Test-Simulation Time Synchronization for Slower-Than-Real-Time Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current test automation tools face challenges in synchronizing test sequences with simulations, particularly when the simulation runs slower than real-time, leading to increased workload, reduced flexibility, inefficiency, and potential errors due to manual synchronization points and timing discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically synchronizes test sequences with simulations by comparing elapsed test and simulation times, pausing the test when simulation lags, and adjusting synchronization intervals to maintain precise timing alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual synchronization points are inserted into the test flow to align test steps with slower simulation flow, then synchronization between test and simulation is achieved, but workload and complexity of the testing process significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service synchronization through an automatic synchronization mechanism that monitors simulation progress and dynamically adjusts test execution without manual intervention. The synchronization controller automatically detects when the simulation is running slower than real-time and pauses the test sequence at appropriate points, eliminating the need for manual synchronization point insertion while maintaining accurate alignment between test and simulation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the simulation's execution status and performance metrics. The synchronization controller receives feedback about simulation progress and uses this information to dynamically adjust test sequence execution, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains synchronization without requiring manual intervention or increasing process complexity
2Reliability
If manual synchronization points are constantly monitored and adjusted to maintain alignment, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but flexibility and efficiency of test development are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic synchronization mechanism serves itself by autonomously monitoring simulation performance and adjusting test execution timing without requiring test developers to constantly monitor or manually adjust synchronization. This self-managing system maintains synchronization accuracy while freeing developers to focus on test creation rather than synchronization management, thereby improving efficiency and flexibility
3Productivity
If test sequences are executed in real time while simulation runs slower, then test execution speed is maintained, but desynchronization between test steps and simulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic synchronization by making the test execution speed adaptable rather than fixed. The synchronization controller dynamically adjusts the pacing of test sequence execution based on real-time simulation performance, pausing the test when the simulation lags and resuming when it catches up. This dynamic adjustment maintains synchronization accuracy without permanently reducing test execution speed, allowing the system to flexibly adapt to varying simulation performance conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring and adjustment of synchronization status during test execution. The synchronization controller checks alignment between test and simulation at regular intervals and makes periodic adjustments to maintain synchronization. This periodic action allows the test to proceed at real-time speed overall while intermittently pausing to correct synchronization drift, balancing execution speed with synchronization accuracy
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for synchronizing a simulation with a test, wherein the simulation delivers output data in response to input data, comprising the following method steps: S1) transmitting an input data item from the test to the simulation, so that an output data item is determined by the simulation, simultaneously starting a test time and a simulation time, so that an elapsed test time and an elapsed simulation time can be retrieved, and transmitting the determined output data item from the simulation to the test, S2) retrieving the test time and retrieving the simulation time and comparing the simulation time with the test time, S3a) if the comparison has shown that the simulation time equals or exceeds the test time: transmitting a further input data item from the predetermined set of input data from the test to the simulation,so that the simulation determines a further output date based on the further input date, or terminating the method if all input data has already been transferred to the simulation, and S3b) if the comparison has shown that the simulation time is less than the test time: pausing the test for a pause period during which the test time is stopped, and repeating step S2 and subsequently step S3a or S3b after the pause period. This provides a method that enables precise synchronization.