Interactive Graphic Format Model for Block Diagrams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in viewing block diagram models without access to a graphical modeling environment, as traditional methods require each viewer to have the environment installed, which can be costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
Converting graphical models from graphical modeling environments into interactive graphic formats, such as Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), allowing them to be viewed using an interactive graphic viewer like a web browser plugin, enabling interaction, navigation, and annotation without the need for a graphical modeling environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If graphical models are shared using traditional file copying methods, then the model design can be shared between users, but each viewer requires access to a graphical modeling environment which increases cost and reduces accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the graphical model in a simplified format (HTML with embedded SVG and JSON) that can be viewed without the original graphical modeling environment. This copy contains all necessary visual and interactive elements, allowing distribution and viewing on any device with a web browser, thereby eliminating the need for each user to install expensive modeling software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that transforms the complex graphical model file into a universal web format. This intermediary step creates a bridge between the proprietary modeling environment and universal web browsers, allowing the model to be viewed interactively without requiring the original software.
2Ease of operation
If a graphical modeling environment is installed on each device for viewing models, then full functionality is available, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the graphical model universally viewable across different platforms and devices by converting it to web standards (HTML, SVG, JSON). This single converted file can be opened in any modern web browser, eliminating the need for multiple instances of proprietary graphical modeling environment software on different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the graphical model in a universal format that preserves viewing and interaction capabilities without requiring the original expensive software. This copy can be distributed freely and viewed on any device with a web browser, reducing the quantity of graphical modeling environment instances needed to zero.
3Adaptability or versatility
If graphical models are converted to interactive graphic formats, then accessibility and cost are reduced, but interaction and navigation capabilities must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a faithful copy of the graphical model's interactive capabilities using web technologies. The embedded SVG graphics and JSON data structures replicate the original model's structure, allowing users to interact with blocks, signals, and subsystems just as in the original environment, while achieving cross-platform viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary conversion process that translates the proprietary graphical model format into web standards while preserving interaction capabilities. This intermediary layer maintains the relationship between blocks, signals, and subsystems through JSON data structures, enabling navigation and interaction without requiring the original software.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a graphical model that can be viewed without a graphical modeling environment. An interactive graphic version of the model is generated from the model of the graphical modeling environment. The interactive graphic version can then be viewed using an interactive graphic viewer, such as a plug in to a web browser. The use of an interactive graphic version of the model allows the user to interact with the model. For example the user may pan, zoom, or view properties or subsystems of elements of the model.