Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing software changes and upgrades are described. Software change information of a plurality of changed objects of a software package is obtained, the software change information comprising a name of an object being changed and a type of the object being changed. An object dependency graph for the object is generated, the object dependency graph providing a data structure for identifying dependency relationships of the object being changed, and usage statistics for the object and the object type are retrieved. An identity of a module impacted by a software change is determined based on the data structure and an overall rating of the software change is generated.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product for generating a multi-document summary is provided. The embodiment may include receiving a query statement, one or more documents, one or more summary constraints, and quality goals. The embodiment may include identifying one or more keywords within the query statement. The embodiment may include performing a sentence selection from the one or more documents based on the one or more identified keywords. The embodiment may include generating a plurality of candidate summaries of the one or more documents based on the performed sentence selection, the goals, and a cross entropy method. The embodiment may include calculating a quality score for each of the plurality of generated candidate summaries using a plurality of quality features. The embodiment may include selecting a candidate summary from the plurality of generated candidate summaries with the highest calculated quality score that also satisfies a quality score threshold.

Abstract: A method for determining parallel-processing parameters including: randomly generating first sample points each having a coordinate value representing the number of nodes to be used for running a first program and the number of processes per node to be executed in the running of the first program, calculating evaluation values of the respective first sample points based on information collected in the running, calculating a first statistics from the evaluation values; repeating the generating of the first sample points until the first statistic becomes equal to or smaller than a first threshold; and determining, based on a result of interpolation of the evaluation values of the first and the second sample points, the number of nodes and the number of processes that are recommended for running the first program.

Abstract: The embodiments provide an augmented reality device for increasing human efficiency in navigating a distribution site and retrieving different customer order items from distinct locations within the distribution site. The augmented reality device uses at least one camera to scan reference points distributed across the distribution site. From the scanning, the device determines its position relative to a destination within the distribution site. The device layers over a real-world view, navigational information directing movement of a device user along a most efficient path to the destination. The camera further scans items falling within its field of view. The device performs feature matching in order to identify a particular item of interest within the field of view. The device layers over the real-world view, visual makers distinguishing the particular item from other items as well instructions or other identifying information relating to the particular item.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for securing deployments using command analytics are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes collecting command sequences sent from one or more applications to one or more of a distributed group of multiple devices within a network; detecting one or more invalid command sequences and/or one or more out-of-sequence command sequences among the collected command sequences, wherein said detecting comprises comparing the collected command sequences against a repository of historical data of valid command sequences pertaining to the distributed group of multiple devices within the network; generating an alert upon a determination that one of the collected command sequences does not match an entry in the repository; and performing one or more remedial actions based on the generated alert.

Abstract: Securing compromised network devices in a network. In one embodiment, a method may include (a) identifying a Positive Unlabeled (PU) machine learning classifier, (b) selecting labeled positive samples and unlabeled positive and negative samples as a bootstrap subset of training data from a set of training data, (c) training the PU machine learning classifier, (d) repeating (a)-(c) one or more times to create a set of trained PU machine learning classifiers, (e) predicting probabilities that a network device in a network has been compromised using each of the trained PU machine learning classifiers, (f) combining the probabilities predicted at (e) to generate a combined risk score for the network device, (g) repeating (e)-(f) one or more times to create a ranked list of combined risk scores, and (h) performing a security action on one or more of the network devices in the ranked list.

Abstract: Roughly described, a training database contains N segments of data samples. Candidate individuals identify a testing experience level, a fitness estimate, a rule set, and a testing set TSi of the data samples on which it is tested. The testing sets have fewer than all of the data segments and they are not all the same. Testing involves testing on only the individual's assigned set of data segments, updating the fitness estimates and testing experience levels, and discarding candidates through competition. If an individual reaches a predetermined maturity level of testing experience, then validating involves further testing it on samples of the testing data from a testing data segment other than those in the individual's testing set TSi. Those individuals that satisfy validation criteria are considered for deployment.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product for generating a multi-document summary is provided. The embodiment may include receiving a query statement, one or more documents, one or more summary constraints, and quality goals. The embodiment may include identifying one or more keywords within the query statement. The embodiment may include performing a sentence selection from the one or more documents based on the one or more identified keywords. The embodiment may include generating a plurality of candidate summaries of the one or more documents based on the performed sentence selection, the goals, and a cross entropy method. The embodiment may include calculating a quality score for each of the plurality of generated candidate summaries using a plurality of quality features. The embodiment may include selecting a candidate summary from the plurality of generated candidate summaries with the highest calculated quality score that also satisfies a quality score threshold.

Abstract: A system may comprise a storage device on which counters are stored. A counter may be associated with an identifier. A computing node of the system may receive a request to modify the counter. In response to the request, a read signature may be stored and may comprise a hash of the identifier and a tolerance of the counter to change. A write signature may be stored in response to the request, and may comprise a hash of the identifier and a magnitude of the requested modification. A conflict may be detected by comparing a sum of the magnitudes of requested changes to the tolerance of the read operation.

Abstract: An image processing system involves a camera, at least one processor associated with the camera, non-transitory storage, a lexical database of terms and image classification software. The image processing system uses the image classification software to assign hyponyms and associated probabilities to an image and then builds a subset hierarchical tree of hypernyms from the lexical database of terms. The processor then scores the hypernyms and identifies at least one hypernym for the image that has a score that is calculated to have a value that is greater than one of: a pre-specified threshold score, or all other calculated level scores within the subset hierarchical tree. The associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An online system simplifies modification of features used by machine learned models used by the online system, such as machined learned models with high dimensionality. The online system obtains a superset of features including features used by at least one machine learned model and may include additional features. From the superset of features, the online system generates various groups of features for a machine learned model. The groups of features may be a group including features currently used by the machine learned model, a group including all available features, and one or more intermediate groups. Intermediate groups include various numbers of features from the set selected based on measures of feature impact on the machine learned model associated with various features. A user may select a group of features, test the machine learning model using the selected group, and then launch the tested model based on the results.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to approximate assignment in a constraint based evolutionary search. An aspect includes providing a genome representing a collection of variable assignment preferences encoded as genes. Another aspect includes reducing the domain until a unit sized domain is reached, the unit sized domain being an approximation to a value V. Another aspect includes searching for a first assignment of the value V that is less than or equal to the unit sized domain and a second assignment of the value V that is greater than the unit sized domain. Another aspect includes responsive to a first assignment and a second assignment being found, assigning the value V of one of the first assignment and the second assignment having the least distance from the unit sized domain to a variable X.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product generates self-organizing layouts of process diagrams. Initial weight vectors are distributed uniformly within boundaries of regions in the process diagram. A spatial input vector is randomly generated within the boundaries of each region. In each region in the process diagram, a closest graphical node is found, and a position of a winning graphical node that is the closest graphical node to the random input vector is adjusted. Positions of all non-immutable graphical objects, wi, in a topographical neighborhood N(k) of a closest graphical node wc that can cross a boundary of one or more regions from the multiple regions are adjusted. The spatial input vector is recursively generated, the closest graphical node is recursively located, and the positions of all non-immutable graphical objects, wi, in the topographical neighborhood N(k) are recursively adjusted until a maximum number of iterations, kmax is reached.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product generates self-organizing layouts of process diagrams. Initial weight vectors are distributed uniformly within boundaries of regions in the process diagram. A spatial input vector is randomly generated within the boundaries of each region. In each region in the process diagram, a closest graphical node is found, and a position of a winning graphical node that is the closest graphical node to the random input vector is adjusted. Positions of all non-immutable graphical objects, wi, in a topographical neighborhood N(k) of a closest graphical node wc that can cross a boundary of one or more regions from the multiple regions are adjusted. The spatial input vector is recursively generated, the closest graphical node is recursively located, and the positions of all non-immutable graphical objects, wi, in the topographical neighborhood N(k) are recursively adjusted until a maximum number of iterations, kmax is reached.

Abstract: An image processing system involves a camera, at least one processor associated with the camera, non-transitory storage, a lexical database of terms and image classification software. The image processing system uses the image classification software to assign hyponyms and associated probabilities to an image and then builds a subset hierarchical tree of hypernyms from the lexical database of terms. The processor then scores the hypernyms and identifies at least one hypernym for the image that has a score that is calculated to have a value that is greater than one of: a pre-specified threshold score, or all other calculated level scores within the subset hierarchical tree. The associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for implementing DRC clean multi-patterning process nodes with lateral fills. These techniques identify design rules governing multi-patterning and track patterns by accessing a rule deck to retrieve the design rules, identify a first shape and a second shape sandwiching a space and characteristics of the first and second shapes by examining design data of the electronic design, insert one or more lateral fill shapes in the space by implementing the one or more lateral fill shapes along one or more routing tracks of a legal track pattern while automatically complying with the design rules, and perform post-lateral fill or post-layout operations to improve the layout and to prepare the layout for manufacturing.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards crowd-based approach to boosting the correctness of a computer program. Results from candidate programs obtained from a first crowd and which may be blended with one another into synthesized programs are sent to a second crowd for evaluation. Based upon the results, a training set evolves and programs are filtered based upon fitness. The process of blending and fitness evaluation with an evolved training set may be iteratively repeated to find a most fit program.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting a vehicle owner in making decisions regarding when to replace a vehicle by determining a vehicle owner's satisfaction with the vehicle relative to the cost of owning the vehicle. In one embodiment, a system is configured to provide a model for owner satisfaction which is based on historical vehicle replacement information, but is tailored to a particular owner according to user input. An owner satisfaction curve is produced from this model and is compared to a cost-of-ownership curve that is tailored to the vehicle and possibly also the user. The owner satisfaction curve is compared to the cost-of-ownership curve to enable the user to determine where the cost of ownership exceeds the owner's satisfaction, and the vehicle should be replaced.

Abstract: A clock-less asynchronous processing circuit or system having a plurality of pipelined processing stages utilizes self-clocked generators to tune the delay needed in each of the processing stages to complete the processing cycle. Because different processing stages may require different amounts of time to complete processing or may require different delays depending on the processing required in a particular stage, the self-clocked generators may be tuned to each stage's necessary delay(s) or may be programmably configured.

Abstract: A method for processing drawings. The present invention can enhance a child's self-esteem and creativity by enabling them to create unique and imaginative works of art. First, a plurality of randomized markings are generated. A user makes linear connections between the markings, creating a user drawing. Next, a first database is queried to retrieve an outline that matches the user drawing. The outline is matched to the user drawing based on similarities and locations of general shapes used in both. Once the database has found a matching outline, a second database is queried to retrieve an image corresponding to the outline. The image is transmitted to a terminal where the user can then add additional elements, such as color, figures, text, and the like.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed. A processor performs a process that arranges multiple image filters in a tree structure and acquires features of multiple input images captured in different environments. A storage part stores a filter table that maintains information concerning the multiple image filters. In the process, an image filter having a different type for each of layers, in which multiple image processes are hierarchized, is selected from the filter table. A population, which includes the multiple image filters in the tree structure, is generated.

Abstract: An arithmetic device including: a plurality of parallel processors, and a processor configured to control the plurality of parallel processors so as to calculate an approximate solution of an equation by using a first algorithm and a second algorithm switchably, each of the first algorithm and the second algorithm being algorithms providing an iterative method, the second algorithm causing a divergence more likely than the first algorithm, the second algorithm being performed more efficiently by the plurality of parallel processors than the first algorithm, the first algorithm and the second algorithm being switched each other between at least one pair of iterative steps of the iterative method.

Abstract: It is determined that a population of candidate solutions for an optimization problem has prematurely converged during a metaheuristic optimization run. A cause for premature convergence of the population is determined based, at least in part, on an analysis of the metaheuristic optimization run. A first cataclysm strategy of a plurality of cataclysm strategies is selected based, at least in part, on one of the cause of the premature convergence and a history of the metaheuristic optimization run. A cataclysm is simulated based, at least in part, on the first cataclysm strategy.

Abstract: The feasibility of performing hydraulic fracturing can be assessed by analyzing the effect of skin on the overall deliverability of a reservoir. Aspects of the disclosure provide a method to determine equivalent skin in hydraulic fractured system through a semi analytical correlation obtained by numerical modeling. Two 3D models are considered: a base case without fracture and a complex case with fractures. The base case is simulated by varying matrix permeabilities while the fractured model is run with different sets of varying fracture's lengths, widths, and permeability as well as matrix permeabilities. The two cases are comparatively analyzed and skin is determined. A generalized correlation for determination of skin is derived through application of multivariate regression technique on obtained skins and their corresponding variables.

Abstract: A communication travel plan generation system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a communication hub, a system input and at least one controller. The communication hub is housed in the vehicle and is configured to communicate with a plurality of spaced subscriber communication nodes. The system input is configured to receive mission-specific information. The at least one controller is in communication with the system input. Moreover, the at least one controller is configured to apply the mission-specific information to a mission planning system to generate a mission plan of the vehicle. The at least one controller is further configured to implement the communication travel plan generation system to automatically generate travel waypoints for the mission planning system based at least in part on the mission-specific information applied to the mission planning system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating an imagery graph are provided. In some aspects, a first image is provided for display, where the first image corresponds to a first image node within an imagery graph, where the imagery graph comprises image nodes corresponding to images from a plurality of different imagery types, and where each image node in the imagery graph is associated with geospatial data. An indication of a selection of a predetermined region within the first image is received, where the predetermined region is associated with a position in the first image that corresponds to geospatial data associated a second image node within the imagery graph. A second image corresponding to the second image node is provided for display in response to the indication of the selection of the predetermined region.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a request receiving unit that receives requests from a plurality of pieces of content, a variable-length code processing unit which decodes or encodes the content, a plurality of image signal processing units executing tasks according to the requests in parallel, an estimating unit that estimates estimate time by which a process of the task is completed in each of the image signal processing units on the basis of a parameter of decoding or encoding used in the variable-length code processing unit, and a scheduling unit that schedules tasks executed by the plurality of image signal processing units on the basis of estimation time estimated by the estimating unit.

Abstract: A method for dynamic event detection based on content from a set of social networking systems including receiving content from the set of social networking systems, identifying a plurality of content associated with a geofence, the content that was generated within a predetermined time period, determining feature values from the plurality of content for each of a set of features, determining an event probability for the geofence based on the feature values, and detecting an event within the geofence in response to the event probability exceeding a threshold event probability.

Abstract: A clock-less asynchronous processing circuit or system utilizes a self-clocked generator to adjust the processing delay (latency) needed/allowed to the processing cycle in the circuit/system. The timing of the self-clocked generator is dynamically adjustable depending on various parameters. These parameters may include processing instruction, opcode information, type of processing to be performed by the circuit/system, or overall desired processing performance. The latency may also be adjusted to change processing performance, including power consumption, speed etc.

Abstract: Artificial Immune Systems (AIS) including the Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA) are an emerging method to detect malware in computer systems. A DCA module may receive an output or signal from multiple indicators concerning the state of at least a portion of the system. The DCA module is configured to combine the plurality of signals into a single signal vector. The DCA module may be configured to sort the received signals based on signal type and magnitude of each signal. The DCA module may then use a decay factor to weight the received signals so that a large number of “nominal” signals do not drown out a small number of “strong” signals indicating a malware attack. The decay factor may be exponentially increased each time it is applied so that all received signals are considered by the DCA module, but so that the “nominal” signals may have a minimal effect.

Abstract: A method of providing reservation status relating to a group of objects includes providing a database for containing (i) availability data describing availability of at least one of the group of objects, and (ii) reservation data describing allocation of at least one of the group of objects. The availability data and the reservation data are stored in sparse form. The method further includes extracting, from the database, availability data and reservation data corresponding to a predetermined period of time, and combining the extracted availability data and reservation data to form windowed data in a dense format. The method also includes receiving the windowed data and providing the windowed data in a bit-vector view, and sampling the windowed data in the bit-vector view to produce sampled data. The sampled data provides the reservation status as a static view of the windowed data in the bit-vector view.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for significantly compressing sparse multidimensional ordered series data comprised of indexed data sets, wherein each data set comprises an index, a first variable and a second variable. The methods and systems are particularly suited for compression of data recorded in double precision floating point format.

Abstract: Spatial pyramid pooling (SPP) layers are combined with convolutional layers and partition an input image into divisions from finer to coarser levels, and aggregate local features in the divisions. A fixed-length output may be generated by the SPP layer(s) regardless of the input size. The multi-level spatial bins used by the SPP layer(s) may provide robustness to object deformations. An SPP layer based system may pool features extracted at variable scales due to the flexibility of input scales making it possible to generate a full-image representation for testing. Moreover, SPP networks may enable feeding of images with varying sizes or scales during training, which may increase scale-invariance and reduce the risk of over-fitting.

Abstract: A clock-less asynchronous processing circuit or system having a plurality of pipelined processing stages utilizes self-clocked generators to tune the delay needed in each of the processing stages to complete the processing cycle. Because different processing stages may require different amounts of time to complete processing or may require different delays depending on the processing required in a particular stage, the self-clocked generators may be tuned to each stage's necessary delay(s) or may be programmably configured.

Abstract: Computerized contextual analysis systems and methods suitable for monitoring situations, regions, and groups characterized by volatility and uncertainty are provided. Via use of exemplary systems and methods, decision makers, for example politicians, warfighters, and analysts can gain insight into the cultures, attitudes, events, and relationships that may impact their missions.

Abstract: A clock-less asynchronous processing circuit or system is configured to operation in a plurality of modes. In an initialization mode (e.g., reset, initialization, boot up), a self-clocked generator associated with the asynchronous circuit is configured to generate an active complete signal (to latch output processed data) within a first period of time after receiving a trigger signal. In a normal mode, the self-clocked generator is configured to generate the active complete signal within a second period of time after receiving the trigger signal. In one embodiment, during the initialization mode, the asynchronous circuit latches the output slower than when in the normal mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for human activity and facial expression modeling and recognition are based on feature extraction techniques from time sequential images. The human activity modeling includes determining principal components of depth and/or binary shape images of human activities extracted from video clips. Independent Component Analysis (ICA) representations are determined based on the principal components. Features are determined through Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) based on the ICA representations. A codebook is determined using vector quantization, Observation symbol sequences in the video clips am determined. And human activities are learned using the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based on status transition and an observation matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed are an intelligent illumination control method, apparatus, and system. The method includes a step of obtaining at least one image of a predetermined lighting area captured by at least one stereo camera; a step of determining, based on the at least one image, one or more target illuminance values of the predetermined lighting area; and a step of determining, based on the one or more target illuminance values, a dimming level of at least one illumination apparatus so that the at least one illumination apparatus works according to the determined dimming level.

Abstract: An information processing system separately generates sample sequences from a posterior distribution of each random variable in a probability model representing the structure of a template network that serves as a template for a plurality of networks whose network structures are to be learned, and from a posterior distribution of each random variable in a probability model representing the structures of the plurality of networks, using learning data and hyperparameters relating to the plurality of networks. Next, the information processing system derives a predictive value of the strength of a link specified by an external variable based on the external variable and on the sample sequences.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a configuration of a plurality of components in a systems installation which satisfies one or more constraints.

Abstract: Implicit parameters and implicit arguments are useful in many programming paradigms including functional and logic programming. Implicit parameter declaration order is inferred from the subroutine parameter usage order in the subroutine body. It means that implicit parameters have limited possibilities to be declared in the same order as programmers want. The parameter ignorance operator # allows changing implicit parameter order, but usage of this operator leads to subroutine declaration syntax similar to the syntax of declaring subroutine parameters explicitly, partially losing syntax benefits gained of implicit parameters. In order to preserve all the benefits of implicit parameter usage and allow programmers to change implicit parameter declaration order and scope in concise way, the Grace˜ operator, which is presented in this document, was invented.

Abstract: Provided are an uplink power control method and device based on a genetic algorithm in a communication network. The method includes: modelling a communication network to obtain a theoretically optimal mobile terminal transmission power expression; determining a fitness function in combination of a genetic algorithm; determining the number of bits of a binary string of a variable; initializing populations; returning an actual value from the binary string to serve as an actual variable; and obtaining the most robust gene and the weakest gene in a chromosome according to the fitness function, designing a genetic operator and determining operating parameters of the genetic algorithm according to the most robust gene and the weakest gene. Using the solution enables a base station to properly indicate to dynamically adjust the uplink transmission power of a home mobile terminal, thereby ensuring excellent system performance of the communication network.

Abstract: A method for sending requests includes: determining, by a device comprising a processor, the requests and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connections between a client and a proxy server; and sending, by the device, the requests to the proxy server via idle TCP connections between the client and the proxy server to forward the requests to a Web server by the proxy server, or establishing, by the device, TCP connections between the client and the proxy server depending on whether the requests are serial or parallel requests, the number of the idle TCP connections between the client and the proxy server, and the number of TCP connections which are needed during sending the requests; and sending, by the device, the requests to the proxy server via the idle TCP connections and the established TCP connections to forward the requests to the Web server by the proxy server.

Abstract: A method for processing and verifying remote dynamic data is provided. The method includes providing a radix tree structure having N levels, obtaining and recording N initial values for representing the empty radix tree structure, wherein all nodes at the same level are assigned an identical initial value. When performing a data processing operation to the radix tree structure, determining a first leaf node and calculating and recording the value of each node in a shortest path from the first leaf node to the root node. When performing a verification of a specific data, obtaining a second leaf node corresponding to the specific data, a sibling node of each node in a shortest path from the second leaf node to the root node, and generating a verification result according to a digital signature for verifying the root node, the value of each obtained sibling node, and the specific data.

Abstract: A performance analyzer for a self-tuning system controller, and a method for performance analysis. A range of values for a control parameter of a system controller for a system is split into a plurality of sub-ranges, need is determined to obtain a data point for a sub-range of the plurality of sub-ranges based on a criteria, wherein said sub-range is adjacent to a sub-range having a best performance value that identifies a best performance for the system, the control parameter is set to a value to generate the data point for the adjacent sub-range; and the control parameter set to a value for system performance, based on a search range determined from a window of data points that includes the generated data point.

Abstract: A search device and method of a pertinent solution using a genetic algorithm that performs genetic operation(s) on a plurality of individuals each having an element of a candidate solution to a problem in the form of a gene sequence. Genetic information about target individuals includes whether all individuals are, regardless of their fitness values, in a state among a living state that is a target of genetic operation and a target of calculating a fitness value, and a dead state that is not the target of genetic operation nor the target of the calculation of the fitness value. Each target individual has a predetermined value of a lifespan. A breeding area that allows predation of leading an individual belonging to a lower layer to a dead state due to predation by an individual belonging to a higher layer in the breeding area is an aspect of generating new target individuals.

Abstract: Roughly described, a training database contains N segments of data samples. Candidate individuals identify a testing experience level, a fitness estimate, a rule set, and a testing set TSi of the data samples on which it is tested. The testing sets have fewer than all of the data segments and they are not all the same. Testing involves testing on only the individual's assigned set of data segments, updating the fitness estimates and testing experience levels, and discarding candidates through competition. If an individual reaches a predetermined maturity level of testing experience, then validating involves further testing it on samples of the testing data from a testing data segment other than those in the individual's testing set TSi. Those individuals that satisfy validation criteria are considered for deployment.

Abstract: The technology described herein includes a system and/or a method for multiple hypothesis tracking. In some examples, a multiple hypothesis tracking system includes a receiver, an array generation module, and a local search move module. The receiver is configured to receive tracking data associated with one or more target families from one or more sensors. The array generation module is configured to generate a matrix array based on the tracking data. The local search move module is configured to perform one or more local search moves on one or more cells in the matrix array to increase a global hypothesis score for the tracking data.

Abstract: Data for simulation are selected from an in-memory database of an in-memory database server or simultaneous scenarios simulation at a business application server. The simulation results of a plurality of scenarios received from the business application server are temporarily stored at the in-memory database. One scenario from the plurality of scenarios is selected based on using user-defined rules at the in-memory database server. The selected scenario is communicated to the business application server.

Abstract: The invention involves generating and presenting, typically electronically, a number of design alternatives to persons who are participating in the design, selection, or market research exercise. The participants (referred to as “selectors”) transmit data indicative of their preferences among or between the presented design alternatives, and that data is used to derive a new generation of design alternatives or proposals. The new designs are generated through the use of a computer program exploiting a genetic or evolutionary computational technique. The process is repeated, typically for many iterations or cycles.