Orientable Block Programming Station for Universal Device Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in easily and quickly programming multiple devices due to varying programming interfaces and logic, requiring manual consultation of device-specific manuals and interfaces, which is burdensome and complex, especially for those inexperienced in computing or automation.
Innovation Solution
A universal programming station with orientable blocks that uses a detection module to interpret block orientations and send programming instructions to a management platform via a communication network, allowing users to program devices through manual block manipulation, independent of device-specific interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device-specific programming interfaces and manuals are used for each equipment, then programming accuracy and device compatibility are improved, but user operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal programming station with a standardized interface that can program multiple different devices (roller shutters, lighting systems, heating systems, surveillance systems, etc.) through a single unified interaction method, eliminating the need for users to learn multiple device-specific interfaces while maintaining reliable programming capability across all device types
Solution Approach 2:
The universal programming station acts as an intermediary device between the user and various equipment. It translates user-friendly block-based programming instructions into device-specific commands, shielding users from device-specific complexity while ensuring accurate programming of target devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device-specific programming interfaces are required, then device compatibility is improved, but the number of programming interfaces and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The programming station employs a universal block-based interface that works across multiple device types and manufacturers. The system maintains adaptability to various devices through standardized communication protocols and translation layers, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces while preserving broad device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple device-specific programming interfaces into a single unified block-based interface. Different device protocols and command structures are combined and translated through a common intermediary language represented by visual blocks, reducing the number of interfaces from many device-specific ones to one universal interface
3Productivity
If traditional programming modes are used, then programming capability is improved, but user accessibility and ease of use deteriorate for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual block representations that copy the structure and logic of traditional programming instructions but present them in an accessible visual format. Each block represents a programming instruction with drag-and-drop connectivity, maintaining the logical rigor of traditional programming while making it accessible to users without computing experience through visual metaphors
4Manufacturing precision
If device-specific manuals and interfaces are required for programming, then programming precision is improved, but time consumption and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary translation and validation of block-based instructions into device-specific commands before execution. The universal interface pre-processes user input into standardized formats, and the intermediary layer pre-validates compatibility with target devices, ensuring programming precision is maintained while eliminating the time-consuming process of users consulting multiple device-specific manuals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a
AI summary
A universal programming station (1) with orientable blocks comprises several blocks (3) that can have variable orientations on a support (2). The orientations of the blocks determine programming instructions applicable to various devices. Such a programming station is intuitive and can be used easily. Moreover, connecting the station with a management platform, via a communication network, promotes the universal character of same with respect to the devices to be programmed.