Visual Device Binding Interface for Protocol-Agnostic Code Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating executable programs for hardware devices require expertise in coding and specific knowledge of device protocols, limiting accessibility for non-technical users and complicating the process of binding devices across different communication protocols.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for generating executable code that allows users to visually select and bind properties of hardware devices on a design surface, automatically generating functions that tie devices together, regardless of protocol compatibility, using a computing device with a processor and user interface that includes a code generator to analyze dependencies and create executable code.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional coding methods are used to generate executable programs for hardware devices, then the programs can be implemented with precise control over device protocols and capabilities, but the process requires extensive coding expertise and knowledge of device protocols, making it inaccessible to non-technical users

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to non-technical usersVSAvoidRequirement for coding expertise and protocol knowledge
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a visual programming interface that acts as an intermediary between non-technical users and the complex device protocols. This interface provides abstractions such as drag-and-drop components, visual flowcharts, and pre-configured device templates that hide the underlying protocol complexity while enabling users to create executable programs without coding expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pre-defined device templates and reusable code components that can be copied and adapted for different hardware devices. These templates encapsulate common device protocols and capabilities, allowing users to leverage existing patterns rather than coding from scratch, thereby reducing the knowledge barrier while maintaining protocol precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If manual coding is used to bind hardware devices, then precise control over device binding and protocol compatibility can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex, especially when dealing with multiple devices and protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpeed of creating device applicationsVSAvoidTime required for coding and verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pre-configured device templates, pre-written code libraries, and automated protocol detection mechanisms that perform necessary准备工作 in advance. When users create new device applications, these pre-prepared resources are automatically selected and adapted, eliminating the need for manual coding of common functions and significantly reducing development time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated code generation, automatic protocol detection, and self-verification capabilities that perform tasks without user intervention. The system automatically binds devices based on visual specifications, generates appropriate protocol handlers, and verifies correctness, thereby reducing both the time required and the expertise needed compared to manual coding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automated code generation is implemented to simplify the process, then accessibility to non-technical users improves, but ensuring correctness and reliability of generated code becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser-friendly interfaceVSAvoidCorrectness of generated code
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including real-time validation of visual program specifications, automated testing of generated code against device protocols, and verification that binding logic correctly implements user intent. These feedback loops detect and correct errors in generated code before deployment, ensuring reliability despite the automated generation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation and verification during the code generation process itself, checking for protocol compatibility, binding correctness, and logical consistency before the code is executed. This advance verification ensures that automatically generated code meets reliability requirements without requiring manual review of every line of code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3398062B1Generation of a device application
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3398062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3398062B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3398062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples of the disclosure enable the recalculation of device chaining in a user interface. In some examples, a first element representing a first hardware device is received at a design surface of a computing device user interface. A second element representing a second hardware device is received at the design surface. A selection of an output associated with the first element is received. A function that binds a property of the second element to a property of the output associated with the first element is automatically generated. Aspects of the disclosure enable the automatically generated function to be displayed at the design surface.