Automatic Message Sequence Diagram Generation from Graphical Model Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack an efficient method for automatically generating message sequence diagrams from the execution instructions of computer-generated, executable graphical models, limiting the ability to visualize and understand the dynamic behavior of complex systems.

Innovation Solution

A modeling environment with a simulation engine and diagramming tool that analyzes execution instructions to automatically create message sequence diagrams, including lifelines, message arrows, epoch elements, signal trace elements, and task execution elements, providing a dynamic and interactive visualization of model behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If automatic generation of message sequence diagrams is implemented, then visualization capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automatic diagram generation system that acts as an intermediary between the simulation engine and the user. This system analyzes execution instructions and automatically creates message sequence diagrams, eliminating the need for manual diagram creation while providing comprehensive visualization of system behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of creating message sequence diagrams with an automated computational system. The diagram generation is performed automatically by analyzing execution instructions through a diagram generation API, substituting human effort with algorithmic processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If detailed execution analysis is performed, then understanding of model behavior is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebehavior analysis precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis by capturing execution instructions during the simulation process and preparing them for diagram generation. The system pre-processes execution data and stores it in a format ready for automatic diagram creation, reducing the time required for detailed behavior analysis when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation engine automatically generates and stores execution instructions in a structured format during normal operation. This self-service approach means the detailed behavior data is already prepared and organized when analysis is requested, eliminating the need for additional processing time to collect and format the data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9256485B1System and method for generating message sequence diagrams from graphical programs
Publication Date: 2016.02.09 MATHWORKS INC
  • US9256485B1 patent drawing
  • US9256485B1 patent drawing
  • US9256485B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method automatically generating one or more message sequence diagrams based on an analysis of the execution behavior of a model, such as a computer-generated, executable graphical model. A model analyzer examines execution instructions generated for the model. A filtering unit identifies execution instructions that concern designated elements of the model. An auto diagram builder generates one or more message sequence diagrams. The diagrams may include display features that represent activities involving the designated model elements. The diagrams may show the relative execution time order of the activities.