Generic User Interface for Rapid Stand-Alone Control Setup
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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 and templates, allowing users to create and customize 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 the system can be tailored to specific needs, but substantial time and effort are required for development
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the application development process into reusable function blocks that can be independently configured and combined. Each function block represents a discrete, pre-defined unit of functionality that can be selected and arranged to create custom applications without developing code from scratch, thereby reducing development time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by providing pre-configured function blocks and templates that encapsulate common control logic and interface elements. These pre-prepared components can be directly deployed or slightly modified for specific applications, eliminating the need for extensive custom development and significantly reducing the time required to create tailored solutions.
2Ease of operation
If a user interface is provided for stand-alone devices with embedded interfaces, then user interaction is enabled, but the interface must be simplified due to hardware constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal user interface framework that can adapt to different hardware configurations while providing consistent interaction patterns. The generic user interface uses standardized elements and workflows that work across various device types, allowing complex functionality to be accessed through a simplified, unified interface that does not require hardware-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a software layer as an intermediary between the user and the underlying hardware complexity. This generic user interface framework translates user interactions into device-specific commands, shielding users from hardware constraints while enabling full functionality. The intermediary layer handles the complexity of adapting to different embedded interfaces, presenting a simplified consistent interface to users.
3Productivity
If a generic user interface system is implemented, then rapid application development is enabled, but the system requires a framework for configuring and displaying information
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the interface configuration into modular, pre-defined templates and function blocks. Each template represents a discrete, configurable unit that can be independently selected and customized. This segmentation allows rapid assembly of complete interfaces by combining standard components, reducing the need for complex custom configuration while maintaining flexibility for rapid application development.
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.