Graphical Editor Auto-Resizing Attribute Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Developing customized control programs for automated industrial processes is complex and time-consuming, requiring skilled programmers and involving low-level coding, which can be inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface-based method for editing control objects, using a graphical representation editor with sub-spaces for attribute display elements, allowing for drag-and-drop functionality, automatic resizing, and user-configurable display attributes, simplifies the creation and configuration of control programs by reducing the need for low-level programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If graphical user interface-based control program development environments are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical representation editor automatically performs attribute resizing and repositioning operations without requiring user intervention. When an attribute display element is moved to a new sub-space, the editor self-adjusts its display properties (size, position, orientation) to accommodate the new location and maintain optimal display characteristics, thereby simplifying the user interface while handling the complexity internally
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes display parameters (dimensions, position, orientation) of attribute display elements based on their location within different sub-spaces. The editor automatically modifies these parameters when elements are moved between sub-spaces with different display properties, resolving the contradiction by automating parameter adjustment rather than requiring complex manual configuration
2Productivity
If automatic resizing of attribute elements is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical representation editor implements automatic resizing functionality that self-adjusts attribute display element dimensions when moved between sub-spaces. The system monitors element position changes and automatically calculates appropriate size adjustments without user intervention, thereby improving productivity while encapsulating the complexity within the editor's internal logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the editor continuously monitors the position and display properties of attribute elements. When an element is moved to a new sub-space, the editor detects the change, retrieves the display properties of the target sub-space, and automatically adjusts the element's dimensions accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that improves productivity through automation
Data Source
AI summary
Enhancements to a strategy object editor for creating and modifying control strategies for process control systems (both distributed and discrete) is described. The improvements include: supporting a set of graphical depictions for individual control object (modified by an appearance object editor), drag and drop connections for declarations that connect control strategies to other control strategies, GUI-based designation of object execution order, automatically applied line styles based upon connection data type, and automatic modification of elements within an appearance object to accommodate a moved attribute.