Computerizing Conceptual Design without Hindering Creativity

Abstract

Haptic perception of fine surface features is a fundamental modality to identify virtual objects. Roughness and stickiness, which are modeled as surface textures and friction respectively, are the main characteristics in terms of haptics. This research is aimed at the haptic rendering method of fine surface features based on the analysis of the surface profile. Functionally generated surface features are employed for the haptic rendering of surface textures and surface friction. Haptic rendering of anisotropic surface -surface having a dominant feature direction, and haptic rendering of heterogeneous surface -surface with a varied feature density, are investigated. Experimental measurements and prototype system implementations have been done to show the fidelity of the proposed surface feature modeling methods.

The challenges in computer supported conceptual engineering design

“…The conceptual design process can be observed from a variety of different standpoints. There is a generative phase in creative conceptual design where a mental representation is constructed, and an exploratory phase where its properties are interpreted (Shahin, 2008). Designs can be adaptive designs (minor modifications to existing designwell suited for computers), development designs (existing design provides a starting point, but the design outcome differs from it significantly), or new designs (all stages are performed without an existing design used as an input) (Haik and Shahin, 2010).…”

“… Maintain the characteristics of object interaction that would exist during the development of new modelling systems, while using the advantages of computer simulation (Dave et al, 2013).  Allow human input when needed/wanted, and assist the human designer but not interfere with their thinking processes (Shahin, 2008, Krish, 2011.  Provide knowledge management support to design thinking (Vidal andMulet, 2006, Lawson, 2005), provide cognitive artefacts for designers without experience (Dorta et al, 2008), advice on what, how and when to reuse from previous experience (Kryssanov et al, 2001), and observe computer as learner, informer, critic, collaborator and initiator agent (Lawson, 2005).…”

“… Provide knowledge management support to design thinking (Vidal andMulet, 2006, Lawson, 2005), provide cognitive artefacts for designers without experience (Dorta et al, 2008), advice on what, how and when to reuse from previous experience (Kryssanov et al, 2001), and observe computer as learner, informer, critic, collaborator and initiator agent (Lawson, 2005). The alternative approach is having a system capable of creative and innovative thinking/processing (Shahin, 2008).  Represent a range of levels of abstraction (Oh et al, 2006, Israel et al, 2009.Vague concepts need to be represented as well as detailed ones (Krish, 2011).…”

“…The majority of knowledge based CAED systems that support conceptual design have focused on allowing the user to control the dynamics of interaction with the system (Shahin, 2008, Goel et al, 2012, Li et al, 2007, Bonnardel and Zenasni, 2010. Two solutions allowed the system to generate a design, and then allowed the users to modify it (Krish, 2011, Mayda andBörklü, 2014).…”

“…Biologically inspired designs have been popular in architecture, and some researchers believe they would be suitable for mechanical engineering. Some solutions kept track of users' activities and suggested changes or ideas to augment the design (Shahin, 2008, Li et al, 2007. Some include an FBS (Function-Behaviour-Structure) approach (Goel et al, 2012, Li et al, 2007 and some use TRIZ (Li et al, 2007, Mayda andBörklü, 2014) to support ideation, and attempt to guide a designer through a systematic process.…”