Ladder Diagram Conversion for AI-Assisted Industrial Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Language models, such as those used in AI chatbots, are unable to process graphical programming languages like ladder diagrams (LDs) commonly used in industrial automation, limiting their application in developing and improving industrial control systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that converts graphical program constructs into text-based Boolean expressions, allowing language models to interpret and generate graphical programs by integrating non-Boolean expressions between adjacent Boolean ones, and enabling back conversion to graphical form for programming industrial automation arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If graphical programming languages (ladder diagrams) are used in industrial automation, then ease of operation and preference of automation engineers are improved, but accessibility to language models is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that translates graphical ladder diagram programs into text-based representations. This intermediary text format serves as a bridge between the graphical programming language preferred by automation engineers and the text-based language models, enabling both to interact without direct compatibility. The conversion process maintains the semantic meaning while adapting the representation format.
2Adaptability or versatility
If graphical languages are converted to text format for language model processing, then compatibility with language models is improved, but loss of graphical structure information occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically transforming graphical elements into text-based parameters and expressions. The conversion process changes the representation parameters from visual/spatial to textual/sequential, while preserving the logical relationships through structured text formats that maintain the essential program structure and semantics needed for both human understanding and language model processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If text-based representation is created from graphical programs, then interpretability by language models is improved, but readability and human checkability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating text representations with specific local characteristics optimized for different purposes. The text format incorporates local features such as structured expressions, clear delimiters, and organized sequencing that enhance both machine interpretability and human readability. Different sections of the text representation are tailored to serve specific functions while maintaining overall coherence.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a programming device for using a system with artificial intelligence with a text-based language model, in particular a generative pretrained chatbot, for processing at least one graphical program construct with a plurality of program expressions in a graphical industrial programming language, in particular a coupling plan, wherein the graphical program expressions are converted into a sequence of Boolean program expressions in text form to input the graphical program construct into the system, where non-Boolean, in particular text-based, program expressions of the graphical program construct are each integrated between the adjacent Boolean program expressions such that language models can be used to learn and use structures of ladder diagram programs, in particular as tools for analyzing program constructs and for AI-based assistance in the creation and development of industrial software in automation technology.