Wizard for programming an intelligent module

• US 7,890,212 B2
• Filed: 06/03/2003
• Issued: 02/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens Industry Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens Industry Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Cornett, James, Freemon, Galen
• Primary Examiner(s): Decady; Albert
• Assistant Examiner(s): Norton; Jennifer L
• Application Number:
  US10/453,438
• Publication Number:
  US 20040083456A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,814 Days
• Field of Search: 700/18, 700 86- 88, 700/23, 700/181, 700/246, 717/101, 717/120, 717/121, 717/124, 706 10- 13, 706/46, 706/61
• US Class Current: 700/264
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0426 Programming the control sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/056 Programming the PLC

Abstract

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a wizard, which enables a user to configure and program an intelligent module by answering a series of questions about a specific application. The output of the wizard includes two distinct components. The wizard generates a parameter configuration for an intelligent module, reflecting the choices specified by a user for a specific application. The wizard also generates a set of customized instructions for use in a program. These instructions are specific to the choices that the user input into the wizard, and can be used in the same manner as standard instructions. Certain exemplary embodiments of the application, program, and instructions apply to a Program Logic Controller (PLC).

Claims

1. A method for configuring a programmable logic controller, comprising:

initiating a wizard at a computer when the computer is not communicatively coupled to the programmable logic controller, the wizard adapted for;

determining when the programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

retrieving parameter data from the programmable logic controller for an application of the programmable logic controller in response to determining that the programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

automatically range checking the parameter data;

pre-loading, through the wizard, one or more options for a configuration of the application of the programmable logic controller based on position parameter data retrieved from the programmable logic controller;

querying for a plurality of answers regarding the application of the programmable logic controller; and

based on the position parameter data retrieved, the pre-loaded one or more options, and the answers, generating at least one configuration adapted to configure a position module and at least one set of instructions executable by the programmable logic controller, the position module distinct from, and communicatively connected to the programmable logic controller, the position module adapted to generate a pulse train, the pulse train adapted to control motion of at least one of a stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator, and pneumatic valve based on the at least one configuration, the pulse train generated responsive to an output polarity of the pulse train provided by a user via the wizard.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising selecting from one of editing an existing configuration adapted to configure position module and creating a new configuration adapted to configure the position module, a module position of the position module automatically read via the wizard.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining if the at, least one configuration adapted to configure the position module is compatible with a project.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein if the configuration is not compatible generating an error report.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving answers to the querying, the plurality of answers comprising a user-specified delay time, the pulse train generated responsive to the user-specified delay time.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a profile program table.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating position instructions.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising reviewing instructions.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising testing execution of the instructions on the position module.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising updating a program with the instructions for providing the pulse train.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising controlling at least one of the stepper drive, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator, and pneumatic valve based on the pulse train.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising compiling, encrypting, and downloading a program comprising the at least one configuration to the programmable logic controller.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the position module is a function module adapted for generating pulse trains used for controlling speed and position of at least one of the stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator and pneumatic value.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator and pneumatic value is positioned responsive to a Jog command provided by the user.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pulse train is adapted to control motion of an actuator controller.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the pulse train is generated to provide jerk compensation responsive to a value specified via the wizard.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pulse train is adapted to control motion of at least one of a stepper drive and a servo drive.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the pulse train is adapted to control motion of an actuator.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the actuator is one of a stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator and pneumatic value.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the position module generates pulse trains for controlling motion based on configuration information stored in a memory of the programmable logic controller, the pulse trains comprising a backlash compensation responsive to a value specified via the wizard.

24. The method of claim 1, further comprising editing an existing configuration.

25. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a default configuration if creating a new configuration.

12. A method for configuring a position module, comprising:

initiating a wizard at a computer when the computer is not communicatively coupled to the programmable logic controller, the wizard adapted for;

determining when a programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

retrieving parameter data from the programmable logic controller in response to determining that the programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

automatically range checking the parameter data;

pre-loading, through the wizard, one or more options for a configuration of the position module based on position parameter data retrieved from the programmable logic controller;

querying for a plurality of motion answers;

generating at least one configuration based on the position parameter data retrieved, the pre-loaded one or more options, and the motion answers, the at least one configuration adapted to configure the position module, the position module adapted to generate a pulse train, the pulse train adapted to control motion of at least one of a stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator, and pneumatic valve based on the at least one configuration, the pulse train generated responsive to an output polarity of the pulse train provided by a user via the wizard; and

storing the at least one configuration in a predetermined storage location of a memory of the programmable logic controller, the predetermined storage location selected to avoid conflicts with a user program executable via the programmable logic controller.

26. The method of claim 12, further comprising accessing an online help web site to provide an additional explanation for at least one of the plurality of parameters.

27. The method of claim 12, further comprising generating the at least one configuration comprising at least one parameter, the wizard adapted to verify that the position module is wired correctly, adjust data of the at least one configuration and to test each motion profile.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the configuration further comprises program instructions and functions blocks based on the configuration.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the program instructions are custom generated and adapted to implement special requirements.

30. The method of claim 12, further comprising connecting the configuration to the position module by placing calls to instructions generated by the wizard.

31. The method of claim 12, further comprising downloading the configuration to the position module and to the programmable logic controller.

13. A system, comprising:

a wizard adapted to configure a position module, the wizard adapted to determine when a programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to a computer, to retrieve parameter data from the programmable logic controller in response to determining that the programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer, to range check the parameter data, and to pre-load, through the wizard, one or more options for configuring the position module based on position parameter data retrieved from the programmable logic controller;

querying for a plurality of answers regarding an application of the programmable logic controller; and

based on the position parameter data retrieve, the pre-loaded one or more options, and the answers, generating at least one configuration adapted to configure a position module and at least one set of instructions executed by the programmable logic controller,

a position module distinct from, and communicatively connected to, a programmable logic controller, the position module adapted to generate a pulse train, the pulse train adapted to control motion of at least one of a stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator, and pneumatic valve based on configuration information stored in a memory of the programmable logic controller, the pulse train generated responsive to an output polarity of the pulse train provided by a user via the wizard; and

a control panel for controlling, monitoring and testing motion operations.

14. A system for configuring a programmable logic controller, comprising:

means for initiating a wizard at a computer when the computer is not communicatively coupled to the programmable logic controller, the wizard adapted for;

determining when the programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

retrieving parameter data from the programmable logic controller in response to determining that the programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

automatically range checking the parameter data;

pre-loading, through the wizard, one or more options for a configuration of a position module based on position parameter data retrieved from the programmable logic controller;

querying for a plurality of answers regarding an application of the programmable logic controller; and

based on the position parameter data retrieve, the pre-loaded one or more options, and the answers, generating at least one configuration adapted to configure the position module and at least one set of instructions executed by the programmable logic controller, the position module distinct from, and communicatively connected to, the programmable logic controller, the position module adapted to generate a pulse train, the pulse train adapted to control motion of at least one of a stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator, and pneumatic valve based on the at least one configuration, the pulse train generated responsive to an output polarity of the pulse train provided by a user via the wizard.

32. A system for configuring a position module, comprising:

an interface device adapted to communicatively couple a programmable logic controller to a processor; and

a wizard adapted for;

determining when a programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to a computer;

retrieving parameter data from the programmable logic controller in response to determining that the programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

pre-loading, through the wizard, one or more options for a configuration of the position module based on position parameter data retrieved from the programmable logic controller;

querying a user of the processor for answers to questions regarding a programmable logic controller application;

receiving answers to the questions;

based on the position parameter data retrieved, the pre-loaded one or more options, and the answers, generating a parameter configuration adapted to configure the position module and a set of machine executable instructions adapted for use in a program that drives the programmable logic controller application, the position module distinct from, and communicatively connected to the programmable logic controller, the position module adapted to generate a pulse train, the pulse train adapted to control motion of least one of the stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator and pneumatic value based on at least one configuration, the pulse train generated responsive to an output polarity of the pulse train provided by the user via the wizard; and

automatically range checking module parameters of the parameter configuration.

33. A machine-readable medium storing machine instructions for activities comprising:

initiating a wizard at a computer when the computer is not communicatively coupled to the programmable logic controller, the wizard adapted for;

determining when a programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

retrieving parameter data from the programmable logic controller in response to determining that the programmable logic controller is communicatively coupled to the computer;

automatically range checking the parameter data;

pre-loading, through the wizard, one or more options for a configuration of a position module based on position parameter data retrieved from the programmable logic controller;

querying for a plurality of motion answers;

generating at least one position module configuration based on the position parameter data retrieved, the pre-loaded one or more options, and the motion answers, the position module distinct from, and communicatively connected to, the programmable logic controller, the position module adapted to generate a pulse train, the pulse train adapted to control motion of least one of the stepper drive, servo drive, stepper motor, servomotor, linear motor, motor, ball screw, servo valve, hydraulic actuator and pneumatic value based on the at least one configuration, the pulse train generated responsive to an output polarity of the pulse train provided by the a user via the wizard; and

storing the at least one position module configuration in a predetermined storage location of a memory of the programmable logic controller, the predetermined storage location selected to avoid conflicts with a user program executable via the programmable logic controller.