p. 

43)

IBM White 

Plains, NY

Large information technology corporation. Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Information Management 

Resources, Inc.

Gaithersburg, MDAn independent computer consulting firm specializing in 

database and client/server applications.

Standards for 

Exchange of 

Instrument Data 

and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data (p. 

43)

InterData Access, Inc.

(formerly IGES Data Analysis)

Westchester, ILConsulting firm specializing in the sharing, access and 

exchange of electronic product data used throughout the 

design and manufacturing process chain.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Intelligent Automation, Inc. Rockville, 

MD

R&D and consulting firm specializing in Artificial Intelligence applications.Framework (p. 

24)

Knowledge Based Systems, 

Inc.

College 

Station, TX

Vendor of software products for process modeling and 

analysis.

Process Specification Language (p. 27)

Knowledge Revolution San Mateo, 

CA

Producer of functional motion simulation software for 

engineering, visualization, and education.

Virtual Environments and Visualization for 

Manufacturing 

(p. 36)

Knowledge Technologies International, Inc.Burlington, MAAn independent organization handling development, 

marketing, sales and consulting services related to providing Knowledge-Based solutions to global manufacturing businesses. 

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Merck & Co., Inc. Somersett, 

NJ

A research-driven pharmaceutical products and services 

company.

STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

Individual Companies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

62

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC)

(formerly the Industrial Technology Institute)

Ann Arbor, 

MI

Not-for-profit organization that provides training and 

assistance to help companies meet customer requirements and industry standards, increase profits, improve 

quality, and lower costs.

Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

Framework (p. 

24)

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

Mitta Technology Group Sunnyvale, 

CA

A provider of integration and consulting services for 

Factory Automation (FA) in the semiconductor and 

related high-technology industries. 

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Monsanto Chemical Company Bridgeport, NJ(Formerly) a manufacturer of a wide range of chemical 

products.

Online Access 

to NIST Chemical Reference 

Data (p. 42)

Motorola Schaumburg, ILManufacturer of integrated circuits and wide variety of 

semiconductor-based consumer products.

Analysis Tools 

for Assessment 

and Optimization of Process 

and Product 

Design (p. 37)

Nihon Unisys Tokyo, 

Japan

Developer and integrator of information technology systems.Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

OrcaComputers, Inc. Fairfax, VA Vendor of object-oriented simulation software. Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

OrCAD, Inc Beaverton 

OR

Producer of electronic design automation software products for the design of printed circuit boards, field-programmable gate arrays and complex programmable logic 

devices.

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

PACCAR, Inc. Bellevue, 

WA

Manufacturer of on and off-road trucks. Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Pritsker Corporation West 

Lafayette, 

IN

Vendor of simulation and scheduling software. Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Individual Companies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

63

Raytheon Electronic Systems Tewksbury, MADefense electronics firm. Process Specification Language (p. 27)

Real Time Innovations, Inc. Sunnyvale, 

CA

Vendor of real-time software development tools. Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

Rockwell Collins Cedar Rapids, IAManufacturer of communications and navigational electronics and avionics.Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

SoftQuad, Inc. Toronto, 

Canada

Vendor of Standard Generalized Markup Language 

(SGML) software tools.

Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

Solectron Corp. Milpitas, 

CA

Provides integrated solutions for the entire product cycle 

from pre-production planning and design, to manufacturing, distribution and end-of-life product service and support for electronics OEMs.

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

STEP Tools Inc. Troy, NY Vendor of software tools that support the STEP (ISO 

10303) standard for data exchange and information modeling.

Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

Process Specification Language (p. 27)

Sun Microsystems Laboratories 

(SunLabs)

Palo Alto, 

CA

Develops, demonstrates, and introduces new advanced 

technology and technical methodologies for Sun Microsystems, Inc. and its subsidiary corporations. Maintains 

an awareness of, and contact with, outside technical 

activities in academia, government, and industry. 

NIST Manufacturing Collaboratory (p. 45)

Systems Modeling Corporation Pittsburgh, 

PA

Vendor of scheduling and simulation software. Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

TeamWave Software Ltd. Calgary, 

Alberta, 

Canada

Vendor of software products that support distributed collaborations.NIST Manufacturing Collaboratory (p. 45)

Individual Companies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

64

Texas Instruments Dallas, TX Electronics manufacturer. Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

TechnoSoft, Inc. Cincinnati, 

OH

Software vendor. Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Transom Technologies Ann Arbor, 

MI

A provider of human modeling and simulation software. Virtual Environments and Visualization for 

Manufacturing 

(p. 36)

Veo Systems, Inc. Mountain 

View, CA

A supplier of products and services to enable open commerce networks.Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

Viewlogic Systems IncorporatedMarlborough, MAVendor of electronic product design and engineering 

software.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Wonderware, Inc. Irving, CA Vendor of shop floor data collection software. Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Xerox Corporation Stamford, 

CT

Large document and document technology company. Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Individual Companies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

65

Government Agencies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)

Consumer Product Safety 

Commission

Washington, DCAn independent federal regulatory agency charged to 

"protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries 

and deaths associated with consumer products."

Virtual Environments and Visualization for 

Manufacturing 

(p. 36)

Defense Advanced Research 

Projects Agency (DARPA)

Arlington, 

VA

This Defense Department agency’s primary mission is to 

develop imaginative, innovative and often high risk 

research ideas offering a significant technological impact 

that will go well beyond the normal evolutionary developmental approaches; and, to pursue these ideas from 

the demonstration of technical feasibility through the 

development of prototype systems.

Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

Los Alamos National LaboratoryLos Alamos, NMThe Laboratory's central mission is reducing the danger 

of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials worldwide. Its 

statutory responsibility is the stewardship and management of the nuclear stockpile. Work for this project 

involves development of a Laboratory Equipment Control Interface (LECI) specification. 

Standards for 

Exchange of 

Instrument Data 

and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data (p. 

43)

Max-Planck Gesellschaft zur 

Förderung der Wissenschaften 

e.V.

Munich, 

Germany

Max Planck Institutes carry on basic research in service 

to the general public in the areas of natural science, 

social science, and the arts and humanities. In particular, 

the Max Planck Society takes up new and promising 

directions in research that universities are unable to 

accommodate sufficiently, if at all.

Computerized 

Access to Full 

Structural Crystallographic 

Data (p. 40)

Naval Research Laboratory Washington, DCAs the Navy's corporate laboratory, NRL conducts a 

broadly-based multidisciplinary program of scientific 

research and advanced technological development 

directed toward maritime applications of new and 

improved materials, techniques, equipment, system, and 

ocean, atmospheric, and space sciences and related technologies.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Pacific Northwest National 

Laboratory

Richland, 

WA

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's core mission is to deliver environmental science and technology.Online Access 

to NIST Chemical Reference 

Data (p. 42)
Collaborators

66

TACOM Warren, MI Mission is to research, develop, field and support mobility, armament, munitions, and chemical systems and 

materiels through their total life cycle.

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

US Army, Tobyhanna Army 

Depot

Tobyhanna, PACommunications and electronic equipment repair, overhaul, and fabrication facility.Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14) 

Academic Institutions

Name Location Department

Collaborating 

Project(s)

Arizona State University Tempe, AZ Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems 

Engineering

Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Analysis Tools 

for Assessment 

and Optimization of Process 

and Product 

Design (p. 37)

Catholic University Washington, DCDepartment of Mechanical Engineering Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

Colorado School of Mines Golden, 

CO

Division of Engineering Green’s Function Library for 

Advanced Materials Applications with Web 

Access (p. 41)

Drexel University Philadelphia, PADepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

Eindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven, The 

Netherlands

Department of Technology Management Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Government Agencies

Name Location Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

67

Fachhochschule Wiesbaden Weisbaden, 

Germany

Computer Science Department Standards for 

Exchange of 

Instrument Data 

and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data (p. 

43)

George Washington University Washington, DCDepartment of Engineering Management Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Process Specification Language (p. 27)

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)Atlanta, 

Georgia

Manufacturing Research Center Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Internet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

Harvard University Cambridge, MA

Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Integration of 

NIST Standard 

Reference Data 

into Information Networks 

(p. 41)

Indian Institute of Management 

Bangalore

Bangalore, 

India

Specializes in the field of management education for the 

highly competitive and varied businesses of the future.

Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

Institut Français de Mécanique 

Avancée

Aubiere, 

France

Advanced Production Systems Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Iowa State University Ames, 

Iowa

Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering 

Mechanics

Green’s Function Library for 

Advanced Materials Applications with Web 

Access (p. 41)

Long Island University Brooklyn, 

NY

Department of Chemistry Online Access 

to NIST Chemical Reference 

Data (p. 42)

Academic Institutions

Name Location Department

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

68

Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton, 

MI

Department of Mechanical Engineering Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Musashi University Tokyo, 

Japan

Department of Management Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Ohio University Athens, 

OH

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Pennsylvania State University State College, PAIndustrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Politechno di Milano Milano, 

Italy

Diportimento di Economia e Produzione Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Robert Wood Johnson Medical 

School

New Brunswick, NJDepartment of Pharmacology Web-Based Bioinformatics 

Databases (p. 

43)

Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJDepartment of Chemistry Web-Based Bioinformatics 

Databases (p. 

43)

Stanford University Palo Alto, 

CA

Computer Science Department Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

State University of New York Binghamton, NYDepartment of Systems, Sciences, and Industrial EngineeringInternet Commerce for Manufacturing (p. 

22)

Syracuse University Syracuse, 

NY

Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing EngineeringInformation 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Academic Institutions

Name Location Department

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

69

Université de Nancy Nancy, 

France

École Supérieure d'Informatique et Applications de LorraineProduction and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

University of Canterbury Christchurch, NZDepartment of Chemistry Online Access 

to NIST Chemical Reference 

Data (p. 42)

University of California San Diego, 

CA

San Diego Supercomputer Center Web-Based Bioinformatics 

Databases (p. 

43)

University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, 

OH

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and 

Computer Science

Framework (p. 

24)

University of Darmstadt Darmstadt, 

Germany

Industrial Applications Department Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14)

University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, 

UK

Artificial Intelligence Application Institute Process Specification Language (p. 27)

University of Illinois Chicago, 

IL

Department of Computer Science Operator Interfaces for Virtual 

and Distributed 

Manufacturing 

(p. 26)

University of Illinois Chicago, 

IL

Department of Mechanical Engineering Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Virtual Environments and Visualization for 

Manufacturing 

(p. 36)

University of Illinois at 

Urbana-Champaign

Urbana, IL Department of General Engineering Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

Academic Institutions

Name Location Department

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

70

University of Maryland College 

Park, MD

Department of Computer Science Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Process Specification Language (p. 27)

Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

University of Maryland College 

Park, MD

Department of Electrical Engineering Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

University of Maryland College 

Park, MD

Department of Mechanical Engineering Process Specification Language (p. 27)

Design - Process 

Planning Integration (DPPI) 

(p. 16)

University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyCatonsville, MDDepartment of Chemistry Online Access 

to NIST Chemical Reference 

Data (p. 42)

University of Melbourne Parkville, 

Victoria, 

Australia

School of Physics Integration of 

NIST Standard 

Reference Data 

into Information Networks 

(p. 41)

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 

MI

School of Information

Collaboratory for Research in Electronic Work (CREW)

NIST Manufacturing Collaboratory (p. 45)

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 

MI

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science DepartmentInformation 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

University of New Brunswick Saint John, 

NB, Canada

Department of Physical Sciences Integration of 

NIST Standard 

Reference Data 

into Information Networks 

(p. 41)

Academic Institutions

Name Location Department

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

71

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PACenter for Human Modeling and Simulation Virtual Environments and Visualization for 

Manufacturing 

(p. 36)

University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, 

PA

Department of Chemistry Web-Based Bioinformatics 

Databases (p. 

43)

University of Rochester Rochester, 

NY

Department of Mathematics Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

University of Tennessee Knoxville, 

TN

Department of Chemistry Online Access 

to NIST Chemical Reference 

Data (p. 42)

University of Texas Arlington, 

TX

Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems 

Engineering

Analysis Tools 

for Assessment 

and Optimization of Process 

and Product 

Design (p. 37)

University of Toronto Toronto, 

Canada

Enterprise Integration Laboratory Process Specification Language (p. 27)

Virginia Polytechnic University Blacksburg, VADepartment of Industrial and Systems Engineering Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

Washington State University Pullman, 

WA

School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Wayne State University Detroit, MI Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

Academic Institutions

Name Location Department

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

72

Standards Committees

Committee Organization Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)

ASTM/SC 

E49.08 

American Society for Testing 

and Materials

Analytical Data Interchange Protocols. Standards for 

Exchange of 

Instrument Data 

and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data (p. 

43)

ASTM/SC 

E49.52 

American Society for Testing 

and Materials

Computerization of Analytical Sciences Data. Standards for 

Exchange of 

Instrument Data 

and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data (p. 

43)

DATC/ECCI Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 

Professional society for advancing the theory and 

practice of electrical, electronics and computer 

engineering and computer science.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

IEC/TC3/SC3D International Electrotechnical 

Commission (IEC)

The role of IEC/TC3/SC3D is to prepare standards 

regarding methods and rules associated with the 

handling of information in computer-sensible form. 

This includes definition of data element types and 

data sets for use in information models and technical documentation, and for exchange of technical 

information.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

IEC/TC93/WG1 International Electrotechnical 

Commission (IEC)

The role of IEC/TC93/WG1 is to propose to TC 93 

an overall strategy and practical working approach 

for the harmonization and interoperability of electrotechnical data description standards.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

IEC/TC93/WG2 International Electrotechnical 

Commission (IEC)

The role of IEC/TC93/WG2 is to review the technical quality of hardware description language 

(HDL)-related draft standards developed by working groups of other standards group, the harmonization of HDL-related work done in other standards 

groups, and to make recommendations to allied 

standards groups such as the IEEE and EIAJ for 

development of new standards. 

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

IEC/TC93/WG3 International Electrotechnical 

Commission (IEC)

The role of IEC/TC93/WG3 is to develop an IEC 

Standard based on the EDIF Standard from the EIA 

(Electronic Industries Association) in the U.S. The 

coverage of this standard includes an exchange format for describing the connectivity of components 

in electronic and electrotechnical netlists and PC 

boards.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)
Collaborators

73

IEC/TC93/WG5 International Electrotechnical 

Commission (IEC)

The role of IEC/TC93/WG5 is to investigate test, 

validation, conformance and qualification methodologies for international standards for electrical and 

electronic product data exchange.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

Area Committee: AutomationNational Committee for Clinical Laboratory StandardsSubcommittee: System Status and Error and Exception Handling.Standards for 

Exchange of 

Instrument Data 

and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data (p. 

43)

Area Committee: AutomationNational Committee for Clinical Laboratory StandardsSubcommittee: Communications with Automated 

Systems.

Standards for 

Exchange of 

Instrument Data 

and NIST 

Chemical Reference Data (p. 

43)

TC29/WG34 International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Technical Committee: Small Tools.

Working Group: Carbide Cutting Tools.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

TC184/SC4 International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Technical Committee: Industrial Automation Systems and Integration.

Subcommittee: Industrial Data.

SC4 develops standards that provide capabilities to 

describe and manage product data throughout the 

life of the product. 

Application Protocol Development 

Environment 

(APDE) (p. 14)

TC184/SC4/

Quality Committee

International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Responsible for developing STEP methods and 

assessing the compliance of draft STEP parts with 

prescribed methods.

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

TC184/SC4/

WG3/ Ad Hoc 

Committee on 

Parametrics

International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

The role of the Parametrics Committee is to determine the need for parametric representations in 

STEP and related standards, and propose how techniques and models may be changed to meet those 

needs.

Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

TC184/SC4/

WG3/T7

International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Technical Committee: Industrial Automation Systems and Integration.

Subcommittee: Industrial Data.

Working Group: Product Modeling.

Team: Mechanical Product Definition.

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

Standards Committees

Committee Organization Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

74

TC184/SC4/

WG3/T11

International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Technical Committee: Industrial Automation Systems and Integration.

Subcommittee: Industrial Data.

Working Group: Product Modeling.

Team: Manufacturing Technology.

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

Reference 

Model Architecture (p. 31)

TC184/SC4/

WG3/T20

International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Technical Committee: Industrial Automation Systems and Integration.

Subcommittee: Industrial Data. 

Working Group: Product Modeling. 

Team: Process Plant Industries.

STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

TC184/SC4/

WG8

International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Technical Committee: Industrial Automation Systems and Integration.

Subcommittee: Industrial Data. 

Working Group: Industrial Manufacturing Management Data.

Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

TC184/SC4/

WG11

International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Technical Committee: Industrial Automation Systems and Integration.

Subcommittee: Industrial Data. 

Working Group: EXPRESS Language, Conformance, Testing, and Implementation Specifications.

STEP Conformance and 

Interoperability 

Testing (p. 33)

TC184/SC4/

JWG9

International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Technical Committee: Industrial Automation Systems and Integration.

Subcommittee: Industrial Data.

Joint (with IEC/TC-3) Working Group: Electrical 

Application.

Electronic Commerce for the 

Electronics 

Industry (ECEI) 

(p. 17)

TC213 International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO)

Dimensional and Geometrical Product Specifications and Verification.Information 

Exchange Protocols for Design 

(p. 20)

STEP Steering 

Committee

International Society for Measurement and Control (ISA)Develops the ISA STEP implementation plan and 

promotes the value of participation in the development of STEP APs.

STEP for the 

Process Plant 

Industries (p. 

35)

Standards Committees

Committee Organization Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
Collaborators

75

Manufacturing 

Domain task 

Force

Object Management Group Consortium dedicated to the development of technology and standards for distributed object systems.Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

Production and 

Product Data 

Management 

Applications (p. 

29)

OAG Integration Specification

Open Applications Group 

(OAG)

A nonprofit consortium of enterprise application 

software developers, formed in February 1995 to 

create common standards for the integration of 

enterprise business applications. Member companies are building specifications to standardize integration between enterprise business applications.

Enterprise 

Resource Planning Interfaces 

(ERP-I) (p. 19)

Standards Committees

Committee Organization Description

Collaborating 

Project(s)
FY97-98 Project Publications

76

Appendix C: FY97-98 Project Publications

IS1: Application Protocol Development Environment (APDE), (p. 14)

[8] Lubell, J., “The SC4 Short Names Registry”, Sixth International EXPRESS User Group Conference, Toronto,

Canada, October 1996.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9657.html

[9] Lubell, J., “SGML on the Web: A Tale of Two Sites”, Proceedings of SGML/XML '97, Washington, DC,

December 1997.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9755.html

[10] Lubell, J., “Structured Markup on the Web: A Tale of Two Sites”, Markup Technologies: Theory and

Practice, Vol 1, Issue 1-2, (to be published early 1999).

[11] Lubell, J., Phillips, L., “SGML Application Development: Tradeoffs and Choices”, SGML'96 Conference,

Boston, MA, November 1996. 

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9662.html 

IS2: Design - Process Planning Integration (DPPI), (p. 16)

[12] Feng, S., Qiao, L., “STEP AP213 Coverage Analysis”, NISTIR 6207, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, July 1998.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9814.html

[13] Feng, S., Zhang, C., “A Modular Architecture for Rapid Development of CAPP Systems for Agile

Manufacturing”, IIE Transactions Focused Issues on Design and Manufacturing, 1997.

[14] Nederbragt, W., Allen, R., Feng, S., Kaing, S., Sriram, R., Zhang, Y., “The NIST Design/Process Planning

Integration Project”, Proceedings of the Artificial Intelligence and Manufacturing Research Workshop,

Albuquerque, NM 1998.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9824.html

IS3: Electronic Commerce for the Electronics Industry (ECEI), (p. 17)

[15] McCaleb, M., “Design and Development of a Dictionary Translator”, NISTIR 6219, NIST, Gaithersburg,

MD, September 1998.

[16] McCaleb, M., “A Conceptual Datum Model of Datum Systems”, NIST Journal of Research, (awaiting

publication), NIST, Gaithersburg, MD.

[17] Nelson, S., Parks, C., “The Model Primary Content Type for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions”, RFC

2077, Internet Engineering Task Force, Network Working Group, January 1997

IS5: Information Exchange Protocols for Design, (p. 20)

[18] Allen, R., Sriram, R., (eds.) “Proceedings of the 1997 Knowledge-Based Interoperability Workshop”,

NISTIR 6111, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, 1998.

[19] Hart, P., Lyons, K., Angster, S., Jayaram, S., “Interoperability of Assembly Analysis Applications Through

the Use of the Open Assembly Design Environment”, Proceedings of the ASME DETC98 Conference,

Atlanta, GA, September 1998.

[20] Jayaram, S., Connacher, H., Lyons, K., “Virtual Assembly Using Virtual Reality Techniques”, Computeraided Design (29)8, 1997.

[21] Lyons, K., Jayaram, S., “Simulating Physical Constraints during Virtual Assembly using Constrained

Motions”, Proceedings of IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, 1997.
FY97-98 Project Publications

77

[22] Lyons, K., Rajan, V., Sreerangam, R., “Assembly Representations for Capturing Mating Constraints and

Component Kinematics”, Proceedings of ASME Conference, Marina Del Rey, CA, August 1997. 

[23] Lyons, K., Rajan, V., Sreerangam, R., “Generation of Component Degrees of Freedom from Assembly

Surface Mating Constraints”, Proceedings of 9th International ASME Conference on Design Theory and

Methodology (DTM - 97), Sacramento, CA, September 1997.

[24] Narahari, Y., Sudarsan, R., Lyons, K., Duffey, M., Sriram, R., “Design for Tolerance of Electro-Mechanical

Assemblies: An Integrated Approach”, NISTIR 6223, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, September 1998.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9823.html

[25] Pratt, M., “Extension of STEP for the Representation of Parametric and Variational Models”, in CAD System

Development, Proceedings of the International Workshop on CAD Tools for Products, Schloss Dagstuhl,

Germany, September 1995, Springer-Verlag 1997.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9629.html

[26] Pratt, M., Sriram, R., Wozny, M. (eds.), “Product Modelling for Computer Integrated Design and

Manufacture”, Proceedings of the 5th IFIP WG5.2 Workshop on Geometric Modelling, Airlie, VA, May

1996, Chapman & Hall, 1997.

[27] Pratt, M., “Provision of an Explicit Constraints Schema in the STEP Standard,” in Geometric Modelling:

Theory and Practice (W. Strasser, R. Klein & R. Rau, eds.), Conference proceedings, Blaubeuren, Germany,

October 1996; Springer-Verlag 1997.

[28] Pratt, M., “Progress and Problems in Extending the STEP Standard,” in Geometric Constraint Solving and

Applications (B. Bruederlin and D. Roller, eds.), Conference proceedings, Ilmenau, Germany, September

1997, Springer-Verlag (1998).

[29] Pratt, M., “Extension of the Standard ISO 10303 (STEP) for the Exchange of Parametric and Variational

CAD Models,” Proceedings of IFIP WG5.2/5.3 Conference PROLAMAT '98, Trento, Italy, September 1998.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9822.html

[30] Sudarsan, R., Narahari, Y., Lyons, K., Duffey, M., Sriram, R., “Design for Tolerance of Electro-mechanical

Assemblies”, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Leuven, Belgium, May 1998.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9802.html

[31] Sudarsan, R., Lyons, K., Narahari, Y., Duffey, M., “Design for Tolerance of Electro-mechanical

Assemblies”, 3rd National Seminar on Tolerancing and Assembly Modeling, Ann Arbor, MI, October 1997.

IS7: Framework, (p. 24)

[32] Barkmeyer, E., “SIMA Reference Architecture: Part 1, Activity Model”, NISTIR 5939, NIST, Gaithersburg,

MD, December 1996.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9722.html

[33] Bloom, H., Christopher, N., “A Framework for Discrete Parts Manufacturing”, Proceedings of CALS

Expo96, Long Beach, CA, October 1996.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9661.html

[34] Christopher, N., “NAMT Framework for Discrete Parts Manufacturing: Experience Report”, Plug and Play

Software for Agile Manufacturing: SPIE Photonics East '96 Symposium, Boston, MA, November 1996.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9670.html

[35] Christopher, N., Stewart, S., “NAMT Framework for Discrete Parts Manufacturing: Industrial Review

Roundtable '96”, NISTIR 5924, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, November 1996.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9668.html

[36] Flater, D., “CORBA: Lessons Learned in the NAMT Framework Demo”, January 1997

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidstaff/flater/llclean/
FY97-98 Project Publications

78

[37] Flater, D., Wallace, E., “Programmer's Guide to the 1996 Demo Executor”, NISTIR 5980, NIST,

Gaithersburg, MD, February 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9711.html

[38] Flater, D., Wallace, E., Barkmeyer, E., “State Models for Jobs and Controllers”, NISTIR 6037, NIST,

Gaithersburg, MD, July 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9733.html

[39] Flater, D., Barkmeyer, E., Wallace, E., Denno, P., Iuliano M., “CIM Framework Experience Report”, NISTIR

6057, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, August 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9745.html

[40] Flater, D., Barkmeyer, E., Wallace, E., “Four Models of Job Control”, International Journal of Computer

Integrated Manufacturing, September 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9751.html

[41] Mills, J., Christopher, N., et al., “Adaptive, Responsive Information Systems: A Next Generation

Manufacturing Imperative”, Next Generation Manufacturing Project Report, Volume II, Agility Forum,

January 1997.

[42] Moncarz, H., “Effective Communication Platforms”, NISTIR 5974, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, March 1997.

[43] Wallace, E., Clements, P., Wallnau, K., “Discovering a System Modernization Decision Framework: A Case

Study in Migrating to Distributed Object Technology”, Proceedings of the International Conference on

Software Maintenance, Monterey, CA, November 1996.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9614.html

[44] Wallnau, K., Wallace, E., “A Robust Evaluation of the Object Management Architecture: A Focused Case

Study in Legacy System Migration”, Proceedings of OOPSLA'96, San Jose, CA, October 1996.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9613.html

IS8: Operator Interfaces for Virtual and Distributed Manufacturing, (p. 26)

[45] Falco, J., Kent, E., “Virtual Manufacturing Tools for Collaborative Exploration of Hexapod Machine

Capabilities and Applications”, Proceedings of 1997 International CIRP Design Seminar, Los Angeles, CA,

October 1997.

Available: http://www.isd.cme.nist.gov/documents/falco/

IS9: Process Specification Language, (p. 27)

[46] Gruninger, M., Schlenoff, C., Knutilla, A., Ray, S., “Using Process Requirements as the Basis for the Creation

and Evaluation of Process Ontologies for Enterprise Modeling”, ACM SIGGROUP Bulletin, Vol. 18, No. 2,

August 1997.

[47] Knutilla, A., Schlenoff, C., Ray, S., Tate, A., Polyak S., Cheah, S., Anderson, R., “Process Specification

Language: An Analysis of Existing Representations”, NISTIR 6160, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, May 1998.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9807.html

[48] Moncarz, H., et al., “Proceedings of the First Process Information Technology (PIT) Workshop”, NISTIR

6206, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, July, 1998.

[49] Polyak, S., “Process Plan Representation Scenario”, Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute (AIAI),

Edinburgh, UK, March 1998. 

[50] Polyak, S., Aitken, S., “Manufacturing Process Interoperability Scenario”, AIAI-PR-86, Artificial

Intelligence Applications Institute (AIAI), Edinburgh, UK, June 1998.

[51] Polyak, S., Tate, A., “Analysis of Candidate PSL Process/Plan Representations,” AIAI-PR-66, Artificial

Intelligence Applications Institute (AIAI), Edinburgh, UK, February 1998. 
FY97-98 Project Publications

79

[52] Schlenoff, C., Ivester, R., Knutilla, A., “A Robust Ontology for Manufacturing Systems Integration”,

Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Engineering Design and Automation, Maui, HI, August

1998.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9804.html

[53] Schlenoff, C., Knutilla, A., Ray, S., “Requirements for Modeling Manufacturing Process”, Proceedings of the

Intelligent Systems: A Semiotic Perspective Conference, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, October 1996.

[54] Schlenoff, C., Knutilla, A., Ray, S., “Requirements for Modeling Manufacturing Process: A New

Perspective”, Proceedings of the 1997 Computers in Engineering Conference, Sacramento, CA, September

1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9732.html

[55] Schlenoff, C., Knutilla, A., Ray, S., “Unified Process Specification Language: Requirements for Modeling

Process”, NISTIR 5910, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, September 1996.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9660.html

[56] Schlenoff, C., Knutilla, A., Ray, S., “Proceedings of the Process Specification Language Roundtable”,

NISTIR 6081, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, October 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9752.html

IS10: Production and Product Data Management Applications, (p. 29)

[57] Bartolotta, A., McLean, C., Lee, Y.T., Jones, A., “Production Systems Engineering: Requirements Analysis

for Discrete-event Simulation”, NISTIR 6154, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, April 1998.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9806.html

[58] Ellis, K., Jones A., Lee, Y.T., “Requirements Analysis: Process Plan Specification - Workstation Level”,

NISTIR 6172, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, June 1998.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9812.html

[59] Iuliano, M., “The Role of Product Data Management in the Manufacturing Engineering Toolkit”, NISTIR

6042, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, August 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9736.html

[60] Iuliano, M., Jones, A., Feng, S., “Analysis of AP213 for Usage as a Process Plan Format”, NISTIR 5992,

NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, March 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9716.html

[61] Jones, A., Iuliano, M., “Controlling Activities in a Virtual Manufacturing Cell”, Proceedings of WSC’96

Conference, San Diego, CA, December 1996.

[62] Jones, A., Iuliano, M., “A Simulation-based Production Testbed”, Proceedings of Winter Simulation

Conference 1997, Atlanta, GA, December 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9743.html

[63] Jones, A., Iuliano, M., “A Virtual Manufacturing Testbed”, Proceedings of SMC '97, Orlando, FL, October

1997.

[64] Jones, A., McLean, C., “Industrial Need: Production Management Standards”, NISTIR 6058, NIST,

Gaithersburg, MD, September 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9748.html

[65] Jones, A., McLean, C., Leong, S., “A Virtual Production Testbed”, Proceedings of WCSS'97, Singapore,

September 1997.

[66] Jones, A., Rabelo, L., “Genetic Computing and Job Shop Scheduling”, Proceedings of Semiotics Conference,

Gaithersburg, MD, October 1996.
FY97-98 Project Publications

80

[67] Kaing, S., “Business Model for Document Classification and Workflow”, Ecole Supérieure d'Informatique et

Applications de Lorraine, Nancy, France, July 1997. 

[68] LeCapitaine, C., Riddick, F., Jones, A., “Production Management Standards: Requirements Analysis for

Shop Floor Status”, NISTIR 6123, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, March 1998.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9801.html

[69] Lee, Y.T., “Initial Manufacturing Exchange Specification (IMES): Requirement Analysis for the Plant

Layout Application”, NISTIR 6139, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, July 1998.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9805.html

[70] Ling, Z., “Assembly Modeling and Sequence Planning Based on the Kinematics of Features”, Proceedings

of the ASME 1996 Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Irvine, CA, 1996.

[71] Ling, Z., McLean, C., Zhou, X., “A Hybrid Assembly Process Planning System”, NISTIR 6070, NIST,

Gaithersburg, MD, September 1997.

[72] McLean, C., “Production System Engineering Using Virtual Manufacturing”, Proceedings of the 1997 World

Manufacturing Congress, Auckland, New Zealand, November 1997.

[73] McLean, C., “Tools and Techniques for Modeling Production Systems”, Strategic Management of the

Manufacturing Value Chain, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, MA, 1998.

[74] McLean, C., Leong, S., “Industrial Need: Production System Engineering Integration Standards”, NISTIR

6019, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, May 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9727.html

[75] Mungwattana, A., Shewchuk, J., Jones, A., “Validation and Simulation of Manufacturing Engineering Data”,

Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing,

Middlesbrough, U.K., June 1997.

[76] Riddick, F., “Using Simulation as a Proxy for a Real Shop Floor and Data Collection System”, Proceedings

of the Deneb 1997 Simulation Conference, Detroit, MI, September 1997. 

[77] Riddick, F., “Reactive Scheduling System Implementations Using a Simulated Shop Floor”, Proceedings of

IASTED Applied Modelling and Simulation Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, August 1998.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9816.html

[78] Riddick, F., “Using Simulation as a Proxy for a Real Shop Floor”, NISTIR 6173, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD,

May 1998.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9810.html

[79] Riddick, F., Loreau, A., “Models For Integrating Scheduling And Shop Floor Data Collection System”,

Proceedings of IASTED MIC'97, Innsbruck, Austria, February 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9710.html

[80] SEMATECH CIM Framework v1.5, SEMATECH TT #93061697H-ENG, June 1997.

[81] Umeda, S., Jones, A., “Simulation in Japan: State-of-the-Art Update”, NISTIR 6040, NIST, Gaithersburg,

MD, July 1997.

[82] Umeda, A., Jones, A., “Virtual Supply Chain Management: A Re-engineering Approach Using Discrete

Event Simulation”, Proceedings of the World Conference SCI’97, Caracas, Venezuela, July 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/msidlibrary/summary/9738.html

[83] Umeda, S., Jones, A., “Virtual Supply Chain System: A Testbed Using Discrete Event Simulation”,

Proceedings of 18th ASEM Conference, Virginia Beach, VA, October 1997.

[84] Umeda, S., Jones, A. “Virtual Supply Chain System: A Testbed System Using Discrete Event Simulation”,

Proceedings of American Society of Engineering Management Conference, Norfolk, VA, October 1997.
FY97-98 Project Publications

81

[85] Umeda, S., Morito, S., “Industrial Practices of Discrete Event Simulation in Japan - A Comprehensive

Survey”, Proceedings of WCSS '97, Singapore, September 1997.

IS11: Reference Model Architecture, (p. 31)

[86] Albus, J., DeClaris, N., Lacaze, A., Meystel, A., “Neural Network Based Planner/Learner for Control

Systems”, Proceedings of Intelligent Systems and Semiotics '97 Conference, Gaithersburg, MD, September

1997.

[87] Albus, J., Lacaze, A., Meystel, A., “Multi-resolutional Planning with Minimum Complexity”, Proceedings of

Intelligent Systems and Semiotic '97 Conference, Gaithersburg, MD, September 1997.

[88] Horst, J., Beichel, I., “A Simple Algorithm for Efficient Piecewise Linear Approximation of Space Curves”,

IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, Santa Barbara, October 1997.

[89] Horst, J., Messina, E., Kramer, T., Huang, H., “Precise Definition of Software Component Specifications”,

Proceedings of the 1997 IFAC Computer-Aided Control System Design Conference, Ghent, Belgium, April

1997.

Available: http://isd.cme.nist.gov/documents/horst/SCS.pdf

[90] Huang, H., Proctor, F., “An Open System Intelligent Manufacturing Architecture: the Concept and the

Approach”, 36th IEEE Conference of Decision and Control, San Diego, CA, December 1997.

[91] Huang, H., Proctor, F., “An Implementation Approach for an Intelligent Manufacturing Architecture”,

Proceedings of Intelligent Systems and Semiotics '97 Conference, Gaithersburg, MD, September 1997.

[92] Kramer, T., Proctor, F., Rippey, W., Scott, H., “The NIST DMIS Interpreter”, NISTIR 6012, NIST,

Gaithersburg, MD, April 1997.

Available: http://isd.cme.nist.gov/documents/kramer/DMIS.ps

[93] Meystel, A., Lacaze, A., “Introduction to Integrated Learning/Planning Paradigm”, Proceedings of Intelligent

Systems and Semiotics '97 Conference, Gaithersburg, MD, September 1997.

[94] Meystel, A., Lacaze, A., “Unified Learning/Planning Automation: Generating and Using Multigranular

Knowledge Hierarchies”, Proceedings of Intelligent Systems and Semiotic '97 Conference, Gaithersburg,

MD, September 1997.

[95] Senehi, M., Kramer T., “A Framework for Control Architectures”, International Journal of Computer

Integrated Manufacturing, Volume 11, Number 4, July-August 1998.

Available: http://www.isd.cme.nist.gov/documents/kramer/

IS12: STEP Conformance and Interoperability Testing, (p. 33)

[96] “Abstract Test Suite Development Guidelines”, SC4 Standing Document ISO/TC 184/SC4 N536.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/sc4/ndocs/archive/1997/

[97] Barnard, A., McKee, L., “Industrial Automation Systems and Integration. Product Data Representation and

Exchange. Part 203: Application Protocol: Configuration Controlled 3D Designs of Mechanical Parts and

Assemblies. TECHNICAL CORRIGENDUM 2”, ISO TC 184/SC4 N742 1998-06-22, July 1998.

[98] Denno, P., “Overview of NIST Expresso”, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, December, 1997.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidstaff/denno/nist-expresso.html

[99] Frechette, Simon, “Conformance and Interoperability Testing of STEP”, Proceedings of SIMA Tutorial

Conference, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, September 1998.

[100] Frechette, S., “STEP Implementation: Solid Model Exchange Results in the AutoSTEP Pilot Project”, 6th

Annual National Agility Conference, San Diego, CA, March 1997.

[101] Frechette, S., Montano, A., “Procedures for Product Data Exchange Using STEP in the AutoSTEP Project”,

Automotive Industry Action Group, Southfield, MI, April 1997.
FY97-98 Project Publications

82

IS13: STEP for the Process Plant Industries, (p. 35)

[102] Kline, S., Palmer, M., Appel, N., Gilbert, M., “Group 1 for the Process Engineering Data STEP Application

Protocol”, NISTIR 5909, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, October 1996.

Available: http://flame.cfr.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build96/art144.html

[103] Kline, S., Palmer, M., Appel, N., Gilbert, M., “Plant Spatial Configuration STEP Application Protocol”,

NISTIR 6005, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, March 1997.

Available: http://flame.cfr.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build96/art118.html

[104] Kline, S., Palmer, M., Fielding, J., Gilbert, M., Teague, T., Witherell, D., “Process Engineering Data STEP

Application Protocol, Version 1.0”, NISTIR 6200, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, June 1998.

[105] Palmer, M., Halford, J., “The PIEBASE Roadmap to Achieve the Industry Vision for Information Exchange

and Sharing”, Gaithersburg, MD, October 1997.

Available: http://flame.cfr.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build98/art007.html

IS14: Virtual Environments and Visualization for Manufacturing, (p. 36)

[106] Rajan, V., et al., “Simulation of Manual Assembly Tasks”, Proceedings 10 International IFIP WG5.2, WG5.3

Conference (PROLAMAT 98), Trento, Italy, September 1998.

[107] Ressler, S., Wang, Q., Bodarky, S., Sheppard, C., Seidman, G., “Using VRML to Access Manufacturing

Data”, Proceedings of VRML97 Second Symposium on the Virtual Reality Modeling Language, Monterey

CA, February 1997.

Available: http://www.nist.gov/itl/div894/ovrt/vrml97/html/vim.htm

[108] Ressler, S., Wang, Q., “Integrating Factory Floor and Human Simulations in a Portable Web-Based

Environment”, Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomic Society European Chapter, Bochum,

Germany, November 1997.

[109] Ressler, S., Wang, Q., “Making VRML Accessible for People with Disabilities”, Proceedings of ASSETS 98,

Marina Del Rey, CA, February 1998.

[110] Wang, Q., “Translating IGRIP Workcells into VRML2”, NISTIR 6076, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, September

1997.

IA4: Green’s Function Library for Advanced Materials Applications with Web Access, (p. 41)

[111] Lu, S., Weng, G., Pan, L., Rizzo, F., “Discretized Green’s Function Libraries for Elastodynamics and

Acoustics”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing and Engineering Science, Atlanta,

GA, October 1998.

[112] Pan, L., Adams, D., Rizzo, F., “BEM Analysis for Composite Materials and a Library of Green's Functions”,

Computers and Structures, Vol. 66, No. 5, March 1998

.IA5: Integration of NIST Standard Reference Data into Information Networks, (p. 41)

[113] Dalton, G., et al., “NIST Atomic Spectra Database”, Poster Papers, International Conference on Atomic and

Molecular Data and Their Applications, NIST Special Publication 926, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, August

1998.

[114] Dragoset, R., Mohr, P., Olsen, K., Saloman, E., Wiersma, G., and Zucker, D., “NIST Atomic and Molecular

Databases on the World Wide Web”, Poster Papers, International Conference on Atomic and Molecular Data

and Their Applications, NIST Special Publication 926, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, August 1998.

IA6: NIST Ceramics WebBook, (p. 42)

[115] Begley, E., Munro, R., “Web SCD Structural Ceramics Database”.

Available: http://www.ceramics.nist.gov/srd/scd/scdquery.htm
FY97-98 Project Publications

83

IA7: Online Access to NIST Chemical Reference Data, (p. 42)

[116] Mallard, W., Lindstrom, P., “NIST Chemistry Web Book”.

Available: http://webbook.nist.gov/

IA8: Standards for Exchange of Instrument Data and NIST Chemical Reference Data, (p. 43)

[117] Kramer, G., Grandsard, P., “An Inexpensive Video Signal Multiplexer for Multicamera Machine Vision in

Automated Analytical Laboratory Systems,” Laboratory Robotics and Automation, Vol. 10, 1998.

[118] Piotrowski, C., Richter, T., Schaefer, R., Kramer, G., “The System Capability Dataset for Laboratory

Automation System Integration,” Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation, in press.

[119] Salit, M., Griesmeyer, J., “System-Ready Behaviors for Integration”, Laboratory Robotics and Automation,

(9), 1997.

[120] Stab, T., Kramer, G., “The Device Capability Dataset: A Descriptive Approach to Laboratory Automation

System Integration Standards,” Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation, in press.
Program Products Newly Available in FY97-98

84

Appendix D: Program Products Newly Available in FY97-98

Software/Services

EXPRESS Web Server

The EXPRESS Web Server is a World Wide Web interface for standards developers creating specifications for STEP, 

the STandard for the Exchange of Product model data (officially ISO 10303). The Server enables users to run 

applications needed to build and populate EXPRESS specifications using a Web browser and without having to install 

and configure the applications locally. The Server also allows users to share EXPRESS specifications and data sets 

with one another, providing standards development teams with an infrastructure for collaboration.

Available: http://pitch.nist.gov/cgi-bin/sauder/express-server/server.cgi

Manufacturer’s CORBA Interface Testing Toolkit (MCITT)

The Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) supports the construction of distributed systems 

containing many components. These components can interact in complex ways, not necessarily conforming to a strict 

client-server model. This generality is necessary to enable many real-world systems to be built on a distributed 

architecture. However, it is also the reason why testing these systems is so difficult. Because each component can 

have complex dependencies on any number of other components, it is often impossible to test them in isolation. 

MCITT mitigates this problem by minimizing the amount of effort needed to produce simple emulations -- test 

servers -- that can be used to replace actual servers in a testing scenario. Once the behaviors important for a given 

scenario are specified, MCITT will automatically generate CORBA boilerplate code, memory management, and 

stubs for unused operations.

Available: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidstaff/flater/mcitt/

NIST Expresso version 1.5.1 (updated Beta-test version)

NIST Expresso is a language environment for the ISO EXPRESS language (ISO10303-11) providing tools to aid in 

the development and validation of EXPRESS information models and representative data sets. NIST Expresso is 

available as an executable that runs under Microsoft Windows 95 and NT operating systems. The downloadable PC 

executable allows the user to specify and incrementally modify his own EXPRESS information model for analysis 

and validation. It may also be used to build representative data sets for the subject schema.

Available: ftp://ftp.nist.gov/pub/mel/denno/beta/expresso1-5-1.exe 

STEP Conformance Testing System

The STEP conformance testing systems, or NITS (NIST-ITI Test System) is a WWW-based resource designed to 

support the testing needs of software application developers who are implementing STEP standards. Developers, and 

users as well, can access NITS and interactively execute tests on their implementations in order to ascertain the 

degree to which these implementations conform to a specific standard. Currently, NITS specifically provides for 

testing of implementations of the STEP standard for configuration controlled design (ISO SC4 203). NITS provides 

reference test case data and integrates independent test tools such as generators, analyzers, and recorders into a 

repeatable and traceable process. NITS also provides users a common interface for administrative support in 

collecting, organizing, and reviewing test results.

Available: http://frigg.erim.org:8080/nits
Program Products Newly Available in FY97-98

85

Standard Reference Databases2

XCOM: Photon Cross Sections Database, Berger, M., Hubbell, J.

A web database that can be used to calculate photon cross sections for scattering, photoelectric absorption and pair 

production, as well as total attenuation coefficients, for any element, compound or mixture (Z<100), at energies from 

1 keV to 100 GeV.

Available: http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/Xcom/Text/XCOM.html

X-Ray Form Factor, Attenuation and Scattering Tabulation, Chantler, C.

The primary interactions of x-rays with isolated atoms from Z = 1 (hydrogen) to Z = 92 (uranium) are described and 

computed within a self-consistent Dirac-Hartree-Fock framework. This has general application across the range of 

energy from 1 eV-10 eV to 400 keV-1000 keV, with limitations as the low- and high-energy extremes are approached. 

Tabulations are provided for the f1 and f2 components of the form factors, together with the photoelectric attenuation 

coefficient for the atom, μ, and the value for the K-shell, μK, as functions of energy and wavelength. Also provided 

are estimated correction factors as described in the text, conversion factors, and a simple estimate for the sum of the 

scattering contributions (from an isolated atom).

Available: http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/FFast/Text/cover.html

Fundamental Physical Constants Database, Cohen, E., Taylor, B.

This site addresses three topics: fundamental physical constants, the International System of Units (SI), which is the 

modern metric system, and expressing the uncertainty of measurement results. Both essential information and 

background information are given for each topic.

Available: http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Constants/index.html

Electron-Impact Ionization Cross Section Database, Kim, Y., Rudd, M.

This is a database primarily of total ionization cross sections of molecules by electron impact. The database also 

includes cross sections for a small number of atoms and energy distributions of ejected electrons for H, He, and H2. 

The cross sections were calculated using the Binary-Encounter-Bethe (BEB) model, which combines the Mott cross 

section with the high-incident energy behavior of the Bethe cross section. Selected experimental data are included.

Available: http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/Ionization/Xsection.html

NIST Chemistry WebBook, Mallard, W., Linstrom, P.

The WebBook provided access to the full array of data compiled and distributed by NIST under the Standard 

Reference Data Program, including thermochemical data for over 5000 organic and small inorganic compounds, 

reaction thermochemistry data for over 8000 reactions, infrared spectra for over 5000 compounds, and 

thermophysical property data for 16 fluids.

Available: http://webbook.nist.gov/

Ground Levels and Ionization Energies for the Neutral Atoms, Martin, W., Musgrove, A.

The ionization energies in the table are based on a recent survey of the literature. A reference to one or another data 

compilation is given for a number of elements; the cited compilation gives the reference(s) for the original ionizationenergy data. The uncertainties are mainly in the range from less than one to several units in the last decimal place, but 

a few of the values may be in error by 20 or more units in the final place; i.e., the error of some of the two place values 

could be greater than 0.2 eV. Estimated uncertainties of the ionization energies are usually given in the references. 

Although no more than four decimal places are given, the accuracies of some of the better known values would, in eV 

units, be limited only by the uncertainty in the conversion factor, 1.239 842 44(37) ∞ 10-4 eV/cm-1.

Available: http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/IonEnergy/ionEnergy.html

2. More information on Standard Reference Data products can be found at http://www.nist.gov/srd/.
References

86

Radionuclide Half-Life Measurements Made at NIST, Unterweger, M., Hoppes, D., Schima, F.

The half lives of many radionuclides have been measured in the Radioactivity Group of NIST over the last three 

decades. The results of these measurements for many long-lived radionuclides, such as 60Co, 137Cs, 85Kr, 22Na,

133Ba, 207Bi, 152Eu, 154Eu, 155Eu, and 125Sb have been recently revised. The results for the half lives of the many 

radionuclides measured over the last three decades are tabulated. The table is the revised listing of the half lives 

determined at NIST since 1967 and supersedes the table presented in NBS Special Publication 626 [D.D. Hoppes and 

F.J. Schima, ed. (1982), p. 85]. The half lives of radionuclides not previously reported are noted as well as those 

which have been significantly revised. The revised values for the half lives of various “short-lived” radionuclides 

arise from improved impurity analysis, incorporation of additional data from new sources, and reevaluation of old 

data.

Available: http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/Halflife/halflife.html