PLC Ladder XML Conversion Into Common Command Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a method to effectively convert PLC ladder information stored in XML format into common command information, limiting the utilization of this data.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for extracting common command information from PLC ladder information, which involves a logic information extracting portion to extract control logic information from XML and a common command converting portion to convert it into usable common command information by grouping units according to AND and OR conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PLC ladder information is stored in XML format, then data storage and transmission are improved, but the ability to effectively utilize and analyze the data deteriorates due to lack of conversion technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that translates XML-format PLC ladder information into common command information. This intermediary layer enables data to maintain its structured XML storage format while providing accessible, manufacturer-independent command information for analysis and utilization, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable storage and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the PLC ladder information in a different format (common command information) that is more suitable for analysis and utilization. This copying approach allows the original XML data to remain intact for storage purposes while generating an accessible version that eliminates manufacturer-specific dependencies.
2Productivity
If control logic is expressed in manufacturer-specific text formats, then processing capability is improved, but understanding and analysis across different manufacturers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal conversion capability that can handle multiple manufacturer-specific formats (MITSUBISHI, SIEMENS, Rockwell Automation) and translate them into a common command information format. This universal approach enables both the processing capability of manufacturer-specific formats and the cross-manufacturer understanding of common commands, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to convert all manufacturer formats into a single universal format (which would lose processing capabilities), the patent inverts the approach by converting each manufacturer-specific format into common command information. This inversion allows each original format to retain its processing optimization while enabling universal understanding through the common command output.
3Extent of automation
If PLC control programs are converted to text-based formats, then processing and analysis become possible, but the need to understand multiple manufacturer-specific expressions increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces common command information as an intermediary between manufacturer-specific text formats and analysis processes. This intermediary layer enables automated processing of PLC control programs while simplifying analysis complexity by providing a unified, manufacturer-independent format that maintains the structured information needed for process management optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for extracting common command information from programmable logic controller (PLC) ladder information according to the present invention may include: a logic information extracting portion configured to extract control logic information from XML information converted from PLC ladder information; and a common command converting portion configured to convert the control logic information extracted by the logic information extracting portion into common command information, wherein the logic information extracting portion is configured to extract, from the XML information, the control logic information in the form of a block obtained by grouping units that respectively represent contacts and lines constituting the PLC ladder information according to an AND condition and an OR condition.