Block-Based Application Programming for Versatile Instrument Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system that can easily produce application programs to operate instruments in various ways, as existing technologies do not efficiently support the creation of such programs for diverse instrument functionalities.

Innovation Solution

A computer program production system that includes an external instrument for storing production information and a production terminal instrument with communication, input, and processing units, which selects and combines service, trigger, and action block programs to produce an application program capable of operating an operation target instrument, allowing for flexible operation and cooperation between instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional application program production methods are used, then existing instruments can operate with basic functionality, but it is difficult to easily produce application programs for diverse instrument operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of instrument operationVSAvoidease of producing application program

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The application program is segmented into multiple independent block programs (service blocks, trigger blocks, action blocks). Each block performs a specific function and can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows users to easily create diverse applications by assembling pre-defined blocks without programming from scratch, thereby improving ease of manufacture while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of program creation from custom coding to block selection and combination. By transforming the creation process into selecting from predefined blocks with different parameters and functions, the system enables easy production of versatile application programs through configuration rather than development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If application programs are created from scratch, then custom functionality can be achieved, but the production process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom functionalityVSAvoidcomplexity of production process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the application program into reusable block programs that can be independently developed and then combined. This allows custom functionality to be achieved through configuration of blocks rather than writing code from scratch, significantly reducing production complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Block programs are prepared in advance with predefined functions and parameters. Users perform preliminary action by selecting and configuring these pre-prepared blocks rather than creating everything anew, which reduces the complexity of the production process while still enabling custom functionality through block combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If block programs are selected and combined, then application programs can be easily produced, but the system requires structured organization of service, trigger, and action blocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of producing application programVSAvoidstructural organization requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the application into three distinct block types (service, trigger, action) with clear organizational structure. This segmentation provides a framework that guides block selection and combination, making the production process easy while the structural organization is managed through the defined block categories and their interrelationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The block program structure serves multiple functions: it organizes code, defines execution flow, and enables reusable components. The universal block structure handles various organizational requirements through a single standardized framework, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining ease of production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11243518B2Computer program production system, computer program, and production terminal instrument

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD

AI summary

A computer program production system, a computer program, and a production terminal instrument each cause a computer to execute service block selection processing of selecting a service block program from among selection candidate service block programs, trigger block selection processing of selecting a trigger block program from among selection candidate trigger block programs, action block selection processing of selecting an action block program from among selection candidate action block programs, and production processing of producing an application program by combining the selected block programs.