Generic user interface system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for stand-alone devices often require substantial time and effort to develop custom applications, and lack a user-friendly interface for interacting with custom programs, especially in non-networked devices with embedded interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A configurable and programmable generic user interface for rapid application development on stand-alone control platforms, utilizing a graphical placement of predefined function blocks and a generic menu methodology with predefined tables, fonts, and templates, allowing users to create custom user interfaces without rewriting programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom applications are developed for stand-alone control devices, then functionality and adaptability are improved, but development time and effort increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into reusable components including function blocks, menu templates, tables, and fonts. These modular elements can be independently developed, stored in libraries, and assembled to create custom applications without developing entire interfaces from scratch, thereby reducing development time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Predefined function blocks, menu templates, and other UI elements are created once and then copied/reused across multiple applications. The system allows copying of existing interface elements and automatic generation of new interfaces based on templates, eliminating redundant development work and significantly reducing development time for custom applications.
2Ease of operation
If a user-friendly interface is provided for stand-alone devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal menu templates and standardized function blocks that serve multiple purposes across different applications. A single menu template can be used for various parameters and variables, and function blocks can represent different operational modes. This multi-functionality provides user-friendly interfaces without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of interface parameters such as menu structures, displayed variables, and function block properties without changing the underlying system architecture. Users can modify interface behavior through parameter adjustments rather than structural changes, maintaining ease of operation while controlling complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If field programmability is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Menu templates, function blocks, and other interface elements are pre-configured and validated during manufacturing. The system includes pre-built libraries of reusable components that have been tested and optimized, allowing field programmers to assemble custom applications without dealing with low-level implementation details. This preliminary preparation maintains adaptability while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A generic user interface for rapid application development on a stand-alone control platform. A user interface may be designed using generic menu methodology consisting of predefined tables, fonts, and templates, such that table entries and menu selections are made based on the platform. An example platform may be designed from function blocks from a function block engine. An application may be developed to run on the control platform (within the constraints of the hardware and function block engine), and a corresponding user interface may be automatically generated by populating the generic tables of the user interface methodology based on simple user input during placement of the function blocks, as an example.