Method for using PLC programming information to generate secondary functions such as diagnostics and operator interface

Patent 5613115 Issued on March 18, 1997. Estimated Expiration Date:

March 18, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Assignee

Total Control Products, Inc.

Application

No. 804010 filed on 12/09/1991

US Classes:

717/123, Design documentation700/17, Operator interface (e.g., display with control)700/18, Specific programming (e.g., relay or ladder logic)712/200ARCHITECTURE BASED INSTRUCTION PROCESSING

Examiners

Primary: Kriess, Kevin A.
Assistant: Toplu, Lucien U.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Emrich & Dithmar

International Classes

G06F 009/06
G06F 015/46

Abstract

A programmable logic controller (PLC) in an operating system such as a machine includes a software development tool having labels in a first field to identify and describe specific input/output (I/O) points in the PLC. Each label assignment can be used in the formation of rungs in a ladder logic array to facilitate programming of the PLC. The PLC also allows for the entry of descriptive comments in a second comment field associated with each label assignment to assist the programmer. Secondary function instructions replace the descriptive comments in the comment portion of a label, or in the comment field, to generate a diagnostic, or status, indication such as an alarm for the machine when executed by the PLC. Comments for labels are transformed by a translator, with a file containing the labels and associated comments accessed and scanned for label comments with the appropriate syntax. Secondary function instructions are recognized by the use of specific key words in the comment field. Other functions not part of PLC control of the machine, such as operator interface with the system, may also be programmed into the comment field for performing secondary functions in a manner which facilitates programming of the PLC and makes more efficient use of PLC memory.