TwD98 Summary:
Diagrammatic Tools for Science
Applications in Qualitative Analysis and Mathematics

Zenon Kulpa

[This is a slightly modified and updated version
of my Research Summary for the Thinking with Diagrams '98 workshop]

Type of Diagram(s) Studied
Various types of scientific diagrams: line and area graphs, structural networks, symbolic representations (icon-like), usually mixed together. For examples see references [3-7], especially [5, 7].
 
Representational Medium
Printed and on-screen graphics - computer generated, usually interactively, using vector graphics and overlays. Internal computer representations based on graph grammars are planned.
 
Accompanying Non Diagrammatic Representations
Mathematical formulas; numerical results; textual labels and explanations. A close integration of diagrammatic and non-diagrammatic representations is attempted so that they can reinforce each other in effective communication of complex knowledge.
 
Context of Diagram Use / Application Domain
Tools for scientific discovery, mathematics and physics problem solving, communication of information (scientific diagrams, qualitative engineering design), qualitative/quantitative information presentation, interaction with computers.
 
Diagrammatic Research Question / Issue
Design and testing in practical applications of specific diagrammatic representations (visual languages). Finding general principles and guidelines for design of such representations. Experimenting with methods of computer implementation of diagrammatic reasoning.
 
Discipline(s)
Methodology of science and education: new research tools, mathematical/physical knowledge presentation and education.
Computer science: AI, qualitative physics, user interfaces.
 
Research Approach / Methodology
Design and testing in practical applications of specific diagrammatic representations (visual languages). Theoretical search for general principles of visual languages construction, based on analysis of existing diagrammatic systems and experiences with development and use of our designs. Computer implementation (based on graph grammars) is planned.
 
Main Diagrammatic Outcomes: Findings / Theories / Principles
Several systems of diagrammatic representations useful for qualitative physics and mathematics were developed. One of the conclusions from this work can be summarised by a tentative title of the paper I am currently working on: "Mind the Plural: The Science of Many Diagrams".
 
Links and References
Diagrammatic corner of my home pages:
      http://www.ippt.gov.pl/~zkulpa/diagrams/zkdiagr.html
Qualitative Analysis pages:
      http://www.ippt.gov.pl/~zkulpa/quaphys/QAnalys.html
 
  1. Z. Kulpa. Iconics: computer-aided visual communication.
    In: Levialdi S. (Ed.): Digital Image Analysis. Pitman, London (1983), 280-282.
  2. Z. Kulpa. Diagrammatic representation and reasoning.
    MGV 3(1/2), (1994), 77-103.
    [PostScript file available (380KB, gzipped)]
  3. M. Kleiber, Z. Kulpa. Computer-assisted hybrid reasoning in simulation and analysis of physical systems.
    CAMES 2(3), (1995), 165-186.
    [PostScript file available (170KB, gzipped)]
  4. Z. Kulpa. Diagrammatic representation of interval space in proving theorems about interval relations.
    Reliable Computing, 3(3), (1997), 209-217. (also presented at the INTERVAL'96 Conf., Würzburg, Germany, Sep 29-Oct 2, 1996).
    [PostScript file of the Extended Abstract (2 pp., 2 figs.) available (170KB, gzipped)]
  5. Z. Kulpa. Diagrammatic representation for a space of intervals.
    MGV 6(1), (1997), 5-24.
    [PostScript file available (620KB, gzipped)]
  6. Z. Kulpa, A. Radomski, O. Gajl, M. Kleiber, I. Skalna. Hybrid expert system for qualitative and quantitative analysis of truss structures.
    Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 12(1), 1999, 229-240.
  7. Z. Kulpa. Qualitative model of load propagation in truss structures. Internal Report No. B-1/1998. IPPT PAN, Warsaw 1998.
 
Other Information
I would like to advertise here the Special Issue on Diagrammatic Representation and Reasoning of the Machine GRAPHICS & VISION Journal, 6(1), (1997), edited by me.
The journal [see http://www.ippt.gov.pl/~zkulpa/MGV/MGV.html], where I serve as one of the Executive Editors, invites papers on all things diagrammatic (preferably those having something to do with computers).

Back to my [DIAG] diagrams page
Original version: Jul 23, 1998.
Revised and updated: Nov 3, 2000