Finite state automata as form-generation and visualization tools

Abstract

Architects and other designers use diagrams to visualize the process of product analysis and synthesis. The paper outlines a new pictorial representation tool that helps designers visualize the process of composing and classifying their final products. Finite state automata (FSAs) are used in the context of formal languages as recognition devices. In this sense, they complement the synthetic device of linear grammars in the definition of regular languages. Using the paradigm of language for understanding the design process, FSAs can be developed to describe how basic shapes standing for elements or subsystems can be put together into meaningful subsystems or systems. They can classify different options for component grouping. Compared to flow charts, FSAs represent graphically a class of flow charts that share a set of predefined criteria. In addition, FSAs allow the representation of recursive as well as topological and spatial relations among components.