US5359523A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer tool for system level design
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1993-06-11
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Granted: 1994-10-25
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Expires: 2013-06-11
Abstract
Abstract A tool for system design is provided which allows a user to generate a first set of objects, each defining a portion of the system. The objects may have a parent-child relationship wherein one or more child objects each define a portion of the parent object. A second set of implementable objects is generated, each of the second set of objects is associated with the first set of objects. Links between the first and second sets are generated, the links describing the relationship between requirements associated with the first set and implementations associated with the second set. A matrix of interdependencies is generated between a selected set of the links.
Inventors
- 👤 Marvin T. Talbott
- 👤 Katherine K. Hutchison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:56
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F30/00; G06F30/20; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S706/00; Y10S706/902; Y10S706/919
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of system design using a computer, wherein said computer performs the following steps comprising: generating a first set of objects, each of the first set of objects defining a portion of the system design, each of the objects having a parent-child relationship, wherein at least one of said child objects define a portion of the parent object; generating a second set of implementable objects associated with said first set of objects; generating links between said first and second sets, said links describing a relationship between requirements associated with said first set and implementations associated with said second set; generating a matrix of interdependencies between a set of said links; and said obtaining alternative system designs for a system being developed, by said matrix of interdependencies.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of system design using a computer, wherein said computer performs the following steps comprising: generating a first set of objects, each of the first set of objects defining a portion of the system design, each of the objects having a parent-child relationship, wherein at least one of said child objects define a portion of the parent object; generating a second set of implementable objects associated with said first set of objects; generating links between said first and second sets, said links describing a relationship between requirements associated with said first set and implementations associated with said second set; generating a matrix of interdependencies between a set of said links; and said obtaining alternative system designs for a system being developed, by said matrix of interdependencies.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said method comprises the step of associating at least one system requirement to said matrix.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said method comprises the step of associating a text file to said matrix.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said matrix generating step includes the step of displaying the matrix as a spreadsheet, each of said interdependencies occupying a cell of the spreadsheet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said method further comprises the step of performing operations on said cells.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises the step of reviewing said matrix to determine the effect of modifying a link in said set of links.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of system design using a computer, wherein said computer performs the following steps comprising: generating a first set of objects each defining a portion of the system, ones of the objects having a parent-child relationship wherein one or more child objects each define a portion of the parent object; generating a second set of implementable objects associated with said first set of objects; generating links between said first and second sets, said links describing the relationship between requirements associated with said first set and implementations associated with said second set; generating a matrix of interdependencies between a set of said links wherein said matrix generating step comprises the step of generating a triangular matrix; and using said matrix of interdependencies to obtain various alternative system designs for a system being developed.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of system design using a computer, wherein said computer performs the following steps comprising: generating a first set of objects each defining a portion of the system, ones of the objects having a parent-child relationship wherein one or more child objects each define a portion of the parent object; generating a second set of implementable objects associated with said first set of objects; generating links between said first and second sets, said links describing the relationship between requirements associated with said first set and implementations associated with said second set; generating a matrix of interdependencies between a set of said links wherein said matrix generating step comprises the step of generating a triangular matrix; and using said matrix of interdependencies to obtain various alternative system designs for a system being developed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 7, wherein and further comprising the step of associating one or more system requirements to said matrix.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 7, wherein and further comprising the step of associating a text file to said matrix.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said matrix generating step includes the step of displaying the matrix as a spreadsheet, each interdependency occupying a cell of the spreadsheet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10, and further comprising the step of performing operations on said cells.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 7, and further comprising the step of reviewing said matrix to determine the effect of modifying one of the links in said set of links.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
163 words
A method of system design using a computer, wherein said computer performs the following steps comprising: generating a first set of objects, each of said first set of objects defining a portion of the system design, each of the objects having a parent-child relationship, wherein at least one of said child objects define a portion of the parent object; generating a second set of implementable objects associated with said first set of objects; generating links between said first and second sets, said links describing the relationship between requirements associated with said first set and implementations associated with said second set; and generating a spreadsheet comprised of a plurality of rows and columns; displaying a matrix of interdependencies between a set of said links in cells of said spreadsheet; modifying one of the links in said set of links; searching said matrix to determine an effect of modifying said one of the links in said set; and obtaining an alternative design from said effect.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
163 words
A method of system design using a computer, wherein said computer performs the following steps comprising: generating a first set of objects, each of said first set of objects defining a portion of the system design, each of the objects having a parent-child relationship, wherein at least one of said child objects define a portion of the parent object; generating a second set of implementable objects associated with said first set of objects; generating links between said first and second sets, said links describing the relationship between requirements associated with said first set and implementations associated with said second set; and generating a spreadsheet comprised of a plurality of rows and columns; displaying a matrix of interdependencies between a set of said links in cells of said spreadsheet; modifying one of the links in said set of links; searching said matrix to determine an effect of modifying said one of the links in said set; and obtaining an alternative design from said effect.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said method further comprises the step of associating at least one system requirement to said matrix.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said method further comprises the step of associating a text file to said matrix.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-10-24 | 1998-04-25 | 1998-10-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-10-24 | 2002-04-25 | 2002-10-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-10-24 | 2006-04-25 | 2006-10-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |