Graphical Program Structure Object Auto-Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional text-based programming languages limit user efficiency in creating computer programs, especially for those without advanced programming skills, and graphical programming environments, while powerful, often require manual arrangement of nodes, which can be time-consuming and aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for automatically arranging objects in a graphical program block diagram, allowing for the repositioning of structure objects and their sub-diagrams without altering the relative positions of the nodes within, to improve organization and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual arrangement of nodes is performed in graphical programming environments, then user control over node positioning is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over node positioningVSAvoidtime consumption for arranging nodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically arranges structure objects and their sub-diagrams by detecting structural relationships between nodes and applying arrangement algorithms, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user intervention for positioning tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of structure objects and their relationships before final arrangement, identifying hierarchical structures and preparing arrangement plans in advance to streamline the positioning process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If automatic arrangement of all nodes is performed, then time consumption is reduced, but the relative positions within structure objects may be altered undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime consumption for arranging nodesVSAvoidrelative positions of nodes within structure objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The arrangement process is segmented into distinct phases: detecting structure objects with borders, determining their hierarchical relationships, and applying arrangement operations that respect structural boundaries, allowing different parts of the diagram to be arranged independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different arrangement behaviors to different regions: structure objects maintain their internal relative positions while being repositioned as units, whereas non-structure nodes are freely arranged based on overall diagram optimization criteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If structure objects are repositioned without maintaining internal node relationships, then arrangement flexibility is improved, but structural integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrangement flexibility of structure objectsVSAvoidinternal node relationships within structure objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system treats structure objects as nested containers where internal nodes are enclosed within a bordered region, and the arrangement operation nests the repositioning of the container while preserving the internal arrangement, similar to nested dolls maintaining their hierarchical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The structure object and its internal nodes are merged into a single repositioning unit during automatic arrangement, allowing them to move together as one entity while maintaining their relative positions, effectively combining the flexibility of object repositioning with structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8533739B2Re-arranging a graphical program while keeping contents of a structure object fixed

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments of a system and method for automatically arranging or positioning objects in a block diagram of a graphical program are described. The graphical program may include a first plurality of interconnected nodes that visually indicate functionality of the graphical program, where the first plurality of interconnected nodes includes a structure object having a border visually defining a sub-diagram that includes a second plurality of interconnected nodes that visually indicate functionality of the structure object. The method may operate to automatically re-arrange the graphical program. Re-arranging the graphical program may include shifting the structure object and the second plurality of interconnected nodes included in the sub-diagram of the structure object to new locations without re-arranging the second plurality of interconnected nodes with respect to each other.