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The implementation of a direct search approach for the resolution of complex and changing rule-based problems

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Abstract

During the evolution of constraint modeling approaches, they have increased in their ability to resolve more and more complex problems. They all rely upon their ability to define the design problem by a set of constraint rules, which are true when the problem is solved, by the manipulation of selected free variables. However, as they have advanced differing techniques, they have been applied to address problems of increasing complexity. This study has been directed toward addressing those that are not only complex but also ill structured and evolving. In order to address such problems, an approach has been developed that employs sensitivity analysis and problem strategies to form an evolving direct search technique. While this is generic approach, which has been applied to a range of engineering problems, it is illustrated here through its use in a study into the posture modeling of humans. In this, it was recognized that such a new approach was required due to the complex description, limits, and postures possible in the human body.

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to recognize and thank colleagues within the Mechanical Engineering Department for support of activities in the area of constraint modeling, to colleagues at the Technical University of Delft for both providing the original ADAPS human modeller and the ergonomic data and finally to colleagues at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, for providing feedback upon the constraint modeling research into humans.

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  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK

    Anthony John Medland & Jason Matthews

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  1. Anthony John Medland
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  2. Jason Matthews
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Correspondence to Jason Matthews.

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Medland, A.J., Matthews, J. The implementation of a direct search approach for the resolution of complex and changing rule-based problems. Engineering with Computers 27, 105–115 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00366-009-0148-z

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