Real-time Knowledge Capture Framework through Design Operation Log and Spoken Annotation of Model-Based Development

Abstract

This study proposes a framework for capturing and formalizing knowledge systematically in real-time. In the design process, engineers face various issues and manipulate some alternatives to solve them. However, the engineering knowledge used throughout the process remains implicit and tacit. The proposed framework utilizes a log of design operations and spoken annotation, while each engineer verbally expresses his/her thoughts, and all their computer screen activities are recorded. The framework manages and reuses such engineering knowledge by mapping respective activities to design operation templates, which leads to a systematic approach to understanding the design process, considering 1D modeling as the means of functional design. To represent the logical structure of the design process, a graphical text format called gIBIS is used. It serves as an argumentation model for design rationale. This real-time knowledge capture method is nonintrusive for engineers. The framework is applied to the modeling process of a spinach harvesting machine and its effectiveness is validated through an analysis of the captured knowledge. The results demonstrate that the framework can effectively capture knowledge and replicate engineers’ thought process.