This paper describes an approach to the automatic presentation of multimedia documents based on parsing and syntax-directed translation using Relational Grammars. This translation is followed by a constraint solving mechanism to create the final layout. Grammatical rules provide the mechanism for mapping from a representation of the content of a presentation to forms that specify the media objects to be realized. These realization forms include sets of spatial and temporal constraints between elements of the presentation. Individual grammars encapsulate the "look and feel" of a presentation and can be used as generators of that style. By making the grammars sensitive to the requirements of the output medium, parsing can introduce flexibility into the information realization process. Keywords: Automatic design, grammar-directed design, visual languages, relational grammars, parsing, constraints 2: Introduction A fully functioning multimedia system requires a wide range of stages to achi...

Physically-based modeling has been used in the past to support a variety of interactive modeling tasks including free-form surface design, mechanism design, constrained drawing, and interactive camera control. In these systems, the user interacts with the model by exerting virtual forces, to which the system responds subject to the active constraints. In the past, this kind of interaction has been applicable only to models that are governed by continuous parameters. In this paper we present an extension to mixed continuous /discrete models, emphasizing constrained layout problems that arise in architecture and other domains. When the object being dragged is blocked from further motion by geometric constraints, a local discrete search is triggered, during which transformations such as swapping of adjacent objects may be performed. The result of the search is a "nearby" state in which the target object has been moved in the indicated direction and in which all constraints are satisfied. ...

This paper describes a design method based on constructing a genetic/evolutionarydesign model whose idea is borrowed from natural genetics. Two major issues from the modelling involve how to represent design knowledge for the evolutionary design model and the usefulness of the model for design problems. For the representation of design knowledge in the model, a schema concept is introduced. The utility of the model is based on its computational efficiency and its capability of producing satisfactory solutions for the given set of problem requirements. The design problem used to demonstrate the approach is a large office layout planning problem with its associated topological and geometrical arrangements of space elements. An example drawn from the literature is used.

This paper reviews an approach to design using Genetic Algorithms as applied to laminated composite structures. We first discuss the concept of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the role it can play in design, namely as an evolutionary search optimizer based on simulation results. We then discuss the composite structure design problem and how GA's can be used for design in this domain. Finally we discuss various experiments we have conducted and our results in using GA's for the design of energy absorbing composite material structures, including: 2D beam design, 3D beam design, use of distributed processing to increase efficiency and accuracy of GA's in design, and inclusion of manufacturability constraints in automated design. Accepted to IEEE Expert, Jan 1995. 1 Design Using Genetic Algorithms -- Some Results for Laminated Composite Structures. Keywords: Automated Design, Genetic Algorithms, Composite Material, Laminated Structure, Optimization Abstract This paper reviews...

Abstract. We are here dealing with the problem of space layout planning. We present an approach based on an intermediate topological level with dynamic space ordering (dso) heuristics. Our software ARCHiPLAN proceeds through a number of steps. First, all the topologically different solutions, without presuming any precise dimension, are enumerated. Next, we may evolve in this topological solution space, and than refine some of them to form consistent geometrical solutions. For each topological solution chosen, the optimising geometrical solution is determined from a cost, useful surface or wall length. By using dynamic space ordering heuristics in the topological level the enumeration time has been reduced.

I would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their support in preparing this thesis: • B. Ross for superb supervision • B. Ombuki-Berman and S. Houghten for participating on my supervisory committee • C. Fairchild for technical assistance Layout planning is a process of sizing and placing rooms (e.g. in a house) while attempting to optimize various criteria. Often there are conflicting criteria such as construction cost, minimizing the distance between related activities, and meeting the area requirements for these activities. The process of layout planning has mostly been done by hand, with a handful of attempts to automate the process. This thesis explores some of these past attempts and describes several new techniques for automating the layout planning process using evolutionary computation. These techniques are inspired

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Abstract: Object-based CAD programming is used to take advantage of standardisation to handle the schematic design, sizing, layout and (potentially) pipe-routing for LPHW (Low Pressure Hot Water) plant rooms in buildings. From a simple specification of the plant room geometry, and the heating load in kw, our software proceeds through a number of steps. First the standard number and size of modular boilers, pumps etc. is determined from the heat load. Then a compatible optimising 3D variational solution is generated, using Constraint Logic Programming. Our approach is highly interactive. Modifying the topology of the solution is done directly through the graphic interface, e.g. modifying a boiler position is done by dragging; the system automatically updates the 3D model including the pipe-routing while maintaining all the constraints, and hence the validity of the design. 1.

Design of information presentation is undergoing significant changes. Documents are information interfaces that must dynamically reconfigure themselves based on their content, the medium in which they are displayed, and the intended use of the information they present. Increases in computational power and the increased bandwidth of interconnected networks provide greater access to information. These factors, combined with the realization that not all of this information can now be pre-designed, necessitate new tools and techniques to ensure the effective presentation of computer-based information. This dissertation exploits the structure of information to support the design of dynamic documents. From this structure, visual languages

This paper reviews an approach to the design of composite material structures based on Genetic Algorithms. We first discuss the concept of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the role it can play in design, namely as an evolutionary search optimizer based on simulation results. We then discuss the composite structure design problem and how GA's can be used for design in this domain. Finally we discuss various experiments we have conducted and our results in using GA's for the design of energy absorbing composite material structures. 1 A Genetic Algorithm Approach to Design of Advanced Composite Material Structures Keywords: Design, Genetic Algorithms, Composite Material, Laminated Structure, Optimization Abstract This paper reviews an approach to the design of composite material structures based on Genetic Algorithms. We first discuss the concept of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the role it can play in design, namely as an evolutionary search optimizer based on simulation results....