Template Composite Signal for Graphical Modeling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current graphical modeling environments face challenges in efficiently combining and handling multiple signals, as existing methods require decoupling signals for operations and pre-defining all operation attributes for each instance, leading to complexity and increased error likelihood as systems grow more complex.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a template composite signal in graphical modeling environments, which comprises a plurality of signals with associated identifying information that allows for unspecified attributes, enabling operations to be performed without decoupling and reducing the need for pre-defined attributes for each instance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple signals are combined into a composite signal structure, then the quantity of signals is reduced and data entry is simplified, but the complexity of handling and operating on individual signals within the composite structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of signalsVSAvoidease of operating on individual signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The composite signal structure is segmented into individual signal components that can be independently accessed and operated on. Each signal within the composite structure maintains its own attributes and can be manipulated separately through the defined interface, resolving the contradiction by providing both aggregation and individual accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary interface layer is introduced between the composite signal structure and the operations performed on individual signals. This intermediary provides methods to access, modify, and operate on specific signals within the composite structure without requiring decoupling, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving the composite structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If all operation attributes are pre-defined for each signal instance, then the reliability and consistency of signal handling is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of implementation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of signal handlingVSAvoidcomplexity of pre-defining attributes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal template structure is defined for composite signals that can accommodate multiple signal types and operations through a standardized interface. This template provides default attributes and operations that can be inherited and customized, reducing the need to pre-define all attributes for each specific instance while maintaining reliability through consistent structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The signal attributes and operations are made dynamic rather than static. The composite signal structure allows attributes to be defined, modified, and extended at runtime based on specific needs, rather than requiring all attributes to be pre-defined. This dynamic approach reduces implementation complexity while maintaining reliability through structured validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If signals are decoupled to perform operations on individual signals, then the precision of signal manipulation is improved, but the loss of time and operational efficiency worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of signal manipulationVSAvoidtime for decoupling and recombining signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Individual signals are nested within the composite signal structure, allowing operations to be performed at different levels of abstraction. Signals can be manipulated individually when needed while remaining part of the composite structure, eliminating the need for complete decoupling and recombining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Reference copying rather than deep copying is used when creating operations on signal components. The composite signal structure maintains references to individual signals, allowing precise manipulation without physical decoupling. This copying approach preserves precision while avoiding the time loss associated with complete signal separation and recombination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7823121B1Template composite signal for diagramming environment languages

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 MATHWORKS INC

AI summary

In a graphical modeling environment, a template composite signal is provided. The template composite signal groups a plurality of data signals for which one of the attributes for data interpretation are unspecified and provides associated identifying information that identifies the type of data in the template composite signal. Models are simplified by using template composite signals for passing data between graphical objects representing functional entities, without the need for de-grouping the template composite signal. Code may then be generated for the template composite signal.