A program generator for designers

Abstract

A computer-aided design package has been developed which will enable an engineering designer without conventional computer programming skills to generate and run a program to be used as a tool in solving a design problem. In contrast to traditional programs the design system is based on decision tables, which allow improved documentation, communication and modification of design logic. Decision tables have previously been used as a programming medium either as input to a specialised processor for conversion into conventional program code, or retained as data to be scanned by a general purpose processor for checking design constraints. The current package advances the use of decision tables as data inputs by automating the preparation of decision table-based application programs. The resulting general purpose processor is menu-driven and application independent. All program information, including equations, is stored and used by the system as data. The Program Generator incorporates both system and design parameter data manipulation features to maximise the flexibility a designer is given to control the program logic as well as parameter values used to reach a solution to a design problem. A worked example on beam bending and listings of all programs are included.