Benchmarking an interdisciplinary concurrent design methodology for electronic mechanical systems

Abstract: "The paper describes the evolution of an Interdisciplinary Concurrent Design Methodology (ICDM) and the metrics used to compare four generations of wearable computer artifacts produced by the methodology at each stage of ICDM's growth. The product cycle is defined, its phases, and the design information representation for each phase. Six generic axes of design activity are defined, and the concept of benchmarking a complete design methodology using these axes is introduced. In addition an approach for measuring design complexity is proposed. When applied to the four generations of the CMU wearable computers, the ICDM has demonstrated two orders of magnitude increase in design and efficiency.

Concurrent design and analysis of the Navigator wearable computer system : the thermal perspective

Abstract: "This paper describes the concurrent design of a wearable computer, called the Navigator. The design effort for the Navigator involved nineteen designers, representing a variety of engineering disciplines. The evolution of the design is described, with particular emphasis placed upon the role of the thermal design group in the overall design process. Furthermore, the particular challenges associated with the concurrent thermal management of wearable computer systems are outlined.

Analytical models for predicting performance in human-computer interaction

Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is an integral part of computer programming. Key issues in HCI design include specification of system performance expectations, analysis of performance predictions and evaluation of performance after implementation. Keystroke models provide reliable predictions of alternative system designs but require complete implementation or specification of the system. Simulation models, on the other hand, have promise as diagnostic tools in early stages of system design

Development of software for solving systems of nonlinear equations

technical repor

Combining nominal and continuous properties in an incremental learning system for design

Abstract: "Research in machine learning has produced many learning algorithms mainly for classification tasks. This paper reports on an extension made to the learning program COBWEB to allow it to handle examples described by a more complex description language. The paper describes Bridger, a system that implements this, as well as other extensions. Bridger, combines learning and performance in design tasks. The extension implemented has been tested succes[s]fully in four design domains. This extension and others are necessary for allowing Bridger to master design rather than simple classification tasks.

Automatic selection of examples for training a learning design system

Abstract: "It has been observed that a careful selection of training examples improves the performance of supervised concept learning systems. This observation is important when examples are not available and are expensive to generate, or when using incremental learning systems. These two reasons are manifested in the context of BRIDGER, a system that learns to design cable-stayed bridges. This paper describes example selection techniques for the concept formation system ECOBWEB --the system that is used to acquire the synthesis knowledge in BRIDGER. The approach was implemented and tested. Preliminary results show that small improvements in synthesis performance can be obtained by using the new technique.

The value of design knowledge

Abstract: "The quality of design knowledge a system has substantially influences its performance; good quality design knowledge is a true asset. Often, the terms knowledge, its quality, and how it is measured, are left vague enough to accommodate several interpretations. This paper articulates two definitions of knowledge and their associated measures. A detailed example of knowledge evaluation using the measures is described. The example demonstrates the value of knowledge quality evaluation. This value is an addition to the methodological function that evaluation provides. Finally, the paper briefly discusses the scope of the measures and their relationships.

Documenting the current pollution patterns on the Cathedral of Learning

Abstract: "During the summer of 1994, as part of the Careers in Science and Applied Technology (CAST) program, seven high school students and an elementary school teacher worked together to document the current pollution patterns on the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus. This report presents the results of their research in which they used surveying, sketching and photography to document the pollution patterns. They also recorded their data in an AutoCAD model of the Cathedral. This project was part of a larger study being done for the National Park Service on Acid Deposition on Limestone Buildings. The project was also sponsored by the Engineering Design Research Center under the Green Design initiative.

Concurrent design

Abstract: "Given the initial functional specifications for a product, a designer must create the description of a physical device that meets those requirements. The final design must simultaneously meet cost and quality requirements as well as meet the constraints imposed by activities such as manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. Mechanical designs are often composed of highly-integrated, tightly-coupled components where the interactions are essential to the behavior and economic execution of the design. Therefore, concurrent rather than sequential consideration of requirements, such as structural, thermal, and manufacturing constraints, will result in superior designs.Our goal is to create a computer-based design system that will enable a designer to concurrently consider the interactions and trade-offs among different, and even conflicting, requirements. We are creating a system that surrounds the designer with experts and advisors that provide continuous feedback based on incremental analysis of the design as it evolves. These experts and advisors, called perspectives, can generate comments on the design (e.g. comment on its manufacturability), information that becomes part of the design (e.g. stresses), and portions of the geometry (e.g. the shape of an airfoil).However, the perspectives are not just a sophisticated toolbox for the designer, rather they are a group of advisors who interact with one another and with the designer. This paper presents an overview of a body of research that has resulted from the multi-disciplinary group that is creating this design system. The research falls into four broad categories: geometric modeling, features, constraints, and system architecture.

The ecological impact of batteries

Abstract: "There is still much that needs to be known about the specific problems that are presented to the ecosystem as a result of battery disposal in landfills. This report explores the various effects that the toxic metals in batteries (specifically mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, and lithium) have on the entire ecosystem, detailing the damages that these metals may cause to the human body. The most predominant effects that these metals have on humans include neurological damage, kidney damage, birth defects, and cancer. Next, lithium-based battery technology is explored, highlighting the development of these batteries and the various applications they are used for. An assessment of the risks that lithium battery disposal poses to the environment is also performed, using estimated lithium battery consumption information. The environmental policies of the United States, Europe and industry are described as well.