App Store for State Machines Reduces Custom Code Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion control systems require significant custom code development for each application, leading to increased development time and switching costs between microcontrollers, and lack abstraction to accommodate different end-user applications.
Innovation Solution
An app store for state machines that allows users to select, customize, and install pre-built state machine applications on semiconductor devices, abstracting lower-level building blocks and higher-order applications, enabling control of electro-mechanical components without requiring users to write custom code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional motion control systems are used, then control functionality can be achieved, but significant custom code development is required for each application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring state machines with common control functionality before deployment. The state machines are prepared in advance with standardized control algorithms for typical electro-mechanical systems, allowing developers to select and deploy pre-built control solutions rather than developing control code from scratch for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating reusable state machine templates that can be replicated across different applications. These templates encapsulate common control patterns and can be copied and adapted for various electro-mechanical systems, eliminating the need to rewrite control logic for each new project while maintaining application-specific customization capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom code is written for each product, then application-specific control can be achieved, but switching costs between microcontrollers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing state machines that can operate across multiple microcontroller platforms. The state machine architecture provides a universal control framework that works with different microcontrollers, allowing the same control logic to be ported between platforms without significant modification. This reduces switching costs when changing microcontroller vendors or models while maintaining application-specific control capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control routines are developed from scratch, then customization for specific products is achieved, but the process requires considerable code writing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing control functionality into modular state machines that handle specific control tasks. Each state machine represents a discrete, reusable unit of control logic that can be independently configured and combined. This segmentation allows developers to assemble customized control solutions from pre-built modules rather than writing entire control routines from scratch, significantly improving development efficiency while maintaining product customization.
Data Source
AI summary
An app store includes a plurality of state machines that describe the function of a product. The system allows a user to select at least one app from this plurality of apps. The user may also customize the state machine represented by the app or parameters thereof. The selected state machine can be translated into a format readable by a semiconductor device in a target platform without requiring the user to generate computer code. The app store can also transact rights to use the app represented by the state machine. The state machine may be executed in a simulation environment, on a reference platform or development board, or on a semiconductor device in an end-user product to facilitate control in accordance with the state machine defined by the state machine.