Method for testing control software of a control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for testing control software of a control device, wherein the control device provides a data stream (12) for evaluation, the method having the following steps: - generating a first tree structure and a second tree structure for representing the data stream (12) in a tabular arrangement (10) in a display area, the tabular arrangement having a plurality of rows (14) and a plurality of columns (16), wherein - the first tree structure comprises a first multi-dimensional list, - the first multi-dimensional list comprises a plurality of row element lists, - the row element lists comprise a plurality of elements (20), - each element (20) in a row element list can be associated with a data stream (12), - the elements (20) define in which column (16) the data stream (12) associated with the element (20) is represented, wherein - the second tree structure comprises a second multi-dimensional list, - the second multi-dimensional list comprises a plurality of column element lists, - the column element lists comprise a plurality of elements (20), - the elements (20) define in which row (14) the data stream (12) associated with the element (20) is represented, and - representing the data stream (12) on the basis of the first tree structure and the second tree structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for testing control software of a control device, wherein the control device provides a data stream for evaluation. Background Technology

[0002] For functional testing of control equipment, especially the control software of electronic control equipment, hardware in the form of control equipment or control equipment prototype can be used in principle, and the control software can be tested in a real environment, such as during driving tests.

[0003] Furthermore, a so-called Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) approach is suitable, in which the control device is connected to a HiL simulator via inputs and outputs, where the HiL simulator simulates a real-world environment. The HiL simulator simulates the electrical signals read by the controlled devices from sensors and actuators. For example, during HiL testing of an internal combustion engine, signals from the crankshaft and camshaft sensors are generated by an angle processing unit (APU), which is part of the HiL simulator's hardware. The control device then uses control software to generate sensor and / or actuator control signals based on these signals, which in turn cause changes in the electrical signals within the HiL simulator.

[0004] During functional testing of control software, multiple signals are generated and transmitted, regardless of the method used. The time-varying processes of these signals are recorded as data and / or data streams to identify weaknesses in the control software or to facilitate improvements. For example, during functional testing of control software for vehicle control equipment, up to 100,000 signals may be transmitted from the vehicle to the control equipment. Analysis and evaluation of data streams typically involve appropriate graphical representations of the data streams, allowing users to access the data and draw conclusions. Because data streams often include time-varying data, graphical representations of these data streams can only be reasonably achieved by displaying them within the display area of ​​a computer's graphical user interface.

[0005] However, for applications that require a large amount of display space on a computer, the following problems may arise: the computer's operating system may no longer be able to provide the necessary computing power, leading to operating system crashes or at least preventing the generation of new representations on the display space. The challenge also exists when large amounts of data are transmitted in test control software: maintaining the clarity of the data stream representation while still allowing users to modify the data stream representation for analysis and evaluation.

[0006] Such problems arise, for example, when representing real-time measurement data streams in hardware-in-the-loop applications. Here, it is sometimes necessary to graphically represent large numbers of different data streams. In practice, it has been shown that the application potential of visualization and experimental software, such as the applicant's product "ControlDesk," cannot be fully utilized under Microsoft Windows due to the resource-inefficient and computationally intensive methods used to manage data stream representations and to generate graphical representations.

[0007] ControlDesk is a software application primarily used for visualizing bus systems such as CAN, LIN, Flexray, and Ethernet on computer systems. In the case of Ethernet, in particular, there can be very large volumes of data, thus requiring extensive graphical representations for the analysis and evaluation of the data flow. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Starting from this problem, the objective of this invention is to provide a method for testing control software of a control device, which avoids the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, it should enable efficient and resource-saving access to the data stream provided by the control device.

[0009] This task is solved by the technical solution of the present invention.

[0010] Therefore, according to the present invention, a method for testing control software of a control device is provided, wherein the control device provides a data stream for evaluation, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0011] - Generate a first tree structure and a second tree structure to represent the data flow within a tabular layout structure in the display area. This tabular layout structure has multiple rows and multiple columns.

[0012] --The first tree structure includes the first multidimensional list.

[0013] --The first multidimensional list consists of a list of multiple rows of elements.

[0014] --These list of row elements contain multiple elements,

[0015] --Each element in the row element list can be associated with a data stream.

[0016] --This element specifies which column the data stream associated with this element can be represented in, where

[0017] --The second tree structure includes a second multidimensional list.

[0018] --The second multidimensional list consists of a list of multiple column elements.

[0019] --These column element lists contain multiple elements,

[0020] --This element specifies in which row the data stream associated with this element can be represented, and

[0021] - Data flow is represented based on a first tree structure and a second tree structure.

[0022] Preferably, the representation of the data streams is understood to be such that these data streams are graphically represented in such a way that the user of the method is informed of the data streams and accesses their values. Preferably, the data streams include time-varying data. Therefore, this method enables the user to analyze and evaluate the data streams, which is typically necessary when testing the control software of a control device.

[0023] Therefore, the method according to the present invention forms the basis for processing data streams, which efficiently utilizes computer performance and thus avoids drawbacks such as operating system crashes. This method also reduces the risk of insufficient computing power to represent another data stream.

[0024] This method specifies that, in order to represent a data flow in a tabular layout structure within a display area, first and second tree structures are generated. These tree structures enable the generation and management of tabular layout structures representing data flows in a particularly efficient manner. The first tree structure includes a first multidimensional list. A list should be understood as a variation of a data structure in which a large number of structurally identical data are accumulated, in this case, a list of row elements. Access to structurally identical data, i.e., access to the list of row elements, is made by means of indexes that indicate the position of the list of row elements within the multidimensional list. In this case, multidimensional means that the list has more than one dimension. In other words, the first multidimensional list is at least a two-dimensional data structure. The first multidimensional list, in its respect, includes multiple lists of row elements. These lists of row elements are also lists. Structurally identical data in the lists of row elements are elements, where these elements can be associated with a data flow. In other words, these elements represent access to a specific data flow. Now, this method specifies that, in the first tree structure, the corresponding element defines in which column of the tabular layout structure of the data flow to which the element can be associated is represented. That is, the column in which the data stream is displayed is not determined by the index of the element in the row element list, but rather by the element itself, which determines which column the data stream associated with that element is represented. Therefore, the order of the elements in the row element list is not decisive for the representation in the tabular layout structure. The length of the row element list also need not be the same as the number of columns in the tabular layout structure. In the case of a tabular layout structure with empty cells, the row element list can especially have a shorter length than the number of columns. Preferably, for the purposes of this invention, an empty cell means that no data stream is currently represented in that cell of the tabular layout structure, or that the representation of the data stream is hidden. Preferably, not only can the column in which the data stream associated with the element is represented be determined in these elements, but other characteristics of the representation of the data stream can also be defined.

[0025] Similar to the first-tree structure, the second-tree structure specifies that each element determines the row in which its associated data stream is represented. That is, the row in which an element's associated data stream is displayed is not determined by its index in the column element list, but rather by the element itself. Therefore, the order of elements in the column element list is not decisive for its representation in a tabular layout. The length of the column element list also need not match the number of rows in the tabular layout. In tabular layouts with empty cells, the column element list can be particularly shorter than the number of rows.

[0026] Therefore, the first and second tree structures offer high flexibility in creating tabular layouts because the lengths of the row and column element lists are not necessarily related to the number of rows and columns in the tabular layout. Similarly, the order of elements in the row element lists is not necessarily related to the order of their representation within the rows of the tabular layout, and the order of elements in the column element lists is not necessarily related to the order of their representation within the columns of the tabular layout. This enables efficient management of the represented data flow because only the actual represented data flow is managed. Empty cells, empty rows, and / or empty columns in a tabular layout, in particular, do not result in memory consumption.

[0027] In principle, the number of elements in the row element list corresponds to the number of data streams to be represented or currently represented in the corresponding rows of the layout structure, and the number of elements in the column element list corresponds to the number of data streams to be represented or currently represented in the corresponding columns of the layout structure. However, the first and second tree structures enable resource-efficient management of data stream representation because, dynamically and without pre-defined rules, only the data streams of interest can always be displayed, while data transmission for data streams not being displayed can be interrupted. Therefore, this method enables efficient and resource-efficient access to data streams provided by the control device.

[0028] Regarding the aforementioned efficient access to the data stream, a preferred extension of the present invention specifies that an element determines whether data in the data stream is transmitted by a control device through its association state with the data stream. Alternatively or additionally, in a preferred extension, the method includes the following steps:

[0029] - Associate elements with data streams; and

[0030] - For this data stream, the control device transmits the data.

[0031] In other words, this preferably means that the association of an element causes the transmission of data to a data stream that can be associated with that element. Preferably, the association state reflects whether the element is currently associated with a data stream or not. In particular, it is specified that the user can change the association state of an element. Data for that data stream is transmitted by the control device only when there is currently an association between the element and the data stream.

[0032] In this respect, in another preferred extension of the invention, it is specified that hiding the represented data stream causes the deassociation of the data stream associated with the element within the element. That is, the method preferably includes the following steps:

[0033] -Remove the data stream associated with the element from the element; and

[0034] - Interrupt control devices for data transmission of this data stream.

[0035] Therefore, the displayability, hiding, and / or collapsing / expanding of the representation of data streams in a tabular layout structure can be achieved within the display area, which is particularly resource-efficient. Data for a data stream is transmitted by the control device only when an element is associated with it. Once the representation of the data stream is no longer visible to the user, the element is unassociated with the data stream and no more data is transmitted. In particular, the general structure of the tabular layout structure is unaffected by the hiding of the representation of data streams within it, because the data stream can be defined by its associated elements in which row or column it should be represented. Therefore, the element, and the data stream associated with it, maintains its row and column relationships within the tabular layout structure, even if the data stream is not represented. This allows for simple cell-by-cell hiding of the representation of data streams in a tabular layout structure. That is, it is not necessary to hide entire columns and / or rows. Therefore, it is possible for the user to dynamically and clearly view only the data streams currently needed for data analysis and evaluation, cell by cell. Preferably, it is specified that the user can trigger the hiding and / or showing, or expanding and / or collapsing of the representation of the data stream.

[0036] The first and second tree structures not only enable efficient access to the data stream provided by the control device, but also provide a clear tabular layout. In this regard, a preferred extension of the invention specifies that: changes to the tabular layout of the data stream by the user cause changes in the first and / or second tree structures; changes to the representation of the data stream in the tabular layout cause changes in the elements associated with that data stream; changes in the first and / or second tree structures cause changes in the tabular layout of the data stream; and / or changes in the elements associated with that data stream cause changes in the representation of the data stream associated with that element in the tabular layout.

[0037] A user's change to the tabular layout should preferably be understood as causing the change through an action, such as dragging and dropping. More preferably, a change to the tabular layout should be understood as a movement of data flow from one cell to another. That is, during the movement, the column and / or row relationships in the tabular layout change.

[0038] Furthermore, changes to the tabular layout structure should preferably be understood as the addition or removal of a representation of the data flow. In the case of addition or removal, the tabular layout structure is supplemented or reduced with further rows and / or columns. Preferably, these rows and / or columns can be added and / or removed not only at the edges of the tabular layout structure but also within the tabular layout structure. In other words, this means that, based on the first and second tree structures, it is not necessary to build the representation of the data flow in the tabular layout structure row by row or column by column.

[0039] That is, the column and / or row relationships in a tabular layout structure can be changed by adding or removing representations of data flows. The changed column and / or row relationships in the tabular layout structure are preferably depicted in a first and / or second tree structure. Specifically, the first and / or second tree structures are continuously maintained and always reflect the current tabular layout structure.

[0040] If, for example, a user adds another data stream representation, the corresponding row element list of the first tree structure is expanded by one element associated with that data stream. A similar situation applies to the corresponding column element list of the second tree structure. Here, it is irrelevant whether the additional element is added at the beginning, end, or middle of the row or column element list. In other words, the index of the added element in the row or column element list is unimportant because it does not define where the data stream associated with that element is represented in the tabular layout structure.

[0041] When moving the representation of a data stream, care should be taken not to forcibly change the two tree structures. If, for example, the representation of a data stream in a row is moved from one column to another within the same row, it is preferable not to make any changes to the corresponding row element list of the first tree structure, because the representation of the data stream always remains within the same row of the tabular layout structure. Conversely, in this example, the second tree structure is changed because the data stream is now represented in another column. That is, in the second tree structure, it is preferable to remove the element from the column element list representing the previous column and add it to the column element list representing the current column.

[0042] Preferably, changes also occur in the elements associated with the data flow during the movement. In the example above, preferably, while no changes occur in the corresponding row element list of the first tree structure, the elements associated with the data flow in the row element list change. At this point, the corresponding element preferably changes the information that defines which column the data flow associated with that element is represented, and adapts that information to correspond to the new column.

[0043] A user's change to the representation of a data stream in a tabular layout structure should preferably be understood as causing a change in the representation of the data stream through the user's actions, such as mouse movement or mouse click. More preferably, a change to the representation of the data stream should be understood as a specific way the data stream is represented. This preferably includes the height, width, color, resolution, and / or transparency of the representation. That is, preferably, a change to the representation of the data stream causes changes in the elements associated with that data stream. This also specifically means that a change to the representation of the data stream does not cause changes in the first and / or second tree structure. Preferably, elements that can be associated with a data stream include information about the representation of the associated data stream. This preferably includes information about the height, width, color, resolution, and / or transparency of the representation. If the user now changes the representation of the data stream, this information is preferably updated in the elements and adapted to the user's selected value. More preferably, the element includes information about limits that should not be exceeded and / or fallen below for the height, width, color, resolution, and / or transparency of the representation. These limits may be specified by the user or generated based on the associated data stream or the current value of the data stream.

[0044] To date, it has been shown that users can change the tabular layout structure of the data stream and / or the representation of the data stream within the tabular layout structure, and this causes changes in the first and / or second tree structure and / or changes in the elements. However, conversely, changes in the first and / or second tree structure also preferably cause changes in the tabular layout structure of the data stream. Preferably, changes in the elements associated with the data stream also cause changes in the representation of the data stream associated with the elements in the tabular layout structure.

[0045] That is, the method preferably includes the following additional steps:

[0046] - Change the tabular layout structure of the data flow; and

[0047] - Adapt the first tree structure and / or the second tree structure to the modified table layout structure; and / or

[0048] - Change the first tree structure and / or the second tree structure;

[0049] - Adapt the tabular layout of the data stream to the modified first tree structure and / or second tree structure.

[0050] That is, the method further preferably includes the following additional steps:

[0051] - Change the representation of data flow within this tabular layout structure; and

[0052] - Adapt the elements associated with the data stream to the modified representation; and / or

[0053] - Change the elements associated with this data stream; and

[0054] - Adapts the representation of the data flow associated with the element in the tabular layout structure to the changed element.

[0055] The change of an element can preferably be caused by a data stream associated with that element. Preferably, the step includes: changing the element associated with the data stream, i.e., changing the element associated with the data stream based on the current value of the data stream associated with that element. For example, the height of the representation of the data stream can be dynamically adapted to the current value of the data stream. In particular, a tabular layout structure can be dynamically generated from a data stream provided by a control device.

[0056] As already mentioned, it is preferably specified that the element includes information about the representation of the data stream that can be associated with the element. In this regard, in a preferred extension of the invention, it is specified that the element defines the height and / or width of the representation of the data stream that the element can be associated with, and / or the method additionally includes the following steps:

[0057] - Define the height and / or width of the representation of the data flow associated with the element; and

[0058] - Use this height and / or width to represent the data flow associated with this element.

[0059] Preferably, limiting the height and / or width of the representation of the data stream associated with the element within the element includes limiting the value based on the data stream associated with the element or the received data. Alternatively or additionally, the height and / or width may also be specified by the user. Thus, according to a preferred extension of the invention, the user may limit the height and / or width of the representation of the data stream associated with the element within the element, and / or the method may additionally include the following steps:

[0060] - The width and / or height of the representation of the data flow associated with the element, as defined by the user; and

[0061] - Use the width and / or height to represent the data flow associated with the element.

[0062] Furthermore, as already mentioned, not only can the height and / or width be defined, but the height and / or width can also be changed. That is, preferably, the user's representation of the data flow in the tabular layout structure includes: the user changing the height and / or width. The height and / or width can also be changed dynamically. Preferably, the method includes the following steps:

[0063] - Change the height and / or width of the representation of the data stream associated with the element; or

[0064] - Change the height and / or width of the representation of the data stream associated with the element based on the current value of the data stream associated with the element.

[0065] When changing the height of a representation of a data stream associated with an element, it is theoretically possible that only this one representation changes while other representations of the data stream in a tabular layout are not affected by the change. However, it is preferable to stipulate that when the height of a representation of a data stream in a tabular layout changes, the height of the row representing that data stream in the tabular layout adapts accordingly. This is preferably achieved by changing the height of all representations of data streams present in that row in the same way. Therefore, according to a preferred extension of the invention, changing the height of a representation of a data stream associated with an element to a future height includes the following steps:

[0066] - Determine other elements associated with the data flow in the rows of the tabular layout structure representing the data flow by using the list of row elements of the first tree structure;

[0067] - The query has high requirements in terms of identifying other elements associated with the data stream;

[0068] - Compare the queried height requirements of other elements associated with the data stream with the future height;

[0069] - Based on the height requirement, return the future height that fits the representation of the data stream associated with the element;

[0070] - Based on the returned adaptive future height, limit the height of the representation of the data flow associated with the element within the element;

[0071] - Change the height of all data streams represented in this line to the specified height.

[0072] Therefore, the first tree structure can efficiently and resource-efficiently change the height of the representation and the corresponding row height because the elements involved in the height change can be identified through the row element list. For these elements, the height requirement for the representation of the data stream associated with these elements is queried. In this regard, the height requirement should preferably be understood as a lower or upper limit value for the height of the data stream representation. If there is no conflict between the future height and the height requirement, returning the adapted future height preferably includes returning the future height of the representation of the data stream associated with the element. If, for example, no other elements specify a height requirement, this corresponds to permission for the queried future height.

[0073] A similar situation preferably applies to changes in width. That is, it is preferably stipulated that when the width of the representation of a data stream in a tabular layout structure changes, the width of the columns representing that data stream in the tabular layout structure adapts accordingly. This is preferably achieved by similarly changing the width of the representations of all data streams present in the columns. According to a preferred extension, changing the width of the representation of the data stream associated with an element to the future width includes the following steps:

[0074] - Identify other elements associated with the data flow in the columns of the tabular layout structure representing the data flow by using the list of column elements in the second tree structure;

[0075] -Query the width requirements for other elements associated with the data stream;

[0076] - Compare the width requirements of other elements associated with the data flow with the future width;

[0077] - Based on the width requirement, return the future width that fits the representation of the data stream associated with the element;

[0078] - Based on the returned adaptive future width, limit the width of the representation of the data stream associated with that element within the element;

[0079] - Change the width of the representation of all data streams shown in this column to the defined width.

[0080] That is, the generation of the first and second tree structures enables a resource-efficient representation of the data stream within a tabular layout structure, where the tabular layout structure and the representation of the data stream itself are highly flexible due to the first and second tree structures. Therefore, the clarity of the data stream representation is maintained, and users can also change the representation of these data streams for analysis and evaluation. In this regard, according to a preferred extension of the invention, elements can be associated with another first tree structure and another second tree structure to represent the data stream, and / or the method additionally includes the following steps:

[0081] - Associate this element with another first tree structure and another second tree structure to represent the data flow; and

[0082] -Based on the other first tree structure and the other second tree structure, these data streams are represented in the rows of the tabular layout structure in another tabular layout structure.

[0083] That is, preferably, the element can be associated not only with the data stream, but also with the other first tree structure and the other second tree structure. The other first tree structure is constructed similarly to the first tree structure, and the other second tree structure is constructed similarly to the second tree structure. Therefore, the other first tree structure and the other second tree structure, in turn, include other elements that can be associated with the data stream. Therefore, the other tabular layout structure can also be generated within the rows of the tabular layout structure. This "table within a table" can also be understood as a three-dimensional table. Generating the other tabular layout structure within the rows of the tabular layout structure not only improves flexibility. In particular, the three-dimensional table offers advantages in conjunction with the representation of data streams in which some representations of the data stream are hidden and / or collapsed. Preferably, it is specified that when the representation is hidden and / or collapsed, the content of the tabular layout structure below becomes visible. Therefore, when the other tabular layout structure is located within the rows of the tabular layout structure, "below" should preferably be understood as the row of the tabular layout structure.

[0084] In another preferred extension of the invention, the method is further specified to include the following steps:

[0085] - The control device continuously transmits data for the data stream associated with the element;

[0086] - Update the representation of the data stream in the tabular layout structure within the display area based on the transmitted data.

[0087] Preferably, continuous data transmission means that the control device always retransmits new data, such as current measurement data. This transmission can, for example, be continuous, at a predetermined period, or event-driven. Based on the transmitted data, the representation of the data stream is continuously updated. For example, the representation can be dynamically adapted to the current measurement value, or the representation of the data stream can be hidden when the measurement value no longer changes over a longer period. Preferably, this hiding further causes the data stream to be unassociated with its associated elements, thereby interrupting the data transmission for that data stream.

[0088] This method can be used in a variety of applications. According to a preferred extension of the invention, a method for testing control software of vehicle control devices is used in hardware-in-the-loop applications. More preferably, the display area for representing the data stream is used by a measurement data instrument for real-time measurement data in hardware-in-the-loop applications. Attached Figure Description

[0089] The present invention will then be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the drawings:

[0090] Figure 1The illustration schematically shows a tabular layout structure for representing data streams on a display area according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0091] Figure 2 This schematically illustrates a tabular layout structure for representing a data stream on a display area according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0092] Figure 3 This schematically illustrates a tabular layout structure for representing a data stream on a display area according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0093] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates a tabular layout structure for representing a data stream on a display area according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0094] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the representation of a data flow in a tabular layout structure is shown schematically according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0095] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a tabular layout structure 10 for representing data streams 12 on a display area according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The tabular layout structure 10 has a plurality of rows 14 and a plurality of columns 16. In the current embodiment, there are three rows 14 and three columns 16. A total of five data streams 12, namely data streams A through E, are shown in the tabular layout structure 10. To represent each data stream 12 in the tabular layout structure 10, a first tree structure and a second tree structure are specified.

[0096] The first tree structure includes a first multidimensional list, which in turn includes multiple lists of row elements. Each of these list of row elements contains multiple elements 20. These elements 20 can be associated with a data stream 12. To clarify for the reader the relationship between elements 20 and... Figure 1 The associativity of a specific data flow 12 in the table is similar to that of data flows A through E, and element 20 is referred to hereinafter as elements A through E. In particular, element 20 specifies which column 16 in the tabular layout structure 10 represents the data flow 12 to which element 20 can be associated. The limitation on column 16 in element 20 is characterized hereinafter by the subscripted, bold, and underlined number following the name of element 20.

[0097] For in Figure 1 The tabular layout structure 10 shown in the figure generates the following first tree structure:

[0098] First multidimensional list:

[0099] <list of line elements< element-A1, 2 Element-B 1, 3 >>)

[0100] <list of line elements< element-C 2, 1 >>)

[0101] <list of line elements<element-D 3, 1 , element-E 3, 2 >>).

[0102] That is, in the case of the first tree structure, the length of the row element list is not the same as the number of columns 16 in the tabular layout structure 10. That is, in Figure 1 The image shows three columns of 16, but the length of the row element list is either the length of one element or the length of two elements.

[0103] As already mentioned, in order to represent the data flow 12 in the tabular layout structure 10, a second tree structure is specified. The second tree structure includes a second multidimensional list, which in turn includes multiple lists of column elements. These lists of column elements, in particular, include multiple elements 20. Specifically, element 20 specifies in which row 14 of the tabular layout structure 10 the data flow 12 associated with element 20 is represented. The limitation on row 14 of element 20 is hereinafter characterized by a subscripted, bold, and underlined number following the element name.

[0104] For in Figure 1 The tabular layout structure 10 shown in the figure generates the following second tree structure:

[0105] Second multidimensional list:

[0106] <list of line elements< element-C 2 ,1 Element -D 3 ,1 >>)

[0107] <list of line elements< element-A 1 ,2 , element-E 3 ,2 >>)

[0108] <list of line elements<element-B 1 ,3 >>).

[0109] That is, in the case of the second tree structure, the length of the column element list is not the same as the number of rows 14 in the tabular layout structure 10. That is, in Figure 1 The image shows three rows of 14, but the length of the column element list is either the length of one element or the length of two elements.

[0110] Figure 2 Similarly, a tabular layout structure 10 for representing data stream 12 is schematically shown on the display area, wherein... Figure 1 In comparison, Figure 2 In this context, the representation of data flow A is moved by the user within the tabular layout structure 10. Figure 1 In the diagram, data stream A is represented in the first row (14) and the second column (16). Figure 2 In the diagram, data stream A is represented in the second row (14) and the second column (16). Figure 2 In the text, the movement of the representation of data stream A is illustrated by the crossed-out and underlined data stream A.

[0111] In this example, a user's change to the tabular layout structure 10 of data flow 12 causes a change in the first tree structure. In this example, the second tree structure remains the same as... Figure 1 The reason is the same in the second column (16): the representation of data stream A is always located in the second column.

[0112] First multidimensional list:

[0113] <list of line elements<element-A, element-B>>)

[0114] <list of line elements<element-C, Element-A >>)

[0115] <list of line elements<element-D, element-E>>)

[0116] Second multidimensional list:

[0117] <list of elements<element-C, element-D>>)

[0118] <list of elements<element-A, element-E>>)

[0119] <list of column elements<element-B>>).

[0120] The order of elements 20 in the row element list is not decisive for the order of representation of data flow 12 in the corresponding column 16 of the tabular layout structure 10. Similarly, the order of elements in the column element list is not decisive for the order of representation of data flow 12 in the corresponding row 14 of the tabular layout structure 10.

[0121] exist Figure 3Similarly, a tabular layout structure 10 for representing data stream 12 is also schematically shown on the display area, in which data streams F to G are shown in this case. Figure 3 The tabular layout structure 10 has three rows 14, where the data flow 12 is not shown in the second row 14. Furthermore, Figure 3 The tabular layout structure 10 has five columns 16, where the data flow 12 is not shown in the third and fourth columns 16.

[0122] For Figure 3 The first and second tree structures of the tabular layout are as follows:

[0123] First multidimensional list:

[0124] <list of line elements<elements-F 1, 2 Element -G 1, 5 >>)

[0125] <list of line elements< element-H> 3, 1 >>)

[0126] Second multidimensional list:

[0127] <List of elements<Element-H> 3 ,1 >>)

[0128] <List of elements<Elements-F 1 ,2 >>)

[0129] <List of elements<Elements-G 1 ,5 >>).

[0130] That is, the first and second tree structures do not necessarily reflect the dimensions of the tabular layout structure 10. Figure 3 In this table layout structure 10, there is a dimension of three x five, or 15. The first and second tree structures do not create separate lists for empty rows 14 and empty columns 16, thus saving memory space. This also allows the table layout structure 10 to be flexibly expanded without significantly increasing the size of the first and / or second tree structures. For example, an additional representation of the data flow 12 can be added in row 100, 14 (in... Figure 3 (not shown in the image), so that the subsequent tabular layout structure 10 would have five hundred cells. However, the first and / or second tree structure does not need to be expanded by 485 elements for this purpose, but only by one element.

[0131] exist Figure 4The diagram illustrates another schematic tabular layout structure 10 with data flows I to L. In this case, the tabular layout structure 10 has tables within tables, i.e., a nested structure. A first tabular layout structure 10 exists, having two rows 14 and three columns 16. In the cells of the second row 14 and the second column 16, another tabular layout structure 18 with two rows and two columns is shown. This nested layout structure can be easily generated and managed using these tree structures. This nested layout structure is generated by associating element 20 not with the data flow but with another first tree structure and another second tree structure. The association of element 20 with the tree structures is reproduced below using "VB" (Associated Tree Structure).

[0132] for Figure 4 The tabular layout structure in the table generates the following first and second tree structures:

[0133] First multidimensional list:

[0134] <list of line elements<element-I> 1, 1 >>)

[0135] <List of line elements<Elements - VB 2, 2 , element-L 2, 3 >>)

[0136] Second multidimensional list:

[0137] <List of elements<Element-I> 1 ,1 >>)

[0138] <List of Column Elements< Elements - VB 2 ,2 >>)

[0139] <List of elements<Elements-L> 2 ,3 >>).

[0140] In both the row element list and the column element list, there exists an element "element-VB" associated with the other first tree structure and the other second tree structure. For Figure 4 For the other table-based layout structure 18 in the table, the element-VB and its associated first tree structure and second tree structure are as follows:

[0141] Another first tree structure with another first multidimensional list:

[0142] <list of row elements< element-J 1, 1 , element-K 1,2 >>)

[0143] Another second tree structure with another second multidimensional list:

[0144] <List of elements<Element-J> 1 ,1 >>)

[0145] <List of elements<Element-K 1 ,2 >>).

[0146] exist Figure 5The diagram illustrates an exemplary schematic flowchart according to another preferred embodiment of the invention for changing the height of a representation of a data flow 12 in a tabular layout structure 10. If the height of the representation of data flow 12 should be changed, the element 20 associated with that data flow 12 queries its parent 22 whether it can change the height of the representation of data flow 12. In the present case, the parent 22 represents the data object that generates the tabular layout structure 10. That is, the parent 22 is also the data object that generates and, if necessary, updates the first and second tree structures. In the current example, element 20 queries the parent 22 whether the height of the representation of data flow 12 associated with element 20 can be changed to a future height of 30. The parent 22 can directly query the characteristics and conditions of other elements 20 in the corresponding row 12 through the first tree structure in a resource-efficient manner. That is, changing the height of the representation of data stream 12 to a future height includes a first step in which the row element list of the first tree structure is used to determine which other elements 20 associated with data stream 12 are represented in row 14 of the tabular layout structure 10 of the represented data stream 10. In the next step, the height requirements for these other elements 20 associated with data stream 12 are queried. Each element 20 includes information about the representation of the associated data stream 12, which also relates to the height of that representation. In the current example, "Auto-Size" and "MinimumSize" information are queried as height requirements. The minimum-size information describes the minimum size of the representation of data stream 12, while the auto-size information describes the smuggling of data stream 12 as a true / false value. If no other element 20 requires that the data stream 12 associated with element 20 not be smuggled, the future height is directly granted. Alternatively, the future height is compared with the queried minimum size and, if necessary, the adapted future height is returned. That is, the method includes the following steps: based on the height requirement, returning the adapted future height for the representation of the data stream associated with the element. Ultimately, only one element 20 is actually adapted, and the other elements 20 follow the proposal without requiring further data transmission. To this end, the parent 22 calculates the corresponding difference and forwards the information. Thus, the row 14 below the row 14 that should be reduced is moved by the difference between the previous height of the row 14 above and the future height of the row 14 above, without further querying the individual elements 20, so as to require as little communication as possible.

[0147] List of reference numerals

[0148] 10. Tabular Layout Structure

[0149] 12 Data Stream

[0150] 14 lines

[0151] 16 columns

[0152] 18 Another tabular layout structure

[0153] 20 elements

[0154] 22 Parents

Claims

1. A method for testing control software of a control device, wherein, The control device provides a data stream (12) for evaluation, the method having the following steps: - generating a first tree structure and a second tree structure for representing the data stream (12) in a tabular arrangement (10) in a display area, the tabular arrangement having a plurality of rows (14) and a plurality of columns (16), wherein - the first tree structure comprises a first multi-dimensional list, - the first multi-dimensional list comprises a plurality of row element lists, - the row element lists comprise a plurality of elements (20), - each element (20) in the row element lists is associable with a data stream (12), - the elements (20) define in which column (16) the data stream (12) associable with the elements (20) is represented, wherein - the second tree structure comprises a second multi-dimensional list, - the second multi-dimensional list comprises a plurality of column element lists, - the column element lists comprise a plurality of elements (20), - the elements (20) define in which row (14) the data stream (12) associable with the elements (20) is represented, and - representing the data stream (12) on the basis of the first tree structure and the second tree structure.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The elements (20) define whether data of the data stream (12) is transmitted by the control device via the state of association with the data stream (12), and / or the method additionally comprises the following steps: - associating the elements (20) with the data stream (12); and - transmitting data by the control device for the data stream (12).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The hiding of the represented data stream (12) causes the de-association of the data stream (12) associated with the elements (20) in the elements (20), and / or The method additionally comprises the following steps: - de-associating the data stream (12) associated with the elements (20) in the elements (20); and - interrupting the data transmission by the control device for the data stream (12).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a change of the tabular arrangement (10) of the data stream (12) by a user causes a change in the first tree structure and / or the second tree structure; a change of the representation of the data stream (12) in the tabular arrangement (10) by a user causes a change in the elements (20) associated with the data stream (12); a change in the first tree structure and / or the second tree structure causes a change in the tabular arrangement (10) of the data stream (12); and / or a change in the elements (20) associated with the data stream (12) causes a change in the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the elements (20) in the tabular arrangement (10).

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The elements (20) define a height and / or a width of the representation of the data stream (12) associable with the elements (20), and / or the method additionally comprises the following steps: - defining a height and / or a width of the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the elements (20) in the elements (20); and - using the height and / or the width to represent a data stream (12) associated with the element (20).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method additionally comprises the following steps: - changing the height and / or the width of the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the element (20).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, Changing the height of the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the element (20) to a future height comprises the following steps: - determining further elements (20) associated with the data stream (12) in a row (14) of the tabular arrangement (10) of the represented data stream (12) by means of the list of row elements of the first tree structure; - querying height requirements in respect of the determined further elements (20) associated with the data stream (12); - comparing the queried height requirements of the further elements (20) associated with the data stream (12) with the future height; - returning a future height adapted to the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the element (20) on the basis of the height requirements; - defining the height of the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the element (20) in the element (20) on the basis of the returned adapted future height; - changing the height of the representation of all data streams represented in the row to the defined height.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, Changing the width of the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the element (20) to a future width comprises the following steps: - determining further elements (20) associated with the data stream (12) in a column (16) of the tabular arrangement (10) of the represented data stream (12) by means of the list of column elements of the second tree structure; - querying width requirements in respect of the determined further elements (20) associated with the data stream (12); - comparing the width requirements of the further elements (20) associated with the data stream (12) with the future width; - returning a future width adapted to the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the element (20) on the basis of the width requirements; - defining the width of the representation of the data stream (12) associated with the element (20) in the element on the basis of the returned adapted future width; - changing the width of the representation of all data streams (12) represented in the column (16) to the defined width.

9. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The element (20) can be associated with a further first tree structure and a further second tree structure for representing data streams (12), and / or The method additionally comprises the following steps: - associating the element (20) with a further first tree structure and a further second tree structure for representing data streams (12); and - representing the data streams (12) in a further tabular arrangement (18) within a row of the tabular arrangement (10) on the basis of the further first tree structure and the further second tree structure.

10. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method additionally comprises the following steps: - continuously transmitting data by the control device for a data stream (12) associated with an element (20); - updating the representation of the data stream (12) in the tabular arrangement (10) within the display area on the basis of the transmitted data.

11. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display area for representing the data stream (12) is used in a hardware-in-the-loop application by a measurement data instrument for real-time measurement data. The display area for representing the data stream (12) is used in a hardware-in-the-loop application by a measurement data instrument for real-time measurement data.

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