A framework of web-based conceptual design

A web-based conceptual design prototype system is presented. The system consists of four parts which interpret on-line sketches as 2D and 3D geometry, extract 3D hierarchical configurations, allow editing of component behaviours, and produce VRML-based behavioural simulations for design verification and web-based application. In the first part, on-line freehand sketched input is interpreted as 2D and 3D geometry, which geometrically represents conceptual design. The system then infers 3D configuration by analysing 3D modelling history. The configuration is described by a parent–child hierarchical relationship and relative positions between two geometric components. The positioning information is computed with respect to the VRML97 specification. In order to verify the conceptual design of a product, the behaviours can be specified interactively on different components. Finally, the system creates VRML97 formatted files for behavioural simulation and collaborative design application over the Internet. The paper gives examples of web-based applications. This work forms a part of a research project into the design and establishing of modular machines for automation manufacture. A consortium of leading automotive companies is collaborating on the research project

Network Test Automation Based on Network Model

This disclosure describes techniques for automated testing of network designs. A representation of a network model is extended to store additional information usable to configure a test process. Based on the model information, test code is automatically generated and utilized in automated testing of the network design. Each entity in a network graph is associated with attributes that include information about the entity and configuration templates that are pertinent to a relationship between the entity and one or more entities. Each relationship is also associated with one or more attributes including verification templates, whether the relationship is testable, and a relative dependency order of the relationship. Topology information is derived from a selected network model or sub-model. Test code is generated for each relationship using its configuration map and verification map. A code generator is implemented to generate code for a specified test framework

On Verification Modelling of Embedded Systems

Computer-aided verification of embedded systems hinges on the availability of good verification models of the systems at hand. Such models must be much simpler than full design models or specifications to be of practical value, because of the unavoidable combinatorial complexities in the verification of any non-trivial system. Good verification models, therefore, are lean and mean, and cannot be obtained easily or generated automatically. Current research, however, seems to take the construction of verification models more or less for granted, although their development typically requires a coordinated integration of the experience, intuition and creativity of verification and domain experts. We argue that there is a great need for systematic methods for the construction of verification models to move on, and leave the current stage that can be characterised as that of model hacking. The ad-hoc construction of verification models obscures the relationship between models and the systems that they represent, and undermines the reliability and relevance of the verification results that are obtained. We propose some ingredients for a solution to this problem

COMPUTER AIDED TOLERANCING BASED ON ANALYSIS AND SYNTHETIZES OF TOLERANCES METHOD

International audienceThe tolerancing step has a great importance in the design process. It characterises the relationship between the different sectors of the product life cycle: Design, Manufacturing and Control. We can distinguish several methods to assist the tolerancing process in the design. Based on arithmetic and statistical method, this paper presents a new approach of analysis and verification of tolerances. The chosen approach is based on the Worst Case Method as an arithmetic method and Monte Carlo method as a statistical method. In this paper, we compare these methods and we present our main approach, which is validated using an example of 1 D tolerancing

Generic Feasibility of Perfect Reconstruction with Short FIR Filters in Multi-channel Systems

We study the feasibility of short finite impulse response (FIR) synthesis for perfect reconstruction (PR) in generic FIR filter banks. Among all PR synthesis banks, we focus on the one with the minimum filter length. For filter banks with oversampling factors of at least two, we provide prescriptions for the shortest filter length of the synthesis bank that would guarantee PR almost surely. The prescribed length is as short or shorter than the analysis filters and has an approximate inverse relationship with the oversampling factor. Our results are in form of necessary and sufficient statements that hold generically, hence only fail for elaborately-designed nongeneric examples. We provide extensive numerical verification of the theoretical results and demonstrate that the gap between the derived filter length prescriptions and the true minimum is small. The results have potential applications in synthesis FB design problems, where the analysis bank is given, and for analysis of fundamental limitations in blind signals reconstruction from data collected by unknown subsampled multi-channel systems.Comment: Manuscript submitted to IEEE Transactions on Signal Processin

Multilevel governance challenges in transitioning towards a national approach for REDD+:Evidence from 23 subnational REDD+ initiatives

Although REDD+ was conceived as a national approach to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, many of the early advances have been at the subnational level. It is critical to link these subnational efforts to emerging national REDD+ frameworks, including with respect to finance and benefit distribution, setting reference levels, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV), land policy and safeguards. We use evidence from interviews with proponents from 23 subnational REDD+ initiatives in six countries to characterize the multilevel governance challenges for REDD+. We analyse the differences in perceived challenges between subnational jurisdictional programs and project-based initiatives, and then analyse proponents’ perceptions of the relationship between government policies at multiple levels and these REDD+ initiatives. We find important multilevel governance challenges related to vertical coordination and information sharing and horizontal and inter-sectoral tensions, as well as concerns over accountability, equity and justice. Though the shift to a nested, jurisdictional or national REDD+ is sometimes approached as a technical design issue, this must be accompanied by an understanding of the interests and power relations among actors at different levels. We outline challenges and suggest priority areas for future research and policy, as countries move towards a national REDD+ system