Abstract: A visual representation of a mechanical-electrical machine behavior model is presented that utilizes a non-linear time scale to best illustrate multiple details occurring in a relatively short time frame without affecting the amount of information contained in the complete model. In particular, time periods without user-relevant details are identified and minimized so as to allow for the display space to adequately represent the details associated with the actions of each machine. By “folding” these longer time periods to occupy relatively short lengths along the time axis, additional space along the time axis is then available to illustrate the details of each operation (i.e., by using a non-linear time scale).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dynamic view in a modeling of an automation system. A first portion of the model may be described in a first sequence description and a second portion of the model may be described in a second sequence description. The sequence descriptions are linked together. In one embodiment, the links are visually provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a monitoring of an automation system. The automation is monitored using the modeling information in which a runtime software was created to control the automation system. In one embodiment, the automation system is online. In a further embodiment the automation system is offline. Controls of the monitoring, such as stop, start, pause, and playback may be provided.

Abstract: A visualization of an electrical machine operation model of logic controller behavior is displayed on a display such as a two-dimensional computer display. The display includes separate spaces representing separate devices in the model. For each device, several characteristics are shown in the model, including mechanical steps, electrical steps and electrical signal outputs. The electrical steps are shown superimposed on the mechanical steps, and electrical transitions link sequential electrical steps in time. Representations of conditions link the electrical transitions with signal outputs upon which the electrical transitions are conditioned.

Abstract: An electrical logic controller behavior model of logic controller behavior is automatically or semi-automatically derived from a model of mechanical machine operation. To create the electrical model, an electrical step is created corresponding to each mechanical step of the mechanical model. For each mechanical transition on the mechanical step, a corresponding electrical transition is created on the corresponding electrical step. For each identified signal associated with an end position of the mechanical step, a condition is created for the associated signal on the corresponding electrical transition. The electrical logic controller behavior model is then used to generate PLC-specific software to control a machine or plant.