The importance of the application of an integrated interactive computing structure for CAD/CAM is now becoming widely recognized. Some major technological obstacles remain with respect to geometric modeling, data base management systems, and computer operating systems in particular. The prognosis for the solution of these problems is discussed; special attention is given to the impact of the NASA IPAD project, the Air Force ICAM program; and the possible long-range effects of the proliferation of minicomputer-based interactive drafting and other systems are examined.
