Block Programming Step Segmentation for Control Logic Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional block programming languages make it difficult for users to understand and modify large programs due to deep nesting of control syntaxes and lack of visibility into program structure.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that supports program creation and execution in block programming languages by introducing the concept of 'steps', allowing programs to be visualized as subsets rather than a single series, and enabling parallel processing and priority-based execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional block programming languages use deep nesting of control syntaxes to represent program logic, then the program can express complex control flows, but the program structure becomes difficult to understand and modify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program into discrete step blocks that represent individual processes or operations. Each step block is a self-contained unit that can be independently understood and modified. This segmentation replaces deep nesting with a linear sequence of steps, making the program structure more visible and easier to navigate while maintaining the ability to express complex logic through the arrangement and connections of step blocks.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional block programming languages use traditional control syntax nesting to handle large programs, then the program can maintain logical structure, but the visibility into program structure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical nesting dimension to a horizontal sequence dimension by arranging step blocks in a linear sequence. This dimensional change allows the program structure to be viewed as a flow of steps rather than nested layers, improving visibility while maintaining logical structure through the sequential arrangement and transition conditions between steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional block programming languages require modification of large nested programs, then the program can maintain consistency, but the effort required for partial edits increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the program into independent step blocks, the patent enables localized modifications to individual steps without requiring changes to the entire nested structure. Each step block can be added, removed, or modified independently while maintaining the overall program consistency through the sequential flow and transition conditions between steps.
Data Source
AI summary
It would be helpful to provide an information processing apparatus that makes a program in a block program language understood more easily. An information processing apparatus 10, which is configured to support at least one of the creation or execution of a program in a block programming language, includes a controller 13. The controller 13 is configured to acquire the program that includes one or more step blocks, each as one of functional blocks. Each of the step blocks collectively associates a part of processes, among a series of processes based on the program. The series of processes is executed in accordance with a state transition from one of the step blocks to another of the step blocks.