The model of the "black box": the structural scheme

The model of the "black box", examples of which will be given below, is an illustration of the object for which the output and input are specified. However, its contents are unknown. Let's consider further how to build a model of a "black box".

First step

As the initial action necessary for the compilation of a model of absolutely any system, separation of the object from its surrounding medium stands out. This simple operation reflects two very important properties: the isolation and integrity of the object. The object of the study is an object whose contents are unknown.

Interactions with the environment

Any model of the composition of the system is not completely isolated. It maintains certain relations with the environment. With their help, there is a mutual impact of the object and the conditions in which it is located. Accordingly, when building the "black box" model at the next stage, the links are represented by arrows and are described by words. Those that are sent on Wednesday are exits. Accordingly, the back arrows are inputs.

At this level of system representation, the researcher deals with a declarative model. That is, outputs and inputs are defined by the name scale. As a rule, such a mapping is sufficient. However, in a number of cases it is necessary to give a quantitative description of some or all of the outputs and inputs.

Scores

They are set to ensure that the model of the "black box" is maximally formalized. As a result, the researcher comes to the task of 2 sets of Y and X output and input variables. At the same time, no relations between them are fixed at this stage. Otherwise, you get a model of a transparent, not a black box. So, for a TV set X can be the maximum ranges of network voltage and radio waves broadcast.

Black Box model: system analysis

At the final stage, the changes in the object are examined and reflected. For example, they can occur for a certain time. That is, the researcher illustrates the state of the object in dynamics. The description of the "black box" model should show the correspondences, first, of the components of the set X of the probable values of the input parameters and elements of the ordered T-set of time intervals. In addition, an analogous relationship for the output indicators should be displayed.

Specificity

The key advantage of the object under consideration is its simplicity. Meanwhile, in many cases, it is very deceptive. Enumeration of outputs and inputs is quite often enough a rather complicated task. If we consider the car as a model of the "black box" type, then this conclusion will be confirmed. The power of sets in the study of this object will exceed two dozen. In this case, the list of parameters will be far from complete.

Such a multiplicity of exits and inputs is conditioned by the unlimited number of variants of interaction of the object under consideration with the environment.

Nuances

The structural model of the system is used in those cases when it is necessary to illustrate a complex object in which several elements are contained. In the simplest situations, there is a set of components in it. All of them are included in the object itself. In these cases, the term "model of the composition of the system" is used.

Meanwhile, there are a number of issues that can not be solved with its help. In particular, in order to assemble a bicycle, it is not enough to have a box with all its elements. You need to know how to properly connect them to each other. Obviously, only a model of the system's composition will not help in this case. Moreover, in some cases it is necessary to establish certain connections between the components. Their character is shown in the structural diagram. It provides an opportunity to solve more problems. The structural diagram answers the questions: "What is included in the object and what are the connections between its elements?"

Explanations

Visible visual images are of particular importance to a person. The definition of the system used in practice does not characterize its internal structure. This allows you to select it from the environment. In doing so, it will be depicted as a model of a "black box" - a holistic and relatively isolated subject. The achieved goal is a pre-planned change in the environment, certain products of the object's operation intended for consumption outside of it. In other words, the black box model establishes certain connections and affects the external conditions. As was said above, they are outputs.

Along with this, the system acts as a means. Therefore, it is necessary to use it, to influence it. Accordingly, connections are established from the environment to the object-inputs. Using the model "black box" allows you to study only the interaction of the object and the environment. Only input and output parameters are displayed in it. In this case, even in it there are no boundaries between the environment and the object (the walls of the box). They are only meant, considered to be existing.

Black box model: examples

As mentioned above, sometimes a verbal meaningful display of outputs and inputs is sufficient. In this case, the model of the black box will be their list. So, for a TV, the link display will be as follows:

1. Inputs - power cable, antenna, adjustment and control elements.
2. The outputs are screen and speakers.

In other situations, a quantitative mapping of the links may be required.

Let's take another system - wristwatch. It should be taken into account that the outputs are aimed at the specification of the goal. Accordingly, as one of them, you can record the time at any arbitrary moment. Next, it should be noted that the expressed goal refers generally to all hours, and not only to those taken by the wristwatch. For their differentiation, the following addition can be made-the convenience of wearing on the wrist. It will act as an input. With this addition, there is a need for a bracelet or strap. With it, in turn, it becomes mandatory to meet the rules of hygiene (output), since not every fastening is permissible on the arm. Then, if you represent the conditions in which the watch is operated, you can enter a few more parameters: dust-tightness, strength. In addition, you can apply two more outputs. They will be the accuracy required in everyday life, as well as the availability of information on the dial for reading at a glance. In the process of research, you can add a few more requirements to the clock. For example, you enter such outputs as compliance with the fashion, the relationship of price with the purchasing power of the consumer.

It is quite obvious that this list can be continued. It is permissible to include the requirement to read information from the dial in the dark. Implementing it will lead to a significant change in design. It can provide, for example, different options for self-lighting, sensing, lighting, signaling, etc.

Characteristics of the company

Consider the specifics of building a model using the enterprise as an example. It is necessary to say at once that its creation is based on the allocation of an infinite set of interactions such a set of them, which adequately reflects the purpose of the study. Of course, such a model should not be reduced to a mono-system. That is to such an object, which has only one entrance and exit.

The model "black box" considers the organization as a system of relations between the enterprise and the environment. In the analysis, in order to substantiate a sufficient and necessary set of parameters for the sets of outputs and inputs, methods of mathematical statistics are widely used. Often experienced experts are involved in the process.

As for the company's relations with the environment, several explanations should be given here. First of all, capital is needed to conduct production activities. It can be represented in the form of borrowed funds or the company's own shares. Due to liquid assets, the company is able to use production factors in the process. They are, as you know, materials, equipment and other resources that are converted into finished products.

Another link with the environment is expressed in the process of marketing products. The sale of products gives the enterprise funds, which, in turn, are sent to pay off debts, pay and so on. Interest is accrued on borrowed funds. They are paid to the credit organization. In addition, the company deducts compulsory payments to the budget. Together with this, the state provides subsidies to the firm.

Practical meaning

Often, the model of the "black box" is not only very useful, but also the only one available for use in research. For example, when analyzing mental processes in the human body or the influence of medicines on a patient, specialists can interfere in internal processes only through the entrances. Accordingly, conclusions are made based on the study of outputs.

In general, this provision refers to such observations, as a result of which it is necessary to obtain information about the system in its usual conditions, in an environment where it is especially necessary to ensure that the measurement process has minimal impact on it.

The use of such an "opaque" object is also due to the fact that the researcher does not have information about its internal structure. In particular, it is not known how the electron is arranged. But it is established how it interacts with magnetic, gravitational, electric fields. This characteristic is the description of an electron based on the "black box" model.

Additionally

It is necessary to note one more important phenomenon. The model in question is already structured. It knows whether the connection refers to the category of exits or entrances. Meanwhile, at the initial stages of the study, this information may not be available. The researcher has the ability to distinguish a certain connection between the object and the environment, to observe and measure any parameter by which it is characterized. However, in this case there will not be enough grounds to unconditionally establish its focus.

In such situations it is advisable to investigate two competing black boxes. In one, the link will be treated as an input, in the other, respectively, as an output. An example can be research of processes for which it is not established which is the consequence, and which is the reason, or whether their connection generally belongs to the category of cause and effect.

Criterias of choice

The multiplicity of outputs and inputs is determined by an unlimited number of interactions between the object and the environment. When building a model, a certain set of links is selected, which will be included in the list of outputs and inputs. As a criterion in this case is the purpose of the object, the importance of interaction with respect to the goal.

Accordingly, the choice is made as follows. Everything that is essential is included in the model, and everything that is not is excluded from it. However, it is at this stage that errors can be made. The fact that the model does not take into account a certain set of links does not make them unrealistic. In any case, they exist and act regardless of the will of the researcher who makes the choice.

Often, it turns out that the conditions that were previously unknown or unimportant are in fact very important and should be taken into account. This point has a special significance in determining the purpose of the system. When establishing object outputs, the main task must be supplemented with auxiliary problems. It should be emphasized that the fulfillment of only the key goal will not be enough. In this case, the unrealization of additional tasks can in some cases be unnecessary, in others - dangerous - the solution of the underlying problem.

At the moment, it is necessary to pay special attention, because in practice, often there is a lack of understanding, ignorance or underestimation of the significance of this provision. In fact, it acts as one of the central ideas of systemology.

Conclusion

The model of the opaque (black) box is considered to be the simplest in systemology. Meanwhile, when it is created, there are often various difficulties. They are mainly conditioned by the variety of possible options for establishing links between the object and the environment in which it is located. When using the model, it is necessary to take into account various factors, clearly define the final and additional goals. Execution of the latter is often extremely important for obtaining the planned results of observation.