Graphical Programming Toolkit for Computational Decision-Making
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computational decision-making systems, such as rule-based systems and fuzzy logic, are inflexible, difficult to debug, and not well-suited for handling complex interactions or real-time applications, particularly in embedded systems and real-world scenarios where criteria are inconsistent.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a graphical programming interface with hierarchical tree structures for positions and arguments, allowing for the creation of complex functional relationships through linkages, and an execution engine that iteratively adjusts values to achieve stable decisions, enabling efficient and intuitive development of computational decision-making programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rule-based systems are used for computational decision-making, then the system can evaluate static problems with fixed rules, but the system becomes complex and hard to understand, expensive to develop, and difficult to debug
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the decision-making system into multiple hierarchical levels (global decisions, local decisions, and criteria evaluations). Each level handles specific aspects of the decision process, breaking down the complex rule-based system into manageable modules that are easier to understand, develop, and debug while maintaining decision-making reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the decision-making structure, organizing rules and criteria across multiple levels (global vs. local decisions). This dimensional organization reduces apparent complexity by structuring the system vertically, allowing complex rule sets to be managed through hierarchical decomposition rather than flat enumeration.
2Reliability
If rule-based systems are used for computational decision-making, then the system can provide structured evaluation, but the system is inflexible and requires complete recoding if changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rule activation where not all rules are executed in every decision cycle. Instead, rules are selectively activated based on the specific decision context and current state, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios without requiring complete recoding. The hierarchical structure enables dynamic switching between global and local decision modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows modification of decision parameters (such as rule weights, thresholds, and activation conditions) without changing the underlying rule structure. This enables the system to adapt to new requirements by adjusting parameters rather than recoding entire rule sets, maintaining decision consistency while improving flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If fuzzy logic is used for decision-making, then the system can use linguistic descriptions and soft terms, but it is not well adapted for handling multiple inputs and outputs or complex interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuzzy logic system into distinct hierarchical levels where linguistic variables are evaluated at different scopes (global criteria vs. local criteria). This segmentation allows the system to maintain linguistic interpretability at each level while collectively handling complex multi-input, multi-output interactions through the hierarchical composition of fuzzy evaluations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges fuzzy logic evaluations across multiple hierarchical levels, combining global decision outcomes with local decision results. This merging enables the system to handle complex interactions by integrating results from multiple fuzzy evaluation layers, thereby extending the capability to manage multiple inputs and outputs while preserving linguistic interpretability.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional programming approaches are used, then the system can be developed systematically, but the development time is long and the debugging process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary structuring of the decision-making framework with predefined hierarchical templates for global and local decisions. This preliminary action establishes the basic architecture and rule structures in advance, allowing developers to focus on populating specific rules rather than building the entire system structure from scratch, thereby reducing development time while maintaining systematic organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical programming interface for use in developing computer programs uses a structure of graphically displayed elements representing positions, arguments and linkages to enable the development of computational decision making programs. The present invention provides new functionality to a clipper element that allows for simple division of a range of input values into contiguous sub-ranges, such as may be used to define a curve or other function.