Abstract: A method for operating a data processing system to generate a test for a device under test (DUT) is disclosed. The method utilizes a model of the DUT that includes a plurality of blocks connected by wires and a set of control inputs. Each block includes a plurality of ports, each port being either active or inactive. Each block is also characterized by a set of constraints that limit which ports are active. The active ports of at least one of the blocks are constrained by one of the control inputs. A test vector having one component for each port of each block and one component for each control input is determined such that each set of constraints for each block is satisfied. The test vector defines a test for the DUT.

Abstract: A method for generating a software model of a dynamic system takes as input a preliminary software model of the system. Normally, the preliminary software model is based on a system model that is generated by a system designer within a modeling environment. Generally speaking, the preliminary software model does not allow access to the internal variables of the system model from outside the modeling environment, but nonetheless may be executed on a computer platform in the absence of the modeling environment. Interface software is then produced which exposes the internal variables of the system model. The resulting software model, built from both the preliminary software model and the interface software, allows programmatic access to its internal variables, and potentially allows execution control, from outside the modeling environment, thus typically enhancing detailed simulation of the system model beyond the capabilities provided by the modeling environment.

Abstract: A method for automatically decomposing a dynamic system model into separate submodels for ultimate execution on diverse target platforms is provided. Embodiments of the invention provide a way for a system designer to indicate which portions of a previously-specified system model are to become submodels. Optionally, the designer may also indicate the associated target platform for the execution of each submodel. A system submodel for each portion designated by the designer is generated, keeping all critical system-level information consistent throughout the entire system model. Each of these system submodels may then be employed to generate a software version of each system submodel. Each software submodel may then be transferred to its specified target platform and executed in cooperation with the other software submodels to effect an overall system simulation executing across the associated target platforms.

Abstract: A method for exposing the internal signals of a system model or software model of a dynamic system to a client application outside the original modeling environment is provided. A designer of the system model is provided with a way to select internal signals of the system model in order to expose those internal signals to other computer applications external to the modeling environment. Such computer applications are then able to access the internal signals by way of interfacing software while the system model is being exercised within the modeling environment, or while a software model based on the system model is executed outside of that environment.

Abstract: Techniques for network based triggering in an instrument system that enable instruments to effectively signal events without hardwired trigger lines. An instrument system according to the present teachings includes a first instrument and a second instrument coupled to a local area network. The first instrument is capable of performing an action in response to an event that is signaled by the second instrument. The second instrument signals the event to the first instrument by transferring a trigger message via the local area network.

Abstract: A development environment includes a graphical design tool and a build agent. The graphical design tool allows a designer to design a primary logic component of a circuit. The graphical design tool generates modules using a hardware description language to represent the primary logic component of the circuit. The modules include abstract references to infrastructure for the circuit. The build agent synthesizes the modules into netlists and merges the netlists with a description of the infrastructure for the circuit. The infrastructure is generated in a development environment separate from the graphical design tool. The build agent includes an adjuster that adjusts the modules. The adjustment to the modules includes replacing the abstract references to the infrastructure with actual references utilized within the infrastructure.

Abstract: A distributed computing system and method is provided for executing block diagram software applications across multiple computing devices. A first computing device is configured to execute a first block of a block diagram software application to produce an output. The first computing device transparently communicates with a second computing device to provide the output of the first block to a second block of the block diagram software application resident on the second computing device.

Abstract: A method for exposing the internal signals of a system model or software model of a dynamic system to a client application outside the original modeling environment is provided. A designer of the system model is provided with a way to select internal signals of the system model in order to expose those internal signals to other computer applications external to the modeling environment. Such computer applications are then able to access the internal signals by way of interfacing software while the system model is being exercised within the modeling environment, or while a software model based on the system model is executed outside of that environment.

Abstract: A method for automatically decomposing a dynamic system model into separate submodels for ultimate execution on diverse target platforms is provided. Embodiments of the invention provide a way for a system designer to indicate which portions of a previously-specified system model are to become submodels. Optionally, the designer may also indicate the associated target platform for the execution of each submodel. A system submodel for each portion designated by the designer is generated, keeping all critical system-level information consistent throughout the entire system model. Each of these system submodels may then be employed to generate a software version of each system submodel. Each software submodel may then be transferred to its specified target platform and executed in cooperation with the other software submodels to effect an overall system simulation executing across the associated target platforms.

Abstract: A method for generating a software model of a dynamic system takes as input a preliminary software model of the system. Normally, the preliminary software model is based on a system model that is generated by a system designer within a modeling environment. Generally speaking, the preliminary software model does not allow access to the internal variables of the system model from outside the modeling environment, but nonetheless may be executed on a computer platform in the absence of the modeling environment. Interface software is then produced which exposes the internal variables of the system model. The resulting software model, built from both the preliminary software model and the interface software, allows programmatic access to its internal variables, and potentially allows execution control, from outside the modeling environment, thus typically enhancing detailed simulation of the system model beyond the capabilities provided by the modeling environment.

Abstract: A disposable thin film resistor type thermal ink jet pen including a housing having a support surface at one end thereof with openings for passing ink to an adjacent thin film resistor type thermal ink jet printhead. The printhead is mounted on the support surface and has ink ejection orifii therein communicating with openings in the support surface. A porous foam material is mounted within the housing and is operative to receive and retain a supply of ink for feeding the ink by capillary action through the openings in the support surface and to the ink jet printhead. The foam ink storage material is compressed in one or more compartments of the housing to reduce the pore size therein and reduce the foam thickness while increasing its density. By this process, the capillary force of the foam is increased and thereby renders this ink storage medium especially well-suited for feeding ink on demand to a thin film resistor type of thermal ink jet printhead.

Abstract: The novel pen body construction described herein includes multiple ink storage compartments communicating with a multi-orifice printhead, and these compartments are adapted to receive sections of ink-storage foam. Preferably, this foam is a reticulated polyurethane foam of controlled porosity and capalarity and is especially well suited for storing different ink colors, such as cyan, magenta and yellow. However, single compartment black ink storage is also within the scope of this invention.