Ladder Logic Model Simulation via Block Association Map
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies inadequately simulate systems based on ladder logic and fail to generate effective code from block diagrams, leading to complex and cluttered models.
Innovation Solution
A user device enables the creation of models with ladder logic diagrams that functionally connect blocks without connector lines, using a block association map to facilitate associations and generate executable data structures for simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connector lines are used to connect blocks in ladder logic diagrams, then the connections are visually explicit, but the models become complex and cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the visual connector lines from the ladder logic diagram while preserving their functional connection capability through the block association map. This eliminates visual clutter while maintaining the essential connection information in an underlying data structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The block association map serves as an intermediary between the visual ladder logic diagram and the actual block connections. It stores and manages the connection information without requiring visual representation through connector lines, thus resolving the contradiction between visual clarity and connection functionality.
2Device complexity
If ladder logic diagrams use functional connections without visual connectors, then the models are organized and efficient, but it becomes difficult to detect and measure connections
Solution Approach 1:
The block association map acts as an intermediary data structure that stores connection information between blocks. While visual connector lines are removed for cleaner diagrams, the association map preserves all connection data, allowing connections to be detected and measured through programmatic access to this underlying structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a logical copy of the connection information in the block association map that mirrors the functional relationships in the ladder logic diagram. This copy enables connection detection without requiring visual representation, separating the visual presentation from the data storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current simulation technologies are used for ladder logic systems, then existing tools can be leveraged, but adequate simulation capability is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The block association map serves as an intermediary layer between the ladder logic diagram and the simulation engine. It provides a standardized data structure that enables accurate simulation by clearly defining block relationships and connections, thereby improving simulation reliability while maintaining compatibility with existing tools through standard interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device may create a time based block diagram. The time based block diagram may comprise a ladder logic diagram and at least one block. The at least one block may correspond to at least one of a differential equation system or a difference equation system. The computing device may also execute the time based block diagram to simulate behavior of a dynamic system, device, or process. Executing the time based block diagram may include executing the ladder logic diagram and the at least one block. The computing device may further output results of the simulation of the behavior of the system, device, or process based on executing the time based block diagram.