3D Program Simulation Playback for Step-by-Step Device Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing simulation systems require repeated reproduction of simulations to verify program operation, leading to inefficient program verification processes.

Innovation Solution

A simulation system that displays 3D space and variable values for each program step, allowing users to easily debug programs by checking both displays and variable values, with features for reproduction, reverse reproduction, stoppage, and frame-by-frame analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If simulations are repeatedly reproduced to verify program operation, then program verification completeness is improved, but verification time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram verification completenessVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary recording of simulation execution data, variable values, and 3D space states during the simulation run. This recorded data is then reused for multiple verification purposes without requiring repeated full simulation executions, thereby reducing verification time while maintaining completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of simulation execution data and variable states at different time points during program execution. These copies enable reviewers to examine program behavior at specific steps without re-executing the entire simulation, thus improving verification efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If detailed variable values and 3D space positions are displayed for each program step, then program debugging capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram debugging capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the simulation data display into discrete time steps corresponding to program execution steps. At each step, it selectively displays relevant variable values and 3D space positions, making debugging easier without overwhelming the user with all possible data simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary data structure that stores and manages simulation execution data, variable values, and 3D space states. This intermediary layer simplifies the complexity by organizing data in a structured manner that can be easily accessed and displayed during debugging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4113293B1Simulation system, method for simulation system, and simulation program

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 OMRON CORP

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AI summary

Provided is a simulation technique that allows the program (1320) verification to be more efficiently performed. The simulation system (500) includes a memory (111) that stores a program to control one or more devices; a processor (102) that executes simulation of an operation of the one or more devices enabled by the program; and a display that displays a simulation screen. The simulation screen includes a display of a three-dimensional (3D) space (1201) for display of a position of the one or more devices in the 3D space (1201), and a display of a value of one or more variables (1204) referred to by the program. The simulation screen updates, for each step of the program, the display of the 3D space (1201) and the display of the value of the one or more variables (1204).