Step 3: Input Design Types

In this step, settings can be made to define how individual inputs are to be measured.

One of the following measuring types can be selected for each input:

  • Space Filling

    In this type, ASCMO-STATIC ExpeDes generates an experiment plan in which the measurement points fill the space and at the same time are effectively randomly dispersed.

  • Clustered

    The concept of cluster points makes it possible to disable the algorithm for space-filling measuring for specific inputs and instead to cluster the many measurements distributed in space to just a few points.

    This can be useful if settings for an input are costly (e.g. operating points in engine measuring) or if certain variables are discrete. The measurement plan is then ordered according to the clusters, to minimize change in the clustered inputs during the measurement.

    If you select a variable as "Clustered Input", you are responsible for selecting the measurement points. ASCMO-STATIC ExpeDes supports users in defining the points by offering an import of measurement points from files and the generation of a grid arrangement (see "Cluster Point Table" area).

    Note  

    The number of Clustered inputs is limited to three.

  • Cluster Region

    An input of type "Cluster Region" is still space-falling, but the measurement points are assigned to region centers given by the "Cluster Point Table". Regions of space filling points have a specific "Cluster ID" and by sorting the measurement plan according to the clusters, the change in these inputs during measurement is minimized.

  • Sweep

    For inputs of the type "Sweep", a sweep of this input is performed for each measurement point of the non-sweep input. If "Input_n" is defined as "Sweep" (consisting of m points), an experiment plan is created for "Input_1"... "Input_n-1" and then extended so that the n-1 inputs are measured with the m values of "Input_n" each time.

    If you select a variable as "Sweep", you are responsible for selecting the measurement points. ASCMO-STATIC ExpeDes supports users in defining the points by offering an import of measurement points from files and the generation of a grid arrangement (see "Sweep Value Definition" area).

    Settings from the steps "Constraints" and "Input Compressions" also have an effect on inputs of the type "Sweep".

    Note  

    Sweep can be assigned to a maximum of one input.

"Cluster Point Table" Area

This area displays the table of the currently selected clustered input. Points can be selected, inserted and deleted.

Selecting points

Points are selected in the table by clicking on the respective ID – multiple selection is possible by pressing the <Shift> or <Ctrl> key. Points selected in the table are shown in green.

Inserting points

Select Add to add a point to the list.

If a row was selected prior to insertion, then the new cluster point is inserted underneath the selected row. The values are determined according to the values in the rows above and below.

Otherwise the point is inserted at the end of the list.

Removing points

One or several selected points of the list can be removed with Delete.

Importing cluster points

With Import Grid, cluster points can be imported from a file (*.dcm, *.csv or *.xls).

Editing current cluster points

The New Grid button opens the "Creating Grid of Cluster Points" window in which the grid can be edited.

"Cluster Point View" Area

The current values defined in the table are displayed here. Values cut off by constraints are displayed in red.

Further display options:
  • Show Global Bounds
    Shows the global bounds of the measuring plan.
  • Show Constraints
    Shows the effect of any constraints defined

"Sweep Value Definition" Area

In this area, the input selected from the list with the property "Sweep" is shown. Points can be selected, inserted and deleted there.

Number of Sweep Values/Total Number of Measurements

In the "Number of Sweep Values" field, the number of sweep points can be set. The resulting number of measurements is displayed above.

Selecting points

Points are selected in the table by clicking on the respective ID. Multiple selection is possible by pressing the <Shift> or <Ctrl> key. Points selected in the table are shown in green in the plot.

Inserting points

Click on Add to add a point to the list.

If a row was selected prior to insertion, the new point is inserted underneath the selected row. The values are determined according to the values in the rows above and below. Otherwise, the point is inserted at the end of the list.

By directly entering a number in the "Number of Sweep Values" field, equidistant points are generated.

Removing points

One or more selected points in the list can be removed with Delete.

Importing points

Using Import, you can import points from a file (*.csv or *.xls).