PLC Label Bit Display for Adaptive Sequence Program Debugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing debugging techniques for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) require users to manually specify the bit width for label values, which can be cumbersome and error-prone due to changing bit widths associated with labels.

Innovation Solution

A debugging assistance program that identifies sequence programs, acquires label values from a PLC, and displays these values in a bit string with a dynamically assigned bit width corresponding to each label, thereby eliminating the need for manual specification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed bit width is used for displaying state information, then the display format is simple and consistent, but it cannot accommodate labels with varying bit widths in sequence programs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different label bit widthsVSAvoidcomplexity of bit width management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acquisition of bit width information associated with each label from the sequence program before displaying the label value. This allows the display format to be automatically configured according to the actual requirements of each label, eliminating the need for manual specification and enabling adaptive display without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual specification of bit width is required for each label, then the display can be customized, but the debugging process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of label value displayVSAvoidtime for specifying bit width

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically acquires the bit width information associated with each label from the sequence program and uses this information to determine the appropriate display format. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual bit width specification by the user, automatically providing precise display configuration based on the actual label requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the bit width is fixed in the display system, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot accurately represent labels with different bit widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of displaying label valuesVSAvoidaccuracy of label value representation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the display parameters (bit width) based on the acquired label information. By adjusting the display bit width to match the actual bit width of each label, the system maintains both ease of operation and accurate representation of label values, resolving the contradiction between simple system structure and information accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250045195A1Recording medium, debugging assistance device, and debugging assistance method

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A debugging assistance program causes a computer to function as a sequence program identification information receiver that receives an input of sequence program identification information for identifying a sequence program, an acquirer that acquires, from a programmable logic controller on which the sequence program identified with the sequence program identification information has been executed, a value of a label included in the sequence program identified with the sequence program identification information, and a display that displays the acquired value of the label in a bit string with a bit width assigned to the label corresponding to the acquired value.