Resettable Hierarchically Scoped Variables in Graphical Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical modeling environments face challenges in managing hierarchically scoped variables, as they are typically persistent and require manual initialization for each invocation, making it difficult to reset them to a specific value, especially in complex block diagrams.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of resettable hierarchically scoped variables within graphical modeling environments allows users to reset variables to a preset value before or during subsequent invocations, decoupling persistence and scope, and providing a graphical representation that distinguishes resettable variables from non-resettable ones, with support for various programming languages and hardware description languages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hierarchically scoped variables are made persistent to retain values between invocations, then data continuity is improved, but the complexity of manually initializing and resetting variables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable automatically resets itself to its initial value when re-entering a parent scope, without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors scope transitions and autonomously performs the reset operation, eliminating the need for users to manually initialize variables in complex block diagrams.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable is pre-configured with an initial value and a reset behavior specification. When the variable is declared, the system automatically sets up the reset mechanism that will trigger upon scope re-entry, preparing the variable in advance for its next use without requiring manual setup at each invocation.
2Ease of operation
If manual initialization blocks are added to reset variables before each invocation, then variable reset capability is improved, but the complexity of the block diagram increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to add manual initialization blocks to the diagram, the variable automatically performs its own reset operation when re-entering the parent scope. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional blocks while maintaining full reset capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset functionality is extracted from the manual block-level operations and embedded directly into the variable's scope management mechanism. This separation allows the reset capability to be achieved through scope transition detection rather than through explicit initialization blocks in the diagram.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If hierarchically scoped variables retain values between invocations, then persistence is improved, but the ability to reset variables to specific values deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable's behavior dynamically adapts based on scope context. The variable maintains persistence during normal operation but automatically resets when re-entering a parent scope, providing both continuity and reset capability through context-aware behavior rather than fixed characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the variable with reset behavior that counteracts the persistence effect when needed. By establishing the reset mechanism in advance as part of the variable's scope management, the system can reliably return to initial states while maintaining value retention during normal hierarchical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The illustrative embodiments of this invention are directed to a method, a medium and a system for realizing resettable hierarchically scoped variables in a graphical modeling environment on a computing device. The method includes creating at least one resettable variable in a model within the graphical modeling environment, wherein the resettable variable is hierarchically scoped. The resettable variable is reset to a preset value before or during a subsequent invocation of a part of the model that contains the resettable variable. The graphical modeling environment may be a state diagramming environment or the graphical modeling environment may be a time-based graphical modeling environment.