Sequence Program Editing Apparatus for PLC Symbol Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequence program editing tools cannot effectively exchange and edit symbol or comment information between different programmable controllers due to limitations in data format handling, making it difficult to use 'cut-and-paste' functions, especially when the source and destination controllers have different address regions and instruction words.
Innovation Solution
A sequence program editing apparatus that automatically extracts and copies symbol and comment information from a copy source, allowing it to be pasted on a destination, along with the sequence program, enabling easier editing and improving operability by using separate storage for program and information, and displaying available addresses and instruction words.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shared data area is used to exchange ladder graphic data between windows, then data exchange between applications is enabled, but symbol and comment information cannot be copied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data exchange process into two distinct parts: the sequence program data (ladder graphics) and the symbol/comment information. By separating these elements, the system can apply different handling methods to each - the sequence program can be exchanged through the shared data area while symbol and comment information are extracted and copied separately, thus resolving the limitation that prevented copying of symbolic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts symbol information and comment information from the sequence program data before copying. This extraction process isolates the symbolic elements that cannot be handled by the standard shared data area mechanism, allowing them to be processed and copied independently. This enables both the sequence program and its associated symbolic information to be successfully transferred between applications.
2Productivity
If sequence program is copied between different programmable controller types, then program reuse is improved, but address regions and instruction words are not compatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the address region information specific to each programmable controller type. Instead of using a universal addressing scheme, the system maintains type-specific address regions and instruction word definitions. This allows the same sequence program structure to be reused across different controller types while automatically adapting the address and instruction information to match the destination controller's specifications, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If manual input is used for symbol and comment information, then accuracy is maintained, but editing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically extracting and copying symbol and comment information from the source program before the user needs to input it manually. This advance preparation of the symbolic information eliminates the need for time-consuming manual entry while maintaining accuracy through automated extraction. The information is ready in advance for the user to review and confirm, significantly reducing editing time without sacrificing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A sequence program editing apparatus according to the present invention includes: program storing means for storing an application program including the sequence program; information storing means for storing symbol information and/or comment information used in the sequence program; selecting means for, in a state in which a plurality of application programs including at least first and second application programs runs, selecting at least a part of a sequence program displayed on an application screen run by the first application program; extracting means for extracting the symbol information and/or the comment information included in at least the selected part of the sequence program from the information storing means; and copy means for copying at least the selected part of the sequence program on the sequence program displayed on the application screen run by the second application program and copying the extracted symbol information and/or the extracted comment information on the information storing means of the second application.