Development environment for automation and IoT (Internet of Things) base on state diagrams programing and powered by OPC, TCP/IP, bluetooth, USB/Serial comm, aso.
Antonio Tamairón Pérez - 2016
This software is an interpreter for automation and GUI development environment to implement automation process through state diagrams. This one is part of project in progress, to automate easly any process.
The environmet works through project <-> documents <-> objects then:
- Need to create a project (comprises all into it)
- Need to add so many documents as going to use (several diagrams distributed in docs are possible to organize your project)
- Need to add objects and link these in order to compose a tree according to the process going to implement.
HOW OPCSM VAI works? Well, when you have implemented the process (program as state diagram) you can simulate it. At least one of the elements must be marked (like PETRI nets). The runtimer execute those marked elements and go to next elements according to arrows. Each element has a special function (see below) when the element is triggered.
The interpreter use a memory shared system in order to permit a data sharing between elements for all documents (entire project) then each element have a own variable (MyVariable) generated in sharing memory system, when it is created.
NOTE: Mark means the element is prepared to be executed (green filled). Un-marked means the element wait until is marked again.
OPCSM VAI has a toolbox with several elements.
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SET - Put "1" in MyVariable when is triggered and keep it. NOTE: with TOGGLE value change "1" to "0" or "0" to "1" everytime that it's triggered.
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RESET - Put "0" in MyVariable when is triggered and keep it. NOTE: with TOGGLE value change "1" to "0" or "0" to "1" everytime that it's triggered.
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BIT STATUS - Stop branch until "variable source" == "SET '1'" or "RESET '0'" according to the setting stablished for the variable source.
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CONDITION Function similar to transition but complex conditions. Powered by conditions scripts.
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COUNTER Simple counter up/down with pre-charge. It's possible to pre-charge on run time.
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EXPRESSION Complex mathematical expressions.
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OPC Element that permits W/R OPC data thanks to OPC server (need a OPC server local or remote)
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TIMER Simple timer. The timer step is based on simulator timer period.
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VARIABLE Element to create other variables, assignation, aso.
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END Stop simulator and finish simulation.
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STOP Stop a simulation branch.
NOTE: In general a "LOOP" mode is available, to execute in loop the object after it has been executed once at least.
Other interactive elements
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INDICATOR Shows value of a variable.
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GRAPH Draw value of a variable in a time-graph.
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BUTTON Permits to user interacts with environment.
The environment now could be used as learning environment to undertand automation, play with OPC servers and hardware like PLCs, Domotic devices, and all things that could interact with OPC. The next step is create a kernel for low cost hardware in order to execute the implemented program with OPCSM VAI directly in hardware with RTOS as freeRTOS.
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Install OPC Core Components Redistributable previous to use the program.
- Download it from OPC foundation
https://opcfoundation.org/developer-tools/developer-kits-classic/core-components (needs registration)
- Download it from OPC foundation
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Launch OPCSM.exe and enjoy!