A Formative Evaluation of a Feature Extraction and Process Planning Tool

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Gaines ◽  
Caroline C. Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Feature Extraction ◽  
Process Planning ◽  
Human Performance ◽  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Planning Tool ◽  
Computer Tools ◽  
Manufacturing Planning ◽  
Usability Assessment ◽  
Development Cycle ◽  
Assessment Techniques

Abstract It is a common problem that many computer tools intended to enhance human performance in design or manufacturing planning do not do so. In many cases they may actually degrade performance. One way to increase the probability that a tool will meet users needs is to include frequent periodic usability assessments in the development process so feedback from users can be incorporated in new iterations of the software design. This paper describes an example of one such assessment applied to a Mediator, a feature extraction and process planning tool for assisting process planners to explore plan options more quickly and thoroughly. There exists a wide variety of usability assessment techniques which can mostly be divided into two broad categories: summative evaluations which provide in-depth assessments in the final stages of software development, and formative evaluations which tend to be smaller in scale and are used to provide guidance for “forming” subsequent software versions during the development cycle. In this work, we describe a formative usability assessment. The study indicated that Mediator was meeting its design goal of broadening the users exploration of manufacturing options, in some cases producing high quality manufacturing options which the expert users had not considered on their own. The study also provided formative redesign information gleaned which will help future versions of Mediator to better meet the actual needs of process planners.

Feature Conglomerator: Helping Users Identify Cost Effective Feature Interpretations

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian An ◽  
Caroline C. Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Feature Extraction ◽  
Process Planning ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Basic Assumption ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
Planning Tool ◽  
Manufacturing Planning ◽  
Feature Extractor

Feature Conglomerator is a manufacturing planning tool for use in 3 and 5 axis prismatic CNC machining domains. Feature extractors typically have many choices (i.e. interpretations) of how they may subdivide complex volumes into component features. Unfortunately, it may be difficult for the feature extractor to identify the interpretation which will result in the best manufacturing plan. The basic assumption behind this work is that much of the information needed to identify the best feature interpretation is not available during feature extraction. However, it does become available during manufacturing planning. Thus, if the initial features identified can be adjusted and refined during manufacturing planning, interpretation decisions can be better informed. This approach can be contrasted to that of Chang [1], which also refines features during manufacturing planning, in that this work is based on an information needs analysis to determine the most strategic time at which to make feature refinement decisions. This approach further blurs the line between feature extraction and process planning to make better informed feature interpretation decisions.

Feature Extraction Techniques by Optimal Volume Decomposition

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Dong ◽  
Sreedharan Vijayan
Keyword(s):  
Feature Extraction ◽  
Process Planning ◽  
Feature Recognition ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Manufacturing Cost ◽  
Extraction Techniques ◽  
Manufacturing Planning ◽  
Cad Cam ◽  
Feature Based ◽  
Manufacturing Feature

Abstract The elements of Computer-Aided Manufacturing, do not make full use of the part description stored in a CAD model because it exists in terms of low-level faces, edges and vertices or primitive volumes related to the manufacturing planning task. Consequently manufacturing planning still depends upon human expertise and input to interpret the part definition according to manufacturing needs. Feature-based technology is becoming an important tool to resolve this and other related problems. One approach is to design the part using Features directly. Another approach is Manufacturing Feature Extraction and Recognition. Manufacturing Feature Extraction consists of searching for the part description, recognizing cavity features, extracting those features as solid volumes of material to be removed. Feature Recognition involves raising this information to the level of part features which can be read by a process planning program. The feature extraction can be called optimal if the manufacturing cost of the component using those features can be minimized. An optimized feature extraction technique using two powerful optimization methods viz., Simulated Annealing and Genetic Algorithm is presented in this paper. This work has relevance in the areas of CAD/CAM linking, process planning and manufacturability assessment.

An Interactive Aid for Designing and Planning Heterogeneous Layered Prototypes

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Clark ◽  
Liba Xia ◽  
Mark R. Cutkosky
Keyword(s):  
Process Planning ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Layered Manufacturing ◽  
Planning Tool ◽  
Cad Systems ◽  
Manufacturing Planning ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
Collaborative Environment ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Programming Interfaces

Abstract We describe a Java process editor to assist designers with the creation of complex, multi-material prototypes via a layered manufacturing process. Designers should generally participate in the manufacturing planning of such parts because many planning decisions are based on functional considerations. For maximum flexibility, the process planning tool should work in a collaborative environment with multiple CAD systems. These considerations have lead us to develop an interactive editor that is built atop a Java agent infrastructure and communicates with commercial CAD systems via their applications programming interfaces.

The Concept and Evaluation of the Human Resources Test and Evaluation System (HRTES)

1980 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 557-559
Author(s):  
Jonathan D. Kaplan ◽  
William H. Crooks
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Human Performance ◽  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Test Plan ◽  
Test And Evaluation ◽  
Operational Testing

Meaningful operational testing requires: a test plan which will lead to the measurement of critical human performance in a methodologically sound manner; an evaluation of the acceptability of the resulting measured performance; and a diagnosis of the causes of inadequate human performance. The Human Resources Test and Evaluation System (HRTES) is a method for aiding test planners and evaluators in the production of test plans, evaluations, and diagnoses which include a consideration of human performance. This paper consists of general descriptions of the problems of operational testing, the HRTES concepts for solving these problems, and the method for a formative evaluation of HRTES, itself.

scholarly journals Improving the Usability of Organizational Data Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Chung-Yi Hou ◽  
Matthew S. Mayernik
Keyword(s):  
User Interfaces ◽  
User Study ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
User Interactions ◽  
Data Repositories ◽  
Web Interfaces ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Usability Assessment ◽  
Assessment Techniques

For research data repositories, web interfaces are usually the primary, if not the only, method that data users have to interact with repository systems. Data users often search, discover, understand, access, and sometimes use data directly through repository web interfaces. Given that sub-par user interfaces can reduce the ability of users to locate, obtain, and use data, it is important to consider how repositories’ web interfaces can be evaluated and improved in order to ensure useful and successful user interactions. This paper discusses how usability assessment techniques are being applied to improve the functioning of data repository interfaces at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). At NCAR, a new suite of data system tools is being developed and collectively called the NCAR Digital Asset Services Hub (DASH). Usability evaluation techniques have been used throughout the NCAR DASH design and implementation cycles in order to ensure that the systems work well together for the intended user base. By applying user study, paper prototype, competitive analysis, journey mapping, and heuristic evaluation, the NCAR DASH Search and Repository experiences provide examples for how data systems can benefit from usability principles and techniques. Integrating usability principles and techniques into repository system design and implementation workflows helps to optimize the systems’ overall user experience.

Near Optimal Approach to General Manufacturing Feature Extraction

1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian (John) Dong ◽  
Sreedharan Vijayan
Keyword(s):  
Feature Extraction ◽  
Process Planning ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Manufacturing Cost ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Feature Extraction Method ◽  
Automatic Feature Extraction ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Planning Function ◽  
Optimal Approach

Abstract Computers are being used increasingly in the process planning function. The starting point of this function involves interpreting design data from a CAD model of the designed component Feature-based technology is becoming an important tool for this. Automatic recognition of features and extraction of feature information from CAD data can be used to drive a process planning system. In this paper a new approach to automatic feature extraction called the Blank-Surface Concave-edge (BS-CE) approach is illustrated. This approach attempts to remove as much of the blank material with a given machine setup as possible. Hence intuitively one can say that the manufacturing cost of material removal may be minimized if this technique is employed. This feature extraction method is explained along with examples of its implementation. An analysis of alternate feature extraction results is performed and the cost of manufacture is compared to demonstrate the near optimal performance of this technique.

Learner-Centered Assessment and Facilitation Techniques

2011 ◽  
pp. 146-161
Author(s):  
Kim E. Dooley ◽  
James R. Linder ◽  
Larry M. Dooley ◽  
Barry Boyd ◽  
Kathleen Kelsey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Traditional Classrooms ◽  
Online Programs ◽  
Online Delivery ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Assessment Techniques ◽  
Assessment Strategies ◽  
Distance Educators ◽  
Facilitation Techniques

You have just finished grading the first exam and the results are in. What does the grade really mean? Did the participants of the course or program learn? How do you know? How will you assess learning at a distance? A fundamental step in systematic instructional design and delivery is deciding how to assess learning outcomes. A well-written instructional objective includes outcome measures. Making certain that the assessment strategies match the objectives is an important first step, a step that must not be overlooked. A frequent concern raised by distance educators is that online delivery takes more time to facilitate and assess than traditional classrooms. In this chapter, we will discuss the use of formative evaluation and authentic assessment techniques to determine instructional effectiveness and learning outcomes. To establish viable online programs, we need to optimize the amount of time educators spend online. Tactics for optimizing time spent facilitating online learning will conclude the chapter.

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