Co-Simulation Component Network for Efficient Hardware Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating co-simulations are time- and memory-intensive due to the need for frequent adjustments in communication and distribution of simulation modules across different environments, requiring modifications to simulation tools and agents for each change, leading to inefficient use of computer hardware.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the generation of simulation components with runtime environment information and communication units, forming a network of simulation components independent of physical requirements, allowing for efficient communication and execution across various simulation agents, enabling parallel execution and efficient hardware utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If simulation modules are modified to allow data exchange via dedicated bus systems for each simulation tool, then communication between simulation modules is enabled, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication between simulation modulesVSAvoidcommunication implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a standardized communication interface that can be used across different simulation tools and agents. The simulation component definition file serves as a universal descriptor that enables communication between various simulation modules without requiring tool-specific modifications. This single interface design allows the same communication mechanism to work with multiple simulation tools, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a standardized communication interface and descriptor file system. This intermediary sits between the simulation modules and the execution agents, translating communication requirements into a universal format. The descriptor file acts as a mediator that contains all necessary communication information, eliminating the need for direct complex point-to-point connections between modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If simulation modules are adapted for different simulation environments (model-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop), then versatility is improved, but time and memory requirements increase due to frequent adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation environment compatibilityVSAvoidtime for creating co-simulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining all communication interfaces and requirements in the simulation component definition file before execution. The descriptor file contains predetermined communication paths, data formats, and interface specifications that are prepared in advance. This allows simulation components to be quickly instantiated and executed in different environments without requiring time-consuming adjustments during runtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the simulation component definition file adaptable to different execution environments. The descriptor file can dynamically specify different communication requirements based on the target simulation environment (model-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop). This dynamic configuration allows the same simulation module to be efficiently deployed across multiple environments without structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If communication interfaces are defined exclusively within simulation agents, then simulation control is simplified, but adaptability decreases as changes require re adaptation of communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation controlVSAvoidcommunication adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating communication interface definitions from the simulation agent implementation. The communication requirements are segmented into a distinct descriptor file that contains interface specifications, data formats, and communication protocols. This separation allows the simulation agent to remain simple while the descriptor file handles all communication adaptability requirements. Changes can be made to the descriptor file without modifying the agent code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If simulation modules are distributed across different simulation environments, then co-simulation capability is improved, but time synchronization and simulation control become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveco-simulation capabilityVSAvoidtime synchronization and control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary descriptor file to manage time synchronization and control across distributed simulation environments. The definition file contains standardized timing specifications and control interface descriptions that mediate between different simulation modules. This intermediary layer provides a common reference framework that simplifies synchronization, allowing distributed modules to coordinate their operations through the standardized interfaces defined in the descriptor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4390747A1Method for creating a co-simulation
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 DSPACE SE & CO KG
  • EP4390747A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4390747A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4390747A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for creating a co-simulation (100) with a plurality of simulation modules (1) having communication interfaces (2), wherein the simulation modules (1) are executable with simulation agents (4), comprising the following steps: S1) generating simulation components (6) that are containers for one or more simulation modules, S2) integrating the simulation modules (1) into the simulation components (6), S3) providing each simulation component (6) with a runtime environment information module (8), S4) providing each simulation component (6) with a communication unit (10) that contains a description of the communication interface (2) of the simulation module (1), thus enabling communication with other simulation components (6), S5) connecting the communication units (10) of the simulation components (6) with one or more communication units (10) of other simulation components (6).S6) Creating the co-simulation application (18) in which the simulation components (6) of the simulation component level (12) are assigned to a simulation agent type (16) with the runtime environment information modules (8) of the simulation components (6). In this way, a time- and memory-efficient method for creating a universal co-simulation (100) is provided.