Function Block Definition and Instance Display Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display and edit devices for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) struggle to clearly distinguish between function block definitions and instances, making it difficult for users to understand their structure relationships and identify which instances are being displayed, especially when multiple instances are created from a single definition.
Innovation Solution
A display and edit device that includes a block definition analyzer and a block instance analyzer to analyze and display the structure relationships of function block definitions and instances simultaneously on the same screen, with a display judging device to emphasize the selected type and a display selector to automatically determine whether to show definitions or instances based on the current processing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If function block definitions and instances are displayed separately on different screens, then the display content is simple and clear, but the user cannot easily understand the structure relationships between definitions and instances
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into multiple regions: a function block definition list display region, a function block instance list display region, and a detailed definition content display region. Each region serves a specific purpose, allowing users to view definitions and instances simultaneously while maintaining clarity. The segmentation enables the system to present complex relationship information without overwhelming the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure implements a nested hierarchy where the function block definition list contains references to instances, and each definition entry can be expanded to show its instance relationships. Similarly, the instance list is nested within the overall display structure, allowing users to drill down from definitions to instances while maintaining the structural context. This nesting approach preserves relationship information without requiring separate screens.
2Loss of information
If multiple function block instances from a single definition are displayed, then complete information is provided, but it becomes difficult to identify which specific instances are being displayed
Solution Approach 1:
Each function block instance entry in the instance list is given distinct local characteristics including unique instance names, individual operational states, and specific parameter values. The display highlights the currently selected instance with visual emphasis, and each instance shows its unique identifier clearly. This local differentiation allows users to easily distinguish between multiple instances while viewing complete information about all instances derived from a single definition.
3Ease of operation
If the display automatically switches between definitions and instances based on processing conditions, then the interface is adaptive and user-friendly, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adapts its content based on the current processing condition and user selection. When a function block definition is selected in the definition list, the detailed content area displays the definition information. When an instance is selected in the instance list, it displays instance-specific information. The system automatically switches display modes based on whether the user is working with definitions or instances, providing an adaptive interface that responds to user actions without requiring manual mode switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A display and edit device for a program containing function blocks has a program memory storing such a program to be processed, a block definition analyzer for accessing the program stored in the program memory and analyzing structure relationship of function block definitions contained in this program, a block instance analyzer for accessing this program stored in the program memory and analyzing structure relationship of function block instances contained in this program, and a structure display device for causing to display structure relationship of the analyzed structure relationship of this function block definition and structure relationship of the analyzed structure relationship of this function block instance.