Runtime Library GUI Composition Without Recompilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating and modifying graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for computer-based control systems is tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone, requiring programming skills and significant lag time, making it difficult for end users to customize or create new interfaces without collaboration with a programmer.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines existing GUI descriptions and methods within a runtime library to create a compound GUI without recompiling, allowing users to drag and resize GUI components, enabling the creation of new or modified interfaces without programming expertise, and allowing the GUIs to adapt to different display sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a programmer uses a programming environment to create or modify a GUI, then the GUI can be functional and complete, but the process is tedious, time-consuming, and requires programming expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the GUI creation process by separating the runtime library (containing reusable methods and components) from the GUI description files. This allows users to combine pre-built segments without programming, reducing time and complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compiling methods into a runtime library before the actual GUI creation needs to occur. This allows users to simply combine pre-prepared components at runtime without performing the complex compilation and programming steps each time a GUI needs to be created or modified.
2Ease of manufacture
If a new GUI is created by copying and modifying source code from a previous design, then existing functionality can be reused, but the process remains error-prone and requires programming skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements copying by allowing users to reference and combine GUI descriptions from existing programs without actually copying source code. The runtime library handles the reuse of methods and components, eliminating manual code copying and its associated errors while preserving functionality reuse.
3Adaptability or versatility
If changes are made to the source code and layout files, then the GUI can be updated, but recompilation is required which adds significant lag time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compiling methods into the runtime library before they are needed. This eliminates the need for recompilation when GUIs are updated, as changes can be made to GUI description files and combined at runtime without triggering compilation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the system to adapt and combine GUI descriptions dynamically at runtime based on user needs, rather than requiring static compilation. This enables flexible updates without the rigid recompilation cycle.
4Ease of operation
If a programmer collaborates with the end user to create a new GUI, then the GUI can be customized to user needs, but the process becomes complex and resistant to quick changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling end users to independently combine GUI descriptions and create customized interfaces using the runtime library without requiring programmer collaboration. The system provides self-contained tools that empower users to perform GUI creation themselves, eliminating the need for external expertise while reducing process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a data processing system having a control screen to provide control of a program is disclosed. First and second program graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and a runtime library are provided. The first program GUI includes a first GUI description and a first method for operating on data input to or data output from that the first program GUI. The second program GUI includes a second GUI description and a second method for operating on data input to or data output from that the second program GUI. The runtime library includes the first and second method. The data processing system combines the first GUI description and the second GUI description to provide a compound GUI without recompiling the runtime library.