Soft PLC Interface Library for Reusable Multi-User Programming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency and flexibility of PLC programming are degraded, and code reuse is discouraged due to the need for users to know data dictionaries in advance, leading to inefficiencies when different users program the same PLC.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate a soft PLC program by obtaining configuration parameters including a user identifier, device identifier, and function interface identifier from a preset interface library, allowing the same program to be shared among users and improving programming efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PLC programming is performed individually for each user based on data dictionaries, then each user can have customized control logic, but programming efficiency is degraded and code reuse is discouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PLC program template that can serve multiple users and different device types. Instead of creating separate programs for each user, a single template with parameterized interfaces can be instantiated for different users by retrieving configuration parameters from a preset interface library, enabling one program to fulfill multiple functions for different users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-defines data dictionaries and interface libraries before actual PLC programming begins. By preparing the interface library with all possible device interfaces and configuration parameters in advance, the system eliminates the need for users to manually create these structures, allowing them to simply retrieve and instantiate pre-configured templates
2Stability of the object's composition
If users need to know data dictionaries in advance for PLC programming, then programming can be performed systematically, but flexibility is reduced and programming becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures data dictionaries and interface libraries with all possible device types and interfaces before programming begins. This preliminary preparation creates a standardized framework that users can systematically follow while maintaining flexibility through parameter selection rather than structural design
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to create unique data dictionaries for each project, the patent enables copying of pre-defined interface templates from a library. Users can retrieve and instantiate standardized interface definitions that can be adapted to specific needs through parameter configuration rather than creating new structures from scratch
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate PLC programs are created for different users performing the same function, then each user's specific requirements can be met, but code reuse is discouraged and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal PLC program template that can serve multiple users through parameterization. The same base program can be instantiated for different users by retrieving their specific configuration parameters from the interface library, allowing one program to fulfill multiple user-specific requirements without creating separate codebases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interface library as an intermediary layer between users and the PLC program. This library stores configuration parameters and device interface definitions that mediate between user-specific requirements and the standardized PLC program template, allowing the program to adapt to different users without direct modification
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of industry internet operating systems, particularly to a method and apparatus for controlling and managing an industry process using an industry internet operating system. In the method, interfaces with the same type of function from different manufacturers are integrated in a function interface library created over a development platform to assist a developer in programming a PLC rapidly and more efficiently so as to address problems in the prior art of lower reuse rate of the codes, degrading the efficiency of programming, etc., because the PLC has to be programmed respectively for terminals from different manufacturers. In the invention, a framework of a software defined industry process, and a unified set of industry object models are created so that various integrated heterogeneous field devices, and an industry production process to be controlled and managed can communicate and interoperate with each other in an industry internet architecture to thereby accommodate highly real-time and efficient production in a discrete industry and a process industry.