Hand-Drawn Ladder Logic Recognition and Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern automation control systems lack flexible and efficient methods for inputting and interpreting hand-drawn ladder logic diagrams and symbols, which are essential for programming and controlling automation systems, as they often rely on rigid computer-assisted diagramming platforms that constrain design input and modification.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an operator interface for drawing ladder logic diagrams, memory circuitry for storing programming code, and processing circuitry that recognizes hand-drawn components and converts them into standard graphical formats and programming objects, enabling direct execution and control of automation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If computer-assisted diagramming platforms are used for inputting ladder logic, then programming precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to rigid and constrained input methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input methods (keyboard, mouse for computer-assisted diagramming) with a graphical touch-screen interface that allows operators to directly draw and manipulate ladder logic diagrams using their finger or stylus. This substitution maintains programming precision while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the rigidity of computer-assisted platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows operators to create hand-drawn representations of ladder logic components on the touch-screen, which are then recognized and converted into standardized programming objects. This copying approach preserves the natural, flexible drawing process while ensuring programming precision through automated recognition and standardization.
2Ease of operation
If hand-drawn input methods are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to recognition and conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated recognition algorithms that independently analyze hand-drawn components and automatically convert them into standardized programming objects without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach handles the complexity of recognition and conversion internally, maintaining ease of operation for the user while managing device complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The recognition module uses image processing techniques to detect and analyze the graphical parameters of hand-drawn components, transforming variable hand-drawn inputs into standardized programming objects. By changing parameters from free-form drawing to standardized representations, the system manages complexity while preserving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If traditional keyboard input methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to rigid input constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-screen interface transitions from static keyboard input to a dynamic graphical environment where operators can freely draw, drag, and manipulate ladder logic components. This dynamic approach enhances adaptability by allowing various input methods and design modifications while managing device complexity through software-based recognition and conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multiple input methods including direct touch-screen drawing, stylus input, and support for various drawing styles and techniques. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability by accommodating different operator preferences and design approaches while maintaining manageable device complexity through unified recognition and conversion processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an operator interface that includes a screen on which a ladder logic diagram is displayed. The system also includes an input device that may be used to draw a hand-drawn ladder logic component in the ladder logic diagram on the screen. Additionally, the system includes memory circuitry that stores ladder logic programming code and processing circuitry that executes the ladder logic programming code. The ladder logic programming code executed by the processing circuitry includes a recognition module to recognize the hand-drawn ladder logic component and a conversion module to convert the recognized hand-drawn ladder logic component to a standard graphical format and to a standard programming object.