Showing papers on "System of systems engineering published in 1988"

Computer methods for engineering

Abstract: From the Publisher: With numerous examples, this text discusses the implementation of computational methods in the analysis and simulation of engineering processes and systems.

A framework for comparing information engineering methods

Abstract: This article proposes a comprehensive framework for comparing the current methodologies and tools for information engineering and using these methods for applying information technology to construct the overall information systems architecture for the organization. The proposed framework consists of two dimensions: (1) an expanded sequence of the traditional system life cycle; and (2) the conceptual depth of the methods.The article shows that information engineering is the key to effective information management. Using the proposed framework, 26 widely cited methods for information engineering are compared. Evolution to more effective methods of information engineering are needed to align future information systems requirements to strategic goals and objectives of an organization and to exploit the current information systems technologies for competitive advantage.

On managing the human factors engineering of hybrid production systems

Abstract: In the transition toward total automation, contemporary manufacturing systems are predominantly composed of production equipment that is neither completely manual or automated. The development of these systems, identified as hybrid production systems, employ and integrate the capacities of human operators with intelligent machines. It is argued that human activities in hybrid automated systems are critical in achieving productivity gains. Given this importance, hybrid systems must be designed to optimize production. Optimal human factors engineering is possible only when engineers and their management are aware of the technical challenges, created by hybrid systems, and the range of options available for meeting these challenges. The authors describe these challenges and their possible solutions, specifically targeted to the management of engineering and technology-based organizations. >

Design for manufacture; design for the life-cycle; systems life-cycle engineering

Abstract: A perspective is presented on a conceptual relationship of design for assembly, design for manufacture, and design for the life cycle Systems life-cycle engineering is defined and needed research initiatives are proposed Despite the fact that a few leading companies have used variations of this latter approach effectively over a number of years on different technologies and products, there still is not a good, consistent nomenclature, a well-defined process, or a well-documented methodology for general industrial use or general academic educational curriculum The author attempts to begin to rectify this situation This work highlights some of the activities in this area, and the general methodology and process >

Expert systems in engineering

Abstract: An overview of expert systems development and some engineering applications are presented. The characteristics of expert systems are first described. Three applications of expert systems, in factory scheduling, maintenance, and electronic testing, are briefly examined. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. >

Validation of highly reliable, real-time knowledge-based systems

Abstract: Knowledge-based systems have the potential to greatly increase the capabilities of future aircraft and spacecraft and to significantly reduce support manpower needed for the space station and other space missions. However, a credible validation methodology must be developed before knowledge-based systems can be used for life- or mission-critical applications. Experience with conventional software has shown that the use of good software engineering techniques and static analysis tools can greatly reduce the time needed for testing and simulation of a system. Since exhaustive testing is infeasible, reliability must be built into the software during the design and implementation phases. Unfortunately, many of the software engineering techniques and tools used for conventional software are of little use in the development of knowledge-based systems. Therefore, research at Langley is focused on developing a set of guidelines, methods, and prototype validation tools for building highly reliable, knowledge-based systems. The use of a comprehensive methodology for building highly reliable, knowledge-based systems should significantly decrease the time needed for testing and simulation. A proven record of delivering reliable systems at the beginning of the highly visible testing and simulation phases is crucial to the acceptance of knowledge-based systems in critical applications.

The Systems Design Approach (better Late Than Not At All)

Abstract: The Systems Design Approach, an emerging concept for the automotive industry, treats the total vehicle as one system vs. the vehicle as the result of a grouping of optimized components. It is a way of thinking that addresses very complex relationships and thus nurtures innovation. The systems process begins with a complete definition of the system requirements, is followed by the examination of technologies and generation of alternatives to satisfy those requirements, and concludes with the final development and proveout of the recommended alternative. The advantages of a Systems Design Approach are illustrated through an expla- nation of 6 types of system designs. There are inhibitors which result from the realities of the automotive industry and also drivers which help implement the concept. Implementing the Systems Design Approach will require now skills and affects not only product engineering, but also manufacturing and the supply base. It forces a re-thinking of ourtraditional concepts of dealing with quality. The thrust is that the automotive industry must maintain some component thinking, but the time is appropriate for increased utilization of the Systems Design Approach.

Engineering of expert systems

Abstract: This paper gives an introduction to the engineering of experts systems. A methodology is proposed that is related to a traditional software engineering approach. Examples originate from a project aimed at the construction of an expert system for fault diagnosis and repair of electronic devices.

Microcomputer knowledge-based expert systems in civil engineering

Abstract: This book contains sixteen papers presenting applications of expert system technology to civil engineering problems with emphasis on microcomputer implementations. It is divided into four parts: Structural engineering, geotechnical and environmental engineering, construction, and general. Topics include knowledge acquisition and machine learning, using PROLOG on a Macintosh, an environment for building integrated structural design exxpert systems, an integrated rule-based system for industrial building design, and integrating an expert system shell with spreadsheet programs. Expert systems for hazardous waste management, diagnosis and treatment of dam seepage problems, and analysis of activated sludge are presentd. Also covered are knowledge elicitation techniques for construction scheduling, an expert system for construction contract claims, and knowledge acquisition for a contractor prequalification knowledge-based system. Finally, logic programming to manage constraint-based design, and development of an earthquake insurance and investment risk analysis system are discussed.

Getting SEAMS straight (systems engineering analysis and management support)

Abstract: Systems engineering is lagging behind. Software engineering debacles have fuelled a vigorous response in the form of software tools, fourth generation languages, relational databases and yet more exciting plans; major systems engineering fiascos have, in fact, been even more spectacular but have as yet received no corresponding attention. The paper presents SEAMS, a metasystem for developing complex systems; SEAMS is a Systems Engineering Analysis and Management Support environment. There is a need not only to update, revitalise and re-present systems engineering to new generations of engineers, but also to provide practising systems engineers with modern tools and methods to increase their productivity. SEAMS is intended to fulfil that need. The paper presents a systems engineering code of practice and a set of standards as a basis upon which to build a SEAMS environment, shows the development stages which must be gone through, and presents a future vision of a fully implemented SEAMS environment in an organisation for implementing complex systems. >

Computers in engineering 1988

Abstract: These proceedings discuss the following subjects: Knowledge base systems; Computers in designing; uses of artificial intelligence; engineering optimization and expert systems of accelerators; and parallel processing in designing.

A Framework for Comparing Engineering Methods

Abstract: This article proposes a comprehensive framework for comparing the current methodologies and tools for information engineering and using these methods for applying information technology to construct the overall information systems architecture for the organization. The proposed framework consists of two dimensions: (1) expanded sequence of the traditional system life cycle; and (2) the conceptual depth of the methods. The article shows that information engineering is the key to effective information management. Using the proposed framework, 26 widelycited methods for information engineering are compared. Evolution to more effective methods of information engineering are needed to align future information systems requirements to strategic goals and objectives of an organization and to exploit the current information systems technologies for competitive advantage.

Intelligent test integration system

Abstract: A new test technology is described which was developed for space system integration. The ultimate purpose of the system is to support the automatic generation of test systems in real time, distributed computing environments. The Intelligent Test Integration System (ITIS) is a knowledge based layer above the traditional test system components which can generate complex test configurations from the specification of test scenarios.

Computing in Civil Engineering : Microcomputers to Supercomputers

Abstract: This book contains papers presented at the Fifth Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering. Computer applications in specific disciplines are covered. These include construction engineering and management, structural design and analysis, hydraulics and hydrology, urban water resources, geotechnical engineering, transportation, and environmental engineering. Expert systems are discussed in depth with a special section on expert systems for construction. CAD selection and implementation, graphical and spreadsheet techniques, and parallel and supercomputing are covered. Other issues related to computer applications covered here include selection and management of computer resources, engineering workstations, liability and responsibility, and software piracy. Computer applications in engineering education are also reviewed.

Database Systems Engineering: Oxford Applied Mathematics and Computing Science

Abstract: From the Publisher: An introduction to the principles and practice of database systems development and management. Its aim is to provide a coherent presentation of database concepts within the broad framework of information systems engineering.

A knowledge-based protocol engineering environment

Abstract: The authors present the design of a knowledge-based protocol engineering environment. The appropriateness of artificial-intelligence techniques for such an environment is discussed and a system architecture is presented, which is a synthesis between conventional and knowledge-based technology. Algorithms are given for producing the heart of the environment, a protocol expert system, semi-automatically. Current experience suggests that this approach is applicable to complex, real-world protocols. >

Data engineering methods employed in developing a large command control and information system

Abstract: The author presents data engineering procedures adopted for use in designing a large communication, command, control, and information C/sup 3/I system An overview of the system is first given, highlighting the design drivers implicit in the requirements This is followed by a discussion of the engineering methods used on the project to realize the design goals and an overview of the automated tools developed to support system development The practical experiences from this project are being transferred to large air traffic control and other C/sup 3/I systems at Hughes, in part by initiating an industrial research and development project to generate a set of generic data engineering methods and tools >

Effective systems engineering for very large systems: an overview of systems engineering considerations

Abstract: The challenges of very-large-scale systems are discussed and the process of systems engineering is described as a systematic method for increasing the efficiency of design and production engineering A generalized definition of the term 'systems engineering' and some variations on that approach are presented, and the relationship between the level of systems engineering involvement and project size is explored The systems engineering method is further dissected, with special emphasis placed on the requirements levied on the performing organization, in order to show the cost/benefit tradeoff associated with implementing this design methodology on a large project Some conclusions are drawn with respect to the promise of systems engineering for providing an effective, efficient, technical and financial management system for large-scale projects >

Comparison of instructional system development (ISD) with systems engineering from the training system perspective

Abstract: Instructional system development (ISD) is a process which has been used for development of training courseware. Systems engineering is a process which has been used for systematic development of training device hardware and software to support the courseware. The recent expansion of the training system concept to encompass the full life cycle of training for aircrew and maintenance personnel within a weapon system has brought about an integration of the traditional ISD process with the systems engineering process. This integration has brought team members from seemingly different disciplines together, resulting in some confusion and unnecessary discord. The authors' purpose is to resolve this confusion by comparing the ISD process with the systems engineering process from the training systems engineering process from the training system perspective. The authors conclude that one process is really a derivative of the other. >

Towards effective support of engineering information systems

Abstract: Existing interfaces to nowadays database systems show to be increasingly unsuitable for the evolving wide spectrum of engineering applications (e.g. CAD/CAM, geographic information management, knowledge-based systems for planning and design, etc.). This is further intensified due to the workstation-oriented processing scheme prevailing in the engineering area. Starting with an architectural approach tailored to this distributed processing concept, we propose the PRIMA-NDBS and its most important interfaces, i.e. the data model and the application/user interface offering effective support of engineering information systems.

Software models and engineering practice

Abstract: The effects of the ‘computerisation of engineering’ are nowhere more far-reaching than in the area of software models of engineering systems This paper reviews the history of such modelling systems from their beginnings as simple subroutine libraries, through to their current highly interactive and visual nature There are implications both for the kind of engineer that will be most likely to be affected, and for the type of engineering education that will be required in the future