Elimination of the adverse effects of small model features by the local modification of automatically generated meshes

Issues related to the automated identification and elimination of the adverse influence of small geometric model features on the quality of automatically generated meshes, using local mesh modification operators, are addressed. The definition of mesh validity with respect to the geometric model is extended to include multiple mesh entity classifications. Checks based on mesh topology are used to ensure no dimensional reductions in the locally modified mesh. Example geometric models of varied complexity containing small geometric features are used to demonstrate the ability of presented procedures to improve mesh quality in terms of aspect ratio and small angle metrics.     

Fully fuzzy supervised classification of land cover from remotely sensed imagery with an artificial neural network

Mixed pixels are a major problem in mapping land cover from remotely sensed imagery. Unfortunately, such imagery may be dominated by mixed pixels, and the conventional hard image classification techniques used in mapping applications are unable to appropriately represent the land cover of mixed pixels. Fuzzy classification techniques can, however, accommodate the partial and multiple class membership of mixed pixels, and be used to derive an appropriate land cover representation. This is, however, only a partial solution to the mixed pixel problem in supervised image classification. It must be reognised that the land cover on the ground is fuzzy, at the scale of the pixel, and so it is inappropriate to use procedures designed for hard data in the training and testing stages of the classification. Here an approach for land cover classification in which fuzziness is accommodated in all three stages of a supervised classification is presented. Attention focuses on the classification of airborne thematic mapper data with an artificial neural network. Mixed pixels could be accommodated in training the artificial neural network, since the desired output for each training pixel can be specified. A fuzzy land cover representation was derived by outputting the activation level of the network's output units. The activation level of each output unit was significantly correlated with the proportion of the area represented by a pixel which was covered with the class associated with the unit (r>0.88, significant at the 99% level of confidence). Finally, the distance between the fuzzy land cover classification derived from the artificial neural network and the fuzzy ground data was used to illustrate the accuracy of the land cover representation derived. The dangers of hardening the classification output and ground data sets to enable a conventional assessment of classification accuracy are also illustrated; the hardened data sets were over three times more distant from each other than the fuzzy data sets.     

A micro computer decision support system for the total-productivity model (TPM)

The Total Productivity Model (TPM), developed by Sumanth in 1979, has been applied to a number of situations involving manufacturing as well as service-oriented operations. The diversity of applications on the one hand, and the flexibility of usage of the microcomputers on the other hand, have helped to focus the need for a micro-computer based Decision Support System (DSS). This paper presents such a system using the Macintosh Computer. This DSS is a highly interactive, menu-driven program that can provide on-the screen capabilities of individual operational units as well as the firm that comprises of them. The system has several convenient features to assess the “PRODUCTIVITY- ORIENTED PROFITABILITY” of any type companies/organizations. The system logic and flow chart, data input and output formats, and sensitivity analysis will be shown and discussed in the paper. A balanced critique will be offered to view the system in a proper perspective with respect to structural elements of the Decision Support System.     

Applying CIM technology to image factories

Image processing allows the automation of the business transaction, turning “paper factories” into “image factories.” This burgeoning new area of computerization needs new paradigms, theories, and methods to maximize its effectiveness at cutting time and costs. This paper investigates what this new area of computerization can gain from CIM technology. It examines the similarities between the processing of computer images in a paperless business environment and the processing of materials into products in the manufacturing plant. These similarities will allow us to apply mature, well-tested CIM techniques to emerging image factories.     

Computer Aided Tolerance assignment

Tolerances are basic to the production of every part. This is because perfect parts cannot be produced with existing processes and machines. The determination of tolerances for the individual parts of a functional assembly is critical, but not trivial. Numerous approaches are suggested in past literature for (analytical) tolerance allocation. With the advent of total automation, more attempts are being made to computerize manual design tasks. Tolerance design, assignment and allocation can also be fully automated if the assembly function can be estimated by the computer.

In the present paper, an attempt is made to computerize tolerance assignment. A simple example of a two piece assembly, viz., a fit, is used to demonstrate the developed methodology. A feature extraction is first performed from both detail and assembly drawings. Then, probable assembly interfaces are determined using a rule based procedure. Consequently, tolerances are assigned to the basic dimensions of each feature and to the assembly interfaces using a tolerance database and user interaction. More complex analysis for tolerance allocation is also under study.     

An Object-Logic model for the representation and processing of design standards

There are two distinct categories of knowledge in a design standard: (1) knowledge of the organization of design objects and (2) knowledge of the methods used in reasoning about the design objects. The object-oriented paradigm lends itself naturally to representing the organizational aspect of the design standard. The logic programming paradigm, on the other hand, is well suited to implementing the reasoning mechanisms for design and conformance checking. The object-oriented and logic programming paradigms are combined to provide a unified Object-Logic model for the representation of design codes and the processing of design standards. By storing the design provisions in a knowledge base, the model is capable of performing conformance checking and component design. To evaluate the feasibility and practicality of this model, a prototype system, HyperLRFD++, has been implemented for parts of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) specification and tested on sample problems.     

Applying the critical path method to manufacturing routing

Traditionally the critical path method (CPM) has been used primarily as an a'priori planning and scheduling device. Its applications have typically been limited to one-shot projects, usually with a long period of completion time. This paper proposes taking these ideas to continuous production systems, and to implement the CPM not just at the outset but throughout the process. The algorithm calls for repeatedly calculating the critical path through the production process and routing parts so as to remain off this path. Before the model is presented, some basic ideas are introduced from group technology (GT) and CPM. After the presentation of the model, two potential implementations with the usage of computer are proposed.     

The future of structural system analysis

An overview of system dynamics is given. It includes modelling, comparison with and correction of the mathematical model with the use of measurements, the treatment of uncertainties in modelling and testing, and problems arising in experimental analysis. This overview examines structural analysis from the point of view of system engineering in order to state the latest results, to mention the available modern tools, and to present some future developments. Additionally, the connections and interactions with various disciplines are exhibited in order to counteract narrow specialization and to allow the reader a glance into other fields.     

Preface

With the rapid development of computing technologies and broadband wireless communications,mobile computing and networking has been a hot research area recently.This special section focuses on the most recentadvances in the frontier research of mobile computing     

How to reach O.R. Wisdom

This paper identifies the Operations Research (O.R.) problems from a systems view of information, knowledge and understanding. This systems view is examined as a basis for a developmental approach to problem solving and decision making processes. O.R. wisdom lies in achieving a balance between short-and long-term goals through a process of participation and learning.