JP2017162108A - I/o module management device and i/o module management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily add an I/O module in an industrial plant control system, for example.SOLUTION: In the I/O module management device according to an embodiment, a storage part stores a database for storing I/O-classified model data for setting unique information according to the I/O type of an I/O module and unique information. A model data acquisition part acquires, if an I/O module of which unique information is different from that of an existing I/O module is added to a controller, I/O-classified model data corresponding to the I/O type of the I/O module, from the storage part. A database registration part registers unique information specified by a user on the items of the acquired I/O-classified model data into a database. A download processing unit downloads the specified unique information to the controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an I / O module management apparatus and an I / O module management method.

  Conventionally, for example, in an industrial plant control system, one or more programmable controllers (hereinafter simply referred to as “controllers”), one or more input / output (I / O) modules connected to the controller, and I An I / O module management device that manages the / O module is used. Examples of the I / O module include an input device that inputs a signal from a sensor or the like installed in a control target facility, and an output device that outputs a signal to an actuator of the control target facility. In the industrial plant control system, other devices such as a data transmission device may be used, but the description is omitted below.

  The I / O module has I / O types such as analog signal input, analog signal output, digital signal input, and digital signal output. For each I / O type, there is unique information for each I / O module regarding the number of input / output words. For example, if the I / O type is an I / O module with a digital signal input, and there are three types of input / output words: 4W (Word), 8W, and 16W, one of them is unique to each I / O module. Information.

JP 2013-142933 A

  In an industrial plant control system, there is a case where an I / O module whose unique information is different from an existing I / O module is added. In the prior art, only system developers could change a database (such as a profiler database) to reflect the addition of such I / O modules. Therefore, the burden on the system developer is large, and it is inconvenient because a person other than the system developer (hereinafter referred to as “user”) cannot cope with the situation (the system developer must be requested each time). There was a problem and improvement was desired.

  An I / O module management apparatus according to an embodiment is an I / O module management apparatus that is connected to a controller that controls an I / O module and manages the I / O module, and includes a storage unit, a template data acquisition unit, A database registration unit and a download processing unit. The storage unit stores model data for each I / O type for setting unique information for each I / O type of the I / O module, and a database for storing the unique information. When the I / O module whose unique information is different from the existing I / O module is added to the controller, the template data acquisition unit corresponds to the I / O type of the I / O module. The template data for each I / O type is acquired from the storage unit. The database registration unit registers unique information designated by the user in the database regarding items in the acquired template data for each I / O type. The download processing unit downloads the designated unique information to the controller.

  An I / O module management method according to an embodiment is an I / O module management method performed by an I / O module management apparatus that is connected to a controller that controls an I / O module and manages the I / O module. An acquisition step, a database registration step, and a download processing step are included. The I / O module management device stores template data for each I / O type for setting unique information for each I / O type of the I / O module, and a database for storing the unique information. A storage unit is provided. The template data acquisition step corresponds to the I / O type of the I / O module when the I / O module whose unique information is different from the existing I / O module is added to the controller. The template data for each I / O type is acquired from the storage unit. In the database registration step, unique information designated by the user is registered in the database with respect to the items in the acquired template data for each I / O type. The download processing step downloads the specified unique information to the controller.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the I / O module management apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the I / O module management apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an I / O module addition screen displayed on the I / O module management apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the I / O module management apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the I / O module management apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an I / O module addition screen displayed on the I / O module management apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration and the like of an I / O module management apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the I / O module management apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an I / O module addition screen displayed on the I / O module management apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the I / O module management apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the I / O module management apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of an I / O module addition screen displayed on the I / O module management apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a result of comparing two pieces of information in the example of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an I / O module management apparatus and an I / O module management method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the I / O module management apparatus according to the first embodiment. The I / O module management device 1 is, for example, a computer device that manages I / O modules 3 (3A, 3B) in an industrial plant control system. The I / O module management device 1 is connected to a controller 2 (for example, a programmable controller) that controls the I / O module 3.

  The I / O module 3 is, for example, an input device that inputs a signal from a sensor or the like installed in a control target facility, or an output device that outputs a signal to an actuator or the like of the control target facility. The I / O module 3 has an I / O type. Examples of the I / O type include analog signal input, analog signal output, digital signal input, and digital signal output. There is unique information for each I / O module 3 for each I / O type.

  Specific information includes, for example, the number of input / output words, I / O point input / output type, module parameters, and alarm information. The number of input / output words is the number of words input / output by the I / O module 3. For example, if the I / O type is an I / O module 3 with a digital signal input, and if there are three types of input / output words: 4W (Word), 8W, and 16W, one of them can be selected for each I / O module 3. It is unique information.

  The I / O point input / output type is an input / output type between the I / O module 3 and the controller 2. There are two types of I / O point input / output types, for example, batch and direct connection, and any one of them is unique information for each I / O module 3.

  The module parameter is a parameter of the I / O module 3. Each value of the module parameter for each I / O module 3 is unique information.

  The alarm information is alarm information when an abnormality occurs in the I / O module 3. There are two types of alarm information, for example, a major failure and a minor failure, and any one of them is unique information for each I / O module 3.

  The I / O module management apparatus 1 includes a display unit 11, an input unit 12, a processing unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a system database 15. Among these, the processing unit 13 and the storage unit 14 are illustrated as an engineering tool 1A. The engineering tool 1A is software developed to support system construction, programming, monitoring, information collection, monitoring, and the like related to an industrial plant control system, and is handled by a system developer.

  The display unit 11 is a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The input unit 12 is information input means such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  The storage unit 14 is information storage means such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 14 stores template data 141 and profiler database 142 for each I / O type.

  The template data 141 for each I / O type is template data for setting unique information for each I / O type of the I / O module 3. The template data 141 for each I / O type includes, for example, the following five items for the I / O module 3 whose I / O type is a digital signal input.

(Item 1) Number of input / output words (3 choices: 4W, 8W, 16W)
(Item 2) I / O point I / O type (batch or direct connection)
(Item 3) Module parameter (Item 4) Alarm information (2 choices of major failure and minor failure)
(Item 5) Other

  The profiler database 142 stores a model information set, an I / O variable set, a connection information set, a module parameter set, and an alarm information set. The model information set is a set of model information including the I / O type for each I / O module 3. The I / O variable set is a set of I / O variables including the number of input / output words (item 1) for each I / O module 3. The connection information set is a set of connection information including the I / O point input / output type (item 2) for each I / O module 3. The module parameter set is a set of module parameters (item 3) for each I / O module 3. The alarm information is a set of alarm information (item 4) for each I / O module 3. Note that the information set corresponding to (Item 5) is not shown. Similar items are also provided for I / O modules 3 whose I / O type is other than digital signal input.

  The system database 15 is a database related to an industrial plant control system, and is mainly handled by a user (a person other than the system developer). In FIG. 1, the system database 15 is shown outside the storage unit 14, but the corresponding hardware may be the same as the storage unit 14.

  The processing unit 13 is information processing means such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 13 includes a display control unit 131, a template data acquisition unit 132, a profiler database registration unit 133, a hardware configuration registration unit 134, a system database registration unit 135, and a download processing unit 136.

  The display control unit 131 executes display control for the display unit 11. The display control unit 131 includes, for example, the number of input / output words and I / O point input included as items in the template data for each I / O type acquired from the template data 141 for each I / O type by the template data acquisition unit 132. At least one of output type, module parameter, and alarm information is displayed on the display unit 11 (see FIG. 3).

  When the I / O module 3 whose unique information is different from the existing I / O module 3 is added to the controller 2, the template data acquisition unit 132 adds the I / O type of the added I / O module 3. Is acquired from the I / O type template data 141 of the storage unit 14.

  The profiler database registration unit 133 registers unique information designated by the user in the profiler database 142 with respect to the items in the template data for each I / O type acquired by the template data acquisition unit 132.

  The hardware configuration registration unit 134 registers the hardware configuration in the storage unit 14 in response to the registration of unique information in the profiler database 142 by the profiler database registration unit 133 (not shown in the storage unit 14 in FIG. 1). ).

  The system database registration unit 135 stores information to be downloaded to the controller 2 in various tables of the system database 15 in response to registration of unique information in the profiler database 142 by the profiler database registration unit 133.

  The download processing unit 136 downloads information including unique information stored in the system database 15 to the controller 2.

  Next, the operation (I / O module management method) of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an I / O module addition screen displayed on the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Here, a case where the user adds an I / O module 3 having unique information different from the existing I / O module 3 to the controller 2 using the I / O module management apparatus 1 will be described as an example.

  First, when the user performs a predetermined operation for adding the I / O module 3 using the input unit 12 of the I / O module management apparatus 1, the display control unit 131 adds the I / O module to the display unit 11. A screen (FIG. 3) is displayed (step S1).

  Next, when the template data acquisition unit 132 accepts selection of the I / O type (area 111) by the user on the screen shown in FIG. 3 (step S2), the template data acquisition unit 132 reads from the template data 141 for each I / O type in the storage unit 14. Template data for each I / O type of the I / O type is acquired (template data acquisition step, step S3). In addition, the user selects the I / O type on the screen shown in FIG. 3 (area 111) and also inputs the model name (area 112).

  In response to step S3, the display control unit 131 displays information on items 1 to 5 in the area 113 in FIG. 3 based on the acquired template data for each I / O type. Next, when the profiler database registration unit 133 accepts the input of unique information regarding the items 1 to 5 and the operation of the OK button 114 by the user in the area 113 of FIG. 3 (step S4), the input unique information Is registered in the profiler database 142 of the storage unit 14 (database registration step, step S5). Specifically, the profiler database registration unit 133 sets the number of input / output words to the I / O variable set, the I / O point input / output type to the connection information set, the module parameter to the module parameter set, and the alarm information to the alarm information. Register each set. The profiler database registration unit 133 also registers the information input in the areas 111 and 112 in the model information set of the profiler database 142. Note that the user may operate the cancel button 115 to stop adding the I / O module 3.

  Next, the hardware configuration registration unit 134 registers the hardware configuration in the storage unit 14 corresponding to step S5 (step S6).

  Next, in response to step S5, the system database registration unit 135 stores information including unique information for downloading to the controller 2 in various tables of the system database 15 (step S7).

  Next, the download processing unit 136 downloads information including unique information stored in the system database 15 to the controller 2 (download processing step, step S8).

  Thus, according to the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, even if it is a person (user) other than the system developer, the unique information is different from that of the existing I / O module 3. The / O module 3 can be easily added. Specifically, the user automatically performs registration on the profiler database 142, registration in the system database 15, and download to the controller 2 with the addition of the I / O module 3 simply by performing an operation on the screen. be able to. In addition, since the system developer does not need to modify the engineering tool 1A, it is possible to improve the quality of the system by avoiding work mistakes (setting mistakes, database change omissions, existing data erroneous changes, etc.) by the system developer. At the same time, the total effort and cost can be greatly reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an I / O module management apparatus 1 and a management method thereof according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. A description of the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. The I / O module management device 1 in FIG. 4 differs from the I / O module management device 1 in FIG. 1 in that an import processing unit 137 is added to the processing unit 13 and that a definition file is used. ing.

  The import processing unit 137 corresponds to the items in the template data for each I / O type acquired by the template data acquisition unit 132, and includes at least the number of input / output words, the I / O point input / output type, the module parameter, and the alarm information. A definition file in which unique information is defined in advance as text data is accepted (imported). Then, the profiler database registration unit 133 registers unique information in the profiler database 142 using the text data in the definition file received by the import processing unit 137.

  The definition file may be created by the I / O module management apparatus 1 or may be created and received by the I / O module management apparatus 1 using a device other than the I / O module management apparatus 1. Good.

  Next, the operation (I / O module management method) of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an I / O module addition screen displayed on the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

  Steps S1 to S3 are the same as in FIG. In response to step S <b> 3, the display control unit 131 displays information on items 1 to 5 in the region 113 in FIG. 6 based on the acquired I / O type template data. Next, upon receiving a definition file import operation by the user in the area 116 of FIG. 6, the import processing unit 137 imports the definition file (step S41). It is assumed that the definition file is stored in the information storage unit of the I / O module management device 1 at the time before step S41.

  In response to step S41, the display control unit 131 displays the import data in the area 113 of FIG. 6 (step S42). Thereafter, when the profiler database registration unit 133 receives the operation of the OK button 114 of FIG. 6 by the user, the profiler database registration unit 133 registers unique information in the import data in the profiler database 142 of the storage unit 14 (database registration step, step S51). Steps S6 to S8 are the same as in FIG.

  As described above, according to the I / O module management apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved by using the text data definition file. The user can create and use a definition file. For example, a system developer can create a definition file and pass it to the user. Further, when the I / O module 3 is added next time, the definition file can be diverted, which is convenient.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an I / O module management apparatus 1 and a management method thereof according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. A description of the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration and the like of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. The I / O module management apparatus 1 in FIG. 7 is different from the I / O module management apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 in that an I / O module information acquisition unit 138 is added to the processing unit 13, and the I / O module The module 3B is different in that an I / O module information storage unit 31 is provided. In the third embodiment, of the I / O modules 3A and 3B, the I / O module 3A is an existing I / O module, and the I / O module 3B is added. To do.

  In the I / O module information storage unit 31 of the I / O module 3B, the number of input / output words corresponding to the I / O module 3B, the I / O point input / output type, the module parameter, and alarm information (hereinafter referred to as this 4 are referred to as “I / O module information”) in advance.

  The I / O module information acquisition unit 138 corresponds to the items in the template data for each I / O type acquired by the template data acquisition unit 132, and the number of input / output words, I / O point input / output type, module parameter, and At least one of the alarm information is acquired from the I / O module 3B. Then, the profiler database registration unit 133 registers unique information in the profiler database 142 using the information acquired by the I / O module information acquisition unit 138.

  Next, the operation (I / O module management method) of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an I / O module addition screen displayed on the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.

  Steps S1 to S3 are the same as in FIG. In response to step S <b> 3, the display control unit 131 displays information on items 1 to 5 in the area 113 in FIG. 9 based on the acquired template data for each I / O type. Next, when the I / O module information acquisition unit 138 receives an operation of reading (acquiring) I / O module information by the user in the area 116 of FIG. 9, the I / O module information storage unit of the I / O module 3B. I / O module information is acquired from 31 (step S43).

  In response to step S43, the display control unit 131 displays the acquired I / O module information in the area 113 of the screen in FIG. 9 (step S44). Thereafter, when the profiler database registration unit 133 accepts the operation of the OK button 114 of FIG. 9 by the user, the profiler database registration unit 133 registers unique information in the I / O module information in the profiler database 142 of the storage unit 14 (database registration step, step S52). ). Steps S6 to S8 are the same as in FIG.

  As described above, according to the I / O module management apparatus 1 of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By receiving the I / O module information stored in the I / O module information storage unit 31 from the I / O module 3B that is actually added by the I / O module management device 1, the possibility of setting errors can be further reduced. .

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an I / O module management apparatus 1 and a management method thereof according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. A description of the same points as in the third embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration and the like of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The I / O module management device 1 in FIG. 10 differs from the I / O module management device 1 in FIG. 7 in that a comparison processing unit 139 is added to the processing unit 13.

  The display control unit 131 displays information included as items in the template data for each I / O type acquired by the template data acquisition unit 132 on the screen. Then, the comparison processing unit 139 compares the unique information input by the user with respect to the screen display and the information acquired by the I / O module information acquisition unit 138, and displays the comparison result on the screen.

  Next, the operation of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation (I / O module management method) of the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of an I / O module addition screen displayed on the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a result of comparing two pieces of information in the example of FIG.

  Steps S1 to S4 are the same as in FIG. Step S43 is the same as FIG. After step S43, the comparison processing unit 139 compares the unique information input by the user in step S4 with the I / O module information acquired in step S43 (step S45), and displays the comparison result on the screen ( FIG. 12 (b)).

  After step S45, correction based on the comparison result is executed (step S46). This correction may be realized, for example, when the processing unit 13 receives a correction operation by the user who has seen the comparison result in FIG.

  After step S46, the profiler database registration unit 133 receives the operation of the OK button 114 in FIG. 12A by the user, and registers unique information in the profiler database 142 of the storage unit 14 (database registration step, step S53). ). Steps S6 to S8 are the same as in FIG.

  As described above, according to the I / O module management apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. The I / O module management apparatus 1 compares the I / O module information received from the actually added I / O module 3B with the input information by the user, thereby further reducing the possibility of setting errors.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  The program executed by the I / O module management apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an installable or executable file, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile). Disk) and the like can be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium. Further, the program executed by the I / O module management apparatus 1 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

1 ... I / O module management device,
1A ... Engineering tools,
2 ... Controller,
3 (3A, 3B) ... I / O module,
14 ... storage unit, 15 ... system database,
31 ... I / O module information storage unit,
114 ... OK button,
115 ... Cancel button,
133 ... Profiler database registration part,
134 ... hardware configuration registration unit,
135 ... System database registration section,
136 ... download processing unit,
137 ... Import processing unit,
138 ... I / O module information acquisition unit,
141 ... Template data for each I / O type,
142 ... Profiler database

Claims (6)

An I / O module management apparatus that is connected to a controller that controls an I / O module and manages the I / O module,
A storage unit for storing template data for each I / O type for setting unique information for each I / O type of the I / O module, and a database for storing the unique information;
When the I / O module whose unique information is different from the existing I / O module is added to the controller, for each I / O type corresponding to the I / O type of the I / O module A template data acquisition unit for acquiring template data from the storage unit;
A database registration unit for registering unique information designated by the user in the database with respect to the items in the acquired I / O type template data;
A download processor that downloads the specified unique information to the controller;
An I / O module management device. The number of input / output words of the I / O module, the input / output type between the I / O module and the controller, and the I / O module included as items in the acquired template data for each I / O type And a display control unit that displays at least one of the parameters of the I / O module and alarm information of the I / O module,
The I / O module management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the database registration unit registers the unique information input by a user with respect to the screen display in the database. Corresponding to the items in the acquired template data for each I / O type, the number of input / output words of the I / O module, the input / output type between the I / O module and the controller, the I / O module An import processing unit that accepts a definition file in which the unique information is defined in advance as text data for at least one of parameters and alarm information of the I / O module;
The I / O module management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the database registration unit registers the unique information in the database using text data in the accepted definition file. Corresponding to the items in the acquired template data for each I / O type, the number of input / output words of the I / O module, the input / output type between the I / O module and the controller, the I / O module An I / O module information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of parameters and alarm information of the I / O module from the I / O module;
The I / O module management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the database registration unit registers the unique information in the database using information acquired by the I / O module information acquisition unit. Corresponding to the items in the acquired template data for each I / O type, the number of input / output words of the I / O module, the input / output type between the I / O module and the controller, the I / O module An I / O module information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of parameters and alarm information of the I / O module from the I / O module;
A display control unit that displays information included as items in the acquired I / O type template data for each screen;
A comparison processing unit that compares the unique information input by the user with respect to the screen display and the information acquired by the I / O module information acquisition unit, and displays a comparison result on the screen; Item 12. The I / O module management device according to Item 1. An I / O module management method by an I / O module management device that is connected to a controller that controls an I / O module and manages the I / O module,
The I / O module management device stores template data for each I / O type for setting unique information for each I / O type of the I / O module, and a database for storing the unique information. It has a storage unit,
When the I / O module whose unique information is different from the existing I / O module is added to the controller, for each I / O type corresponding to the I / O type of the I / O module A template data acquisition step of acquiring template data from the storage unit;
A database registration step of registering, in the database, unique information designated by the user regarding items in the acquired I / O type template data;
A download processing step of downloading the specified unique information to the controller;
I / O module management method.

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