Product Configuration Model Simplification via Scope Variables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product configuration methods face challenges in efficiently handling complex configuration problems due to high computational resource requirements and long response times, often failing to ensure all valid solutions are maintained or returning excessive valid solutions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves restricting an initial product model based on selected scope variables to create a simplified model, iteratively setting values for non-scope variables, and using techniques like Rule Binary Decision Diagrams and Tree-of-BDDs to reduce computational complexity and enhance response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional product configuration methods are used to handle complex configuration problems, then all valid solutions can be maintained, but computational resource requirements become excessively high and response times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the product configuration problem into two distinct phases: a compilation phase that pre-processes and structures the configuration rules into a specialized data structure, and a query phase that efficiently retrieves valid configurations. This segmentation separates the computationally intensive rule processing from the query operations, reducing computational resource requirements during actual product configuration while maintaining completeness of valid solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-compiling the configuration rules and inter-dependencies into an optimized data structure before any product configuration queries are executed. This advance preparation stores the rule structure in a form that enables rapid querying, thereby reducing computational resources needed during actual configuration operations while ensuring all valid solutions are maintained.
2Reliability
If traditional product configuration methods are used to handle complex configuration problems, then all valid solutions can be maintained, but response times become excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration system into compilation and query phases, allowing the time-consuming rule processing to occur once during compilation rather than repeatedly during each query. This segmentation dramatically reduces response times for product configuration queries while maintaining the completeness of valid solutions through the structured storage of rule relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing preliminary compilation of the configuration rules into an optimized data structure, the system prepares all necessary information in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when product configuration queries are executed, the system can rapidly retrieve valid configurations without re-processing the entire rule set, thereby reducing response times while maintaining solution completeness.
3Productivity
If scope variables are introduced to divide the configuration process into two stages, then computational resources and response times are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces scope variables as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the compilation phase and query phase. These scope variables act as parameters that restrict the product model during compilation, enabling the system to handle complex configurations by breaking them into manageable segments. This intermediary approach improves configuration efficiency while managing device complexity through structured parameterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by introducing scope variables that modify the product model's state during compilation. By changing the parameters (scope variable values) to restrict the model, the system can efficiently process complex configurations in stages. This parameter-based approach enhances productivity while controlling device complexity through systematic model restriction rather than structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A valid configuration of a product is determined by a computer based on a complete product model. The initial product model includes variables with associated values, and rules, wherein the variables and rules define a configuration problem to be solved. Some variables of the initial product model are defined as scope variables. Based on the selected values for scope variables the initial product model is restricted by the computer to a simplified product model. The simplified product model is employed in order to set the values of the variables not being defined as scope variables in an iterative computer-implemented process.