Knowledge Aided Design

While computers have made a dramatic impact on most realms of business and industry, engineering has been a notable exception. The current technology, computer aided drafting (CAD) is useful only long after engineers have made their fundamental design decision. The next generation of tools should provide knowledge aided design (KAD), where computers supply the knowledge necessary to help engineers in the earlier stages of design - when they make the more basic, and expensive decisions. "Knowledge Aided Design" examines the role of knowledge in computer aided design, specifically addressing the application of artificial intelligence techniques in the engineering domain. The articles can be grouped into three categories: the first containing theoretical papers on aspects of design as a human problem solving activity, the second explaining tools and techniques which are applicable to creating systems for knowledge based design systems, and the third describing specific systems and the experiences of their builders. The book should be of particular interest to those in research and development concerned with artificial intelligence, knowledge based systems and engineering design.