Abstract: Data is digitally sampled at intervals, and these samples are stored for a fixed period. During this period the samples are also processed to select certain characteristics, such as maximum, minimum, average, etc., and these abstract indicators are stored and updated. Then, at some longer interval, the abstract is stored in another data block, and this data block of abstracts is also continuously monitored to select the maximum, minimum, etc., to produce a higher abstracted sample. The process of storage of samples and continuous selection can be repeated for even higher abstraction. Thus, the important characteristics are preserved, but the quantity of data to be stored is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A system level automation tool tracks allocatable requirements associated with a system design using a computer by generating a plurality of objects each defining a portion of the system. The objects may have a parent-child relationship wherein one or more of the child objects each define a portion of the parent object. The allocatable requirements may be apportioned and traced among the objects. Some allocated requirement are reallocated as some actual values are determined to differ from their allocated requirement.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for aiding system design with a computer. The system is decomposed into a plurality of objects. The objects may have a parent-child hierarchical relationship wherein one or more of the child objects each define a portion of a parent object. A plurality of text files are generated. Information links may be generated between the objects and the text files on a plurality of different hierarchical levels, so that each object is associable with multiple ones of the text files.

Abstract: A system level automation tool for system design using a computer is operable to generate a first set of objects each defining a portion of the system. The objects 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 associated with the first set of objects using a transitional mapping (TRAM) describing the relationships between the first and second sets of objects.