Virtual Object Key Indicator Consolidation via Directed Acyclic Graph

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Solution Overview

Problem

The consolidation of Key Indicators for complex virtual objects with millions of parts is inefficient due to data silos and CPU-intensive matrix calculations, leading to lengthy processing times and inaccuracies, particularly in industries like shipbuilding and astronautics where precise mass and balance are critical.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that transforms data into a directed acyclic graph, allowing for scalable consolidation of Key Indicators by aggregating and categorizing data from diverse sources, using a rollup function and statistical tolerance calculations to efficiently manage and update Key Performance Indicators like weight and balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional consolidation methods are used for complex virtual objects with millions of parts, then data can be consolidated, but processing time becomes excessively long and accuracy deteriorates due to CPU-intensive matrix calculations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of key indicator consolidationVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the consolidation process into two distinct phases: a build phase where data is collected and structured into a directed acyclic graph (DAG) representing the bill of materials, and a query phase where pre-computed statistics enable rapid consolidation. This segmentation allows complex calculations to be performed once during building, while queries during operation use pre-computed data, dramatically reducing processing time for key indicator consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing statistical properties (mean, variance, standard deviation) for each part during the build phase and storing them in the DAG structure. When consolidation is needed, these pre-computed statistics are used directly without performing complex matrix calculations in real-time, thus reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If data from multiple systems are consolidated, then comprehensive key indicators can be obtained, but data silos create inconsistencies and update delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of dataVSAvoiddata consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central consolidation system that acts as an intermediary between multiple data sources (CAD systems, ERP systems, spreadsheets) and the final key indicator calculations. This intermediary receives data from various silos, validates it against expected formats, and integrates it into a unified DAG structure, ensuring data consistency while maintaining completeness from all sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If detailed matrix calculations are performed for inertia matrix consolidation, then accurate weight and balance data is obtained, but computational complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of weight and balanceVSAvoidcomputational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the complex matrix calculations (including inertia matrix computations) during the build phase when the DAG is constructed and populated with part data. At this stage, all necessary geometric and mass data are available, so the system pre-computes and stores the statistical properties and transformation matrices. During subsequent queries, these pre-computed values are retrieved and combined using simple arithmetic operations, avoiding the need for complex real-time matrix calculations while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If traditional rollup operations are used, then key indicators can be consolidated from bill of materials leaves to root, but the process becomes CPU-consuming for complex objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsolidation speedVSAvoidCPU consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the consolidation operation into two phases: during the build phase, the system traverses the entire DAG and pre-computes aggregate statistics for each node, storing them in the structure. During query phase, the consolidation is achieved by simply retrieving and combining pre-computed statistics through the DAG, which is a much lighter operation that requires minimal CPU resources and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12164840B2Method for consolidating a key indicator of a virtual object in an index

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 DASSAULT SYSTEMES SA

AI summary

A computer implemented method for consolidating at least one key indicator of a virtual object receiving a description of at least one key indicator of the virtual object, receiving a set of attributes (ATT) of the virtual object, receiving a data model (DM) for indexation of said virtual object, receiving a set of rules (RUL) to convert the attributes of the virtual object (OBJ) into the data model (DM) for indexation, applying the set of rules (RUL) to convert said attributes into the data model (DM) for indexation, transforming the data model (DM) for indexation into a directed acyclic graph, and consolidating said key indicator based on an expansion of the directed acyclic graph.