Unified State Transition Table for Complex Model Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current state machine modeling and simulation tools face challenges in efficiently representing and executing complex state transitions due to limitations in data structure organization and user interface functionality, particularly in handling multi-reference states and conditions, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies in model execution and debugging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a unified state transition table that allows for the storage and display of state machine models in various formats, including state-state, state-condition, and state-action formats, with features like condition and destination state grouping, action labeling, and positional cues for destination states, enabling efficient data organization and user-friendly editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional state machine modeling tools are used, then basic state transitions can be represented, but handling multi-reference states and conditions becomes error-prone and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the state transition information into distinct columns: source state, destination state, condition, and action. This segmentation allows each aspect of the transition to be independently managed and referenced, reducing errors in representing multi-reference states and conditions while maintaining clear data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified state transition table serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores state transitions, defines conditions, specifies actions, and supports multi-reference states and conditions all in a single data structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate data structures for each aspect, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If detailed state transition information is stored, then complete model execution is enabled, but data organization becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate data structures for state transitions, conditions, and actions into a single unified state transition table. This consolidation stores all necessary model execution information in one organized structure with clear column definitions, enabling complete model execution while simplifying data organization and reducing errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex state transitions are modeled, then comprehensive system behavior is captured, but user interface functionality deteriorates due to editing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The unified state transition table segments complex state transition information into distinct, easily editable columns (source state, destination state, condition, action). This segmentation allows users to modify specific aspects of complex transitions independently through simple row additions or edits, maintaining ease of operation while capturing comprehensive system behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different columns in the table to have different properties and validation rules appropriate to their specific data types. This enables the table to handle diverse complex state transition information while providing targeted editing support for each column type, improving both versatility and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-readable memory device may include instructions to store data describing a state machine model including source states and destination states. The device may also include instructions to store, for each of the source states, a condition field identifying a condition upon which, when satisfied, the state machine model transitions from the source state to one of the destination states. The device may also include instructions to store, for each of source states, a destination field identifying the one of the destination states. Each of at least two of the source states may identify an identical destination state in the corresponding destination field. Each of at least two of the source states may identify an identical condition in the corresponding condition field.