Configuration Subgraphs for Block Diagram Attribute Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing block diagram modeling technologies face challenges in efficiently configuring and managing attributes within dynamic portions of models, particularly in ensuring proper evaluation and execution of configuration subgraphs without dependencies on dynamic model elements, which can lead to errors and inefficient compilation and execution processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of configuration subgraphs in block diagram models allows for the graphical specification and evaluation of attributes prior to compilation and execution, ensuring that attributes are correctly established and propagated throughout the model, while preventing dependencies that could cause errors, through specialized ports and entities that connect configuration subgraphs to model elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If configuration subgraphs are evaluated prior to compilation and execution, then attributes are correctly established and propagated throughout the model, but this requires separating configuration from runtime execution which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the block diagram model into two distinct portions: a configuration subgraph portion for defining attributes and a dynamic portion for runtime execution. This segmentation allows attributes to be configured independently before compilation, ensuring accuracy while maintaining a structured approach to managing complexity through clear separation of concerns.
2Ease of operation
If configuration subgraphs are used to specify attributes graphically, then ease of operation is improved, but ensuring no dependencies exist on dynamic model elements requires additional validation which increases loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary validation during the configuration phase to ensure that configuration subgraphs do not contain dependencies on dynamic model elements. By checking for prohibited dependencies before compilation begins, the system catches errors early when they are easier to detect and correct, rather than discovering them during runtime execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide error messages and warnings when prohibited dependencies are detected in configuration subgraphs. This feedback guides users to correct configuration issues, ensuring that only valid attribute specifications proceed to compilation and execution.
3Reliability
If configuration subgraphs are separated from runtime execution, then errors are prevented and reliability is improved, but the compilation and execution processes become more complex which decreases productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration and validation of attributes before the compilation and execution phases. By ensuring that all attributes are properly defined and that configuration subgraphs are free of prohibited dependencies in advance, the system prevents runtime errors and reduces the need for debugging and iteration during execution.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a specification of a configuration subgraph is received. The configuration subgraph may graphically specify an attribute for an element in a block diagram model. A relationship may be established between the configuration subgraph and the element. The configuration subgraph may be evaluated to produce a result. The result may be used to configure the attribute of the element during or prior to a compilation of a dynamic portion of the block diagram model. The configuration subgraph may not be used during an execution of the dynamic portion of the block diagram model.