Control Program Dependency Graphs With Switchable Function Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately associating and ascertaining dependency relations among device variables corresponding to devices and their parameters within control programs, particularly when functions are used, as they do not consider the utilization of functions in defining these relations.
Innovation Solution
A graph display device that acquires dependency relation information and generates directed graphs to visualize these relations, including nodes for device variables and edges representing dependencies, with the option to display graphs with or without function blocks, allowing users to switch between different graph displays to clarify dependencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dependency relations are ascertained based on control programs without considering function utilization, then the analysis process is simplified, but the accuracy of associating device variables with function parameters is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control program analysis into two distinct graph types: a first directed graph showing device variable dependencies, and a second directed graph showing function parameter dependencies. This segmentation allows each graph to focus on specific aspects of dependency relations, improving accuracy while maintaining analytical clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces function blocks as intermediary elements that connect device variables to their operational parameters. By positioning function blocks as mediators in the dependency chain, the system accurately traces how device variables influence system behavior through function parameters, resolving the accuracy issue.
2Loss of information
If both device variable dependencies and function parameter dependencies are displayed together, then complete dependency information is provided, but the graph complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides comprehensive dependency information into two separate directed graphs: the first graph displays device variable dependencies, while the second graph displays function parameter dependencies. This segmentation prevents information overload in a single graph while ensuring complete dependency coverage across both graphs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between displaying the first directed graph and the second directed graph based on analytical needs. This dynamic display approach allows users to focus on specific dependency aspects without being overwhelmed by all dependencies simultaneously, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A technology for associating and ascertaining dependency relations between device variables corresponding to respective devices with dependency relations of device variables for respective parameters of a function in a control program is provided. A graph display device according to one aspect of the present invention generates a first directed graph including a plurality of first nodes that respectively express device variables and edges that express having dependency relations, and a second directed graph including the plurality of first nodes, the edges, and a block that expresses the function, and switches and displays the generated first directed graph and second directed graph on a display device.