Visual Programming IDE Mock-up Generation for Mobile Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual programming environments for mobile devices lack efficient tools for novice users to develop applications that utilize mobile-specific functionalities, such as accelerometer or ringer functions, without direct manipulation of underlying code.
Innovation Solution
A visual programming IDE that allows users to select and arrange components to define applications, generating executable code that accesses mobile device-specific functionalities, and provides a mock-up version of the application for testing before final compilation, using interpreter code sent to a command interpreter on the mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a visual programming interface is provided for novice users, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to access mobile device-specific functionalities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the visual programming interface and mobile device functionalities. This intermediary translates high-level visual programming constructs into low-level device-specific API calls, enabling novice users to access mobile functionalities without direct code manipulation. The intermediary acts as a bridge that maintains the simplicity of visual programming while providing access to complex device capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs code generation that creates executable code representations of visual programming constructs. These generated codes are then transmitted to the mobile device for execution, allowing the visual interface to control device functionalities through intermediary code objects that bridge the gap between user-friendly syntax and device-specific requirements.
2Reliability
If executable code is generated only after complete application construction, then code correctness is improved, but development time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary code generation during the application construction phase itself, rather than waiting for completion. As users build applications through the visual interface, the system continuously generates and executes intermediate versions of the code, enabling early testing and feedback. This preliminary action allows iterative development while maintaining code correctness through continuous validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous code generation and execution throughout the development process. Instead of discrete compilation steps at the end, the system maintains continuous feedback loops where visual programming actions immediately trigger code generation and execution, allowing developers to test functionality continuously as they build rather than waiting for completion.
3Ease of operation
If mock-up version is provided for testing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the mobile device application in the form of executable code objects that can be run on standard computing devices. These mock-up versions replicate the essential functionality and user interface of mobile applications, enabling testing without requiring actual mobile hardware. The copying approach maintains testing capability while avoiding the complexity of emulating complete mobile device environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for creating mobile device applications. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a user has entered one or more user inputs into an integrated development environment, to select or arrange a component that defines a portion of an application, and transmitting interpreter code that corresponds to the component to a mobile device, where the interpreter code, when interpreted by a command interpreter on the mobile device, causes the mobile device to generate a mock-up of the portion of the application defined by the component.