Graphical Program Point Mapping for Industrial Plant Control Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for changing application programs in industrial installations are cumbersome and error-prone, particularly when identifying program points for modification, especially in scenarios like industrial robots, where extensive changes are needed, such as during production shifts, leading to high time expenditure and error probability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using graphical representations of industrial plants to link program points, allowing operators to select and modify application programs through a graphical user interface, with automatic updating of links to ensure accurate and efficient changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional program modification methods are used, then program changes can be made, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone due to difficulty in identifying program points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures images of the physical industrial plant state. These images serve as a visual mediator between the physical system state and the software program points, allowing operators to quickly identify which program point corresponds to the current physical state without manually tracing through code or relying on complex debugging tools.
2Reliability
If traditional program modification methods are used, then program changes can be made, but the error rate is high due to difficulty in accurately identifying program points
Solution Approach 1:
The camera acts as a reliable intermediary that provides an accurate visual record of the physical plant state. By capturing and displaying images, the system creates a direct visual link between the physical state and the corresponding program point, eliminating the need for operators to manually trace through complex code structures and reducing identification errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual, mechanical methods of program point identification (such as stepping through code, using breakpoints, or consulting documentation) with an automated visual system. The camera automatically captures and displays the plant state, substituting human cognitive effort and manual navigation with an automated optical system that directly presents the relevant information.
3Reliability
If extensive training is provided to improve program point identification, then accuracy improves, but training time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera-based visual system serves as an intuitive intermediary that requires minimal training to use. Instead of requiring operators to understand complex program structures and debugging techniques, the system presents simple visual images that directly correspond to program points, making the identification process accessible to operators with basic training.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the simplified modification of application programs (2<sb />, 3<sb />) of an industrial plant (1<sb />), comprising the following steps: (a) providing at least one application program (2<sb />, 3<sb />) in an industrial plant (1), wherein the at least one application program (2<sb />, 3<sb />) has a plurality of program points (P1 to P5<sb />); (b) providing at least one graphical representation (101<sb /> to 103<sb />), wherein the at least one graphical representation (101<sb /> to 103<sb />) shows at least one system state of the industrial plant (1<sb />), wherein the system state corresponds to a program point (P1 to P5<sb />) and the graphical representation (101 to 103) is linked to at least one program point (P1<sb /> to P5<sb />) of the at least one application program (2<sb />, 3<sb />); (c) executing the application program (2<sb />, 3<sb />) and, if the application program stops, performing the following steps: (d) comparing the current system state of the industrial plant (1<sb />) with the at least one graphical representation (101<sb /> to 103<sb />) and (e) following a link between the graphical representation and a program point in order to modify the application program.