Project Title:

Intelligent Pen-Based Engineering Notebook

06.03-3370
911928
Intelligent Pen-Based Engineering Notebook
Software Productivity Solutions, Inc.
122 North 4th Avenue
Indialantic
FL
32903
Vincent J.
Kovarik
407-984-3370
LaRC
NAS1-19546
105

06.03-3370
911928

Abstract:

Intelligent Pen-Based Engineering Notebook
Systems engineering is a highly complex technical skill. Yet, the process of developing
a successful system design is very informal. The engineer often shifts between technical
research, mathematical analysis, group coordination, end-user interface, and other
activities. Because of this highly fluid work style, the engineering notebook has
remained the primary means for the engineer to capture and to retain analyses, decisions,
and rationale for projects. Unfortunately, the notebook is an extremely inefficient
method for transferring the information captured to the work products. For example,
requirements specifications must still be entered into a word processor to obtain
a requirements document. This project will investigate the development of an intelligent
assistant for the systems engineer within a pen-based computer. This assistant will
employ knowledged-based technology to perform tasks such as hypertext link formation
between requirements penciled in the notebook and the presentation of those requirements
in a document. In the software development domain, this will allow the engineer to
develop pencil sketches of a relational database organization, to move that to a
specification document and by external interface with an expert system on a workstation,
transform the graphical notation into data definition statements.
Virtually any domain that involves shifts between modes of operation, informal capture
of technical information, mobility can benefit from this technology. Civil engineers,
research scientists, software developers, process control designers can apply this
technology.
systems engineering, knowledge-based systems, pen-based computers, intelligent assistant