Standard Graphics Specification for Runtime Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of standardization in graphics file naming conventions prevents graphics applications from sharing and executing graphics files developed independently, as they cannot discern the correct data sections for rendering, such as world matrix, view matrix, and projection matrix, leading to compatibility issues between graphics files and runtime environments.

Innovation Solution

A standard graphics specification using metadata is introduced to develop graphics files and runtime environments, allowing for metadata syntax standards that describe code and ensure applications can execute any graphics files conforming to this specification, with data binding to map virtual address paths to actual values without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If graphics files are developed without standardization, then graphics programmers have flexibility in naming and structuring data sections, but graphics applications cannot share or execute graphics files from other sources due to inability to discern data sections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility between graphics files and runtime environmentsVSAvoidcomplexity of graphics file structure and naming conventions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a standardized naming convention system that enables graphics files to be executed across multiple different runtime environments and applications. The standard defines universal data section names (e.g., 'WorldMatrix', 'ViewMatrix', 'ProjectionMatrix') that can be recognized by any compliant runtime environment, allowing a single graphics file to serve multiple applications without modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data section naming from arbitrary/custom names to standardized names defined by the specification. This parameter change ensures that graphics files use consistent naming conventions for data sections, enabling automatic recognition and binding by runtime environments without requiring custom parsing logic for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If graphics files use custom naming conventions, then graphics programmers can optimize for specific applications, but other applications cannot execute these files without modification or study

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of creating graphics files for specific applicationsVSAvoidability to execute graphics files across different applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized naming convention creates a universal interface between graphics file creators and runtime environments. Graphics programmers can create files using the standard names, and these files become universally executable across any application that implements the same standard, eliminating the need for custom adaptation while maintaining ease of creation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a standard naming convention that mediates between the graphics file creator and the runtime environment. This intermediary standard acts as a common language that both parties agree to use, facilitating seamless communication and execution without direct customization between specific applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If graphics files lack standardized data section names, then graphics programmers have freedom in design, but runtime environments cannot automatically bind shader parameters to data values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic binding of shader parameters to data valuesVSAvoidcomplexity of data binding process
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized naming convention enables the runtime environment to automatically bind shader parameters to data values without requiring manual intervention or complex parsing logic. The standard names serve as self-descriptive identifiers that allow the system to automatically match parameters with their corresponding data sections, reducing the binding complexity to a simple name-matching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If graphics files are application-specific, then they can be optimized for that application's rendering needs, but they cannot be shared or reused in other applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability and shareability of graphics filesVSAvoidcompatibility with different runtime environments
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates graphics files with universal compatibility by enforcing standardized data section names. A graphics file created using this standard can be reused across multiple applications and runtime environments without modification, significantly improving productivity through file sharing and reuse while maintaining adaptability to different platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7444583B2Standard graphics specification and data binding
Publication Date: 2008.10.28 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US7444583B2 patent drawing
  • US7444583B2 patent drawing
  • US7444583B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A standard graphics specification for use by both developers of graphics files as well as of applications developed to execute in a runtime environment is disclosed. The graphics files are developed to conform to the graphics specification and therefore will be executable by applications in any runtime environment that likewise conform to the graphics specification. The specification includes program syntax standards and standards for metadata in the form of semantics and annotations that further describe the code. The specification additionally includes standards to which applications may conform to ensure that the applications will be capable of executing any graphics files that conform to the graphics specification.