Ladder Diagram Partial Circuit Reuse for Faster PLC Programming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The generation and editing of ladder diagram programs are inefficient when the same or similar ladder circuits repeatedly appear, leading to monotonous and error-prone operations for operators.
Innovation Solution
A ladder diagram program generation assistance device and method that includes an input unit, partial circuit search unit, input candidate output unit, and replacement processing unit, allowing operators to input command names or variable names to search for and replace repetitive ladder circuits or partial circuits, thereby improving efficiency and reducing input errors.
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 applies the copying principle by enabling operators to input a ladder circuit once and automatically generate copies of that circuit multiple times throughout the program. The system detects repeated circuit patterns and allows single-input replication, eliminating manual re-entry of identical circuits and significantly improving efficiency while reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing automatic circuit detection and suggestion features before the operator completes the input process. The system analyzes the ladder diagram in real-time, identifies repetitive patterns, and proactively suggests automatic generation options, allowing operators to benefit from automation before finalizing their input decisions.
2Reliability
If operators manually input repetitive ladder circuits, then the program can be completed, but input mistakes are easy to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing real-time analysis of the ladder diagram during the editing process. The system continuously monitors for repetitive circuit patterns and provides immediate feedback to the operator, suggesting automatic generation options. This ongoing feedback loop enables early detection of potential errors and allows operators to correct issues before they propagate through the program.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect repetitive circuits and generate replacement suggestions without requiring operator intervention. The automated detection and suggestion mechanisms work in the background, reducing the operator's burden and minimizing the time needed for detection and correction of input mistakes.
3Productivity
If operators manually input the same ladder circuit repeatedly, then the program can be generated, but labor consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically analyze the ladder diagram, detect repetitive circuit patterns, and generate suggestions for automatic generation. This self-analyzing capability reduces the need for complex manual operations while maintaining system simplicity, as the automation handles the complex detection and suggestion tasks without requiring additional complex interfaces or controls.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4(A)~4(B)
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.