System for forming automatic production line control data

An automatic production line control dam forming system for use in a production, design, control and preparation system for a production line, said system comprising:

• a process planning system for inputting an article producing plan and for performing a process planning operation in accordance with said input article producing plan, said process planning system including:
• a drawing inputting section for processing part drawings provided in said article producing plan to form part models;
• a solid modeler for forming three-dimensional configuration data;
• memory means for storing databases concerning production machines and materials;
• and
• a process planning expert system, responsive to said part drawings, said configuration data, and said memory means for determining said process plan;
• a production scheduling system for forming a schedule for a given period of time in accordance with said article producing plan and said process plan;
• an automatic programming system for forming programs for production machines;
• and
• means for converting configuration data and predetermined information provided in said process plan into a format suitable for use by said automatic programming system, and transmitting said converted data to said automatic programming system, wherein said automatic programming system uses said converted data received from said means for converting to form said programs.