JP2011198237A - Programming support device, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a design time by improvement of working efficiency without requiring professional skill for programming.SOLUTION: A control part 40 generates input/out addresses defining the presence and position of control object equipment and given to the respective input/output terminals of a PLC 1 by the sticking operation of the control object equipment (various devices 3) symbolized on the template, and also generates respective definition files for defining information on allocation to the stuck control object equipment and further defining the sequence flow of the control object equipment stuck onto the template and the content of automatic control according to operation transition conditions. The control part 40 then converts the respective generated files into a file format decodable by a POD 2 and the PLC 1 based on file output instructions and outputs them to the POD 2 and PLC 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to a program creation support apparatus and method, and a program, which are connected to a plant control system including a programmable controller (PLC) and a programmable display (POD) and support the creation of PLC and POD programs.

  When constructing control systems for various plants, the system specifications are usually created on paper, and then programmed using a PC (Personal Computer) using a program tool (ladder editor) such as a ladder diagram. Here, input / output assignment and automatic control design of a device to be controlled (hereinafter referred to as a device) of the plant are performed, and the created control program is loaded into a PLC (Programmable Controller). The control program loaded in the PLC is debugged and field tested.

  On the other hand, a POD (registered trademark) connected to the above-described PLC as an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device plays a role of an operation panel, a switch, an indicator light, etc., and the operation status of the device and a monitor or setting value for operation. It has functions as a terminal for input and the like. The screen displayed on the POD can be created independently by the user using a drawing editor. In creating this screen, the user has created a desired screen using a component drawing function such as a switch, an indicator lamp, and a meter provided by the drawing software using a PC as in the PLC.

  Incidentally, the creation of a control program using a ladder editor and the creation of a screen program using a drawing editor are usually performed independently. For example, when creating a screen program based on the created control program, prepare a design document in which the names and addresses entered for each device are written down in a table format when creating the control program. Create a screen program that includes definitions such as input / output addresses. Similarly, when a control program is created based on the created screen program, the work is performed based on design materials prepared in advance. Although there is an example in which the design burden is reduced by a dedicated machine language conversion device (loader) or the like, since the circuit is described in a specialized language other than the ladder, the efficiency of the test may be inferior compared to the ladder.

  In order to improve the efficiency of the programming work described above, there has been conventionally proposed a technique that uses network configuration information and program part information in profile data to identify program parts that can be used in a programming target device ( For example, see Patent Document 1). According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to save time and effort for identifying available program components, and to improve the efficiency of programming work by linking network settings in the control system with programming work such as PLC and programmable display. Can be improved.

JP 2008-152799 A

  However, according to the program creation method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the program creator needs to program in a language such as a ladder diagram (ST) (Structured Text) or the like. , It was unfamiliar to beginners. In addition, although both the control program and the screen program are created in association with the devices common to both programs, they are created independently, so that the addresses for the device, the instructions, and the parts are assigned. A separate output operation is required. In both cases, it is necessary to create design materials, and all the program creation is performed by user input / output operations. Therefore, the work efficiency is still low, and it takes a lot of time to create the program.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a program creation support apparatus, method, and program for reducing program design time by improving work efficiency without requiring specialized techniques for program creation. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, a program creation support apparatus according to the present invention includes one or more control target devices, a programmable controller that controls the control target devices connected to input / output terminals, and the state of the control target devices. It is connected to a plant control system comprising a programmable display that performs display and operation input to the programmable controller, and supports creation of each program executed by the programmable controller and the programmable display, at least, A program creation support apparatus including a display unit, an operation unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is symbolized by the operation unit on a template displayed on the display unit When the control target device is pasted, the presence of the control target device is determined. A first definition file that defines the input / output address is generated and stored in the storage unit, and the input / output address given to each of the input / output terminals of the programmable controller is pasted based on the setting input of the operation unit A second definition file that defines information related to allocation with the control target device is generated, stored in the storage unit, and a sequence of the control target device pasted on the template based on the setting input of the operation unit A third definition file that defines the contents of automatic control in accordance with the flow and operation transition conditions is generated and stored in the storage unit. Based on a file output instruction from the operation unit, the first and second 2, reading the third definition file, converting the first definition file into a file format readable by the programmable display, 2, a third definition file, the programmable controller is converted into a file format readable, and outputs to each of the programmable controller and the programmable display device.

  According to the present invention, the control unit defines the presence and position of the control target device by pasting the control target device symbolized on the template, and assigns it to each of the input / output terminals of the programmable controller. Defines information related to assignment of input / output addresses and pasted control target devices, and further defines the contents of automatic control according to the sequence flow of control target devices pasted on the template and the conditions of operation transition. Generate each definition file to define. Then, based on the file output instruction, each generated definition file is converted into a file format that can be read by the programmable display device and the programmable controller and output to each file format. For this reason, by using templates and symbols for program creation, specialized knowledge is not required and it is easy to become familiar with beginners, and input / output operations for allocation of control target devices by programmable controllers and programmable displays are possible. Since it is integrated, the program design man-hours can be reduced.

  In the above invention, when the control unit outputs the first definition file to the programmable display and the second and third definition files to the programmable controller, any one of XML, CSV, and binary formats is output. Convert to one and output. According to the present invention, since the definition file is output in any of XML, CSV, and binary format, the definition file can be read by a general-purpose loader. Is easier to deliver. In addition, since a general-purpose machine language conversion device is used, the circuit is represented by a ladder. Ladder expressions are relatively easy to understand in test confirmation, reducing the burden on the operator.

  In the above invention, in the test mode, the control unit reads an input / output address from the second definition file, writes test data to the read input / output address, and makes an input / output allocation correct / incorrect determination. According to the present invention, in a test mode in which a programmable controller and a programmable display are connected to perform debugging or the like, it is possible to easily check whether the input / output assignments are correct or not by simply reading the created definition file. The burden on the person is reduced.

  The program creation support method of the present invention includes one or more control target devices, a programmable controller that controls the control target device connected to an input / output terminal, a status display of the control target device, and the programmable controller A program creation support method used in a computer that is connected to a plant control system including a programmable display that performs operation input to the computer and supports the creation of each program executed by the programmable controller and the programmable display. The symbolized control target device is pasted on the template displayed on the display unit by the operation unit to generate a first definition file that defines the presence and position of the control target device. A first step of storing in the storage unit and the operation Based on the setting input, a second definition file that defines input / output addresses assigned to each of the input / output terminals of the programmable controller and information on allocation of the pasted control target devices is generated, and Based on the second step of storing in the storage unit and the setting input of the operation unit, the third step of defining the contents of automatic control according to the sequence flow of the control target device pasted on the template and the condition of operation transition A first step of generating the definition file and storing the definition file in the storage unit; and reading out the first, second, and third definition files from the storage unit based on a file output instruction from the operation unit; 1 definition file is converted into a file format readable by the programmable display, and the second and third definition files are converted into the file format Log Lama Bull controller is converted into a file format readable, having a fourth step of outputting to each of the programmable controller and the programmable display device.

  In the above invention, in the fourth step, the first definition file is output to the programmable display, and the second and third definition files are output to the programmable controller. It has a sub-step for converting to any one and outputting.

  In the above invention, in the test mode, the method further includes a fifth step of reading an input / output address from the second definition file, writing test data to the read input / output address, and determining whether the input / output assignment is correct or incorrect.

  The program creation support program of the present invention includes one or more control target devices, a programmable controller that controls the control target device connected to an input / output terminal, a status display of the control target device, and the programmable controller Targeted for a plant control system comprising a programmable display that performs operation input to the program, the program is executed on a computer of a program creation support apparatus that supports creation of each program executed by the programmable controller and the programmable display. A program creation support program, in which the control target device symbolized by the operation unit is pasted and operated on a template displayed on the display unit on a computer, thereby determining the presence and position of the control target device. First definition file to be defined Is generated and stored in the storage unit, and the input / output address assigned to each of the input / output terminals of the programmable controller based on the setting input of the operation unit and allocation of the pasted control target device A process for generating a second definition file for defining information on the storage unit and storing the second definition file in the storage unit, a sequence flow of a control target device pasted on the template based on a setting input of the operation unit, and an operation transition Based on the process of generating a third definition file for defining the contents of automatic control according to the condition of the above and storing the third definition file in the storage unit, and the file output instruction by the operation unit, the first, second, second from the storage unit 3 definition files are read, the first definition file is converted into a file format readable by the programmable display, and the second and second The definition file, the programmable controller is converted into a file format readable to execute a process of outputting to each of the programmable display device and the programmable controller.

  In the present invention, when the first definition file is output to the computer, the second definition file is output to the programmable controller, and the second definition file is output to the programmable controller. Execute the process of converting to a file and outputting.

  In the present invention, in the test mode, the computer further reads the input / output address from the second definition file, writes the test data to the read input / output address, and performs input / output allocation and control correctness determination. Let it run.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program creation support apparatus and method, and a program that can shorten the program design time by improving work efficiency without requiring a special technique for program creation.

It is a figure which shows the connection structure of the program creation assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the program creation assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of basic DB which the program creation apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of DB for operation circuits which the program creation apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of process DB which the program preparation apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of DB for display which the program creation apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention has. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of DB for PID which the program creation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention has. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the program creation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the program creation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a structure of the program creation assistance screen produced | generated by the program creation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its transition diagram.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same number is assigned to the same element throughout the description of the embodiment.

(Configuration of the embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of a program creation support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the program creation support apparatus 4 includes a plant including various devices 3 such as an electric motor and a valve to be controlled, a PLC 1 to which these devices 3 are connected, and a POD 2 having an input / display function. Connected to the control system.

  The PLC 1 includes a control unit 11 and an input / output unit (input / output terminal 12). The control unit 11 is a sequencer that controls the entire PLC 1, and has an input / output port that connects the POD 2 and the program creation support device 4. The input / output unit 12 is connected to the various devices 3 described above, and has a function of taking in signals from these devices 3 and outputting control signals generated by the control unit 11 to the various devices 3. The PLC 1 also has a power supply unit (not shown), and can be connected to another PLC (not shown) via the input / output unit 12.

  The POD 2 is connected to the PLC 1 and has a function of displaying operation statuses of various devices 3 connected to the PLC 1 and also has a function of displaying an input operation screen for giving a control command and receiving an input. The POD 2 may be configured such that the display screen also serves as an input / output function using a touch panel or the like.

  The program creation support apparatus 4 is composed of, for example, a PC and has a function of supporting creation of a control program executed by the PLC 1 and a screen program executed by the POD 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the program creation support apparatus 4 includes a control unit 40, an operation unit 41, a display unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

  The control unit 40 includes a computer (microprocessor) that executes processing based on a program stored in the storage unit 43, and executes processing to be described later according to a procedure instructed in these programs. That is, the control unit 40 sequentially reads instruction codes from an OS (operating system) stored in the storage unit 43 and a program such as an application program including the program creation support program of the present invention and executes processing.

  The operation unit 41 includes, for example, a key to which various functions are assigned, such as a power key, a call key, a numeric key, a character key, a direction key, a determination key, a call key, and a function key, or a pointing device such as a mouse. When these keys or the mouse are operated by the user, a signal corresponding to the operation content is generated and output to the control unit 40 as a user instruction.

  The display unit 42 is configured using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), which is configured by arranging a large number of pixels (a combination of light emitting elements of a plurality of colors) vertically and horizontally. The display unit 42 displays an image corresponding to the display target data generated by the control unit 40 and drawn in a predetermined area (VRAM area) of the storage unit 43.

  The storage unit 43 stores various data used for program creation support processing by the program creation support device 4. For example, two program creation support programs executed by the control unit 40, various setting data, a basic DB (Data Base) 431, an operation circuit DB 432, a process DB 433, a PID (Proportional / Integral / Differential) DB 434, display DB 435, and data such as POD screen file 436, POD symbol definition file 437, POD allocation file 438, PLC ladder file 439, and PLC sequence allocation file 440 are stored. Is done. The storage unit 43 includes, for example, a nonvolatile storage device (nonvolatile semiconductor memory, hard disk device, optical disk device, etc.), a randomly accessible storage device (eg, SRAM, DRAM), or the like.

  The control unit 40 defines (1) the presence and position of various devices 3 by pasting the control target device symbolized by the operation unit 41 on the template displayed on the display unit 42. The first definition file (partial area of the basic DB 431) is generated and stored in the storage unit 43. (2) Based on the setting input of the operation unit 41, each of the input / output terminals (input / output unit 12) of the PLC 1 A second definition file (partial area of the basic DB 431) that defines information related to the assigned input / output addresses and the pasted various devices 3 is generated and stored in the storage unit 42. (3) Based on the setting input of the operation unit 41, the third definition that defines the contents of automatic control according to the sequence flow of various devices 3 pasted on the template and the conditions of operation transition A file (process DB 433 and the like) is generated and stored in the storage unit 43. (4) Based on the file output instruction from the operation unit 41, the first, second, and third definition files are read from the storage unit 43, and the first A function of converting one definition file into a file format decipherable by POD2, converting the second and third definition files into a file format decodable by PLC1 and outputting them to each of POD2 and PLC1 .

  Therefore, the control unit 40 includes a main control unit 400, a template generation unit 401, a drawing / display control unit 402, a definition file generation unit 403, an operation input acquisition unit 404, a file conversion unit 405, and a file output. Part 406.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the template generation unit 401 generates template information indicating a typical system control system showing various symbolized devices 3 in a blank state as a graphical diagram. It has a function to generate and output. The drawing / display control unit 402 does not display display information obtained by combining the template generated by the template generation unit 401 and the symbols of various devices 3 pasted by operating the operation unit 41 (for example, drag and drop). Drawing is performed in the illustrated VRAM, and display information drawn in the VRAM is read out in synchronization with the display timing of the display unit 42, and drawing / display control for displaying on the display unit 42 is performed.

  The definition file generation unit 403 performs various operations by pasting the control target device symbolized by the operation unit 41 on the template displayed on the display unit 42 under the control of the main control unit 400. It has a function of generating a first definition file that defines the presence and position of the device 3 and storing it as a basic DB 431 in a partial area of the storage unit 43. The definition file generation unit 403 also relates to the allocation of the input / output addresses given to the input / output terminals (input / output unit 12) of the PLC 1 and the pasted various devices 3 based on the setting input of the operation unit 41. It has a function of generating a second definition file for defining information and allocating and storing it as a basic DB 431 in a partial area of the storage unit 43.

  The definition file generation unit 403 further includes a third definition file that defines the contents of automatic control according to the sequence flow of various devices 3 pasted on the template and the operation transition conditions based on the setting input of the operation unit 41. Is generated and assigned and stored as a process DB 433 in a partial area of the storage unit 43. Other definition files generated by the definition file generation unit 403 are allocated and stored in a partial area of the storage unit 43 as a PID DB 434 and a display DB 435. Details of the data structure of these DBs will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The operation input acquisition unit 404 has a function of taking input information obtained by the user operating the operation unit 41 and transferring the input information to the main control unit 400 and the drawing / display control unit 402.

  Under the control of the main control unit 400, the file conversion unit 405 stores the basic DB 431, operation circuit DB 432, process DB 433, PID DB 434, and display DB 435 from the storage unit 43 based on a file output instruction from the operation unit 41. The contents are read, and each definition file is converted into a file format that can be decoded by POD2, resulting in a POD screen file 436, a POD symbol definition file 437, a POD allocation file 438, and a file format that PLC1 can decode. These are converted into a PLC ladder file 439 and a PLC sequence allocation file 440, and each file is delivered to the file output unit 406.

  The file output unit 406 transfers the POD screen file 436, the POD symbol definition file 437, and the POD allocation file 438 delivered by the file conversion unit 405 to the POD 2 under the control of the main control unit 400, and the PLC ladder file 439. It has a function of transferring the PLC sequence allocation file 440 to the PLC 1.

  The main control unit 400 is configured so that the control unit 40 (1) pastes the control target device symbolized on the template displayed on the display unit 42 by the operation unit 41, thereby various devices. 3 is generated and stored in the storage unit 43, and (2) the input / output of the PLC 1 based on the setting input of the operation unit 41 Generates a second definition file (a partial area of a basic DB described later) that defines input / output addresses assigned to each terminal (input / output unit 12) and information related to the allocation of the various devices 3 attached. (3) Based on the setting input of the operation unit 41, automatic control is performed according to the sequence flow of various devices 3 pasted on the template and the conditions of operation transition. A third definition file (process DB or the like to be described later) for defining the contents is generated and stored in the storage unit 43. (4) Based on the file output instruction from the operation unit 41, the first, second, The third definition file is read, the first definition file is converted into a file format readable by POD2, the second and third definition files are converted into a file format readable by PLC1, and POD2 In order to realize the function of outputting to each of the PLC 1, the template generation unit 401, the drawing / display control unit 402, the definition file generation unit 403, the operation input acquisition unit 404, the file conversion unit 405, and the file output unit 406 described above. Perform sequence control.

  In the control unit 40 described above, the connection between the blocks does not indicate a physical connection relationship between the components in the actual hardware configuration, but indicates a main signal flow between the blocks. It is.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the data structure of the basic DB 431, FIG. 4 shows the operation circuit DB 432, FIG. 5 shows the process DB 433, FIG. 6 shows the display DB, and FIG. 7 shows the PID DB 434.

  In FIG. 3, the basic DB 431 is connected to the PLC 1 for each device 3 such as pumps # 1 to # 6, valves # 1 to # 6, etc., “presence / absence of definition”, “POD display position”, “circuit” Each entry is composed of data fields such as “pattern”, “allocation definition”, and “allocation of internal memory”. Among these, “presence / absence of definition”, “display position of POD 2”, and “circuit pattern” are defined by pasting various devices 3 on the template, and as described later, as a POD screen file 436. Converted output. The data set in the “assignment definition” data field is defined by the input / output assignment operation of the various devices 3, and is converted and output as a PLC sequence assignment file 440 as will be described later.

  The data field “internal memory allocation” shows a list of POD screen files and sequence allocation files defined here. Here, the internal memory refers to a work area allocated to a partial area of the storage unit 43.

  In FIG. 4, the operation circuit DB 432 is a data table defined by the operation flow setting by the operation unit 41, and is connected to the PLC 1, for example, pumps # 1 to # 6, valves # 1 to # 6, etc. For each of the devices 3 pasted on the template, start conditions for “manual operation”, “automatic operation”, “operation”, “manual stop”, “automatic stop”, and “stop” And stop conditions are defined. The contents defined here are converted and output as a PLC ladder file 439 as described later.

  In FIG. 5, the process DB 433 is a data table defined by a sequence flow by the operation unit 41 and a transition condition setting operation. For each process # 1 to # 5, an “operation command”, “start condition”, Each “end condition” is defined. Of these, the “operation command” is set by the Kens flow setting, the “start condition” is pre-allocated to the internal memory, and the “end condition” is defined by the transition condition setting, and both are converted as the PLC ladder file 439. Is output.

  In FIG. 6, the display DB 435 is a data table defined by an alarm (signal type) setting operation by the operation unit 41. Here, information such as “signal type”, “presence / absence of history”, and “failure” are defined for each of various devices 3 such as a pump. The definition information is converted and output as a POD screen file 436.

  In FIG. 7, a PID DB 434 is a data table defined by a PID setting operation by the operation unit 41. For each PID (PID # 1 to # 6), PV (control input), SV (setting input), MV Parameters such as (setting output) are defined. The definition information is converted and output as a PLC sequence allocation file 440.

(Operation of the embodiment)
Hereinafter, the operation of the program creation support apparatus 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 and the transition diagram of the program creation support screen of FIG. Explained.

  10A is a design support screen (template), FIG. 10B is an input / output assignment and operation condition setting screen of various devices 3, FIG. 10C is an operation circuit setting screen, and FIG. ) Is a process flow setting screen, FIG. 10E is a process transition condition setting screen, FIG. 10F is a PID condition setting screen, and FIG. 10G is an alarm (signal type) setting screen. Indicates.

  In starting the program creation, the control unit 40 (main control unit 400) first activates the drawing / display control unit 402 and displays the program creation support screen generated by the template generation unit 401 on the display unit 42. (Step S101 in FIG. 8). An example of the screen configuration of this program creation support screen is shown in FIG. 10 (a), for example. As shown in FIG. 10 (a), in the effective screen of the display unit 42, for example, a typical plant system in which a region where “valves” as various devices 3 constituting the plant are arranged is blank. The figure is shown as a template. While confirming this program creation support screen, the user operates the operation unit 41 to drag, for example, a “valve” symbol displayed in a list in an unillustrated area to the blank area. Will be completed.

  In response to this, the operation input acquisition unit 404 takes in information related to the display position (XY coordinates) of the dragged various devices 3 and transfers the information to the main control unit 400. Based on the information transferred from the operation input acquisition unit 404, the main control unit 400 takes in the presence / absence of a symbol selection operation and information on the drag position when the symbol selection operation is performed ("YES" in step S102). The drawing / display control unit 402 is activated again, and the template and the symbol are combined and displayed on the display unit 42 in order to paste the symbol on the template (step S103).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 400 activates the definition file generation unit 403. Receiving this, the definition file generation unit 403 generates display position information for each of various devices pasted from the position information of each symbol acquired via the main control unit 400, and stores it in a partial area of the storage unit 43. The XY coordinates are stored in the corresponding data field of the assigned basic DB 431 (step S104).

  Next, the main control unit 400 determines whether or not there is an input / output assignment operation and an operation condition setting operation by the operation unit 41 (step S105). Input / output allocation and setting of operating conditions are performed by using a program creation support screen shown in FIG. When the main control unit 400 detects an operation input related to input / output assignment and operation condition setting performed by the user operating the operation unit 41 while referring to the screen (step S105 “YES”), the operation is performed. Information related to the signal name, address, and driving operation acquired via the input acquisition unit 404 is written into a predetermined data field of the basic DB 431 assigned to a partial area of the storage unit 43 by the definition file generation unit 03 ( Step S106).

  As described above, after the information regarding the allocation definition and the operating condition is written in the predetermined data field of the basic DB 431 (step S104), or if the input / output allocation operation and the operating condition have already been set (step S105 “NO”). "), The main control unit 400 determines whether or not there is a setting input of the operation circuit (step S107). The program creation support screen used at this time is shown in FIG. Here, if there is a setting input of the operation circuit by the user operating the operation unit 41 (step S107 “YES”), the main control unit 400 operates for each device acquired via the operation input acquisition unit 404. The definition file generation unit 403 writes information related to the start and end conditions at the time, the AND / OR condition at the time of stop, and the like in a predetermined data field of the operation circuit DB 432 assigned to a partial area of the storage unit 43 ( Step S108).

  After writing the setting input information of the operation circuit to the operation circuit DB 432 as described above (step S106), or if the setting input of the operation circuit has already been completed (step S107 “NO”), the main control unit 400 Determines whether or not there is a process flow (sequence flow) and condition setting input (step S109). The program creation support screen used at this time is shown in FIGS. Here, if there is a sequence flow and process transition condition setting input such as an operation command, start, end condition, etc. by the operation of the operation unit 41 by the user (step S109 “YES”), the main control unit 400 Information related to the sequence flow and process transition conditions acquired via the input acquisition unit 404 is written into a predetermined data field of the process DB 433 assigned to a partial area of the storage unit 43 by the definition file generation unit 403 ( Step S110).

  After writing the sequence flow and process transition condition setting input information to the process DB 433 as described above (step S110), or if the process flow setting input has already been completed (step S109 "NO"), the main control The unit 400 determines whether or not there is a PID condition setting input (step S111 in FIG. 9). The program creation support screen used at this time is shown in FIG. Here, if there is a parameter setting input such as PV, SV, MV or the like for each pasted device by the user operating the operation unit 41 (step S109 “YES”), the main control unit 400 performs the operation input. The setting input information acquired through the acquisition unit 404 is written by the definition file generation unit 403 into a predetermined data field of the PID DB 434 assigned to a partial area of the storage unit 43 (step S112).

  After writing the PID condition setting input information to the PID DB 434 as described above (step S112), or if the setting input of the PID condition has already been completed (step S111 “NO”), the main control unit 400 The presence / absence of a signal type setting input is determined (step S113). The program creation support screen used at this time is shown in FIG. Here, if there is a setting input of information regarding the signal, the history presence / absence, and the degree of failure for each pasted device by the user operating the operation unit 41 (step S103 “YES”), the main control unit 400 The setting file input information acquired via the operation input acquisition unit 404 is written in a predetermined data field of the display DB 435 assigned to a partial area of the storage unit 43 by the definition file generation unit 403 ( Step S114).

  After writing the PID condition setting input information to the PID DB 434 as described above (step S112), or if the PID condition setting input has already been completed and a series of file definition operations have been completed (step S113 “NO” The main control unit 400 determines whether or not there is a file conversion output instruction (step S115). The file conversion output instruction is effective, for example, when the user clicks a “compile button” (not shown) assigned to a partial area such as the lower right of the program creation support screen shown in FIG. become.

  When the main control unit 400 detects that there is a file conversion output instruction (step S115 “YES”), the main control unit 400 activates the file conversion unit 405. The file conversion unit 405 reads the data written in the data fields of the basic DB 431, the operation circuit DB 432, the process DB 433, the PID DB 434, and the display DB 435 allocated and stored in a partial area of the storage unit 43. The POD screen file 436, POD symbol definition file 437, POD allocation file 438, PLC ladder file 439, and PLC sequence allocation file 440 are converted and transferred to the file output unit 406 (step S116).

  Here, the POD symbol definition file 438, the POD allocation file 438, and the PLC sequence allocation file 440 are output in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format. The selection is not limited to the CSV format, but can be any of the XML format and the binary format. The POD screen file 437 is output in the bitmap (bmm) format. Under the control of the main control unit 400, the file output unit 406 converts the POD screen file 436, the POD symbol definition file 437, and the POD allocation file 438 to POD2, the PLC ladder file 438, and the PLC sequence allocation file 440 to PLC1. Each of them is transferred and the above-described series of definition file generation processing ends (step S117).

(Effect of embodiment)
As described above, according to the program creation support apparatus 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the presence of a device can be determined by pasting various devices 3 symbolized on a program creation support screen (template). The position is defined, and the input / output address assigned to each of the input / output terminals (input / output unit 12) of the PLC 1 and information related to the allocation of the pasted device are defined. Furthermore, the content of automatic control is defined according to the sequence flow of the device pasted on the template and the condition setting for operation transition. Based on the file output instruction, each generated definition file is converted into a file format readable by PLC1 and POD2 and output to each file format. For this reason, the use of templates and symbols for program creation does not require specialized knowledge and is easy for beginners to familiarize with. Also, the input / output operations for device allocation by PLC1 and POD2 are integrated, so design man-hours are reduced. Reduction can be achieved.

  Further, according to the program creation support apparatus 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when outputting the first definition file to the PLC 1 and the first, second, and third definition files to the POD 2, respectively, XML, CSV, Convert to binary format and output. In this way, the definition file is output in either XML, CSV, or binary format, so it can be read by a general-purpose loader. This eliminates the need for a dedicated loader and facilitates delivery of definition files. Become.

  When debugging, create a test support screen that reads the input / output address from the second definition file (PLC sequence allocation file 440), writes the destination data to the read input / output address, and determines whether the input / output allocation is correct or incorrect. Since it is easy to check the correctness of input / output assignments by simply reading a definition file that has been created during debugging, the burden on the operator required for debugging is reduced.

  The program creation support method according to the present invention includes, for example, one or more control target devices (various devices 3) in FIG. 1 and a programmable controller (PLC1) that controls the control target devices connected to input / output terminals. Are connected to a plant control system including a programmable display (POD2) that performs operation input to the programmable controller and displays the status of the control target device, and the programmable controller and the programmable display execute A program creation support method used in a computer that supports the creation of each program. For example, as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9, an operation unit 41 displays a template displayed on the display unit 42. The symbolized control target device is pasted. As a result, a first definition file for defining the presence and position of the control target device is generated and stored in the storage unit 43 (S101 to S104). Based on the input / output address assigned to each of the input / output terminals of the programmable controller and the second definition file that defines the information on the assignment of the pasted control target device. Based on the second step (S105, S106) to be stored and the setting input of the operation unit 41, the contents of automatic control are defined according to the sequence flow of the control target device pasted on the template and the condition of operation transition A third definition file to be generated and stored in the storage unit 43 (S107 to S113); Based on the file output instruction by the unit 41, the first, second, and third definition files are read from the storage unit 43, the first definition file is converted into a file format that can be read by the programmable display, A fourth step (S115 to S117) of converting the second and third definition files into a file format decodable by the programmable controller and outputting them to the programmable display and the programmable controller, respectively. It is what you have.

  According to the program creation support method of the present invention, the program design support apparatus 4 defines the presence and position of devices by pasting various devices 3 symbolized on a program creation support screen (template). In addition, information on allocation of input / output addresses assigned to the input / output terminals (input / output units 12) of the PLC 1 and pasted devices is defined. Then, the contents of the automatic control are defined according to the sequence flow of the device pasted on the template and the condition setting for the operation transition. Based on the file output instruction, each definition file generated is converted into a file format that can be decoded by PLC1 and POD2, and output to the respective file formats. Design time can be shortened.

  Further, the program creation support program of the present invention includes, for example, a programmable controller (PLC1) that controls one or more control target devices (various devices 3) and the control target devices connected to input / output terminals in FIG. Are connected to a plant control system including a programmable display (POD2) that performs operation input to the programmable controller and displays the status of the control target device, and the programmable controller and the programmable display execute A program creation support program that is executed on the computer (control unit 40) of the program creation support apparatus 4 that supports creation of each program. For example, as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. , Displayed on display unit 42 A symbolized control target device is affixed on the screen by the operation unit 41 to generate a first definition file that defines the presence and position of the control target device and stores it in the storage unit 43. Based on the storing process (S101 to A104) and the setting input of the operation unit 41, the input / output address assigned to each of the input / output terminals of the programmable controller and the assignment of the pasted control target device A process of generating a second definition file for defining information and storing it in the storage unit (S105, S106), and a sequence of control target devices pasted on the template based on the setting input of the operation unit 41 Processing to generate a third definition file that defines the contents of automatic control in accordance with the flow and operation transition conditions, and store the third definition file in the storage unit S107 to S114) and based on the file output instruction from the operation unit 41, the first, second, and third definition files are read from the storage unit 43, and the first display is decoded by the programmable display device. A process of converting the second and third definition files into a file format readable by the programmable controller and outputting the file to the programmable display and the programmable controller (S115). S117).

  According to the program creation support program of the present invention, various devices 3 symbolized on the program creation support screen (template) are pasted to define the presence and position of the device, and to enter the PLC 1 Information relating to assignment of input / output addresses assigned to the output terminals (input / output units 12) and pasted devices is defined. Then, the contents of the automatic control are defined according to the sequence flow of the device pasted on the template and the condition setting for the operation transition. Based on the file output instruction, each definition file generated is converted into a file format that can be decoded by PLC1 and POD2, and output to the respective file formats. Design time can be shortened.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, it cannot be overemphasized that the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments. Further, it is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 Programmable controller (PLC)
2 Programmable display (POD)
3 Controlled devices (various devices)
4 Program creation support device 11 Control unit 12 Input / output unit (input / output terminal)
40 control unit 41 operation unit 42 display unit 43 storage unit 400 main control unit 401 template generation unit 402 drawing / display control unit 403 definition file generation unit 404 operation input acquisition unit 405 file conversion unit 406 file output unit

Claims (9)

One or more control target devices, a programmable controller that controls the control target device connected to an input / output terminal, and a programmable display that displays the status of the control target device and inputs an operation to the programmable controller Including at least a display unit, an operation unit, a storage unit, and a control unit that support the creation of each program executed by the programmable controller and the programmable display device. A program creation support device,
The controller is
A first definition file that defines the presence and position of the control target device is generated by pasting the symbolized control target device onto the template displayed on the display unit. Stored in the storage unit,
Based on the setting input of the operation unit, a second definition file is generated that defines information relating to the input / output addresses assigned to the input / output terminals of the programmable controller and the pasted control target devices. Stored in the storage unit,
Based on the setting input of the operation unit, a third definition file that defines the contents of automatic control according to the sequence flow of the control target device pasted on the template and the condition of operation transition is generated and stored in the storage unit Store and
Based on the file output instruction by the operation unit, the first, second, and third definition files are read from the storage unit, the first definition file is converted into a file format that can be read by the programmable display, The second and third definition files are converted into a file format readable by the programmable controller and output to the programmable display and the programmable controller, respectively.
A program creation support apparatus characterized by that. The controller is
When outputting the first definition file to the programmable display and the second and third definition files to the programmable controller, respectively, the data is converted into one of XML, CSV, and binary format and output. The program creation support apparatus according to claim 1. The controller is
3. The program according to claim 1, wherein in a test mode, an input / output address is read from the second definition file, test data is written to the read input / output address, and correctness of input / output allocation is determined. Creation support device. One or more control target devices, a programmable controller that controls the control target device connected to an input / output terminal, and a programmable display that displays the status of the control target device and inputs an operation to the programmable controller A program creation support method used in a computer that is connected to a plant control system, and that supports creation of each program executed by the programmable controller and the programmable display,
A first definition file for defining the presence and position of the control target device is generated by pasting the symbolized control target device on the template displayed on the display unit by the operation unit. A first step of storing in the storage unit;
Based on the setting input of the operation unit, a second definition file is generated that defines information relating to the input / output addresses assigned to the input / output terminals of the programmable controller and the pasted control target devices. A second step of storing in the storage unit;
Based on the setting input of the operation unit, a third definition file that defines the contents of automatic control according to the sequence flow of the control target device pasted on the template and the condition of operation transition is generated and stored in the storage unit A third step of storing;
Based on the file output instruction by the operation unit, the first, second, and third definition files are read from the storage unit, the first definition file is converted into a file format that can be read by the programmable display, A fourth step of converting the second and third definition files into a file format readable by the programmable controller and outputting the converted file to each of the programmable display and the programmable controller;
A program creation support method characterized by comprising: The fourth step includes
When outputting the first definition file to the programmable display and the second and third definition files to the programmable controller, the sub-file is converted into one of XML, CSV, and binary format and output. 5. The program creation support method according to claim 4, further comprising steps.   5. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: a fifth step of reading an input / output address from the second definition file in a test mode, writing test data to the read input / output address, and determining whether the input / output assignment is correct or incorrect. Item 5. The program creation support method according to Item 4. One or more control target devices, a programmable controller that controls the control target device connected to an input / output terminal, and a programmable display that displays the status of the control target device and inputs an operation to the programmable controller A program creation support program that is executed on a computer of a program creation support device that is connected to a plant control system and that supports creation of each program executed by the programmable controller and the programmable display,
On the computer,
A first definition file for defining the presence and position of the control target device is generated by pasting the symbolized control target device on the template displayed on the display unit by the operation unit. Processing to be stored in the storage unit;
Based on the setting input of the operation unit, a second definition file is generated that defines information relating to the input / output addresses assigned to the input / output terminals of the programmable controller and the pasted control target devices. And storing in the storage unit,
Based on the setting input of the operation unit, a third definition file that defines the contents of automatic control according to the sequence flow of the control target device pasted on the template and the condition of operation transition is generated and stored in the storage unit Processing to store,
Based on the file output instruction by the operation unit, the first, second, and third definition files are read from the storage unit, the first definition file is converted into a file format that can be read by the programmable display, The second and third definition files are converted into a file format readable by the programmable controller and output to each of the programmable display and the programmable controller.
A program creation support program characterized in that In the computer,
When outputting the first definition file to the programmable display and the second and third definition files to the programmable controller, converting them into one of XML, CSV, and binary format and outputting them The program creation support program according to claim 7, wherein: In the computer,
8. A process for reading out an input / output address from the second definition file in the test mode, writing test data to the read-out input / output address, and determining whether the input / output assignment is correct or incorrect is further executed. Program creation support program described.

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