Integrated Program Editor for Controller-UI Variable Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current program development technologies face challenges in matching variables between controller programs and user interface programs, limiting ease of program creation due to the inability to set detailed information for elements such as data types.

Innovation Solution

A program development support device with a controller program editing unit, UI editing unit, display unit, operation input unit, and copy function unit that automatically sets UI program elements corresponding to controller program elements and variables, determining types and updating variable mappings for accurate matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If individual editors are used for sequence program and UI program, then program creation flexibility is maintained, but variable matching between programs becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of program creationVSAvoidtime for variable matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sequence program editor and UI program editor into a single integrated editor device. This merging allows the system to automatically manage variable mappings between sequence programs and UI programs, eliminating the manual variable matching process while maintaining the flexibility of individual program editing. The integrated editor automatically reflects variable changes across both program types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements an automatic copying mechanism where variable definitions from the sequence program are automatically copied and mapped to the UI program. When a variable is defined or modified in the sequence program, the editor automatically copies this information to the corresponding UI program, ensuring consistency without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If detailed information such as data types is not set for UI program elements, then program creation is simpler, but accuracy of variable matching between controller and UI programs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of program creationVSAvoidaccuracy of variable matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The editor device implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically determines and sets detailed information such as data types for UI program elements based on the corresponding sequence program variables. When a variable is dragged or referenced in the UI program, the editor automatically copies the data type and other attributes from the sequence program, eliminating the need for manual specification while ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the editor continuously monitors variable definitions in the sequence program and automatically updates the UI program accordingly. Any changes in variable attributes (data types, names, etc.) in the sequence program are automatically reflected in the UI program, ensuring consistent and accurate variable matching throughout the development process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If manual variable matching is performed between sequence program and UI program, then program creation control is maintained, but development efficiency and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram development efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of editor system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal editor system that handles both sequence program editing and UI program editing with integrated variable management. This multi-functional editor automatically manages variable mappings, data types, and attribute synchronization across different program types, reducing the need for separate tools and manual processes while improving overall development efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11320976B2Program development support device, program development support method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 OMRON CORP

AI summary

In order to facilitate creation of a controller program and a UI program in which variables match each other, this program development support unit is provided with: a calculation unit and a program development support program which implement a sequence program editing unit, a UI editing unit, and a copy function unit; a display unit; and an operation input unit. The copy function unit detects selection, through the input operation unit, of an element of the sequence program and movement to an editing screen in a user interface program, and causes elements in the user interface program that correspond to elements in the sequence program to be reflected on the editing screen of the user interface program. The copy function unit detects the type of the sequence program being edited, and, depending on the type of sequence program, determines the type of elements of the user interface program.