Intrinsic Units of Measure in Physical Modeling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physical modeling systems lack intrinsic units of measure, leading to inconsistencies and errors in modeling and simulation due to the absence of validated and propagated units, resulting in incorrect calculations when values with different units are combined.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to provide intrinsic units of measure within a physical modeling environment, allowing for the registration of dimensions and units, checking for commensurate units, and converting units as necessary to ensure accurate operations and results, using a database or registry to manage and propagate units throughout the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If intrinsic units of measure are not implemented in physical modeling systems, then the system is simpler to implement, but unit consistency and calculation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a unit registry and dimension system before modeling operations occur. Units are defined and registered in advance through functions like `pm_addunit` and `pm_adddimension`, creating a predefined framework that automatically enforces unit consistency throughout subsequent calculations without requiring complex runtime checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary unit registry system that mediates between raw numerical inputs and calculation operations. This registry stores dimension definitions and unit conversions, acting as a intermediary layer that automatically handles unit validation and conversion, thereby ensuring calculation accuracy without directly complicating the core modeling logic.
2Reliability
If units of measure are propagated throughout the system, then modeling reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through functions like `pm_checkunits` that automatically verify unit consistency at calculation points. When units are defined in the registry, the system provides feedback by checking whether operations involve compatible units and alerting users to inconsistencies, thereby maintaining reliability through continuous validation without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The unit registry system operates autonomously to maintain unit consistency throughout the modeling environment. Functions such as `pm_getunitfactor` and automatic unit propagation enable the system to self-validate and self-correct unit issues without external intervention, ensuring reliability while keeping the user interface simple.
3Measurement precision
If unit validation and propagation are implemented, then calculation accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs unit validation and conversion automatically through registered functions without requiring manual user intervention. When units are predefined in the registry, the system self-services by automatically checking compatibility and performing conversions, thereby maintaining high unit consistency while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-registering units and dimensions in the system, the patent eliminates the need for users to manually specify or validate units during operation. This preliminary setup creates an automated framework that handles unit consistency transparently, improving measurement precision without increasing operational complexity for users.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides intrinsic units of measure for modeling physical systems. Physical systems may then be modeled using the units of measure. As such, actual units, reflecting real world measurements, can be used and propagated through the modeled system yielding results having units of measure. In some embodiments, units of measure may also be checked to determine if they are compatible for a given operation. If units are not compatible, the user may then be notified that compatible units are required.