Time-based modeling

Details Time-based modeling Time-based modeling

1998-10-27

2002-03-19

Teska, Kevin J. (Department: 2123)

Data processing: structural design, modeling, simulation, and em

Structural design

C703S002000, C703S006000, C703S013000, C707S793000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06360188

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to computer implemented modeling systems and methods for modeling time-dependent scenarios, systems and processes, and to tools for such systems and methods. The modeling may relate to planning activities for the generation of a time-based model, or plan, but could relate more generally to the generation of models for simulations, emulations, control structures, etc.
An example of a tool that can be used for modeling time-dependent situations is the well-known spreadsheet type of application for a computer system. An example of such a tool is Microsoft Excel program marketed by Microsoft Corporation. (Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation). A spreadsheet is based on the concept of cells. The function of each cell in a two dimensional array of rows and columns is used to define inputs, calculations and outputs. A spreadsheet can thus be used for deriving a final report as defined by those inputs, calculations and outputs. For example, a typical application of a spreadsheet is to derive reports for financial planning. However, it can also be used for modeling the operation of, for example, a chemical process, or the operation of a complex system, for example the environmental controls of a building. In a such a case, the data to be processed in the spreadsheet need not relate to financial values, but could relate to the properties of the process, or of the environment of the building, by way of example only.
Although spreadsheets can be used for planning events that are related to time, spreadsheets are not ideally adapted for this task. This is as a result of the rigid way in which spreadsheets are defined in terms of the cells and the interaction between cells. For example, a column in a spreadsheet could be given an attribute relating to time. Individual cells in respective rows could then be given individual sets of data and calculations could be defined for the cells to produce a result that was time-related. If then, however, it were desired to investigate alternative scenarios with respect to time, it would be necessary to redefine or change the time-designation of the columns, the data in the cells and the interaction between the cells for the new scenario. The process of modifying the columns can be very complicated, requiring inordinate care to ensure that the designations of the respective cells correctly reflect the intended relationships. Indeed, in normal operation of a spreadsheet it is all too easy to damage a model. It can be seen, therefore, that a spreadsheet is not an ideal tool for planning.
Users of spreadsheets will be aware that using spreadsheets for planning can rapidly become very unwieldy due to the multiplicity of spreadsheets that may need to be generated, and the difficulty in relating one spreadsheet to another. There is, moreover, the difficulty of ensuring that the individual spreadsheets are accurate, due to the fact that a single error in a single cell, in a single column or row, can cause the generated results to be wrong. With a large number of cells and complex interactions between the cells, it can be very difficult indeed to ensure that all the entries in, and definitions of, the cells are correct. The difficulty in verifying the accuracy and correctness of the spreadsheet is at least partially a result of the row and column format of a spreadsheet, which is not intuitive.
A further difficulty with the operation of spreadsheets is the need to define a time-granularity for the calculations. If it is desired to model the same events on a different time-granularity, it will then be necessary completely to redefine the spreadsheet (effectively starting again from the beginning). In this, it is also to be noted that there is normally an upper limit to the number of columns in the spreadsheet. Accordingly, for a given granularity in time, only a relatively limited number of time periods can be modeled.
Critical path analysis techniques have been employed for the generation of time-based plans. Various specialist tools can be employed to carry out a critical path analysis, but they tend to be very complex and to require the knowledge of specially trained operators.
Planning tools are known that enable a graphical representation of planning activities and the relationship between activities to be planned. An example of such a tool is Microsoft Project, marketed by Microsoft Corporation. However, such planning tools effectively provide a computer-based alternative to the conventional wall charts that have been, and are still, used for planning purposes. Typically, they will not be used in isolation, but rather in combination with a spreadsheet to provide a full analysis of a plan. As a result, conventional planning tools of this type do not provide a solution to the problems described above.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a modeling, or planning tool and a method and system incorporating such a tool that avoids, or at least mitigates, the problems associated with prior art approaches to planning and modeling in a computer system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Combinations of features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented modeling system. A graphical user interface mechanism is configured to display a timeframe on a computer display medium. The graphical user interface mechanism is further configured selectively to display under user control, a representation of a selectable instance of at least one component object for a modeled entity. The representation of that component object instance as displayed with respect to the timeframe represents time-related properties for the component object instance. The component object includes a calculating engine defining the functionality of the modeled entity. The calculating engine is configured to respond to the time-related properties for the selected component object instance to perform calculations on at least one component object property for deriving an output comprising a time-series of output values. A result mechanism derives at least one result value based on the time-series of output values derived by the selected component object instance.
The invention employs a combination of a graphical user interface to define time-related properties, or parameters, of an object for a modeling entity in combination with an object including a computing engine (for example code or methods for implementing a process) which defines the functionality of the modeling entity and produces a time-series of output values in response to the time related properties. An embodiment of the invention is not merely a replacement for a conventional spreadsheet or planning tool, but rather employs a new and innovative approach to performing tasks previously performed by such tools, but without the disadvantages of those tools.
Hierarchical relationships can be established between component objects by means of properties defining links between the component objects. A plurality of user selectable object types can be provided, with each object type being for a respective modeling entity type and comprising a calculating engine defining a functionality specific to the respective modeling entity type. Examples of entity types are for a business group, a sales unit, an administration units, etc. in a financial or business planning application. In another application, for example for modeling the environmental controls of a building, they could relate to fuel supply, user occupancy unit, lighting, heating, air-conditioning, insulation, and other parameters of the overall system.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the displayed instance of a component object can be directly manipulated by the user in order to define

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