Ladder Diagram Partial Circuit Reuse for Faster PLC Program Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies for generating and editing ladder diagram programs are inefficient when dealing with repeated instances of the same or similar ladder circuits, leading to monotonous and error-prone operations for operators.
Innovation Solution
A ladder diagram program generation assistance device that includes an input unit, a partial circuit search unit, an input candidate output unit, and a replacement processing unit, which allows operators to input command names or variable names to search for and select pre-existing partial circuits, reducing the need for repetitive input and improving editing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operators manually input the same ladder circuit or similar ladder circuits repeatedly, then the ladder diagram program can be generated, but the generation and editing efficiency is low and the operation is monotonous and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operators to copy existing ladder circuits or similar circuits by searching for command names or variable names. The system extracts matching circuits from the program and allows selection of appropriate copies, eliminating the need to manually re-input identical or similar circuits. This directly addresses the efficiency problem while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive search and selection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary extraction and organization of ladder circuits based on command names and variable names before the operator needs to insert them. By pre-processing and making circuits searchable, the system prepares the information in advance, allowing operators to simply select from available options rather than constructing circuits from scratch each time.
2Reliability
If operators manually input the same ladder circuit or similar ladder circuits repeatedly, then the program can be completed, but input mistakes are easy to occur
Solution Approach 1:
By copying proven, working ladder circuits rather than re-inputting them, the system eliminates transcription errors. The copy function ensures that the original circuit logic is preserved exactly, improving reliability while the automated search and selection process reduces the time required compared to manual re-entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by displaying search results and allowing operators to review extracted circuits before insertion. This feedback mechanism enables operators to verify that the correct circuit is selected, reducing input mistakes while maintaining efficient operation through quick review and selection.
3Ease of operation
If operators manually input the same ladder circuit or similar ladder circuits repeatedly, then the ladder diagram program can be generated, but the operation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The copy function with search capability makes the operation convenient by automatically finding and presenting relevant circuits. Operators simply need to input a command name or variable name, review the extracted options, and select the desired circuit, eliminating the cumbersome process of manual construction while significantly improving productivity.
4Ease of operation
If the system extracts all variable names matching the input prefix, then variable name input is facilitated, but the extracted variable names may include multiple options requiring further differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by differentiating between circuit-level operations and variable-level operations. At the circuit level, it performs comprehensive extraction based on command names. At the variable level, it uses the prefix matching approach from prior art but integrates it within the broader circuit copying framework, allowing the system to handle both levels appropriately without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, an input operation unit receives an input related to generation and editing of a ladder diagram program. A partial circuit search unit searches and extracts a partial circuit corresponding to a ladder circuit of an inputted command name when the input operation unit receives the command name of the ladder circuit to be inserted into the ladder diagram program. A display unit outputs an input candidate corresponding to the partial circuit extracted by the partial circuit search unit. A replacement processing unit receives selection of the input candidate outputted from the display unit, and replaces, with the selected input candidate, the ladder circuit, the command name of which has been inputted by the input operation unit.