Signal Flow Program Direct Feedthrough Loop Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Signal flow-based computer programs with direct feedthrough (DF) loops pose a challenge as they create cyclical dependencies, making it difficult to determine an unambiguous processing sequence, which is necessary for execution, and existing methods require user intervention or are not applicable to conventional DF loops.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying DF loops, determining the maximum possible change of DF input signals, activating a delay element at the component input with the smallest change, and running the program to convert DF loops into non-direct feedthrough (NDF) loops, thereby resolving cyclical dependencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DF loops are present in the signal flow-based computer program, then the program can model instantaneous signal mappings, but the processing sequence cannot be unambiguously determined due to cyclical dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the DF loop by inserting a delay element at a specifically determined component input, dividing the cyclical dependency into manageable parts. This allows the processing sequence to be determined by breaking the cycle into non-cyclical segments while preserving the instantaneous mapping capability through controlled delay insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
A delay element is introduced as an intermediary component at a strategically selected input of the DF loop. This intermediary breaks the direct cyclical dependency by introducing a controlled time delay, enabling the determination of processing sequence while maintaining the essential feedback functionality of the DF loop.
2Reliability
If existing methods are used to handle DF loops, then user intervention is required or methods are not applicable, but the processing sequence determination becomes manual and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The method enables the signal flow-based computer program to automatically determine its own processing sequence by algorithmically identifying DF loops, selecting appropriate component inputs for delay insertion, and resolving cyclical dependencies without requiring external user intervention. The system performs the analysis and resolution autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the temporal parameter of the signal flow by dynamically determining the maximum possible change of DF input signals and selecting the component input with the smallest change for delay insertion. This parameter-based approach automates the selection process and makes the method universally applicable to different DF loop configurations.
3Ease of operation
If DF loops are converted to NDF loops by inserting delay elements, then cyclical dependencies are eliminated, but the instantaneous mapping capability is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The delay element is inserted locally at a specifically selected component input within the DF loop, rather than uniformly throughout the system. This localized intervention minimizes the impact on instantaneous mapping by applying the delay only where necessary to break the cycle, preserving the instantaneous response characteristics of other parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The method applies a partial delay (minimum necessary delay) rather than a complete or excessive delay to the DF loop. By selecting the component input with the smallest maximum possible change and inserting a delay element only at that location, the method achieves the minimum necessary action to eliminate cyclical dependencies while preserving as much of the instantaneous mapping capability as possible.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the course of a signal flow-based computer program having interconnected software components and at least one DF loop. The following method steps are performed: a) identifying the at least one DF loop and the DF components, each DF component instantaneously imaging at least one DF input signal present at at least one component input onto at least one output signal present at at least one component output, b) determining the maximum possible change of the values of the DF input signals for each unit of time from at least one property of the respective DF input signal, c) activating a delay element in front of the component input where a DF input signal is present whose value has the smallest maximum possible change, and d) running the computer program in accordance with the connection of the software components ascertained in steps a) to c).