Multi-mode Logic Block Editor for Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing customized control programs for automated industrial processes is complex and time-consuming, particularly due to the need for engineers to be proficient in Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) for programming LOGIC BLOCKS, which requires training and is not intuitive.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface-based LOGIC BLOCK editor that allows users to create and modify LOGIC BLOCK objects through a multi-editing mode, supporting both textual RPN editing and graphical function block diagram editing, with automated conversion between the two formats, enabling users to specify logic sequences by dragging and connecting instruction shapes without needing to write RPN code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If RPN text editing mode is used for programming LOGIC BLOCKS, then programming precision and control are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for specialized training and non-intuitive syntax
Solution Approach 1:
The editor is segmented into multiple operating modes (RPN text mode, graphical FBD mode, and confirmation panel) that allow users to switch between different programming approaches. This segmentation enables users to work in the mode that best suits their needs while maintaining the precision benefits of RPN when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The confirmation panel acts as an intermediary between RPN text input and graphical FBD representation. It automatically generates and displays the corresponding graphical representation of RPN code, allowing users to verify their input and reducing the cognitive load associated with learning RPN syntax by providing immediate visual feedback.
2Ease of operation
If graphical FBD editing mode is used for programming LOGIC BLOCKS, then ease of operation is improved through visual drag-and-drop interface, but programming precision may deteriorate due to lack of explicit text control
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic bidirectional conversion and synchronization between graphical FBD and RPN text representations. When users edit in graphical mode, the confirmation panel displays the corresponding RPN code, providing immediate feedback that ensures programming precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manually writing and parsing RPN text with an automated computer-based conversion system. The confirmation panel automatically translates graphical FBD elements into RPN code, eliminating manual errors while preserving the precision of RPN programming through automated generation.
3Ease of operation
If automated conversion between RPN and graphical FBD is implemented, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating manual conversion errors, but device complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The confirmation panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays RPN code, generates graphical representations, validates input, and provides synchronization between modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall system complexity while achieving automated conversion.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-editing mode LOGIC BLOCK object editor is disclosed for creating and modifying LOGIC BLOCK objects that are incorporated into control strategies for process control systems (both distributed and discrete). The editor includes an RPN text editing mode wherein logic incorporated into a LOGIC BLOCK is represented by a list of text instructions. The editor also includes a graphical function block diagram editing mode wherein LOGIC BLOCK logic is defined via instruction shapes dragged/dropped from a pallet and connected via GUI line connection actions by a user. The editor supports automated transitioning between the text and graphics modes wherein conversion of text-to-graphics and graphics-to-text is performed without user intervention. Furthermore, synchronization procedures are performed when LOGIC BLOCK objects are opened in the editor and when transitioning between editing modes to track and/or maintain synchronous status between graphical and text representations of LOGIC BLOCK logic.