Type Generic Graphical Programming Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical programming methods require users to create multiple versions of graphical programs for different data types, leading to inefficiencies and increased development time, as they lack the ability to create type-generic graphical programs that can function across multiple data types without specifying separate code for each type.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system and method for creating and using data-type generic graphical programs, where a single graphical program can be instantiated for multiple data types by specifying data types through user input, allowing for automatic propagation of types across nodes and wires, enabling a single set of graphical code to perform functionality across various data types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional graphical programming methods are used to support multiple data types, then each data type requires a separate graphical program version, but this increases device complexity and development time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements type-generic nodes that can operate with multiple data types simultaneously. Instead of creating separate graphical programs for each data type, a single graphical program with type-generic nodes can handle integers, floats, strings, and other data types through automatic type propagation, making the system universal across different data types while reducing the number of program versions needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses type propagation mechanisms that automatically change the data type parameters of nodes based on their inputs. When a node receives inputs of different data types, the system automatically propagates and adjusts the type parameters throughout the graphical program, allowing the same graphical program structure to adapt to different data type configurations without manual reconfiguration
2Reliability
If separate graphical programs are created for each data type, then data type specificity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to repeated programming effort
Solution Approach 1:
Type-generic nodes provide universal functionality that works across multiple data types while maintaining type correctness through automatic type propagation. This eliminates the need to rewrite graphical programs for each data type, significantly improving productivity while preserving data type correctness through the type propagation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows a single type-generic graphical program to be instantiated and copied for different data types automatically. Instead of manually creating separate versions, the system can generate instances of the same graphical program for different data types through type propagation, reducing development time while maintaining data type correctness
3Manufacturing precision
If type-specific graphical programs are used, then programming precision is maintained, but adaptability to different data types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automatic type propagation to dynamically change the data type parameters of nodes based on their inputs. This allows type-specific precision to be maintained for each data type while providing adaptability to different data types, as the system automatically adjusts parameters without requiring separate programmed logic for each type
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating and using type generic graphical programs. The method may include storing a first graphical program on a memory medium. The first graphical program may have been created based on user input. The first graphical program may include a plurality of nodes and interconnections between the nodes, and the plurality of nodes and interconnections between the nodes may be type generic. User input may be received specifying one or more data types of at least one input and/or at least one output of the first graphical program. The data types may be associated with the first graphical program in response to said user input specifying the one or more data types.