Visual Programming Tool Research Articles

Rapid IoT Prototyping: A Visual Programming Tool and Hardware Solutions for LoRa-Based Devices.

LoRa technology has gained popularity as one of the most widely used standards for device interconnection due to its ability to cover long distances and energy efficiency, making it a suitable choice for various Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring and control applications. In this sense, this work presents the development of a visual support tool for creating IoT devices with LoRa and LoRaWAN connectivity. This work significantly advances the state of the art in LoRa technology by introducing a novel visual support tool tailored for creating IoT devices with LoRa and LoRaWAN connectivity. By simplifying the development process and offering compatibility with multiple hardware solutions, this research not only facilitates the integration of LoRaWAN technology within educational settings but also paves the way for rapid prototyping of IoT nodes. The incorporation of block programming for LoRa and LoRaWAN using the Arduinoblocks framework as a graphical environment enhances the capabilities of the tool, positioning it as a comprehensive solution for efficient firmware generation. In addition to the visual tool for firmware generation, multiple compatible hardware solutions enable easy, economical, and stable development, offering a comprehensive hardware and software solution. The hardware proposal is based on an ESP32 microcontroller, known for its power and low cost, in conjunction with an RFM9x module that is based on SX127x LoRa transceivers. Finally, three successfully tested use cases and a discussion are presented.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency and Daylight Performance in Office Buildings in BIM through RBFOpt Model-Based Optimization: The GENIUS Project

Architects face the challenge of exploring various design solutions in the early design stage, often with conflicting optimization goals. To tackle this complexity, they need to rely on tools and methodologies during the conceptual phase to assess and optimize designs, considering multiple aspects of building performance. Parametric Design, Generative Design, and automation in Building Information Modelling (BIM) offer architects new opportunities to work on complex buildings. These advancements empower designers to enhance their designs, increase project efficiency, improve performance, and reduce project time and costs. Multi-Objective Optimization algorithms are employed to address conflicting objectives in the design process. The GENIUS project introduces an Algorithm-Aided Design workflow that optimizes the building shape and Window-to-Wall Ratio of an office building, considering energy and daylight performance. The integration of BIM software, visual programming tools, and Artificial Intelligence techniques (Genetic Algorithms and RBFOpt model-based optimization) allows architects to identify optimal solutions aligning with design objectives. The workflow was validated through a case study of a large office building, focusing on maximizing daylight performance using the Spatial Daylight Autonomy metric and minimizing energy consumption using the Energy Use Intensity metric. The GENIUS project equips architects with a methodology and toolset to improve their designs and identify optimal solutions for complex design challenges.

PELATIHAN CODING MENGGUNAKAN SCRATCH KEPADA SISWA-SISWI SD NEGERI 100 MALUKU TENGAH

The purpose of this activity is to explore the effectiveness of coding training using Scratch for students of Elementary School (SD) Negeri 100 Central Maluku. The training method is carried out through a series of sessions designed to introduce basic programming concepts and the use of Scratch as a visual programming tool. This research involved students of SD Negeri 100 Central Maluku as the subject of this activity. Data was collected through pre and post training tests, as well as participatory observation during training sessions. The results showed that coding training using Scratch was effective in increasing students' understanding of programming concepts and their ability to create interactive projects using Scratch. In addition, this training also improves students' critical thinking skills, creativity, and cooperation. These findings provide strong support for the introduction of coding using Scratch at the elementary education level and emphasize the importance of integrating programming into the school curriculum

Heritage-BIM for energy simulation: a data exchange method for improved interoperability

ABSTRACT The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Building Energy Simulation (BES) is challenged by inadequate data integration and unreliable data and geometry conversion. Despite recent efforts to address critical interoperability issues, the effective exchange of data between the two digital environments remains a non-truly fulfilled promise of the digital transformation agenda for the industry. To contribute to the broader community effort in mitigating this deficiency, the present article proposes an alternative method for securing an improved BIM to BES workflow for existing and heritage buildings. The proposed method suggests an alternative way for integrating environmental analysis data to the Heritage BIM model, as well as an easy to develop visual programming process for missing data recovery, through auxiliary exchange operations. The article also presents lessons learned for the geometrical conversion of BIM elements with non-standard and irregular attributes, evaluated through the energy retrofit application of a colonial heritage building. The proposed method demonstrates how visual programming tools and common data exchange formats can supplementary assist existing practises to deal with major interoperability obstacles. The overall findings contribute to current efforts in the field, for the establishment of good practices of using Heritage BIM for energy retrofit architectural interventions.

Learning text analytics without coding? An introduction to KNIME

The combination of the quantitative turn in linguistics and the emergence of text analytics has created a demand for new methodological skills among linguists and data scientists. This paper introduces KNIME as a low-code programming platform for linguists interested in learning text analytic methods, while highlighting the considerations necessary from a linguistics standpoint for data scientists. Examples from an Open Educational Resource created for the DiMPAH project are used to demonstrate KNIME’s value as a low-code option for text analysis, using sentiment analysis and topic modelling as examples. The paper provides detailed step-by-step descriptions of the workflows for both methods, showcasing how these methods can be applied without writing code. The results suggest that visual or low-code programming tools are useful as an introduction for linguists and humanities scholars who wish to gain an understanding of text analytic workflows and computational thinking. However, as with more traditional programming, caution must be exercised when using methods without fully understanding them. In conclusion, KNIME is a potential avenue for innovative research and teaching computational methods to humanities scholars.

Development and evaluation of a facile mesh-to-surface tool for customised wheelchair cushions

BackgroundCustom orthoses are becoming more commonly prescribed for upper and lower limbs. They require some form of shape-capture of the body parts they will be in contact with, which generates an STL file that designers prepare for manufacturing. For larger devices such as custom-contoured wheelchair cushions, the STL created during shape-capture can contain hundreds of thousands of tessellations, making them difficult to alter and prepare for manufacturing using mesh-editing software. This study covers the development and testing of a mesh-to-surface workflow in a parametric computer-aided design software using its visual programming language such that STL files of custom wheelchair cushions can be efficiently converted into a parametric single surface.MethodsA volunteer in the clinical space with expertise in computer-aided design aided was interviewed to understand and document the current workflow for creating a single surface from an STL file of a custom wheelchair cushion. To understand the user needs of typical clinical workers with little computer-aided design experience, potential end-users of the process were tasked with completing the workflow and providing feedback during the experience. This feedback was used to automate part of the computer-aided design process using a visual programming tool, creating a new semi-automated workflow for mesh-to-surface translation. Both the original and semi-automated process were then evaluated by nine volunteers with varying levels of computer-aided design experience.ResultsThe semi-automated process showed a 37% reduction in the total number of steps required to convert an STL model to a parametric surface. Regardless of previous computer-aided design experience, volunteers completed the semi-automated workflow 31% faster on average than the manual workflow.ConclusionsThe creation of a semi-automated process for creating a single parametric surface of a custom wheelchair cushion from an STL mesh makes mesh-to-surface conversion more efficient and more user-friendly to all, regardless of computer-aided design experience levels. The steps followed in this study may guide others in the development of their own mesh-to-surface tools in the wheelchair sector, as well as those creating other large custom prosthetic devices.

Dynamo script and a BIM-based process for measuring embodied carbon in buildings during the design phase

Abstract In recent years, worldwide efforts have been made towards reducing energy use and emissions, which have a variety of impacts such as contributing to climate change. Hence, environmental analysis in the construction sector is essential today to develop good products that perform adequately, are safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. A significant emission from various stages in the building sector is carbon dioxide, which can be separated into two categories: embedded emissions and operating emissions. The aim of this paper is to introduce a simple tool integrated into a building information modelling (BIM)-based framework that provides an analysis of embodied carbon (related to the SE2050 commitment to net zero) in order to produce a manual to guide designers in selecting appropriate materials, systems and alternatives during the design phase of a construction project. The suggested integration procedure was carried out using Autodesk Revit (to produce the 3D model), Dynamo (a visual programming tool), and BIM360 (to link with), with good interoperability between each product. To finish, a case study was carried out to apply and validate this process and verify that the tool is ready to use. The results show that the maximum variance was 0.047, which supports developers’ environmental strategies, and enables clients and other stockholders to consider environmental impacts during the early phases of construction projects.

Tools for automating the design of construction objects

The digitalization of the construction industry is affecting the designer's profession - today it is not enough for him or her to be proficient in information modeling systems; the increasing complexity of projects requires him or her to have knowledge in developing plug-ins and scripts. Even if an organization has programmers on staff, an ordinary architect or a designer must understand how to issue a technical specification for writing an appropriate module. However, in most cases, designers have to optimize routine operations and automate individual tasks in-house using visual programming or algorithmic modeling tools.

Design and Implementation of Virtual Physics Based on Unity and Visual Programming

Based on the Unity3D physical simulation characteristics and PlayMaker visual programming as the programming means, this paper designs and realizes the virtual experiment suitable for junior high school physics teaching. The purpose is to transform the serious physical experiment into an intuitive and vivid virtual interactive animation, so as to stimulate students' interest in physics learning and improve the learning quality.This design is mainly designed for the elastic realization and gravity experiment in the middle school physics curriculum.In addition, the use of visual programming tools can reduce the development threshold, and some non-computer major students can also complete the design and implementation of the experiment in practice.

Integrating the 4cs into Creating Games by Visual Programming and Project Based Learning

In recent years teaching methods and tools have changed due to the development of IT information technologies. The Teaching Learning Process is guided and supported by the use of technological and pedagogical drivers in a holistic way.
 This paper presents a teaching framework for the development of technologically supported learning environments, through the utilization of visual programming tools, such as Kodu and Scratch, proposed by the current and supplementary National Curriculum. Also, it proposes a framework of educational scenarios as a part of Games Based Learning practices within a Project Based Learning project that will be implemented during languages courses to K-6 students.
 Seventy-five Greek-speaking children of the fifth year of various primary schools of Athens participated in this study. The aim of the study was not only to examine how the creation of educational digital games with Kodu and Scratch can introduce primary school students to programming but also to investigate the developmental path of 21st century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication (4Cs) and virtual/digital skills. A mixed method approach was adopted to explore the educational value of using these programming tools in the teaching-learning process. The research data was collected using observations, worksheets and questionnaires. The result of this study shows that the students were excited about the creation of their game by visual programming environments and project implementation, which was reflected by their active involvement in the learning process.
 The positive results of the research suggest that, in the proposed framework, the visual programming environments Kodu and Scratch can be dynamic learning tools during the teaching of language courses that support the development of students’ expression and collaboration skills. Also, the above findings provide an approach for future teaching to K-6 students on developing narrative skills.

Frame design of the BIM based budget software of nuclear power projects

With the continuous update and iteration of Internet information technology, the application of BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology in the fields of project management, cost and construction is becoming more and more popular. The field of project cost relies on the significant advantages of BIM technology to realize the intelligence of project cost management. It can effectively promote the horizontal information collection and vertical information interaction of different participants, and achieve a good information exchange and interaction effect. This paper combines the characteristics of China nuclear power engineering projects, applies building information modeling (BIM) technology, and integrates it into the nuclear power engineering cost software framework. This paper firstly analyzes the basic characteristics of China nuclear power engineering cost software, and puts forward the key functional requirements for existing cost software. On this basis, the basic characteristics of foreign mainstream construction cost software with BIM technology and the feasibility of its application in China is also analyzed. The model consists of two parts, namely the BIM data management platform and the functional model of the construction project budget subsystem. Among them, the BIM data management platform realizes the analysis, storage and management of IFC (Industry Foundation Class) data, and provides a user interface for specific professional fields, such as the field of construction engineering budget, while the construction engineering budget subsystem provides users with cost budgeting expertise. In addition, this paper describes in detail the method of using BIM technology to create the most used pipe network model in cost assessment. Based on Revit software, combined with the use of visual programming tools Dynamo and Revit API, the repetitive and tedious manual modeling process is automated to compete the creation of the BIM model of a large number of pipe networks in a relatively short time, and make the model carry rich engineering information. This paper establishes a basic framework suitable for China nuclear power engineering cost software, which can lay the foundation for the subsequent development of corresponding software. The pipeline network BIM establishment method proposed in this paper can greatly improve the work efficiency of traditional CAD modeling, realize seamless connection with cost assessment, and has broad engineering application prospects.

Sucre4Stem: Collaborative Projects Based on IoT Devices for Students in Secondary and Pre-University Education

This paper describes a new technological evolution of the <i>Sucre</i> project, which aims to foster a vocation for science and develop computational thinking and programming skills in pre-university students. This improved version is called <i>Sucre4Stem</i> and has been designed from the Internet of Things perspective. At a technological level, we differentiate two main tools, <i>SucreCore</i> and<i>SucreCode</i>. <i>SucreCore</i> provides a new, more compact design, encapsulates an advanced microcontroller and supports wireless connectivity with the ability to create online variables and functions. <i>SucreCode</i>, the block-based visual programming tool, has a revamped interface and allows wireless communication with <i>SucreCore</i>. At the pedagogical level, Sucre4Stem makes it easier to implement new group dynamics and to create novel types of collaborative projects between groups of students. In this article, we also explore how these collaborative projects can be carried out by taking advantage of the different types of communications between <i>SucreCore</i> and the server-side platform using shared online variables and functions.

Towards efficient BIM use of geotechnical data from geotechnical investigations

The benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the building sector pushed for its use in the geotechnical sector with evident benefits in projects around the world. Standardization, interoperability, and improved data management are some of the benefits of BIM if used on geotechnical data. This work focuses on transforming traditional workflows of handling geotechnical data into a BIM-based workflow that makes geotechnical data available in BIM contexts. For that, a definition of Product Data Template (PDT) for boreholes is proposed. A script is developed using visual programming tools to import data based on PDTs to the BIM platform and translate it into borehole objects. An additional script is used to represent the subsurface layers in 3D. Finally, the interoperability aspects of the information are discussed to ensure proper processes of IFC export/import in this context. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed workflow.

A Survey on Evaluating Usability of Visual Studio

Programing plays an important role in Computer Science (CS) students during their degrees. The study was conducted to evaluate the Microsoft visual studio programming tool to find out usability issues and provides the recommendations. The main goal of this research was to initiate dialog in the CS community to address usability issues can provide better interface to improve the usability of such kind of programming framework. It has been examined by evaluating qualitatively and quantitatively the interface with novice and expert users. Quantitative assessment is done in university with the help of usability testing in order to explore the usability problems of programming tool Visual Studio with the help of quantitative evaluation where satisfaction level is measured. System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire and After Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ) is used for the opinion of the participants after usability testing that help to improve the interface of the tool. Qualitative evaluation-usability inspection technique termed as heuristic evaluation is used by Nielson heuristics to improve the usability of the interface. Experiment was conducting at Bahria University Lahore campus in programing course lab under controlled environment. Overall SUS score was 48% of first semester bachelors of information technology (BSIT) students that is below the threshold satisfaction value which recommends that usability issues should be identified. Experts evaluated the interface by 10 Nielson heuristics and highlighted major and, minor issues. Proper interface was suggested by the experts to produce better result.

BIM–LCCA Integration for Road Pavement Maintenance

The use of building information modeling (BIM) for infrastructures is on the rise but the use of the life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) integrated within the BIM environment itself to analyze multiple design alternatives and set up a proper maintenance plan has not yet been developed. It is possible to integrate evaluation of maintenance and waste recovery strategies, minimizing costs and the use of raw materials. A visual programming tool was exploited to set up an application that applies the LCCA methodology to a road pavement project in the early design phase, returning the total maintenance cost updated to the year of construction, the number of maintenance interventions, and the residual value of accumulated fatigue damage. The execution of the LCCA tool dynamically updates the properties of the BIM model with the resulting pavement management plan and returns multiple outputs, giving to the user the possibility of making further assessments and store the data as needed. The developed application shows that BIM is a promising tool to implement more complex and useful analyses that can reduce the maintenance planning time and allow the designer to choose between multiple alternative solutions already in the early design phase, bringing consistent cost savings through the possibility of finding the minimum cost solution based on the specific project needs in compliance with the quality and safety criteria to be guaranteed for the road category.

Development of a visual programming tool called SmrAI for function testing to mitigate the shortage of programming personnel in the manufacturing

Development of a visual programming tool called SmrAI for function testing to mitigate the shortage of programming personnel in the manufacturing

АВТОМАТИЗАЦИЯ РАСЧЕТА ТЕПЛОЗАЩИТНЫХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ОКОН

The use of information modeling tools at all stages of the life cycle of a capital construction object allows you to analyze design information in order to make the most correct decision, while significantly reducing the uncertainty of processes by increasing the amount of data available for analysis. One of the labor-intensive processes at the design stage is the selection of the most suitable structural elements, including translucent structures. As part of the work, the normative and reference information related to the calculation of the heat-shielding characteristics of building structures has been analyzed, scientific developments and publications devoted to the automation of the implementation of heat engineering calculations using various software tools are considered. For the purpose of the study, two indicators were calculated: the normalized value of the reduced heat transfer resistance and the reduced heat transfer resistance of the window. To solve the problem, such automation tools as the Dynamo visual programming tool and the Python programming language were used, with the help of which a script was developed for calculating the thermal performance of windows for use in Autodesk Revit (Autodesk, Inc., USA). As part of the study, it was determined that the combined use of the Dynamo visual programming tool and the Python text programming tool, expanding the functionality of Autodesk Revit, made it possible to automate the task of calculating the reduced heat transfer resistance of a window and the normalized heat transfer resistance, taking into account conditions of a specific construction region.

Asyncflow: A visual programming tool for game artificial intelligence

Visual programming tools are widely applied in the game industry to assist game designers in developing game artificial intelligence (game AI) and gameplay. However, testing multiple game engines is a time-consuming operation, which degrades development efficiency. To provide an asynchronous platform for game designers, this paper introduces Asyncflow, an open-source visual programming solution. It consists of a flowchart maker for game logic explanation and a runtime framework integrating an asynchronous mechanism based on an event-driven architecture. Asyncflow supports multiple programming languages and can be easily embedded in various game engines to run flowcharts created by game designers.

Development and Implementation of an OpenSource IoT Platform, Network and Data Warehouse for Privacy-Compliant Applications in Research and Industry

Abstract In the scientific field, data acquisition using commercial or self-developed sensors is a necessity for many research activities. Data security and data privacy are important requirements in all types of IoT applications, especially in the medical context. IoTree42 is a powerful, OpenSource platform that closes the gap between cost-efficiency, the ease of use and digital sovereignty. The flexible and user-friendly design makes the platform ideal for the originally conceived research context. Nevertheless, it can be used for smaller budget-oriented setups and industrial applications with thousands of sensors and actuators likewise. The platform was developed with security in mind by minimizing interfaces and the use of stable software components and transport protocols. IoTree42 utilizes lightweight OpenSource software cast into a flexible backend, allowing the deployment not only on full-fledged servers but also on single board computers like the Raspberry Pi. Data is transmitted with low overhead via MQTT, a robust protocol optimized for machine to machine communication. The transmission technology between all components is freely selectable. Besides data acquisition, IoTree42 enables control of actuators and automation through interfaces with visual programming tools. This allows for remote interventions without requiring prior programming experience. The incoming data can conveniently be visualized in dashboards or easily be exported for further analysis. The network consists of a central server and satellites (gateways) arranged in a star topology. Sensors and actuators connect to the gateway. The initial setup of the server and the gateways is automated, well documented, and can be done within minutes. Thanks to the increasing usage and the contribution of the community, the pool of code examples for sensors is growing and lowers the entry hurdle for users without programming background. IoTree42 is a fast-growing, multi-user, hardware and cloud agnostic, easy to deploy, privacy compliant and competitive solution compared to commercial IoT alternatives.

Designing accessible visual programming tools for children with autism spectrum condition

Visual programming tools allow users to create interactive media projects such as games and animations using visual representations of programming concepts. Although these tools have been shown to have huge potential for teaching children, research has shown that they may not be accessible for children with cognitive impairments, including those with autism spectrum condition. Therefore, this study proposes a set of recommendations for the design of accessible visual programming tools for children with autism spectrum condition. Semi-structured interviews with experts (n=7) were conducted and thematically analysed to identify initial recommendations. A second set of semi-structured interviews with a subset of the initial experts (n=3) were then conducted to validate and produce a final set of recommendations.