Design Engineering

A necessary activity in the design of an artifact is the accumulation of knowledge regarding its life cycle. The Design Engineering Group researches design process models for knowledge operation. By considering the design process as a knowledge operation, we conduct research and development in order to realize both model operations and logical operations by starting from general design theory and conducting experiments based on design studies (design process observation and its formulation). Also, related to the advancement of modeling in mechanical systems technology, i.e., representation theory and representation technology of object design, research is done on formalization of modeling process knowledge, ontology of knowledge representation, function modeling, etc. We also investigate accumulation of knowledge regarding the life cycle of a product so that design information that once was difficult to use in maintenance activities can be employed in a higher degree of automation during both operation and maintenance activities. As observed in the service engineering section, considering artifacts as devices to transfer, supply, and amplify services in tomorrow’s manufacturing industry requires that the objects to be designed and manufactured have to evolve from artifacts to services. In light of this, the group also researches service modeling aimed at supporting service design and the development of a service CAD that offers computer support in service design.

• UAS(Universal Abduction Studio)
Knowledge is important not only in the design field but also in the future society. We regard abduction as the core element of knowledge operation in design. From this point of view, we are developing a UAS (Universal Abduction Studio) as a system to formalize and extend abduction. The knowledge operation that UAS can conduct involves integration and reconstruction of the design object and other areas. Namely, UAS is an interactive system to assist designers in solving problems and generating creativity by integrating pieces of knowledge obtained from different areas. In addition, we try to develop a system to extract and accumulate knowledge automatically from vast Web resources. By using this system, an extensive virtual knowledge base will become available in UAS.

• d-COCOON(design Core of Cocreation Orchestrating New-eras)

Concept of UAS

Design support system using the design knowledge database based on the Web information

Asymmetry Visualization Method on Artifacts Recognition

Design Experiment

Creativve Design Process

Novelty Evaluation Method (open in February 2023)