Toolbox Menu and Interface Reference
Complete reference guide to the EHANDBOOK Container-Build Toolbox for Simulink user interface and menu structure.
Toolbox Menu Location
The EHANDBOOK Container-Build Toolbox adds a dedicated menu to Simulink’s main menu bar.
Main Menu Options
Generate Container
Location: EHANDBOOK → Generate Container
Purpose: Generate a new EHANDBOOK container from the currently open Simulink model.
What it does:
-
Opens the generation dialog
-
Analyzes your model structure
-
Creates interactive diagrams
-
Generates the .ehb container file
-
Places the file in the specified output location
Keyboard shortcut: Often available (check your toolbox version)
Prerequisites:
-
A Simulink model must be open
-
Model should be saved (unsaved changes may not be included)
-
You need write permission to the output directory
Dialog options:
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
Output Location |
Directory where .ehb file will be saved |
Container Name |
Name for the output .ehb file |
Include Mask Images |
Generate visual representations of masked subsystems |
Include Interactive Models |
Include explorable model diagrams (recommended: enabled) |
Additional Options |
Compression, encryption, documentation inclusion |
Open Container
Location: EHANDBOOK → Open Container
Purpose: Open the most recently generated container in EHANDBOOK-NAVIGATOR.
What it does:
-
Locates the most recent .ehb file generated
-
Launches EHANDBOOK-NAVIGATOR if not already running
-
Loads the container for exploration
When available: Only appears if a container was recently generated
Keyboard shortcut: Often available
Prerequisites:
-
EHANDBOOK-NAVIGATOR must be installed
-
A container must have been recently generated
Configuration / Settings
Location: EHANDBOOK → Settings or Preferences
Purpose: Configure toolbox behavior and default settings.
Available options (may vary by version):
-
Default output location for containers
-
Default container naming convention
-
Generation options (mask images, compression, etc.)
-
UI preferences (toolbar position, menu style)
-
Connection settings (INCA, MDA 8)
Toolbar Buttons
In addition to menu options, the toolbox provides toolbar buttons for quick access.
Generate Button
Icon: Usually a "play" or "build" icon
Action: Same as EHANDBOOK → Generate Container
Tooltip: "Generate EHANDBOOK Container"
Generation Dialog Reference
When you click "Generate Container," a detailed dialog appears.
Dialog Sections
Model Information (Read-Only)
Displays information about your current model:
-
Model file name
-
Model file path
-
Model location
-
Last modified date
-
Number of blocks (estimated)
Output Settings
Configure where and how the container is saved:
Output Location:
-
Default: [model directory]
-
Custom: Browse button to select alternate directory
-
Verification: Shows when path is valid/invalid
Container Name:
-
Default: [model name].ehb
-
Custom: Type alternate name
-
Validation: Shows if name is valid
Generation Options
Control what gets included and how:
| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
Include Mask Images |
Generate visual images of masked subsystems |
✓ Enabled |
Include Interactive Models |
Include Simulink model diagrams |
✓ Enabled |
Include Model Hierarchy |
Include all subsystem levels |
✓ Enabled |
Compress Container |
Use ZIP compression (reduces file size) |
☐ Disabled |
Encrypt Container |
Encrypt .ehb file (requires license) |
☐ Disabled |
Include Simulink Comments |
Include comments from model blocks |
✓ Enabled |
Auto-Layout Diagrams |
Automatically arrange elements for clarity |
✓ Enabled |
Advanced Settings
Some versions provide advanced options:
-
Model preprocessing: Clean up model before generation
-
Performance optimization: Trade-offs between speed and quality
-
Custom styling: Apply custom colors and styling
-
Metadata inclusion: Include or exclude metadata
-
Version compatibility: Target specific EHANDBOOK-NAVIGATOR versions
Status Messages and Feedback
During and after generation, you’ll see status messages.
Progress Indicators
During generation:
-
Progress bar showing completion percentage
-
Current operation being performed
-
Estimated time remaining
Example:
Analyzing model structure... (25%)
Generating mask images... (50%)
Creating container file... (75%)
Finalizing... (100%)
Success Message
Upon successful completion:
✓ Container generated successfully!
Container: ecu_controller.ehb
Location: C:\Projects\MyProject\
File size: 12.5 MB
[Open Container] [Open Location] [Done]
Error Messages
If generation fails, you’ll see error details:
✗ Generation failed: Model contains unsupported elements
Error: Block 'System/CustomBlock' is not supported.
Details: Custom Simulink block type not recognized.
Possible solutions:
- Replace with standard Simulink block
- Update toolbox to latest version
- Contact support
[Cancel] [Retry] [Get Help]
Keyboard Shortcuts
Common shortcuts (check your toolbox version):
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl+G |
Generate Container |
Ctrl+O |
Open Container |
Ctrl+, (Ctrl+Comma) |
Open Settings |
F1 |
Help documentation |
Shortcuts may vary by MATLAB version and toolbox configuration.
Integration with MATLAB Environment
Accessibility Features
The toolbox supports standard MATLAB accessibility:
-
Screen readers: Compatible with JAWS and other readers
-
Keyboard navigation: Full keyboard operation possible
-
High contrast: Supports Windows high contrast mode
-
Font scaling: Adjustable font sizes in dialogs