Digital effects analysis in modeling environments

#The present invention relates to a modeling or programming environment, in particular to a method, system and medium for analyzing a model to determine the digital effects of the model in the modeling or programming environment.

#A dynamic system (either natural or man-made) is a system whose response at any given time is a function of its input stimuli, its current state, and the current time. Such systems range from simple to highly complex systems. Physical dynamic systems include a falling body, the rotating earth, bio-mechanical systems (muscles, joints, etc.), bio-chemical systems (gene expression, protein pathways), weather and climate pattern systems, etc. Examples of man-made or engineered dynamic systems include: a bouncing ball, a spring with a mass tied on an end, automobiles, airplanes, control systems in major appliances, communication networks, audio signal processors, nuclear reactors, a stock market.

#Professionals from diverse areas such as engineering, science, education, and economics build mathematical models of dynamic systems in order to better understand system behavior as it changes with the progression of time. The mathematical models aid in building “better” systems, where “better” may be defined in terms of a variety of performance measures such as quality, time-to-market, cost, speed, size, power consumption, robustness, etc. The mathematical models also aid in analyzing, debugging and repairing existing systems (be it the human body or the anti-lock braking system in a car). The models may also serve the educational purpose of educating others on the basic principles governing physical systems. The models and results are often used as a scientific communication medium between humans. The term “model-based design” is used to refer to the use of graphical models in the development, analysis and validation of dynamic systems.

#The present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 shows an exemplary computing device suitable for practicing the illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 shows an exemplary network environment suitable for practicing the illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

#Certain embodiments of the present invention are described below. It is, however, expressly noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the intention is that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

#The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides an analysis tool for analyzing the behavior of a model in a programming or modeling environment. The terms “program/programming” and “model/modeling” will be used interchangeably in the description of the illustrative embodiment. In the description of the illustrative embodiment, the simulation of the program/model is also referred to as the execution of the program/model.

#The illustrative embodiment will be described below solely for illustrative purposes relative to a graphical model. Although the illustrative embodiment will be described relative to a graphical model, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented using a text-based model, such as a MATLAB®-based program or model.