System configuration editor with an iconic function sequencer

摘要

A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a system configuration editor for configuring a machine control system and an iconic function sequencer for ordering the execution of functional processes within the machine control system. The system configuration editor graphically reflects how logical functions are connected to electrical functions within the physical machine system and permits a user to set up and alter those connections. Logical function blocks include one or more software program objects that perform logical functions such as dispensing a component in a pick and place machine control system. The system configuration editor permits configuring a logical function to use various electrical functions in performing its programmed function. For example, a user can electrically configure a logical dispensing function to turn on motor #3 and access output #2 from module #4 through graphical connections made between logical and electrical functions using the visual configuration editor. After the logical function blocks are configured in the machine control system, the iconic function sequencer permits a user to select the function blocks as tools and build a graphical representation of the sequence in which they will be performed. A user can click on and grab copies of each tool and connect compatible tools together in a building area on the screen, thus determining which logical functions will be performed and in what order they will be performed.