Building Block GUI Design System for Cross-Platform Code Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional processes for designing and developing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are time-consuming and error-prone, especially when adapting for different computing platforms with varying requirements and style guides, requiring significant manual labor and repeated code generation.
Innovation Solution
An automated building block-based design and development system that generates computing code and graphical elements for multiple platforms, using a graphics export subsystem to access GUI screen designs, detect placeholder elements, and generate platform-specific code for rendering GUI screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual code generation processes are used, then developers can produce computing code for GUI screens, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses template-based copying where pre-defined building block elements serve as reusable code templates. When a designer selects a building block in the graphical interface, the system automatically copies the associated computing code and generates it for the target platform, eliminating manual code writing and reducing errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual coding process with an automated computer system. The graphics export subsystem automatically translates graphical building block selections into computing code, substituting human manual operations with automated software processing to increase speed and reduce errors
2Adaptability or versatility
If developers manually produce computing code for multiple computing platforms, then platform-specific requirements can be met, but the process becomes increasingly time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The building block elements are designed with universal functionality that works across multiple computing platforms. Each building block contains platform-agnostic design information that can be automatically adapted to different platforms through the graphics export subsystem, allowing a single design to serve multiple platforms without manual recreation
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes parameters such as code syntax, API calls, and rendering methods based on the target computing platform. The graphics export subsystem detects the selected platform and transforms the building block parameters into platform-specific code variations, enabling cross-platform adaptation without manual intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If designers create custom graphical elements for each computing platform, then platform-specific style guides can be followed, but the process requires repeated manual work and increases error opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical interface is segmented into reusable building block elements, each representing a standardized component. This segmentation allows platform-specific styling to be applied at the building block level rather than requiring complete redesigns, reducing complexity while maintaining compliance with different platform style guides
Solution Approach 2:
Platform-specific styling requirements are prepared in advance within the building block elements themselves. The graphics export subsystem retrieves the appropriate pre-styled building blocks for each platform, performing the preliminary action of platform adaptation before the actual code generation, thereby ensuring compliance without repeated manual work
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method includes a graphics export subsystem interfacing with a graphical user interface design subsystem to access data representative of a graphical user interface screen design, detecting a building block placeholder element in the graphical user interface screen design, accessing, from a repository of building block elements, data representative of a building block element associated with the building block placeholder element, and generating, based on the graphical user interface screen design and the building block element, computing code configured to be processed by a target computing device to render a graphical user interface screen in accordance with the graphical user interface screen design and the building block element. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.