Variable Configuration System Across Local Global Network Scopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programming systems require significant rewriting and are error-prone when changing the scope or data type of shared variables across different programs or machines, as they often necessitate the use of different communication mechanisms and APIs, leading to cumbersome and inefficient data sharing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for specifying, representing, and using variables through a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to configure attributes such as name, data type, and scope, with options for local, global, or network scope, enabling automatic updates across multiple programs and devices, and providing error indication and modification tools for compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different communication mechanisms and APIs are used for sharing data across different scopes (local, global, network), then data sharing capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to manage multiple protocols and extensive rewriting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal variable declaration mechanism that works across all scopes (local, global, network) using a single unified syntax and configuration approach. The system provides multi-functionality by allowing the same variable declaration structure to adapt to different communication needs without requiring different protocols or APIs, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration layer that mediates between the high-level variable declaration and the underlying communication mechanisms. This intermediary handles the complexity of different protocols and APIs, allowing users to declare variables uniformly while the system automatically manages the appropriate communication infrastructure, thus reducing both device complexity and operational difficulty.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different communication mechanisms and APIs are used for sharing data across different scopes, then data sharing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive rewriting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a universal variable declaration syntax that functions across all scopes (local, global, network) without requiring different programming constructs. This multi-functional approach allows the same declaration mechanism to handle diverse communication scenarios, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of communication mechanisms through centralized variable declarations before execution. By pre-configuring the appropriate communication infrastructure based on the declared scope, the system eliminates the need for extensive rewriting when changing scopes, as the adaptation has already been prepared in advance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable scope or data type changes are made in existing programming systems, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to significant rewriting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic variable configuration where variables can change scope and data type through centralized declarations without requiring program rewriting. The system dynamically adapts to configuration changes by automatically updating the underlying implementation, thereby improving both adaptability and productivity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary variable configuration declarations that establish the foundation for future changes. By pre-defining variable attributes in a centralized manner, the system enables rapid adaptation when scope or data type needs to change, as the rewriting has already been performed in the configuration layer rather than in the program logic itself.
4Ease of operation
If a unified variable configuration system is implemented across multiple scopes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration layer that simplifies variable declarations for users while managing the complexity of multiple communication protocols internally. This intermediary absorbs the protocol management complexity, allowing users to operate with simple unified syntax without needing to understand or manage the underlying protocol diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complexity of protocol management from the user-facing interface and places it in the system's internal implementation layer. By separating the simple configuration interface from the complex protocol handling, the system improves ease of operation while containing device complexity within the system boundaries rather than exposing it to users.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for creating, configuring, representing, and using variables in programs. A graphical user interface (GUI) may be displayed in response to user input requesting creation and/or configuration of a variable for use in or comprised in one or more programs, e.g., on various devices. User input is received to the GUI configuring attributes of the variable, including: name, data type, and/or scope (e.g., local, global, or network). The configured attributes are stored and optionally displayed, e.g., in a resource tree, and the variable in each of the programs updated in accordance with the configured attributes. When at least one of the programs is incompatible with the configured variable, an error condition may be indicated, e.g., by providing information relating to portions of the program that are incompatible with the configured variable. The program may be modified in response to user input for compatibility with the configured variable.