Automated derivation of a logic-controller-behavior-model from a mechanical-machine-operation-model

A computer-usable medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for programming a logic controller using a mechanical machine operation model, the mechanical machine operation model including a plurality of mechanical steps, a plurality of mechanical transitions, each mechanical transition being between a sequential pair of mechanical steps, the method comprising:

• (A) receiving identified electrical signals associated with end positions of the mechanical steps;
• (B) creating an electrical logic controller behavior model based on the mechanical machine operation model, by performing the following steps for each mechanical step of the mechanical machine operation model:
• (1) creating an electrical step corresponding to the mechanical step;
• (2) for each mechanical transition on the mechanical step, creating a corresponding electrical transition on the corresponding electrical step;
• and
• (3) for each identified signal associated with an end position of the mechanical step, creating a condition for the associated signal on the corresponding electrical transition;
• and
• (C) translating the electrical logic controller behavior model to a program for execution by the logic controller.