Exploring the Use of Functional Models as a Foundation for Biomimetic Conceptual Design

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Tinsley ◽  
Prem A. Midha ◽  
Robert L. Nagel ◽  
Daniel A. McAdams ◽  
Robert B. Stone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Flapping Wing ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Functional Models ◽  
Biological World ◽  
Many Sources ◽  
High Level

The natural world provides numerous cases for analogy and inspiration. From simple cases such as hook and latch attachments to articulated-wing flying vehicles, nature provides many sources for ideas. Though biological systems provide a wealth of elegant and ingenious approaches to problem solving, there are challenges that prevent designers from leveraging the full insight of the biological world into the designed world. This paper describes how those challenges can be overcome through functional analogy. Through the creation of a function-based repository, designers can find biomimetic solutions by searching the function for which a solution is needed. A biomimetic function-based repository enables learning, practicing and researching designers to fully leverage the elegance and insight of the natural world. In this paper, we present the initial efforts of functional modeling natural systems and then transferring the principles of the natural system to an engineered system. Four case studies are presented in this paper. These case studies include a biological solution to a problem found in nature and engineered solutions corresponding to the high level functionality of the biological solution, i.e., a fly’s winged flight and a flapping wing aircraft. The case studies show that unique, creative engineered solutions can be generated through functional analogy with nature.

Exploring the Use of Functional Models in Biomimetic Conceptual Design

2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Nagel ◽  
Prem A. Midha ◽  
Andrea Tinsley ◽  
Robert B. Stone ◽  
Daniel A. McAdams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Biological System ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Flapping Wing ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Functional Models ◽  
Biological World ◽  
Many Sources ◽  
High Level

The biological world provides numerous cases for analogy and inspiration. From simple cases such as hook and latch attachments to articulated-wing flying vehicles, nature provides many sources for ideas. Though biological systems provide a wealth of elegant and ingenious approaches to problem solving, there are challenges that prevent designers from leveraging the full insight of the biological world into the designed world. This paper describes how those challenges can be overcome through functional analogy. Through the creation of a function-based repository, designers can find biomimetic solutions by searching the function for which a solution is needed. A biomimetic function-based repository enables learning, practicing, and researching designers to fully leverage the elegance and insight of the biological world. In this paper, we present the initial efforts of functional modeling biological systems and then transferring the principles of the biological system to an engineered system. Four case studies are presented in this paper. These case studies include a biological solution to a problem found in nature and engineered solutions corresponding to the high-level functionality of the biological solution, i.e., a housefly’s winged flight and a flapping wing aircraft. The case studies show that unique creative engineered solutions can be generated through functional analogy with nature.

scholarly journals Human-Centric Functional Modeling of Biocomputers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy E Williams
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
General Problem ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Biological Computing ◽  
Functional Models ◽  
Multiple Domains ◽  
The Impact

This paper explores how the technique of Human-Centric Functional Modeling might potentially be used to represent a broad subset of proposed implementations of biocomputing with anywhere from narrow to general problem-solving ability within a given domain, or across multiple domains, and how such functional models might be implemented by libraries of biological computing mechanisms. This paper also explores the insights to be gained from modeling biocomputers this way, and how Human-Centric Functional Modeling might significantly accelerate research and increase the impact of research in biocomputing through significantly increasing capacity for reuse of both biocomputing hardware and software.

scholarly journals General Collective Intelligence and the Transition to Collective Super-Intelligence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy E Williams
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Phase Change ◽  
General Problem ◽  
Collective Intelligence ◽  
External World ◽  
Human Intelligence ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Collective Cognition ◽  
Exponential Increase ◽  
Functional Models

General Collective Intelligence has been defined as a system that combines individuals into a single collective cognition with the potential for vastly greater intelligence than any individual in the group [1], [2]. A novel Human Centric Functional Modeling approach [3] has been used define a model for this collective cognition, and for individual cognition [4], as well as for the intelligence of those systems of cognition, in order to quantify this potential increase in intelligence as exponential. Where other approaches assume the functions of cognition are implemented through mechanisms that are not yet confirmed, these functional models are defined from first principles and simply reflect all observed functionality rather than assuming any implementation at all. Here we show that from the perspective of these functional models, the transition from animal intelligence to a human intelligence capable of a sufficient level of abstraction to develop science and other concepts, and capable of exchanging and accumulating the value of those abstractions to achieve exponentially greater impact on the external world, is a well-defined phase change [5]. The transition from human intelligence to GCI, the transition from GCI to second order GCI, and so forth to Nth order GCI are hypothesized to be subsequent phase changes that may or may not occur [5]. The functional modeling approach is used to clarify the fundamentally different nature of the general problem-solving ability provided by GCI as opposed to the problem solving ability of tools such as computation or computing methods [6] that can be applied to any general problem, and why even super computers without general problem-solving ability are limited to the problems their designers can define, and to the solutions those designers can envision [7]. This model suggests that entire categories of problems cannot reliably be solved without this phase change to General Collective Intelligence, and since this exponential increase in problem-solving ability applies to physics, mathematics, economics, health care, sustainable development, and every other field of human study where intelligence applies. In addition, since this model suggests that any exponential increase in ability to impact the external world possible through GCI cannot have been possible before at any time in human civilization, and since another such increase cannot be possible again until the advent of AGI or the transition to a second order GCI. the implications of GCI are profound [8].

scholarly journals Defining Functional Models of Collective Intelligence Solutions to Create a Library a General Collective Intelligence can use to Increase General Problem Solving Ability

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy E Williams
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
General Problem ◽  
Collective Intelligence ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Functional Models ◽  
Intelligence Models ◽  
Require Information

With the great and growing number of collective intelligence models and algorithms to implement those models, the task of developing a single understanding of which model is optimal may steadily become more and more untractable. However, rather than competing to determine which model is best, a more productive approach might be cooperating to create a collective repository to store information about how each model performs in each context. This paper proposes a methodology for defining functional models of CI solutions, so those CI solutions might be added as functions to a library that a General Collective Intelligence might use to increase its general problem solving ability. Utilizing such a library might require information to be stored about which inputs, targeted outputs, and contexts of execution in which each solution or given category of solution might be optimal. Functional modeling of collective intelligence solutions and the context in which they operate facilitates this.

scholarly journals Critical Issues and Opportunities for Producing Biomethane in Italy

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2431
Author(s):  
Roberto Murano ◽  
Natascia Maisano ◽  
Roberta Selvaggi ◽  
Gioacchino Pappalardo ◽  
Biagio Pecorino
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Political Incentives ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Biogas Plants ◽  
High Level ◽  
By Products ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Nowadays, most Italian biogas produces electricity even though recent political incentives are promoting biomethane from biogas by “upgrading” it. The aim of this paper is to focus on the regulatory framework for producing biomethane from new or already-existent anaerobic digestion plants. The complexity and lack of knowledge of the regulations on biofuel production and of anaerobic digested biomethane from waste and by-products create difficulties of both interpretation and application. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to analyze the regulations for producing biomethane, underline the critical issues and opportunities, and evaluate whether an electrical plant built in the last 10 years in Italy can really be converted to a biomethane plant, thereby lengthening its lifespan. Three case studies were considered to look more closely into applying Italian biomethane incentives and to simulate the types of incentivization in agriculture with examples based on certain fuel types typical of a standard biomethane plant of 500 standard cubic meter per hour. All the considered cases put in evidence that biomethane is a further opportunity for development with a high level of efficiency for all biogas producers, especially for many biogas plants whose incentivization period is about to finish.

Immersion, interactivity and three-dimensionality: virtual reality documentation of media art installations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kira A. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Research Paper ◽  
Sensory Experience ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Media Art ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Art Installation ◽  
High Level

This research paper explores the possibilities for virtual reality (VR) documentation of media art installations. Based on an analysis of the characteristics of media art, and a survey of current documentation strategies, this paper investigates the viability of three-dimensional documentation. Four cross-disciplinary case studies are presented and analysed to demonstrate that VR documentation provides an immersive and richer reconstruction of a media art installation in three dimensions. In addition, the interactive components can be simulated within the VR environment, offering the possibility for curators and visitors to virtually re-experience the artwork. The case studies show that, although the creation of VR documentation can be costly and time-consuming, and currently requires a high-level of expertise, it can be a useful addition to established documentation strategies by providing essential information about the visual aspects of the artwork, its environment and the user’s multi-sensory experience.

Doing the strategy hard yards

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-21
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Successful Strategy ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
High Level ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings If you search images of the word “strategy” on the internet, three of the first seven images to appear on Google (other search engines are available) include chess pieces, while two of the top ten hits involve light bulbs. Aside from the obvious conclusions that any strategic discussion should either involve chess grand masters or well-lit rooms, it is clear that most people assume winning games with lots of moves are possible is the key to a successful strategy. But is this a valid analogy, even at a high level? Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Problem solving methods and knowledge systems: A personal journey to perceptual images as knowledge

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-338
Author(s):  
B. Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Cognitive Architecture ◽  
Mental Image ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Symbolic Form ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
High Level ◽  
Use Of Knowledge

AbstractI was among those who proposed problem solving methods (PSMs) in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a knowledge-level description of strategies useful in building knowledge-based systems. This paper summarizes the evolution of my ideas in the last two decades. I start with a review of the original ideas. From an artificial intelligence (AI) point of view, it is not PSMs as such, which are essentially high-level design strategies for computation, that are interesting, but PSMs associated with tasks that have a relation to AI and cognition. They are also interesting with respect to cognitive architecture proposals such as Soar and ACT-R: PSMs are observed regularities in the use of knowledge that an exclusive focus on the architecture level might miss, the latter providing no vocabulary to talk about these regularities. PSMs in the original conception are closely connected to a specific view of knowledge: symbolic expressions represented in a repository and retrieved as needed. I join critics of this view, and maintain with them that most often knowledge is not retrieved from a base as much as constructed as needed. This criticism, however, raises the question of what is in memory that is not knowledge as traditionally conceived in AI, but can support theconstructionof knowledge in predicate–symbolic form. My recent proposal about cognition and multimodality offers a possible answer. In this view, much of memory consists of perceptual and kinesthetic images, which can be recalled during deliberation and from which internal perception can generate linguistic–symbolic knowledge. For example, from a mental image of a configuration of objects, numerous sentences can be constructed describing spatial relations between the objects. My work on diagrammatic reasoning is an implemented example of how this might work. These internal perceptions on imagistic representations are a new kind of PSM.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document