Freehand Input Interface for Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems are complex and difficult to use, especially for engineers who need to perform simple and recurrent tasks, leading to delays in commissioning and reconfiguring industrial and communication networks due to the complexity of their user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses freehand user input, including drawings and glyphs, to interpret an engineer's intent for flow management and other actions in utility, industrial, and communication networks, allowing for intuitive interaction without navigating through extensive menus, using a portable device like a tablet with a stylus or hand input, and a graphical intent resolver module to identify nodes and execute commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional menu-based network management system interface is used, then the system provides comprehensive control capabilities, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive menus and complex navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical menu-navigation system with a graphical drawing interface where engineers can directly draw network topologies and configure parameters visually. This substitution eliminates the need to navigate through extensive menus by allowing direct graphical interaction with the network configuration, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates freehand graphical drawings into structured network configuration commands. This intermediary automatically interprets the drawn elements and converts them into actionable configuration instructions, bridging the gap between simple graphical input and complex system control without requiring users to navigate complex menus.
2Productivity
If a comprehensive network management system is deployed to handle all network operations, then the system provides complete control functionality, but the loss of time increases due to the complexity of navigating extensive user interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical process of menu navigation with direct graphical drawing input. Engineers can quickly sketch network configurations and immediately execute them, eliminating the sequential time loss associated with navigating through multiple menu levels and configuration screens in traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic processing by pre-configuring and pre-validating network parameters based on the graphical input before execution. This preliminary action reduces the time required during actual commissioning and reconfiguration operations, as the system has already prepared configuration options and validated parameters in advance.
3Ease of operation
If traditional network management interfaces are used, then the system provides detailed configuration options, but the ease of operation worsens for new engineers who are yet to get familiar with the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the steep learning curve associated with traditional menu-based interfaces with an intuitive graphical drawing interface that resembles natural network design processes. New engineers can immediately begin configuring networks by drawing, without requiring extensive training on complex menu structures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining full configuration capabilities through the graphical interface.
Data Source
AI summary
To initiate an action in a utility system, industrial system, or communication network, information on a freehand user input captured using an input device is processed to identify at least one action to be performed. A management or control system of the utility system, industrial system, or communication network is caused to execute the at least one network action.