Sequence Program Display Switching for Visual Logic Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for developing sequence programs do not allow users to edit programs while confirming the actual logic code written in function blocks alongside other code, limiting development efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A support device that includes an operation reception unit to set a switching option for call instructions, allowing them to be displayed as circuit configurations, and a monitor to visualize the execution state of the sequence program, along with an editor to edit the sequence logic based on these visualizations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If function blocks are displayed as abstract images at call instruction parts, then the display area can accommodate more program content, but users cannot confirm the actual logic code written in the function block
Solution Approach 1:
The display mode of call instruction parts is made dynamic and switchable. Users can toggle between abstract image display (for compact viewing) and circuit configuration display (for detailed logic verification). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different user needs at different times, rather than being fixed in one display mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of display representation by showing circuit configurations that visualize the internal logic structure of function blocks. Instead of only showing abstract symbols, the system expands the representation to include the actual logic code structure in a visual format, allowing users to see both the abstract function and its internal implementation simultaneously in different views.
2Productivity
If function blocks are displayed as abstract images, then program listing fits in limited display area, but program editing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic switching between abstract and detailed views during program editing. When editing function block logic, users can switch to circuit configuration display to see the actual logic structure, making editing more intuitive. When reviewing overall program structure, abstract view maintains compact display. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between editing efficiency and display compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit configuration display acts as an intermediary representation between the abstract function block symbol and the detailed logic code. It provides a visual intermediate form that helps users understand and edit the logic structure more easily, serving as a bridge that improves editing convenience without losing the benefits of abstract representation.
3Device complexity
If call instructions show abstract images, then the sequence program can be displayed compactly, but users cannot edit sequence logic with visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adapts between simple abstract views and detailed circuit configuration views based on user needs. During program creation or editing, users can switch to circuit configuration display to obtain visual feedback on logic structure, making editing easier. During review or debugging, abstract view maintains display simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to provide appropriate complexity at different stages of the development process.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device that supports development of a sequence program executed by a control device includes an operation reception module that receives an operation on the support device, and setting module that sets a switching option of a display mode for a call instruction selected from call instructions of a unit program in the sequence program in accordance with the operation received. When the sequence program is displayed, the call instruction is switched to an image of a circuit configuration represented by a sequence logic defined by a corresponding unit program based on the option set and displayed.