Control Program Simulation With Interactive Parameter Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating control programs in electronic control units (ECUs) are poorly adapted for fine-tuning individual parameters and lack efficient visualization of the influence of different parameter settings, making it difficult to perfect the model for desired behavior.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for simulating a program modeled as a block diagram, allowing for interactive parameter adjustments and graphical comparison of signal values over time, with features like pausing, stepping back, and displaying signals differently to facilitate the analysis of parameter changes, executed in a technical computing environment with a model editor and simulation engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple simulations are carried out to perfect the model for desired behavior, then the accuracy and reliability of the control program is improved, but the time required for development and parameter tuning increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulations with default parameter values to generate reference signal values before the user interacts with the interface. This preliminary action allows the user to immediately see results and make parameter adjustments without waiting for simulation execution, significantly reducing the perceived time for model perfecting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of signal values from different simulation runs by displaying them simultaneously on the same graph with different styling (e.g., different colors or line styles). This copying approach allows direct visual comparison of parameter effects without requiring sequential execution of multiple simulations, thereby reducing development time while maintaining model accuracy.
2Productivity
If prepared sets of input data are used with automatic script-based simulation, then productivity is improved, but the ease of operation for fine-tuning individual parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface serves multiple functions: it displays signal values from simulations, allows parameter modification, triggers re-simulations, and provides visual comparison of results. This multi-functional interface combines the efficiency of automated simulation with the ease of interactive parameter tuning, eliminating the need for separate script-based operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback by displaying signal values graphically after each simulation. When parameters are modified, the system automatically re-simulates and updates the display, allowing users to iteratively fine-tune parameters with immediate visual confirmation of effects, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining productivity.
3Ease of operation
If visual comparison of parameter effects is implemented, then the ease of operation for model perfecting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the simulation engine and the user. It handles the complexity of managing multiple simulations, storing signal values, and coordinating re-simulations with parameter changes. The interface presents a simple visual display to the user while managing the underlying complexity automatically, thus improving ease of operation without requiring the user to directly handle system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and system for simulating a program modeled as one or more blocks of a block diagram in a computing environment. The one or more blocks having at least one signal, the computing environment including a model editor, a data definition tool and a code generator. The method includes: Simulating the block diagram for a first time span in the simulation environment, Displaying the values of the signal as a function of the simulation time, Receiving a pause command at a specific simulation time and a new value for the parameter, Simulating the block diagram for a second time span in the simulation environment, and Displaying both the values of the signal from the first time span and the values of the signal from the second time span. The values from the second time span are displayed graphically different from those of the first time span.