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A Generative Theory of Shape

by Michael Leyton

Center for Discrete Mathematics & Theoretical Computer Science (DIMACS),
Rutg­­ers University, USA

www.rci.rutgers.edu/~mleyton/homepage.htm


November 24, 2006, Seminar Rooms, BPB @ Goldsmiths, noon -- 13h

Digital Studios @ Goldsmiths College

download a PDF version of this event's announcement.



"Exile" by M. Leyton, 1992.
(more artworks)


Abstract 

This talk gives an introduction to my book "A Generative Theory of Shape" (Springer, 2001).  The purpose of the book is to develop a generative theory that has two properties regarded as fundamental to intelligence:
  1. maximizing transfer of structure and
  2. maximizing recoverability of the generative operations.
These two properties are particularly important in the representation of complex shape – which is the main concern of the book. The primary goal of the theory is the conversion of complexity into understandability. For this purpose, a mathematical theory is presented of how understandability is created in a structure. This is achieved by developing a group-theoretic approach to formalizing transfer and recoverability. To handle complex shape, a new class of groups is invented, called unfolding groups. These unfold structure from a maximally collapsed version of that structure. A principal aspect of the theory is that it develops a new algebraic formalization of major object-oriented concepts such as inheritance. The consequence is an object-oriented theory of geometry. As a result, the book establishes a representational language for product and project description, that is interoperable by virtue of the principles on which the theory is based: transfer (reusability) and recoverability (traceability). Most crucially, in this theory, intelligence is brought into the very foundations of geometry.

The book gives extensive applications of the theory to CAD/CAM, human and machine vision, robotics,  software engineering, and physics. For example, the theory is used to give new and detailed insights into the main stages of mechanical CAD/CAM: part-design, assembly and machining. And within part-design, an extensive analysis is given of sketching, alignment, dimensioning, resolution, editing, sweeping, feature-addition, and intent-management. The equivalent analysis is also done for architectural design. In robotics, several levels of analysis are developed for manipulator structure and kinematics.  In software, a new theory is given of the principal factors such as text and class structure, object creation cloning and modification, as well as inheritance and hierarchy prediction. In physics, a new theory is given of the conservation laws, and motion decomposition theorems in classical and quantum mechanics. In perception, extensive theories are developed for Gestalt grouping criteria, orientation and form, the prototype phenomena, and the main Gestalt motion phenomena (induced motion, separation of systems, the Johannson relative/absolute motion effects.

Springer-Verlag allows the book to be viewed on-line at institutions that have a Springer subscription.

Book review by Stephen Wassell, in Nexus Network Journal, v.6(1), Spring 2004.


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Last update: Nov. 22, 2006.