Industrial Controller Programmer Reference Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programming industrial controllers is complex due to the difficulty in identifying and linking numerous input and output variables from diverse and rapidly changing low-level devices, requiring programmers to consult multiple manufacturer manuals for device data meaning and function.
Innovation Solution
A computer program that extracts descriptions from electronic data sheets to create a programmer reference, linking device data to memory locations, providing human-readable variable names and configuration information, and embedding this information into source code, thus simplifying the programming process for industrial controllers interacting with various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If programmers manually identify and link input/output variables from diverse low-level devices, then control programs can be created, but the programming complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically extracting device data descriptions from electronic data sheets before the programmer needs to use them. The parser reads data sheets, extracts variable names, data types, and functional descriptions, and prepares this information in advance for the programmer reference, eliminating the need for programmers to manually search and interpret multiple manufacturer manuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the diverse low-level devices and the control program. The mapper creates a standardized interface that translates device-specific data formats into a unified reference format, allowing programmers to work with consistent variable descriptions regardless of the underlying device diversity. This intermediary handling layer shields programmers from device complexity.
2Reliability
If programmers consult multiple manufacturer manuals for device data meaning and function, then accurate variable identification is achieved, but time consumption and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges information from multiple manufacturer manuals and electronic data sheets into a single unified programmer reference. The parser consolidates variable names, data types, functional descriptions, and memory address mappings from various device documentation sources into one integrated reference structure, allowing programmers to access all necessary device information in one place rather than consulting multiple separate manuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmer reference system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides variable names, data types, functional descriptions, memory address mappings, and device identification all in one unified interface. This universal reference tool replaces the need for multiple separate manufacturer manuals, reducing programming time while maintaining accuracy through consistent multi-functional information delivery.
3Ease of operation
If device data descriptions are extracted from electronic data sheets and linked to memory locations, then a unified programmer reference is created, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically extracting device data descriptions from electronic data sheets and linking them to memory locations without requiring manual intervention. The parser reads data sheets, extracts relevant information, and the mapper automatically creates the associations between device variables and controller memory addresses. This automation reduces the burden on programmers while the system handles the processing complexity internally.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed open source collaboration model is used to accommodate rapid device changes, then adaptability to new devices is improved, but coordination and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal electronic data sheet format that can accommodate diverse devices from different manufacturers. This standardized data structure allows the parser to extract information from various device types using the same process, enabling the system to adapt to new devices without requiring custom handling. The universal reference format serves multiple device types simultaneously, improving adaptability while maintaining consistent processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program to assist in programming an industrial control system provides a programmer with a functional description of the data of low-level devices in the industrial controller, as gleaned from electronic data sheets, whose data is extracted and combined with mapping data used during the configuration of the industrial controller. The functional description may be used to create a reference for the programmer that may be incorporated into the control program source file.