Graphical Program Editor Using Physics-Based Force Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphical programming tools face challenges in maintaining the clarity and compactness of graphical programs, particularly in two-dimensional environments, which becomes more pronounced when editing on desktop computers or touch screens, leading to inefficiencies in aligning nodes and keeping connecting wires straight.

Innovation Solution

A physics-based editing method is introduced, where simulated forces are applied to graphical diagram elements to automatically adjust their positions and align wires, using principles such as repulsion and attraction to maintain a compact and organized diagram, allowing for dynamic adjustment as elements are added, removed, or moved.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual alignment methods are used to arrange nodes and wires in graphical programs, then the developer has control over element placement, but the editing process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of editing graphical programVSAvoidtime required for alignment and organization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies physics-based forces automatically to nodes and wires based on their positions and connections, enabling the diagram to self-organize without manual intervention. The repulsion and attraction forces continuously adjust element placements to maintain clarity and compactness during editing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the physical state parameters of diagram elements by applying simulated forces that depend on spatial relationships. As nodes are added, removed, or moved, the force parameters automatically adjust to reorganize the diagram, maintaining optimal layout without requiring manual realignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If more nodes and connections are added to the graphical program, then the functionality and complexity of the program increase, but maintaining clarity and compactness becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to add nodes and connectionsVSAvoidcomplexity of maintaining diagram organization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static manual alignment to dynamic physics-based organization. As nodes and connections are added or modified, the simulated physical forces continuously adapt the layout in real-time, allowing the diagram to automatically reorganize itself to maintain clarity regardless of the number of elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback through physics-based force calculations that monitor the positions of all nodes and wires. When new elements are added or existing elements are moved, the force field immediately recalculates and applies corrective forces to maintain optimal spacing and alignment, providing automatic feedback-driven organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If touch screen interfaces are used for editing graphical programs, then portability and accessibility are improved, but the precision and ease of aligning elements and wires deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility via touch screenVSAvoidprecision of element alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical precision required for manual touch-screen alignment with a physics-based virtual force system. Instead of relying on precise manual positioning through touch input, the system uses simulated physical forces to automatically align nodes and wires, compensating for the limitations of touch-screen precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9977564B2Physics based graphical program editor and use

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP

AI summary

System and method for editing a graphical diagram. A graphical diagram, such as a graphical program, is displayed on a display device. User input may be received editing the graphical diagram, thereby generating an edited graphical diagram. Placement of one or more elements in the graphical diagram may be adjusted in response to the editing based on determined forces applied to the one or more elements in the edited graphical diagram based on the said editing, resulting in an adjusted edited graphical diagram. The adjusted edited graphical diagram may be displayed on the display device, which may include displaying an animation illustrating the movement of the elements to an equilibrium state in which the forces balance and movement ceases. The editing, adjusting, and displaying may be performed sequentially and/or concurrently, as desired.