Graphical Programming Environment for Multiple Computational Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional text-based programming environments require users to possess advanced programming skills, making it difficult for non-experts to efficiently utilize computer systems for tasks like instrumentation and industrial automation, as they often need custom programming for various devices and environments, which is complex and requires extensive training.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically generating graphical programs that can incorporate multiple computational models in response to user input, allowing users to specify desired functionality without manually creating nodes and connections, thereby simplifying the process and enabling the use of multiple computational models like data flow, synchronous data flow, state diagrams, and text-based code within a single graphical program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If text-based programming languages are used, then programming flexibility and power are improved, but user accessibility and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the programming interface into graphical icons representing different computational models (data flow, synchronous data flow, state diagrams, text-based code). Each icon can be independently selected and connected, allowing users to access powerful programming features through simple visual components rather than complex text syntax.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the computational models. Users interact with graphical icons and visual connections rather than directly with code, while the system automatically translates these visual elements into the appropriate computational models and executable code, bridging the gap between simplicity and power.
2Ease of operation
If graphical programming environments are used, then ease of use is improved, but computational model flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple computational models (data flow, synchronous data flow, state diagrams, and text-based code) into a single graphical programming environment. Users can visually combine different computational approaches by connecting appropriate icons, gaining access to diverse computational paradigms while maintaining the simplicity of graphical programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal graphical programming environment that can handle multiple computational models through a common interface. The same graphical icon system supports different computational paradigms, allowing a single tool to perform multiple programming functions that would traditionally require separate specialized environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom programming is required for various devices and environments, then system adaptability is improved, but development time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides pre-configured graphical icons that represent common computational tasks and device interactions. These icons are prepared in advance with built-in functionality for different devices and environments, allowing users to quickly assemble custom solutions by connecting pre-built components rather than programming each function from scratch.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically generating a graphical program or a portion of a graphical program in response to receiving user input. The user input may specify functionality of the graphical program or graphical program portion to be generated. In response to the user input, a graphical program (or graphical program portion) that implements the specified functionality may be automatically generated. The graphical program may include a plurality of computational models. Thus, different graphical programs may be generated, depending on the user input received.