How to plot a Simulink Desktop Real-Time model output in an App Designer app?

I need to create an app that runs a Simulink Desktop Real-Time model and plots the output in the app. The model has a Analog Input block connected to a scope. For having the signal output to the workspace, I configured the scope properties --> logging and checked 'log data to workspace'.

In the app, I am having an UIAxes for plotting the simulation output.

Eventhough I am capable of running the model using 'set_param' command, I am unable to plot the output in the UIAxes.

Any information will be helpful and thanks in advance.

Answer 1

[Ankit]

Hi Nagendra,

There are different ways to acheive and one solution you can find in the below link:

https://de.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/73613-interface-between-matlab-app-and-simulink

let me know if you are looking for this

[Nagendra Vankadari]

Dear Mr Ankit,

I used a similar approach that you provided, I get zero errors, but unable to get the plot updated into the app axes. I will explain my problem in detail below,if possible please help me.

This is my Simulink model and app with code.

Simple Simulink model (Name:AppDesignSetup.slx) with Out port added for callback.

The callback added in the Model Properties.

The App layout with axes tag 'plotchart' given directly in the identifier properties.

The callbacks for start and stop buttons

    methods (Access = private)

        % Button pushed function: StartButton
        function StartButtonPushed(app, event)
           load_system("AppDesignSetup.slx")
           set_param('AppDesignSetup/Sine', 'Amplitude', ...
               num2str(app.AmplitudeEditField.Value));
           set_param('AppDesignSetup', 'StopTime',num2str(app.DurationEditField.Value));
           set_param('AppDesignSetup', 'SimulationMode', 'normal');
           set_param('AppDesignSetup', 'SimulationCommand','start');

        end

        % Button pushed function: stopButton
        function stopButtonPushed(app, event)
            set_param('AppDesignSetup', 'SimulationCommand','stop');
        end
    end

The Listner function code

    function varargout = plotApp(varargin)
        hf = findall(groot, '-property','tag' );
        ht = get(hf, 'tag');
        
        [a,b] = ismember('plotchart',ht);
        if a
            plotting = hf(b);
        end
        
        
        rto1 = get_param( 'AppDesignSetup/Out1','RuntimeObject');
        Y1 = rto1.InputPort(1).Data;
        X1 = rto1.CurrentTime;
        %get_param('AppDesignSetup','SimulationTime');
        
        
        
        plot(plotting, X1,Y1,'r','.');
        hold(plotting, 'on');
    end
    

when I run this the App axes dont get updated, So, I tired debugging with break point at plot line and here is the workspace screenshot

If possible please provide me a solution, if any info needed please let me know.

[Ankit]

why X1 and Y1 have just one value?

And you have not included the following part of code in StartButtonPushed(app, event)

app.Out1.Tag = 'Out1';
app.Out2.Tag = 'Out2';
app.UIAxes.Tag = 'UIAxes';
cla(app.UIAxes);

Please add and let me know if it works for you!

[Nagendra Vankadari]

Actually I am not having a clear idea of why X1 and y1 have only one value. I am thinking, once I have a proper running model that posts aleast the point (X1,Y1) into the app, then I will look into the line plotting.

Coming to Tag, the reason for not including it is I have given the in the UIaxes property section.

But after you mentioned it I created a similar new app and simulink model and tried the way you mentioned it, also added the missing lines like persistent and drawnow commands.

Here is the updated model: The simulink model is similar

the App button callback

            app.UIAxes.Tag = 'plotAxes';
            load_system('sineTest');
            
           set_param('sineTest/Sine Wave', 'Amplitude', num2str(app.AmplitudeEditField.Value));
           set_param('sineTest', 'SimulationMode','normal');
           set_param('sineTest', 'SimulationCommand','start');

The Lister function code.

           function varargout = plotApp(varargin)
            persistent plotting
            hf = findall(0, '-property','tag' );
            ht = get(hf, 'tag');
            
             [a,b] = ismember('plotAxes',ht);
            
            if a
                plotting = hf(b);
            end
            
            rto1 = get_param( 'sineTest/Scope','RuntimeObject');
            Y1 = rto1.InputPort(1).Data;
            X1 = get_param('sineTest','SimulationTime');
            
            
            plot(plotting, X1,Y1);
            hold(plotting, 'on');
            %guidata(hf)
            drawnow

but still the same result, that I dont see any plot or point in app axes. Are yo able to find any mistakes? Also Im including the debugging screenshot

[Ankit]

function varargout = plotApp(varargin)
persistent plotting

hf = findall(0, '-property','tag' );
ht = get(hf, 'tag');

[a,b] = ismember('plotAxes',ht);

if a
    plotting = hf(b);
end

rto1 = get_param( 'AppDesignSetup/Scope','RuntimeObject');
Y1 = rto1.InputPort(1).Data;
X1 = get_param('AppDesignSetup','SimulationTime');


plot(plotting, X1,Y1,'.');
hold(plotting, 'on');
%guidata(hf)
drawnow

App Code View:

function StartButtonPushed(app, event)
            app.UIAxes.Tag = 'plotAxes';
            cla(app.UIAxes);
            load_system("AppDesignSetup.slx")
            set_param('AppDesignSetup/Sine', 'Amplitude', ...
                num2str(app.AmplitudeEditField.Value));
            set_param('AppDesignSetup', 'StopTime',num2str(app.DurationEditField.Value));
            set_param('AppDesignSetup', 'SimulationMode', 'normal');
            set_param('AppDesignSetup', 'SimulationCommand','start');
end

I already shared you the documentation for this. Hence I would request you next time please follows the steps provided in the answer and documentation.

Wish you all the best.