Virtual intelligent space for engineers

Abstract

Computer descriptions of engineering objects such as elements and structures of products, results of tests and analyses, and engineering processes for design, analysis, and manufacturing of products have been integrated. The resulted complex product models support lifecycle management of product data. Engineering utilizes advanced characteristics of modeling software such as analysis of behaviors, adaptive actions for controlled modifications of engineering objects, selection of optimal sets of parameters, etc. The next step of integration is hoped to establish virtual intelligent space where all outside and inside effects are reacted by high level model to simulate a physical intelligent space. The authors conceptualized a virtual intelligent space as a well-organized structure of descriptions and behavior definitions for engineering objects that identified in a physical space. Sensor signals in physical intelligent space are replaced by received change information, processing of change information is done by behavior analysis, and actuators are replaced by adaptive action generators. In this paper, a new virtual intelligent space idea is introduced for virtual engineering systems. Following this, methods for including intelligence into these systems are explained and detailed. Finally, characteristics of virtual intelligent space for engineering are briefed.