Visual Programming Interface for Smart Object Prototyping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prototyping and testing smart objects with integrated smart devices is a complex process requiring extensive knowledge of both software and hardware components, limiting it to experienced designers, as it involves designing specialized circuits and control systems, and writing and debugging control logic.
Innovation Solution
A technique that uses a visual programming interface to generate computer instructions for a smart device embedded in a three-dimensional object, allowing users to specify high-level interactive behaviors without designing specialized circuits or control systems, and enables easy modification of behavior parameters, facilitating the incorporation of smart devices into prototypes using 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional prototyping methods are used with integrated smart devices, then functional smart objects can be created, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need for specialized knowledge in both software and hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates high-level behavior specifications into low-level control logic. This intermediary system handles the complexity of integrating software and hardware components, allowing users to define smart object behaviors through simple parameter specifications rather than direct programming of control systems or circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating the necessary control logic and software code based on user-defined behavior parameters. The smart object prototype can be created and tested without requiring users to manually program control systems or design circuits, as the system autonomously produces the required implementation details from high-level specifications.
2Reliability
If experienced designers with wide-ranging knowledge are used, then smart objects can be successfully prototyped, but the process becomes limited to a small group of individuals and reduces accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary translation layer acts as a bridge between user-friendly behavior specifications and complex implementation requirements. This allows individuals without specialized knowledge in electronics or control systems to successfully create functional smart objects by simply defining desired behaviors through parameter selection, thereby democratizing access to smart object prototyping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement for specialized technical knowledge with an automated software-based system. Instead of requiring users to manually integrate hardware components and write control code, the system automatically generates implementations from high-level behavior definitions, substituting expert human capability with an automated intelligent system.
3Manufacturing precision
If control logic is manually written and debugged, then precise smart object behaviors can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to modify
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating and pre-testing control logic based on user-defined behavior parameters. Instead of requiring users to manually write and debug code, the system pre-generates the control logic in a compiled form that is ready for deployment, significantly reducing development time while maintaining behavior precision through systematic parameter-based generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy modification of smart object behaviors by allowing users to change high-level behavior parameters rather than editing low-level control code. This parameter-based approach maintains manufacturing precision because the system regenerates control logic from the new parameters, ensuring correctness, while dramatically reducing the time required to modify behaviors compared to manual code editing and debugging.
4Adaptability or versatility
If specialized circuits and control systems are designed, then custom smart object functionality can be achieved, but the process becomes multifaceted and difficult to test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the smart object design into distinct layers: high-level behavior specification and low-level control implementation. This segmentation allows users to define custom functionality through behavior parameters without needing to design the underlying control systems or circuits. The automated generation of control logic from behavior specifications simplifies testing, as the system can systematically verify that generated implementations match the intended high-level behaviors.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for designing and generating a smart object. The technique includes receiving a first input indicating a smart object behavior of a smart object that includes a smart device embedded in a three-dimensional (3D) object; in response to the input, generating computer instructions for the smart device, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by the smart device, cause the smart object to implement the smart object behavior; and transmitting the computer instructions to the smart device.