Simulation Program System Automating Port Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of automation technology installations makes it difficult and error-prone to generate simulation models for simulating the behavior of multiple interacting components, requiring manual 'wiring' of graphical objects which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses resource objects with meta data to automatically connect ports between components, allowing for the definition of program fragments and variables to simulate the behavior of automation installation components, thereby simplifying the creation of simulation programs by automating the connection of input and output ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wiring of graphical objects is used to simulate automation installation components, then the simulation model can be created, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone due to the complexity of connecting multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic connection of ports based on port data, allowing the simulation model creation process to serve itself without manual intervention. The computer automatically identifies matching ports and establishes connections, eliminating the need for manual wiring while ensuring accuracy through systematic port data matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of wiring graphical objects with an automated computer-based system. Instead of manually connecting ports through graphical interface operations, the system uses port data structures and automatic identification algorithms to establish connections, substituting manual operations with automated data processing.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual connection of ports is performed to model complex automation installations, then the simulation can be set up, but the process becomes difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces port data as an intermediary structure that mediates between the complex automation installation components and the simulation model. Instead of directly connecting complex components, the system uses port data to represent connection interfaces, simplifying the modeling process while handling the underlying complexity systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of port connections from manual graphical operations to automated data-based connections. By representing ports with structured data containing identification and matching criteria, the system transforms the connection process from a complex manual task into a straightforward automated data matching operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for writing a simulation program for simulating an automation installation. To facilitate the writing of a simulation program for a complex automation installation, the system comprises: means for defining a respective resource object for at least two components of the automation installation, means for defining port data for each port, which define characteristics of the values which can be interchanged on the associated port, means for identifying a first port of a first resource object, which is provided for interchanging values with a second port of a second resource object, on the basis of the port data associated with the first and second ports, means for defining precisely one variable which can be engaged with the values to be interchanged between the first and second ports, and means for integrating the program fragments associated with the first and second resource objects into the simulation program and for engaging the variables with the values to be interchanged between the first and second ports.