GUI Editor Live Data Display During Editing Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that connect to remote data sources is complex and error-prone, requiring multiple compilation and debugging cycles to verify data connections, as data from remote sources is not viewable during the editing mode, leading to tedious and time-consuming processes.

Innovation Solution

A program development system that allows graphical elements to display data from a server during the editing mode, with properties controlling connections, providing immediate error messages and automatic connection attempts, enabling live data viewing and simplifying the setup of remote server connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the program is compiled and run to verify remote data connections, then the correctness of data sources can be confirmed, but the development time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification of remote data connectionVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary verification of remote data connections during the editing mode before final compilation. The system allows programmers to test connection strings, authentication credentials, and data stream formats in advance, identifying errors early in the development process rather than waiting for runtime verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary testing mechanism that acts as a bridge between the editing mode and full compilation. This intermediary system allows partial execution and verification of data connection code without requiring complete program compilation, reducing the time penalty while maintaining verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple compilation and debugging cycles are performed to correct connection errors, then the remote data source can be properly configured, but the programming effort and frustration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracy of remote connectionVSAvoidprogramming efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements immediate feedback mechanisms during editing mode that provide real-time information about connection errors, authentication failures, and data format mismatches. This feedback allows programmers to correct configuration errors without completing full compilation cycles, reducing the number of iterative attempts needed and improving overall programming efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation of connection parameters, authentication credentials, and data stream formats before final compilation. This preliminary action identifies and corrects configuration errors early, preventing the need for multiple debugging cycles and improving both precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the programmer manually configures connection strings and authentication parameters, then the graphical element can connect to the server, but the setup process becomes tedious and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to automatically test and validate connection parameters during the editing phase. The programming tool performs self-service verification of authentication credentials, connection strings, and data stream formats without requiring external compilation, allowing the system to self-diagnose and report configuration errors immediately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the program includes other components that must be debugged before remote server connection, then the overall program functionality is ensured, but the remote data connection development is further complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall program functionalityVSAvoiddevelopment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the verification process into independent, modular components. The remote data connection verification can be performed separately from other program components during editing mode, allowing developers to isolate and test connection functionality independently. This segmentation reduces the interdependence between different debugging tasks and simplifies the overall development complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9298428B2Graphical user interface editor that displays live data during editing

Publication Date: 2016.03.29 KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A method for operating a computer to develop a program having a GUI is disclosed. The method includes providing a program development system having an editing mode in which a user constructs a GUI and providing a graphical element that can be placed on a form as part of the GUI, the graphical element displaying data from the server while the program development system is in the editing mode. The parameters that control the connection and data transfer from the server can be provided in the properties section of the graphical element, and hence, no compilation of the underlying program is needed to verify the server connection and associated data.