Text-Based Visual Programming Language Data Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Visual Programming Languages (VPLs) require specialized software for creation and editing, and their program data size is larger compared to non-VPL languages like C, due to the use of visual attributes such as 'boxes' and connection lines.
Innovation Solution
A text-based Visual Programming Language (VPL) that defines relationships between functions using positional relations of connection characters in a text editor, allowing for interpretation and reducing program data size by eliminating the need for specialized software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual attributes such as boxes and connection lines are used to represent program relationships, then visual understanding and ease of editing are improved, but program data size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses text-based representation as a simplified copy or abstraction of visual programming elements. Instead of storing actual graphical objects (boxes, lines, colors), the system stores text equivalents that can be rendered visually when needed, significantly reducing data size while maintaining visual programming capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of program representation from graphical objects to text strings. By encoding visual elements as text (e.g., using ASCII art characters to represent boxes and connection lines), the system achieves both visual display capability and compact data storage
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized software with distinctive visual elements is used, then visual programming capabilities are improved, but software complexity and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes text editors universal programming environments by enabling them to handle visual programming tasks. Any system with a text editor can now create and edit visual programs, eliminating the need for specialized VPL software and making the technology accessible on virtually any computing platform
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making text editors specialized for visual programming, the patent inverts the approach by making visual programming capabilities work within existing text editors. The text editor remains a general-purpose tool while gaining the ability to interpret and display visual program structures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to provide a more generally applicable programming environment for visual programming languages than conventional programming environments and to reduce data size of programs. With programming language data (a text VPL), which is a text based programming language data combining functions and connection characters composed of character data and defines relationships between the functions based on positional relations of the functions with reference to the connection characters in a display space of a text editor, the functions and the connection characters in character strings of the programming language data are distinguished and relationships between the functions are interpreted based on the positional relations in the display space. Interpretation of the text VPL enables a computer device to perform processing according to the text VPL, consequently realizing a generally applicable programming environment and reducing program data size.