Graphical Program Node Search Engine for Online Charging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphical programming for complex online charging systems becomes inefficient as the size and complexity increase, making it difficult for developers to locate and modify specific nodes, leading to increased time and costs in building or modifying these systems.
Innovation Solution
A search engine is implemented within the graphical programming environment that allows users to search for nodes using user-defined criteria and filters, providing real-time results and highlighting the identified nodes within the canvas panel, along with associated data in an inspection panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the size and complexity of graphical programs increase, then the functionality and capability of the system improve, but the difficulty of locating and modifying specific nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
A search engine is introduced as an intermediary tool between the user and the complex graphical program. The search engine accepts user queries and returns relevant nodes, acting as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between the user and the complex system without changing the system's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical program includes built-in search functionality that allows users to independently locate nodes without external assistance. The search engine is integrated into the development environment, enabling users to perform self-service node location through keyword searches, filtering, and sorting operations.
2Productivity
If the number of nodes in the graphical program increases, then the system's processing capability improves, but the time required to build or modify the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Nodes are pre-configured with searchable attributes and metadata during the program building phase. This preliminary organization of node information enables rapid retrieval later, reducing the time required to locate and modify nodes without affecting the program's processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of visually scanning through numerous nodes is replaced with an automated search engine that uses algorithmic processing to quickly locate relevant nodes. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for node location while maintaining full access to all nodes in the complex program.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the complexity of the graphical program increases, then the system's functionality improves, but the cost of building and modifying the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The search engine serves as a cost-effective intermediary that reduces development costs by eliminating the need for manual node location and systematization efforts. This automated tool provides professional-grade node management capabilities without requiring proportional increases in development resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for searching data associated with nodes of a visual or graphical program. The method may include the acts of searching information stored in memory using search criteria that was entered into a search box of a Graphical User Interface. The information searched is associated with nodes of the graphical program. In response to the searching, identifying one or more of the nodes. In one embodiment, the method may further include displaying one or more links corresponding to the identified one or more of the nodes, respectively, in response to the identifying.