Cooperative Modeling of Discrete and Continuous System Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Systems often consist of both discrete and continuous elements that are interdependent but are typically modeled and simulated using different tools, leading to separate and inefficient simulations.
Innovation Solution
A method for cooperative modeling and simulation of discrete and continuous system elements by exporting a description of the discrete system element and its relationship with the continuous system element from a first modeling environment to a second environment, allowing for concurrent simulation and data exchange between the two.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate modeling tools are used for discrete and continuous system elements, then each element can be modeled with specialized tools, but the system requires multiple tools and separate simulations which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges discrete and continuous modeling capabilities into a single integrated modeling environment. The system allows both discrete event models and continuous differential equation models to coexist and interact within the same environment, eliminating the need for separate tools and simulations while maintaining the specialized modeling capabilities for each element type.
Solution Approach 2:
The modeling environment is designed to be universal, supporting multiple modeling paradigms (discrete event, continuous dynamics, hybrid systems) within a single platform. This multi-functionality allows users to model different types of system elements using appropriate methods while benefiting from a unified simulation framework that handles data exchange and coordination automatically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different modeling tools are used for discrete and continuous elements, then specialized modeling capabilities are available, but data exchange between tools becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data exchange mechanism within the unified modeling environment that automatically handles data transfer between discrete and continuous model components. This intermediary layer manages the coordination and synchronization of data flow, eliminating the need for complex manual integration procedures while preserving modeling flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If separate simulations are performed for discrete and continuous elements, then each simulation can be optimized independently, but the overall system analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous coordinated simulation where discrete and continuous model components run simultaneously and interact in real-time within the unified environment. This continuous action approach maintains analytical precision by capturing dynamic interactions as they occur, while reducing total simulation time compared to sequential independent simulations.
Data Source
AI summary
Cooperative modeling of discrete system elements and continuous system elements is described, in which a discrete system element and a relationship between the discrete system element and a continuous system element is modeled in a first modeling environment, where a description of the discrete system element and of the relationship between the discrete system element and the continuous system element is exported from the first modeling environment to a second modeling environment, causing the discrete system element and the relationship between the discrete system element and the continuous system element to be modeled in the second modeling environment, where the continuous system element is modeled in the second modeling environment.