Graphical Timed Sequence Nodes for Execution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional text-based programming environments require users to possess advanced programming skills, creating a barrier for non-technical users in efficiently utilizing computers, as they often involve complex abstractions between conceptualizing a process and implementing it in code, leading to reduced system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A graphical programming system that allows users to create timed sequences of graphical code portions, enabling specification of sequential execution order and timing information, such as start times, deadlines, and priorities, using timed sequence structure nodes and frames, facilitating intuitive programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional text-based programming languages are used, then programming functionality and system control capability are achieved, but user accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring advanced programming skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces text-based programming mechanics with graphical programming mechanics. Users interact with visual icons, nodes, and block diagrams instead of text code, substituting the mechanical act of typing and parsing text with dragging, dropping, and connecting graphical elements. This fundamentally changes the interaction paradigm to be more intuitive and accessible to non-programmers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses graphical representations (icons, nodes, blocks) that visually copy or represent the actual system components and processes being programmed. For example, a block diagram icon might represent a physical device or process step, making the programming interface a visual copy of the system architecture, thereby reducing the cognitive gap between conceptualizing and implementing solutions.
2Productivity
If text-based programming environments are used, then precise control and implementation capability are achieved, but productivity and system utilization deteriorate due to the abstraction barrier between conceptualization and implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the programming interface into distinct graphical modules, each representing a specific function or system component. These segmented blocks can be independently configured, connected, and executed, allowing users to build complex systems from simpler visual units without needing to understand the underlying text-based implementation details of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual/spatial dimension to programming by arranging code elements in two-dimensional block diagrams rather than linear text. This dimensional change allows users to visually organize and understand program flow, data flow, and system architecture simultaneously, reducing the cognitive load associated with text-based abstraction and improving both productivity and system utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for executing a plurality of graphical code portions as a timed sequence is described. The graphical code portions may be included in a graphical program and configured with information specifying a sequential order of execution and execution timing information. During execution of the graphical program, the graphical code portions are executed sequentially in the sequential order and in accordance with the execution timing information. In one embodiment a timed sequence structure node may be utilized to specify the timed sequence. For example, the user may include the timed sequence structure node in the graphical program and associate the plurality of graphical code portions with the timed sequence structure node such that the timed sequence structure node species a sequential order of execution for the graphical code portions. The user may also configure the timed sequence structure node with execution timing information for one or more of the graphical code portions.