Graphical Loop Structure for Synchronous Reactive Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional text-based programming environments require users to possess advanced programming skills, creating a barrier for non-experts and complicating the implementation of processes due to abstraction gaps between conceptualization and implementation, especially in synchronous reactive systems where synchronization and concurrency are complex.
Innovation Solution
A graphical programming system that allows users to create synchronous reactive systems by inputting loop structures and nodes, which execute iteratively with time constraints, enabling synchronous reactive behavior and state information storage and retrieval, either in software or hardware, or a combination of both.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If text-based programming languages are used, then programming precision and control are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring advanced programming skills and creating abstraction barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/text-based programming approach with a graphical programming environment where users interact through visual block diagrams instead of text code. This substitution maintains programming precision through structured graphical elements while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to master text-based syntax and abstraction layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical programming environment serves as an intermediary between the user's conceptualization and the computer implementation. The block diagram interface acts as a mediator that translates high-level visual representations into executable code, eliminating the direct but complex text-based programming barrier while preserving implementation precision.
2Ease of operation
If graphical programming environments are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring mastery of graphical programming techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical programming environment segments functionality into discrete, visual blocks that can be independently selected and connected. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by breaking down complex programming tasks into manageable graphical elements, making the system easier to operate while maintaining structured complexity management.
3Manufacturing precision
If synchronous reactive systems are implemented, then timing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronization and concurrency challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex text-based synchronization mechanisms with graphical loop structures that visually represent timing relationships. The iterative loop blocks provide intuitive visual control over synchronous reactive behavior, achieving timing precision while reducing the complexity burden on users by making timing mechanisms explicit and manageable through graphics rather than abstract code.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for implementing a synchronous reactive system in a graphical program. A loop structure is included in the graphical program in response to first user input, and is operable to execute iteratively in a synchronous manner, where the loop structure performs each iteration subject to a time constraint. A plurality of graphical program nodes is included in the loop structure in response to second user input. The loop structure includes at least one synchronization register, comprising an input and an output. During execution of the graphical program, for each iteration, the input to the synchronization register stores the state information for the current iteration, and the output of the synchronization register provides the state information for use in a next iteration of the loop, where the loop structure executes the plurality of graphical program nodes in the loop structure using stored state information from an immediately previous iteration.