Method for computer-based simulating a system

Abstract

A method for computer-based simulating a system (SYS) by co-simulation of subunits (SSY) of the system (SYS) includes (a) generating dedicated models (MDL) for the simulation of the subunits (SSY) using at least partially different simulation tools (SMT). The method also includes (b) exchanging simulation data (SMD) between the dedicated models (MDL) according to a communication format standard (FMI) during co-simulation in the form of a standard simulation communication (SSC). At least one dedicated model (MDL) is a foreign model (FMD), so it was generated using a non-preparing tool (NPT), which is a simulation tool (SMT) that does not prepare models for communication according to the communication format standard (FMI). The method also includes (c) representing the foreign model (FMD) using a substitution module (SBM) in the simulation data (SMD) exchange, (d) providing an interface service (IFS) to the non-preparing tool (NPT), which converts the standard simulation communication (SSC) into communication according to the non-preparing tool's (NPT) application programming interface (1), and vice versa, and (e) operating the foreign model (FMD) in an environment of the non-preparing tool (NPT) according to the converted communication input (CVC) received from the interface service (IFS) and (f) the foreign model (FMD) sending simulation data (SMD) via the conversion of the interface service (IFS) and via the substitution module into (FMU) the standard simulation communication (SSC).

Description

METHOD FOR COMPUTER-BASED SIMULATING A SYSTEMTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for computer-based simulating a system by cosimulation of subunits of the system, where the method includes: (a) generating of dedicated models for the simulation of the subunits using at least partially different simulation tools, (b) exchanging of simulation data between the models according to a communication format standard during co-simulation in the form of a standard simulation communication, where at least one dedicated model is a foreign model, so it was generated using a non-preparing tool, which is a simulation tool that does not prepare models for communication according to the communication format standard. Further, the invention relates to a system for performing such method.Background

[0002] A simulation tool, also known as a modeling and simulation [M&S] tool, is software used to create, run, and analyze simulations of systems or processes. Simulation tools allow to model and test different scenarios, make predictions, optimize processes, and evaluate the impact of changes without the need for physical prototypes or real-world experimentation. This reduces material waste and energy consumption associated with prototype production.

[0003] Simulation tools typically provide a graphical user interface [GUI] for building and configuring models, defining system parameters, and running simulations. Simulation tools often include libraries of pre-built components and mathematical models that can be used to represent various aspects of the system being simulated, such as objects, events, behaviors, and interactions. The results of the simulation can then be analyzed and visualized to gain insights and make informed decisions.

[0004] One example for a simulation tool is Simcenter provided by Siemens, which is a unified portfolio of simulation and testing software. Simcenter covers a wide range of engineering disciplines, including structural analysis, fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, system simulation, and more.

[0005] Another simulation tool is NX software provided by Siemens, which provides integrated computer-aided design [CAD], computer-aided manufacturing [CAM], and computer-aided engineering [CAE] capabilities. These simulation tools allow engineers and designers to create, simulate, and optimize products and manufacturing processes. The simulation tool enables engineers to create and simulate digital prototypes, optimize designs, and analyze productperformance.

[0006] Many simulation tools are focused on specific domains (e.g., mechanical, thermal, electronic, etc.) and specific kinds of simulation, such as ID or 3D. Due to these tool-specific specializations, not all tools can be employed for all simulation disciplines, and while some may cover multiple domains, certain tools are just better in some areas and are recognized as such by the simulation user community. At the same time, simulation tasks occurring in real-world applications do often involve multiple domains and disciplines. The challenge in simulation is often to combine or couple various tools that are each best-in-class in their domain, to achieve the most accurate and most effectively performing simulation for the present technical problem.

[0007] Coupling multiple, independent tools and / or models made by such tools into one combined simulation is not new. This practice is know n as co-simulation and has been a topic of active research for many years. Coupling tools is known to be possible as long as the tools involved offer appropriate application programming interfaces (APIs) to do so. While this is possible, coupling between any two tools is to be done on a case by case basis with programming individual interfaces for each model. This is a significant effort, and every time a model made by a new7participating tool should be supported, the corresponding coupling code is to be written.

[0008] With the well-known Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) standard, an open standard that aims to package dynamic models such that they can be exchanged and used in various simulation tools is available in the field of co-simulation. One such package that follows the FMI standard is referred to as Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU).

[0009] Unfortunately, the implementation of an FMI-compliant interface, which enables the packaging of a simulation model as an FMU, is to be implemented for each tool. Besides that, not all tools support the export of FMUs for co-simulation such that custom couplings between such tools are often the only option.

[0010] The FMI standard developed by an industry consortium to enable the interoperability of simulation models across different simulation tools and platforms is an open standard that defines a set of specifications and guidelines for model exchange and co-simulation of dynamic models.

[0011] An FMU is a standardized interface and file format used for the exchange of models and simulation data between different simulation tools. FMUs are used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and energy to enable the integration and interoperability of models from different software tools. By encapsulating a model or simulation component, including its equations, parameters, and inputs / outputs, in a self-contained unit, the FMU can be easily shared, reused, and integrated into different simulation environments.

[0012] An FMU typically includes a description that contains information about the model or simulation component it encapsulates. This description is usually included in the FMU file and is used to provide details about the structure, parameters, inputs, outputs, and other relevant information of the model. The description within an FMU is provided in a standardized format that is always an .XML format. The description defines the interfaces, equations, variables, and other properties of the model that are required for simulation.

[0013] An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other, access data, and interact with each other. APIs define the methods and data formats that applications may use to request and exchange information. APIs allow developers to access certain features or data of a software application or service without disclosing the underlying implementation details.Summary and Description

[0014] The invention is based on the problem of improving the known method such that less effort is necessary to involve models of a simulation tool with different standards of communication in a mutual co-simulation. The invention aims to avoid coding individual interfaces for every foreign model involved in a co-simulation.

[0015] To solve the objective, the invention proposes a method of the incipiently defined kind for computer-based simulating a system by co-simulation of subunits of the system. The method includes: (c) representing of the foreign model by a substitution module in the simulation data exchange; (d) providing of an interface service to the non-preparing tool, which converts the standard simulation communication into communication according to the application programming interface of the non-preparing tool and vice versa; (e) operating the foreign model in the environment of the non-preparing tool according to the converted communication input received from the interface service and the foreign model sending simulation data via the conversion of the interface service and via the substitution module into the standard simulation communication; and (f) the foreign model sending simulation data via the conversion of the interface service and via the substitution module into the standard simulation communication.

[0016] Independent of the grammatical term usage, individuals with male, female or other gender identities are included within the term.

[0017] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that step (d) may be done by using a softw are development kit specifically designed to generate an API-wrapper for the non-preparing tool. Using a software development kit may further simplify the implementation for the user.

[0018] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that in case the non-preparing tool does notinclude an API in the C programming language and where the interface service receives a request as simulation data via the substitution module, that the request may be handled as a remote procedure call by the interface service. The interface service converts the request into the communication syntax of the non-preparing tool. That way. the interface function may wrap the respective APT call in the native language of the tool. This allows to create an interface independent of the programming language as long as the data exchanged between the generated standard-based interface and the tool-specific API can be realized in the form of a remote procedure call message.

[0019] C is classified as a procedural programming language allowing for direct manipulation of memory and hardware components and is a low-level programming language that was developed in the 1970s. C is widely used in software development for creating a variety of applications, from operating systems to embedded systems. Virtually all programming languages that offer a foreign function interface can interoperate with C.

[0020] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the method according to the invention is part of a digital twin arrangement method where the simulated system represents a real system. The arrangement includes the corresponding real system. The method includes an additional step of the co-simulation receiving sensor input of the corresponding real system. The sensor input is used as an input parameter into the simulation to align the simulating of the system to the operation of the real system.

[0021] According to one embodiment, it is proposed to display at least one physical parameter and / or key figure calculated during the simulation to a user. In case the simulation is part of a digital twin arrangement, several parameters of the simulated system may be displayed via a display to a user. This displaying may include parameters of the system that are not directly measured but are calculated by the simulation. The determination of physical parameters that are not directly measured but are calculated by the simulation may be termed virtual sensing. The arrangement performing the virtual sensing may be termed virtual sensor.

[0022] The method may include a step of monitoring simulation calculated parameter and, further, activating an alarm and / or activating a specific control sequence in the real system in case these parameters exceed certain preset threshold values.

[0023] The user may easily recognize the calculation result, for example, via a display of a monitor or via a warning signal that informs about calculated virtual sensing results and their proximity and / or their relation to predefined threshold values for these parameters.

[0024] According to another embodiment, it is proposed that the co-simulation is providing physical parameters calculated during the simulation to an iterative design process for designingthe system.

[0025] Another teaching of the invention relates to a computer-system for performing the method of the herein defined type. The computer-system may be prepared for performing the method according to the preceding explanations or according to at least one of the below method claims.

[0026] The computer-system may include at least one computer prepared to perform simulating a system by co-simulation of subunits of the system according to a method, as described above or below. The computer system includes a data storage and further includes: at least one application for generating simulation models stored in the data storage; dedicated models stored in the data storage prepared for the simulation of the subunits the models made using at least partially different simulation tools. The models are made for exchanging of simulation data between the models according to a communication format standard during co-simulation in the form of a standard simulation communication. The computer system also includes at least one non-preparing tool stored in the data storage that is a simulation tool that does not prepare models for communication according to the communication format standard.

[0027] The computer-system is characterized by further including: at least one foreign model stored in the data storage, where the at least one foreign model belongs to the dedicated models. The at least one foreign model was generated using the non-preparing tool. The computersystem also includes at least one substitution module stored in the data storage representing the at least one foreign model in the simulation data exchange. The computer-system also includes at least one interface service provided to the non-preparing tool, which converts the standard simulation communication into communication according to a non-preparing tool’s application programming interface and vice versa. The computer-system is configured such that the at least one foreign model operates in an environment of the non-preparing tool according to the converted communication input received from the interface service and such that the foreign model sends simulation data via the conversion of the interface service and via the substitution module into the standard simulation communication.

[0028] Further, the invention relates to a digital twin arrangement, where the computer-system may be part of the digital twin arrangement to carry out the method according to the invention and as explained herein. The digital twin arrangement may include the computer-system for performing the method according to the invention for computer-based simulating a system by cosimulation of subunits of the system. The digital twin arrangement further includes the real system to be modelled. The real system to be modelled includes at least one sensor, preferably several sensors, coupled to the computer system and providing feedback from the real system tothe simulation. This feedback enables to align the simulation to the real system in case of any deviation of the simulation to the real system.

[0029] All explanations given with regard to the method are fully applicable to the system and the digital twin arrangement.

[0030] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the technical features of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description that follows.Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.

[0031] Also, before undertaking the detailed description below, it should be understood that various definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary' skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. While some terms may include a wide variety of embodiments, the appended claims may expressly limit these terms to specific embodiments.Brief Description of the Drawing

[0032] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0033] Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention illustrating the computer system according to the invention, too.Detailed Description

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a method for computer-based simulating a system SYS by cosimulation of subunits SSY of the system SYS according to the invention. Figure 1 further shows a computer system CSY according to the invention.

[0035] In a preparatory’ step (0), the flow diagram shows disaggregating the system SYS into subunits SSY of the system SYS. All steps (0) and following (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) are performed by a computer system CSY, including at least one computer CMP including at least one data storage MEM.

[0036] During a step (a), dedicated models MDL for the simulation of the subunits SSY using atleast partially different simulation tools SMT are generated.

[0037] The models MDL, illustrated as a step (b), exchange simulation data SMD between the models MDL according to a communication format standard FMI during co-simulation in the form of a standard simulation communication SSC.

[0038] Step (c) shows such communication where at least one dedicated model MDL is a foreign model FMD, so it was generated using a non-preparing tool NPT. Herein, a non-preparing tool NPT is a simulation tool SMT that does not prepare models for communication according to the communication format standard FMI. In step (c), the foreign model FMD is represented by a substitution module SBM in the simulation data SMD exchange. To enable communication, an interface service IFS is provided to the non-preparing tool NPT (step (d)), which converts the standard simulation communication SSC into communication according to the application programming interface API of the non-preparing tool's NPT and vice versa. Illustrated as step (e). operating the foreign model FMD in the environment of the non-preparing tool NPT is done according to the converted communication input CVC received from the interface service IFS. Within this interfaced environment, the foreign model FMD sends simulation data SMD via the conversion of the interface service IFS and via the substitution module SBM into the standard simulation communication SSC.

[0039] In order to provide the interface service IFS more easily to the non-preparing tool NPT, the shown embodiment provides a software development kit SDK specifically designed to generate an API-wrapper APW for the non-preparing tool NPT.

[0040] The non-preparing tool NPT shown in Figure 1 does not include an application programming interface API in a C programming language. The interface service IFS may receive requests RQS as simulation data SMD via the substitution module SBM. Such requests RQS are handled as a remote procedure call RPC by the interface service IFS, where the interface service IFS converts the request RQS into the communication syntax of the non-preparing tool NPT.

[0041] The results of the simulation, which may be intermediate results or final results including physical parameters PPR and / or key figures KFG calculated from the parameters or images illustrating the parameters or parameter fields are displayed to a user USR via a display DSP. This may include acoustic signaling as well.

[0042] An application of the method for cosimulation may include providing physical parameters PPR calculated during the simulation to an iterative design process ITD for designing the sy stem SYS. The iterative design process ITD may include a changing-module CMD changing the system design according to any optimizing strategy, such as random strategy orevolutionary strategy or Al-based changing. The changing-module CMD may include a stop criterion deciding that predefined design targets have been met.

[0043] The elements and features recited in the appended claims may be combined in different ways to produce new claims that likewise fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, whereas the dependent claims appended below depend from only a single independent or dependent claim, it is to be understood that these dependent claims may, alternatively, be made to depend in the alternative from any preceding or following claim, whether independent or dependent. Such new combinations are to be understood as forming a part of the present specification.

[0044] While the present invention has been described above by reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments. It is therefore intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that all equivalents and / or combinations of embodiments are intended to be included in this description.Reference Signs ListSYS systemSSY subunitsMDL dedicated modelSMT simulation toolSMD simulation dataSSC standard simulation communicationFMD foreign modelNPT non-preparing toolSBM substitution moduleTFS interface serviceAPI application programming interfaceCVC converted communication inputSDK software development kitAPW API wrapperRQS requestRPC remote procedure callDSP displayingPPR physical parameterUSR userIDP iterative design processFMI communication format standard

Claims

Claims1. A method for computer-based simulating a system (SYS) by co-simulation of subunits (SSY) of the system (SYS), the method comprising:(a) generating dedicated models (MDL) for the simulation of the subunits (SSY) using at least partially different simulation tools (SMT);(b) exchanging simulation data (SMD) between the dedicated models (MDL) according to a communication format standard (FMI) during co-simulation in the form of a standard simulation communication (SSC), wherein at least one of the dedicated models (MDL) is a foreign model (FMD), the one dedicated model being generated using a non-preparing tool (NPT). which is a simulation tool (SMT) that does not prepare models for communication according to the communication format standard (FMT);(c) representing the foreign model (FMD) using a substitution module (SBM) in the simulation data (SMD) exchange;(d) providing an interface service (IFS) to the non-preparing tool (NPT), which converts the standard simulation communication (SSC) into a communication according to an application programming interface (API) of the non-preparing tool (NPT), and vice versa;(e) operating the foreign model (FMD) in an environment of the non-preparing tool (NPT) according to a converted communication input (CVC) received from the interface service (IFS); and(f) sending, by the foreign model (FMD), the simulation data (SMD) via the conversion of the interface sendee (IFS) and via the substitution module (SBM) into the standard simulation communication (SSC).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating (d) is done by using a software development kit (SDK) specifically designed to generate an API-wrapper (APW) for the nonpreparing tool (NPT).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-preparing tool (NPT) does not comprise an application programming interface (API) in a C programming language, wherein the method further comprises receiving, by the interface service (IFS), a request (RQS) as simulation data (SMD) via the substitution module (SBM),wherein the request (RQS) is handled as a remote procedure call (RPC) by the interface service (IFS). and wherein the method further comprises converting, by the interface service (IFS), the request (RQS) into communication syntax of the non-preparing tool (NPT).

4. The method of one of the preceding claims, further comprising: displaying (DSP) physical parameters (PPR) and / or key figures (KFG) calculated from the physical parameters (PPR) or images illustrating the physical parameters (PPR) or parameter fields to a user (USR).

5. The method of one of the preceding claims, further comprising: providing, by the co-simulation, physical parameters (PPR) calculated during the simulation to an iterative design process (ITD) for designing the system (SYS).

6. A computer-system (CSY) for performing the method according to at least one of the preceding claims, the computer-system (CSY) comprising: at least one computer (CMP) configured to perform simulating a system (SYS) by cosimulation of subunits (SSY) of the system (SYS) according to at least one of the preceding claims, the at least one computer system (CSY) comprising: a data storage (MEM); at least one application (APP) for generating simulation models stored in said data storage (MEM); dedicated models (MDL) stored in the data storage (MEM), the dedicated models (MDL) being configured for the simulation of the subunits (SSY), the dedicated models (MDL) being made using at least partially different simulation tools (SMT), wherein the dedicated models (MDL) are made for exchanging of simulation data (SMD) between the dedicated models (MDL) according to a communication format standard (FMI) during cosimulation in the form of a standard simulation communication (SSC); at least one non-preparing tool (NPT) stored in the data storage (MEM), which is a simulation tool (SMT) that does not prepare models (MDL) for communication according to the communication format standard (FMI);at least one foreign model (FMD) stored in the data storage (MEM), wherein the at least one foreign model belongs to the dedicated models (MDL), wherein the foreign model (FMD) was generated using the non-preparing tool (NPT); at least one substitution module (SBM) stored in the data storage (MEM) representing the foreign model (FMD) in the simulation data (SMD) exchange; and at least one interface service (IFS) provided to the non-preparing tool (NPT), which converts the standard simulation communication (SSC) into communicarion according to an application programming interface (API) of the non-preparing tool, and vice versa, wherein the computer-system (SYS) is configured such that the foreign model (FMD) operates in an environment of the non-preparing tool (NPT) according to the converted communication input (CVC) received from the at least one interface service (IFS). and such that the foreign model (FMD) sends simulation data (SMD) via the conversion of the at least one interface sendee (IFS) and via the substitution module (SBM) into the standard simulation communication (SSC).

Images