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ProtoBuilder : HMI Prototyping Tool
HMI Prototyping Tool that Requires no Programming Skills
Creates On-Screen Virtual Product Models
Easy Specification Document Creation
Overview
ProtoBuilder is an HMI prototyping tool that can create virtual models to aid in HMI specification testing before actual software development takes place. An added benefit of using this program is that it can help facilitate communication between HMI designers and embedded software developers, thereby resulting in smoother development. ProtoBuilder has optional support for NOVAS Inc.'s 'GAP FINDER' verification tool.
Helps Streamline Software Development
Many errors in embedded products are a result of flaws in the specifications designed during the first phase of development. Such flawed specifications are one of the most critical bottlenecks of efficient development, and can lead to repeated setbacks. By conducting a thorough specification verification prior to development, developers can proceed much more smoothly and create error-free and customer-satisfying products.
Facilitates Communication Between HMI Designers and Embedded Software Developers
Virtual models created using ProtoBuilder can be manipulated on screen much like actual products. By including virtual models in the product specifications, software developers can quickly understand the HMI configuration, thereby speeding up development and reducing the possibility of misunderstandings. Also in the particular case where development teams are located in different regions around the world, ProtoBuilder can be a very useful tool for communicating amongst team members.
Obtain Better Customer Feedback
By presenting virtual models to the customer prior to development, the customer will gain a better understanding of how the final product will appear and function. This will allow the customer to give feedback on the design before implementation, resulting in a final product the customer will be more satisfied with.
Outline of Functions
3 Function Module Options
ProtoBuilder is configurable with 3 function modules (sold separately) so that the customer may choose which modules to use according to their development style. Please see below for further details.
| Function Module | Description |
| Model Simulator (Basic module) | Creates, edits and simulates virtual models. |
| Printable Specification Document Creator | Creates specification documents, such as the state transition diagram, from the 'Model Simulator' created virtual product models and outputs to a CSV or HTML file. |
| Model Manager | Integrates multiple 'Model Simulator' created virtual models into one new model. |
Ease of Use
ProtoBuilder requires no software engineering skills, and is as simple to use as a word processor or presentation creating program. The application uses a simple point-click interface, and graphical display creation is as easy as pasting an image and inserting text.
Creates Specification Documents with Ease
The 'Printable Specification Document Creator' module can create specification documents, such as the operation flow specification sheet, with a configurable list of content including: state transition diagrams, state lists, state transition matrix charts, part lists, etc. These documents can be created from the virtual models through a simple drag & drop operation. In this manner quality HMI specification documents can be created with minimal effort.
Combine Multiple Function Units into One Integrated Model
ProtoManager can create virtual models that integrate multiple 'ProtoBuilder' created function units. In doing so ProtoManager does not edit the individual models, rather it simply links them together. Thus if changes are needed to be made to a particular function unit, editing the original model will apply the changes to the integrated model as well.
