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This thesis presents the development of an interactive graphics interface for MECSYN, a planar mechanism synthesis program. The purpose of this work is to produce a dynamic graphics interface, independent of a graphics device and providing a high level of user interaction. To achieve this, the proposed three-dimensional graphics standard PHIGS (Programmers Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System) is used for graphics support software. An overview of the synthesis theory is presented. The program structure is described and presented along with a listing of the graphics and interface routines of the program to aid in future development of the program (synthesis routines are not included). Several examples illustrating the features and use of the program have been included. / Master of Science

Although much effort has been invested to build applications that support group work, collaborative applications have not found easy success. The cost of adopting and maintaining collaborative applications has prevented their widespread use, especially among small distributed groups. Application developers have had difficulties recognizing the extra effort required by groups to use collaborative applications and how to either reduce this effort or provide other benefits to compensate for the extra work. These problems have limited the success of collaborative applications, which have not attained the same level of productivity improvements that single user applications have achieved. In this thesis we present a framework that describes the types of computer support that can facilitate the work of distributed engineering design groups. Our framework addresses support for web-based groups in particular because we believe the web can be a powerful medium for collaboration if accommodated properly. We show how the concepts in this framework can be implemented by prototyping a web-based engineering decision support system. Our framework is a synthesis of ideas motivated by an examination of literature in various fields that share a common interest in collaborative work. It can influence application development by helping developers become aware of the types of support should be considered to aid web-based collaborative design. / Graduation date: 1997

A system which allows the computer to capture sketches made by a mechanical designer is described. The system not only recognizes basic features as they are sketched, but it also reasons the spatial relationships between features and builds a high level abstract representation (feature model) of the artifact. The temporal nature of the capture, one feature at a time, serves to form a feature graph that allows for parametric design. The system is composed of three subsystems: a two-dimensional freehand sketching subsystem¹ , a three-dimensional features recognition subsystem, and a spatial reasoning subsystem. The freehand sketching subsystem takes the user's input sketching actions and interprets them as simple, two-dimensional geometric elements, such as line segments, circles, and ellipses, etc. The features recognition subsystem interprets the collection of two-dimensional geometric elements to extract three-dimensional information from them and creates high level abstract representations, features. The spatial reasoning subsystem finds relationships between a new feature and existing features and integrates features to form a single part. The work of the Design Capture System is aimed at capturing sketches of a specific application domain: injected molding plastic parts. Twenty injected molding plastic parts were collected and analyzed to understand the distribution of features. Isometric sketching is selected as the basic constructing method for the system. The processes of freehand sketching and computer-aided drafting were studied to find a better scheme for computer-aided sketching. Conclusions are also presented. ¹The Freehand Sketching Subsystem was accomplished by Roger Fang as a Master project in 1987 at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. / Graduation date: 1991

Increased complexity of constructed facilities, owners’ changing needs and international competition have created strong demands for advanced construction technology. Recent developments in computer technologies provide the Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry with significant potential for innovation. However, the adoption of state of-the-art computer technologies by a majority of AEC firms faces many hurdles. The objective of this research is the development of methodologies for accelerating the adoption of Expert Systems (ES) technology by the AEC industry. This is accomplished with the development of a Technology Transfer (T²) model for ES. The T² model has been based on the models of innovation developed by Rogers, Shaffer, and Tatum, as well as on case Studies of ES adoption by several organizations. The ES T² model has focused on the following issues: 1) the stages of the T² process and the managerial actions required for successful adoption of ES technology; 2) the economical, technological and organizational factors affecting the T² process; and 3) alternative strategies that managers can deploy to successfully transfer the technology to their firm. The T² model provides a useful framework that can significantly enhance managers’ ability to expedite the transfer of ES technology in the AEC industry. / Master of Science