Innovation In Analogical Design: A Model-Based Approach

Analogical reasoning, it is commonly accepted, plays an important role in innovation and creativity. Since design often is innovative, and can be creative, the design task provides a good context for exploring the role of analogy in innovation and creativity. In the IDEAL project, we are exploring the processes of innovation and creativity in the context of conceptual (or preliminary, qualitative) design of physical devices. In particular, we are developing a model-based approach to innovation and creativity in analogical design: our core hypothesis is that innovative analogical design involves both reasoning from past experiences in designing devices (in the form of analogs or cases) and comprehension of how those devices work (in the form of device models or theories). In this paper, we focus on the issues of understanding feedback on the performance of a design, discovery of new design constraints, and reformulation of the design problem, and describe how the model-based approach..

From diagrams to models by analogical transfer

Abstract. We present a method for constructing a teleological model of a drawing of a physical device through analogical transfer of the teleological model of the same device in an almost identical drawing. A source case, in this method, contains both a 2-D vector-graphics line drawing of a physical device and a teleological model of the device called a Drawing-Shape-Structure-Behavior-Function (DSSBF) model that relates shapes and spatial relations in the drawing to specifications of the structure, behavior and function of the device. Given an almost identical target 2-D vector-graphics line drawing as input, we describe how an agent may align the two drawings, and transfer the relevant structural, behavioral and functional elements over to the target drawing. We also describe how the DSSBF model of the source drawing guides the alignment of the two drawings. The Archytas system implements this method in domain of kinematic devices that convert translational motion into rotational motion, such as a piston and crankshaft device.

Automating the software inspection process

Inspection is widely believed to be the most cost-effective method for detecting defects in documents produced during the software development lifecycle. However, it is by its very nature a labour intensive process. This has led to work on computer support for the process which should increase the efficiency and effectiveness beyond what is currently possible with a solely manual process. In this paper, we first of all describe current approaches to automation of the inspection process. There are four main areas of inspection which have been the target for computer support: document handling, individual preparation, meeting support and metrics collection. We then describe five tools which have been developed to support the inspection process and compare the capabilities of these tools. This is followed by a fuller discussion of the features which could be provided by computer support for inspection and the gains that may be achieved by using such support