Abstract
We present a simple but general method for the description in logic of discrete geometric structures based on the symmetry group of the structure. As a first step, we write a logic program that defines the structure with a small set of base points and generators for the symmetry group of the structure. We modify this program so that, when it is executed as a program inProlog orClp(ℛ), it enumerates the points of the structure. This method allows compact descriptions of highly symmetrical, yet elaborate structures such as geodesic spheres.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.References
M.A. Armstrong,Groups and Symmetry (Springer, Berlin, 1988).
J.C. Bohlen, Trigonometric relationships for geodesic domes, Information Report VP-X-121, Department of the Environment, Canadian Forestry Service (1974).
R.B. Fuller, Building construction, U.S. Patent 2,682,235 (June 29, 1954).
J. Jaffar, S. Michaylov, P.J. Stuckey and R.H.C. Yap, The CLP(ℛ) language and system, Technical Report CMU-CS-90-181, Carnegie Mellon University (1990).
D.E. Knuth and P.B. Bendix, Simple word problems in universal algebras, in:Computational Problems in Abstract Algebra, ed. J. Leech (Pergamon Press, 1970) pp. 263–297.
J.W. Lloyd,Foundations of Logic Programming, 2nd ed. (Springer, Berlin, 1987).
J. McHale,R. Buckminster Fuller (George Braziller, 1962).
R. Reiter, A logic for default reasoning, Artificial Intelligence 13(1980)81–132.
P.A. Strooper, M. Stylianou and B. Tabarrok, Prolog for finite-element model definition,Proc. 1992 ASME International Computers in Engineering Conference, pp. 133–140.
B. Tabarrok, WISDOM Reference Manual, version 4.0, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC (1990).
O.C. Zienkiewicz and R.L. Taylor,The Finite Element Method, 4th ed. (McGraw-Hill, 1988).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Strooper, P.A., van Emden, M.H. Describing symmetrical structures in logic. Ann Math Artif Intell 8, 301–314 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01530795
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01530795