Graphical Programming Canvas for Dynamic Processing Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems for automaton, control, and instrumentation are difficult to program, especially for users who are not professional programmers, due to their complexity, lack of intuitiveness, and inability to handle distributed multi-processing systems dynamically.
Innovation Solution
A graphical programming method using a configuration canvas with function objects and automatic routing of execution paths, allowing for intuitive and versatile programming of processing systems that can be altered during both the programming and operation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional textual programming languages are used, then programming precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional textual programming languages with a graphical configuration language consisting of visual icons and drag-and-drop operations. This substitution transforms the mechanical act of typing code into a visual manipulation task, making the system easier to operate for non-programmers while maintaining programming precision through the structured graphical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual icons that represent function objects, which are copied and placed on a configuration canvas. These icons serve as visual representations that simplify the programming process, allowing users to construct programs by copying and arranging graphical elements rather than writing textual code, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing programming capability
2Ease of operation
If graphical programming techniques are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to distributed multi-processing systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a graphical configuration environment that is universally applicable to distributed multi-processing systems. The configuration canvas and function object icons can represent operations across multiple processors and nodes, allowing the same graphical interface to adapt to different distributed system architectures while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the graphical programming system into function objects that can be independently configured and distributed across multiple processing nodes. Each icon represents a modular function that can be assigned to different processors in a distributed system, enabling the graphical interface to scale from single-processor to multi-processor configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed programming configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where the graphical programming configuration can be modified during runtime. Users can add, remove, or reposition function object icons on the configuration canvas while the system is operating, and these changes are automatically compiled and applied without requiring system shutdown, thereby providing adaptability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through automatic routing path generation and real-time compilation. When users modify the graphical configuration by moving or adding icons, the system automatically updates the execution paths and compiles the new configuration, eliminating the need for manual programming adjustments and reducing configuration management complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual routing of execution paths is used, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic routing path generation. When function object icons are placed on the configuration canvas, the system automatically determines and creates the execution paths between them based on their positions and relationships, eliminating the need for users to manually draw or configure routing paths while maintaining full routing flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods of programming a processing system utilizing a computer having a configuration canvas, at least one processor, and a plurality of function objects is disclosed. A processing configuration is created by placing object icons associated with function objects onto the canvas. Execution paths are automatically routed between the object icons based on orientations of icons on the canvas. Data flow paths are created between object icons on the canvas separately from the routings of the execution paths. Execution paths can be re-routed to increase the versatility of the processing system. Also, visual instruments and instrument icons can be utilized to further graphically illustrate and control the processing configuration.