Operator Interface System Using Shared Translation Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software development for global markets requires multiple software packages with language-specific fonts, leading to inefficient storage and potential incorrect delivery of software, as each language version consumes significant storage space and may not be usable by recipients due to missing fonts.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing client devices to graphically render text and symbols in desired languages through translation strings, such as Unicode strings, which are abstracted and managed by the client device, allowing electronic devices to operate without language-specific fonts, enabling global marketing without customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple language-specific software packages are created to support global markets, then language support capability is improved, but storage space consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The software is segmented into modular language packs that can be independently loaded. Each language pack contains only the specific font and translation data needed for that language, rather than embedding all language resources in every software package. This allows the core software to remain lightweight while supporting multiple languages through selective module loading.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal software architecture is implemented that can function with any language pack. The core software contains language-agnostic code and translation string identifiers that work with all languages, while specific language resources are loaded as needed. This enables one software package to serve multiple language markets without duplicating the entire program for each language.
2Reliability
If language-specific fonts are embedded in each software package, then correct language display is ensured, but electronic transmittal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Language-specific font resources are extracted from the core software package and placed in separate, optional language pack modules. The core software transmits only essential data structures and translation string identifiers, which are highly compressed and language-agnostic. Full language rendering capability is achieved by combining the core software with the appropriate language pack, reducing the size of electronically transmitted files while maintaining display correctness.
3Ease of operation
If products are pre-loaded with all language versions, then all users can utilize the product correctly, but storage requirements and distribution complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The software includes automatic language detection and loading capabilities that allow it to service itself. Upon installation or first use, the software automatically detects the user's language preferences and loads the appropriate language pack from available sources. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration by users or complex pre-loading of all language versions, while still ensuring correct language display for all users.
Data Source
AI summary
An operator interface system with respect to an industrial automation device comprises text/symbol translation strings persisted in a computer-readable medium for utilization with the operator interface system. An interface component relays the translation strings to a client device that includes fonts that enables the client device to graphically render text/symbols abstracted by the translation strings in a desired language. For example, the translation strings can be Unicode strings.