Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product, using logic implemented on a digital computer processing system. A general configuration will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type. A particular instance of the type must satisfy user-specified external parametric constraints. Constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic or to satisfy laws or business requirements. Hierarchical decomposition facilitates solution of complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, a collection of subdesigns, or globally. Tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated constraints upon a subsequent subdesign. If no acceptable solution is found for a subdesign, the candidate overall configuration rolls back to the most complete viable partial collection of subdesigns.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for constructing a Constraint-Choice-Action Matrix for making decisions based on constraints. Columns (in one matrix orientation) state conditions. The column header presents a partial boolean expression. Such variable expression may be any object or type, e.g., a number, string, or list. An entry in a cell, selected using a GUI pick-list, combines with the column header, to complete the boolean expression. The set of boolean expressions in a row may be combined into an action boolean statement. If that statement evaluates to true, some action, represented as a row header, is recommended or executed. The matrix is applied to an instance of a context domain, for decision-making. The context domain may be represented in a model representing an instance of that domain (e.g., a product specification for configuration of a machine) in data and rules.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product, using logic implemented on a digital computer processing system. A general configuration will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type. A particular instance of the type must satisfy user-specified external parametric constraints. Constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic or to satisfy laws or business requirements. Hierarchical decomposition facilitates solution of complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, a collection of subdesigns, or globally. Tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated constraints upon a subsequent subdesign. If no acceptable solution is found for a subdesign, the candidate overall configuration rolls back to the most complete viable partial collection of subdesigns.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing and improving driver and vehicle performance are described. Detailed vehicle data, including high frequency time series data, which was collected during a trip, is obtained, as well as external data regarding trip route and environment. Using the data and a model of the physics of the vehicle, driver and vehicle time series may be obtained for the trip. These time series may allocate fuel consumption to various factor costs relating to the driver (e.g., rate of acceleration, choice of gear) and to the vehicle (e.g., choice of engine, aerodynamic improvements). From trip simulations run with virtual drivers, an optimal (relative to some criterion) virtual driver (i.e., control choices) can be obtained. Simulations with the optimal driver can find an optimal vehicle from a set of virtual vehicles. Losses due to driver behavior and to vehicle configuration can be computed by comparisons, and alternatives suggested.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product, using logic implemented on a digital computer processing system. A general configuration will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type. A particular instance of the type must satisfy user-specified external parametric constraints. Constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic or to satisfy laws or business requirements. Hierarchical decomposition facilitates solution of complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, a collection of subdesigns, or globally. Tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated constraints upon a subsequent subdesign. If no acceptable solution is found for a subdesign, the candidate overall configuration rolls back to the most complete viable partial collection of subdesigns.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product for designing, implementing, distributing, and deploying computer programs that consist of packaged knowledge components written in modem object oriented programming languages. A meta model defines a model for representing facts, intelligence, and packaging facts and intelligence into readily usable knowledge components implemented in off the shelf object oriented programming languages and tools. In addition, the meta model defines knowledge algebra to assemble and cascade knowledge components into larger and more powerful knowledge components and knowledge oriented software applications. A kernel is provided that links and executes knowledge components and knowledge oriented applications. The kernel dynamically links logical definition of knowledge components and the knowledge application to real implementations.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program products for designing, implementing, distributing and deploying computer programs. Such programs bind the symbolic representation of a biological or chemical process to a physical implementation in computer memory. A Knowledge model defines a model for representing biological or chemical entities, knowledge on these systems, and packaging facts and intelligence using Knowledge Oriented Programming (KOP). The resulting knowledge components are implemented as off the shelf object oriented programming languages and tools. A Logic Model interprets existing algorithms and computational tools according to KOP. It also provides tools for encoding inference about the system. The Discovery Model assembles the components of the Knowledge and Logic Model for execution in computer memory. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides a tool for designing and executing a discovery application according to KOP.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product for designing, implementing, distributing, and deploying computer programs that consist of packaged knowledge components written in modem object oriented programming languages. A meta model defines a model for representing facts, intelligence, and packaging facts and intelligence into readily usable knowledge components implemented in off the shelf object oriented programming languages and tools. In addition, the meta model defines knowledge algebra to assemble and cascade knowledge components into larger and more powerful knowledge components and knowledge oriented software applications. A kernel is provided that links and executes knowledge components and knowledge oriented applications. The kernel dynamically links logical definition of knowledge components and the knowledge application to real implementations.