US5613115A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for using PLC programming information to generate secondary functions such as diagnostics and operator interface
Assignee: Total Control Products Inc
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Filing: 1991-12-09
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Granted: 1997-03-18
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Expires: 2011-12-09
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicholas T. Gihl
- 👤 John R. Skach
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 01:46
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F8/00; G06F8/40; G06F8/41; G06F8/42; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/05; G05B19/056; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/10; G05B2219/13; G05B2219/13034; G05B2219/14; G05B2219/14083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
In a programmable logic controller (PLC) for implementing primary functions of an operating system, wherein operating program instructions are stored in said PLC and include a first label field and a second comment field, wherein said primary functions implement control functions of said system, the improvement comprising a program for said PLC wherein said first label field includes first instructions for implementing said primary functions in said operating system and said second comment field includes second instructions for implementing secondary functions relating to non-control functions in said operating system: first memory means for storing a predetermined syntax in said PLC; further memory means for storing a series of secondary function instructions in said second comment field associated with a given first label field in said PLC; means for comparing said secondary function instructions with said predetermined syntax; and means for generating a rung file representing programming commands for said PLC if said secondary function instructions include said predetermined syntax; wherein said rung file is stored in said PLC for programming the operation of said PLC.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
In a programmable logic controller (PLC) for implementing primary functions of an operating system, wherein operating program instructions are stored in said PLC and include a first label field and a second comment field, wherein said primary functions implement control functions of said system, the improvement comprising a program for said PLC wherein said first label field includes first instructions for implementing said primary functions in said operating system and said second comment field includes second instructions for implementing secondary functions relating to non-control functions in said operating system: first memory means for storing a predetermined syntax in said PLC; further memory means for storing a series of secondary function instructions in said second comment field associated with a given first label field in said PLC; means for comparing said secondary function instructions with said predetermined syntax; and means for generating a rung file representing programming commands for said PLC if said secondary function instructions include said predetermined syntax; wherein said rung file is stored in said PLC for programming the operation of said PLC.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said secondary function instructions include keywords for comparison with keywords in said predetermined syntax stored in said PLC.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein said secondary function instructions further include said keywords disposed in predetermined locations in each of said secondary function instructions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 3 wherein said secondary function instructions are directed to diagnostics or user interface for said operating system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improvement of claim 4 wherein said secondary function instructions further include either an event name or a designated time interval within which an associated event is expected to occur for each of said keywords.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 5 further comprising a designated time interval disposed after its associated event in a secondary function instruction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement of claim 5 further comprising alarm means for indicating to a user when an event does not occur within its designated time interval.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improvement of claim 7 wherein said alarm means includes a video display containing an alarm message.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improvement of claim 8 further comprising means for acknowledging and clearing a displayed alarm message on said video display.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The improvement of claim 7 further comprising an exception condition in a secondary function instruction if an event does not occur within its designated time interval.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improvement of claim 7 further comprising means for assigning a priority to each of a plurality of alarm messages.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 5 wherein said of secondary function instructions include a memory address associated with a given event name stored in a memory in said PLC.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improvement of claim 1 further comprising a comment associated with each of said secondary function instructions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improvement of claim 2 further comprising a designated symbol for each of said keywords to shorten the length of said secondary function instruction.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement of claim 1 further comprising a designated symbol separating said label and comment fields.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The improvement of claim 15 wherein said designated symbol is a colon.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
130 words
For use with a programmable logic controller (PLC) controlling the operation of a machine through a series of operating instructions stored in a register in said PLC, a method for programming said PLC comprising the steps: storing a predetermined syntax in a memory of a programmer; entering an instruction in said programmer; dividing said instruction into a label field containing an operating instruction and a comment field; entering a secondary function in said comment field, wherein said secondary function is not involved with control of said machine; comparing said secondary function with said predetermined syntax; generating a rung file representing secondary function programming commands for, said PLC if said secondary function includes said predetermined syntax; and loading said rung file into said PLC in programming the operation of said PLC.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
130 words
For use with a programmable logic controller (PLC) controlling the operation of a machine through a series of operating instructions stored in a register in said PLC, a method for programming said PLC comprising the steps: storing a predetermined syntax in a memory of a programmer; entering an instruction in said programmer; dividing said instruction into a label field containing an operating instruction and a comment field; entering a secondary function in said comment field, wherein said secondary function is not involved with control of said machine; comparing said secondary function with said predetermined syntax; generating a rung file representing secondary function programming commands for, said PLC if said secondary function includes said predetermined syntax; and loading said rung file into said PLC in programming the operation of said PLC.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-03-17 | 2000-09-16 | 2001-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-09-16 | 2005-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-03-17 | 2008-09-16 | 2009-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |