Method and apparatus for creating custom displays for monitoring ladder logic programs
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented system for monitoring elements of a ladder logic program executing in a programmable logic controller, comprising:
- (a) monitor means for displaying custom screens and timing charts on the computer, wherein the custom screens display changing element values in the ladder logic program using numeric representations, and wherein the timing charts display changing element values in the ladder logic program using transition representations; and
(b) editor means, coupled to the monitor means, for developing the custom screens and the timing charts on the computer, for entering new element values at the computer while the custom screens are displayed, and for communicating the new element values to the ladder logic program executing in the programmable logic controller.
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Abstract
The present invention provides productivity aids for ladder logic programs for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The present invention discloses a software package embodying a method of creating custom screens for displaying the values and status of bits and words in a PLC as a ladder logic program executing therein is monitored. Any combination of bits and words can be displayed by the custom screens. This Custom Data Monitor function is designed to simplify troubleshooting by giving the user the tools to develop screens that act as windows into user-selected Data Table locations in the PLC.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented system for monitoring elements of a ladder logic program executing in a programmable logic controller, comprising:
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(a) monitor means for displaying custom screens and timing charts on the computer, wherein the custom screens display changing element values in the ladder logic program using numeric representations, and wherein the timing charts display changing element values in the ladder logic program using transition representations; and (b) editor means, coupled to the monitor means, for developing the custom screens and the timing charts on the computer, for entering new element values at the computer while the custom screens are displayed, and for communicating the new element values to the ladder logic program executing in the programmable logic controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer-implemented method of monitoring elements of ladder logic programs executing in programmable logic controllers, comprising:
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(a) developing custom screens and timing charts on the computer by specifying the elements to be displayed therein; (b) displaying the custom screens and timing charts on the computer, wherein the custom screens display changing element values in he ladder logic program using numeric representations, and wherein the timing charts display changing element values in the ladder logic program using transition representations; and (c) entering new element values at the computer while the custom screens are displayed, and communicating the new element values to the ladder logic program executing in the programmable logic controller. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification