Graphical Block Configuration for Control System I/O Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring control systems are cumbersome due to limited configurability and incorrect assignment potential between I/O access points, hardware functionalities, and hardware interfaces, especially in large systems, leading to inefficiencies in setting up and managing complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A configuration device and method that utilize block-oriented representations for I/O access points, hardware functionalities, and hardware interfaces, allowing graphical assignment and relative movement to facilitate clear and correct assignments, thereby enhancing configurability and error recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional configuration methods are used for control systems, then the configuration process becomes cumbersome and error-prone, but implementing graphical block-oriented representations increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional text-based or tabular configuration methods with a graphical block-oriented representation system. Blocks visually represent I/O access points, hardware functionalities, and hardware interfaces, with graphical connection elements showing assignments. This substitution transforms the configuration interface from mechanical/textual manipulation to visual graphical interaction, improving ease of operation while the underlying device complexity is managed through software implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of control system components as graphical blocks that represent I/O access points, hardware functionalities, and hardware interfaces. These block representations are copies of the actual system elements, allowing users to configure assignments visually without directly manipulating the physical or code-based system. The graphical connection elements serve as visual copies of the assignment relationships, making the configuration process more intuitive and less error-prone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If graphical block-oriented representations are implemented, then configurability and error recognition improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system configuration into distinct graphical blocks representing I/O access points, hardware functionalities, and hardware interfaces. Each block is an independent, configurable unit that can be individually assigned and configured. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration of control system assignments by simply repositioning or reconnecting blocks, significantly improving adaptability and configurability while the modular nature helps manage device complexity through organized structure.
3Reliability
If block-oriented representations with graphical assignment are used, then incorrect assignments are reduced, but the complexity of the configuration interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the graphical block-oriented interface that provide visual confirmation of assignments and highlight potential errors. When blocks are connected or assigned, the system provides immediate visual feedback showing the assignment relationship. Error recognition is improved through visual indicators that show incorrect or incomplete assignments, allowing users to correct mistakes before finalizing the configuration. This feedback loop increases reliability without requiring complex validation procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a display device (2), where an input/output (I/O) access point (3) in a model configuration field (4) and/or a hardware functionality (5) in a function configuration field (6) are presentable by the display device. The I/O access point, the hardware functionality and hardware interfaces (7) in an interface configuration field (8) are presented through a block with input and/or output ports (10a, 10b). The I/O access point, the hardware functionality and the hardware interfaces are assigned to each other by a graphic assigning unit e.g. signal lines (11). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a computer program comprising instructions to perform a method for generating a control program for controlling a control system (2) a method for generating a control program for controlling a control system.