An expert system to generate associativity data for layout design

• Published in: Artificial intelligence in engineering Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 191 - 196
• Main Authors: Chao, Kuo-Ming, Guenov, Marin, Hills, Bill, Smith, Peter, Buxton, Ian, Tsai, Chen-Fang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.04.1997; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Artificial intelligence; clustering; Computer aided design; Computer science; control theory; systems; Exact sciences and technology; expert system; layout design; Learning and adaptive systems; object-based paradigm; Software; expert system; clustering; layout design; object-based paradigm; Aggregation; User interface; Expert system; Consistency; Object oriented; Artificial intelligence; Computer aided design; Implementation; Intelligent system
• ISSN: 0954-1810
• DOI: 10.1016/S0954-1810(96)00037-4

In this paper we present an intelligent system which assists the layout designer in producing associativity data as input to an automated layout generation tool. The approach which we adopt combines techniques based on expert systems, object-based data structures and cluster analysis. The system eliminates manual input for the associativity data. The object data structure assures data consistency. The cluster analysis determines the strength of relationship between any two pieces of equipment. The expert system provides guidance for the subjective part of the layout design. This results in automation of associativity data generation, an improved user interface, and consistency and accuracy of data. The concept is illustrated by an example taken from the petrochemical industry.