Ladder Program Editing With In-Context Component Placement Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The user interface for placing circuit components in ladder language programs is not standardized across manufacturers, requiring users to familiarize themselves with each IDE, which decreases programming efficiency. Additionally, displaying shortcut keys outside the program editing region distracts users and reduces concentration.
Innovation Solution
A ladder program editing device that includes a position detection unit, a guide display control unit, a selection reception unit, and an application unit. This configuration allows users to designate positions within the editing region, displays options for adding circuit components at those positions, and applies the selected components based on user input, all without requiring users to leave the editing region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If shortcut keys are displayed outside the program editing region, then users can see the shortcut keys, but users' line of sight moves and concentration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of shortcut key display from outside the editing region to within the editing region. By embedding the guide display containing shortcut keys directly into the program editing area, the system maintains visibility of shortcut keys while eliminating the need for users to shift their line of sight between separate display areas, thus preserving concentration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users must familiarize themselves with each manufacturer's unique user interface, then complete functionality is available, but programming efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a standardized guide display mechanism that works across different manufacturers' IDEs. By providing a universal interface for displaying placement position guides and shortcut keys that follows consistent interaction patterns, the system enables users to transfer their learned operations across different manufacturers while maintaining access to manufacturer-specific functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides context-sensitive guidance that automatically appears based on the user's current action and position. By detecting the placement position and automatically displaying relevant guides and shortcut keys, the system serves itself to guide users without requiring users to search for or remember manual documentation, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining functionality.
3Measurement precision
If detailed guidance is provided for placing circuit components, then user accuracy improves, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays guidance information locally at the specific placement position within the editing region rather than providing comprehensive guides throughout the interface. By showing only the relevant guide and shortcut key corresponding to the current placement context, the system provides detailed accuracy information without overwhelming the user with unnecessary interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and displays only the essential guidance information and shortcut keys needed for the current placement operation, separating them from other interface elements. By pulling out only the necessary placement guidance and shortcut key information and displaying it in a focused manner within the editing region, the system provides precise guidance without increasing overall interface complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention enables circuit components to be arranged efficiently even by a user who is not skilled in operation. The present invention comprises: a guide display control unit (12) for performing control to display options for each processing step for adding circuit components at prescribed positions with respect to position designations by a user in an editing region where the circuit components of a ladder program are displayed; a selection reception unit (13) for receiving a user input for selecting one of the options; and an application unit (14) for adding, to the ladder program, the circuit components in accordance with the processing steps.