Visual Interlocking Block Programming for Non-Technical Collaboration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programming languages are complex and require extensive training, making it difficult for non-technical users to create, understand, and maintain programs, especially with scripts that can be hundreds or thousands of lines long, and lack accessibility for real-time collaboration across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A visual programming language, referred to as Hieroglyph, uses interlocking graphical elements called visual program blocks that can be combined in a single window to create and edit programs, allowing non-technical users to visualize and follow decision-making processes, with color-coding for execution speed and real-time collaboration capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional programming languages are used, then programs can be created with precise control and functionality, but the complexity and difficulty of learning increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments programming functionality into discrete visual blocks, each representing a specific operation or function. These blocks are then assembled through interlocking mechanisms rather than requiring syntax knowledge, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining functional precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of textual syntax and punctuation with a visual interlocking block system. Users manipulate graphical elements through drag-and-drop and interlocking mechanisms rather than typing code, substituting textual programming with visual assembly.
2Ease of operation
If visual programming blocks are used, then ease of creation improves, but the system complexity increases due to interlocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The visual programming system is segmented into standardized blocks with defined interlocking interfaces. Each block contains specific functional elements that can be independently manipulated and combined, reducing the perceived complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal interlocking mechanisms that work across different block types and programming scenarios. The same basic interlocking principle applies regardless of the specific function or complexity of the blocks being assembled, providing a consistent user experience.
3Loss of information
If programs are created using traditional code, then execution precision is maintained, but readability and understanding for non-technical users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of program logic using graphical blocks that mirror the functional structure of traditional code. This visual copying maintains the precise execution logic while presenting it in a readable, visually intuitive format that non-technical users can understand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-coding to differentiate block types, functions, and execution states. This visual encoding enhances readability and comprehension while maintaining the precise functional relationships through color-coded interlocking mechanisms and visual cues.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive training is provided for programming languages, then program creation capability improves, but time consumption and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The visual block system is designed to be self-explanatory through its graphical interface and interlocking mechanisms. Users can understand program logic by visually assembling blocks without requiring external training, making the system self-teaching and eliminating the need for extensive programming education.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-structures programming functionality into ready-to-use visual blocks with defined interlocking interfaces. This preliminary organization of programming elements allows users to immediately begin creating programs through visual assembly rather than requiring time-consuming training on syntax and structure.
5Ease of operation
If programs are made readable by humans, then accessibility and understanding improve, but automation and computer-executability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts visual block assemblies into executable code. The interlocking block system serves as a mediator between human-readable visual programming and computer-executable instructions, maintaining both readability and automatability through this intermediate representation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for creating and editing a visual interlocking block based program in a collaborative communication session. The visual interlocking block based program utilizes a single-page interface divided into an available segments region and a workspace region. Users drag visual program blocks from the available segments region into the workspace region in forming a visual program. The visual program blocks automatically interlock with one another in a pipeline to form an ordered sequence of visual program blocks making up the visual program. Each visual program block includes an icon that defines a specific programming function for a particular type of the visual program block. When arranged in the ordered sequence of the pipeline, the icons of the visual program blocks align to form a hieroglyph that identifies the visual program, a functionality of the visual program, and execution speeds of the visual program.