Design Simplification By Analogical Reasoning

PhD Proposal Presentation

Marton Balazs
WPI Computer Science Department

Colloquium & AIRG/AIDG Presentation
Thursday, December 11, 1997
11 a.m.
Salisbury Labs 121

This research is concerned with the representations and reasoning required for Design Simplification. A design can be considered as simpler than another for a variety of reasons, such as shape, use, or ease of assembly, for example. Simplification, as a consequence, can be done with a variety of goals. In addition, simplification can be done in a variety of ways. For example, simplifications might be searched for (i.e., reasoned out) or retrieved (e.g., using case-based reasoning).

We consider design represented as Function, plus Behavior, plus Structure. Structure is represented in terms of attributes, components and relations between components. Behavior is represented as state transition graphs, and causal chains. Function is represented as sets of inputs and outputs. Simplifications may be made at each of these levels, with possible consequences for the other levels of the representation.

We propose doing design simplification by Analogy with stored simplifications.

In addition to the obvious benefits of any new research results, better understanding of the simplification of designs might eventually lead to the important consequence of cheaper, better designed products.

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