Module Program Verification for Sequence Program Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional debugging techniques for sequence programs in factory automation struggle to efficiently verify the operation of module programs by setting and comparing expected output values, making it difficult to effectively debug the sequence program.
Innovation Solution
A debugging support program that extracts input and output variables from module programs, creates verification items with specified values, and verifies the operation of the module program by comparing actual output values with expected values, enabling efficient debugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only input values are set for verification, then the debugging process can be initiated, but the verification efficiency is low because expected output values are not set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically generating expected output values before the verification process. The verification support device creates a correspondence between input values and expected output values in advance, so that when verification is performed, both input and expected output are ready for comparison. This eliminates the manual work of setting expected outputs and improves debugging efficiency without complicating the operation process.
2Productivity
If manual verification of module programs is performed, then verification can be conducted, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The verification support device applies self-service by automatically performing the verification process. The device automatically sets input values, executes the module program, obtains actual output values, and compares them with expected output values. This automated self-service verification process eliminates manual intervention, significantly reduces debugging time, and improves verification speed without requiring additional human resources.
3Measurement precision
If conventional debugging techniques are used, then debugging can be performed, but it is difficult to efficiently verify module program operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a verification support device as a mediator between the module program and the verification process. This device manages the correspondence between input and output values, automatically executes verification, and provides clear verification results. The intermediary device simplifies the debugging process while ensuring accurate verification by systematically comparing actual outputs with expected outputs, thereby improving verification accuracy without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A debugging support program causes a computer to execute: a step of extracting, from a module program constituting a sequence program, a first variable assigned to an input to the module program and a second variable assigned to an output from the module program; a step of creating a verification item for verifying operation of the module program, the verification item including a first setting value set for the first variable and a second setting value set for the second variable; a step of verifying operation of the module program based on the verification item; and a step of outputting a result of verifying operation of the module program.


