DE10254531A1 - Method and system for transforming programs that relate to the software configuration of a distributed control system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for transforming first information (1a, 1b) in a first format, which describes a first software configuration of a first distributed control system (1), into second information (2a, 2b) in a second format, which is second Software configuration of a second distributed control system (2) describes, wherein the runtime behavior of the first software configuration on the first control system (1) is recorded and taken into account during the transformation into the second information in such a way that the second control system (2) with the second information the first control system (1) has the same runtime behavior with the first information. DOLLAR A Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding system.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a system for transforming first information into one first format, which is a first software configuration of a first distributed control system describes in a second information in a second format that a second software configuration of a second distributed control system describes, especially for the case that the first information in a text-based programming language is present.

Distributed control systems or distributed Control and / or regulation systems are based on the state of the Technology often used to control and / or regulate industrial processes. In particular, control systems are created for the purpose of: distributed structure inherent in these industrial processes physical distribution of control system units or control units to grasp and master, the control system units together communicate and can exchange data and / or information.

A control system can be used by the respective Process data and / or information received and instruction signals to control units that influence the process and its physical Can determine the process thus guaranteeing compliance with certain required characteristics or guaranteed becomes.

• a. Information in Bezug auf die Anzahl, die Art und die Konfiguration der in dem Leitsystem enthaltenen Leitsystem-Einheiten, und/oder
• b. Information über die Anzahl, die Art und die Konfiguration der an die Leitsystem-Einheiten angeschlossenen Eingabe-/Ausgabe- (E/A) Karten, und/oder
• c. Information über die Anzahl, die Art und die Konfiguration der spezifischen Mittel, die zum Aufbau einer Kommunikationsverbindung zwischen den Leitsystem-Einheiten verwendet werden, und/oder
• d. Information über die Anzahl, die Art und den Aufbau der Mittel, die zur Steuerung der Leitsystem-Einheiten verwendet werden, und/oder
• e. Information über das Verhalten der Leitsystem-Einheiten, welche im Allgemeinen die Programme, die auf den Leitsystem-Einheiten des Leitsystems ablaufen, und andere Randparameter umfasst, wie z.B. die Durchlaufzeiten (Zykluszeiten) der Programme, und/oder
• f. Informationsetiketten, die zur Identifikation der verschiedenen Elemente eines Leitsystems verwendet werden.

A control system is normally described by explicit information in relation to its particular hardware / software configuration, for example by data, parameters, program descriptions or the like. This information normally contains:

• a. Information relating to the number, type and configuration of the control system units contained in the control system, and / or
• b. Information on the number, type and configuration of the input / output (I / O) cards connected to the control system units, and / or
• c. Information on the number, type and configuration of the specific means used to establish a communication link between the control system units and / or
• d. Information on the number, type and structure of the means which are used to control the control system units and / or
• e. Information about the behavior of the control system units, which generally comprises the programs that run on the control system units of the control system and other peripheral parameters, such as the throughput times (cycle times) of the programs, and / or
• f. Information labels that are used to identify the various elements of a control system.

This invention relates to the under e. information described above list, in particular the programs.

• – Befehle zum Erhalten von Information, z.B. aus einer spezifischen Informationsquelle,
• – Befehle zum Speichern und/oder Schreiben von Information,
• – Funktionen, wie z.B. arithmetische Funktionen,
• – bedingte Schleifen ("while", "repeat until"...),
• – unbedingte Schleifen ("for ... times do",...),
• – bedingte Verzweigungen ("if ... else", "case",...).

The programs or program components running on the control system units of the control system are very often procedural programs which are available in a text-based language and consist of a list of commands which are executed by the operating system of the control system. Examples of such commands or statements are:

• Commands for obtaining information, for example from a specific information source,
• Commands for storing and / or writing information,
• Functions, such as arithmetic functions,
• - conditional loops ("while", "repeat until" ...),
• - unconditional loops ("for ... times do", ...),
• - conditional branches ("if ... else", "case", ...).

The description of the software configuration Information used in a control system is indicated by a suitable one Format marked, which with a suitable structure and a appropriate semantics. The expression "structure" and the expression "semantics" each describe a sentence of Codification rules and a set of functional relationships and rules that identify an information format.

The one achievable in a control system or executable functionality is primarily due to that in the programs of the groin system specified or written commands (= the semantics), which are provided by experts when programming a specific control system is adjusted, i.e. the characteristic features of the operating systems of a control system. This includes the possibility of interruptions (Interrupts), the execution priorities etc., but is not limited to this. This information is generally not explicit in the software configuration described, but one of the execution philosophy of each Control system and its operating systems inherent feature.

With the advancement of technology a control system can become obsolete or, more generally, the need for Control of a certain industrial process with another Control system arise, which with a more powerful Hardware and / or software is provided. In this case, it is necessary install and configure new control system, and the technical To start the process control process again.

In order to minimize the costs of updating the control system, the information relating to the software configuration of the old control system is generally reused. This procedure implies the reuse of technical solutions, which have often been tested for a long time by the old control system and therefore a high degree ensure reliability of process control.

It is obvious that this technical solutions could definitely be improved. The effort of updating of the old control system is used when reusing the software configuration of the old control system in comparison with the effort for regeneration of the software configuration of the new control system However, information is definitely reduced.

However, due to the fact that the control system is physically replaced, unfortunately only a slight possibility that relates to the software configuration of the old control system Information as it is, i.e. unchanged, reuse, though basically the process behavior remains the same.

Due to the incompatibility between the software configuration for the new control system and the software configuration for the old one The control system for configuring the new control system is one of Revision to be carried out by experts which relate to the software configuration of the old control system Information required.

A conventional way of doing this Configuration is to use mapping tables that allow logical links between the elements of the old control system and the elements of the to build a new control system. In practice, these represent mapping tables provides a guideline for creating the elements of the configuration of the new control system based on the elements of the configuration of the old control system is allowed or enabled.

In addition to a completely manual procedure use some prior art methods computerized Tools. These computerized tools aim to do that manual transformation or conversion using an automatic Transformation of the input / output configuration to accelerate information relating to the old control system.

In the EP-A-00 201 534.5 , the EP-A-00 201 535.2 , the EP-A-00 201 536.0 , the EP-A-00 201 549.3 , and the EP-A-00 201 550.1 A method and a related tool are described which allow automated translation or transformation, which eliminates some disadvantages of the manual or semi-automatic procedures known at the time (filing date April 28, 2000) and which are used for the translation of hardware / software information of the Configuration of control systems can be considered as the closest prior art.

However, the methods described in these patent applications for transforming first information in a first format, which describes a first software configuration of a first distributed control system, into second information in a second format, which describes a second software configuration of a second distributed control system, for example in the EP-A-00 201 550.1 described method, still unsatisfactory results. The method described in the specified patent applications is based on the analysis and transformation of information that describes the hardware / software configuration of a control system. This information is displayed outside of the computerized tool and imported into it. A main reason for the unsatisfactory result of the methods described in the specified patent applications is that the function of a control system is not only determined by the information that the hardware / software configuration, as described, for example, in the EP-A-201 534.5 is explicitly described, but, as previously stated, also by the characteristic features of the operating systems of the control system, such as the use of privileged (preemptive) or non-privileged (non-preemptive) multitasking, the querying of events, the processing of iterative loops or the processing of interruptions is determined. This information is not explicitly shown in the software configuration, but is an inherent feature of the control system and the operating systems used in it. For this reason, this information cannot be taken into account by the procedure described in the specified patent applications.

Will that in the aforementioned patent applications described procedure is used, so a converted Program generated that extensively revised manually by experts in order to control the process on the new control system no different or even incorrect behavior becomes.

The converted software configuration program can be a text-based program. The US 5,842,204 and the US 5,768,546 describe the state of the art for the translation of text-based programs. These patents describe two methods of translating computer languages from a source system to that of a target system. The main reason that the methods specified in these two patents achieve unsatisfactory results or cannot be used is that the methods are designed for standard computer programs, i.e. no text-based programs for control systems are considered here that have special characteristics and functionalities that are described in normal or conventional computers do not exist. Another reason for inadequate results from the methods described in these patents is that real-time environments cannot be considered, which is very important for control systems. Another disadvantage is that the methods described in the two patents do not translate based on a knowledge-based approach. Such a knowledge-based pro is more flexible than a hard-coded translation, as described for example in the two patents, and allows or enables the knowledge required for the translation to be collected more easily and expanded more freely.

In addition to the aforementioned patents, there is another important aspect of text-based translation, which is that of the EP 0 539 120 B1 is described. This patent can be considered the state of the art for text-based translation based on an independent tree model. The described method translates the text-based program taking into account a tree model that was generated by parsing. The method described gives good results when translating text-based languages, but it is also not based on a knowledge base. Furthermore, the special characteristics and functionalities of text-based programs in a specific control system are also not taken into account here, and the features of real-time environments that are important for the text-based programs executed in control systems are not dealt with.

The invention is based on the object improved method and system for transforming a first Information in a first format, which is a first software configuration a first distributed control system describes, in a second information in a second format, which is a second software configuration of a second distributed control system describes what, in particular the effort for manual post-processing of a computerized converted Information is reduced or avoided.

This task is accomplished through a process and a system for transforming a first piece of information into a first format, which is a first software configuration of a first distributed control system describes, in a second information in a second format, which is a second software configuration of a second distributed control system describes, with the characteristics of independent Expectations solved.

Advantageous configurations and Further developments of the invention result from the dependent claims.

The invention builds on the generic state the technology in that the runtime behavior in a method the first software configuration on the first control system and thus taken into account in the transformation into the second information is that the second control system with the second information same runtime behavior for the first control system with the first information having. According to the invention, information is used which up to was not considered today: the runtime behavior, equivalent also as execution behavior or real-time behavior, of the first control system, e.g. about the implicit information of intrinsic or inherent features that according to of this invention can be described explicitly and e.g. over a Control system-specific knowledge base can be made available. By the use of this information will be those previously described Disadvantages on a negligible Measure or a negligible Degrees reduced.

The software configuration for a control system advantageously by means of a combination of one or more text-based or non-text-based programming languages become.

The runtime behavior can further for the first Control system in an advantageous manner by means of a combination of or several text-based or non-text-based programming languages being represented. Especially with the simultaneous display also the software configuration for a guidance system, especially for the first control system, there is a particularly simple option here the representation.

In the context explained above, in can also advantageously be provided that each text-based or non-text-based programming language is not object-oriented, but is functional, procedural and conditional or unconditional instructions based.

• – die Verwendung von bevorrechtigtem oder nicht bevorrechtigtem Multitasking,
• – aufruf- oder ereignisgetriebener Signalisierung,
• – der Verwaltung und Ausführung von iterativen Schleifen, sowie
• – der Möglichkeit, Schleifen zu unterbrechen und Wiedereinstiegspunkte.

In the method according to the invention, it is preferably further provided that the execution behavior of the first control system is recorded and / or displayed via intrinsic features, in particular via

• - the use of privileged or non-privileged multitasking,
• - call- or event-driven signaling,
• - the management and execution of iterative loops, as well
• - the ability to break loops and re-entry points.

According to the invention, these intrinsic features can be combined with other intrinsic or inherent Characteristics are expanded, which also directly affect the / used can refer to the first and / or second system, e.g. a system and / or Programming language-specific processing of conditional instructions or statements.

A preferred development of the method according to the invention provides that the execution behavior of the first control system is recorded via relationships given implicitly in its software configuration. In this way, the execution or runtime behavior is obtained indirectly, but in a particularly simple manner, since no analysis of the first control system itself is necessary, but only an analysis of the software configuration controlling it with regard to the execution or runtime behavior of the first control system. Alternatively, of course, an examination of the execution or runtime behavior of the first control system di done directly, ie, for example, by monitoring the actions of the control system, taking into account the software configuration.

In connection with the method according to the invention it is further preferred that the execution behavior of the first Control system using at least one knowledge database is converted into the second information, the at least one Knowledge base tailored at least to the first control system is. This can make expert knowledge beneficial to many Transformation processes available be put.

In the method according to the invention it is preferably further provided that elements of the first Software configuration via a set of translation rules are represented in elements of the IEC61131 languages. The IEC61131 Languages, especially the text-based language IEC61131 Structured Text (ST) and IEC61131 Sequential Function Chart (SFC) are suitable especially for a platform independent, i.e. neutral representation of programming languages. One after the Invention software configuration converted into this neutral representation can be checked and / or particularly easily used to emulate a control system, as well as from this neutral representation particularly easily in the second software configuration be changed.

Next is the method according to the invention preferably further provided that the execution behavior of elements the first software configuration in elements of the second software configuration and / or their arrangement are mapped therein. According to the invention consideration execution behavior advantageously use the known translation methods e.g. to those mentioned in the introduction to the description.

In the method according to the invention can dynamic program control parameters that determine the execution of the first software configuration in the first control system, advantageously in elements the second software configuration and / or its arrangement become. Such a mapping results in a particularly simple one Conversion or transformation, especially if this is not direct, but about the neutral layer described above takes place because then at the Transformation from the neutral layer only individual elements and no program control parameters need to be considered.

The first software configuration can continue are preferably mapped into a neutral layer in such a way that different an execution behavior emulating states shows that there the first software configuration and its execution behavior are simulated in the first control system. That way an emulation of execution behavior easily possible, so that this is only checked by an expert and revised if necessary must become.

• – von dem ausgeschalteten Zustand mittels eines "An"-Befehls in den Grundzustand,
• – von dem Grundzustand entweder mittels eines "Aus"-Befehls in den Auszustand oder mittels eines "Start"-Befehls in den aktiven Zustand,
• – von dem aktiven Zustand entweder mittels eines "Stop"-Befehls in den Grundzustand oder mittels eines "Halt"-Befehls in den Haltzustand, und
• – von dem Haltzustand entweder mittels eines "Stop"-Befehls in den Grundzustand oder mittels eines "Weiter"-Befehls in den aktiven Zustand

vorgesehen sind, und wenigstens zu Elementen der Softwarekonfiguration des ersten Leitsystems gewandelte Elemente in dem aktiven Zustand implementiert werden. Durch dieses erweiterte Zustandsmodell kann erfindungsgemäß jedes Ausführungsverhalten in ausreichender Weise von einem ersten Leitsystem auf ein zweites Leitsystem umgesetzt werden. Es können entweder ganze Programme der Softwarekonfiguration des ersten Leitsystems oder auch nur Teile davon mittels des erweiterten Zustandsmodells dargestellt werde, d.h. das erweiterte Zustandsmodell ist durch eine Ineinanderverschachtelung skalierbar.The neutral layer can advantageously be based on an expanded state model, which has a basic state, a halt state, an active state, and an off state, with transitions

• From the switched-off state to the basic state by means of an "on" command,
• From the basic state either to the off state by means of an “off” command or to the active state by means of a “start” command,
• - from the active state either by means of a "stop" command to the basic state or by means of a "stop" command to the stop state, and
• - from the stop state either by means of a "stop" command to the basic state or by means of a "continue" command to the active state

are provided, and elements which have been converted into elements of the software configuration of the first control system are implemented in the active state. With this expanded state model, according to the invention, each execution behavior can be sufficiently implemented from a first control system to a second control system. Either entire programs of the software configuration of the first control system or only parts of them can be represented by means of the expanded status model, ie the expanded status model is scalable by interleaving.

The invention builds on the generic state Technology continues to be characterized by the fact that a system's runtime behavior the first software configuration on the first control system and taken into account in the transformation into the second information in such a way that the second control system with the second information one to the the first control system with the first information has the same runtime behavior. This results in those explained in connection with the method according to the invention Advantages in the same or similar Way, why avoid repetition on the appropriate versions is referred.

The same applies mutatis mutandis to the following preferred embodiments of the system according to the invention, being also regarding of through these embodiments achievable advantages related to the corresponding designs the inventive method is referred.

The system can do the software configuration for a Control system in an advantageous manner by means of a combination of or several text-based or non-text-based programming languages represent.

Furthermore, the system can advantageously determine the runtime behavior for the first control system by means of a combination of one or more text represent based or non-text based programming languages.

In the context explained above, in advantageously be further provided that each text-based or not text-based programming language not object-oriented, but is functional, procedural and conditional or unconditional Instructions based.

• – die Verwendung von bevorrechtigtem (präemptivem) oder nicht bevorrechtigtem (nicht präemptivem) Multitasking,
• – aufruf- oder ereignisgetriebener Signalisierung,
• – der Verwaltung und Ausführung von iterativen Schleifen, sowie
• – der Möglichkeit, Schleifen zu unterbrechen und Wiedereinstiegspunkte.

In the system according to the invention it is preferably further provided that it detects and / or displays the execution behavior of the first control system via intrinsic features, in particular via

• - the use of privileged (preemptive) or non-privileged (non-preemptive) multitasking,
• - call- or event-driven signaling,
• - the management and execution of iterative loops, as well
• - the ability to break loops and re-entry points.

A preferred development of the system according to the invention stipulates that it is the execution behavior of the first control system Relationships given implicitly in its software configuration.

In connection with the system according to the invention it is further preferred that it is the execution behavior of the first Control system using at least one knowledge database converts to the second information, the at least one knowledge database is at least tailored to the first control system.

In the system according to the invention it is preferably further provided that there are elements of the first Software configuration via a set of translation rules in elements of the IEC61131 languages.

Next is the system according to the invention preferably further provided that there is execution behavior from elements of the first software configuration to elements of the second Mapping software configuration and / or their arrangement therein.

The system according to the invention can dynamic program control parameters, the execution direct the first software configuration in the first control system, advantageously in elements of the second software configuration and / or map their arrangement.

The system according to the invention can also be used in advantageously the first software configuration in a neutral Depict a layer that different imitates an execution behavior conditions shows that the first software configuration and its execution behavior are simulated in the first control system.

The neutral layer in the system according to the invention are advantageously based on an expanded state model, which is a basic state, a halt state, an active state, and has an off state, with transitions

• – von dem Grundzustand entweder mittels eines "Aus"-Befehls in den Auszustand oder mittels eines "Start"-Befehls in den aktiven Zustand,
• – von dem aktiven Zustand entweder mittels eines "Stop"-Befehls in den Grundzustand oder mittels eines "Halt"-Befehls in den Haltzustand, und
• – von dem Haltzustand entweder mittels eines "Stop"-Befehls in den Grundzustand oder mittels eines "Weiter"-Befehls in den aktiven Zustand vorgesehen sind, und wenigstens zu Elementen der Softwarekonfiguration des ersten Leitsystems gewandelte Elemente in dem aktiven Zustand implementiert werden.

From the switched-off state to the basic state by means of an "on" command,

• From the basic state either to the off state by means of an “off” command or to the active state by means of a “start” command,
• - from the active state either by means of a "stop" command to the basic state or by means of a "stop" command to the stop state, and
• - from the stop state either by means of a "stop" command to the basic state or by means of a "next" command to the active state, and at least elements converted to elements of the software configuration of the first control system are implemented in the active state.

A computer program that the characteristics of inventive method and executed by suitable hardware leads to a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention. A computer program, in particular a computer program stored on a data carrier, which has the features of the method according to the invention therefore expressly included in the disclosure content of the present application.

According to the invention, the first Software configuration of the first control system in the second software configuration for the second control system of different types or different types translated become.

Both the first configuration for the first control system as well as the second configuration for the second control system intended to control or regulate the same industrial process, by continuous control / regulation, discrete control / regulation, Batches and sequences are managed. The second software configuration should with the second control system in relation to the first software configuration same behavior or improved behavior with the first control system produce. As a result, the second software configuration must be independent of the language used with the second guidance system is also the same functional behavior and execution behavior show how the first software configuration with the first control system, which ensures according to the invention or at least better supported is.

The automatic, preferably computerized tool according to the invention can have the features of the in the EP-A-00 201 534.5 , the EP-A-00 201 535.2 , the EP-A-00 201 536.0 , the EP-A-00 201 549.3 , and the EP-A-00 201 550.1 have tools described, which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application, whereby the features described there with the here described can be combined in any way. Thus, the tool according to the invention can manage all relevant aspects of the configuration of a control system regardless of the complexity or the number of control system units and programming languages used. Furthermore, the computerized tool can manage the links between the different points of view and it is easily expandable in order to be able to record new types of control systems both as a source or as a target.

According to this invention, the execution behavior can additionally of syntactic elements, e.g. Statements, keywords and graphic elements, text-based and / or non-text-based Language of the source in syntactic elements, e.g. Statement, Keywords and graphic elements, text-based and / or non-text-based Language of the destination.

Further can according to this invention additionally the program control parameters relating to the runtime are mapped be the execution of the programs in the real-time environment of control system units Control system can manage.

The invention will now be described with reference to FIG the attached Exemplified drawings using a preferred embodiment, in which in particular a program available in a text-based language converted to a non-text based representation on the neutral level or is transformed.

Show it:

1 an exemplary diagram of the operation of the tool according to the invention;

2 a state graph of programs in the text-based language TCL (Taylor Control Language);

3 a state graph of program in a neutral layer;

4 an SFC program of the state graph in the neutral layer;

5 an integration of the converted source program in the in the 4 shown state graph;

6 a structure of the converted programs in the target system; and

7 an SFC translation of a program sequence that is specified by a structured programming language.

1 gives a results-oriented overview of the functioning of a system according to the invention. In the 1 the text-based and non-text-based languages are exemplarily explained using the text-based language IEC61131 Structured Text (namely ST) and the non-text-based language IEC61131 Sequential Function Chart (namely SFC). However, the invention can be seen generally and is independent of language. It is shown that the programs of a first control system 1 , namely an SFC program 1a and a text-based program 1b , by translation into programs of a second control system 2 , namely in a text-based program 2a and an SFC program 2 B , be changed or transformed.

So the tool described leads the conversion of the configuration information of the first control system from the format that applies to the development tool of the first Control system relates, in a format and structure, which is refer to the second control system.

The transformation of such Configuration includes or includes the type and number of Control system units in the control system, the type, number and settings of I / O interfaces used to communicate with the process the various control system units of the control system are connected are the ones needed Communication routes between control system units and a higher-level monitoring device of the control system, which is in different languages (not text-based and / or text-based) wrote the behavior of the control system defining programs, and the dates and time relationships between the different programs.

All relationships in any Kind between elements of the configuration will also exist provided in the information used for the transformation, the from the translation tool is used. The translation tool information used about the first control system is conceptually equivalent to its configuration information, but is presented in a format that the tool can easily access and which the tool can easily manage.

The main aspect of this configuration tool is it that translation from text-based and / or non-text-based programming languages in other text-based and / or non-text-based programming languages, such as. IEC61131SFC and / or ST takes place, the runtime behavior considered becomes. These programming languages are normally used Manage sequences and batches, although they are also for continuous and discrete controls could be used. in the Following is the translation of text-based and non-text-based languages as an example only based on the translation a text based language into a non text based language like IEC61131 SFC shown.

However, the procedure according to the invention is general and independent of the languages used, as it is in the 1 is indicated, which represents a simplified flow diagram of the tool results-oriented.

The text-based code, like all other programs in the control system unit, is executed at a specific rate assigned to the corresponding task. Interaction with the rest of the control system unit programs. Every statement or keyword in the text-based language has a well-defined functional and execution behavior. The target's text-based language, in this case SFC and ST, has different syntactic and semantic elements to produce the same behavior. Accordingly, the translation unit must have a set of translation rules which map the elements of the text-based language of the source to the elements of the languages of the target, for example the IEC61131 languages, which can also be used for the neutral layer advantageously provided according to the invention.

• 1. Das Ausführungsverhalten der Schlüsselworte und Aussagen der textbasierten Sprache der Quelle muss auf die Aussagen, Schlüsselworte und graphischen Elemente der SFC- und ST-Sprachen abgebildet werden.
• 2. Die dynamischen Programmsteuerparameter, wie z.B. Zustand, Status, Modus, die die Ausführung des Programms leiten, müssen abgebildet werden.

The translation therefore comprises two important parts:

• 1. The execution behavior of the keywords and statements of the text-based language of the source must be mapped to the statements, keywords and graphic elements of the SFC and ST languages.
• 2. The dynamic program control parameters, such as state, status, mode, which guide the execution of the program must be mapped.

A) Figure of yourself on the execution time related program control parameters, such as state, status, mode

In the text-based languages of the Source can referring to the execution time related program control parameters, such as state, status and mode, the execution of the program influence over execution are manipulated by statements.

• – ein Programm zu aktivieren, abzubrechen oder in einen Pausenzustand zu versetzen (Zustand),
• – unnormale Bedingungen zu definieren, detektieren und zu verwalten (Status), und
• – ein Verfahren der schrittweisen Ausführung zu steuern (Modus).

Manipulating these parameters provides the means to

• - activate a program, cancel it or put it into a pause (state),
• - Define, detect and manage abnormal conditions (status), and
• - To control a step-by-step process (mode).

In the 2 the text-based language TCL (Taylor Control Language) is shown as an example, in which programs have three states: inactive, active and pausing. However, the invention is not limited to the representation of TCL, but enables a general and language-independent representation.

The 2 shows that a program from an inactive state 3 an activation into an active state 4 can be transferred from which it in turn to an inactive state via termination or termination 3 can be put into a pause state or alternatively via a pause command 5 can be moved. From the pause 5 the program can abort the inactive state 3 or back to the active state via a resume command 4 be transferred.

• 1. Demand, d.h. ein (direkter, unbedingter) Befehl, der einen Übergang von Zustand, Status oder Modus hervorruft, z.B.: Activate ('POWERUP', 3);
• 2. Event, d.h. eine EVENT/ENDEVENT-Struktur definiert ein Ereignis in einem TCL-Programm; diese wird verwendet, um spezifische Bedingungen zu definieren, entsprechend der einer oder mehrere Zustands-, Status- und/oder Modusübergänge erfolgen.
• 3. Time, d.h. Zustands-, Status- und Modusübergänge können in TCL-Programmen über Zeitablauffunktionen manipuliert werden.

There are three types of manipulation of the state, status and mode in programs in TCL:

• 1. Demand, ie a (direct, unconditional) command that causes a transition from state, status or mode, eg: Activate ('POWERUP', 3);
• 2. Event, ie an EVENT / ENDEVENT structure defines an event in a TCL program; this is used to define specific conditions according to which one or more state, status and / or mode transitions occur.
• 3. Time, ie state, status and mode transitions can be manipulated in TCL programs using timeout functions.

To do this in an IEC61131-based target system Runtime behavior of a TCL program (and all the other programming languages for a control system), it is necessary, the different states of a TCL program possible in the source system replicate. Accordingly, according to a preferred embodiment the invention based on the TCL state model an expanded State model developed, which also for other text-based languages, that can be used in one source to represent different ones states of a general program used in a neutral layer can be. This neutral representation is used for the translation an intermediate step from the source to the target system.

This expanded state model according to an advantageous development of the invention is in the 3 shown and has a basic state 6 , a halt state 7 , an active state 8th , and an off state 9 on. From the off state 9 can a program in the basic state by means of an "on" command 6 from which it is returned to the off state by means of an "off" command 9 can be transferred. A program can from the basic state 6 into the active state by means of a "start" command 8th be transferred and from the active state 8th by means of a "stop" command in the basic state 6 be set back. From the active state 8th can put a program into the halt state by means of a "Halt" command 7 from which it is either in the basic state by means of a "Stop" command 6 or by means of a "continue" command into the active state 8th can be moved.

In order to implement this status model in an IEC61131-based target system, it is necessary to create a code frame around the underlying source code. The 4 shows how this code can be implemented with SFC. This code frame, here an SFC frame, can be used in the 3 different program shown emulate stands.

From an SFC BaseState state 10 which is the ground state 6 corresponds, the program can either go into an SFC down state after condition T_off 11 has been met 12 which is the off-state 9 corresponds, or in compliance with the condition T_start 13 in an SFC active state 14 branch of the active state 8th equivalent. From the SFC down state 12 the program can return to the SFC BaseState state under the condition T_on 15 10 be transferred. From the SFC active state 14 the program can enter the SFC BaseState state either under the condition TA_stop 16 10 or under the condition T_halt 17 in an SFC-Halt state 18 branch of the halt state 7 equivalent. From the SFC stop state 18 the program can either under the condition Th_Stop 19 in the SFC BaseState state 10 or under the condition T_CONTINUE 20 in the SFC active state 14 branch.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a converted source program is in the SFC active state 14 of the SFC frame, as exemplified for a source program that has also been converted or translated into SFC 21 in the 5 is shown.

In the event that no program is active, the entire subsystem is set to a kind of basic state or basic state. In addition, it can be specified that only one program can be executed at a time. This behavior can be emulated using a simple SFC frame with a basic state and parallel phases for each converted source program. The 6 shows how the converted source programs (SFC and / or ST) could be implemented according to such a scheme. From the basic state 22 can be branched into different programs, for example a first program 23 that the in the 5 corresponds to the converted source program 21 shown in the SFC code, in a second text-based program 24 , or in a third program 25 which in turn is the one in the 5 shown changed or transformed source program 21 equivalent. After executing one of these programs, the basic state is restored 22 reached.

B) Mapping the execution behavior the syntactic elements of a text-based and / or non-text-based language

The execution behavior of a syntactic Elements of a text-based and / or non-text-based language refers to how the control system unit this syntactic Element executes. For example, the syntactic element can be a normal statement that in a task along with other statements completely in a lead time of the task, e.g. in a CPU time slot assigned to the task, accomplished becomes. But there are other statements that are made for a certain time or on a certain input from the field will have to wait, causing its execution to spread over more extends as a lead time, i.e. in several successive time slots of the CPU assigned to the task.

Analysis of text-based languages reveals that the following syntactic elements exist:

- normal Statement (normal_statement): The execution time of a normal statement just depends on CPU time and is always the same.

- Interruptible Break statement: The execution time of an interruptible statement depends on their functional definition. Interruptible means that the execution is stopped in a certain cycle time and in the next cycle time continued becomes.

With the help of these design features can the execution behavior the text-based source program is mapped to the target program become. This means that the following are exemplified Process steps are only necessary if between the considered Elements of the source system and the target system are different Runtime behavior exists.

In the following, the translation of a for loop is described, which contains an interruptible execution branch, namely an if-then branch, and from the programming language described below into the in the 7 IEC61131-SFC shown is translated.

The interruptible statement, here break_statement1, can be a statement waiting for a digital input of the assigned field becomes true. That way it can be that the program takes longer than one turnaround time at this point have to wait. That means the SU unit in which this program expires execution this program ended in this lead time (a kind of privilege) and in the next Lead time continued. If the digital entry of the field has not yet come true, then so is the execution this program in turn ended and continued in the subsequent lead time, and so on.

• – Vor der for-Schleife wird die erste normale Aussage normal statement1 ausgeführt.
• – In der for-Schleife wird zunächst die zweite normale Aussage normal_statement2 ausgeführt, bevor die Verzweigung auf Grundlage einer Bedingung if_condition1 erfolgt. Die for-Schleife wird in der gleichen Durchlaufzeit ausgeführt, wenn eine normale Verzweigung auftritt, d.h. wenn die Bedingung if_condition1 nicht gegeben ist und somit der else-Zweig mit der fünften normalen Aussage normal_statement5 ausgeführt wird.
• – Die for-Schleife wird bei Auftreten des unterbrechbaren Zweiges, d.h. wenn die Bedingung if condition1 gegeben ist, an der Stelle gestoppt, an der die Unterbrechungsanweisung besteht, d.h. nach der Ausführung der dritten normalen Aussage normal_statement3 bei der unterbrechbaren Aussage break statement1, und nächstes Mal von dieser Stelle wieder gestartet. Die Wartezeit hängt von der Art der Unterbrechungsanweisung und den zugeordneten Parametern ab, z.B. kann für eine bestimmte Zeit gewartet werden, oder es kann darauf gewartet werden, dass ein bestimmter Zustand wahr wird.
• – Nach der Unterbrechungsanweisung wird die im unterbrechbaren Zweig vorgesehene nächste vierte normale Anweisung normal_statement4 erst nach der durch die Unterbrechungsanweisung spezifizierten Zeit ausgeführt.
• – Nach der Verzweigung wird in der selben Durchlaufzeit die sechste normale Aussage normal_statement6 ausgeführt.
• – Nach der for-Schleife wird ebenfalls in der selben Durchlaufzeit die siebte normale Aussage normal_statement7 ausgeführt.

The execution in the source system happens as follows:

• - The first normal statement normal statement1 is executed before the for loop.
• - In the for loop, the second normal statement normal_statement2 is first executed before the branch is made on the basis of an if_condition1 condition. The for loop is executed in the same throughput time if a normal branch occurs, ie if the condition if_condition1 does not exist and the else branch is therefore executed with the fifth normal statement normal_statement5.
• - The for loop is stopped when the interruptible branch occurs, i.e. if the condition if condition1 is given, at the point where the interrupt instruction exists, i.e. after the execution of the third normal statement normal_statement3 with the interruptible statement break statement1, and next Started again from this point. The waiting time depends on the type of interrupt instruction and the assigned parameters, for example waiting for a certain time or waiting for a certain status to come true.
• - After the interrupt instruction, the next fourth normal instruction normal_statement4 provided in the interruptible branch is only executed after the time specified by the interrupt instruction.
• - After the branching, the sixth normal statement normal_statement6 is carried out in the same throughput time.
• - After the for loop, the seventh normal statement normal_statement7 is also executed in the same throughput time.

When analyzing the code of the structured programming language note that there is an execution path that is only from normal instructions exist, and an execution path that is an interrupt instruction contains. Since at least one normal path is included, the loop must continuously as often as possible can be processed in one turnaround time, e.g., as stated above, including the complete the first and seventh normal statements above and below normal statement1 and normal statement? if the lead time is long enough.

The 7 shows a possible solution in the target system. Due to the interruptible execution path, the process is divided into four steps and the for loop is translated into a while loop. The for loop becomes a while loop because the for loop provided in ST and SFC does not allow a Boolean condition, but only the declaration of the first and last indices, ie the start value and the end value of the loop. Therefore, the loop must alternatively be stopped if the interrupt instruction can occur, which is then executed in the next step.

After a first step S1, which only contains the first normal statement normal statement1, so as not to complicate the next step, a first program condition is fulfilled 26 TRUE, which is always given, a second step S2. The disadvantage of this is that execution stops after the instruction has been processed.

The second step S2 contains the while loop completely in its normal branch and only sets a general interrupt condition in its interruptible branch, which leads to a transition to a next step which contains the interrupt instruction and the code which is executed after the interrupt instruction should be performed (see step S3). The code inside the while loop has been slightly modified in relation to the source code to guarantee the same behavior.

In particular, the second step S2 first the general break condition break_path defines on not given, i.e. false, after which the while loop under the conditions of the loop variables, here J <= 15, and the non-general ones Interruption condition executed becomes. The second normal statement is made in the while loop executed normally statement2, before the condition if condition1 is checked. Given the condition if_condition1 becomes the third within the condition if_condition1 Statement normal_statement3 executed and given the general break condition break_path on i.e. true, set. If condition1 is not given becomes the fifth normal statement normal_statement5 within the condition if_condition1 executed. After the condition if_condition1 there is no general interrupt condition break_path the sixth normal statement normal statement6, as well incrementing the loop variable before the while loop is ended.

After the second step S2, depending on the general interrupt condition and the loop condition, either a third step S3 or a fourth step S4 takes place. The third step S3 takes place with a given second program condition 29 , if the loop condition is given and the general interrupt condition is given. The fourth step S4 takes place given a third program condition 27 if the loop condition is not given and the general interrupt condition is not given.

In the third step S3, a check of the check break statement1 interruption condition is first carried out if the general interruption condition is not given, the negated check result being assigned to the general interruption condition break_path1. This is followed by the statements that follow within the loop, namely the fourth normal statement normal statement4 and the sixth normal statement normal statement6, and an incrementation of the loop variables. After the third step S3, given a fourth program condition 30 that the general interruption condition does not exist, a jump to the second step S2.

In the fourth step S4, the seventh normal statement7 given after the loop is executed, after which a fifth program condition is met 28 true, which is always the case, the previously described part of the structured programming language has been completely processed.

• – Zwischen der ersten normalen Anweisung normal statement1 und dem zweiten Schritt S2, in dem die Übersetzung der for-Schleife implementiert ist, liegt die Beendigung einer Durchlaufzeit und die Zuteilung der nächsten Durchlaufzeit. Bei dem Quellcode werden die erste normale Anweisung und der erste Schleifendurchlauf der for-Schleife in derselben Durchlaufzeit durchgeführt. Um hier näher am Quellcode zu sein, können der erste und der zweite Schritt S1 und S2 auch zusammengefasst werden.
• – Nach der Unterbrechungsanweisung stoppt die Ausführung, d.h. der dritte Schritt S3 wird der aktive Schritt. Erst in der nächsten Durchlaufzeit wird die allgemeine Unterbrechungsbedingung (break_path1) in die nicht gespeicherte Aktion berechnet. Wenn dies in derselben Durchlaufzeit wahr wird, werden die Anweisungen in der Aktion beim Verlassen ausgeführt. In derselben Durchlaufzeit kehrt die Verarbeitungsfolge in den zweiten Schritt S2 zurück. Das Problem liegt darin, dass bei unmittelbarem Wahrwerden der Unterbrechungsbedingung in Bezug auf das Quellsystem eine Durchlaufzeit verloren geht.

The behavior of this sequence is very close to the source sequence, with the following exceptions:

• - Between the first normal statement normal statement1 and the second step S2, in which the translation of the for loop is implemented, there is the end of a lead time and the allocation of the next lead time. For the source code, the first normal statement and the first loop iteration of the for loop are performed in the same cycle time. In order to be closer to the source code here, the first and second steps S1 and S2 can also be combined.
• - After the interrupt instruction, execution stops, ie the third step S3 becomes the active step. The general interrupt condition (break_path1) is only calculated in the unsaved action in the next cycle time. If this happens in the same turnaround time, the instructions in the action on exit are executed. In the same cycle time, the processing sequence returns to the second step S2. The problem is that if the interrupt condition is immediately true with respect to the source system, a lead time is lost.

This solution is scalable in others Words it is possible the number of alternate branches through the implementation of a similar pattern to increase if more interruptible execution branches must be provided. The check break_statement1 statement is an expression or function which checks the state of the interrupt instruction.

• 1. Ein PC, auf dem ein geeignetes multitaskingfähiges System mit einer graphischen Benutzeroberfläche läuft, die vorzugsweise die Möglichkeit zum öffnen eines oder mehrerer Fenster hat.
• 2. Eine in Java realisierte virtuelle Maschine, die an das Betriebssystem angepasst ist, und verwendet wird, die Kernfunktionalität des beschriebenen Übersetzungswerkzeugs auszuführen.
• 3. Ein geeignetes Mittel, auf erste und zweite Leitsystemdaten zuzugreifen. Ein solcher Zugriff auf Leitsystemdaten wird für die Konfiguration des ersten Leitsystems meistens lesend und für die Konfiguration des zweiten Leitsystems meistens schreibend erfolgen.
• 4. Ein geeigneter Computer, der auch der unter 1. genannte sein kann oder an diesen angeschlossen ist, der einen geeigneten Anschluss an die Datenbank mit graphischen Layouts hat, sowie verwendet wird, die Repräsentationsinformation für die Graphen zu generieren, die der Benutzer während oder nach der Übersetzung sehen möchte.

The preferred embodiment of the tool described is as follows:

• 1. A PC running a suitable multitasking system with a graphical user interface, which preferably has the option of opening one or more windows.
• 2. A Java-implemented virtual machine that is adapted to the operating system and is used to execute the core functionality of the described translation tool.
• 3. A suitable means of accessing first and second control system data. Such access to control system data will mostly be read for the configuration of the first control system and mostly write for the configuration of the second control system.
• 4. A suitable computer, which can also be the one mentioned under 1 or connected to it, which has a suitable connection to the database with graphic layouts, and is used to generate the representation information for the graphs which the user during or would like to see after the translation.

The in the description above, in the drawings and in the claims disclosed features of Invention can both individually and in any combination for the realization the invention be essential.

1

first Control System

1a

SFC program in the first control system

1b

text-based Program in the first control system

2

second Control System

2a

text-based Program in the second control system

2 B

SFC program in the second control system

3

inactive TCL state

4

active TCL state

5

TCL paused

6

ground state in the expanded state model

7

halt state in the expanded state model

8th

active State in the extended state model

9

off state in the expanded state model

10

SFC base state condition

11

condition T_oft

12

SFC-down state

13

condition t_start

14

SFC Active state

15

condition Volume

16

condition Ta_Stopp

17

condition T_halt

18

SFC halt state

19

condition Th_Stopp

20

condition T_continue

21

In SFC translated source program

22

basic Status

23

Program1

24

Program2

25

Program3

26

first program condition

27

third program condition

28

fifth program condition

29

second program condition

30

fourth program condition

Claims (24)

Process for transforming first information ( 1a . 1b ) in a first format, the first software configuration of a first distributed control system ( 1 ) describes in a second piece of information ( 2a . 2 B ) in a second format, the second software configuration of a second distributed control system ( 2 ), characterized in that the runtime behavior of the first software configuration on the first control system ( 1 ) is recorded and taken into account during the transformation into the second information in such a way that the second control system ( 2 ) with the second information to the first control system ( 1 ) has the same runtime behavior with the first information. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the software configuration for a control system ( 1 . 2 ) is represented using a combination of one or more text-based or non-text-based programming languages. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the runtime behavior for the first control system ( 1 ) is represented using a combination of one or more text-based or non-text-based programming languages. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that any text based or non text based programming language not object-oriented, but built up functionally, procedurally and is based on conditional or unconditional instructions. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the execution behavior of the first control system ( 1 ) is recorded and / or displayed via intrinsic features, in particular via the use of - privileged or non-privileged multitasking, - call or event-driven signaling, - the management and execution of iterative loops, and - the possibility of interrupting loops and re-entry points. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the execution behavior of the first control system ( 1 ) via relationships implicitly given in its software configuration. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the execution behavior of the first control system ( 1 ) is converted into the second information using at least one knowledge database, the at least one knowledge database being linked to at least the first control system ( 1 ) is tailored. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that elements of the first software configuration via a Set of translation rules are represented in elements of the IEC61131 languages. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that the execution behavior from elements of the first software configuration to elements of the second Software configuration and / or their arrangement mapped therein become. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that dynamic program control parameters which determine the execution of the first software configuration in the first control system ( 1 ), are mapped into elements of the second software configuration and / or their arrangement. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first software configuration is mapped into a neutral layer which has different states which emulate an execution behavior such that there the first software configuration and its execution behavior in the first control system ( 1 ) are reproduced. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the neutral layer is based on an expanded state model, which a basic state ( 6 ), a halt state ( 7 ), an active state ( 8th ), and an off state ( 9 ), with transitions - from the switched-off state ( 9 ) by means of an "on" command in the basic state ( 6 ), - from the basic state ( 6 ) either by means of an "off" command to the off state ( 9 ) or by means of a "start" command into the active state ( 8th ), - of the active state ( 8th ) either by means of a "Stop" command in the basic state ( 6 ) or by means of a "Halt" command to the halt state ( 7 ), and - from the halt state ( 7 ) either by means of a "Stop" command in the basic state ( 6 ) or by means of a "continue" command to the active state ( 8th ) are provided, and at least elements converted to elements of the software configuration of the first control system in the active state ( 8th ) can be implemented. System for transforming first information ( 1a . 1b ) in a first format, the first software configuration of a first distributed control system ( 1 ) describes in a second piece of information ( 2a . 2 B ) in a second format, the second software configuration of a second distributed control system ( 2 ), characterized in that it represents the runtime behavior of the first software configuration on the first control system ( 1 ) recorded and taken into account in the transformation into the second information in such a way that the second control system ( 2 ) with the second information to the first control system ( 1 ) has the same runtime behavior with the first information. System according to claim 13, characterized in that it is the software configuration for a control system ( 1 . 2 ) using a combination of one or more text-based or non-text-based programming languages. System according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it the runtime behavior for the first control system ( 1 ) using a combination of one or more text-based or non-text-based programming languages. System according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that it contains any text-based or non-text-based programming language not object-oriented, but built up functionally, procedurally and is based on conditional or unconditional instructions. System according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that it the execution behavior of the first control system ( 1 ) recorded and / or displayed via intrinsic characteristics, in particular via the use of - privileged or non-privileged multitasking, - call or event-driven signaling, - the management and execution of iterative loops, and - the possibility of interrupting loops and re-entry points. System according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that it the execution behavior of the first control system ( 1 ) recorded via relationships given implicitly in its software configuration. System according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that it the execution behavior of the first control system ( 1 ) converts into the second information using at least one knowledge database, the at least one knowledge database referring at least to the first control system ( 1 ) is tailored. System according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that that there are elements of the first software configuration over a Set of translation rules in elements of the IEC61131 languages. System according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that that it's execution behavior from elements of the first software configuration to elements of the second Mapping software configuration and / or their arrangement therein. System according to one of Claims 13 to 21, characterized in that there are dynamic program control parameters which determine the execution of the first software configuration in the first control system ( 1 ) lead into elements of the second software configuration and / or their arrangement. System according to one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that it depicts the first software configuration in a neutral layer that has different states that emulate an execution behavior such that the first software configuration and its execution behavior are there in the first control system ( 1 ) are reproduced. System according to claim 23, characterized in that the neutral layer is based on an expanded state model which has a basic state ( 6 ), a halt state ( 7 ), an active state ( 8th ), and an off state ( 9 ), with transitions - from the switched-off state ( 9 ) by means of an "on" command in the basic state ( 6 ), - from the basic state ( 6 ) either by means of an "off" command to the off state ( 9 ) or by means of a "start" command into the active state ( 8th ), - of the active state ( 8th ) either by means of a "Stop" command in the basic state ( 6 ) or by means of a "Halt" command to the halt state ( 7 ), and - from the halt state ( 7 ) either by means of a "Stop" command in the basic state ( 6 ) or by means of a "continue" command to the active state ( 8th ) are provided, and elements converted or transformed into elements of the software configuration of the first control system in the active state ( 8th ) can be implemented.