Spreadsheet Node Visual Programming for Machine Vision Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine vision systems require programming expertise, limiting their accessibility to users without programming knowledge, and existing visual program development environments lack flexibility for complex operations, relying on limited node types and script nodes that require significant programming skills.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spreadsheet node in the visual program development environment that allows users to easily create and execute operations by associating cells with functions, providing a human-readable file and enabling data flow between nodes, thus enhancing flexibility and accessibility without requiring extensive programming expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional programming methods are used for machine vision systems, then the system can be programmed with precise control, but it requires programming expertise that limits accessibility to users without programming knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional text-based programming mechanics with a visual programming system where graphical nodes and connections substitute for code syntax. Users manipulate visual elements (dragging, dropping, connecting nodes) instead of writing programming language, eliminating the need for programming expertise while maintaining system configurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spreadsheet nodes as intermediary elements between simple visual programming and complex machine vision operations. These spreadsheet nodes provide a familiar, accessible interface (spreadsheet format) that mediates between user-friendly visual programming and the underlying complex image processing functions, allowing users to leverage familiar spreadsheet concepts without needing to learn programming languages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visual program development environments use limited node types, then the system remains simple to use, but it lacks flexibility for complex operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes spreadsheet nodes universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions: they can execute image processing operations, handle data manipulation, perform calculations, and interface with other visual programming nodes. A single spreadsheet node type replaces the need for multiple specialized node types, providing both versatility and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where spreadsheet nodes can be customized through formulas and parameters that adapt to different operational requirements. The spreadsheet structure allows dynamic adjustment of processing logic without requiring users to create new node types, enabling flexible adaptation to complex operations while maintaining a consistent node interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques include systems, computerized methods, and computer readable media for creating a graphical program in a graphical program development environment. A spreadsheet node having an input terminal in the graphical program is instantiated. The spreadsheet node is associated with a spreadsheet that specifies a list of functions to be executed in a computing device, and the input terminal is connected to the first terminal of the first node, indicating a data connection between the first terminal of the first node and the input terminal of the spreadsheet node. The input terminal of the spreadsheet node is associated with a first cell in the spreadsheet, indicating that the first cell in the spreadsheet be populated with any data received by the input terminal. A human readable file is generated specifying the graphical program, including the spreadsheet node.