1,348 research outputs found
Automating the transformation-based analysis of visual languages
The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00165-009-0114-yWe present a novel approach for the automatic generation of model-to-model transformations given a description of the operational semantics of the source language in the form of graph transformation rules. The approach is geared to the generation of transformations from Domain-Specific Visual Languages (DSVLs) into semantic domains with an explicit notion of transition, like for example Petri nets. The generated transformation is expressed in the form of operational triple graph grammar rules that transform the static information (initial model) and the dynamics (source rules and their execution control structure). We illustrate these techniques with a DSVL in the domain of production systems, for which we generate a transformation into Petri nets. We also tackle the description of timing aspects in graph transformation rules, and its analysis through their automatic translation into Time Petri netsWork sponsored by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, project METEORIC (TIN2008-02081/TIN) and by the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
On Folding and Twisting (and whatknot): towards a characterization of workspaces in syntax
Syntactic theory has traditionally adopted a constructivist approach, in
which a set of atomic elements are manipulated by combinatory operations to
yield derived, complex elements. Syntactic structure is thus seen as the result
or discrete recursive combinatorics over lexical items which get assembled into
phrases, which are themselves combined to form sentences. This view is common
to European and American structuralism (e.g., Benveniste, 1971; Hockett, 1958)
and different incarnations of generative grammar, transformational and
non-transformational (Chomsky, 1956, 1995; and Kaplan & Bresnan, 1982; Gazdar,
1982). Since at least Uriagereka (2002), there has been some attention paid to
the fact that syntactic operations must apply somewhere, particularly when
copying and movement operations are considered. Contemporary syntactic theory
has thus somewhat acknowledged the importance of formalizing aspects of the
spaces in which elements are manipulated, but it is still a vastly
underexplored area. In this paper we explore the consequences of
conceptualizing syntax as a set of topological operations applying over spaces
rather than over discrete elements. We argue that there are empirical
advantages in such a view for the treatment of long-distance dependencies and
cross-derivational dependencies: constraints on possible configurations emerge
from the dynamics of the system.Comment: Manuscript. Do not cite without permission. Comments welcom
Modelling and Analysis Using GROOVE
In this paper we present case studies that describe how the graph transformation tool GROOVE has been used to model problems from a wide variety of domains. These case studies highlight the wide applicability of GROOVE in particular, and of graph transformation in general. They also give concrete templates for using GROOVE in practice. Furthermore, we use the case studies to analyse the main strong and weak points of GROOVE
Computer-aided exploration of architectural design spaces: a digital sketchbook
Het ontwerpproces van architecten vormt vaak geen lineair pad van ontwerpopgave tot eindresultaat, maar wordt veeleer gekenmerkt door exploratie of het doorzoeken van meerdere alternatieven in een (conceptuele) ontwerpruimte. Dit proces wordt in de praktijk vaak ondersteund door manueel schetsen, waarbij de ontwerpers schetsboek kan gelezen worden als een reeks exploraties. Dit soort interactie met de ontwerpruimte wordt in veel mindere mate ondersteund door hedendaagse computerondersteunde ontwerpsystemen. De metafoor van een digitaal schetsboek, waarbij menselijke exploratie wordt versterkt door de (reken)kracht van een computer, is het centrale onderzoeksthema van dit proefschrift. Hoewel het opzet van een ontwerpruimte op het eerste gezicht schatplichtig lijkt aan het onderzoeksveld van de artificiële intelligentie (AI), wordt het ontwerpen hier ruimer geïnterpreteerd dan het oplossen van problemen. Als onderzoeksmethodologie worden vormengrammatica’s ingezet, die enerzijds nauw aanleunen bij de AI en een formeel raamwerk bieden voor de exploratie van ontwerpruimtes, maar tegelijkertijd ook weerstand bieden tegen de AI en een vorm van visueel denken en ambiguïteit toelaten. De twee bijhorende onderzoeksvragen zijn hoe deze vormengrammatica’s digitaal kunnen worden gerepresenteerd, en op welke manier de ontwerper-computer interactie kan gebeuren. De resultaten van deze twee onderzoeksvragen vormen de basis van een nieuw hulpmiddel voor architecten: het digitaal schetsboek
Loops and Knots as Topoi of Substance. Spinoza Revisited
The relationship between modern philosophy and physics is discussed. It is
shown that the latter develops some need for a modernized metaphysics which
shows up as an ultima philosophia of considerable heuristic value, rather than
as the prima philosophia in the Aristotelian sense as it had been intended, in
the first place. It is shown then, that it is the philosophy of Spinoza in
fact, that can still serve as a paradigm for such an approach. In particular,
Spinoza's concept of infinite substance is compared with the philosophical
implications of the foundational aspects of modern physical theory. Various
connotations of sub-stance are discussed within pre-geometric theories,
especially with a view to the role of spin networks within quantum gravity. It
is found to be useful to intro-duce a separation into physics then, so as to
differ between foundational and empirical theories, respectively. This leads to
a straightforward connection bet-ween foundational theories and speculative
philosophy on the one hand, and between empirical theories and sceptical
philosophy on the other. This might help in the end, to clarify some recent
problems, such as the absence of time and causality at a fundamental level. It
is implied that recent results relating to topos theory might open the way
towards eventually deriving logic from physics, and also towards a possible
transition from logic to hermeneutic.Comment: 42 page
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Rules for Making: Kinematic Design, Shape and Structure
The thesis examines the role of making rules, within the creative exploration of kinematic design spaces. As a process of searching within a conceptual space, creative exploration can be described using rules. When applied to design, this model for creativity affords the application of computational techniques.
In shape grammars, shape rules for ‘seeing’ and ‘doing’ apply a descriptive approach to the visual recognition, composition and modification of pictorial representations. This formalism can provide generative specifications and reveal the synthetic reasoning underlying iterative trajectories of design development. Making rules extend this approach to the tactile-visual representations of physical models and prototypes. When instantiating design representations within the material world, actions to construct and alter descriptions are grounded in material algebras.
This thesis has a focus in Kinematics, where physical models provide a synthetic alternative to analytic techniques for modelling motions. In this context, making rules describe how to construct designs, make alterations, and manipulate models. Kinematic connections afford variable spatial relations between kinematic parts, and rules for physically manipulating models elicit their motions.
Single closed-loop kinematic chains with full cycle mobility provide case studies for experimenting with making rules in design exploration, using both physical models and abstract geometric descriptions. An existing design creates a point of entry, where rules then afford the exploration of a surrounding kinematic design space. Applying alterations and transformations to physical models can identify the boundaries within which kinematic properties are preserved.
The experimental cases inform theoretical development of exploratory making, with special reference to the variable spatial relations in kinematic designs and the integration of visual and tactile sensing. The main conclusion is that: as making rules construct models, rules are abstracted into schema by comparing properties of similar designs. The schema explain the results of exploration, initiating new explorations and new designs
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