知的CADにおける機能モデルの生成と評価

抄録

CAD systems currently in use, developed on the basis of the traditional computing technology, can help man to a very limited extent. These systems can not deal with concepts, ideas, and experience which play important roles performing design under the very dynamic environment. We attempt here to introduce knowledge processing technology into CAD in order that computer can cooperate more effectively with man in the design process than it has been possible on the basis of the traditional computing technology. Design is a process in which, first, the object model is built tentatively and, then, the sequence of operations such as the model analysis, the model evaluations, and the model modifications is repeated to the point where the given requirements are satisfied by the object model. It is quite necessary for an advanced CAD to automatize this sequence of operations. The analysis is performed usually based on the suitable analysis model for obtaining solution. This model is represented in very different way from the object model but, as the matter of course, these models must be equivalent each other from the analysis point of view. That is, the former must be generated from the latter. Let us call the former the function model. Thus in order to automatize the operations above, it is necessary to automatize the generation of the function model from the object model and its evaluation. In this paper, we discuss first the characteristics of a general design process, and the role of a function model in the process. Then we introduce briefly a knowledge-and-model representation language called Multi-Layer Logic, and a knowledge based system named KAUS (Knowledge Acquisition and Utilization System) designed on this basis. Then we show, in an example of applying this system to an internal combustion engine design, the manner of generating and evaluating a function model by means of knowledge base and inference.