Equation Editor Function Insertion via GUI State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic design automation (EDA) software requires users to manually input equations, which is tedious and error-prone, as it demands knowledge of commands and syntax, leading to incorrect placement and nesting of functions and arguments.
Innovation Solution
A system that facilitates equation creation by obtaining user selections of functions and determining the graphical user interface (GUI) state to insert functions into equations based on cursor position or text selection, reducing errors and complexity through intelligent placement and argument handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually input equations using an equation editor, then equations can be created, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone requiring knowledge of commands and syntax
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that translates natural language or simplified user input into formal equation syntax automatically. This mediator handles the complexity of syntax rules, command structures, and nesting requirements, allowing users to input equations without directly learning the complex editor syntax while still producing valid equations through the equation editor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating properly formatted equations from user intent without requiring manual syntax construction. The equation editor becomes self-sufficient in handling syntax validation, argument nesting, and function placement, freeing users from needing to understand these complex details while maintaining equation creation capability.
2Productivity
If users manually enter equations incrementally, then equations can be constructed, but arguments and functions may be incorrectly placed and nested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors user input during incremental equation construction, providing real-time validation and correction suggestions. The system detects potential syntax errors, incorrect argument placement, or improper nesting as users type, and offers guidance or automatic correction, thereby maintaining high accuracy even during fast incremental input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining valid equation structures, function signatures, and argument requirements before user input. This allows the system to anticipate expected input patterns and validate user actions against predefined correct structures, preventing incorrect placement and nesting before errors occur during incremental entry.
3Manufacturing precision
If users learn commands and syntax for equation editors, then equations can be created accurately, but the learning process increases complexity and time requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that translates user-friendly input into precise equation syntax automatically. This mediator handles the precision requirements by managing syntax rules, command structures, and nesting logic, allowing users to achieve accurate equation specification without investing time in learning the underlying complex syntax.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by providing templates, pre-defined function patterns, and reusable equation structures that users can insert and modify. Instead of requiring users to learn and construct syntax from scratch, they can copy validated equation patterns and adapt them to their needs, maintaining precision while eliminating learning time.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates the creation of an equation. During operation, the system obtains a user selection of a function to be used in the equation. Next, the system determines a state of a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with a software program. More specifically, the system may determine a cursor position or a text selection in the equation. Finally, the system facilitates the creation of the equation by inserting the function into the equation based at least on the determined state.