Virtual PLC GUI Layout for Parallel and Sequential Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing applications for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is challenging due to their strict top-to-bottom and left-to-right execution order, leading to inefficiencies such as resource waste and repetitive tasks that are cumbersome to perform in the wrong order.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) for developing virtual PLC applications is introduced, featuring a toolbox with objects that can be arranged in vertical and horizontal sections to enforce the desired execution order, allowing for simultaneous and sequential execution of objects, enabling the creation of configurable, scalable, and extendable nested applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a strict top-to-bottom and left-to-right execution order is enforced in PLC applications, then the execution order is controlled and predictable, but development becomes cumbersome and inefficient due to resource waste and repetitive tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PLC application development into modular objects that can be independently arranged in vertical and horizontal sections. This segmentation allows developers to create reusable components that maintain execution order control while improving development efficiency through modularity and reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested applications where virtual PLC applications can contain other virtual PLC applications or objects. This nesting structure enables hierarchical organization of logic while preserving the strict execution order, allowing complex control logic to be built from simpler nested components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual PLC applications are created with configurable and scalable objects, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal objects and sections that can serve multiple functions. Vertical sections handle sequential execution while horizontal sections handle simultaneous execution, and these can be nested within each other. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the standardized structure prevents complexity from becoming unmanageable.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for developing a virtual programmable logic controller (PLC) application using a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. The method including generating the virtual PLC application comprising at least two objects arranged in at least a horizontal section, wherein the horizontal section is configured to execute the two objects at the same time, and wherein at least one of the two objects uses a template that specifies mappings between a first data format of first data associated with a first data source and a second data format of second data associated with a third-party application. The method also including executing the virtual PLC application by: identifying when a change has been made to the first data, and converting, via the at least one of the two objects using the template, the first data having the first data format to the second data having the second data format.