Patent ID: 6243857
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: G05B,G06F

Abstract:
A machine programming and control system (130) including means for editing and generating (142) a continuous multi-block flowchart representing a program for controlling the operations of a machine (140), means (136) for displaying the flowchart, continuous and contiguous portions of the flowchart containing more than one flowchart block being displayed, means for directly compiling (148) the program from the flowchart, and means for executing (144) the compiled program represented by the flowchart such that the machine is controlled in accordance with a displayed flowchart, comprising:a computer (132) for editing, debugging, and generating (142) a continuous multi-block flowchart representing a program and for controlling the operations of a machine (140) connected to said computer in accordance with said flowchart; anda display (136) connected to said computer for editing and generating (142) and including a screen (150,152) divided into a plurality of columns (154) each having a width and a plurality of rows (156) each having a height, the display (136) for displaying the flowchart with a plurality of blocks (158,160,162), each of said plurality of blocks (158,160,162) being disposed within a cell defined by said columns (154) and rows (156);said computer automatically displaying a first of said blocks in a first color and to display all remaining ones of said blocks in a second color.