Graphical Signal Analysis Interface for Non-Programmers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional text-based programming environments require users to possess advanced programming skills, creating a barrier for non-experts and increasing the complexity of signal analysis tasks, as they often disconnect the user's conceptualization of a process from its implementation in the computer system.
Innovation Solution
A graphical signal analysis system and method that allows users to interactively specify and perform signal analysis functions through a graphical user interface, utilizing a signal analysis function development environment with a palette of function icons and a graphical representation of operations, enabling users to create and execute signal analysis functions without requiring manual programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If text-based programming languages are used for signal analysis, then programming flexibility and control are improved, but user accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring advanced programming skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary layer between the user and the underlying text-based programming system. Users interact with visual icons and drag-and-drop interfaces instead of writing code directly, while the system automatically generates the necessary programming instructions in the background. This mediator translates simple graphical actions into complex programming operations, making signal analysis accessible to non-programmers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical act of writing and editing text-based code with a graphical interaction system. Instead of manually typing programming statements, users manipulate visual representations of signal processing operations through mouse clicks and drag-and-drop actions. The system then automatically translates these graphical manipulations into executable programming code, substituting the manual coding process with an automated code generation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If text-based programming environments are used, then implementation precision is improved, but the disconnect between user conceptualization and system implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the programming interface by representing signal processing operations as graphical icons and flow diagrams. This visual representation layer maintains a direct correspondence with the underlying code structure, allowing users to conceptualize operations visually while the system preserves implementation precision through automated code generation. The visual dimension serves as an additional representation layer that bridges user thinking and system execution without losing computational accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If graphical programming environments are introduced to improve ease of operation, then user accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a graphical copy or representation of the programming system that mirrors the underlying code structure. Visual icons represent programming operations, and their arrangement in the graphical interface corresponds to the logical flow of the generated code. This graphical copy allows users to interact with a simplified representation while the system maintains the full computational capability of the original programming environment, managing complexity by separating the user interface layer from the execution layer.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method implementing an integrated interface for multiple instruments for signal analysis, including two or more virtual instruments. The method includes a) receiving user input specifying an operation implementing at least a portion of a signal analysis function; b) performing the operation utilizing at least one of the instruments to perform the operation; c) displaying an icon comprising a graphical representation of the operation in response to the specifying; d) storing information specifying the operation; and repeating a)-d) multiple times to specify the function, thereby producing stored information representing the operations in the function, and after which multiple icons are displayed representing the operations and visually indicating the function. The operations in the function include 1) generating signals displayed in a graph, and/or 2) modifying one or more signals displayed in the graph. After each respective operation is specified, the operation is performed substantially continuously during said repeating.