Controlled Natural Language Interface for CAD Design Intent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CAD systems require designers to generate design solutions in advance and understand complex interfaces, making it challenging for them to focus on design problems due to the need for extensive learning and management of system inputs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using controlled natural language (CNL) to process design problem statements, converting them into executable job descriptions that produce design solutions, with a user interface that assists in generating valid CNL-compliant problem statements and providing immediate visual feedback through graphical representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional CAD systems are used, then design solutions can be analyzed and modeled, but designers must spend excessive time learning and managing complex interfaces and system inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a natural language processing intermediary layer between the designer and the CAD system. This intermediary translates natural language design problem statements into executable queries and job descriptions, eliminating the need for designers to learn complex interface frameworks and input schemes while maintaining full access to CAD system capabilities.
2Productivity
If conventional CAD systems require designers to generate design solutions in advance, then design analysis can be performed, but designers cannot focus on design problems due to interface complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex interface and input management functions from the core design problem-solving process. By separating the natural language processing layer from the CAD system operations, designers can focus exclusively on articulating design problems in natural language while the system handles the complexity of translating these into executable design queries and solutions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If designers must understand use-specific inputs and interface frameworks, then precise control over design solutions is possible, but the learning curve becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction model (clicking buttons, typing commands, navigating menus) with a linguistic interaction model. Designers communicate design problems using natural language statements that are processed by AI algorithms to generate precise executable queries, maintaining full control over design solutions while eliminating the need to learn complex interface frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device for receiving a design problem statement describing a design problem in a controlled natural language (CNL) that defines permitted lexicons and syntax structures. The design problem statement is processed using the CNL lexicons and syntax structures to produce a job description executable by a design application for generating a design solution for the design problem statement. An improved CNL user interface that assists users to produce valid design problem statements that are CNL-compliant. The CNL user interface receives user-selectable terms that are compliant with the CNL lexicons and generates candidate problem statements that are compliant with CNL syntax structures and receives a selection of a candidate problem statement that is added to the design problem statement. A graphical user interface may display a graphical representation of a design problem statement that can be directly modified. A dialogue-based design process to explore possible design intentions and design solutions.