TWI738113B - Method for continually editing vertical lines of visual programming language - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for continually editing vertical lines of visual programming language is disclosed and includes following steps: entering an editing mode; selecting a start-node as a current node from a serial-parallel graphic where the start-node is an endpoint of one of a plurality of normal blocks in the graphic; calculating and displaying one or more candidate-nodes around current node; connecting the current node to any one of the candidate-nodes for transforming the connected candidate-node into a connected-node; regarding the connected-node as the current node for continually calculating, displaying, and connecting to one or more candidate-nodes before leaving the editing mode; generating a continual vertical line according to the start-node and the one or more connected-nodes when leaving the editing mode; and, amending the serial-parallel relationship among the plurality of normal blocks in the graphic and updating the graphic according to the continual vertical line.

Description

Vertical line continuous editing method of graphic programming language

The invention relates to an editing method of a graphic programming language, in particular to an editing method of a vertical line of a graphic programming language.

Generally speaking, the user can edit the logical connection relationship (such as series and parallel relationship) between multiple virtual industrial control devices through a graphical programming language editor, so that the user can easily determine the current status of multiple virtual industrial control devices The combination of equipment status is automated, and then the required system status is established.

The existing graphical programming language editors, such as the Ladder Diagram editor, are mainly edited in a way that one user command corresponds to one action. When the user wants to change the connection relationship between multiple component blocks (also called normal blocks, corresponding to different virtual devices) in the graphic, only one vertical line is allowed to be added at a time. In other words, when the user wants to create multiple vertical lines, it is necessary to issue multiple commands separately, which is quite inconvenient.

Continuing from the above, in the current editor operation, after the user adds all the required component blocks to the graph, he cannot create a continuous line spanning multiple nodes with a single operation. Vertical lines, and to quickly adjust the connection relationship of multiple component blocks. In view of this, it is quite difficult for users to draw a graphic with many component blocks and a relatively complex connection relationship.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a vertical line continuous editing method in a graphic programming language, which allows the user to directly create a continuous vertical line across multiple nodes on the graphic with a single operation, thereby quickly modifying multiple The connection relationship between the component blocks updates the graphics at the same time.

In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention is mainly applied to an editor, and includes the following steps: enter an editing mode; obtain a starting node on a series/parallel graph, wherein the series/parallel graph is composed of a plurality of component blocks , And the start node is the end point of any of the component blocks; calculate and display one or more candidate nodes around the current node, where the one or more candidate nodes are one or more of the candidate nodes around the current node End point of the component block; connect the current node to any candidate node; convert the connected candidate node into a connected node; determine whether to leave the edit mode; connect the connected node before leaving the edit mode Use the node as the current node, and continue to calculate, display, and connect one or more candidate nodes; when leaving the edit mode, a continuous vertical line connecting the starting node and one or more connected nodes is generated; and, Modify the series/parallel relationship of the plurality of component blocks according to the continuous vertical line and update the series/parallel pattern.

Compared with the prior art, the technical effect of the present invention is that the user can directly create a continuous vertical line on the graph with a single operation, and quickly modify the multiple component blocks through the continuous vertical line. At the same time, the graphics are updated to enhance the convenience of the editor.

1: graphics

2: component block

21: serial block

22: Parallel block

23: Node

3, 8: continuous vertical line

31: The first cutting line

32: The second cutting line

33: The third cutting line

41, 61: starting node

42, 62: candidate nodes

43, 63: connected nodes

5, 7: pre-connected line

B0~B15: component block

L0~L11: Endpoint

Q: Queue

S10~S26: Editing steps

S30~S48, S50~S56, S58~S70: Editing steps

FIG. 1A is a first establishing action diagram of the first specific embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a diagram of the second establishing action of the first specific embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a diagram of the third establishing action of the first specific embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an editing flowchart of the first specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3A is a first establishing action diagram of the second embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a second establishing action diagram of the second specific embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a diagram of the third establishing action of the second embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a diagram of the fourth establishing action of the second specific embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 3E is a diagram of the fifth establishing action of the second specific embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 3F is a diagram of the sixth establishing action of the second embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 3G is a diagram of the seventh establishing action of the second embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the vertical line retracting in the first specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5A is the first part of the editing flowchart of the second specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5B is the second part of the editing flowchart of the second specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5C is the third part of the editing flowchart of the second specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6A is a first establishing action diagram of the third embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a second establishing action diagram of the third embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a diagram of the third establishing action of the third embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

FIG. 6D is a diagram of the fourth establishing action of the third embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

With regard to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description is given below in conjunction with the drawings.

The present invention discloses a vertical line continuous editing method of a graphic programming language (hereinafter referred to as the editing method in the specification). The editing method is mainly applied to editors of various graphic programming languages, and the editor is operated by a computer device. By running.

Firstly, please refer to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, which are respectively the first establishment action diagram, the second establishment action diagram and the third establishment action diagram of the first embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1A, when the user operates the computer device and runs the editor of the graphical programming language on the computer device, the editor can be operated by the editing tool of the editor (The figure is not labeled) One or more normal blocks 2 are added to the editor, and a series/parallel graph (hereinafter referred to as graph 1) is formed by these element blocks 2.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, after the user adds multiple component blocks 2 to the editor, a series block 21 (Continue blocks) can be formed by multiple component blocks 2 connected in series, which are connected in parallel with each other. A plurality of serial blocks 21 constitute a parallel block 22 (Branch blocks).

As shown in FIG. 1B, one of the technical features of the present invention is that the user can operate the editor with the mouse, keyboard, touchpad and other man-machine devices of the computer equipment to display multiple nodes in the graph 1. 23 is connected, wherein each node 23 is the end point of each component block 2 respectively. It is worth mentioning that in the present invention, the user can complete the connection action of the multiple nodes 23 in the graph 1 by a single operation (such as operating the above-mentioned mouse, keyboard or touch pad).

As shown in Figure 1C, after the user connects multiple nodes 23 in the graph 1 with a single operation, the editor can generate a continuous vertical line 3 based on the connected multiple nodes 23, and by continuous vertical Line 3 is used to modify the serial/parallel relationship of multiple component blocks 2 in the figure 1, and at the same time update the figure 1 and redisplay the updated figure 1.

In the present invention, the continuous vertical line 3 created by the user through a single operation can span multiple nodes 23 at the same time, and can achieve the effect that the prior art editor needs to issue multiple commands in sequence.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1C, after the editor generates the continuous vertical line 3 according to the user's operation, the editor can re-plan the graph 1, and re-create the multiple component blocks 2 on the left of the continuous vertical line 3 Divided into a new parallel block 22, the multiple component blocks 2 on the right side of the continuous vertical line 3 are also re-divided into a new parallel block 22, and then two new parallel blocks 22 are connected in series. Finally, the graph 1 is updated according to the serial/parallel relationship of the plurality of component blocks 2 after the update.

As shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, the continuous vertical line 3 is composed of a plurality of vertical lines. However, in the present invention, the user does not need to issue multiple instructions (ie, multiple operations) to create multiple vertical lines. The continuous vertical line 3 can be directly generated by a single operation. This greatly improves the convenience of the editor.

It is worth mentioning that in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the editor of Ladder Diagram is mainly used as an example for illustration, but it is not limited to this.

Please continue to refer to FIG. 2, which is an editing flowchart of the first specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 discloses the specific editing steps of the editing method of the present invention. After the editor of the graphics programming language executes the editing steps shown in Figure 2, the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1C can be modified to modify the existing graphics 1 The serial/parallel relationship of the plural component block 2 in, and update the existing graph 1 before redisplaying it.

First, the editor accepts the user's external operation (for example, the first external operation) to enter the editing mode (step S10). In this embodiment, the user can operate the editor to add the required number and form of plural component blocks 2 to the graph 1, and then make the editor enter the editing mode, and create all the blocks in the editing mode. The continuous vertical line 3 is used to modify the serial/parallel relationship of the plurality of component blocks 2 and update the pattern 1 by the continuous vertical line 3.

When entering the edit mode, the user can operate the computer equipment (for example, operate the mouse, keyboard, or touchpad, etc.) to select a source node in Figure 1, where the start The start node is the end point of any component block 2 in the graph 1 (step S12). After step S12, the editor can use the starting node selected by the user as the current node, and the continuous vertical line 3 can be established from the current node. In this embodiment, the current node refers to the position where an indicator (such as the cursor of a mouse) operated by the user through the mouse, keyboard, or touchpad currently stays on the screen of the editor.

It is worth mentioning that after the start node is determined, the editor can add the location of the start node to a queue (not shown in the figure), thereby recording the start node of the continuous vertical line 3 Location (detailed later).

After step S12, the editor can calculate one or more valid candidate nodes around the current node, and mark these candidate nodes on the graph 1 with special marks (step S14). In this embodiment, the candidate node is the end point of one or more element blocks 2 around the current node. More specifically, the effective candidate node in this embodiment refers to a node that does not cause any component block 2 to short-circuit when the user establishes a connection line connecting the current node and the candidate node.

For example, if there are a total of ten nodes around the current node, but three of them will cause at least one component block 2 to be short-circuited after being connected to the current node, the editor will only mark the graph 1 in step S14 The seven nodes that will not cause a short circuit are used as the aforementioned candidate nodes.

It is worth mentioning that the editor can also monitor the user's operations (for example, monitor the position of the indicator). When the indicator starts to move from the current node and the moving distance is greater than the threshold value, it calculates and displays the one around the current node. Or multiple candidate nodes. In this way, the user's accidental touch can be effectively avoided.

In addition, when the editor monitors the user's operation, the editor can also determine the direction in which the indicator starts to move from the current node. In this embodiment, the editor may only calculate and display the position of one or more candidate nodes above the current node when the moving direction is upward, and when the moving direction is downward , Only calculate and display the position of one or more candidate nodes below the current node. In this way, it is possible to avoid displaying too many candidate nodes on the graph 1 at the same time, which may cause confusion for users.

After step S14, the editor has displayed one or more valid candidate nodes that can be connected on the graph 1, and the editor can accept the user's external operation (for example, the second external operation) to connect the current node To one of the displayed candidate nodes (step S16).

For example, if the user operates the mouse of a computer device, the user can move the pointer to the position of the starting node (ie, the current node) with the mouse, then press the left button of the mouse, and start The node starts to drag the indicator to the position of any candidate node, thereby connecting the starting node (ie, the current node) to the candidate node.

For another example, if the user operates the keyboard of a computer device, the user can use the arrow keys to move the pointer to the position of the starting node, then press a special key to lock the starting node, and then use the direction The key moves the indicator from the starting node to the position of any candidate node, thereby connecting the starting node to the candidate node.

However, the above description is only part of the implementation examples of the present invention, but is not limited to the above.

After the user connects the current node to any candidate node through the mouse, keyboard or touch pad, the editor then converts the connected candidate node into a connected node (step S18).

It is worth mentioning that when any candidate node is converted to a connected node, the editor adds the location of this connected node to the queue, thereby recording the number of nodes passing by the continuous vertical line 3 The location and/or the location of the end node.

In one embodiment, the editor displays the one or more valid candidate nodes with dotted lines, and displays the connected nodes with solid dots. In another embodiment, the editor displays the one or more valid candidate nodes in a first color (for example, green), and displays the connected nodes in a second color (for example, blue). Through the above-mentioned difference display, the user can more easily operate the editor to create the continuous vertical line 3.

It is worth mentioning that when the user connects the current node to the connected node through an external operation, the editor can selectively generate and display a pre-connected line connecting the current node and the connected node (for example, Figure 3C and Figure 3). The pre-connected line 5) shown in 3D (step S20), thereby making it easier for the user to understand the process of establishing the continuous vertical line 3.

During the process of creating the continuous vertical line 3 by the user, the editor continues to determine whether it has accepted the external operation (for example, the third external operation) sent by the user requesting to leave the editing mode (step S22), and has not yet accepted the third external operation. Before the external operation, take the last connected node as the current node, and then repeat the aforementioned steps S14 to S20 to continue the procedure for establishing the continuous vertical line 3.

In one embodiment, the user operates the mouse of the computer device to execute the continuous vertical line 3 creation process. In this embodiment, the first external operation is continuously pressing the mouse button (that is, the editor enters the editing mode when the user presses and holding the mouse button); the second external operation is continuous Move the mouse to drag while pressing the button of the mouse (that is, the user connects two nodes by dragging the mouse); the third external operation is to release the button of the mouse (that is, the editor is in The user leaves the edit mode when the mouse button is released).

In another embodiment, the user operates the keyboard of the computer device to execute the continuous vertical line 3 creation process. In this embodiment, the first external operation is pressing a special function key of the keyboard (that is, the editor enters the editing mode when the special function key is triggered); the second external operation is pressing the direction key of the keyboard (that is, , Move the pointer by the arrow keys to connect the two nodes); the third external operation is to press the special function key of the keyboard again (that is, the editor leaves the editing mode when the special function key is triggered again).

The above description is only part of the implementation examples of the present invention, but not limited thereto. For example, the editor can enter the editing mode when the user keeps pressing a specific key (such as ALT), and the specific key is Leave edit mode when released. For another example, the editor can also enter the editing mode when the user presses a specific button of the mouse (for example, the left button), and exit the editing mode when the specific button of the mouse is pressed again.

In other embodiments, the user can also operate the touch screen or touch pad of the computer device to execute the continuous vertical line 3 creation process. In this embodiment, the first external operation, the second external operation, and the third external operation are similar to the foregoing embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

If it is determined in step S22 that the user’s third external operation is accepted and the editing mode is left, the editor instantly generates a continuous vertical line 3 connecting the aforementioned starting node and all connected nodes (step S24), and further based on the continuous The vertical line 3 is used to modify the serial/parallel relationship of the plurality of component blocks 2 on the graph 1, and at the same time, the graph 1 is updated and displayed again (step S26).

It is worth mentioning that in the above steps S24 and S26, the editor mainly obtains the temporarily stored starting node and one or more connected nodes in the queue, and establishes the continuous vertical line based on these nodes 3. In addition, the editor also modifies the serial/parallel relationship of the plurality of component blocks 2 and updates the graph 1 (detailed later) according to the nodes temporarily stored in the queue.

Please refer to FIGS. 3A to 3G at the same time, which are respectively the first establishment action diagram to the seventh establishment operation diagram of the second embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention. FIGS. 3A to 3G are taken as an example for the user to create a continuous vertical line through a single operation of the mouse, but not limited to this.

First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the user can first operate the editing tool (not shown in the figure) provided by the editor to add the required number and form of plural component blocks 2 to the drawing 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the pattern 1 initially includes a first series group consisting of component blocks B0, B1, B2, and B3, and a second series group consisting of component blocks B4, B5, B6, and B7. , The third series group consisting of element blocks B8, B9, B10, B11 and the fourth series group consisting of element blocks B12, B13, B14, and B15. And, the first series group, the second series group, the third series group, and the fourth series group are connected in parallel with each other.

As shown in FIG. 3A, each element block 2 has end points L0 to L11 at the serial connection. In the present invention, the user can select the starting node of the continuous vertical line 3 from the endpoints L0~L11 of the graph 1, and the editor calculates one or more candidate nodes that meet the conditions from the multiple endpoints L0~L11. In other words, the editing method of the present invention can effectively prevent the user from mistakenly establishing the continuous vertical line 3 on the component block 2 to cause wiring errors.

Then, as shown in Figure 3B, the user can operate the mouse of the computer device to control the pointer on the screen, hover the cursor on any endpoint, and press the mouse button (take the left button as an example) to this endpoint Converted to start node 41. In this embodiment, the user selects the endpoint L0 as the starting node 41, so the editor records the endpoint L0 in the queue Q.

When the user selects a starting node 41, continue to press the mouse button and drag to move the indicator downward and make the movement distance greater than a threshold value. At this time, the editor will be triggered to calculate the bottom of the starting node 41 One or more valid candidate nodes 42 are displayed.

In one embodiment, the editor displays the starting node 41 with solid dots and the candidate node 42 with dotted dots. In another embodiment, the editor displays the start node 41 and the candidate node 42 in different colors. In this way, the user can quickly distinguish the two kinds of nodes.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, the user continues to drag the pointer and moves to one of the candidate nodes 42 (the endpoint L4 is taken as an example in FIG. 3C). At this time, the editor adds this candidate node 42 (ie, the endpoint L4) Go to the queue Q, and convert this candidate node 42 into a connected node 43. Moreover, when the user continues to move downward from the connected node 43 and the moving distance is greater than the threshold value, the editor is triggered to calculate one or more valid candidate nodes 42 under the connected node 43 and display them.

In one embodiment, the editor displays the connected nodes 43 with solid dots. In another embodiment, the editor displays the connected node 43 in a color different from that of the candidate node 42, for example, The connected node 43 is displayed in blue, and the candidate node 42 is displayed in green. In another embodiment, the editor displays the starting node 41 and the connected node 43 in the same color or shape.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3D, the user can continue to drag the indicator and connect the indicator to the multiple candidate nodes 42 in order to convert the multiple candidate nodes 42 into connected nodes 43.

And, as shown in Figure 3C and Figure 3D, when the user connects the two nodes by dragging the pointer, the editor displays the pre-connecting line 5 connecting the two nodes on the graph 1, so that the user can quickly Check the current connection status.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3D, the user drags the pointer from the end point L0, and passes through the end point L4, the end point L6, and the end point L11 in sequence. Therefore, the editor will use the end point L0 as the starting node 41, sequentially convert the end point L4, the end point L6, and the end point L11 into the connected node 43, and sequentially convert the end point L0, the end point L4, and the end point The point L6 and the end point L11 are added to the queue Q. When the user releases the mouse button to make the editor leave the editing mode, the editor can create the continuous vertical line based on the plurality of endpoints recorded in the queue Q.

As shown in FIG. 3E, when the user releases the mouse button, the editor will recognize that the user has finished editing (that is, leaving the editing mode). At this time, the editor obtains the two end points in front of the queue Q (that is, the end point L0 and the end point L4), and removes the front end of the queue Q (that is, the end point L0).

Next, the editor establishes the first cutting line 31 with the end point L0 and the end point L4, and takes one or more component blocks 2 on the left of the starting point of the first cutting line 31 (that is, the end point L0) as the first on the left. Group, the one or more component blocks 2 on the right of the starting point of the first cutting line 31 are regarded as the first group on the right, and the ending point (ie, the end point L4) of the first cutting line 31 is One or more element blocks 2 are regarded as the second group on the left, and one or more element blocks 2 on the right of the end point of the first cutting line 31 are regarded as the second group on the right. and, The editor connects the first group on the left with the second group on the left in parallel, connects the first group on the right with the second group on the right, and finally uses the first cutting line 31 to connect the two in parallel. Connect in series.

As mentioned above, since the editor has removed the frontmost end point (ie, end point L0) in the queue Q, after the first cutting line 31 is established, only the end point L4 and the end point are left in the queue Q L6 and endpoint L11.

Then, as shown in Figure 3F, the editor again obtains the two end points in front of the queue Q (ie, the end point L4 and the end point L6), and removes the front end of the queue Q (ie, the end point L4).

Then, the editor establishes the second cutting line 32 with the obtained end points L4 and L6, and updates the serial/parallel relationship of the plurality of component blocks 2 according to the same procedure as described above. Since the editor removed the frontmost end point in the queue Q (ie, the end point L4), after the second cutting line 32 is established, only the end point L6 and the end point L11 are left in the queue Q.

As shown in FIG. 3G, after the second cutting line 32 is established, the editor again obtains the two end points in front of the queue Q (ie, the end point L6 and the end point L11), and removes the front end of the queue Q Point (ie, end point L6).

Then, the editor establishes a third cutting line 33 with the obtained end point L6 and end point L11, and updates the serial/parallel relationship of the plurality of component blocks 2 according to the same procedure as described above.

As mentioned above, since the editor removed the frontmost end of the queue Q (that is, the end point L6) when creating the third cutting line 33, after the third cutting line 33 was established, in the queue Q Only a single endpoint is left, L11. Since a single end point cannot form a cutting line, the editor will end the process of creating a cutting line and use the last end point L11 in the queue Q as the end node of the continuous vertical line 3. In this way, the editor can construct the continuous vertical line 3 required by the user according to the aforementioned first cutting line 31, second cutting line 32 and third cutting line 33.

Through the technical solution of the present invention, the user can create a continuous line spanning multiple nodes with a single operation in the edit mode (for example, the operation from pressing the left mouse button to releasing the left mouse button) Vertical line 3 is really convenient for the user's drawing behavior.

Please continue to refer to FIG. 4, which is a schematic diagram of the vertical line retracting in the first specific embodiment of the present invention. During the process of establishing the continuous vertical line 3 (ie, still in the editing mode), the user can control the pointer to move back (ie, move toward the starting node 41) at any time. When the editor judges that the indicator moves in the direction of the starting node 41 and leaves a connected node 43, it will convert this connected node 43 into a candidate node 42 as shown in Figure 4, and together with other valid candidate nodes 42 Shown on figure 1.

As mentioned above, when a candidate node 42 is converted to a connected node 43, the editor will add the connected node 43 (for example, the endpoint L11) to the queue Q. When the user returns the indicator to convert the connected node 43 to the candidate node 42, the editor will move the candidate node 42 (for example, the endpoint L11) from the queue Q. In this way, the user can be given greater drawing flexibility.

Please continue to refer to FIGS. 5A to 5C, which are the first part of the editing flowchart, the second part of the editing flowchart, and the third part of the editing flowchart of the second specific embodiment of the present invention, respectively. The specific editing steps of the editing method of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with FIGS. 3A to 3G.

First, the editor accepts the user's first external operation to enter the editing mode (step S30). In one embodiment, the first external operation is by the user continuously pressing the mouse button of the computer device. In another embodiment, the first external operation is a user pressing a special function key of the keyboard of the computer device.

In the editing mode, the editor selects the endpoint of any component block 2 on the graph 1 as the starting node 41 according to the user's operation (step S32). In one embodiment, the editor can When the aforementioned first external operation is accepted, the end point at the location of the pointer of the computer device (such as the cursor of a mouse) is used as the starting node 41, but it is not limited.

After determining the starting node 41, the editor clears all nodes in the queue Q (step S34). Next, the editor accepts the user's second external operation to make the indicator move from the starting node 41, and calculates the moving distance (step S36). In one embodiment, the second external operation is dragged by the user's mouse to move the computer device to move the pointer. In another embodiment, the second external operation is that the user presses the direction keys of the keyboard of the computer device to move the pointer.

After step S36, the editor further determines whether the moving distance is greater than a preset threshold (step S38). If the moving distance is not greater than the threshold value, the editor will not take any action and repeat the above steps before leaving the editing mode. If the moving distance is greater than the threshold value, the editor adds the start node 41 to the queue Q (step S40). Specifically, in step S40, the editor adds the number of the end point where the start node 41 is located from the back of the queue Q to the queue Q, and regards the start node 41 as the current node of the index.

In this embodiment, the editor may also determine the direction of movement of the indicator from the current node based on the user's second external operation, that is, determine whether the indicator moves upward or downward (step S42). If the indicator moves below the current node by the user's operation (and the moving distance is greater than the threshold value), the editor only calculates and displays one or more valid candidate nodes 42 below the current node (step S44). Conversely, if the indicator is moved above the current node by the user's operation (and the moving distance is greater than the threshold value), the editor only calculates and displays one or more valid candidate nodes 42 above the current node (step S46).

As mentioned above, the editor in the present invention will determine whether any component block 2 will be short-circuited after the current node is connected to an endpoint, and if no short-circuit phenomenon is found, it will determine that this endpoint is valid Candidate node 42.

The editor continues to determine whether to accept the third external operation requested by the user to leave the editing mode (step S48). In one embodiment, the third external operation is the user releasing the mouse button of the computer device. In another embodiment, the third external operation is that the user presses the special function key of the keyboard of the computer device again. If the third external operation has not been accepted, the editor then executes the steps shown in FIG. 5B. If the third external operation is accepted and the editing mode needs to be left, the editor then executes the steps shown in FIG. 5C.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the editor determines whether the user moves the indicator through the second external operation, and makes the indicator hover on any candidate node 42 (step S50). If the user causes the indicator to move and stay on any candidate node 42, the editor adds this candidate node 42 to the queue Q to convert this candidate node 42 into a connected node 43 (step S52). Conversely, if the indicator does not stay on any candidate node 42, the editor does not perform any action.

Specifically, in step S52, when the indicator stays on a candidate node 42 under the operation of the user, the editor adds the number of the endpoint at the position of the candidate node 42 from the back of the queue Q to the queue. In the column Q, this candidate node 42 is recorded as the connected node 43.

In addition, the editor also determines whether the indicator is moved back and left any connected node 43 by the operation of the user (step S54). When the judgment index moves back (that is, toward the direction of the start node 41) and leaves a connected node 43, the editor restores the connected node 43 to the candidate node 42, and transfers this from behind the queue Q The candidate node 42 is removed from the queue Q (step S56).

Specifically, in step S56, the editor moves the number of the endpoint where the candidate node 42 is located from the queue Q.

And, before leaving the editing mode, the editor returns to step S42 to continuously calculate and display the candidate nodes 42 currently available for connection through the second external operation of the user, and convert the candidate nodes 42 through which the indicator passes to connected The node 43 restores the connected node 43 whose index has not passed to the candidate node 42.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, if the editor leaves the editing mode according to the user's third external operation, the editor first obtains the queue Q, and determines whether the number of nodes recorded in the queue Q is greater than 1 (step S58) . In the present invention, if the number of nodes recorded in the queue Q is greater than 1, that is, at least two nodes, the editor can establish the cutting lines 31-33 as shown in FIGS. 3E-3G based on these two nodes. If the number of nodes recorded in the queue Q is not greater than 1, that is, there is only one node or there is no node, the editor ends the continuous vertical line creation process.

If the determination in step S58 is YES, the editor obtains the two front nodes of the queue Q, and removes the front node of the queue Q (step S60). Specifically, in step S60, the editor uses the peek command to view the front two nodes in the queue Q as the starting point and the end point of the cutting line, and uses the pop command to remove the frontmost node in the queue Q. A node, with the end point of the current cutting line as the starting point of the next cutting line, or as the end node of a continuous vertical line.

After step S60, the editor establishes a cutting line according to the obtained two nodes, and plans one or more component blocks 2 on the left of the starting point of the cutting line as the first group on the left, and sets the starting point of the cutting line The one or more component blocks 2 on the right are planned as the first group on the right, and the one or more component blocks 2 on the left at the end of the cutting line are planned as the second group on the left, and the cutting line One or more component blocks 2 on the right of the end point of is planned as the second group on the right (step S62). In other words, in step S62, the editor divides the Continue blocks on the graph 1 into two groups on the left and right according to the start and end points of the cutting line.

After step S62, the editor further connects the left first group and the left second group in parallel to generate a first parallel group (step S64), and connects the right first group The group is connected in parallel with the second group on the right to generate a second parallel group (step S66).

Specifically, in step S64, the editor is based on the common starting point of the first group on the left and the second group on the left (the leftmost side of the graph 1) and the cutting line, and the first group on the left One group is connected in parallel with the second group on the left to generate a new parallel group (Branch blocks). In step S66, the editor is based on the common end point of the cutting line and the first group on the right and the second group on the right (the far right of the graph 1), and the first group on the right The group is connected in parallel with the second group on the right to generate a new parallel group.

After step S66, the editor further connects the first parallel group and the second parallel group in series based on the cutting line to generate a new series group (step S68).

Then, the editor returns to step S58 to determine whether the number of nodes remaining in the queue Q is still greater than one after the above-mentioned cutting line is generated. If the number of nodes in the queue Q is still greater than 1, the editor executes steps S60 to S68 again to generate the next cutting line. If the number of nodes in the queue Q is not greater than 1, the editor will modify the series/parallel relationship of the complex component block 2 in the graph 1 according to the generated one or more new series groups, and update the graph 1. Then display again (step S70).

The foregoing embodiment is mainly described by taking the user operating the mouse of the computer device to control the indicators in the editor as an example. However, as mentioned above, the editing method of the present invention can also be implemented by the keyboard of a computer device.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6D, they are respectively the first establishment action diagram to the fourth establishment action diagram of the third embodiment of the continuous vertical line of the present invention.

First, as shown in FIG. 6A, after entering the editing mode, the user can operate the arrow keys of the keyboard to move the pointer in the editor and select one of the multiple endpoints as the starting node 61. After the user selects a starting node 61, the editor can display one or more valid candidate nodes 62 around the starting node 61 through calculation. Among them, the starting node 61 and the candidate node 62 are respectively represented by different colors and shapes.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the user can move the pointer through the arrow keys of the keyboard to move the pointer from the start node 61 to any candidate node 62, and the editor will stay at any candidate node 62 at the pointer. When the node 62 is on, the candidate node 62 is converted into a connected node 63, and a pre-connected line 7 is generated between the two nodes 61 and 63. When a candidate node 62 is converted into a connected node 63, the editor further calculates and displays one or more valid candidate nodes 62 around the connected node 63.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 6D, when the user issues an instruction through the keyboard to control the editor to leave the editing mode, the editor generates a continuous vertical line 8 according to the starting node 61 and one or more connected nodes 63, and According to the continuous vertical line 8, modify the serial/parallel relationship of the plural component blocks in the figure 1, and update the figure 1 and display it again.

Through the above technical solution of the present invention, the user only needs to perform a single operation with a mouse, keyboard or touchpad, etc., and can directly create a continuous vertical line in the graph, thereby quickly modifying multiple components The connection between the blocks. In view of this, users can use graphical programming language editors more efficiently and conveniently.

The above are only preferred specific examples of the present invention, and are not limited to the scope of the patent of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made by using the content of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention in the same way. bright.

S10~S26: Editing steps

Claims (12)

A vertical line continuous editing method of a graphic programming language, applied to an editor running by a computer device, the editor providing a series/parallel graphic composed of plural component blocks, including: a) accepting a first external operation To enter an editing mode; b) when entering the editing mode, obtain a starting node on the series/parallel graph, and use the starting node as a current node, where the starting node is any component block B1) add the start node to a queue of the editor; c) display one or more valid candidate nodes around the current node, where the one or more candidate nodes are the current node One or more surrounding endpoints of the component block; d) accept a second external operation to connect the current node to any candidate node; e) add the connected candidate node to the queue, To convert the connected candidate node into a connected node; f) determine whether to accept a third external operation to leave the edit mode; g) use the connected node as the current node before leaving the edit mode, And repeat the step c) to the step f); h) when leaving the edit mode, generate a continuous vertical line according to the starting node and the plurality of connected candidate nodes temporarily stored in the queue; and i ) Modify the serial/parallel relationship of the plurality of component blocks according to the initial node and the plurality of connected candidate nodes temporarily stored in the queue, and update the serial/parallel graph according to the continuous vertical line, and include the following steps : I1) Determine whether the number of nodes in the queue is greater than 1; i2) When the number of nodes in the queue is greater than 1, obtain the two frontmost nodes in the queue, and remove the frontmost node from the queue; i3) After the step i2), according to all The obtained two nodes create a cutting line, one or more component blocks on the left of the starting point of the cutting line are regarded as a first group on the left, and one or more component blocks on the right of the starting point of the cutting line are One component block is regarded as a first group on the right, one or more component blocks on the left of the end of the cutting line are regarded as a second group on the left, and the right of the end of the cutting line One or more component blocks as a right second group; i4) after step i3), connect the left first group and the left second group in parallel to generate a first parallel connection Group; i5) after step i3), connect the first group on the right and the second group on the right in parallel to generate a second parallel group; i6) the first parallel group and the second group Two parallel groups are connected in series to generate a new series group; i7) step i6) and then perform step i1) to step i6) again; and i8) when the number of nodes in the queue is not greater than 1, Modify the series/parallel relationship of the plurality of element blocks according to one or more of the new series groups and update the series/parallel pattern. The method for continuous editing of vertical lines in a graphic programming language according to claim 1, wherein the first external operation is to continuously press a button of a mouse of the computer device, and the second external operation is to move the mouse to execute a In the dragging action, the third external operation is to release the button of the mouse. The vertical line continuous editing method of a graphic programming language according to claim 1, wherein the first external operation is pressing a special function key of a keyboard of the computer device, and the second external operation is pressing a direction key of the keyboard , The third external operation is to press the special function key of the keyboard again. The vertical line continuous editing method of the graphic programming language described in claim 1, wherein the step i2) is to view the front two nodes of the queue with the peek command as the starting point and the ending point of the cutting line, and Use the pop command to remove the frontmost node in the queue. The vertical line continuous editing method of the graphic programming language according to claim 1, wherein before step b1), it further includes a step b0): clearing the queue. The vertical line continuous editing method of the graphic programming language according to claim 1, wherein the step b) further includes the following steps: b21) calculating a moving distance from the current node; b22) judging whether the moving distance is greater than one Threshold value; and b23) execute the step c) when the moving distance is greater than the threshold value. The vertical line continuous editing method of the graphic programming language according to claim 1, wherein step b) further includes a step b3): determining a moving direction from the current node; wherein, when the moving direction is upward When moving, the step c) displays one or more valid candidate nodes above the current node; wherein, when the moving direction is downward, the step c) displays one or more valid candidate nodes below the current node Of the candidate node. The vertical line continuous editing method of the graphic programming language according to claim 1, wherein the valid candidate node is a node on the serial/parallel graph that does not cause the one or more component blocks to short-circuit. The vertical line continuous editing method of the graphic programming language according to claim 1, wherein the candidate node is displayed with dotted line and the connected node is displayed with dotted line. The vertical line continuous editing method of the graphical programming language according to claim 1, wherein the candidate node is displayed in a first color, and the connected node is displayed in a second color. The vertical line continuous editing method of the graphic programming language according to claim 1, wherein the step e) is to start from the back of the queue when accepting the second external operation to stop an indicator on any one of the candidate nodes Add the candidate node to the queue. The method for continuous editing of vertical lines in a graphical programming language according to claim 11, wherein step e) further includes the following steps: e1) determining whether the indicator moves back and leaves the connected node; and e2) on the indicator When moving back and leaving the connected node, the connected node is restored to the candidate node, and the candidate node is removed from the back of the queue.

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