Mask Editor Inheritance for Block Diagram Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Block diagram modeling becomes complex when users need to customize masked blocks, as they often require creating separate blocks or wrapping blocks in subsystems, leading to increased memory usage, runtime costs, and a loosely integrated modeling paradigm.
Innovation Solution
A mask editor allows users to create custom masks on top of existing base masks, inheriting parameters and properties, enabling the creation of derived blocks with tailored user interfaces that simplify the customization process and enhance integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users create separate blocks or wrap blocks in subsystems to customize masked blocks, then customization capability is improved, but device complexity and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base mask and custom mask into a single integrated mask structure. The custom mask inherits from the base mask, combining their functionalities rather than requiring separate blocks. This integration allows users to customize masked blocks by creating a single derived mask that incorporates both base functionality and customizations, thereby improving adaptability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The derived mask serves multiple functions: it maintains the base mask's original functionality while simultaneously providing customized parameters and interface elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate blocks for different customizations, as a single derived mask can handle both base operations and custom operations, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users create separate blocks or wrap blocks in subsystems to customize masked blocks, then customization capability is improved, but memory footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the base mask and custom mask into a single derived mask structure, the patent eliminates redundant memory storage. Instead of storing separate blocks for base functionality and customizations, the system stores one integrated mask that references the base mask, thereby reducing memory footprint while maintaining full customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The derived mask creates a logical copy or reference to the base mask rather than a physical duplicate. This allows the custom mask to inherit parameters and properties from the base mask without duplicating their memory representation, enabling customization while minimizing memory usage through reference-based inheritance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users create separate blocks to customize masked blocks, then customization capability is improved, but integration and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges customization capability into the mask hierarchy itself through inheritance. The derived mask combines base mask functionality with custom parameters in a unified structure, allowing customized blocks to be easily reused across different models. This integration ensures that customizations are not isolated but are part of a cohesive, reusable masking system.
Data Source
AI summary
A device receives information that identifies a parameter associated with a masked block that represents elements of a block diagram model that, when executed, simulates a behavior of a system. The masked block is associated with a first user interface that allows a value of the parameter to be specified for the masked block. The device receives an indication that the parameter is to be associated with a derived block that represents the elements of the block diagram model. The derived block inherits one or more properties from the masked block. The device creates the derived block, and associates the derived block with the parameter and a second user interface that allows a value of the parameter to be specified for the derived block. The device outputs or stores information that identifies the parameter, the derived block, and the association between the parameter and the derived block.