Schematic diagram generating system using library of general purpose interactively selectable graphic primitives to create special applications icons
First Claim
1. A general purpose interactive rule based system for generating problem solutions in schematic diagram form comprising:
- a computer processor;
a graphics terminal coupled to said processor;
means for providing a multi-portion split display on said graphics terminal;
a plurality of functions and graphic primitives stored in said computer processor;
means for creating a library of icons for an intended application by enabling a methodology designer to;
select and arrange said graphic primitives using said graphics terminal, andidentify, by way of example, parameters for using each icon in response to prompts initiated by said computer processor;
means for generating and storing a specific set of rules pertaining to the use of each icon on the basis of the parameters identified;
means for symbolically displaying in one portion of said split display a set of icons from said library;
means for displaying in another portion of said split display a set of said functions; and
means for enabling a problem solving user to access and select displayed icons and functions, and to build a solution to a problem by using functions to graphically couple icons together on a chart work area portion of said split display in accordance with said rules.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interactive rule based system enables problem solutions to be generated in schematic diagram form. A methodology designer selects and arranges graphic primitives using a graphics terminal to create a library of icons. Under control of a computer processor, the methodology designer is prompted to identify, by way example, parameters for using each icon. The system generates and stores a specific set of rules pertaining to the use of each icon on the basis of the parameters identified. The stored rules are cross-referenced to the icon to which they pertain, so that whenever the icon is selected by a problem solving user for use in building a problem solution, the rules pertaining thereto will be accessed and applied. A methodology designer can also select and concatenate functions to each other and to icons to create more complex functions for use in building problem solutions. New functions can also be created in the form of truth tables which establish a transfer function across an icon. By accessing and selecting icons and functions created by a methodology designer, a problem solving user can build a solution to a problem by graphically coupling the icons and functions together on a chart.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A general purpose interactive rule based system for generating problem solutions in schematic diagram form comprising:
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a computer processor; a graphics terminal coupled to said processor; means for providing a multi-portion split display on said graphics terminal; a plurality of functions and graphic primitives stored in said computer processor; means for creating a library of icons for an intended application by enabling a methodology designer to; select and arrange said graphic primitives using said graphics terminal, and identify, by way of example, parameters for using each icon in response to prompts initiated by said computer processor; means for generating and storing a specific set of rules pertaining to the use of each icon on the basis of the parameters identified; means for symbolically displaying in one portion of said split display a set of icons from said library; means for displaying in another portion of said split display a set of said functions; and means for enabling a problem solving user to access and select displayed icons and functions, and to build a solution to a problem by using functions to graphically couple icons together on a chart work area portion of said split display in accordance with said rules. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An interactive system for building schematic diagrams in accordance with formal rules and procedures comprising:
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a computer; a graphics terminal coupled to said computer; a plurality of general purpose user selectable functions and graphic icons stored in said computer; means for storing sets of formal rules pertaining to the use of each general purpose function and icon; means for using said graphics terminal to create a library of special purpose icons for an intended application; means for generating and storing a set of formal rules pertaining to the use of each special purpose icon in said library of icons; means for accessing the set of formal rules for a particular function or icon upon selection of that function or icon by a problem solving user; means for enabling a problem solving user to build a schematic diagram by graphically coupling selected icons together on said graphics terminal; and means for enforcing the formal rules for each selected icon and function, during the building of a schematic diagram, by prompting a user to input any textual, numerical, or graphic data required by said formal rules and by providing an error message if an action is attempted that would break a rule. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification