function [n_cand,Cand_models]=gen_cand(Model,InpPat,order)

n_s_b=Model.n_s_m;

n_cand=0;

% add univariate submodels
[n_c,C_m]=add_uni_sm(Model,InpPat,order);
if n_c>0
   Cand_models(n_cand+1:n_cand+n_c)=C_m;
   n_cand=n_cand+n_c;
end   

% generate multivariate submodels
[n_c,C_m]=gen_mv(Model,InpPat,order);
if n_c>0
   Cand_models(n_cand+1:n_cand+n_c)=C_m;
   n_cand=n_cand+n_c;
end   

% refine knot vector
[n_c,C_m]=refine_kv(Model,InpPat,order);
if n_c>0
   Cand_models(n_cand+1:n_cand+n_c)=C_m;
   n_cand=n_cand+n_c;
end   

if n_cand==0
   Cand_models=[];
end