Naive mechanics: a computational model of device use and function in design improvisation

The EDISON project, which is developing computational models that can solve problems and reason creatively about mechanical devices, is discussed. The project addresses two general issues: the breadth of and interactions between knowledge needed for creative reasoning, and the amount of knowledge needed to describe mechanical devices, their behavior, function, and use. This approach supports mechanical improvisation by applying the concept of device functional equivalence in different situations. The discussion covers the following: two classes of individual objects used by EDISON, device behavior and function, device use in problem-solving situations, and functional similarity and improvisation.<>