The integration of spatial and multimedia databases is an essential requirement imposed by the new generation of geographical information systems. Integrating spatial and multimedia databases is a complex process that takes place at three different levels: conceptual, language and system levels. This paper is concerned with the integration of data models at the conceptual level. It describes a ...

This paper introduces a novel method for analyzing conceptual design data. Given a database of previous designs, this method identifies relationships between design components within this database. Further, the method transforms these relationships into explicit design knowledge that can be used to generate a ‘heuristic-based’ model of the design domain for use at the conceptual stage. This can...

Although there has been considerable computer-aided conceptual design research, most of the proposed approaches are domain-specific and can merely achieve conceptual design of energy flows-processing systems. Therefore, this research is devoted to the development of a general (i.e., domain-independent) and knowledge-based methodology that can search in a wide multi-disciplinary solution space f...

Based on symbolic dynamics, the paper provides a satisfactory and necessary condition of existence for consecutive periodic orbits of the Lorenz maps. In addition, a new algorithm with computer assistance based on symbolic dynamics is proposed to find all periodic orbits up to a certain number with little computer time. Examples for consecutive periods of orbits are raised for the Lorenz maps. ...

This talk will discuss the role of visual thinking in scientific discovery and technological invention. Visual thinking uses picture-like representations as internal mental models or as external depictions such as diagrams. The first part of the talk will analyze the role of visual thinking in 100 great discoveries and 100 great inventions. The second part will discuss the contribution of visua...

Fuzzy Conceptual Maps have become an important means for describing a particular domain showing the concepts (variables) and the relationship between them. They have been used for several tasks like simulation processes, forecasting or decision support. In general, the task of creating Fuzzy Conceptual Maps is made by experts in a certain domain but it is very promising the automatic creation o...

This paper describes the conceptual integration and computer-based support of two important groups of conceptual data models, Entity Relationship Models and Object Role Models (e.g. NIAM). We perform conceptual integration using the conceptual data modelling language CoCoA to specify separate data models of individual notations. We then merge these into an integrated conceptual data model for b...