Ladder Program Editing Support Apparatus for Vertical Block Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of editing ladder programs is hindered by the vertical growth of function blocks due to numerous input/output devices, reducing readability and work efficiency, as existing techniques fail to address this structural issue effectively.
Innovation Solution
A ladder program editing support apparatus that displays circuit elements between plus and minus bus lines, allowing for selection and display of identification information in a list format, improving the editing process by partitioning the area into cells and providing a more organized representation of the program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If function blocks are used to componentize ladder programs for reuse, then program reusability is improved, but the box grows vertically due to numerous input/output devices, reducing readability and editing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the vertical arrangement of input/output devices into a horizontal list layout. Instead of stacking I/O devices vertically within the function block box, the invention displays them horizontally in a list format below the box, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension from vertical to horizontal and resolving the box growth issue while maintaining program reusability
2Adaptability or versatility
If function blocks are used to componentize ladder programs, then program reusability is improved, but readability of the program is reduced due to vertical growth of the box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays I/O devices in a horizontal list format rather than vertical stacking, changing the spatial arrangement from vertical to horizontal dimension. This prevents the function block box from growing vertically and maintains program readability while preserving reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the display of I/O devices from the main function block box by placing them in a distinct list format below the box. This segmentation allows the box to remain compact and readable while still providing access to all I/O device information in an organized manner
3Quantity of substance
If numerous input/output devices are arranged vertically in the function block, then all I/O devices can be accommodated, but the box grows vertically making it difficult to link variables to input/output devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges I/O devices in a horizontal list format instead of vertical stacking, changing the spatial arrangement from vertical to horizontal dimension. This allows numerous I/O devices to be accommodated without vertical growth, making variable linking more efficient and easier to operate
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder program editing support apparatus edits a ladder program by causing a display to display a plurality of circuit elements that is each displayed as a symbol in an area between a plus bus line and a minus bus line in the ladder program and makes up the ladder program. The ladder program editing support apparatus includes the display that displays the ladder program, and an edit control unit that selects a selected range to be edited within the ladder program displayed on the display and displays identification information on the circuit elements included in the ladder program within the selected range on the display in the form of a list according to a preset displaying order.