Natural Computing
Impact of Natural Computing Concepts on Software Development
Abstract
Many software engineering problems stem, in part, from the need for software designers to understand specialized knowledge domains. On the other hand, in paper-based problem-solving techniques, people follow certain natural methods of calculation, involving the use of features such as equations, tables, graphs, procedures, and pictures. Current computer software systems do not represent these calculation features (tables and graphs) so as to allow people to perform calculations in natural and intuitive ways. The patent specification describes object-oriented representations of these familiar features that make computing more transparent and intuitive; this approach is called “Natural Computing.” In Natural Computing, generic software tools are first developed. Domain specialists then incorporate domain knowledge, data, and calculation methods. End users can use the resulting applications just as they now use (paper) book-based methods. The need for software programmers to work in a domain is obviated, since the applications use generic methods only. Electronic books in the Natural Computing format capture methods of calculation in addition to data, information, and knowledge and can be updated by domain specialists and end users. Natural Computing eases application system development, accelerates domain knowledge dissemination, and assists in the expeditious development of knowledge.
Natural Computing patent (5,680,557) specification may be reviewed at the USPTO website.
Abstract
Many software engineering problems stem, in part, from the need for software designers to understand specialized knowledge domains. On the other hand, in paper-based problem-solving techniques, people follow certain natural methods of calculation, involving the use of features such as equations, tables, graphs, procedures, and pictures. Current computer software systems do not represent these calculation features (tables and graphs) so as to allow people to perform calculations in natural and intuitive ways. The patent specification describes object-oriented representations of these familiar features that make computing more transparent and intuitive; this approach is called “Natural Computing.” In Natural Computing, generic software tools are first developed. Domain specialists then incorporate domain knowledge, data, and calculation methods. End users can use the resulting applications just as they now use (paper) book-based methods. The need for software programmers to work in a domain is obviated, since the applications use generic methods only. Electronic books in the Natural Computing format capture methods of calculation in addition to data, information, and knowledge and can be updated by domain specialists and end users. Natural Computing eases application system development, accelerates domain knowledge dissemination, and assists in the expeditious development of knowledge.
Natural Computing patent (5,680,557) specification may be reviewed at the USPTO website.