System and related method to facilitate process control
OwnerWesson Taber, Christopher Sandusky +1inventors
InventorsWesson Taber, Christopher Sandusky, James Banks
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Abstract
A system and related method to facilitate the programming of a PLC without requiring a physical connection of the PLC to the device used to program it. The system includes a database and a group of functions embodied in one or more computer programs. The functions enable a user to convert industrial process information of a process worksheet into PLC programming language. The system also enables a user to generate test documents associated with the controlled industrial process. This methodology enables a robust and structured workflow for software change control with new parameters established and any changes in the process control are captured by the system.
Claims10
A computer-implemented system for programming a PLC to control an industrial process, wherein the computer-implemented system includes programming to carry out instructions to enable a computing device to perform functions comprising:
- a) an information input function to input information into a database coupled to the computing device, wherein the information includes desired operating conditions and selectable equipment of the industrial process;
- b) a worksheet information translator function to translate the input information into a worksheet format and convert the information content of the worksheet into a programming language compatible with the programming requirements of the PLC;
- and
- c) a PLC programming function to program the PLC to carry out control instructions of the industrial process with the translated input information.
A method for programming a PLC to control an industrial process, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) inputting into a database information including desired operating conditions and selectable equipment of the industrial process;
- b) translating the input information into a worksheet format and converting information content of the worksheet into a programming language compatible with the programming requirements of the PLC;
- and
- c) programming the PLC to carry out control instructions of the industrial process with the translated input information.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.