Structure diagram
- Example of a processing procedure. The green colored symbols are currently beeing performed.
Any testing, trial or processing procedure can be portrayed within a structure diagram.
Applications are graphically portrayed within a structure diagram in the form of blocks and links. This takes place step by step according to set rules.
The structure diagram provides a complete overview of even highly complex projects. Each block within a structure diagram corresponds to a certain task.
The user can determine himself how detailed each block should be.
Only 5 block types are required to create a task within a structure diagram:
Start block
All program procedures require starting. Only one start block is permitted for any application.
Processing block
These are ordered in a vertical direction within the structure diagram and describe the task in a chronological sequence. Each programming procedure which begins with a start block and ends with an end block requires at least one processing block.
Only one processing block may be active at any one time.
Parallel block
These run in parallel to processing blocks. They can be called from either a processing or event block. They are intended for processes which are time intensive, e.g. filling of containers.
Event block
These react to events which occur at specific time points, e.g. operating action or the reaching of an operational temperature. Event blocks run independently to processing and parallel blocks. Event blocks are always linked to visu objects.
An event block is automatically generated when the event function of a visu object is activated.
End block
These end a program procedure. Several end blocks can exist because a program may be ended under different conditions.
The following rules apply for the linking of blocks within a structure diagram:
- All blocks, apart from parallel blocks, are linked vertically.
- Parallel blocks are linked horizontally and are called from other blocks.
- Looping around a block or a group is allowed.
- Only a processing block can also be a function.
- Parallel and event blocks may run parallel to a processing block.
Clicking a block within a structure diagram will open it to generate the program code.
- Example of an empty block
In this way the block is brought to life at just the click of a mouse.
The benefits to the user is that a process can be structured graphically as a program procedure with each block representing a specific function or part of the process. A major benefit is that the user obtains a clear overview of the application in hand.