Graphical Program to Textual Code Interface Wrapper
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods to convert graphical programs into textual languages, as existing tools lack efficiency in translating the functionality and parameters of graphical programming environments like LabVIEW into textual code formats such as C, C++, or Java, which are essential for industrial automation, test and measurement, and process control applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that analyzes graphical programs, generates functions in textual programming languages, and creates wrappers to accommodate user-defined input for modifying the I/O interfaces, allowing for the conversion of graphical programs into textual code while maintaining compatibility between graphical and textual data types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If graphical programs are converted to textual languages using existing tools, then the conversion process is simplified, but the efficiency and accuracy of translating functionality and parameters are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that includes a graphical program analyzer, code generator, and parameter mapper. This intermediary layer translates graphical programs into textual code through structured intermediate representations, improving both the ease of conversion and the efficiency of the process by avoiding direct complex mappings
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms parameters from graphical representation to textual representation through defined mapping rules and data type conversions. By changing the parameter representation format systematically, the patent enables efficient and accurate translation while maintaining parameter integrity across different programming paradigms
2Extent of automation
If the I/O interface of the generated textual code matches the graphical program exactly, then the conversion is straightforward, but the adaptability to user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic I/O interface generation system that allows users to modify the generated textual code's I/O interface after conversion. The system provides mechanisms to add, remove, or modify parameters in the textual code while maintaining the core functionality from the graphical program, enabling both automated conversion and user adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O interface is segmented into configurable components that can be independently modified. The system separates the core functional parameters from the interface parameters, allowing users to adapt the I/O interface without affecting the underlying graphical program logic, thus maintaining automation while providing versatility
3Productivity
If graphical programming environments are used, then productivity is increased, but the ability to integrate with textual programming languages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal conversion framework that enables graphical programs to be transformed into multiple textual programming languages (C, C++, C#, Java, etc.). This multi-functional conversion capability allows graphical programming environments to maintain their productivity advantages while integrating seamlessly with various textual programming ecosystems through standardized conversion mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical program is analyzed, where the graphical program includes an I/O interface including one or more ordered parameters for providing input to or receiving output from the graphical program. A function is generated in a textual programming language based on the analyzing, where the function implements the functionality of the graphical program, and includes a textual function I/O interface with the one or more ordered parameters of the I/O interface of the graphical program. User input is received specifying a modified textual function I/O interface that differs from the textual function I/O interface. A wrapper for the function is generated with the modified textual function I/O interface, where the wrapper includes the function, and where during execution the wrapper receives or outputs values in accordance with the modified textual function I/O interface, and provides values to or receives values from the function via the textual function I/O interface.