Automatic Model Component Port Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting model components in technical systems cannot automatically display and connect ports with different higher-level hierarchy levels, leading to cumbersome and error-prone manual processes, especially when dealing with complex systems with numerous ports.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for the automatic display and connection of ports by selecting hierarchy elements and testing their identifiers across multiple levels, ensuring correct matching based on predefinable strategies and minimizing errors through graphical user interface operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection methods are used for ports with different hierarchy levels, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and error probability increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically testing identifiers and determining possible assignments between ports of different model components without requiring manual user input for each connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining flexibility and reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically testing and displaying all possible identifier matches between ports before the user makes a connection decision, allowing the user to review and confirm connections based on pre-computed results, thus eliminating time-consuming manual trial-and-error processes
2Productivity
If automatic connection methods are implemented, then productivity increases, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex automatic connection process into distinct functional modules: identifier extraction from ports, hierarchical testing of identifier matches, generation of possible assignments, and user confirmation. This segmentation manages system complexity by organizing the automation into manageable, independent components while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary display mechanism that shows possible assignments between ports before final connection is made. This intermediary step acts as a buffer between the complex automatic testing process and the simple user confirmation action, managing complexity by separating the automated analysis from the user decision-making process
3Reliability
If manual port assignment is performed, then system complexity remains low, but error probability increases in complex systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by automatically testing identifiers and displaying all possible assignments between selected ports before connection is finalized. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify that the correct ports are being connected based on identifier matching, significantly reducing error probability while maintaining ease of operation through graphical interface
4Reliability
If automatic display of possible connections is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional automatic testing and display module that handles identifier extraction, hierarchical comparison, and possible assignment generation within a single integrated component. This universal module improves reliability across different connection scenarios while managing software complexity through functional consolidation rather than proliferation of separate components
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatic connection of model components of a model of a technical system on a computer with a display, wherein the model has a first model component and a second model component. The first model component and the second model component each have at least one hierarchy element, wherein a hierarchy element contains no hierarchy element, or one hierarchy element, or multiple hierarchy elements. A hierarchy element has no port, or one port, or multiple ports, wherein a hierarchy element and a port have an identifier. A connection between two ports represents an assignment in the technical system. A first set of hierarchy elements and/or ports and a second set of hierarchy elements and/or ports is selected through a graphical user action, wherein a possible assignment is tested for a first port of the first set and a second port of the second set. A possible assignment is present if, for the first port and the second port, and ascending from the first port and the second port in accordance with the hierarchy, the identifiers of the hierarchy elements that are at a higher level than the first port and the second port each correspond at equal hierarchy levels up to a predefinable number of hierarchy levels starting from the port, or are evaluated as corresponding in accordance with a predefined rule. If a possible assignment is present, the possible assignment is displayed and/or the first port of the first set is automatically connected to the second port of the second set.