Visual Program Development with Dynamic Operator Instancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for developing computer programs, such as those used in railway signalization, require manual duplication of functional graphic elements for each instance of an operator, making it cumbersome to adapt the visual representation to varying network configurations, as the number of instances often changes with the number of trains or objects on the track.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a visual representation with instancing graphic elements that allow the computer operator to be instantiated multiple times based on the number of graphic stream elements or data sources, enabling automatic adaptation of the operator instances without manual duplication, allowing for easy adaptation to different contexts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual duplication of functional graphic elements is used for each operator instance, then the visual representation can represent multiple instances, but the complexity of adapting the visual representation to varying network configurations increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple instances of the same functional graphic element into a single element with instancing capability. Instead of having separate graphic elements for each operator instance, a single functional graphic element can be instantiated multiple times through the instancing mechanism, reducing visual complexity while maintaining adaptability to varying network configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The functional graphic element is designed with universal instancing capability that allows it to serve multiple purposes across different network configurations. The element can be instantiated a variable number of times depending on the specific network requirements, making the visual representation adaptable without increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual duplication of functional graphic elements is performed for each instance, then each instance can be explicitly represented, but the time required to modify the visual representation for different networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instancing mechanism is pre-configured within the functional graphic element, allowing the system to automatically handle instantiation based on network requirements. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual duplication and modification when adapting to different networks, significantly reducing the time required for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The functional graphic element with instancing capability serves itself by automatically instantiating the required number of operator instances based on the network configuration. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual intervention for creating and managing multiple instances, reducing modification time while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of operation
If functional graphic elements are duplicated manually for each operator instance, then the visual representation can accommodate multiple instances, but the ease of operation for adding or deleting instances decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operator instances are merged into a single functional graphic element with instancing capability. This merging reduces the number of elements that need to be manually manipulated, making it easier to add or delete instances while keeping the visual representation simple and manageable
Data Source
AI summary
A method to develop a computer program, including providing a visual environment for building a visual representation of the computer program, the visual representation including at least one functional graphic element representing a computer operator of the program and including at least one input for supplying the operator with an incoming datum, the visual representation also including a plurality of graphic stream elements each representing a respective datum intended to be processed by the operator, and at least one instantiating graphic element connected to an input of the functional graphic element and to each of the graphic stream elements, the method also including the implementation of the computer program, during which the computer operator is instantiated a number of times equal to the number of graphic stream elements, each instance of the operator having, as incoming data, a respective datum from the data represented by the graphic stream elements.