PLC Instruction Search by Function in Control Program Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In PLC programming for FA systems, users face challenges in finding appropriate instructions due to the vast number of available instructions, and the existing instruction search functionality only allows forward match searches, requiring users to be familiar with the instructions and their functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A control program editing device that includes a search term input unit, an instruction list acquisition unit, an extraction unit, a display control unit, a selection unit, and an application unit, allowing users to input a search term, acquire and display relevant instructions along with their names and functionality descriptions, and select and apply the appropriate instructions into the program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forward match search is used for instructions, then the search functionality is simple to implement, but users must be familiar with instruction names and functionalities to find appropriate instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces functionality descriptions as an intermediary between the user and the instruction database. Instead of requiring users to search through instruction names directly, the system mediates the search process by allowing users to input natural language descriptions of desired functionality, then matching these descriptions against stored functionality information to retrieve appropriate instructions. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for users to be familiar with specific instruction names while maintaining effective search capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical keyword-matching search system with a semantic search system based on functionality descriptions. Instead of relying on users to mechanically recall and type exact instruction names or keywords, the system uses natural language processing and semantic matching to interpret user intent from功能性 descriptions and automatically retrieve relevant instructions. This substitution transforms the search mechanism from a rigid keyword-based system to a more intelligent, understanding-based system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous instructions are provided in PLCs, then the system functionality is comprehensive, but users face difficulty in finding and selecting appropriate instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the functionality description information from the comprehensive instruction set. Instead of presenting users with the entire large database of instructions and their detailed descriptions, the system extracts only the essential functionality information needed for search matching. When users perform a search, the system extracts and displays only the relevant functionality descriptions and associated instructions, rather than requiring users to navigate through the entire comprehensive instruction database. This extraction approach maintains comprehensive system functionality while simplifying the user selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional search approach by allowing users to search from functionality requirements to instructions, rather than from instructions to functionality. Instead of users browsing through numerous instructions to find the appropriate one, the system enables users to describe the desired functionality in natural language, then automatically retrieves and presents the matching instructions. This inversion transforms the search process from an instruction-centered approach to a functionality-centered approach, making it easier for users to find appropriate instructions without needing to know the extensive instruction set beforehand.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a control program editing device that can use an appropriate instruction even when the user does not know an instruction to be utilized and the function thereof. A control program editing device (1), which is used to edit a control program, comprises: a search word input unit (11) that receives a user input of a search word as a user instruction for inputting an instruction; an instruction list acquisition unit (12) that acquires an instruction list of instructions, instruction names, and function descriptions; an extraction unit (13) that extracts instructions related to the search word; and a display control unit (14) that displays the instructions extracted by the extraction unit, instruction names, and function descriptions. A user input for selecting one instruction from among the displayed instructions is received and applied to the control program.