Monte Carlo Simulation Icon Histogram Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Monte Carlo simulation tools limit user interaction with simulation model results, requiring intimate knowledge of the underlying model and only allowing limited understanding of output distributions from aggregate scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A simulation tool that stores both input and output values for each scenario, displaying them as icons in a histogram form, allowing users to select and view specific scenarios for deeper insight into the simulation model's behavior, particularly identifying scenarios leading to out-of-range output values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Monte Carlo simulation generates and stores only output values for each scenario, then the simulation can be performed efficiently with reduced data storage, but the user's ability to interact with and understand specific simulation scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simulation data storage by creating separate storage components: one for aggregated output distributions and another for detailed scenario-level data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both efficient aggregate analysis and detailed interactive exploration without requiring all data to be stored at the same granularity level simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to data storage by preserving the connection between input and output values for each scenario. Instead of storing only output values in a one-dimensional array, the system creates a multi-dimensional data structure that maintains the mapping between input scenarios and their corresponding outputs, enabling users to trace back from any output to its originating input conditions.
2Loss of information
If Monte Carlo simulation stores input and output values for each scenario, then users can interactively explore specific scenarios for deeper insight, but the complexity of data management and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that acts as a bridge between the simulation engine and the user interface. This intermediary layer manages the complex relationships between input and output data by maintaining scenario identifiers and value mappings, thereby simplifying the interface between the complex simulation backend and the user-friendly display frontend.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of simulation data by structuring the storage system to maintain scenario-level detail before any user interaction occurs. By pre-organizing data with preserved input-output mappings and scenario identifiers, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time data processing or reconstruction when users request specific scenario details.
3Measurement precision
If Monte Carlo simulation displays aggregate output distributions only, then the display remains simple and interpretable, but users cannot identify specific scenarios leading to particular output values or model flaws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested display structure where aggregate output distributions are displayed at the outer level for simple interpretation, while individual scenario details are nested within the aggregate view. Users can drill down from the high-level distribution view to examine specific scenario compositions, allowing the display to maintain simplicity at the overview level while providing detailed precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic display system that can adapt its level of detail based on user interaction. The display begins as a simple aggregate distribution but dynamically expands to show specific scenario details when users query particular output values or interact with the visualization, thereby maintaining simplicity by default while enabling precise identification when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A Monte Carlo simulation is performed based on a simulation model comprising a plurality of input variables and at least one output variable. The Monte Carlo simulation generates a large number of scenarios, each comprising random input values and resulting output values for the input and output variables. The input and output values for each scenario are stored in a suitable storage component. A plurality of icons, uniquely corresponding to and representative of at least a portion of the scenarios, are displayed in accordance with a displayed output variable. At least one of the displayed icons is selectable causing the underlying input and output values to be displayed. The icons may be displayed in a histogram form comprising a plurality of columns and, preferably, within each column, the corresponding icons may be sorted according to similarity of the input values for each icon to a plurality of target input values.