Abstract: An information management device includes an encoding unit configured to encode item information, context information, instruction information, dependency constraint information, and mutual relationship information, and a calculation unit configured to calculate solutions of configurations based on the encoded mutual relationship information using propositional logic expressions. The item information identifies items, the context information identifies processes that change items from one state to another, and the instruction information relates to instructions or approvals for executing or modifying items and/or processes. The dependency constraint information specifies configurations and relationships among the item information, context information, and instruction information, and the mutual relationship information represents relationships determined based on the dependency constraint information.

Abstract: A knowledge model of CAD knowledge may be created using a modeling language such as SysML to improve maintainability and re-usability of knowledge, thereby reducing workload. The SysML knowledge model may be stored in a knowledge repository coupled to a knowledge server. The SysML knowledge model may be accessed through the knowledge server. The SysML knowledge model may be associated with elements of a CAD model, and one or more elements of the CAD model may be linked to one or more corresponding elements in the knowledge model. Thus, when a value of one or more elements is changed in the knowledge model, the results of the change are updated substantially immediately in both the CAD model and the knowledge model and other applications using the knowledge model.