Sequence Program Logic Visualization for Function Block Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environments for developing logic code in function blocks lack efficiency and effectiveness, making it difficult to support the development of sequence programs.
Innovation Solution
A support device that includes an operation reception unit, a monitor, an editor, and a code converter. The monitor deploys call instructions of unit programs to circuits represented by sequence logic, allowing users to change the sequence logic and convert the sequence program into executable code, with options to assign changed or original code to call instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If function blocks are used as reusable components in sequence programs, then program structure is simplified and development efficiency is improved, but the environment for developing logic code within function blocks becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sequence program into modular function blocks that can be independently developed and reused. Each function block encapsulates specific logic code, allowing developers to work on individual modules separately while maintaining overall program structure. This segmentation enables both simplified program organization and dedicated development environments for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a development environment that acts as an intermediary between the sequence program and function blocks. This environment provides specialized tools for editing, debugging, and managing function block logic code, bridging the gap between high-level program structure and detailed logic implementation.
2Device complexity
If call instructions are used to reference unit programs, then program structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to visualize and modify the underlying sequence logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display mechanism that can switch between showing call instructions and showing expanded sequence logic circuits. The system dynamically adjusts the level of detail displayed based on user needs, allowing developers to view high-level call instructions for overview or expand to see detailed logic circuits for analysis and modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visualization dimension to the program structure by displaying sequence logic circuits alongside or instead of call instructions. This creates a multi-dimensional view where developers can see both the structural call relationships and the logical circuit implementation, enabling better understanding and modification of underlying logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same unit program is called multiple times in the sequence program, then program reusability is improved, but modifying the sequence logic requires changing all instances simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables local quality by allowing different instances of the same function block to have different sequence logic configurations. Each call instruction can be independently associated with specific sequence logic circuits, enabling developers to customize individual instances while maintaining the reusable function block structure. This provides both reusability and local customization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an environment that can effectively supports development of a sequence program. A support device that supports the development of a sequence program deploys, when the sequence program is displayed, a call instruction of a unit program for configuring the sequence program to a circuit represented by a sequence logic defined by the unit program and displays the circuit, and changes, in accordance with an operation of changing the circuit, tire sequence logic of the circuit. When the sequence program is converted into executable code, the support device assigns, to the call instruction in the sequence program, either code of the sequence logic thus changed or code of the call instruction in accordance with a switching option.