JP2001100810A - Controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a controller, capable of recognizing a state of a party and sending a control instruction by making a PLC and a host computer respectively communicate with the controller. SOLUTION: This controller is interposed between a computer 2 and a PLC 1. The computer is provided with plural communication parts 11 capable of network connections, a shared memory 28 and a control part 12 (data sharing part 32) for storing the same information in the shared memory and a memory 1a inside the PLC corresponding to data transmitted/received via the communication parts. Thus, when the computer wants to know the state of the PLC, the state can be acquired by communicating with the computer. When the information is stored in the shared memory, the control instruction can be sent to the PLC.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a controller, and more particularly, to a controller interposed between a computer and a PLC.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When various controls are performed in an FA system or the like, for example, a sensor or the like is connected to a PLC, information detected by the sensor is analyzed by the PLC, and a device to be controlled by the PLC based on the analysis result. , And a predetermined operation is executed.

[0003] As a system configuration, there are a stand-alone system that operates solely by a PLC, and a system that performs synchronization and cooperative control using a plurality of PLCs connected via a network. When performing cooperative control or the like, FIG.
As shown in (1), there is a configuration in which a plurality of PLCs 1 are connected to a host computer (personal computer or the like) 2 via a network, and information is transmitted to other PLCs 1 via the host computer 2.

[0004] By the way, as a conventional method of using a PLC, device control for a device to be controlled is mainly used.
Even if a computer is connected to the upper level of LC, PL
The roles of C1 and personal computer 2 were merely auxiliary roles for controlling the apparatus.

[0005] On the other hand, in the present configuration in which a personal computer is widely used at a manufacturing site and because the personal computer itself has an information management function, in a system configuration in which a higher-level computer is connected as shown in the figure, the PLC 1 is self-contained. While transmitting information for controlling the device to and from the connected device (control target device, sensor, etc.) 3, the device transmits and receives information to and from the host computer 2.
Data received from the device 3 (data detected by a sensor, data on the operating state of a controlled device, etc.) is received, and various managements are performed there, and a user can process the received data. Development of the system is desired.

Incidentally, when such information management is performed by the host computer 2, there are the following problems, and it is not feasible. That is, two PLCs 1 are connected to the computer 2 for convenience in FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes an example in which one device (control target device, sensor, etc.) 3 is connected to each device.
1 is connected to a plurality of devices, and many PLCs 1 are connected to a host computer 2. Therefore,
P in network management by upper computer 2
In order to manage the information of the LC 1 and the device 3, the computer 2 handles all control information, and the load is extremely high, thereby causing a bottleneck in the system. Further, if the host computer 2 goes down, the whole system goes down, and the system lacks stability, and the danger is high.

Therefore, as described above, personal computers have become widespread at manufacturing sites, and the role of the personal computer (upper computer) 2 has been changed from “auxiliary device for device control” to “user freely processes data coming from the device”. As the terminal changes, it is desired that the role of the PLC 1 be switched not only to “device control” but also to “device control + data transfer to a higher-level computer (information management)”.

However, the program for controlling the operation of the PLC 1 is a “ladder sequence”, which is a language that is good at controlling the operation of devices and the like, and is not suitable for information management. Must write fairly complex ladder sequences. For this reason, the number of man-hours for developing the system is extremely large, and maintenance is difficult.

[0009] In addition, the learning of the ladder sequence operated by the PLC requires a great deal of labor and time, and it is very difficult to build a program for information management which is not good for the ladder sequence.

Further, the plurality of PLCs 1 connected to the network may be products of different manufacturers. Then, the specifications and methods for connecting the PLC and the network are different for each company, so the host computer and each company's PL
In order to connect C, it is necessary to check the PLC to be connected, and to perform communication on the computer 2 side using a protocol or the like adapted to each PLC 1, which is complicated. In particular, as the size of the system increases and the number of connected PLCs 1 and higher-level computers 2 increases, the possibility that products of different manufacturers coexist increases, and the above problem becomes more remarkable.

Further, a personal computer is often used as the host computer 2 connected to the PLC 1. However, the specifications and specifications of general-purpose personal computers that are currently commercially available often do not satisfy the reliability required in the FA field, and there are cases where a personal computer cannot be used even if it is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and the PLC and the host computer communicate with the controller to communicate with each other via the controller. PLCs can recognize the status of each other and send control commands, and each can operate without being conscious of the other party's communication protocol and operation status.
(Ladder system) is a weak point, and by performing a process that would be overloaded if left to a computer,
An object of the present invention is to provide a controller capable of solving the two conflicting problems.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a controller according to the present invention is a controller interposed between a computer and a PLC, the communication unit being network connectable, and a shared storage means. (Corresponding to “shared memory 28” in the embodiment) and data transmitted / received via the communication unit, the shared storage unit and a storage unit in the PLC (corresponding to “memory 1a” in the embodiment). ) To store the same information (corresponding to “the control unit 12 and thus the data sharing unit 23” in the embodiment).
(Claim 1).

Here, the functions of the control unit include a function of transferring information stored in a predetermined area of the shared storage unit to the storage unit of the PLC to make the same, and a function of storing information in the predetermined area of the storage unit of the PLC. Although there is a function of transferring information to the shared storage unit and making it identical, in the present invention, it is sufficient that at least one is provided.

Then, the PLC from the former controller side
In the case of the function of transferring to the side, for example, when the computer writes information in a predetermined area of the shared storage unit of the controller, the information is transferred to the storage unit of the PLC. Therefore, the computer can control the PLC via the controller without directly connecting and communicating with the PLC.

In the case of the latter function of transferring data from the PLC side to the controller side, the controller can centrally manage information such as the state of the PLC. as a result,
By accessing the controller and acquiring the information stored in the shared storage unit, the computer can acquire information about the PLC without communicating with the PLC. That is, in any case, the PLC operates without being conscious of the computer, and the computer can also operate without being conscious of the PLC, thereby increasing the efficiency of the entire system.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a matching information storage section storing matching information including information on a transfer direction of data stored in the shared storage means, wherein the control section is configured to store the matching information based on the stored matching information. By providing a function of outputting data stored in the shared storage unit to the PLC and a function of acquiring data stored in the storage unit of the PLC and storing the data in the shared storage unit. (Claim 2). With such a configuration, the transfer direction is bidirectional, so that all the above-described effects can be obtained.

On the other hand, as another solution means, there is provided a controller interposed between a computer and a PLC, a communication unit connectable to a network, and a collection function unit for acquiring information of the PLC via the communication unit. And a collected information storage unit for storing information collected by the collection function unit. Further, it is preferable to have a function of transferring information stored in the collected information storage section to the computer.

With this configuration, information of the connected PLC can be acquired by the collection function unit, and centralized management can be performed by the controller. In other words, the PLC operating in the ladder system is not good at information management, but in the present invention, the controller can perform information management instead.
C only needs to execute the original control. The transfer function includes a function in which the controller voluntarily transmits data and a function in which data is transmitted in response to access from a computer.

[0020]

FIG. 2 shows an example of a system configuration to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, an open controller 10 as a controller is interposed between the PLC 1 and the host computer 2 to transmit and receive information between the PLC 1 and the host computer 2 via the open controller 10. I'm trying to do it. Further, the weak processing of the PLC 1 such as information management is executed by the open controller 10. In the present embodiment, an open network controller is referred to as an open controller for the purpose of a controller that can be freely connected to various types of networks. However, it goes without saying that the name is not limited to the open controller.

The open controller 10 and the host computer 2 are connected via a general-purpose network 5 such as Ethernet. Thereby, for example, a plurality of upper computers 2 are connected to the Ethernet 5 through the LAN.
If it is connected, open controller 10
Can be easily connected. The open controller 10 and the PLC 1 are connected by RS232C, a field bus, and other various communication protocols.

That is, even if the communication protocol of the network and communication cable to which the PLC 1 is connected and the communication protocol of the network to which the host computer 2 is connected are different by interposing the open controller 10, the difference is determined by the open controller. The information can be transmitted and received by the PLC 1 and the host computer 2 using the communication protocols conventionally used. Further, when the PLCs 1 are connected to a network having a different communication protocol even if the PLCs 1 are connected to each other, if the different communication protocols both correspond to the open controller 10, information transmission / reception via the open controller 10 is performed. I can do it. This applies not only to the PLCs 1 but also to other devices.

The internal structure (hardware) of the open controller 10 for realizing each of the functions described above.
3 is as shown in FIG. 3, and as viewed from software, it is as shown in FIG.

That is, in order to support a plurality of communication protocols, a communication unit 11 having a connection terminal (connector) or the like corresponding to each communication protocol, and data received via each communication unit 11 are analyzed and necessary processing is performed. If the true destination of the received data (the destination) is another device, various controls such as recognizing the destination and transmitting the data to the corresponding communication unit 11 are performed. Control unit 12 that performs
And a memory 13 for storing various data and an auxiliary storage device 14.

In this embodiment, the communication unit 11 includes an Ethernet communication unit 11a and a serial communication unit 11b (RS23).
2C is connected via this serial communication unit 11b. ), A fieldbus communication unit 11c, an FA network communication unit 11d, and an extended communication unit 11e. If there is no particular need to divide them, they will be simply referred to as the communication unit 11. The configuration of each communication unit 11 incorporates a commonly used one. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of communication units are supported. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one communication unit may be used.

Various devices and devices are connected to the respective communication units 11 via predetermined communication cables.
Specifically, the host computer 2 is connected to the Ethernet communication unit 11a via the Ethernet network 5a. Furthermore, other open controllers 10
Alternatively, another PLC 1 may be connected.

The serial communication section 11b is connected to the RS23
A network 5b conforming to 2C is connected, and is connected to the PLC 1 via the network 5b. The fieldbus communication unit 11c connects a network 5c (also referred to as a device net) for connecting an I / O (sensor or the like) 6, and the device net 5c has a plurality of I / Os (sensors).
/ O6 is connected. Of course, a PLC or the like may be connected to this device net. Further, an FA network 5d is connected to the FA network communication unit 11d, and a plurality of PLCs are connected to the FA network 5d.
1 is connected. Although not shown, devices such as sensors are connected to each PLC 1 below.

In particular, the internal structure of the control unit 12 is as shown in FIG. 4 in relation to the present invention. That is, a function expansion module unit 21 for collecting and processing information, a communication middleware unit 22 for transmitting and receiving data, and an OS (operation system) 25
It has.

The function expansion module 21 is a function software module that can be added as needed.
For example, it may be a Web function or an information management function for collecting the operating status of the PLC 1 or the like. When the information management function is incorporated, the sequence of information management in the PLC becomes unnecessary, and the development efficiency of the ladder sequence engineer is remarkably improved, so that the shortage of the ladder sequence engineer can be compensated. In addition, the host computer 2 does not need to perform information management.
The load is reduced. In other words, since the PLC and the host computer only need to perform only the processing that they are good at, development efficiency, maintainability, and performance can be improved.

Further, if the open controller 10 is slid so as to manage the operation of various devices connected to the lower level, even if the host computer 2 goes down, the "manufacturing unless the open controller 10 goes down" It is easy to construct a system that does not stop the site. ", And the reliability of the entire system is improved.

The communication middleware unit 22 is software for managing communication messages transmitted and received through a network. The communication middleware unit 22 transmits and receives data (gateway function) from the host computer 2 and the PLC 1 and performs open / close operation. The control of the controller 10 and the reading and writing of data in the memory in the open controller 10 are executed.

In order to realize such a function, first,
It has communication unit sections 23 and 23 'for transmitting and receiving data to and from each communication section 11. Here, the communication unit unit 23 is a driver for connecting to each communication unit 11 (communication transmission line).
hernet), field path (DeviceNe)
t), a serial (RS-232C compliant) driver is incorporated. The extended communication unit 11 '(extended communication unit 23') is an empty slot for connecting to a network other than the standard communication protocol provided as the communication unit 23. By installing the, a communication unit such as an FA network can be added. That is, the FA communication unit 11d described above
The FA network communication unit as the extended communication unit 23 'is formed by a program which is formed by setting a board in this empty slot and which is incorporated on the board.

As described above, by providing a plurality of different communication units 23 and 23 ', differences in communication protocols are absorbed by the open controller 10, and devices (PLCs) connected to networks of different communication protocols are used.
1, the host computer 2 etc.).

In addition, P
By mounting the LC board, the open controller itself can have a PLC sequence control function.

The specific internal structure of the communication middleware section 22 is as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in the figure, the message control unit 26 and the shared memory 2
8, an Ethernet communication unit 23a, a serial communication unit 23b as various communication units 23,
A plurality of different communication units such as the field path communication unit 23c and the FA network communication unit 23d are mounted.

The type of the plurality of communication units to be mounted is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and differs depending on the network system to be mounted. , Incorporating the Ethernet communication unit 23a,
A unit corresponding to a communication protocol for connecting to a PLC or other device will be incorporated.

The communication middleware section 22 realizes data transmission / reception (gateway function) from a host computer or PLC, control of an open controller, data read / write of a memory in the open controller, and the like.

The shared memory 28 is a memory area in the open controller 10 and can be commonly used by a plurality of processes. Moreover, in the present embodiment, P
It has the same configuration as the variable area area such as the relay and data memory of the LC1. As a result, when accessing the data of the open controller 10 from another PLC 1 or the like, the data can be equivalently accessed in exactly the same way as the data access to the normal PLC 1. The details of the shared memory 28 will be described later.

The message control unit 26 has a function of controlling commands and responses passed from the communication units 23 and 23 '. That is, it receives a command (a command sent from the PLC 1, the host computer 2, or another device) passed from each of the communication unit units 23 and 23 ', and if the command is addressed to its own node, it follows the instruction content. A function such as accessing the shared memory 28 is executed, a response that is a reply is created, and the response is sent to the communication unit units 23 and 23 ′ connected to the reply destination (destination). If it is not addressed to itself, it recognizes the true destination and transfers (transfers) it to the communication unit 23, 23 'to which it is connected.

Here, the data format of the transmitted command and response is such that, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a header part, a command part and a data part are arranged in that order. In the header part, designation of a destination, a process identifier, and the like are stored. The command section stores an instruction code or the like to be instructed, and includes a termination result code for the request process if the command is a response.
Further, the data section stores necessary data and the like according to the contents of the instruction.

That is, in this embodiment, the transmission source creates and transmits a command having the transmission destination (destination), the instruction content, and necessary data, and the receiving side receiving this command complies with the instruction content. A communication method is adopted in which a response is created and a response is made by executing processing such as data reading and writing, and a response is completed. The command and response are once taken into the open controller 10, and unless the command / response is addressed to the taken open controller 10, the open controller 10 recognizes the true destination and converts it into a necessary protocol. Later, they are transferred.

The recognition of the destination is performed based on the routing information stored in the routing setting information storage unit 30. That is, the routing information is information for determining a communication route (route) necessary for communication data to correctly reach the other party when using a plurality of networks of the open controller 10 and is, for example, as shown in FIG. The data is stored in the routing setting information storage unit 30 in a data structure. In the illustrated example, the “own network table” for distinguishing a plurality of communication units (communication unit units) of the open controller 10 itself, and a table in which a corresponding network (communication unit unit) is associated with a network number. Has become.

Thus, for example, if the destination specified in the header part of the command is the network number "3", the predetermined number connected to the fieldbus communication unit 23c and thus the fieldbus communication unit 11c via the device net. It means sending data to I / O6.

The specific function of the message control unit 26 is as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
That is, first, when a command (including a response) is received from each of the communication unit sections 23 and 23 '(ST1),
The header of the received command is analyzed, and the destination of the command is recognized from the routing information stored in the routing setting information storage unit 30 (ST2).

Next, it is determined whether or not the recognized destination is addressed to itself (addressed to its own open controller) (ST3). If it is addressed to itself, the content of the command, that is, the data part is identified, The processing according to the command is executed (ST4, ST5). Thereafter, a response is created and transferred to the communication unit of the transmission source, that is, the communication unit to which the command received in step 1 has been sent, and the process ends (ST6, ST7).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 3 that it is not addressed to itself, it is transferred to the communication unit of the true partner (S
T8). By doing so, the message control unit 26 exhibits a gateway function as a message transfer function for transmitting / receiving a command / response to / from the host computer or the PLC via the open controller 10.

As described above, the communication unit 2
3, 23 'are prepared for each communication unit (communication device) and function as respective driver software.
The communication unit has device setting information storage units 27a to 27d storing "device setting information" which is operation setting information of each communication unit, and each real device operates according to the contents. That is, the communication units 23 and 23 ′ receive the message received from the actual transmission path via the various communication units 11 and send the message to the message control unit 26.
And a function of transmitting the message passed from the message control unit 26 to the transmission path through a predetermined communication unit. Specifically, the former function is realized by the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, and the latter function is realized by the flowchart shown in FIG.

Since the communication protocol of each communication unit 11 connected to each of the communication unit units 23 and 23 'is different, the transmission destination of the command received via a certain communication unit is different from the communication unit and another communication unit. When a command is sent from another communication unit such as
Needless to say, it is necessary to match the communication protocol of the other communication unit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication unit determines whether or not such protocol conversion is necessary (ST
12, ST22), and if necessary, the command is subjected to protocol conversion (ST13, ST23). Note that information on how to perform the conversion is stored in the device setting information storage unit 27.

Further, in this embodiment, each communication unit 2
The communication protocol between 3, 23 'and the message control unit 26 is the same as that of Ethernet. Thereby, the communication unit 23 connected to the network using the same protocol as the Ethernet
The received information is transmitted to the message control unit 26 as it is,
The command received from the message control unit 26 can be transmitted (transferred) to a true destination. Conversely, in the case of a protocol other than Ethernet, conversion is performed when passing through the communication unit.

Therefore, a communication unit that uses the same protocol as the internal communication protocol, Ethernet, does not need information on protocol conversion, and is also connected to its own communication unit even in the case of protocol conversion. Network communication protocol,
Only conversion to and from the Ethernet protocol is required.
This is the same even if the types of communication units connected to the open controller increase.

With the above-described configuration, not only communication between the PLC 1 and the host computer 2 via the controller 10 but also communication between the PLCs 1 and other various devices / apparatuses connected via the controller 10 are possible. Can communicate with In this embodiment, the shared memory 28 provided in the open controller 10 can share data between memories such as the PLC 1 and various I / Os 6 connected to the open controller 10. I have.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the same contents as the information stored in the memory 1a such as the PLC 1 are stored in a predetermined memory area of the shared memory 28 of the open controller 10. In addition, shared memory 2
8 is written in a memory of a device connected to the controller 10 such as the PLC 1. As an example, the information stored in the memory area M1 'of the memory 1a of the PLC 1 is written into the memory area M1 of the shared memory 28, and the information stored in the memory area M2 of the shared memory 28 is written into the memory 1a of the PLC 1 The data is written to the memory area M2 '.

In the rewriting management of the memory, the communication middleware unit 22 (data sharing unit 32) of the open controller 10 transfers data according to mapping information as shown in FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the data sharing unit 32 is provided in the message control unit 26, but may be provided outside.

The mapping information is stored in the mapping information storage unit 31 in the data structure shown in FIG. More specifically, the destination of the transfer (transmission and reception of information), the memory address of the destination, the memory size of the information to be transferred, the head address for specifying the memory area in the shared memory 28, and the processing type It is an associated table.

More specifically, the "destination" stores a destination address for specifying the connected PLC 1, various I / Os 6 and the like, and as an example, stores a destination network number and a node number. . The “type” specifies the data transfer direction, and the “write” indicates the PLC 1 or various I / Os connected from the open controller 10.
6 means to transfer data to
Means that data is transferred from the connected PLC 1 or various I / Os 6 to the open controller 10.

Therefore, for example, the mapping information stored in the uppermost column of FIG. 12 is the data of the memory address A1000 (memory size 10
0) is the shared memory 28 in the open controller 10.
Is transferred to the address D0000. The mapping information stored in the third column is the address D0 of the shared memory 28 in the open controller 10.
200 data (data size 500) is 4.2
Is transferred to the memory address D5000 of this device.

The data transfer function performed based on the mapping information is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, mapping information is read (ST31), and then it is determined whether or not a predetermined transfer cycle has been reached (ST32). Then, when the transfer period comes, the column of the type of the mapping information is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the mapping direction is read (ST).
33).

In the case of reading, a read command (instruction to return the data of the corresponding portion together with the response based on the destination memory address and the memory size stored in the mapping information) is created (S).
T34), the communication unit 23 (2
The created read command is transferred to 3 ') (ST35). This communication unit 23 (23 ') also has
Selection is made alternatively according to the address stored in the destination column of the mapping information.

Thereafter, a response to the above read command is sent from the other party, so that it is received (ST36), and the read data received with the response is written to the address of the shared memory specified by the mapping destination (ST36). ST37). As a result, the memory information of the corresponding device and the contents of the shared memory 28 of the open controller 10 become the same.

On the other hand, in the branch judgment of step 33, "N
o ”, that is, in the case of“ write ”, the shared memory 2
The data of the corresponding memory area (specified by the mapping destination) is read out and a write command is created (ST38, ST39). Next, the write command is transmitted to the communication unit 23 connected to the destination device.
(23 ') (ST40). Then, when the transferred write command reaches the destination and writes data in the designated memory area of the destination memory, a completion notification is sent as a response, and the response from the destination is transmitted to the communication unit 23 ( 23 '), it is confirmed that the transfer (write) has been performed correctly, and the process is terminated (ST41).

If the above-mentioned read / write processing has been executed for all the mapping information stored in the mapping information storage unit 31 (ST42), the process returns to step 32 and waits until the next transfer cycle.

With this configuration, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the host computer 2 can read data of the connected device or write data to the connected device only by referring to the shared memory 28 of the open controller 10. Therefore, even for a device that cannot use the gateway function via the open controller 10, the host computer and other connected devices can acquire data and the like of the predetermined device through the shared memory 28 of the open controller 10. Can be.

FIG. 14 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, a data collection function 40 is provided as one of the function expansion modules. The data collection function unit 40 is a communication middleware 2
2 operates in cooperation with the network controller 2 and collects and manages data of each device such as the PLC 1 connected from the open controller 10 via a network.
As shown in FIG.

That is, an operation control unit 41 for controlling various operations and a data collection service unit 42 for actually collecting and managing data in accordance with commands from the operation control unit 41 are provided. The data collection function unit 40 operates while referring to the device-specific information file 13a and the data collection information file 13b that define rules and conditions for smoothly collecting and managing data. Are stored in the collection database 13c.

Next, each part will be described in detail. First, although it has already been described that the difference in the protocol for communicating with various devices such as the PLC 1 connected to the open controller 10 is absorbed by the communication middleware, the device-specific information file 13a is supported by the communication middleware. A data area to be collected is virtualized by a tag name, and information defined so that data can be acquired by the tag name is stored without being aware of a communication device and an access method of area information thereof. Specifically, FIG. 16 shows an example of a data structure including the following information.・ How can the target model be accessed?・ What kind of tag name is given to which area of which model.

In what format is the data stored in the target area?

The data collection information file 13b is
This is a file in which operation setting information necessary for collecting data is described, and the data collection service unit 42 operates according to this description. In this embodiment, the process number is associated with the collection process name, so that the user can easily understand the content.

Specifically, the information includes the following information, and its specific data structure (table) is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 17, it may be stored in one table, or as shown in FIG. 18, the processing content may be separately described in a script file.・ Where to get data (collection tag). • When to acquire data (collection timing, individual timing information).

Where and in what form (collection destination type) the acquired data is to be stored. -Whether or not to start each collection process when the service starts (collection destination individual information).

Further, the collection database 13c stores
This is a database for actually storing data collected from C1 and the like. The stored data may be stored in the memory 13 in a file format or may be developed on the shared memory 28. As a result, the collected and stored data can be referred to from outside, such as a host computer, through a network. Therefore, when necessary, data can be obtained as needed and used freely for information management.

Next, each component of the data collection function unit 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 19, the operation control unit 41 acquires a command received from the outside as a main control flow (ST51), recognizes the content of the acquired command, and distributes the command for each process. In the present embodiment, the following nine processes are prepared, but the present invention is not limited to this.・ Start / stop of data collection service ・ Control of start and stop of execution of individual collection function ・ Replacement of data collection setting information (restart) ・ Replacement of information by device (restart) ・ Trigger of start of collection (instruction notification) ) ・ Read / Write of data by tag, that is,
Read / write of data such as PLC according to the contents specified by "tag name" ・ Retrieve / provide (acquire) accumulated data (history data) by external request ・ Acquire, add, delete, change data collection information ・ Tag information Acquisition, addition, deletion, change of the command Next, when the content is recognized, a processing function for executing the content of the command is started (ST53),
The process is executed (ST54).

The actual processing to be performed in step 54 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the current state is obtained, and the state is compared with the obtained command request. (Command request started and status stopped, Command request stopped and status running)
Then, the contents of the command (start / stop) are executed.

When the command is "replacement of data collection information", as shown in FIG. 22, the data collection information requested to be replaced is obtained (ST61). Next, it is determined whether or not the service is currently being started. If the service is stopped, the service is stopped. If the service is started, the service is stopped, and the obtained replacement file is overwritten on the data collection information file 13b ( ST62 to ST6
4).

By doing so, the storage contents of the data collection information file 13b are updated. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the “service stop processing” of step 63 has been performed (ST65). If the stop processing has been performed, the service is started (ST66). If the service stop process has not been performed, that is, if the service has not been started, the process ends.

Similarly, when the command is “replacement of device information”, the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 is executed. As is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 23 and FIG. 22, each processing step is basically executed in the same procedure as the step in FIG. The difference is that the acquired information (device information) and the overwriting destination of the acquired information are the device-specific information files 13a.

Further, when the command is "trigger for starting collection (instruction notification)", the flowchart shown in FIG. 24 is executed. That is, the execution state of the individual collection process is acquired (ST67), and if the individual process is being started, the timing generation unit 4 in the data collection service unit 42 is acquired.
No. 3 is transmitted to ST3 (ST68, ST6).
9). As will be described later, the timing generation unit that has received the trigger generation notification notifies the collection processing unit 44 of the timing generation, and the collection processing unit 44 that receives the notification actually responds via the communication middleware unit 22. The device information is collected and stored in the collection database 13c.

Read / Write of data by tag
In the case of a history data acquisition command, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 are executed. Further, in the case where the received command is acquisition, addition, deletion, or change of data collection information, FIG.
(B) and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 28 (a) and (b) are executed. As is clear from the figure, the data collection information file is accessed, and the stored information is obtained, added,
Changes and deletions will be executed. Furthermore, when the received command is acquisition, addition, deletion, or change of the tag information, FIGS. 29 (a), (b), and FIG.
The flowchart shown in (a) and (b) is executed. As is clear from the figure, access the device-specific information file,
Acquisition, addition, modification, and deletion of stored information are executed.

The data collection service section 42 is a general term for the actual state of processing for actually receiving data from the operation control section 41, and includes a timing generation section 43 and a collection processing section 44.

The timing generation section 43 generates various timings necessary for data collection, and notifies the collection processing section 44 when the timing is generated. Then, the collection processing unit 44 performs a data collection process from a device such as the PLC 1 in response to the processing request (timing generation notification) notified from the timing generation unit 43 according to the content of the data collection information file 13b. Has become. The specific processing functions are as follows.

First, the timing generator 43 has a basic configuration based on a flowchart as shown in FIG. That is, the type supported as the timing process type is acquired from the data collection information file 13b, and the corresponding timing generation individual process is started (ST70). Specifically, the fixed period, fixed time,
Target condition match (tag status matches specified condition),
Acquires a trigger generation request from the outside, etc.

The processing functions activated in accordance with the execution of step 70 are as shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, each individual process of the timing type stored in the data collection information file 13b is obtained (ST7).
4). Specifically, the processing number 1 in the table shown in FIG.
In the case of, it is acquired that the timing occurs every 30 seconds.

Next, it is monitored whether or not a timing is generated based on the acquired information (ST75), and when the specified timing is reached, the collection processing unit 44 is notified (S75).
T76). Here, as the monitoring method of step 75,
For example, in the case of a fixed period, a fixed period can be generated by activating a timer or the like and setting the time of the timing individual information in the count of time-up. In the case of a fixed time, it can be recognized by monitoring the internal clock. Further, when the condition of the tag matches, the condition is periodically read and compared, or the communication middleware unit 22 is provided with an event communication function of the condition match so that the communication middleware unit 22 is notified of the condition. May be.

After executing step 70 in FIG. 31 and activating the individual timing generation processing, it is next determined whether or not there has been a processing request from the collection processing unit 44 (ST7).
1) If there is, the requested processing is executed (ST72). The processes of steps 71 and 72 are repeatedly executed until the service ends. As a result, the timing generation unit 43 performs the predetermined timing generation shown in FIG. 32 and executes a process based on an irregular request from the collection processing unit 44. 33A to 33C show an example of the specific processing in step 72.

On the other hand, the function of the collection processing section 44 has a basic configuration based on a flowchart as shown in FIG. That is, the collection information is acquired from the data collection information file 13b, and the initialization for the process of starting collection at the time of starting the service is performed (ST80). More specifically, the real area is converted from the tag to be collected, and processing for opening the collection destination file is performed. And after the initial setting,
Each process is started.

Next, the timing generator 44 is activated (ST81), and the data collection service is started (ST82). Thereafter, when there is a processing request from the operation control unit 41, the processing of the requested command is executed (ST83, ST84), and the timing generation unit 43
From the communication middleware unit 2, the data collection corresponding to the generated timing is performed.
2 and stores the obtained data in the data collection information file (ST86 to ST88). Then, the above-described collection processing is sequentially and repeatedly executed until the end of the service (ST85).

Further, specific processing executed in step 84 is as shown in FIGS. 35 to 37. Then, the timing generator 43 executes each processing shown in FIG.

With this configuration, the open controller 10 collects information such as the status of the PLC and other devices connected to the open controller 10,
3c, the host computer 1
0 can obtain information on the state of the PLC or the like at an arbitrary timing by referring to the collection database 13c. Conversely, since the host computer 2 does not directly manage the status of each PLC etc. directly,
The upper computer 2 does not become overloaded, and even if the upper computer 2 goes down, P
LC and the like can operate. Further, the open controller 10 performs various tallying based on the acquired information.
When the host computer 2 obtains only the total result, the load is further reduced.

Further, as described above, a predetermined control command can be externally given to the operation control unit 41 via the communication middleware unit 22, and the operation control unit 41 operates the device-specific information file 13a in accordance with the command.
And the contents of the data collection information file 13b can be rewritten, so that the data collection function of the open controller 10 can be freely designed and changed in function and operation according to the contents of setting instructions from outside the controller. .

The open controller according to this embodiment is operated by the OS 25 and can be used as a kind of personal computer having a communication function. However, since it is a dedicated device, it is possible to mount a high-performance CPU or the like. It is possible to use it to meet the reliability required at the FA site.
Specifications can be easily realized.

In the present invention, the following functions can be realized by adding various functions as the extended function module section 21. Of course, it is also possible to use each function in combination.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 38, a WWW (World Wide Web) server 50 can be added as an extended function. Accordingly, as long as the computer has a Web browser, the open controller 1 can be used without preparing special software.
It is possible to access information in 0. That is,
A data collection unit 40 mounted on the open controller 10 accumulates control information from the PLC 1 or the like connected via a network in the collection data 13c in cooperation with the communication middleware unit 22 and the various communication units 11. The stored data is totaled by the WWW server software 50, converted into a format that can be browsed with a Web browser, and
W.

Thus, the data stored in the open controller and the data of the device such as the PLC can be easily and simply viewed from the client computer only by the Web browser.

When an operation setting module (setting change server software) is added as a function expansion module, the operation setting of the open controller can be changed from a client computer (host computer) on the network. In other words, “setting change client software” and “setting file creation software” are prepared on the client computer side. Then, the user creates a data collection information file having new contents used by the data collection unit in the open controller by using the setting file creation software.

After the new information file is created, the new information file is notified to the setting change server software using the setting change client software.
The setting change server software that has received the new information file replaces the data collection information file of the data collection unit with a new one, and instructs the data collection unit to switch the operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 39, the "board PL" is added to the extended communication section 11 'of the open controller 10.
C ”(which makes the PLC function a board shape and can be installed in an open controller)
Alternatively, the software PLC 53 may be added as an extended function module.

That is, a ladder sequence equivalent to that of the PLC is realized in the open controller 10, and a control function of the manufacturing apparatus is provided. Ladder sequence arithmetic processing, I / O input / output management functions, and the like operate within the PLC board, and can operate in parallel with the gateway function and data collection function of the open controller.

As a result, the open controller 10
Can be used as a “control controller” similar to the PLC. In addition, only with open controller,
Since both information management and device control can be performed, system cost can be reduced and installation space can be saved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, when there is an old type, small-sized PLC 11 'having only a serial port as a communication interface with other devices, and other devices, an open controller is used. 10
Is connected to the PLC 1 with the communication unit.
1 "can be connected to the same LAN.
Even such a PLC 11 'can be used for a high-speed network.

In the above embodiment, one open controller 10 is connected to the network. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. Can be applied to a network system in which the open controllers 10 are connected to each other and the PLCs 1 and the like are connected below each open controller 10.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 42, the routing information stored in the routing setting information storage unit 30 provided in the open controller 10 indicates a route for transmitting information to a device connected to another controller unit. The “relay network table” is stored.
As a result, the message control unit 26 determines which relay node the true destination of the received message is below, and selects and sends a communication unit for sending the message to the relay node. Will be.

Further, as shown in FIG. 43, in data communication between devices (PLC 11 ', host computer 2') using serial communication, both are connected to the open controller 10 and the transmission path is converted to Ethernet or the like. By doing so, the distance of the communication transmission line can be extended. Also, by setting the routing settings, it is possible to use the multiplex as a serial line multiplex.

Further, according to each of the above-described embodiments, by using the gateway function of the open controller, the PLC connected to the open controller via the network can control the operation status, control the download of the ladder sequence, and perform the maintenance work. Can be implemented from a remote location.

[0103]

As described above, in the controller according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the same information can be secured on the PLC side and the controller side. Information on the other party can be obtained simply by accessing the controller.

Further, the controller according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention can collect information that the PLC is not good at. Further, when the host computer knows the status of the PLC, it is sufficient to go to the controller, so there is no need to directly control the PLC, and the load is not concentrated on the host computer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system in which a PLC is connected to a host computer via a network.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a usage pattern of a controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment (hardware configuration) of a controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment (software configuration) of a controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a communication middleware unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of a command.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of routing information stored in a routing setting information storage unit 30;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating functions of a message control unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a reception function of the communication unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission function of a communication unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a use state of a preferred embodiment (using a shared memory) of the controller according to the present invention.

12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of mapping information stored in a mapping information storage unit 31. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a function of a data sharing unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment (data collection function) of a controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram including an internal structure of a data collection function.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a device-specific information file.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a data collection information file.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a data collection information file.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a function (main) of an operation control unit.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the operation control unit.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a function (main) of a timing generator.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the timing generator.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the timing generator.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a function (main) of a collection processing unit.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a function (sub) of the collection processing unit.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating functions (sub) of the collection processing unit.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating functions (sub) of the collection processing unit.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing another example of a use mode of the controller according to the present invention.

42 is a diagram showing a data structure of routing information stored in a routing setting information storage unit 30. FIG.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a modification of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 PLC 2 host computer 6 I / O 10 open controller 11, 11a to 11d communication unit 12 control unit 13 memory 13a device-specific information file 13b data collection information file 13c collection database 21 function extension module unit 23, 23 'communication unit unit 28 Shared memory 30 Routing setting information storage unit 31 Mapping information storage unit 32 Data sharing unit 40 Data collection function unit 41 Operation control unit 42 Data collection service unit 43 Timing generation unit 44 Collection processing unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Fumiaki Nariya 10 Tono-cho, Hanazono-ku, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi Inside the Omron Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5H220 AA06 BB17 CC09 CX09 DD04 EE10 FF03 HH01 JJ12 JJ17 JJ19 JJ26 JJ29 JJ55 JJ59 KK01

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A controller interposed between a computer and a PLC, comprising: a communication unit connectable to a network; a shared storage unit; and data transmitted / received via the communication unit, the shared storage unit and the PLC. A controller for storing the same information in a storage unit inside the controller. 2. A shared information storage unit storing matching information including information on a transfer direction of data stored in the shared storage unit, wherein the control unit performs the shared storage based on the stored matching information. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of outputting the data stored in the means to the PLC, and a function of acquiring the data stored in the storage unit of the PLC and storing the data in the shared storage means. 2. The controller according to 1. 3. A controller interposed between a computer and a PLC, comprising: a communication unit connectable to a network; a collection function unit for acquiring information of the PLC via the communication unit; A controller comprising: a collected information storage unit that stores collected information. 4. The controller according to claim 3, further comprising a function of transferring information stored in the collected information storage unit to the computer.