Graphical Control Stacking for DSP Code Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical programming tools for digital signal processors require extensive code updates for even minor changes, leading to management complexities due to their text-based nature and lack of functionality in handling multiple variations of modules with different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method for enhancing graphical controls in computer programs that allows users to dynamically add or repeat functional code blocks, automatically adjusting inputs and outputs based on selected functions, enabling efficient management of code changes and module variations through a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If graphical programming tools use text-based code for digital signal processors, then the programming can be implemented with existing compilers, but code updates require extensive recompilation and management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphical icons as visual copies representing code blocks, allowing programmers to manipulate visual representations instead of text. When a graphical icon is selected from a toolbox and placed on the canvas, it creates a visual copy that represents the corresponding code, eliminating the need for manual text typing and reducing compilation time when modifications are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of text editing and recompilation with a graphical drag-and-drop system. The visual programming interface substitutes traditional text-based mechanical operations with graphical manipulations, where connecting lines and icon placements automatically generate and update the underlying code without requiring full recompilation.
2Ease of operation
If graphical tools provide fixed functions in toolboxes, then the programming interface is simple, but the tools cannot handle multiple variations of modules with different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic graphical icons that can change their properties and connections based on configuration parameters. When a programmer selects different options for a module (such as buffer size, data type, or processing mode), the graphical icon dynamically adjusts its appearance and connected nodes, allowing the same visual element to represent multiple module variations without requiring separate fixed icons for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal graphical icon templates that can represent multiple types of functions through configuration. A single graphical icon design can serve as a template for different module variations by changing its internal parameters and connections, allowing the same visual structure to handle diverse module types while maintaining interface simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each module variation requires separate code updates, then each module can be customized, but the management burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple module variations into a unified graphical representation system. Instead of maintaining separate code files for each module variation, the system combines them into a single graphical canvas where all variations are represented as configurable instances of graphical icons. Changes to the underlying code structure can be made once and automatically reflected across all module variations through the graphical interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computer program product for adding additional functionality to a graphical control for use in a computer program. The method requires providing a graphical control that is displayable on a display device where the graphical control has at least one associated input or one associated output. Initially, the graphical control does not have an associated function. A user can then select a function from a list of functions to associate with the graphical control. The list of functions is associated with computer code for implementing the functions on a particular digital signal processor. The computer system determines whether a new input or output needs to be added to the graphical control based upon a selected function from the list of functions. The computer system also determines if the graphical control should be stacked or repeated. A plurality of functions may be associated with a single graphical control. In certain embodiments, a plurality of different digital signal processors is associated with a single graphical control.