Patent ID: 8949480
Filing Date: 2015-02-03
Classification: G05B,G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for testing the performance of automation logic used in a manufacturing cell, the method comprising: connecting a first automation component to a host machine through an input/output (I/O) card; transmitting a predetermined test scenario from a test scenario generator module (TSGM) to the host machine; generating a set of input control signals using the host machine in response to the test scenario, wherein the input control signals are adapted to control a function of the component based on the test scenario; transmitting the generated set of input control signals to the first automation component via the I/O card; recording the behavior of the first automation component as input control signals and a corresponding set of output control signals in a memory location, as a set of recorded test signals; disconnecting the first automation component from the I/O card; connecting the I/O card to an automation controller through an I/O block; automatically transmitting the test scenario and the recorded test signals to the automation controller through the I/O card and the I/O block for playback on the automation controller, thereby emulating an operation of the first automation component; and testing the performance of the automation logic using the recorded test signals.