Steeplechase Software, Inc.

Don C Stokes

Michael T Klein

David J Gee

Richard Leroy Mahn

Kevin P Aretha

Mike W Messick

Jason A McLees

Chuck E Kallal

A digital computer implemented software system is provided that translates a graphical flow chart into a control program and displays the same upon a visual display attached to the digital computer during execution of a control program. The graphic flow chart includes a diagnostic decision block for automatically generating a diagnostic program based on user-entered error condition parameters. The diagnostic decision block replaces manual programming of each parameter and each block in the diagnostic program, reducing maintenance time when the parameters need to be updated. Specific problem solving steps can also be programmed as parameters to aid a machine operator in locating and fixing errors in the manufacturing process.

Diagnostic software for facilitating flowchart programming

A software logic controller using flowchart programming includes exception handling elements for handling exception conditions in a manufacturing process. Exception handling is programmed using a Begin Exception element to start monitoring the occurrence of a specific exception condition and an End Exception element to stop the monitoring process. Monitoring is conducted once during every scan cycle of the computer as long as the Begin Exception element is still active.

Flowchart exception handling element

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Don C Stokes