Evolutionary Process Model Research Articles

Representation of Design Object Based on the Functional Evolution Process Model

One of the crucial issues for developing computer aided conceptual design system is representation of functions which represent designers’ intention. Representing functions is also crucial not only for representing design objects but also for describing conceptual design processes, in which designers operate mainly functional concepts. Namely, function is a key concept to integrate object modeling and process modeling in design. In this paper, first we extend the FBS (Function-Behavior-State) diagram, which we have already proposed, by introducing three additional concepts for representing a function; namely, function body that represents designers’ intention directly, function modifier that qualifies a function body, and objective entity on which the function body occurs. This extended FBS diagram, called FBS/m (modifier) diagram, enables us to represent designers’ intention more precisely than the original FBS diagram. Then, we propose an FEP (Functional Evolution Process) model to represent design processes. In the FEP model, the FBS model of a design object is evolved through three steps, i.e., functional actualization, functional evaluation and functional operation. Functional actualization depicts a process to obtain physical descriptions from functional description. Functional evaluation is a process to measure realizability of functions of the design object. Functional operation is a process to operate functions to improve the design. Based on the FEP model, we analyze an actual design process, and show that the FEP model is suitable for representing designers’ intention along with design processes.

Active distributed framework for adaptive hypermedia

Navigation through large hypermedia information spaces is complex and is an important application area for adaptive hypermedia systems. User navigation can be best supported when the design of the hypermedia system is embedded in an evolutionary process model that takes into account the decentralization of data sources and the variety of users. The paper deals with distributed frameworks for open hypermedia systems; it focuses on the design work done to make adaptive an existing actor-based architecture for hypermedia. The approach follows the initial design approach used in the definition of the hypermedia platform, i.e. the actor-based computational model. We present in detail the new actor classes and the cooperative schemes which allow adaptation within the resulting architecture.

Shaping CACSD for Practical Use in the Process Industry

During the last decade a variety of academic CACSD tools has been developed which allow the experimental use of computer aided process identification and controller design methods by academic experts. This paper proposes a new approach for the design of an industrial CACSD tool which is tailored to the requirements and abilities of industrial users in the process industry. The approach is based on a standardized CACSD procedure and a process model evolution scheme which simplify the use of CACSD methods under industrial conditions and relieve the industrial nonexpert user from the unnecessary theoretical load of academic CACSD programs.

Reuse of proofs in software verification

This paper presents a method for automated reuse of proofs in software verification. Proofs about programs as well as proof attempts are used to guide the verification of modified programs, particularly of program corrections. We illustrate the phenomenon of reusability, present an evolutionary verification process model and discuss theoretical and technical aspects. Finally, we report on case studies with an implementation of this method in the Karlsruhe Interactive Verifier (KIV).

Biosludge incineration in FBCs: Behavior of ash particles

The evolution of ash morphology and metals behavior during incineration of a biosludge and silica sand in a 300-kW fluidized bed facility have been studied. The reactor was operated in the bubbling mode. Analyses of ash particles were performed using a computer-controlled electron probe microanalyzer equipped with four wavelength-dispersive spectrometers. The paper presents data on ash particle structure formation, size/numbers density distribution and migration/distribution of metals inside a supermicron fly ash particle. A mechanistic model of the fly ash evolution process is proposed. The major trends in the suggested mechanism are (1) the massive formation of porous particles (45–110 μm) in the splash zone, (2) their extensive fragmentatio/disintegration along the incineration pathway resulting in the particle size reduction and number density increase, (3) the presence of a phase transition in locally high-temperature regions (1650 K), and (4) the formation of smooth-surfaced compact-structured glassy fly ash submicron (< 0.7 μm) and supermicron (3–30 μm) spheres. A physical model of a compact/glassy supermicron fly ash particle is also developed. Light metal elements (Si, Al, Ca, K, Na) create a multilayer external shell (4–6 μm in thickness) encapsulating heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb) distributed in discrete pockets toward the core of the particle. The distance 4–6 μm does not constitute any definite boundary between these two characteristic regions since no dependence is found between particle size and shell thickness. These data illustrate that heavy trace metals are partitioned inside a biosludge-originated supermicron fly ash particle rather than on the surface, an assumption previously accepted on the basis of fly ash data obtained during coal combustion.

INCOME/STAR: Methodology and tools for the development of distributed information systems

INCOME/STAR is an experimental environment for the cooperative development of distributed information systems. This paper presents some of INCOME/STAR's innovative features in the area of information systems engineering: First a new type of high-level Petri nets, so-called Nested Relation/Transition nets (NR/T-nets), is described. NR/T-nets allow the modeling of concurrent processes and related complex structured objects in distributed business applications. New concepts for entity and relationship clustering were developed to support a stepwise top-down approach for Entity/Relationship based object modeling. Distributed multi-user simulation and prototyping are used for the evaluation and analysis of NR/T-nets and the involved object schema. Finally, ProMISE — an evolutionary process model for information system development — is introduced. A role-based groupware component is part of the INCOME/STAR architecture to support communication, organization and social interaction in development projects.

Glacial geomorphology: modeling processes and landforms

The primary goal of glacial geomorphology is to provide physically-based explanations of the past, present and future impacts of glaciers and ice sheets on landform and landscape development. To achieve this requires the integration of studies of landform with studies of the processes responsible for form development (over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales). During the twentieth century significant improvements in approaches to recognizing and describing glacial landforms have been matched by impressive advances in understanding and modeling ice flow and glacial erosion and deposition processes. At present process models are being tested explicitly in terms of predicting the development of known forms (which also provides new insight into the controls on form development). Evaluations of the implications of deformable beds for process and form development are also being attempted. Finally, we are reassessing long-held beliefs about the significance of glacial action in landform development and sediment production. As we head towards the twenty-first century, glacial geomorphology, will advance through the use of three-dimensional numerical models that include ice flow, basal sliding (with explicit consideration of deformable beds), erosion and deposition processes, and underlying material characteristics. These models will be used to address form evolution and test process models, and will include both the temporal and spatial aspects of form development. Space-based landform recognition, as well as the challenges presented by the concerns of global change, will place heightened emphasis on large-scale problems, which will include reexamination of the basic significance of glacial versus nonglacial action in landform development and sediment production.

Software process model evolution in the SPADE environment

Software processes are long-lived entities. Careful design and thorough validation of software process models are necessary to ensure the quality of the process. They do not prevent, however, process models from undergoing change. Change requests may occur in the context of reuse, i.e. statically, in order to support software process model customization. They can also occur dynamically, while software process models are being executed, in order to support timely reaction as data are gathered from the field during process enactment. We discuss the mechanisms a process language should possess in order to support changes. We illustrate the solution adopted in the context of the SPADE environment and discuss how the proposed mechanisms can be used to model different policies for changing a software process model.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Techniques for process model evolution in EPOS

The authors categorize some aspects of software process evolution and customization, and describe how they are handled in the EPOS PM system. Comparisons are made to other PM systems. A process model in EPOS consists of a schema of classes and meta-classes, and its model entities and relationships. There is an underlying software engineering database, EPOSDB, offering uniform versioning of all model parts and a context of nested cooperating transactions. Then, there is a reflective object-oriented process specification language, on top of the EPOSDB. Policies for model creation, composition, change, instantiation, refinement, and enaction are explicitly represented and are used by a set of PM automatic tools. The main tools are a planner to instantiate tasks, an execution manager to enact such tasks, and a PM manager to define, analyze, customize, and evolve the process schema.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

An evolutionary process model of design

This paper describes a model of design as a series of transformation processes and extends that model initially to include the behaviour of the designed product in its environment. This extended model is then recast through an analogy with natural evolution as an evolutionary process model of design through the inclusion of the evolutionary-style processes of cross-over and mutation and the introduction of design genes and the notion of inheritance from one generation to the next.

An evolutionary model for earthquake ground motion

A simple and versatile evolutionary random process model for describing the earthquake ground motion is proposed. The model is composed of individually modulated component stationary processes, each component representing the energy in the process in a narrow band of frequencies. Methods for identifying the model parameters from a recorded accelerogram and for simulating sample functions are described. The model accounts for both temporal and spectral nonstationarity of the motion and is convenient for random vibration analysis.

Process modeling for submicron complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor very large scale integrated circuits

The issues arising in process modeling of submicron complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI) are examined for technologies with minimum feature sizes as small as 1/4 μm. The current process models, simulation methods, and existing process simulators are reviewed. Feature size reduction by a factor of about 5, increase of the dimensionality from one/two to two/three, enchanced process step coupling, new nonequilibrium processing methods, and the lack of multidimensional characterization methods are identified as the most important issues for process modeling. Two complementary paths for the evolution of process modeling are suggested.

Diffusion and reaction in random media and models of evolution processes

A diffusion equation including source terms, representing randomly distributed sources and sinks is considered. For quasilinear growth rates the eigenvalue problem is equivalent to that of the quantum mechanical motion of electrons in random fields. Correspondingly there exist localized and extended density distributions dependent on the statistics of the random field and on the dimension of the space. Besides applications in physics (nonequilibrium processes in pumped disordered solid materials) a new evolution model is discussed which considers evolution as hill climbing in a random landscape.

Modeling of the Silicon Integrated-Circuit Design and Manufacturing Process

The evolution of process modeling is traced starting with bipolar technology in the 1960's through recent processing concerns for oxide-isolated MOS devices. The kinetics of diffusion and oxidation are used to illustrate both physical and numerical effects. The interaction of device effects with process modeling is discussed as well as the statistical implications of process variables. The nature of computer-aided design tools for process and device modeling are discussed. This includes tools that bridge gaps between technology and system design with potential application for manufacturing.

Modeling of the silicon integrated-circuit design and manufacturing process

The evolution of process modeling is traced starting with bipolar technology in the 1960's through recent processing concerns for oxide-isolated MOS devices. The kinetics of diffusion and oxidation are used to illustrate both physical and numerical effects. The interaction of device effects with process modeling is discussed as well as the statistical implications of process variables. The nature of computer-aided design tools for process and device modeling are discussed. This includes tools that bridge gaps between technology and system design with potential application for manufacturing.