JP4034324B2 - Programmable display - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a programmable display that displays and controls the state of a controlled object in a control system.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the conventional control system 101, a programmable logic controller (hereinafter abbreviated as "PLC") is used as a control device for controlling various target systems 102 such as a belt conveyor type automatic assembly machine. 103) is widely used. Furthermore, in recent years, with the complexity of the target system 102, a plurality of PLCs 103 are used in cooperation with each other. In addition, the display of data from each PLC 103 or the control instruction to the PLC 103 is not only performed by the programmable display 104 arranged in the vicinity of the PLC 103 or the like, for example, away from the programmable display 104 The control system 101 may be constructed so that the control host computer 106 installed at the place can be displayed or operated. In the example of FIG. 12, a programmable display 104, which is set to have a relatively high computing capacity for interacting with an operator, is arranged between the PLC 103 and the control host computer 106, and each programmable display 104 and the control are controlled. By connecting the host computers 106 to each other via the network 105, the load on the PLC 103 is reduced.

  Furthermore, the programmable display 104 stores, for example, data from the PLC 103 and a history of events such as operations (logging data) as well as the display / control operation, and the operation status of the control system 101 is stored. It is used for analysis and investigation of the cause when a failure occurs.

  Here, if history is stored for many events, the operating state can be analyzed in more detail and the cause of the failure can be investigated, while the storage capacity necessary for storing logging data increases. Therefore, the event for storing the history is selected according to each target system 102 and each operator.

  On the other hand, since many programmable displays 104 are used in the control system 101, the memory capacity built into each programmable display 104 from the beginning tends to be limited. Therefore, the programmable display 104 provided with the memory card drive 111 is used so that the storage location of the logging data can be increased as necessary. In the programmable display 104, when the storage capacity of the built-in memory is not sufficient for storing logging data, a memory card 112 having a capacity capable of storing the logging data is mounted on the memory card drive 111, and the programmable display is The logging data is stored in the memory card 112 instead of the built-in memory.

  In the vicinity of the target system 102, the ambient environment temperature generally tends to be high, and there are a lot of vibrations and dust. Therefore, a memory card is more preferable as a recording medium for logging data than a floppy disk or a magneto-optical disk (MO).

  In the above configuration, when referring to the logging data stored in the memory card 112, the control host computer 106 transmits an instruction to read the logging data to the programmable display 104 via the network 105. On the other hand, when receiving an instruction to read logging data, the programmable display 104 refers to a predetermined address area in the address area of the memory card 112, for example, as in the case of accessing the built-in memory. Logging data is acquired and returned to the control host computer 106 via the network 105. Thereby, the control host computer 106 can acquire the logging data of each programmable display 104, and can analyze the operation status of the control system 101 or investigate the cause when a failure occurs.

  Here, since the control host computer 106 is used in a better environment than the programmable display 104, there are many types of recording media that can be used without malfunction, such as a floppy disk or a magneto-optical disk. For example, a recording medium having a larger storage capacity than that of a memory card or a recording medium having a lower unit price per capacity can be used. Therefore, the control host computer 106 has few opportunities to use a memory card, and the memory card drive 111 is often not prepared in advance.

  However, although the frequency is low, the control host computer 106 may exchange data files with a portable computer not connected to the network via a memory card, for example. Therefore, in preparation for such a case, there is also a control system 101 in which the control host computer 106 includes a memory card drive 121.

  In this configuration, when storing the data file, the control host computer 106 specifies the file name and stores it in the memory card 122 in the same manner as when accessing the hard disk or floppy disk. On the other hand, when reading a data file, the control host computer 106 specifies the file name of the data file and reads the data file from the memory card 122.

  However, in the conventional control system 101, even when the access frequency is low, the memory card drive 121 is provided in the control host computer 106 separately from the memory card drive 111 of the programmable display 104. This causes a problem that the number of memory cards and drives in the system 101 increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to reduce the number of memory cards and drives required for the entire control system even though the control host computer can access the memory card. It is to realize a programmable display.

  A programmable display according to the present invention is a programmable display having a communication means connectable to a network and a memory card drive capable of exchanging an accessible memory card. When the memory card drive can access the memory card, the communication means comprises a card access means for reading out the contents of the file with the designated file name among the files in the file system constructed on the memory card, the communication means When an access request including a file name is received via the network, the card access unit is instructed to read the content of the file with the file name, and the read file content is transmitted via the network. Returned to the sender of the access request When starting up, the card is started by reading a file with a specific file name as a startup program from among the files in the file system built on the memory card accessible by the memory card drive. And a normal activation device provided separately from the memory card drive and storing the control program, and when the input means accepts a predetermined specific operation, the memory card drive is activated, and Then, until the input means accepts the predetermined specific operation, it further includes an activation control means that activates from the normal activation device.

  In the above configuration, for example, a transmission source device such as a control host computer connected to a programmable display device via a network has an access request including a file name to be referred to in substantially the same manner as when accessing the drive of the own device. And the access request is transmitted to the programmable display device via the network. On the other hand, when the programmable display receives the access request, it instructs the card access means to read the file content of the file name specified in the access request. Further, the card access means accesses the memory card drive of the programmable display, and among the files in the file system constructed on the memory card, the contents of the file having the file name designated by the communication means are obtained. read out. The communication means returns the contents of the file read by the card access means to the access request source such as a control host computer via the network.

  In the above configuration, for example, a device connected to the programmable display device via a network, such as a control host computer, accesses a drive of its own device even though a memory card drive is not provided. In substantially the same manner, the contents of a desired file in the memory card can be referred to. As a result, when the device refers to a file in the memory card, there is no need to connect a memory card drive different from the memory card drive in the programmable display, and the programmable display and the device are configured. The number of memory cards and drives in the entire control system can be reduced.

  In particular, when the programmable display can be activated from the memory card drive, the memory card is used to store a maintenance activation program and a control program. Therefore, it is desirable that the memory card can be accessed from the control host computer. However, it is particularly preferable to use the programmable display having the above-mentioned configuration because it is not necessary to provide a memory card drive in the control host computer.

  In addition, a programmable display according to the present invention is a programmable display having communication means connectable to a network and a memory card drive capable of exchanging accessible memory cards. When the memory card / drive is accessible to the memory card, the card access means for writing the designated data to the file having the designated file name among the files in the file system constructed on the memory card. And the communication means instructs the card access means to write the write data to the file with the file name when receiving an access request including the file name and the write data via the network. When starting up, the above memory card A card booting means for loading a file having a predetermined file name as a boot program from among files in a file system constructed on a memory card accessible by the card, and separately from the memory card drive When the normal activation device provided with the control program and the input means accept a predetermined specific operation, the memory card drive is started and then the predetermined specific operation is performed. Until the input means accepts, it is further provided with start control means for starting from the normal start device.

  In the above configuration, the transmission source device connected to the programmable display device via the network generates an access request including the file name and the write data in substantially the same way as when accessing the drive of its own device, To the programmable display. On the other hand, when receiving the access request, the programmable display unit instructs the card access means to write the write data specified by the access request to the file having the file name specified by the access request. Further, the card access means accesses the memory card drive of the programmable display, and writes out to each file in the file system constructed on the memory card with the file name designated by the communication means. Write

  As a result, the device can write data to a desired file in the memory card in substantially the same manner as when accessing the drive of the device, although the memory card drive is not provided. As a result, when the device writes to a file in the memory card, it is not necessary to connect a memory card drive to the device, and the number of memory card drives in the entire control system can be reduced.

  In the configuration of the present invention, the memory card may have a plate shape or a stick shape as long as the memory card accessible by the memory card drive can be replaced (removable). . Further, it may be a contact type in which the memory card is accessed in electrical contact, or a non-contact type memory card drive that is accessed by electromagnetic waves.

  In the above configuration, for example, when the programmable display is activated, such as when the power is turned on or reset, the card activation means refers to the memory card that the memory card / drive can access to the memory card, and the file with the specific file name If exists, the file is read as a start program and started.

  In the above configuration, since the programmable display can be activated from the memory card drive, when changing the control program stored in the programmable display, such as when making the programmable display perform a maintenance operation different from the normal control operation, If the maintenance operation program with the specified file name is stored in a memory card and the memory card can be accessed from the memory card drive, the maintenance operation program can be maintained without preparing a fixed maintenance operation program in the programmable display. Can be made. The memory card can also store a maintenance operation program such as a control program to be updated, if necessary. In this case, it is only necessary to bring the memory card to the place where the programmable display is installed. Therefore, the program that communicates via a serial cable is stored in the programmable display, and the portable computer storing the control program is connected to the programmable display at the time of maintenance, and compared with the conventional technology that transfers the control program. Thus, the maintenance work can be simplified.

  In the above configuration, for example, when there is a specific operation such as substantially simultaneous operation of a plurality of locations on the touch panel, the activation control unit normally activates a device when the programmable display is activated, for example, an internal memory. Temporarily change from the device to the memory card drive. In this case, even if the activation program with the specific file name is stored in the memory card accessible from the memory card drive, the programmable display device is activated from the normal activation device unless there is a specific operation. . Therefore, for example, the memory card is continuously used as a storage location of logging data during normal control operation without deleting the startup program from the memory card or removing the memory card from the memory card drive. be able to.

  As described above, the programmable display device according to the present invention is a card access means for reading out the contents of a file having an instructed file name among the files in the memory card drive and the file system constructed on the memory card. When the access request is received through the network, the card access unit is instructed to read the file content of the file name, and the read file content is returned to the transmission source of the access request. And a card that is activated by reading a file having a predetermined specific file name as a startup program among the files in the file system constructed on the memory card accessible by the memory card drive when starting. Separate from startup means and memory card drive When the normal activation device storing the control program and the input means accept a predetermined specific operation, the memory card drive is started, and then the predetermined specific operation is performed. Until the input means accepts, it is configured to include activation control means activated from the normal activation device.

  As described above, the programmable display device according to the present invention is a card access means for writing data to a file having the designated file name among the files in the file system built on the memory card / dry and the memory card. When the access request is received via the network, the memory card drive is accessible at the time of start-up and the communication means instructing the card access means to write the write data into the file having the file name. Of the files in the file system built on the memory card, the card activation means for starting by reading a file having a predetermined specific file name as the activation program and the memory card drive are provided separately and controlled. A normal boot device that stores the program for When the force means accepts a predetermined specific operation, it starts from the memory card drive, and then starts from the normal activation device until the input means accepts the predetermined specific operation. And a startup control means.

  In each of the above configurations, for example, a device connected to the programmable display device such as a control host computer via a network accesses the drive of its own device even though a memory card drive is not provided. In a similar manner, a file with a desired file name in the memory card can be accessed. As a result, it is not necessary to connect a memory card drive different from the memory card drive in the programmable display, and the number of memory cards and drives in the entire control system composed of the programmable display and the above devices can be reduced. There is an effect.

  Furthermore, in the above configuration, since the programmable display can be started from the memory card drive, when the maintenance operation different from the normal control operation is performed, it is only necessary to bring the memory card to the place where the programmable display is installed. Therefore, the program that communicates via a serial cable is stored in the programmable display, and the portable computer storing the control program is connected to the programmable display at the time of maintenance, and compared with the conventional technology that transfers the control program. As a result, the maintenance work can be simplified.

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, even if the activation program with the specific file name is stored in the memory card accessible from the memory card drive, the programmable display is normally activated unless a specific operation is performed. Boot from the device. Therefore, the memory card can be continuously used even during normal control operation without deleting the activation program from the memory card or removing the memory card from the memory card drive.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the control system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that controls the state of the target system 2 including devices 2a... A programmable logic controller (PLC) 3 that controls the system and a programmable display 4 connected to the PLC 3 and operated by an operator in the vicinity of the target system 2 in many cases. As will be described in detail later, each of the programmable displays 4 operates in accordance with a control program stored in advance, and communicates with the PLC 3 to display the status of the device 2a. In response, a control instruction to the device 2a can be transmitted to the PLC 3.

  In the control system 1, the programmable displays 4 are connected to each other by a local area network (LAN) 5 such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Further, a control host computer 6 is connected to the LAN 5, and the entire control system 1 is controlled by the control host computer 6 and, for example, when a defect is found in the control program, For example, when the control program is improved, part or all of the control program can be corrected (created).

  During normal control operation, that is, the CPU 14 of the programmable display 4 executes the control program, and the display device 15, the touch panel 16, the communication circuit 18, and the network communication circuit 19 (both described later) Is controlled, the programmable display 4 includes, as a functional block, an interface unit (IF unit) connected to the PLC 3 or the LAN 5, a dedicated protocol IF unit 41, a common protocol IF unit (communication means) 42, and both IFs. A protocol conversion unit 43 that relays communication by the units 41 and 42 and a display control processing unit 44 that performs a display / control operation based on an operator's operation and a communication result are formed.

  On the other hand, the control host computer 6 is realized by an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU executing a program stored in a storage unit such as a memory or a hard disk, and controlling hardware such as a display circuit or a communication circuit. As a functional block, a display processing unit 61 that performs monitoring control of the entire control system 1, a common protocol IF unit 62 connected to the LAN 5, and each programmable display 4 communicate with each other via the common protocol IF unit 62 and the LAN 5. Execute a program such as a server unit 63 that responds to a request from the display processing unit 61, a drawing processing unit 64 that modifies (creates) screen data as a part of the control program, and a data analysis program of the control system 1 And an application processing unit 65 is provided. In the example of FIG. 1, only the drawing processing unit 64 is provided as a member that can change the control program, and a system program, a protocol program, or an application program, which will be described later, among the control programs is, for example, the programmable display 4 However, these programs may be changed by the control host computer 6.

  Here, the PLC has been developed from a sequencer. For example, many PLCs have their own dedicated protocol for each PLC model, such as each manufacturer or each product type. However, in the control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the programmable displays 4 are directly connected via the LAN 5. As a result, unlike the conventional control system in which the PLC intervenes in the communication processing in the control system, the control system 1 is indispensable, and for the screen display, the computing capacity and the storage capacity are higher than those of the PLC 3. The programmable display 4 having a large margin can process most of the communication. Furthermore, each programmable display 4 is provided with a protocol conversion unit 43, which is predetermined for communication on the network 5 and a dedicated protocol specific to the model of the PLC 3 connected to itself. The communication between the PLC 3 and the other programmable display 4 or the control host computer 6 is relayed. Further, the common protocol IF units 42 and 62 of the programmable display 4 and the control host computer 6 communicate with each other using a predetermined common protocol regardless of the model of the PLC 3 connected to the other programmable display 4. Is set to As a result, compared to the control system that directly connects the PLCs, different types of PLCs 3 can be easily mixed in the control system 1.

  Here, the hardware configuration of the programmable display 4 and the control program will be described in detail. The control program includes a hardware control process, a process for displaying characters and figures, and a process for receiving input to the touch panel. For example, a system program for performing processing generally used in many programs and a protocol program for communicating with a predetermined communication protocol are included. The programmable display 4 according to the present embodiment is a display capable of controlling input and screen display based on screen data determined by combining processing instructions (tags), and includes the above control program. Further, the screen data defining the display / control operation of the programmable display 4 and, for example, the system program is called based on the screen data, and the screen data is displayed on each hardware of the programmable display 4. And an extension program such as an application program for performing display / control operations.

  Among the above control programs, the screen data includes display tags indicating the correspondence between the device addresses corresponding to the display on the screen area and the areas on the screen, and the devices corresponding to the input to the screen area. It is composed of input tags indicating the correspondence between addresses and areas on the screen, and can be created more easily than when creating a program for displaying / controlling by calling the system program. Further, the display contents and the arrangement of each display graphic are specific to the target system 2 and its operator. Accordingly, the screen data is changed by the drawing processing unit 64 of the control host computer 6.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the programmable display 4 includes a FEEPROM (Flash Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 11 in which the control program is stored as a normal activation device, and initialization executed when the power is turned on. ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 storing programs, font data, and the like, and DRAM (Dynamic Randam Access Memory), for example, are faster in access speed than the ROMs 11 and 12 and stored in the FEEPROM 11 and ROM 12 A CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in each of the memories 11 to 13 while accessing the main memory 13 and the memories 11 to 13 that are expanded when the program is executed or used as a work area. 14). The programmable display 4 includes, as input / output means, a display device 15 such as a liquid crystal display device and a touch panel 16, and an I / O circuit 17 that controls the display device 15 and the touch panel 16 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 14. A communication circuit 18 that communicates via a serial port 18a of a standard such as RS-232C, and a network communication circuit 19 that is connected to the LAN 5 are provided.

  Furthermore, the programmable display 4 according to the present embodiment includes a memory card drive 21 that reads the memory card 21 a as a temporary activation device, and is configured to be activated from the memory card drive 21. As the memory card 21a, for example, CompactFlash (registered trademark), SmartMedia (trademark), Memory Stick (trademark), or the like can be used. Further, a contact type, proximity type or non-contact type IC card may be used as long as it is a removable recording medium that holds a record in a semiconductor memory.

  Also, a DIP switch 22 that semi-fixedly sets from which to start, and a register that can maintain a value before and after the reset process, for example, and a flag indicating temporary start from the memory card drive 21 are provided. A flag storage unit 23 to be stored is provided. As a result, when a specific operation described later is received, the memory card drive 21 can be activated only once regardless of the setting of the DIP switch 22.

  Specifically, in the ROM 12 according to the present embodiment, a hardware initialization program P1 that performs initialization such as diagnosis and initial setting of functions of each hardware as an initial program executed when the power is turned on, and the serial In addition to the communication program P2 that receives a program from another device via the port 18a and stores it in the FEEPROM 11 and the internal activation program P3 that performs the activation process from the FEEPROM 11, the activation process from the memory card drive 21 is performed. A card activation program (card activation means) P11 to be executed and an activation selection program P12 for selecting which of the programs P2, P3, and P11 to be executed immediately after power-on based on the setting of the DIP switch 22 and the like Stored. The card activation program P11 also includes a program for clearing the flag in the flag storage unit 23 upon activation from the memory card drive 21. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the programs stored in the ROM 12 and the FEEPROM 11 are only listed and described, and do not indicate the address area where each program is actually stored.

  On the other hand, the control program P21 stored in the FEEPROM 11 is executed before performing an actual control operation, and refers to the flag storage unit 23 to indicate a temporary activation from the memory card drive 21. Includes a flag check program P31 for checking whether or not is set, and a temporary start program P32 for instructing start-up from the memory card drive 21 when the flag is set. Further, when the control program P21 receives a specific operation as the above-described system program, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, a startup drive selection process is performed in a specific display area A1 such as the lower part of the display screen. And a flag setting program P34 for setting a flag in the flag storage unit 23 when an activation drive selection process is selected. The CPU 14 and the flag storage unit 23 that execute the flag check program P31 and the flag setting program P34 correspond to the activation control means described in the claims.

  In the present embodiment, as a specific operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, arbitrary three points among specific areas A11 to A14 provided at the four corners of the input surface (display screen) of the touch panel 16 are displayed. The menu display program P22 displays a menu when detecting the operation. In this embodiment, even if the touch panel 16 is, for example, a digital touch panel or an analog touch panel, the specific areas A11 to A14 are divided into a plurality of separate touch panels. Since a touch panel such as a touch panel that can detect operations on a plurality of areas is employed, the specific operation can be detected without any problem.

  The FEEPROM 11 includes not only the control program P21 but also the control data D21, for example, image data, sound data, graph data, alarm data, and the like necessary for display / control, or, for example, logging data Data for maintenance, such as backup of data and screen data, is stored.

  Further, the control program P21 according to the present embodiment further includes a card access program P35. During normal control operation, as shown in FIG. 1, in response to an access request from the common protocol IF unit 42, A card access processing unit (card access means) 45 for accessing the memory card 21a of the memory card drive 21 is formed as a functional block. When the common protocol IF unit 42 receives a read request including a file name from the LAN 5, the card access processing unit 45 accesses the memory card drive 21, and designates an instruction from among the file systems constructed on the memory card 21 a. The file with the specified file name can be referenced. Furthermore, the contents of the file can be returned to the read request destination via the common protocol IF unit 42. On the other hand, when the common protocol IF unit 42 receives a write request including a file name and write data, the card access processing unit 45 accesses the memory card drive 21 and designates among the file systems. The write data can be written to the file having the file name thus designated.

  Here, the programmable display 4 is used in an environment near the target system 2, that is, in an inferior environment with a lot of water, oil, or dust. Therefore, not only the touch panel 16 that does not easily malfunction in these environments is employed as the input device, but the members 11 to 23 illustrated in FIG. 2 are stored in the housing 4a as illustrated in FIG. Further, the housing 4a is often embedded in a wall surface or the like so that the surface on the touch panel 16 side is exposed and the back surface is not exposed. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the slots of the memory card drive 21 and openings such as vents (not shown) are arranged at positions not exposed on the back surface or the side surface of the housing 4a. FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the slot of the memory card drive 21 is arranged on the back surface. Thereby, exposure of an opening part can be prevented and it can continue to operate | move normally even in the above-mentioned bad environment.

  Furthermore, when the memory card drive 21 is connected to the control host computer 6 such as an MS-DOS (registered trademark) compatible file system, the control host computer 6 can access the memory card 21a. When the file system is constructed and the card activation program P11 is executed, the programmable display device 4 executes a file having a predetermined file name among the files stored in the file system at the time of activation. In the present embodiment, for example, it is defined that a file whose file name is “IPL.SYS” is executed at the time of startup on the root directory, and the memory card 21a has a startup program (see FIG. 2) with the file name. A maintenance program P41) is stored. Thus, even when the activation program or the control program is created by a computer other than the control host computer 6, the computer stores the activation program for the programmable display 4 on the memory card 21a. You only need to store the file name. Therefore, unlike the case where a file system having a new configuration is constructed or the activation program is stored in a specific area, the computer can be activated by the programmable display 4 without preparing a new format tool in the computer. The memory card 21a can be created.

  When the memory card 21a is used to update the control program P21 in the FEEPROM 11, the memory card 21a stores the control program P21 to be updated in addition to the maintenance program P41. The maintenance program P41 includes a program for transferring the control program P21 to the FEEPROM 11 and a user interface program at the time of transfer. Furthermore, control data D21 to be transferred to the FEEPROM 11 is also stored as necessary.

  More specifically, the maintenance program P41 according to the present embodiment controls the file name according to the model of the programmable display 4 among the control program P21 ... and the control data D21 ... stored in the memory card 21a. The program P21 and the control data D21 are selected and transferred. As a result, even if control programs P21 and control data D21 for a plurality of models are mixed in the memory card 21a, the control program P21 and control data D21 suitable for the programmable display 4 are transferred without any problem. it can. As a result, the memory card 21a can be shared among a plurality of models having different capacities of the FEEPROM 11 and the main memory 13, and the labor for carrying the memory card 21a can be reduced.

  The maintenance program P41 includes not only a program for downloading the control program P21 (control data D21) to the FEEPROM 11, but also a program for uploading from the FEEPROM 11 to the memory card 21a. In this case, the contents of the FEEPROM 11 of a certain programmable display 4 can be easily transferred to another programmable display 4. Further, the maintenance program P41 may include a program that compares the data in the memory card 21a with the data in the FEEPROM 11 and displays the difference on the display screen. The transfer / comparison program may transfer / compare the entire control program P21 and control data D21, or select and transfer / compare a part of the program according to preset data or instructions from maintenance personnel. May be.

  Here, functions and user interfaces required for maintenance differ from each other depending on the target system 2 and its operator. Therefore, if the maintenance program P41 is stored in the ROM 12, a necessary function or user interface cannot be provided, or a ROM 12 having a larger capacity than that for realizing a desired function or user interface is required. In addition, the user interface is likely to cause a problem with the program and may be changed relatively frequently. On the other hand, in the programmable display device 4 of the present embodiment, as described above, the maintenance program P41 is stored in the memory card 21a. Therefore, the maintenance display corresponding to each user can be performed without increasing the capacity of the ROM 12. Can provide a program. Moreover, if the memory card 21a is sequentially attached to each programmable display 4 in the control system 1, the memory card 21a can be shared by each programmable display 4, so that the entire control system 1 is compared with the case where it is stored in the ROM 12. The required memory capacity can be reduced.

  In the above configuration, the operation when referring to the file in the memory card 21a mounted on the memory card drive 21 of the programmable display 4 from the control host computer 6 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, in step 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as S1), the drawing processing unit 64 and the application processing unit 65 of the control host computer 6 refer to a file in the hard disk in the control host computer 6. Similarly, when a file name in the memory card 21a attached to the memory card drive 21 is designated and a read is instructed, the server unit 63 includes a data string indicating the file name, an identifier indicating a read request, and Is generated, and the read request is transmitted to the programmable display 4 having the memory card drive 21 via the common protocol IF unit 62 and the LAN 5. For example, the server 63 may specify the programmable display 4 serving as the transmission destination based on the drive name included in the file name, or the programmable display 4 predetermined by the user may be used as the transmission destination. .

  If there is a possibility that the control operation by the programmable display device 4 may be hindered by access such as reference to or writing to the memory card drive 21, the server unit 63 is connected in advance to the programmable display device 4 via the LAN 5. It is desirable to instruct the transition to offline and temporarily interrupt the control operation of the programmable display 4.

  On the other hand, in S2, when the common protocol IF unit 42 of the programmable display 4 receives the read request, it identifies the read request and the file name to be read based on the identifier in the read request, and accesses the card. The processing unit 45 is instructed to read a file having the file name. When instructing the card access processing unit 45, the common protocol IF unit 42 may issue an instruction, or the card access processing unit 45 confirms whether there is an instruction to the common protocol IF unit 42 at a predetermined timing. Also good.

  Further, the card access processing unit 45 accesses the memory card drive 21 in S3, and among the file systems constructed on the memory card 21a, the contents of the file having the file name specified in S2 are stored. read out. Further, in S4, the card access processing unit 45 instructs the common protocol IF unit 42 to indicate to the transmission source of the read request (in this case, the control host computer 6) that the response is to the read request. Send the identifier and file contents. In the present embodiment, since the devices connected to the LAN 5 communicate with each other using the TCP / IP protocol, the source of the read request can be determined from the source IP address added to the packet including the read request. .

  On the other hand, when the control host computer 6 receives a response to the read request in S5, the control host computer 6 transmits the file contents to the drawing processing unit 64 and the application processing unit 65 instructed to read the file in S1. Here, as described above, a file system that can be accessed by the control host computer 6 when the memory card drive 21 is connected to the control host computer 6 is constructed in the memory card 21a. The card access processing unit 45 can access a file in the file system. Accordingly, if the programmable display 4 provided with the memory card drive 21 is connected to the LAN 5 in spite of the fact that the control host computer 6 is not provided with a memory card drive, it is connected to the own device. Similarly to the case where the file is stored, the file name can be designated and the file in the memory card 21a can be read.

  On the other hand, when writing to a file, in S11 shown in FIG. 8, when the drawing processing unit 64, the application processing unit 65, or the like designates a file name and instructs to write data, the server unit 63 indicates a write request. A write request including a data string indicating an identifier, a file name, and data to be written (write data) is generated and transmitted to the programmable display 4 having the memory card drive 21 as in S1.

  Further, in S12, the common protocol IF unit 42 of the programmable display device 4 identifies a write request based on the identifier in substantially the same manner as S2, and indicates the file indicated by the write request to the card access processing unit 45. Instructs to write data to a file with a name. Further, in S13, the card access processing unit 45 accesses the memory card drive 21 and writes to the file having the file name specified in S12 in the file system constructed on the memory card 21a. Write data. If necessary, the success or failure of writing may be returned to the writing request transmission source in substantially the same manner as in S4 and S5.

  As a result, if the programmable display 4 provided with the memory card drive 21 is connected to the LAN 5 even though the control host computer 6 is not provided with a memory card drive, it is connected to its own device. As in the case where the file is stored, the file name can be designated and data can be written to the file in the memory card 21a.

  Then, each starting operation | movement of the said programmable display 4 is demonstrated based on FIG. 9 and FIG. That is, for example, when the DIP switch 22 is set to start from the FEEPROM 11 inside the programmable display 4 as in a normal control operation, when the power is turned on at time t1 shown in FIG. The CPU 14 of the programmable display 4 first reads and executes the hardware initialization program P1 from the ROM 12 in S21 shown in FIG. Thereby, the programmable display 4 diagnoses the function of each hardware that can be accessed by itself, such as the main memory 13, the display device 15, or the touch panel 16, or initializes each hardware, for example. Turn into.

  Further, in S22, the CPU 14 controls the communication circuit 18 to determine whether or not a device such as a portable computer is connected to the serial port 18a. Here, during a normal control operation, a device such as a portable computer is not connected to the serial port 18a. In this case (NO in S22), the CPU 14 confirms the DIP switch 22 in S23 to confirm whether or not activation from the memory card drive 21 is forced.

  As described above, the DIP switch 22 is set to start from the FEEPROM 11 at time t1. Therefore, after the determination of S23, the CPU 14 attempts to start from the FEEPROM 11 by setting, for example, the execution start address of the control program P21 of the FEEPROM 11 in the program counter in S24. Note that the address area that can be accessed simultaneously by the CPU 14 is limited. When the ROM 12 and the FEEPROM 11 are switched, for example, the address area is switched to the FEEPROM 11 and reset to start up from the FEEPROM 11. Alternatively, the control program P21 in the FEEPROM 11 may be expanded in the main memory 13 and jumped to the execution start address of the expanded control program P21.

  When starting from the FEEPROM 11 in S24, the CPU 14 executes the flag check program P31 and refers to the flag storage unit 23 before executing the normal control operation of the control program P21 (S25). Here, immediately after the power is turned on, the flag in flag storage unit 23 is not set (NO in S25). Therefore, the CPU 14 starts a normal control operation according to the control program P21, for example, instructing the PLC 3 according to the operation of the operator (S26).

  On the other hand, if a specific operation is detected during a period in which the programmable display 4 is performing a normal control operation, such as when maintenance personnel press the specific areas A11 to A14 shown in FIG. YES), the CPU 14 displays a menu including options such as maintenance options in a predetermined display area A1 as shown in FIG. 3, for example, according to the menu display program P33 of the control program P21 (see FIG. 3). S28). Here, the display area A1 is limited to a part of the display screen. In the remaining display area A2, display for normal control operation such as device status display can be continued. Further, a slide button A3 is displayed in the display area A1, and the options displayed in the display area A1 can be changed by operating the slide button A3 as shown in FIG. Note that the changing method may be such that each displayed option changes by changing the slide button A3, or may be switched so that all change.

  When activation from memory card 21a is selected as an option (YES in S29), CPU 14 sets a flag in flag storage unit 23 in accordance with flag setting program P34 in S30.

  When the flag is set in S30, the processing after S21 is started as described above (at time t2 in FIG. 9). However, in this case, since the flag is set in the flag storage unit 23, after the determination in S25, the CPU 14 resets the flag in the flag storage unit 23 in S41 and starts from the memory card drive 21. To start.

  Specifically, when the card activation program P11 in the ROM 12 is executed and the CPU 14 has a file with a predetermined file name as an activation program in the memory card 21a attached to the memory card drive 21, The file is expanded in the main memory 13 and executed.

  Here, in addition to the control program P21 and the control data D21, the memory card 21a according to the present embodiment has a maintenance program P41 that can transfer these data P21 and D21, as shown in FIG. It is stored with the above specific file name. Therefore, when the card activation program P11 is executed, the maintenance program P41 is identified as the activation program and is executed by the CPU.

  Further, when the maintenance program P41 is executed, the CPU 14 specifies the model of the programmable display 4 from data such as the model name of the programmable display 4 stored in advance in the ROM 12, and controls the memory card 21a. Among the programs P21... And control data D21..., The control program P21 and the control data D21 having file names corresponding to the model are transferred to the FEEPROM 11.

  In S41, after the memory card drive 21 is activated and the flag stored in the flag storage unit 23 is cleared, the programmable display 4 is reset by the instruction of the maintenance program P41 or the instruction of maintenance personnel. The device 4 repeats the processing after S21 (at time t3 in FIG. 9).

  In this state, since the flag is reset in S41, the programmable display device 4 is activated from the FEEPROM 11 similarly to the time point t1. Thereby, the programmable display 4 can display / control according to the new control program P21 transferred to the FEEPROM 11.

  Here, the programmable display 4 may be reset, for example, when the programmable display 4 stops accepting operations or malfunctions. However, in this case, unlike the time t2, the flag is not set. Accordingly, a specific operation is performed at t2, and once the memory card drive 21 is activated, the specific operation is performed again even if the memory card 21a is inserted in the period after the start of the memory card drive 21 (period after t3). Unless this is done, the programmable display 4 starts from the FEEPROM 11 no matter how many times it is reset. Therefore, a configuration in which the portable computer storing the control program changes the activation method depending on whether or not it is connected to the serial port 18a is simply applied to activation from the memory card drive 21, that is, Unlike the configuration in which the activation method is changed depending on whether or not the memory card 21a is attached to the memory card drive 21, the programmable display 4 according to the present embodiment is once activated from the memory card 21a. Even if the memory card 21a is attached, it can be started from the FEEPROM 11. As a result, after starting the memory card drive 21 temporarily during maintenance and updating the control program P21, when checking whether or not the control program P21 is operating correctly, maintenance personnel attach and detach the memory card 21a. No need to change the startup method switching setting, greatly reducing the maintenance effort.

  Further, even if the memory card 21a is attached, it can be started from the FEEPROM 11, so that the memory card 21a can be kept attached during the normal control operation. Therefore, the memory card 21a can be used as a storage location for logging data and the like. As a result, it is possible to easily secure a storage area for logging data having a capacity corresponding to the target system 2 as compared with the case where the number of FEEPROMs 11 is increased.

  If a portable computer is connected to the serial port 18a of the programmable display 4, the CPU 14 communicates with the computer to receive the control program P21 and stores it in the FEEPROM 11 after the determination in S22. . If the DIP switch 22 is set to be activated from the memory card drive 21, the activation from the memory card drive 21 is performed in S41 after the determination in S23. Thereby, for example, when the power supply cannot be started from the FEEPROM 11 when a power failure occurs when the control program P21 is written, the programmable display 4 can be forcibly started from the memory card drive 21. Furthermore, when another option is selected after the menu display in S28 (NO in S29), the CPU 14 waits for a specific operation in S27 while performing a normal control operation.

  Here, in the present embodiment, multi-point pressing of the touch panel 16 is adopted as a specific operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and substantially the same effect can be obtained if it is a predetermined operation. However, the multi-point press is an operation that is difficult to press unless special care is taken even though it can be operated from the front surface of the touch panel 16. Even if an erroneous operation such as touching the touch panel 16 is mistakenly performed, the multi-point press is performed. It is hard to become. As a result, erroneous activation from the memory card drive 21 due to an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, a menu is displayed in the specific display area A1 to select an option including activation from the memory card drive 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire display screen is occupied. May be. However, if the menu is displayed only in the display area A1 as in this embodiment, the control data can be displayed in the remaining area A2 during the actual control operation or when the control operation is being tested. .

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the slide button A3 is displayed and the options displayed in the display area A1 are changed, more options can be selected even though the area of the display area A1 is limited. You can choose.

  In the present embodiment, the control program P21 (control data D21) transferred by the maintenance program P41 is selected according to the file name, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be selected by referring to another database stored in the memory card 21a. In any case, if the maintenance program P41 can specify the control program P21 (control data D21) corresponding to the model, substantially the same effect can be obtained. The lineup of models will change depending on demand and business performance. Therefore, it is desirable to store the model selection program in the memory card 21a as in the present embodiment, not in the ROM 12 which is difficult to rewrite.

  In the above description, only the control program P21 transfer from the serial port 18a has been described as the start-up process other than the start-up process from the FEEPROM 11 and the start-up process from the memory card drive 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an I / O unit such as another drive is connected, it may be started from another drive. Further, when the FEEPROM 11 is not completed, such as when the programmable display 4 is prototyped, it is preferable that the ROM 12 try to start from the ROM emulator when it cannot be started from the FEEPROM 11.

  In the present embodiment, the flag storage unit 23 is realized as a register capable of maintaining a value before and after the reset process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, in the programmable display 4, the address area that can be accessed at the same time is often limited. For example, a plurality of programs having different uses (operation times) such as a maintenance program and a control program are sequentially executed. In many cases, the address area for each is switched after resetting. However, if the flag value is maintained before and after the reset process as in the present embodiment, even in such a case, the activation from the memory card drive 21 can be limited to one time without any trouble.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an entire control system. In the said control system, it is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a programmable display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen of the said programmable display. In the said programmable display, it is explanatory drawing which shows the input area operated when instruct | indicating starting from a memory card drive. It is a perspective view which shows the said programmable display. It is a top view which shows the back surface of the said programmable display. It is operation | movement of the said control system, and is a flowchart which shows the time of memory card reference. It is operation | movement of the said control system, and is a flowchart which shows the time of memory card writing. It is operation | movement of the said programmable display and is a timing chart which shows the relationship between operation to a programmable display, and starting drive. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the said programmable display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen of the said programmable display. It is a block diagram which shows a prior art example and shows the principal part structure of the whole control system.

Explanation of symbols

4 Programmable display 5 LAN (network)
11 FEEPROM (normal boot device)
16 Touch panel (input means)
21 Memory Card Drive 21a Memory Card 23 Flag Storage Unit (Startup Control Unit)
42 Common protocol IF section (communication means)
45 Card access processing unit (card access means)
P11 card activation program (card activation means)
P31 Flag check program (startup control means)
P34 Flag setting program (startup control means)

Claims (2)

A programmable display device having a communication means connectable to a network and a memory card drive capable of replacing an accessible memory card,
When the memory card drive is accessible to the memory card, the card access means for reading the contents of the file with the designated file name among the files in the file system constructed on the memory card,
When the communication means receives an access request including a file name via the network, the communication means instructs the card access means to read the content of the file with the file name, and It is sent back to the sender of the access request via the network,
Card activation means for loading and activating a file having a predetermined file name as a activation program among the files in the file system constructed on the memory card accessible by the memory card drive when activated; ,
A normal boot device provided separately from the memory card drive and storing a control program;
When the input means accepts a predetermined specific operation, it starts from the memory card drive, and then starts from the normal activation device until the input means accepts the predetermined specific operation next time A programmable display, further comprising an activation control means. A programmable display device having a communication means connectable to a network and a memory card drive capable of replacing an accessible memory card,
When the memory card drive can access the memory card, a card access means for writing the designated data to a file having the designated file name among the files in the file system constructed on the memory card. Prepared,
When the communication means receives an access request including a file name and write data via the network, the communication means instructs the card access means to write the write data to a file having the file name.
Card activation means for loading and activating a file having a predetermined file name as a activation program among the files in the file system constructed on the memory card accessible by the memory card drive when activated; ,
A normal boot device provided separately from the memory card drive and storing a control program;
When the input means accepts a predetermined specific operation, it starts from the memory card drive, and then starts from the normal activation device until the input means accepts the predetermined specific operation next time A programmable display, further comprising an activation control means.

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