048 - Enabling Technologies for Empirical Modelling in Graphics
Abstract
Empirical Modelling is an approach to computer-based modelling that has been under development at the University of Warwick for over ten years. It combines agent-oriented modelling with state representation based on scripts of definitions that capture the dependencies between observables. Unlike conventional modelling methods, its focus is upon using the computer as a physical artefact and modelling instrument to represent speculative and provisional knowledge. Previous research has indicated the potential for wide application to interactive graphics, computer-aided design, concurrent engineering and concurrent systems modelling. This has been demonstrated in principle by numerous case-studies, but existing tools do not yet exploit the underlying concept fully and efficiently. This paper discusses Empirical Modelling in relation to conventional computer programming, describes technical progress towards better practical implementations and identifies new computer architectures on which the aspirations of Empirical Modelling can be realised.