IoT Controller GUI for Adaptable No-Code App Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT controllers offer limited adaptability, requiring either highly customizable interfaces accessible only to expert software engineers or very limited interfaces usable by non-technical users, without providing a cost-effective middle ground that balances adaptability and user accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of an IoT controller with a Meta-Data Editor and Argument Editor GUI, allowing non-technical users to create and adapt IoT applications through a standardized and simplified interface, while maintaining the flexibility of customizable meta-data and documentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a highly customizable interface is provided for IoT controllers, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because it is accessible only to expert software engineers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface (GUI) as an intermediary layer between non-expert users and the underlying complex IoT controller system. The GUI provides visual tools for configuring and programming IoT devices without requiring users to write code, thereby maintaining high adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation for non-technical users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex programming task into modular visual components and blocks that can be easily assembled through drag-and-drop operations. This segmentation allows users to configure IoT controllers using pre-defined functional blocks rather than writing complete programs, thus preserving adaptability while reducing the operational barrier
2Ease of operation
If a limited interface is provided for IoT controllers, then ease of operation is improved for non-technical users, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal GUI framework that can handle multiple IoT controller types and configurations through a single interface. The system provides multi-functionality by supporting both simple pre-configured modes for ease of use and advanced custom programming capabilities, allowing the same interface to serve both non-technical users and experts with different adaptability needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If fully-custom software is provided for IoT controllers, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates due to extremely high costs involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs template-based configuration where pre-defined software templates and programming patterns can be copied and reused across multiple IoT devices and applications. This copying mechanism allows high adaptability through customization while reducing manufacturing costs by avoiding the need to create entirely custom software from scratch for each deployment
Data Source
AI summary
An Internet of Things Controller, and related tools. The tools address application development and deployment. An Application Meta-Data Editor permits a developer to specify meta-data, that guides the structure of actual data, that can be passed to the application, when invoked as a particular execution (or task) for a particular end-user. Once an application is developed, and has undergone a test deployment, the developer can upload the application to an online Application Store, from which the application can be downloaded and deployed by others. A Data Editor permits an end-user to create his/her own data, in accordance with the developer's meta-data, that adapts the execution to his/her particular needs. While permitting adaptation, the Data Editor ensures that the data created follows the overall pattern of the meta-data, as provided by the developer. Facilities for internationalization of a deployed application's documentation, on a crowd-sourced basis, are also provided.