Continuous flow chart, improved data format and debugging system for programming and operation of machines

TL;DR: In this article, an improved machine programming and control system includes the utilization of a continuous, multiple-block, flow chart or charts, all or a portion of which is displayed.

Abstract: An improved machine programming and control system includes the utilization of a continuous, multiple-block, flow chart or charts, all or a portion of which is displayed. Each entered flow chart is executed without conversion to other languages, such that machines are controlled in accordance with the flow charts that are displayed. Multiple flow charts may be entered each to separately control different machines or different parts of the same machine. The flow charts are displayed in a multiple-block presentation and a block numbering system permits rapid on-screen generation of flow charts, editing of the flow charts, and debugging of the flow charts through the utilization of an interrupt. A uniquely improved debugging system, active on an execution interrupt, permits rapid value changing for selected displayed flow chart blocks and permits a single-scan program rerun for verification. Upon run-time interruption, either the number of the flow chart block being executed at the time of interruption is automatically displayed or the block is highlighted so that a flow chart or charts may be edited and corrected on-the-fly. A new formatting system, inserts a block number format entry in the object program which is the output of the compiler, which entry is skipped by an Executive program during run-time execution, but which is retrievable upon a debugging cycle.