DE10101745A1 - Method for operation of an automation system for control and regulation of component groups, using operating program with information file to call appropriate service program when required - Google Patents

Abstract

The method for operating an automation system involves using a number of assemblies (BG) and an operating program (B), which itself comprises a number of service programs (DP1-DP6) for execution of functions associated with the assemblies. According to the method an information file (I) contains data about which service program should be used with which assembly and is used by the operating program to call the appropriate service program when required.

Description

The invention relates to the operation of an automation system stems, which is used to control or regulate components of an An location process is provided.

Such an automation system typically reads from Sensors or controls capture and process values processes these using internal rules on output evaluate for actuators. For example, sensors are temperature sensors, position measuring devices, pressure or tachometers etc. Actuators are typically drives of all kinds. A modern one Automation system largely consists of soft ware so that it depends on the specific application can be customized. This is the automation system very flexible and can be used for different plant processes - after appropriate programming - can be used.

In addition to the software, the automation system includes construction groups as hardware components. The assemblies are for Responsible for sub-tasks of the automation system. The car The automation system itself is modular and allows get together individually for the respective purpose and expand if necessary. Typically, too Software is subdivided into subtasks that are Blocks are processed.

The sensors and actuators are designed for them Assemblies connected. These assemblies implement the Connection of the sensors and actuators to the software, i.e. to the car's operating program, also known as firmware matisierungssystems. For this purpose, an assembly controls, for example the acquisition of the measured value via the sensor. One from Sensor-acquired measured value (e.g. resistance value of a temperature temperature sensor) is digitized by the module and sent to the  Operating program transmitted. There the value is in an ad Resourceable storage area, so that it is from this Memory area can be accessed specifically. The operating The program is designed as a machine code program. The firmware or the operating program is also below as an executable machine code program or briefly as from feasible program.

The value stored in the memory area is stored in the firmware processed further and it becomes dependent for example of the value controlled another module, via which then an actuator is activated. For example, the actuator is a Switching relay for switching on a heater.

For smooth operation of the automation system it is necessary that the executable program on the in Automation system existing modules is informed. To the automation system with a new function or To be able to expand the application, a. be known which address ranges provided in the executable program which modules are already occupied. Because the new function is usually replaced by a new or modified assembly realized to which an address must be assigned. The new module is also usually parameterized, at for example, she is told what temperature area a sensor controlled by her is designed.

When setting up for the first time or when changing the automation system is therefore also a corresponding software Configuration necessary. As a rule, this is automation system for configuration in two stages. In fact As a first step, it includes a program-related configuration ration system, the so-called engineering system. The second Level is a user program system, the so-called Run time system. The engineering system is usually on egg installed on a workstation and is operated by a pro grammers or software developers. With the help of the engineering system  the actual configuration of the Au automation system. I.e. it will be the one for that Automation system provided hardware (construction groups) and software engineering structure and the configuration data provided for the specific structure determined. This configuration or description data around take, for example, information about the construction used groups, above that provided for a respective assembly Slot and assigned to that of a respective module neten parameter settings. This description data will then transmitted to the user program system. This is then, at the push of a button, able to to control the plant process without further settings must be made. The configuration system and the user program system can also be in one system.

Usually for the configuration in the executable Pro at least the configuration system a special one Program block provided that deals with the hardware confi guration deals. The An For example, the one provided in the automation system Assign special modules to these slots, this construction Assign group addresses and, if necessary, parameterize the modules Sieren. Furthermore, other program building are usually stones for everyone, principally for the automation system suitable, subassemblies.

These other program modules are especially so called utilities, the execution of the assembly functions assigned to the pen. Such a service For example, program deals with address allocation for the respective assembly or with the generation of module-specific data, such as those described in the Hin parameterization of the module are necessary. The different assemblies each have their own Utilities tailored to the assembly assigned.  

If a new or modified module is added to the automation system implemented in the executable pro a new utility can be integrated, which the concerns new assembly. The implementation of the new Utility is expensive because the executable Pro is executed as a machine code program.

The invention has for its object a simple and flexible operation of an automation system chen.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method Ren to operate an automation system that a An number of modules as hardware components and a Be drive program as a software component for the operation of the Includes assemblies. The operating program includes an An Number of utilities for the execution of the assembly functions assigned to pen, whereby from an information da tei is read out which special utilities for which assembly are necessary. To execute the of each because of the function assigned to the module speaking utility called.

The advantage of this configuration is that several Assemblies to the same utilities if necessary grab and especially in that about the information da part of the assignment of the utilities to the individual construction groups is managed.

The usual implementation of separate service pro gram for each module with the effect that the same radio tion or at least the same sub-functions in different Utilities are implemented is not necessary. The the new design is based on the idea that one is not insignificant number of functions that are available via the pro programs are carried out for several assemblies alike  are necessary. The total number of operating sys The utilities implemented are therefore small.

By coordinating / managing the utilities via the information file, i.e. the assignment of the individual Utilities for the different assemblies is too a hardware change to the specifically implemented Automa system into the hardware configuration soft to integrate goods. The hardware configuration software will significantly formed by the utilities and their Assignment to the individual assemblies. Will a new construction group introduced into the automation system, that is näm Lich only a corresponding entry in the Informati ons file necessary to match this new assembly associated utilities. The operating program itself, which is usually an executable machine code Program (firmware) is running, therefore does not need to be changed to be changed. The executable machine code program is also as firmware and in the following briefly as an executable pro called grams.

This procedure for operating an automation system is therefore particularly flexible and enables simple Create a new one to build or a simple change of an existing automation system. With help of the procedure, the necessary con configuration steps simplified, usually in the frame an engineering or configuration system become.

The respective service pro is preferably called up gramms via a standardized interface and in particular the executable program. The use of norm A large number of detailed information is available through the interfaces outsourcing in the information file and thus the entire system very flexible with regard to changes hold.  

For this purpose, it is expediently provided that the cut each provide a unique interface identifier is arranged. This interface identifier is also called "In interface identifier "(IID) individual interfaces can be distinguished from one another clearly identifiable. Then in the information file for example, filed over what specific cut set which utility function is available.

According to a preferred development, the information file a utility identifier as a unique Key for identifying the for the respective function necessary utility on. This utility identifier is also known as a "class identifier" (CLSID). In order to is used in conjunction with the unique interface identifier on the one hand a unique interface identifier and the same Assign an individual utility identifier in good time, see above that the desired utility has a defined Interface is called.

So in the information file that is for the respective radio tion clearly indicates which utility can be called up via a precisely specified interface. This means that you don't need one in the executable program specific utility to contain specific information his. The executable program is only the unique to make known interface identifiers. What's going on hiding these identifiers is for the executable pro gram uninteresting. Therefore, changes to the utility gram and their assignment to the individual modules problem-free without complex interventions in the operating program possible. Because the executable program takes from the In formation file the utility identifier and the informa tion via which interface to call the utility is. Then there is the utility identifier about the one identified interface. Because of the service program identifier is only about a special utility  called the standardized interface. About the pro So the gram identifier is standardized from several to one Utilities a special interface Utility called.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, at least part of the utilities as a so-called script pro programs designed by the executable program be called. Such script programs or that called "scripting" are known in principle and are at for example for programming in connection with Inter net applications. With such a script Program is usually proceeded in such a way that certain tasks to be carried out in so-called script files and that these tasks are performed using a script Interpreters are done. The script interpreter is there with an auxiliary program, which from the executable program is started out. To change such a script program is therefore just a change to the script file make. Because the script file is designed as an ASCII file and is not a machine code program, changes are made to one to make such a script program very easily. Insbeson This is not an intervention in the executable program of the car automation system necessary. Communication between the executable program and the script program is done via the standardized interfaces.

The method proposed here, in which the executable Program based on the utility identifier and the assigned neten interface identifier the selection of the appropriate Utility makes it possible in a very simple way an adjustment and modification of the utilities. Because before geomatically when a change in automation systems only changed the information file.

On the other hand, if there is a change or extension, the Functionality of the automation system - preferably one  new utility implemented. This will be useful accompanied by corresponding entries in the In formation file. Implementation of the new pro For example, programs are made with the help of the script ting method in a simple way by dropping a new one Script file.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, this applies new utility on an already implemented service program by linking to. This is the advantage created a new utility that was incumbent on it Function does not have to work through completely, but that Sub-functions that already exist from another Utility can be done, this other too Utility to be transferred. Through the interface Identifier and in particular by the utility identifier also clear and easy navigation to the ent talking utility possible.

It is thus advantageously achieved that Execution of a certain function multiple utilities be called.

The use of the standardized interfaces with a Interface identifier as well as using the service pro So the gram identifier enables each expansion to existing automation system to all exi current utilities can be used, and only certain parts need to be added. The crucial one Advantage is that utilities have already been tested do not need to be changed. With this procedure you can also a profound expansion of the system by a easy installation of a utility as part of the executable program.

Because the utilities each have a specific assembly must be assigned to the module each time the function is changed  a utility library associated with it be changed. As a rule, this is done by an off exchange of the complete program library, which is due to the Design of the operating program as a machine code very much is complex. Is z. B. an assembly just a new one Assigned function - it takes over next to egg, for example mere switching function also a measuring function - so must this measurement function from an appropriate utility get supported. The advantage of the new process is now to be seen in such a change in the construction group back to an existing utility is gripped. So it just needs the information file be changed to the relevant assembly the information is filed that an additional service program must be called.

It is also sufficient to correct a new error install free program library. An existing one faulty program library does not necessarily need to be out to be exchanged. Rather, it suffices in the information to refer to the new program library and the Remove reference to the faulty program library.

An embodiment of the invention is described below hand of the drawing explained in more detail. Each show in schematic block diagram representations:

Fig. 1 is a programmatic representation of a procedural method for operating an automation system, and

Fig. 2 also a program representation of a method for operating an automation system, in which several modules access the same utilities.

According to Fig. 1 comprises an operating program B of an automation assurance system an executable machine code program AP, which is referred to briefly as an executable program AP in the following. The executable program AP is also called firmware. Furthermore, the operating program B contains a number of service programs DP1 to DP6, which are preferably also part of the firmware. Alternatively, they are designed as script programs that are called up from the executable program AP. In addition to the operating program B as a software component, the automation system has, as a hardware component, assemblies BG (cf. FIG. 2) which are controlled by the operating program B. The BG modules are, for example, control modules for valve control, voltage supply modules, etc.

The service programs DP1 to DP6 communicate via standardized interfaces S1 to S3 with a navigator N of the executable program AP, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the service programs DP1 to DP6 communicate directly with the respective assemblies BG. An interface identifier SK1 to SK3 is assigned to each interface for unambiguous identification of the respective interface S1 to S3. In addition, the individual service programs DP1 to DP6 also have service program identifiers DK1 to DK6. These serve as keys for a clear assignment to the respective service programs DP1 to DP6.

For the procedure for operating the automation system further provided an information file I on which the executable program accesses AP. The information file I be contains in particular information about which assembly BG which utilities DP1 to DP6 needs. The informa tion file I thus represents a knowledge of that for a construction group BG necessary configuration software available. This knowledge is also known as meta knowledge. The information Mation is stored in such a way that for each Utilities on the one hand made the interface identifier SK1, SK3 is filed. This information is used for identification decoration of the interface through which the utility program DP2,  DP6 is to be called. On the other hand, there is still the special one Utility identifier DK2, DK6 filed.

Based on this information, it is the executable program possible with the help of the navigator N of the respective building group assigned utilities DP1 to DP6. Using the interface identifier SK1, SK3 is initially a clearly defined via which interfaces the respective Utility DP2, DP6 is called.

Via the individually standardized interfaces S1, for example the interface S1, are in principle several service pro programs DP1 to DP3 available. With these about a special Interface S1 callable service programs DP1 to DP3 han these are usually groups of service pro programs DP1 to DP3, which have the same function. For example, they can be called via interface S1 Ren utilities DP1 to DP3 for parameterizing the construction groups BG. Via the utility code DK2, the one represents a unique key, is now from the over the Service programs DP1 to DP3 accessible via interface S1 the utility program suitable for the respective assembly BG DP2 called.

The described method for operating an automation system system is extremely flexible in terms of changes, which concern the service programs DP1, DP6. Such changes are caused, for example, by an assembly BG a new function is assigned so that for this construction group BG a new utility is necessary. This fle Essentially, flexibility is achieved by the fact that the Be drive program B only as the only fixed quantity Interfaces S1 to S3 with their interface ID SK1 up to SK3. All knowledge of the concrete configuration is via the interface identifier SK1 to SK3 and the utility code DK1 to DK6 in the In formation file I filed.  

For example, the BG module has a new function indicated that the utility program DP4 requires, is sufficient corresponding entry SK2 (DK4) in the information file I, to inform the system that for the BG assembly now the utility program DP4 is also necessary. In addition, there is Possibility that from a utility DP1 to DP6 another utility program DP1 to DP6 is accessed. For this purpose, only an ent is in the first utility descriptive reference in the context of the identifier to the other Utility needed. This identifier is from the first service program communicated to the navigator N, who then corresponds to this other utility calls.

This configuration makes it possible for meh Other assemblies BG to the same utilities DP1 to DP6 access and vice versa that multiple utilities DP1 to DP6 can be assigned to a module. Now becomes a complete new utility is necessary, this can be in the Be drive program B in a simple manner by a subsequent installation tion are introduced. In the information file I will then a corresponding reference to this new utility provides.

Due to the flexible training, the Be drive program B essentially all hardware configurations of the automation system. Because only when the first construction group BG actually in the (concrete) automation system a certain structure is fixed because, as a rule, the BG assemblies have a structure assigned. As long as there is no BG module in the system is introduced, the operating program B is therefore for un Different topologies (structure of the automation system) open. When replacing the BG assemblies it is therefore also possible to move from one construction concept to one to switch to another construction concept without significant changes changes in the operating program would be necessary.  

Since several assemblies BG can access the same service programs DP1 to DP6 with this method, the scope of the necessary service programs DP1 to DP6 is also kept low, as is clear from FIG. 2. According to FIG. 2, the automation system comprises a main station HS and a secondary station NS, which is also referred to as a peripheral station. Both the main station HS and the secondary station NS have several assemblies BG and a central unit ZE on the side of the main station H and a peripheral unit PE on the side of the secondary station NS. The peripheral unit PE represents a central unit of the secondary station NS. The peripheral unit PE and the central unit ZE are designed as main assembly groups. The individual modules BG, ZE, PE are each assigned standardized interfaces S, via which communication with the service modules DP1 to DP6 assigned to the respective modules BG takes place. The communication is conducted using the navigator N of the executable program AP, which is not shown in FIG. 2, however. The communication or the calling of the service programs DP1 to DP6 takes place as described for FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the service programs DP1 to DP6 form a kind of library which the individual assemblies BG access as required and according to their function. For example, the service programs DP1 to DP3 are necessary for the operation of the main station HS and the service programs DP2 to DP5 are required for the operation of the slave station NS. This means that the main station HS and the secondary station NS access the same service programs DP2, DP3 for their operation. The number of service programs DP1 to DP6 included in the operating program is small.

Claims (10)

1. Method for operating an automation system, the a number of modules (BG) and an operating program (B) for the operation of the modules (BG), which includes a Number of utilities (DP1 to DP6) for execution includes functions assigned by the modules (BG), whereby from an information file (I) is read out which special utilities (DP1 to DP6) for which module (BG) are necessary, and one of the respective function assigned to the assembly (BG) speaking utility (DP1 to DP6) is called. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the calling the Utility (DP1 to DP6) through a standardized cut position (S1 to S3). 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the interfaces (S1 to S3) each have a unique interface identifier (SK1 to SK6) is assigned. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the information file (I) is a utility identifier (DK1 to DK6) for the clear identification of the for the respective function required (DP1 to DP6) has. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein from the information da tei (I) the utility code (DK1 to DK6) and the assigned interface identifier (SK1 to SK3) , the selection of the. based on these two identifiers corresponding utility program (DP1 to DP3). 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the operating program (B) an executable machine code pro grams (AP) and a script program, at least  some of the utilities as script programs from executable program (AP) can be called out. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which if the automation system changes, the informati ons file (I) is changed 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which when expanding the functionality of the automation system is created. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the new utility to an already implemented utility program (DP1 to DP6) accesses through a shortcut. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, at to perform several assigned functions Utilities (DP1-DP6) can be called.