University of Strathclyde
CAD Centre
Alex H B Duffy
Director, CAD CentreDesign, Manufacture and Engineering Management (DMEM)
Glasgow G1 1XJ
URL: http://www.cad.strath.ac.uk/
Contents Background Research Focus and Evolution Research Strategy
o Approacho Methodologyo Hypothesis Validation
Design Research Output Computational Research Output Close
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
History1982 - Research in artificial intelligence in design
1985 - Established• Faculty service and support• MSc/PgD in Computer Aided Engineering Design
1989 - Merged with Department of Design Manufacture and
Engineering Management
1997 - Introduced MSc/PgD in Integrated Product Development
• 5 EPSRC studentships
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Teaching programmesPh.Ds & M.Phils in:
Design and CAD
M.Sc/Pg.Ds in:•Computer Aided Engineering Design•Engineering Product Design (2002/03)•Integrated Product Development
M.Eng/B.Eng:Design Computing (2002/03)
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Collaboration
Academic Collaboration:Europe, Israel, Japan, Slovenia, UK.
Industrial Collaboration (over 40 companies including):
Babcock Engineering ServicesBAE Systems Operations - Marine & Regional Aircraft.Begg Cousland and Company Ltd, Glasgow, UKInstitute of Product Development, Lyngby, DK;Glasgow City Council, Glasgow, UK.Lucidus Management Technologies, UK.Thales, St. Asaph and Glasgow, UK.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
PeopleAcademic Staff: Dr Alex Duffy, Mr Bill Ion,
Prof Neal Juster, Dr Avril Thomson,
Dr Xiu Tian Yan
Academic Related: 3 STA
Research Staff: 4 Ras
PG Registration: PhD 20
M.Phil 7
MSc/PgD CAED 18
MSc/PgD IPD 12
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Research
Overall objective:
To develop a fully integrated computing environment
that supports design and its management based upon
fundamental knowledge of design.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre Intelligent Design
Assistant (IDA)
A system that is able to act as an
assistant to a designer, giving
guidance, answering queries,
analysing “what-if” scenarios,
making suggestions, and acting
as an expert colleague.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre IDA - 1984
“Intelligent interface”
Designer:
IDA: Control Define Direct Inquire Judge Question Specify
Adapt Calculate Evolve Explain Guide Learn Model
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
IDA IDA IDA IDAIDA IDA IDA IDA
Team Manager
-AI and Knowledge Based Techniques
Team ManagerTeam Manager
- Design Co-ordination, Management and PerformanceCommon
Model
Prototypes
ConceptModels
Pas
tD
esig
nsD
esignM
odel
Integrated Design Environment (IDE) - 1984
Pas
tD
esig
ns
Prototypes
ConceptModels
Design
Model
CommonModel
- Product & Knowledge Modelling
- Design Re-use & Machine Learning
Research Evolution
1982 1986 1990 1994 1998
Spatialdesign
DesignLearning
CustomisedViewpoints
Layout re-use& synthesis
Learningin Design
DesignManagement
Scheduling
DesignCo-ordination
Method/ToolUtilisation
DesignPerformance
GeometricConceptualisation
GeometricAbstraction
ConfigurationPhase - 1
ConfigurationPhase -2Functionality
Concep’tn& Synthesis
ConceptRe-use
Design K.Modelling
Numericaldesign
IDA/IDE
ConceptModelling
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre Strategy
Analyse current and anticipated
needs
Identify key areas for improvement or
fundamental research
Carry out research and evaluate
results
Develop and use a sound research
approach
Combine practical with fundamental
(blue sky) research
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50% of Total Ideal
IdealCurrent
DesignPerformance Audit Tool Identified Key Target Areas
Bulletin board
Info transparency
Inter/intranetLANs
Multimedia
Project room
Models in and of Design
Phenomenamodel
Proc.A Proc.B
Informationmodel
A
E ER
AA A
A
IDA / IDE
Research Strategy
Research Strategy
Research Strategy
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Reality
Computermodel/tools
Phenomena
model/tools
Informationmodel/tools
Computer
model/tools
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
Research framework
Envisaged Reality
Phenomenamodel/tools
Proc. A Proc. B
Informationmodel/tools
A
E ER
A
A AA
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Design Research Areas
Design
Management
Design Methods
Design Re-use
Mechatronics
Performance
Improvement
Process Modelling
Product Modelling
Team Working
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
1. Product Development2. Decomposition
unit
SW
Chem.
Mech.Elect.
I.D.
MMI
3. Disciplines/Technologies
4. Product
Life
5. Synthesis MatrixDesign Activity
ManufactureManufacture
AssemblyAssembly
UseUse
DisposalDisposal
6. Life Phase System
7. Goal/result8. Task
9. Activity/plan
time
10. Resources
Design Co-ordination Framework
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Efficiency ()
Effectiveness ()
E2 Performance Model
ActivityInput Output
Resources
Goals/Constraints
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Design ProcessEffectiveness ()
DesignEffectiveness ()
DesignActivity
DesignManagement
Activity
Stop
DR DAR
12
3
4
DO
DAO
DG DAG
G
O
R
Performance Measurement and Management
Managed Activity
DI
DAI
I
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre Design Re-use Process Model
completeddesign model
domainknowledge
DomainExploration
domainmodel
re-uselibrary
Designby
Re-use
designrequirements
evolved designmodel
Designfor
Re-use
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
Close
Design
Overall benefits - model
9%
3%
4%
1% 1%
5%5%
4%5%
8%
13%14%
5%
11%11%
9%
15%
14%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
DomainKnow’dge
DomainModel
Re-useLibrary
DesignRequire'ts
EvolvedDesign
Compl’tdDesign
DomainExplorat’n
DesignFor
Re-use
Design By
Re-use
-1 +10
+10
+4 +10
+6 +11
+4 +9
Overall benefits - metrics
11%
6%
10% 11%
25%
28%27%
20%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Time Cost Quality Performance
+14
+22
+17
+9
A model of learning in design
Ik
Ltr : Da Kt
Lti : Da | | Kt
Ltp : Da Kt
Design LearningInteraction
Ok
Teleological linkLtw Lg Dg
Dg Lg
Temporal link
Trigger rational, Ltw
Temporal triggers, Lt
Ltr
Lti
Ltp
Memory
Experiential design knowlwedge
Ok
Knowledge of knowledge
transformer, Kk
Mapping of Kk & Dk
Da :: Kt
Epistemic link
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre Computational Research Areas
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced
Computational Techniques Computer Aided Learning Knowledge Engineering and Management Interactive sketching Machine Learning in Design Shared workspaces Simulation Systems, Data, Information and Knowledge
Integration Vague Geometric Modelling
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre Prototypes
CONFIG: Interactive configuration management. DCS: Operational design co-ordination system
(agent based architectures)
DENOTE: Design and domain knowledge
modelling to support evolutionary design.
DESIGNER: Numerical modelling and analysis tool for
empirical, approximate and hierarchical
equation problem solving.
DMS: Design management system; process
modelling and co-ordination management.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
FORSEE: Knowledge intensive component life
design synthesis.
GEMCON: Rapid capture and use of vague geometric
concepts in early design.
HOBS: Co-operative design architecture based on
design management hierarchy.
I-MAGI: Interactive sketching and vague geomeric
modelling system.
LOTION: Functional, behavioural and structural
design process support system.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
Prototypes
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
NODES: Design synthesis through learning and re-use
of concept libraries.
PERFORM: Performance measurement tool for effective
product development.
PERSPECT: Numerical abstraction and modelling of
empirical equations from past data.
SPIDA: Automated learning and re-use of spatial
layouts and abstractions for conceptual design.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
Prototypes
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Design Co-ordination - tactical
ProcessBuilder
DMSCommunication
Protocol
DisciplineModel
GoalModel
TaskModel
DesignAgents
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Design Co-ordination - tactical
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Design Co-ordination - operational
TaskModel
SchedulingAgent
Co-ordinationManager
ResourceManager
ResourceModel
ResourceMonitor
InformationManager
TaskManager
ActivityDirector
Activity/PlanModel
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Design Co-ordination System
ProcessBuilder
DMSCommunication
Protocol
DisciplineModel
GoalModel
Tactical Bridge
TaskModel
BridgingAgent
DesignAgents
SchedulingAgent
Co-ordinationManager
ResourceManager
ResourceModel
ResourceMonitor
InformationManager
TaskManager
ActivityDirector
Activity/PlanModel
OperationalBackground
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre DMS & DCS
Accurate duration prediction based on resources and process behaviour.
Reduction in process execution time of over 50%.
Identification of lack of resources (2 electrical engineers + 28% reduction time).
Team modelling leading to 45% resource cost reduction and over 50% time reduction.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre GEMCON: size + location constraints
geom configuration space
A’s datum point
A
A’s upper size boundsA’s location uncertain region
B
C
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
A’s datum point
A’s location uncertain regiongeom configuration space
A’s upper size bounds( B ABOVE C)location constraint
C
B
A
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
GEMCON: size + location constraints
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre GEMCON
Vague geometric modelling and
reasoning:
A means to analyse different
geometric configurations
and within an imprecise and
uncertain environment.
Coupled with advanced simulation
tools, could provide
predictions of performance in early
design stages.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre PERSPECT: Customised viewpoints
Non-learning systemsBackground
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Customised Viewpoints (learning system): numerical
Automaticallygeneratedviewpoints
PERSPECT: Customised viewpoints
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
Raw data/information
Designerneeds
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
EX-85A EX-69
G40 Vs : 14.9Cb : 0.838L : 215.4
Equation: Nil
EX-77 EX-85A
G33 VS : 14.8Cb : 0.835L : 214.5
Equation: Cb = 0.095 + (0.05 * Vs)
G4 VS : 14.6Cb : 0.819L : 212.5
Equation: Cb = 0.924 + (-0.011 * Vs) + (0.0003 * L)
PERSPECT: CV abstraction
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
SPIDA: CV spatial
SPIDA: CV spatial
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre SPIDA: CV spatial
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
1 2
43
Space function matching
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Layoutcases
Orderedships
Number ofcorresponding
spacesCase 1 Ship 1 7
Ship 4Ship 3 6Ship 2 4
Space function matching - results
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
A B
DC
Shape matching
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Layoutcase
Orderedlayouts
Number ofcorresponding
spaces
Shapedissimilaritymeasures
Case A A 4 0.00B 0.47C 3 0.23D 0.29
Shape matching - results
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
Close
Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre Developments - current projects
Collective learning and design
co-ordination
Computer based operational
design co-ordination
Design management and
process optimisation
Design performance modelling
and management
Design process modelling and
web-based guidance
Design process re-engineering
Design re-use and
modularisation
Performance improvement
through IT
Vague geometric sketch
modelling
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
Close
Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre
Representing vague geometric information
75%
50%
30%
15%
Z
XY
Y
Z
X
Z
XY
adjacent intersect
Close but not adjacent?
Relative spatial relationship
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre VRSHIPS - FP5 TP Proposal
Technology platform proposal for Life-cycle Virtual Ship System(s) modelling and design:
12 M.Euro (1.3M.Euro Strath)
involving 39 organisations
12 different European countries
12 companies in industry, 13 other businesses, 7 research establishments and 7 in the higher education sector.
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
INTEGRATION
A B
C D E
Life-phase agents
VRSHIPS - ROPAX 2000
A
E
C
D
B
Information controlCommon model
Performance analysis and reliability
Life-phase process management
Virtual interaction
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre Achievements
Originated the concept of the Intelligent Design Assistant Developed a fundamental approach to design research Developed the first model of Engineering Design Re-use Introduced “customised viewpoints” as a key approach to utilising past design knowledge Developed the first model of Learning in Design Developed a design performance measurement model and tool Created axioms of performance Originated a new model of design and its management Developed unique systems for process optimisation and
operational co-ordination
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
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Design
© Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
CADCentre Close
Background: Active in AI in Design since early 80s
5 academic staff
Focus: Development of IDA & IDE
Strategy: Strategy; framework; methodology; validity
Design: Design Co-ordination/Management
Design Re-useLearning in Design
CAD: Design management and co-ordination
Knowledge and vague geometric modelling
Customised viewpointsDesign performance
managementSpatial layout learning and
re-useVRShips
Background
ResearchFocus
Strategy
CAD
Close
Design