Graphical Programming Tool for Network Messaging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for developing network behaviors and programming network messaging functions in control devices are complex, inflexible, time-consuming, and error-prone, as they require separate tasks and hide message content and transmission events from users, making it difficult to manage and visualize message composition and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A graphical programming tool is used to configure network interfaces within application programs, employing programmable messaging blocks to represent message production and consumption, allowing users to set message behaviors and monitor transmission status directly, making message content, events, and network interactions visible and easily manageable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network messaging functions are developed using separate tasks and hidden implementation details, then device functionality is achieved, but user visibility and ease of management of message content and transmission events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the network messaging functions and the user. This intermediary provides a standardized interface that translates complex network protocols into user-friendly operations, allowing users to manage network behaviors without needing to understand the underlying implementation details, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving information visibility through standardized access methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments network messaging functions into distinct, manageable components such as message composition, transmission, and reception handling. Each segment can be independently configured and managed, allowing users to control specific aspects of network communication without being overwhelmed by the entire system complexity, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining visibility through modular organization
2Productivity
If network messaging development is handled as separate tasks independent of application programs, then system modularity is achieved, but development complexity and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges network messaging functions directly into application programs, allowing developers to configure and manage network communication within the same development environment as the application logic. This integration eliminates the need for separate task management and reduces development complexity by providing a unified interface for both application development and network configuration, thereby improving productivity without increasing overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If message transmission control is hidden within device software, then system reliability is maintained, but user control and monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide users with real-time information about message transmission status and network behavior. This feedback allows users to monitor and control message transmission processes while maintaining system reliability through standardized interfaces that ensure consistent operation. The feedback loop enables users to make informed decisions about network communication without compromising system stability
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical interface for programming network communications messages and messaging behavior on a control apparatus that is coupled to a communications network and that is operating under control of an application program. The interface comprises an integrated schematic view of symbols representing communications and including application and messaging control logic including a diagrammatic representation for a network message having icons representing data within said message, icons representing control functions for regulating networking behavior, and one or more messaging connector icons representing interconnections with the network. Control logic icons and symbols may be interconnected may connected to the data and control icons for use in setting data content and regulating messaging and network behavior. Corresponding methods for programming network messages and associated messaging_behavior between control devices are also covered.