Pointer Object Visualization in Automation Program Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automation systems face challenges in displaying program objects in a comprehensible manner, particularly with pointer variables, as the memory address of the referenced object does not provide immediate self-explanatory information, making it difficult for users to understand the state of the automation process during execution and debugging.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to visualize program objects by determining the pointer address, checking its location, calculating address offsets, and identifying the referenced program object within the predetermined arrangement structure of the program state, allowing for the display of fully qualified designations of program objects, including pointer objects, on a connected display element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If memory addresses are displayed as pointer variable values, then the complete information about the referenced object is provided, but the user cannot immediately understand which object is referenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that translates raw memory addresses into meaningful object references. Instead of displaying only the hexadecimal address value, the system resolves the pointer to its target object and displays a composite representation that includes both the address and the object's identity, serving as a mediator between the technical representation and user comprehension
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical display of raw address values with an intelligent resolution system that substitutes the address with or supplements it by the actual object reference. This substitution transforms the uninterpretable address into a meaningful identifier that users can understand, while still maintaining the technical accuracy of the pointer value
2Loss of information
If fully qualified designations are displayed for all parameters, then self-explanatory information is provided, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the display treatment based on the variable type. Regular parameters are displayed with their standard names, while pointer variables receive special treatment with fully qualified designations that include the complete object reference path. This localized application of detailed information only where necessary (at pointer locations) maintains overall display simplicity while providing clarity where it is most needed
3Ease of operation
If pointer addresses are resolved to object references, then user understanding is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-resolving pointer references during the debugging setup or before they are needed for display. The system prepares the object reference information in advance, so that when a pointer value needs to be displayed, the resolution has already been performed or can be quickly retrieved from cached information, minimizing the time penalty during actual debugging operations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an automation system with visualization of program objects of a control program of the automation system, comprises determining a pointer address of the pointer element, determining a first address offset of the pointer address, identifying a program object that is spaced apart from the first memory location of the program state by the first address offset according to the arrangement structure of the program state as a first program object, the memory address of which in the first memory area corresponds to the pointer address of the pointer element, identifying the first program object with the pointer object referenced by the pointer element, determining a fully qualified designation of the identified pointer element, and displaying the fully qualified designation of the pointer object referenced by the pointer element on a display element connected to the controller. An automation system carries out the method.