Method for testing control software of a control device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for testing control software of a control device that supplies a data stream (12) for evaluation, the method comprising the steps of: generating a first tree structure and a second tree structure for displaying the data stream (12) in a display area in a table-like arrangement (10) having a plurality of rows (14) and a plurality of columns (16), the first tree structure including a first multidimensional list, the first multidimensional list including a plurality of row-element lists, the row-element lists including a plurality of elements (20), and each element (20) in the row-element list. is combineable with the data stream (12), --the element (20) defines in which column (16) the combineable data stream (12) is to be displayed, --the second tree structure includes a second multidimensional list, --the second multidimensional list includes a plurality of column-element lists, --the column-element list includes a plurality of elements (20), --the element (20) defines in which row (14) the combineable data stream (12) is to be displayed, and the above method further includes a step of displaying the data stream (12) based on 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 that provides a data stream for evaluation. [Background technology]

[0002] For functional testing of the control software of a control device, in particular of an electronic control device, hardware in the form of a control device or in the form of a control device prototype can basically be used, and the control software can be tested in real surroundings, for example in a road test.

[0003] Furthermore, so-called hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) tests are conceivable, in which the control device is connected via inputs and outputs to a HiL simulator, which simulates the real surroundings. The HiL simulator emulates a number of electrical signals of sensors and actuators, which are read by the control device. For example, in a HiL test of an internal combustion engine, the signals of the crankshaft and camshaft sensors are formed by an angular processing unit (APU) which is part of the hardware of the HiL simulator. Based on these signals, the control device itself generates sensor and / or actuator control signals by means of control software, which themselves are linked to changes in electrical signals in the HiL simulator.

[0004] Regardless of which type of control software is functionally tested, a large number of signals are therefore generated and transmitted, whose time course is detected in the form of data and / or data streams, so that weak points in the control software can be identified or improved. For example, during a functional test of the control software of a vehicle control device, up to 100,000 signals are transmitted by the vehicle to the control device. The analysis and evaluation of the data streams usually includes a suitable graphic representation of the data stream, which allows a user to gain access to the data and to make inferences from it. Since the data streams often contain data that can change over time, a graphic representation of the data stream can only be meaningfully carried out by displaying the data stream in a display area of ​​a graphical user interface of a computer.

[0005] However, in the case of computer applications requiring a large number of displays in the display area, problems may occur where the computer's operating system is no longer able to provide the necessary computing power, resulting in an operating system crash, or at least no longer being able to create new displays in the display area. Furthermore, a challenge with many data streams transmitted during testing of control software is to be able to preserve the clarity of the display of the data stream, while still giving the user the opportunity to modify the display of the data stream for analysis and evaluation of the data stream.

[0006] Such problems arise, for example, when displaying data streams for real-time measurement data in HiL applications. Here, it is often necessary to display many different data streams graphically. In practice, it has become clear that under Microsoft Windows the scope of use of visualization and experiment software such as the Applicant's product "ControlDesk" cannot be fully utilized, since the management of the display of data streams and the conventionally used methods for generating graphical displays are hardly resource-saving and therefore computationally too demanding.

[0007] "ControlDesk" is software used in computer systems for the visual representation of bus systems, such as CAN, LIN, Flexray and Ethernet. Especially when used with Ethernet, a very large data traffic is possible, which also requires a large number of graphic displays due to the analysis and evaluation of the data streams. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Starting from this problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for testing the control software of a control device which avoids the above-mentioned drawbacks, in particular by allowing efficient and resource-saving access to the data stream provided by the control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. Preferred developments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention therefore constitutes a method for testing control software of a control device supplying a data stream for evaluation, said method comprising the steps of: generating a first tree structure and a second tree structure for displaying a data stream in a display area in a table-like arrangement having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; the first tree structure includes a first multidimensional list; --The first multidimensional list contains multiple row-element lists, --A row-element list contains multiple elements, --Each element in the row-element list can be bound to a data stream, --This element defines in which columns the data streams that the element can be joined to appear, the second tree structure includes a second multidimensional list; --The second multidimensional list contains multiple column-element lists, --The column-element list contains multiple elements, --This element defines in which row the data stream in which the element can be joined appears, The method further comprises: - displaying the data stream based on the first tree structure and the second tree structure.

[0011] By display of the data stream is preferably understood the data stream being displayed graphically in such a way that the user of the method thereby obtains information about the data stream and gains access to its values. The data stream preferably contains data that may change over time. The method thus enables the user to analyze and evaluate the data stream, which is usually essential when testing the control software of a control device.

[0012] The method according to the invention thus forms the basis for the processing of data streams, which makes efficient use of the computing power and thus avoids drawbacks such as operating system crashes, and furthermore reduces the risk of insufficient computing power for displaying further data streams.

[0013] The method provides for generating a first and a second tree structure for displaying a data stream in a display area in a table-type arrangement. These tree structures allow a particularly efficient formation and management of a table-type arrangement of the display of the data stream. The first tree structure comprises a first multidimensional list. A list is understood as a data structure or transformation in which a number of similarly structured data are stored, in the present case row-element lists. Access to the similarly structured data, i.e. the row-element list, is made by means of an index indicating the position of the row-element list in the multidimensional list. Multidimensional in this case means that the dimension of the list is greater than one. In other words, the first multidimensional list is at least a two-dimensional data structure. The first multidimensional list itself comprises a number of row-element lists. The row-element lists are also lists. The similarly structured data of the row-element lists are elements that can be combined into a data stream. In other words, these elements represent access to a particular data stream. In this method, in the first tree structure, each element defines in which column of the table-type arrangement the data streams to which this element can be combined are displayed. Thus, the index of the element in the row-element list does not define in which column the data streams are shown, but the element itself defines in which column the data streams to which this element can be combined are displayed. The order of the elements in the row-element list is therefore not important for the display in the table-type arrangement. The length of the row-element list does not have to match the number of columns of the table-type arrangement. In particular, in a table-type arrangement with an empty cell, the row-element list may have a length less than the number of columns. In accordance with the spirit of the invention, an empty cell preferably means that no data stream is currently displayed in this cell of the table-type arrangement or its display has been turned off. Preferably, the element can define in which column the data streams to which it can be combined are displayed, as well as other characteristics of the display of the data streams.

[0014] In the second tree structure, as in the first tree structure, an element defines in which row a data stream to which this element can be combined is displayed. Thus, the index of an element in the column-element list does not define in which row a data stream to which the element can be combined is shown, but the element itself defines in which row a data stream to which this element can be combined is displayed. Thus, the order of elements in the column-element list is not important for display in the table-type arrangement. The length of the column-element list does not have to match the number of rows in the table-type arrangement. In particular, in a table-type arrangement with empty cells, the column-element list may have a length shorter than the number of rows.

[0015] The first and second tree structures therefore allow a high degree of flexibility when constructing the tabular arrangement, since the length of the row-element list and the length of the column-element list do not have to be related to the number of rows and columns of the tabular arrangement. Similarly, the order of the elements in the row-element list does not have to be related to the order of their display in the rows of the tabular arrangement, and the order of the elements in the column-element list does not have to be related to the order of their display in the columns of the tabular arrangement. This allows an efficient management of the data stream to be displayed, since only the data stream that is actually displayed is managed. Empty cells, empty rows and / or empty columns in the tabular arrangement in particular do not lead to the occupation of storage.

[0016] Essentially, the number of elements in the row-element list corresponds to the number of data streams that can be displayed or are currently displayed in the corresponding rows of the arrangement, and the number of elements in the column-element list corresponds to the number of data streams that can be displayed or are currently displayed in the corresponding columns of the arrangement. However, the first and second tree structures allow a resource-saving management of the display of the data streams, since always in a dynamic manner and without any prior determination, only the data streams of interest can be displayed and the data transmission for the data streams that are not displayed can be interrupted. This method therefore allows an efficient and resource-saving access to the data streams provided by the control device.

[0017] With regard to the above-mentioned efficient access to the data stream, an advantageous development of the invention provides that an element defines, via a binding state with the data stream, whether or not data of this data stream is transmitted by the control device. Alternatively or additionally, the method in a preferred development further comprises the following steps: - combining the elements with the data stream; - transmitting data by the control device for this data stream. In other words, this preferably means that the binding of an element leads to the transmission of data of the data streams which can be bound to this element. Preferably, the binding state indicates whether the element is currently bound to a data stream or whether there is currently no binding to the data stream. In particular, it is arranged for the user to be able to change the binding state of the element. Only if there is currently a binding between the data stream and the element, data for this data stream is transmitted by the control device.

[0018] In this connection, in a further preferred development of the invention, it is arranged that the de-display of the displayed data stream is linked in the element to a de-coupling of the data stream coupled to this element. The method therefore preferably comprises the following steps: - at the element, decoupling the data streams coupled to the element; - interrupting the data transmission by the control device for this data stream. Thus, in addition, a particularly resource-saving opening or closing and / or folding or unfolding of the display of the data stream can be made possible in the table-type arrangement in the display area. The data for the data stream is only transmitted by the control device if there is an association between the element and the data stream. As soon as the display of the data stream is no longer visible to the user, the association between the element and the data stream is released and the data is no longer transmitted. In particular, the general structure of the table-type arrangement is not affected by the closing of the display of the data stream in the table-type arrangement, since the elements which can be bound to a data stream define in which row or column the data stream should be displayed. Thus, the elements and also the data streams which can be bound to this element retain their row-column relationship in the table-type arrangement, even if the data stream is not displayed. This allows the data stream to be easily closed cell by cell in the table-type arrangement. Therefore, it is not necessary to close entire rows and / or columns. This allows the user to clearly view, dynamically and row by row, only that data stream that is currently required for data analysis and evaluation, and is preferably configured to allow the user to trigger the display of the data stream to be paused and / or opened or expanded and / or collapsed.

[0019] The first and second tree structures allow efficient access to the data streams provided by the control device, but also a clear table-type arrangement. In this connection, a preferred embodiment of the invention is arranged such that a user modification of the table-type arrangement of the data stream leads to a change in the first and / or second tree structure, a user modification of the display of the data stream in the table-type arrangement leads to a change in the elements coupled to this data stream, a change in the first and / or second tree structure leads to a change in the table-type arrangement of the data stream, and / or a change in an element coupled to a data stream leads to a change in the display of the data stream coupled to this element in the table-type arrangement.

[0020] A modification of the table-type arrangement by a user is preferably understood as a user causing a modification of the table-type arrangement by his actions, for example by a drag-and-drop action. A modification of the table-type arrangement is further preferably understood as a shifting of the display of the data stream from one cell to another, such that during the shift the column and / or row relations of the display in the table-type arrangement change with respect to one another.

[0021] Furthermore, a change in the table-type arrangement is preferably understood to mean the addition or removal of a representation of a data stream. When adding or removing, the table-type arrangement is supplemented or reduced by further rows and / or columns. These rows and / or columns can preferably be added and / or removed not only at the edge of the table-type arrangement, but also within the table-type arrangement. In other words, this means that the representation of the data stream in the table-type arrangement does not have to be organized row-by-row or column-by-column by the first and second tree structures.

[0022] Thus, due to the addition or removal of representations from the data stream, the column and / or row relationships of the representations in the table-type arrangement may change with respect to one another. The changed column and / or row relationships of the representations in the table-type arrangement with respect to one another are preferably mapped into the first and / or second tree structures. Thus, the first and / or second tree structures are continuously manipulated and always reflect the latest table-type arrangement in each case.

[0023] For example, if another representation of a data stream is added by the user, the corresponding row-element list of the first tree structure is expanded by the elements that are bound to this data stream. The same applies to the corresponding column-element list of the second tree structure. What is irrelevant here is whether this additional element is added to the beginning, to the end or in the middle of the row-element list or column-element list. In other words, the index of the element that is added in the row-element list or column-element list is not important, since the index does not define where in the table-type arrangement the data stream bound to the element will be displayed.

[0024] It should be noted that when shifting the representation of the data stream, the two tree structures do not necessarily change. For example, if the representation of the data stream in a cell is shifted from one column to another within the same row, preferably nothing changes in the corresponding row-element list of the first tree structure, since the representation of the data stream is still in the same row of the table-type arrangement. Instead, in this example, the data stream is displayed in a different column, so the second tree structure changes. Therefore, in the second tree structure, preferably an element is removed from the column-element list representing the previous column and instead added to the column-element list representing the current column.

[0025] During a shift, preferably the elements bound to the data stream also change as a result. In the above example, preferably nothing indeed changes in the corresponding row-element list of the first tree structure, but preferably the elements in the row-element list that are bound to the data stream change. In this regard, the corresponding elements preferably change information that defines in which column the data stream bound to the element is displayed and adapt this information accordingly to the new column.

[0026] A modification by a user of the display of a data stream in a table-type arrangement is preferably understood as a user causing a change in the display of the data stream by his actions, for example by moving the mouse or by clicking the mouse. A modification of the display of data is further preferably understood as a modification of the specific manner of display of the data stream. This preferably includes the display height, the display width, the display color, the display resolution and / or the display transparency. Preferably, a modification of the display of a data stream therefore leads to a modification in the elements coupled to the data stream. This also means in particular that a modification of the display of a data stream does not lead to a modification of the first tree structure and / or the second tree structure. Preferably, the elements combineable with a data stream are configured to include information on the manner of display of the combineable data stream. This information is preferably information on the display height, the display width, the display color, the display resolution and / or the display transparency. When the display of the data stream is modified by the user, these information are preferably updated in the elements and adapted to the values ​​selected by the user. Further preferably, the element contains information about boundary values ​​for the display height, the display width, the display resolution and / or the display transparency that should not be exceeded and / or fallen below. These boundary values ​​can be user definable or can be generated depending on the current values ​​of the combinable data streams or data streams.

[0027] What has been shown so far is that a user can change the table-type arrangement of the data streams and / or the display of the data streams in the table-type arrangement, which leads to changes in the elements in the first tree structure and / or the second tree structure. Preferably, however, the opposite is true: changes in the first tree structure and / or the second tree structure also lead to changes in the table-type arrangement of the data streams. Preferably, furthermore, changes in an element coupled to a data stream lead to a change in the display of the data stream coupled to this element in the table-type arrangement. The above method therefore preferably comprises an additional step, namely: - modifying a table-type arrangement of a data stream; - adapting the first and / or second tree structures to the modified table-type arrangement, and / or - varying the first tree structure and / or the second tree structure; - Adapting a table-based arrangement of the data stream to the altered first tree structure and / or second tree structure.

[0028] Therefore, the method further advantageously comprises the additional step of: - modifying the display of the data stream in a table-type arrangement; - adapting the elements combined in the data stream to the modified representation; and / or - varying the elements combined in the data stream; - adapting the display of the elements coupled to the data stream in the table-type arrangement to the changed elements. This change of the elements may preferably be triggered by the data stream coupled to the elements. That is to say, the step of changing the elements coupled to the data stream preferably includes changing the elements coupled to the data stream based on the current values ​​of the data stream coupled to the elements. For example, the height of the display of the data stream can be dynamically adapted to the current values ​​of the data stream. In particular, the table-type arrangement can be dynamically generated from a data stream provided by the control device.

[0029] As already mentioned, an element is preferably configured to contain information on how to display the data streams which can be linked to it. In this connection, a preferred development of the invention provides that the element defines a height and / or a width of the display of the data streams which can be linked to it and / or that the method additionally comprises the following steps: - defining in the element the height and / or width of the display of the data stream bound to the element; - displaying the data stream bound to the element at this height and / or width.

[0030] The step of defining in the element the height and / or width of the display of the data stream bound to the element preferably comprises defining values ​​depending on the data stream bound to the element or on the data received. Alternatively or additionally, the height and / or width may be determined by a user. Thus, according to a preferred development of the invention, the user can define in the element the height and / or width of the display of the data stream bound to the element and / or the method described above additionally comprises the following step, namely: - a user defining, at the element, the width and / or height of the display of the data stream bound to the element; - displaying the data stream bound to the element at this width and / or height.

[0031] Furthermore, as already mentioned the height and / or width are not only defined but can also be varied. Thus, preferably, the user modification of the display of the data stream in the table-type arrangement comprises a user modification of the height and / or width. Furthermore, the modification of the height and / or width can be done dynamically. The above method preferably comprises the following steps: - varying the height and / or width of the display of the data stream bound to the element; - varying the height and / or width of the display of the data stream associated with the element based on the current value of the data stream associated with the element.

[0032] When changing the height of the display of the data streams associated with the element, it is basically also possible that only this one display is changed, with the further displays of the data streams in the table-type arrangement not being affected by this change. Preferably, however, it is arranged that when the height of the display of the data streams in the table-type arrangement is changed, the height of the row of the table-type arrangement, in which the data streams are displayed, is adapted. This is preferably done by all displays of the data streams in this row changing their height in the same way. According to an advantageous development of the invention, therefore, changing the height of the display of the data streams associated with the element to a future height is carried out in the following steps, namely: - in a row of the table-type arrangement of the represented data stream, searching through the row-element list of the first tree structure to find another element that is connected to the data stream; - querying the determined height requirement at another element coupled to the data stream; - comparing the queried height request with the future height of another element coupled to the data stream; - returning an adapted future height for the display of the data stream associated with the element based on the height request; - defining, in the element, the height of the display of the data stream associated with the element based on the adapted and returned future height; - changing the height of the display of all data streams displayed in the row to the defined height. The first tree structure thus allows an efficient and resource-saving change of the height of the display and of the corresponding row, since via the row-element list the elements involved in the height change are identifiable. For these elements, a height request for the display of the data streams linked to these elements is queried. In this sense, a height request is preferably understood as a lower or upper boundary value for the height of the display of the data stream. In case there is no discrepancy between the future height and the height request, returning the adapted future height preferably includes returning the future height for the display of the data streams linked to the element. For example, in case there is no height request for any of the multiple further elements, this corresponds to allowing the queried future height.

[0033] The same preferably applies to the change in width. Preferably, therefore, when changing the width of the display of a data stream in a table-type arrangement, the width of the column of the table-type arrangement in which the data stream is displayed is adapted. This is preferably done in such a way that all displays of the data stream in this column change in width as well. According to an advantageous development of the invention, changing the width of the display of the data stream associated with the element to the future width is carried out in the following steps: - in the columns of the table-type arrangement of the displayed data stream, searching through the column-element list of the second tree structure to find another element that is connected to the data stream; - querying the width requirement of another element coupled to the determined data stream; - comparing the width request of another element coupled to the data stream with the upcoming width; - returning an adapted future height for the display of the data stream bound to the element based on the width request; - defining in the element a width of the display of the data stream associated with the element based on the adapted and returned future width; - changing the width of all data streams displayed in the columns to the defined width.

[0034] The generation of the first and second tree structures thus enables a resource-saving display of the data stream in a table-type arrangement, which allows the table-type arrangement of the display, and the display of the data stream itself, to be extremely flexible. Thus, clarity of the display of the data stream is maintained and, moreover, the user is given the opportunity to modify the display of the data stream for the analysis and evaluation of the same. In this context, according to a preferred development of the invention, the elements can be combined with further first and second tree structures in order to display the data stream and / or the method additionally comprises the following steps, namely: - combining the elements with a further first tree structure and with a further second tree structure to represent the data stream; - displaying the data stream based on the further first and second tree structures in a further table-type arrangement in a cell of the table-type arrangement. Preferably, therefore, the elements are not only combinable with the data stream, but also with the further first and second tree structures. The further first and second tree structures are configured similarly to the first and second tree structures. The further first and second tree structures thus again contain further elements combinable with the data stream. Thus, further table-type arrangements can be formed in the cells of the table-type arrangement. Such a "table in a table" can be seen as a three-dimensional table. Forming a further table-type arrangement in a cell of the table-type arrangement not only increases flexibility. In particular in combination with the display of a data stream, in which the display of some of the data streams is suspended and / or folded, the three-dimensional table provides several advantages. Preferably, the content of the underlying table-type arrangement is visible in the suspended and / or folded display. Thus, in a cell of a table-type arrangement, what is below in another table-type arrangement is preferably understood to mean this cell of the table-type arrangement.

[0035] In a further preferred development of the invention, the method as described above additionally comprises the following steps: - transmitting data in sequence by the control device for the data streams associated with the elements; - updating the display of the data stream in a display area in a table-type arrangement based on the transmitted data.

[0036] A continuous transmission of data preferably means that new data, for example the latest measurement data, is repeatedly transmitted by the control device. This transmission can be, for example, continuously driven by a predetermined clock or event. The display of the data stream is continuously updated based on the transmitted data. For example, the display height can be adapted to the latest measured value in a dynamic manner or the display of this data stream can be stopped if the measurement is no longer changed for a relatively long time. This display stop is again preferably linked to the triggering of the decoupling of the element to which the data stream is coupled, whereby the data transmission for this data stream is interrupted.

[0037] The method can be used in many different applications. In a preferred development of the invention, the method is used for testing control software of a vehicle control unit in a HiL application. Even more preferably, in a HiL application, the display area is used for displaying a data stream by a measurement data device for real-time measurement data.

[0038] The invention will now be explained in more detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a table-like arrangement in a display area for displaying a data stream according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a table-type arrangement in a display area for displaying a data stream according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram illustrating a table-type arrangement in a display area for displaying a data stream according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram illustrating a table-type arrangement in a display area for displaying a data stream according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 10 is a simplified flow diagram for varying the height at which a data stream is displayed in a table-type arrangement in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] 1 shows a schematic representation of a table-like arrangement 10 in a display area for displaying data streams 12 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The table-like arrangement 10 has a number of rows 14 and a number of columns 16. In this embodiment, there are three rows 14 and three columns 16. Altogether, five data streams 12 are displayed in the table-like arrangement 10, namely data streams A to E. In order to display the data streams 12 in the table-like arrangement 10, a first tree structure and a second tree structure are configured to be generated.

[0041] The first tree structure includes a first multidimensional list, which itself includes a number of row-element lists. The row-element lists themselves include a number of elements 20. Each of the elements 20 is combineable with a data stream 12. In order to allow the reader to see that the elements 20 can be combined with a particular data stream 12 of FIG. 1, the elements 20 will be referred to below as elements A-E, similar to data streams A-E. In particular, the elements 20 are configured to define in which columns 16 the data streams 12 to which the elements 20 can be combined are displayed in the table-type arrangement 10. The definition of the columns 16 in the elements 20 is characterized below by a subscripted, bold-formatted and underlined number following the name of the element 20.

[0042] For the table-based arrangement 10 shown in FIG. 1, the following first tree structure is generated: First multidimensional list: <row element list <element A 1,2 ,Element B 1,3 >>) <row·element list<element·C2、1 >>) <row·element list<element·D 3,1 ,Element E 3,2 >>) It is.

[0043] Thus, in the first tree structure, the length of the row-element list does not match the number of columns 16 in the table-type arrangement 10. That is, although three columns 16 are shown in Figure 1, the length of the row-element list is either one element long or two elements long.

[0044] As already mentioned, a second tree structure is also generated to represent the data streams 12 in the tabular arrangement 10. The second tree structure includes a second multidimensional list, which itself includes a number of column-element lists, which themselves include a number of elements 20. In particular, the elements 20 are configured to define in which rows 14 the data streams 12 to which the elements 20 can be combined are displayed in the tabular arrangement 10. The definition of the rows 14 in the elements 20 is characterized below by a subscripted, bold formatted and underlined number following the element name.

[0045] For the table-based arrangement 10 shown in FIG. 1, the following secondary tree structure is generated: Second multidimensional list: <Column·ElementList<Element·C 2,1 ,Element D 3,1 >>) <Column element list <Element A 1,2 ,Element E 3,2 >>) <Column·ElementList<Element·B 1,3 >>) It is.

[0046] Thus, in the second tree structure, the length of the column-element list does not match the number of rows 14 in the table-type arrangement 10. That is, although three rows 14 are shown in Figure 1, the length of the column-element list is either two elements long or three elements long.

[0047] Figure 2 likewise shows a schematic representation of a table-type arrangement 10 in a display area for displaying a data stream 12, where in comparison to Figure 1 the display of data stream A has been shifted by a user in the table-type arrangement 10. In Figure 1, data stream A is displayed in the second column 16 of the first row 14. In Figure 2, data stream A is displayed in the second column 16 of the second row 14. The shift in the display of data stream A is clearly indicated in Figure 2 by data stream A being crossed out and underlined.

[0048] A user modification of the table-like arrangement 10 of data streams 12 results in a change in the first tree structure in this example, whereas the second tree structure in this example is the same as in Figure 1, since data stream A is still displayed in the second column 16, i.e. [Table 1] It is.

[0049] The order of elements 20 in the row-element list is not significant to the order of presentation of the data stream 12 in the corresponding columns 16 of the tabular arrangement 10. Similarly, the order of elements in the column-element list is not significant to the order of presentation of the data stream 12 in the corresponding rows 14 of the tabular arrangement 10.

[0050] Similarly, Fig. 3 shows a simplified table-type arrangement 10 in a display area for displaying data streams 12, where data streams F to H are displayed. The table-type arrangement 10 of Fig. 3 has three rows 14, where no data stream 12 is displayed in the second row 14. Furthermore, the table-type arrangement 10 of Fig. 3 has five columns 16, where no data stream 12 is displayed in the third and fourth columns 16.

[0051] For the table-type arrangement of FIG. 3, the first tree structure and the second tree structure correspond to the following: First multidimensional list: <row·element list<element·F 1,2 ,element・G 1,5 >>) <row·element list<element·H 3,1 >>) Second multidimensional list: <Column·ElementList<Element·H 3,1 >>) <Column·ElementList<Element·F 1,2 >>) <column·element list<element·G 1,5 >>) It is.

[0052] Therefore, the first and second tree structures do not need to represent the size of the table-type arrangement 10. In FIG. 3, the table-type arrangement 10 has a size of 3×5, i.e. 15 elements. The first and second tree structures do not create a unique list for the empty rows 14 and empty columns 16, which saves storage space. Furthermore, the table-type arrangement 10 can be flexibly expanded without significantly expanding the first and / or second tree structures. For example, in the 100th row 14, an additional representation of the data stream 12 can be added (not shown in FIG. 3), so that in this case the table-type arrangement 10 has 500 cells. However, the first and / or second tree structures do not need to be expanded by 485 elements for this purpose, but only by one element.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows another schematic table-type arrangement with data streams I-L. In this case, the table-type arrangement 10 has a table within a table, i.e. a nested structure. Here, there is a first table-type arrangement 10 with two rows 14 and three columns 16. In the cell in the second column 16 of the second row 14, another table-type arrangement 18 with two rows and two columns is shown. Such nested arrangements can be generated and managed very easily via a tree structure. This arrangement is formed in that an element 20 is not coupled to a data stream, but to another first tree structure and to another second tree structure. In the following, this coupling of the element 20 with the tree structure is denoted by "VB" (Verknuepfung Baumstruktur: combined tree structure). For the table-type arrangement of FIG. 4, the following first and second tree structures are generated: First multidimensional list: <row·element list<element·I 1,1 >>) <row·element list<element·VB 2,2 ,element L 2,3 >>) Second multidimensional list: <column·element list<element·I 1,1 >>) < Column·ElementList< Element·VB 2,2 >>) <Column·ElementList<Element·L 2,3 >>) It is.

[0054] In the row element list and the column element list, there is an element "element VB" that is linked to another first tree structure and another second tree structure. The other first tree structure and other second tree structure to which element VB is linked are as follows for the other table type arrangement 18 of FIG. 4: Another primary tree structure with another primary multidimensional list: <row·element list<element·J 1,1 ,element K 1,2 >>) Another second tree structure with another second multidimensional list: <column·element list<element·J 1,1 >>) <column element list <element K 1,2 >>) It is.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary schematic flow diagram for changing the height of the display of the data stream 12 in the table-type arrangement 10 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. When the height of the display of the data stream 12 should be changed, the element 20 coupled to this data stream 12 asks its parent 22 whether it is allowed to change the height of the display of the data stream 12. In this case, the parent 22 is the data object formed by the table-type arrangement 10. The parent 22 is therefore also the data object that generates and possibly updates the first and second tree structures. In this example, the element 20 asks the parent 22 whether it is allowed to change the height of the display of the data stream 12 coupled to the element 20 to the future height of 30. The parent 22 can directly query the properties and conditions of the other elements 20 of the corresponding row 12 across the first tree structure, saving resources. Thus, changing the height of the display of the data stream 12 to the future height comprises a first step of searching through the row-element list of the first tree structure to determine which further elements 20 coupled to the data stream 12 are displayed in the rows 14 of the table-type arrangement 10 of the displayed data stream 12. Another step queries these further elements 20 coupled to the data stream 12 for height requirements. Each element 20 contains information about the type of display of the data stream 12 that it can be coupled to, which also relates to the height of the display. In this example, the information "autosize" and "minimum size" are queried as height requirements. The information minimum size indicates the minimum size of the display of the data stream 12, whereas the information autosize indicates with a true / false value whether the display of the data stream 12 can be stopped or not. If the data stream 12 coupled to the element 20 does not require any element 20 not to be stopped, the future height is directly allowed. Alternatively, the future height is compared with the queried minimum size and the possibly adapted future height is returned. The method thus includes the step of returning an adapted future height for displaying the data stream associated with the element based on the height request.Finally, only one element 20 is actually adapted and the other elements 20 follow the proposal without further data traffic. For this purpose, the parent 22 calculates the corresponding difference and transfers the information. The row 14 to be made smaller in the corresponding row 14 is then shifted by the difference between the previous height of the row 14 above and the future height of the row 14 above, without further inquiries to the individual elements 20, so as to require as little communication as possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10 Table-type configuration 12 Data Stream 14 rows 16 columns 18 Alternative table-type configuration 20 Elements 22 Parents

Claims

1. 1. A method for testing control software of a control device providing a data stream (12) for evaluation, the method comprising the steps of: - generating a first structure and a second structure for displaying said data stream (12) in a display area in a table-like arrangement (10) having a number of rows (14) and a number of columns (16), the first structure includes a first multidimensional list; the first multidimensional list includes a plurality of row-element lists; the row-element list includes a plurality of elements (20); each element (20) in said row-element list corresponds to said data stream (12); said element (20) defining in which column (16) said data stream (12) to which said element (20) corresponds is displayed; the second structure includes a second multidimensional list; the second multidimensional list includes a plurality of column-element lists; the sequence-element list includes a plurality of elements (20); said element (20) defining in which row (14) said data stream (12) to which said element (20) corresponds is displayed; The method further comprises: - displaying said data stream (12) based on said first structure and said second structure, method.

2. said element (20) defining, via a corresponding state with said data stream (12), whether data of said data stream (12) is transmitted by said control device or not; and / or The method additionally includes the steps of: - associating said element (20) with said data stream (12); - transmitting data by said control device for said data stream (12); having The method of claim 1.

3. The ceasing of display of the displayed data stream (12) leads to the element (20) cancelling the association of the element (20) with the data stream (12), and / or The method additionally includes the steps of: - in said element (20), de-associating said data stream (12) with said element (20); - interrupting data transmission by said control device for said data stream (12); Including, 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A modification by a user of the table-based arrangement (10) of the data stream (12) leads to a change in the first structure and / or the second structure; a change by a user to the representation of a data stream (12) in the table-type arrangement (10) leads to a change in the element (20) corresponding to the data stream (12); changes in the first structure and / or the second structure lead to changes in the table-based arrangement (10) of the data stream (12); and / or a change in the element (20) corresponding to the data stream (12) results in a change in the representation of the data stream (12) corresponding to the element (20) in the table-type arrangement (10); 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. said element (20) defines the height and / or width of said representation of said data stream (12) corresponding to said element (20); and / or The method additionally includes the steps of: - defining, in said element (20), the height and / or width of said representation of said data stream (12) corresponding to said element (20); - displaying said data stream (12) corresponding to said element (20) at said height and / or width; Including, 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The method additionally includes the steps of: - varying the height and / or width of the representation of the data stream (12) corresponding to the element (20), 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Changing the height of the representation of the data stream (12) corresponding to the element (20) to a future height comprises the following steps: - in said row (14) of said table-type arrangement (10) of said displayed data stream (12), searching through said row-element list of said first structure for another element (20) corresponding to said data stream (12); - querying the determined height requirement in said further element (20) corresponding to the data stream (12); - comparing said queried height request with a future height of said further element (20) corresponding to a data stream (12); - returning an adapted future height for said representation of said data stream (12) corresponding to said element (20) based on said height request; - defining in said element (20) the height of said representation of said data stream (12) corresponding to said element (20) based on said adapted and returned future height; - changing the height of the display of all data streams displayed in the row to the defined height; Including, 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Changing the width of the representation of the data stream (12) corresponding to the element (20) to a future width comprises the following steps: - searching through the column-element list of the second structure for the columns (16) of the table-type arrangement (10) of the displayed data stream (12) to find another element (20) corresponding to the data stream (12); - querying the determined width requirement of said other element (20) corresponding to said data stream (12); - comparing said width request and a future width of said other element (20) corresponding to the data stream (12); - returning an adapted future width for said representation of said data stream (12) corresponding to said element (20) based on said width request; - defining in said element (20) the width of said representation of said data stream (12) corresponding to said element (20) based on said adapted and returned future width; - changing the width of the display of all data streams (12) displayed in the columns (16) to the defined width; Including, 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. said element (20) corresponds to different first and second structures for displaying the data stream (12); and / or The method additionally includes the steps of: - associating said element (20) with a first further structure and a second further structure for representing the data stream (12); - displaying said data stream (12) in said further tabular arrangement (18) in a cell of said tabular arrangement (10) based on said further first structure and said further second structure; Including, 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The method additionally includes the steps of: - transmitting data by said control device in succession for a data stream (12) corresponding to an element (20); - updating the display of the data stream (12) in the display area of ​​the table-type arrangement (10) based on the transmitted data; Including, 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the display area is used to display the data stream (12) by a measurement data instrument for real-time measurement data in HiL applications; 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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