JP6337810B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program connected to a control device used for controlling the operation of a machine or equipment.

  Conventionally, as an example of a control device, a PLC (also referred to as a programmable logic controller or a programmable controller) is known. A programmable display device that is connected to a PLC and used is also known.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a programmable display device that stores history information of a selected screen. The programmable display of Patent Literature 1 generates a reduced screen of a screen selected in the past as the past reduced screen based on the stored history information. Further, the programmable display device reads the screen set as the transition destination in the currently selected screen from the data storage unit based on the transition destination information associated with the currently selected screen, Based on the screen read from the storage unit, a reduced screen of a screen set as a transition destination in the currently selected screen is generated as a transition destination reduced screen. Further, the programmable display causes the display unit to collectively display the past reduced screen, the currently selected screen, and the transition destination reduced screen.

  Conventionally, a support device that is connected to a control system including a PLC and executes support software for supporting the construction of the control system is known. The user generates a program (for example, a user program) and setting information using the support software in the support device. The generated program and setting information are transferred to the PLC by the support device.

JP 2012-160072 A

  In the programmable display of Patent Document 1, only an image having a size that can be displayed on the display unit is displayed from the viewpoint of operability. That is, the programmable display device displays a screen that does not require scroll processing. As is clear from this, the programmable display of Patent Document 1 displays a past screen that does not require scrolling in a selectable manner, and displays the screen as a selected screen based on the selection of the screen. is there.

  On the other hand, the user interface of the user program generated in the support device includes a plurality of editing screens capable of editing data. Moreover, about many edit screens among several edit screens, a user cannot visually recognize the whole data, unless scrolling. Under these circumstances, if the editing screen that is the same as when the editing screen is closed, or an editing screen that partially overlaps when the editing screen is closed, the work efficiency can be improved. be able to.

  However, even if the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, in the support device, the editing screen that is the same as when the editing screen is closed, or the editing screen that partially overlaps when the editing screen is closed Cannot be displayed promptly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose thereof is the same as when the editing screen is closed, or when the editing screen is closed, a part of which overlaps. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus (support apparatus), an information processing method, and a program capable of promptly displaying an edit screen.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus creates a project including a plurality of data used by the control apparatus. When an input for selecting one of a plurality of data is received, the information processing apparatus displays a editing screen for editing the selected data on the display, and among the selected data When an input to close the edit screen is accepted with one item selected from the editable items displayed on the edit screen, capture means for capturing the edit screen immediately before closing, and capture Data identification information for identifying the selected data in association with the obtained first object, and an item for identifying the item selected when the input for closing the editing screen is accepted Management means for storing the identification information in a memory. When a predetermined instruction is input, the display control means displays the first object on the display. When the displayed first object is selected, the display control means is an editing screen for data specified by the data identification information associated with the selected first object, and the selected first object is selected. An editing screen including items specified by the item identification information associated with the object is displayed on the display.

  Preferably, the display control unit displays a plurality of first objects on a display as a list when a predetermined instruction is input when a plurality of editing screens are captured. The display control means is a data editing screen specified by the data identification information associated with the selected first object when one first object is selected in the list display, and is selected An edit screen including items specified by the item identification information associated with the first object is displayed on the display.

  Preferably, when the display control unit displays a list of the first object on the display, the name of the data specified by the data identification information associated with the first object is associated with the first object. Display.

  Preferably, the project is executed by a plurality of control devices and includes a plurality of data for each of the plurality of control devices. When an input for selecting one of the plurality of control devices and an input for selecting one of the plurality of data are received, the display control means displays the selected data related to the selected control device. An edit screen for editing is displayed on the display. The management means further stores controller identification information for identifying the selected control device in the memory in association with the first object obtained by the capture.

  Preferably, when displaying a list of the first object on the display, the display control means preferably includes the name of the data specified by the data identification information associated with the first object and the controller specified by the controller identification information. The name is displayed in a state associated with the first object.

  Preferably, the editing screen is displayed on the display in a tab format. The input to close the edit screen includes the input to close the tab, the input to close the project screen, the input to close the application to generate the project, and the input to turn off the information processing device. Either.

  Preferably, one of the plurality of data is one of a ladder program, structured text, and a variable.

  Preferably, when one of the plurality of data is a ladder program, the item identification information includes a rung number and instruction identification information for identifying an input instruction or an output instruction in the rung.

  Preferably, the control device controls a plurality of devices. Each of the plurality of data relates to at least one device among the plurality of devices. The management means stores data identification information, item identification information, and device identification information for identifying a device related to the selected data in the memory in association with the first object. When a predetermined instruction is input, the display control means displays a second object representing a device for each device, and one second object is selected from the displayed second objects. The first object related to the device specified by the selected second object is displayed on the display.

  When the other situation of this invention is followed, the information processing method is performed in the information processing apparatus for producing the project comprised including the some data utilized with a control apparatus. An information processing method includes a step of displaying an edit screen for editing selected data on a display when an input for selecting one of a plurality of data is received, and an edit screen of the selected data When an input to close the editing screen is accepted with one item selected from the editable items displayed in, the step of capturing the editing screen immediately before closing and the capture obtained Data identification information for identifying the selected data in association with the object and item identification information for identifying the item selected when the input for closing the editing screen is accepted are stored in the memory. A step of storing, a step of displaying an object on a display when a predetermined instruction is input, and a step of displaying the object When the project is selected, it is a data editing screen specified by the data identification information associated with the selected object, and includes an item identified by the item identification information associated with the selected object Displaying an editing screen on a display.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, a program controls the information processing apparatus for creating the project comprised including the some data utilized with a control apparatus. When an input for selecting one of a plurality of data is accepted, the program displays an editing screen for editing the selected data on the display, and displays the editing screen among the selected data. When an input for closing the editing screen is received in a state where one item is selected from the plurality of editable items that have been edited, the step of capturing the editing screen immediately before closing and the object obtained by the capture Correspondingly, the data identification information for identifying the selected data and the item identification information for identifying the item selected when the input for closing the editing screen is received are stored in the memory. A step, a step of displaying an object on a display when a predetermined instruction is input, and a step of displaying the object When an image is selected, the data editing screen is specified by data identification information associated with the selected object, and includes an item identified by item identification information associated with the selected object. Causing the processor of the information processing apparatus to execute the step of displaying the editing screen on the display.

  According to the above invention, it is possible to promptly display an edit screen that is the same as when the edit screen is closed, or an edit screen that is partially duplicated when the edit screen is closed.

It is a mimetic diagram showing PLC system SYS concerning an embodiment of the invention. The figure for demonstrating an example of the user interface displayed on the display of the support apparatus 100, when the user is creating the project comprised including the some data utilized by PLC1-4 in the support apparatus 100. It is. FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing data stored in a memory when an input for closing an edit screen 281 is accepted. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example of a user interface displayed on the display of the support device 100 when the user creates the same project as the project shown in FIG. 2 in the support device 100. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining data stored in a memory when an input for closing an edit screen 282 is received. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining still another example of a user interface displayed on the display of the support device 100 when the user creates the same project as the project shown in FIG. 2 in the support device 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining data stored in a memory when an input for closing an edit screen 283 is received. It is a figure showing the list | wrist of the log | history of the edit screen edited by the user. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a user interface displayed when a thumbnail image 810 is selected on the history screen 800 of FIG. 8. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of data processing in the support device 100. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another data processing flow in the support apparatus 100. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of a support device 100. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the support apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing selection screen 801 for selecting one device from a plurality of devices. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a history list displayed when an object 891 in FIG. 14 is selected. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a user interface displayed when a thumbnail image 1820 is selected on the history screen 800A of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the same or equivalent part in a figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is not repeated.

<A. System configuration>
First, a system including a PLC supported for use and operation by a support device will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a PLC system SYS according to an embodiment of the present invention. The PLC system SYS according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of PLCs (PLC1, PLC2, PLC3, PLC4) that are communicably connected to each other via EtherCAT (registered trademark), and a support device 100 as an information processing device. .

  Each of the PLCs 1 to 4 typically has a CPU unit 10 that is a main body that executes a program, a power supply unit 12 that supplies power to the CPU unit 10 and the like, and an IO (Input / Output) that exchanges signals from the field. Unit 14. The IO unit 14 is connected to the CPU unit 10 via the system bus 11. Typically, the IO unit 14 acquires an input signal from the detection sensor 6 that is a field device, and drives the relay 7 that is a field device according to the execution result of the program in the CPU unit 10.

  The display 5 includes an operation unit such as a touch panel, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, a communication unit that communicates with the CPU unit 10, and a control unit that controls each unit. Each PLC1-4 can change various settings according to operation by the operation part of the indicator 5, and can display the predetermined information of PLC on the indicator 5. FIG.

  The support device 100 has a function of monitoring the operation state of the connection destination PLCs 1 to 4 and various data values, as well as a function of generating programs and setting information executed by the PLCs 1 to 4. Furthermore, the support apparatus 100 may have a debugging function and a simulation function in order to support the generation of an executable program by the user. As an example, the support device 100 is connected to the CPU unit 10 of the PLC 1 by a connection cable 13. Note that the support device 100 is typically realized by a personal computer.

  Hereinafter, programs and setting information necessary for constructing the PLC system SYS using the support apparatus 100 (hereinafter, a data group necessary for constructing these programs and setting information will be collectively referred to as “project”). The function and configuration of the support device 100 will be described focusing on the generation situation.

<B. Outline of processing>
(B1. First history creation)
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a user interface displayed on the display of the support device 100 when the user creates a project including a plurality of data used in the PLCs 1 to 4 in the support device 100. It is a figure for doing.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a user interface 200 includes a navigation pane 270 for the user to select data to be edited, a main pane 280 for editing programs and the like, a tool bar 290, and the like. The navigation pane 270 includes an area 271 for selecting one PLC from among a plurality of PLCs, a plurality of data related to configuration and setup (“Configuration and Setup” in FIG. 2), and programming (“Programming” in FIG. 2). ”) Has a region 272 for displaying a plurality of items (EtherCAT, CPU / Expansion Racks,...) For designating each of a plurality of data. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, each item is also referred to as “item β” in order to distinguish it from the item α described later.

  Specifically, in the area 272, the plurality of items β are displayed in a hierarchical structure format. In the following, the highest hierarchy is defined as the first hierarchy, and as the hierarchy descends from the first hierarchy, the second hierarchy, the third hierarchy,... For example, the item “POUs” is the first layer, the item “Programs” is the second layer, the items “System Definition”, “Input”, “ErrWatch”,... Are the third layer, and the items “SystemDef”, “Hardware”. Switch input acceptance ",... Is the fourth layer. In the following, an arbitrary item β is specified from among a plurality of items β using the symbol “\”.

  With “NJ501_1” representing PLC1 selected in the area 271, an item 2721 (“axis system variable input”) included in the folder “POUs \ Programs \ Input” is selected from the plurality of items β in the area 272 by the user. Is selected, the support apparatus 100 displays an editing screen 281 on the main pane 280. The edit screen 281 is a screen for editing a ladder program (data used in the PLC 1) associated with the axis system variable input. The ladder program is created in advance by the user. The ladder program is a program written in ladder logic (ladder language). Ladder logic is a method for describing a logic circuit, and is a programming language adopted in many PLCs.

  Specifically, the support device displays the edit screen 281 in a tab format. 2 represents a state after the user scrolls the editing screen downward from the initial state.

  The user can select one item α from the plurality of editable items (hereinafter referred to as “item α”) included in the ladder program on the edit screen 281 by operating an operation key or a mouse. FIG. 2 shows a state where the instruction identification information 2812 (“X1_Axis.Details.InHome”) with the rung number 9 is selected as the item α. The “command identification information” is information for identifying an input command or an output command in the rung.

  The user edits the support device 100 with the edit screen 281 displayed on the display of the support device 100 as described above, and typically with the ladder program in the state shown in FIG. When input for closing the screen 281 is performed, the support device 100 performs the following processing.

  When receiving an input for closing the edit screen 281, the support device 100 captures the edit screen 281 immediately before closing. More specifically, when receiving an input for closing the editing screen 281, the support device 100 captures the user interface 200 including the editing screen 281 immediately before closing.

  The support device 100 generates a thumbnail image, which is an object, from an image obtained by capture. The support apparatus 100 associates the selected PLC (“PLC1”) with the PLC identification information associated with the thumbnail image obtained by the capture and the selected data (“axis system variable input”). Data identification information for identifying the item and item identification information for identifying the item α (“command identification information 2812”) selected when the input for closing the editing screen 281 is accepted, And so on.

  The input for closing the edit screen 281 typically includes input for closing a tab, input for closing a project screen (that is, the user interface 200), and support software that is an application for generating a project. And an input for turning off the power of the support device 100.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining data stored in the memory when an input for closing the edit screen 281 is accepted. Referring to FIG. 3, support device 100 has a data table D03. The data table D03 includes PLC identification information, data identification information, item identification information, file names of thumbnail images, and time information.

  When the support device 100 (more precisely, the CPU of the support device 100) closes the edit screen 281 in the state of FIG. 2, the identification information of the PLC 1, the axis system variable input identification information, and the identification information of the command identification information 2812 And the file name of the generated thumbnail image and the time information when the editing screen 281 is closed are stored in the data table D03.

  Specifically, the support device 100 writes the identification information “PLC_001” of the PLC 1 in the column of the PLC identification information. Further, the support device 100 writes the axis system variable input identification information “PL_00252” in the data identification information column. Further, the support device 100 writes the identification information “LN00009-01” of the command identification information 2812 in the item identification information column. Further, the support apparatus 100 writes the file name “SN00101.jpg” of the generated thumbnail image in the file name column of the thumbnail image. Furthermore, the support device 100 writes time information “2014/02/28 14:05” when the editing screen 281 is closed in the time information column.

  In the following description, it is assumed that a second history and a third history described later are created in this order after the first history is created. That is, a case where data is sequentially added to the data table D03 will be described.

(B2. Create second history)
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another example of the user interface displayed on the display of the support device 100 when the user creates the same project as the project shown in FIG. . Referring to FIG. 4, the user interface 200 </ b> A includes a navigation pane 270, a main pane 280, a tool bar 290, and the like, like the user interface 200.

  In a state where “NJ501_2” representing PLC2 is selected in the region 271, the item 2722 (“Global Variables”) included in the “Data \ Data types” folder is selected by the user from the plurality of items β in the region 272. Then, the support device 100 displays an editing screen 282 on the main pane 280. The edit screen 282 is a screen for editing (setting) global variables.

  Hereinafter, “variable” will be described. The PLCs 1 to 4 comply with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 61131-3. In IEC 61131-3, a variable type and an address can be defined as an attribute for a variable (signal name). In IEC 61131-3, programming is basically performed using variables.

  The “variable” in the present embodiment refers to the variable (signal name) defined in IEC 61131-3. It can be said that the “variable” in the present embodiment is a name given to a target (memory) for storing data.

  In IEC 61131-3, addresses are designated only for those requiring absolute addresses such as external input / output. An address other than external input / output that does not require an absolute address is automatically assigned.

  The “variable” includes a global variable and a local variable. The “global variable” is a variable that is referenced from a plurality of control programs. A “local variable” is a variable that is referenced from one control program.

  The control program is a generic name for a user program, a motion operation program, and a sequence instruction operation program. The user program is created according to the control purpose (for example, target line or process) by the user. The user program is typically in the form of an object program that can be executed by a microprocessor included in the CPU unit 10. This user program is generated by compiling a source program described in a ladder language or the like in the support device 100 or the like. The sequence instruction calculation program is a program that is called when a certain sequence instruction used in the user program is executed and executed to realize the contents of the instruction. The motion calculation program is a program that is executed in accordance with an instruction from the user program and calculates a command value output to a motor driver such as a servo motor driver or a pulse motor driver each time it is executed.

  The user can select one item α from a plurality of settable items α included in the global variable on the edit screen 282 by operating an operation key or a mouse. FIG. 4 shows a state where a variable 2821 whose name is “Di_ID_MC1_X axis” is selected as the item α.

  In a state where the edit screen 282 is displayed on the display of the support device 100 as described above, and the global variable settings typically shown in FIG. When the input for closing the edit screen 282 is performed, the support device 100 performs the following processing.

  When receiving an input for closing the editing screen 282, the support device 100 captures the editing screen 282 immediately before closing. More specifically, when receiving an input for closing the editing screen 282, the support apparatus 100 captures the user interface 200A including the editing screen 282 immediately before closing.

  The support device 100 generates a thumbnail image, which is an object, from an image obtained by capture. The support apparatus 100 identifies the PLC identification information for identifying the selected PLC (“PLC2”) and the selected data (“Global Variables”) in association with the thumbnail image obtained by the capture. The data identification information for identifying and the item identification information for identifying the item α (“variable 2821”) selected when the input for closing the editing screen 282 is received are stored in a memory such as an HDD. Store.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining data stored in the memory when an input for closing the edit screen 282 is received. Referring to FIG. 5, when support apparatus 100 closes editing screen 282 in the state of FIG. 4, PLC 2 identification information, Global Variables identification information, variable 2821 identification information, and the generated thumbnail image file The name and the time information when the editing screen 282 is closed are stored in the data table D03 in a state of being associated with each other.

  Specifically, the support device 100 writes the identification information “PLC_002” of the PLC 2 in the PLC identification information column. Further, the support apparatus 100 writes the identification information “PL_00438” of Global Variables in the data identification information column. Further, the support device 100 writes the identification information “GV_MC1_X” of the variable 2821 in the item identification information column. Further, the support apparatus 100 writes the file name “SN00102.jpg” of the generated thumbnail image in the file name column of the thumbnail image. Furthermore, the support device 100 writes time information “2014/02/28 14:30” when the edit screen 282 is closed in the time information column.

(B3. Create third history)
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining still another example of the user interface displayed on the display of the support device 100 when the user creates the same project as the project shown in FIG. is there. Referring to FIG. 6, the user interface 200 </ b> B includes a navigation pane 270, a main pane 280, a toolbar 290, and the like, similar to the user interface 200.

  When the item 2723 (“EtherCAT”) is selected by the user from the plurality of items β in the region 272 in a state where “NJ501_1” representing the PLC 1 is selected in the region 271, the support apparatus 100 is displayed on the main pane 280. The edit screen 283 is displayed. The edit screen 283 is a screen for setting the master and the slave and editing the master setting contents and the slave setting contents in EtherCAT.

  The user can select one item α from a plurality of settable items α related to EtherCAT on the edit screen 283 by operating an operation key or a mouse. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the slave 2831 whose name is “E006” is selected as the item α.

  In a state where the editing screen 283 is displayed on the display of the support device 100 as described above, and the setting of the state shown in FIG. When input for closing 283 is performed, the support device 100 performs the following processing.

  When receiving an input for closing the editing screen 283, the support device 100 captures the editing screen 283 immediately before closing. More specifically, when receiving an input for closing the editing screen 283, the support apparatus 100 captures the user interface 200B including the editing screen 283 immediately before closing.

  The support device 100 generates a thumbnail image, which is an object, from an image obtained by capture. The support device 100 identifies the PLC identification information for identifying the selected PLC (“PLC1”) and the selected data (“EtherCAT”) in association with the thumbnail image obtained by the capture. The data identification information for identifying the item α (“slave 2831”) selected when the input for closing the edit screen 283 is received is stored in a memory such as an HDD. To do.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining data stored in the memory when an input for closing the edit screen 283 is received. Referring to FIG. 7, when support apparatus 100 closes edit screen 283 in the state of FIG. 6, PLC 1 identification information, EtherCAT identification information, slave 2831 identification information, and the file name of the generated thumbnail image And the time information when the editing screen 283 is closed are stored in the data table D03.

  Specifically, the support device 100 writes the identification information “PLC_001” of the PLC 1 in the column of the PLC identification information. Further, the support apparatus 100 writes EtherCAT identification information “CS_00002” in the data identification information column. Further, the support device 100 writes the identification information “E006” of the slave 2831 in the item identification information column. Further, the support apparatus 100 writes the file name “SN00103.jpg” of the generated thumbnail image in the file name column of the thumbnail image. Further, the support device 100 writes time information “2014/02/28 14:30” when the editing screen 283 is closed in the time information column.

(B4. Use of history)
FIG. 8 shows a list of edit screen histories edited by the user. Referring to FIG. 8, when receiving an input for displaying a history from the user, support device 100 displays a history screen 800 representing a history list. Specifically, the support device 100 displays the thumbnail images 810, 820, and 830 in time series on the display with reference to the file name and time information of the thumbnail images in the data table D03 shown in FIG.

  At that time, the support device 100 refers to the PLC identification information and the data identification information in the data table D03, and identifies the PLC name and data identification specified by the PLC identification information for the thumbnail images 810, 820, and 830. The name of the data specified by the information is displayed in association with it. For example, for the thumbnail image whose file name is “SN00101.jpg”, the support device 100 specifies the name “NJ501_1” of the PLC 1 specified by the PLC identification information and the name “axis” of the data specified by the data identification information. "System variable input" is displayed in association with it. Note that the PLC identification information and the PLC name are associated in advance in the memory. Data identification information and data names are also associated in advance.

  The number of histories displayed in the history list is not particularly limited. As an example, the upper limit of the displayed history can be set to 20. Note that the support device may be configured so that more history can be displayed by scrolling.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a user interface displayed when a thumbnail image 810 is selected on the history screen 800 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, support device 100 refers to PLC identification information, data identification information, and item identification information in data table D03 illustrated in FIG. 7, and displays user interface 200 on the display.

  Specifically, when the thumbnail image 810 illustrated in FIG. 8 is selected, the support apparatus 100 is the same project as the project illustrated in FIG. 2 and includes the PLC identification information “PLC_001 associated with the thumbnail image 810. Is an editing screen related to PLC1 (name: NJ501-1) specified by "", and the following is displayed on the display. That is, the support device 100 is an editing screen for data “axis system variable input” specified by the data identification information “PL_00252” associated with the thumbnail image 810, and has item identification information associated with the thumbnail image 810. An edit screen 281A including “command identification information 2812” that is an item α specified by “LN0009-01” is displayed on the display.

  More specifically, the support device 100 refers to the item identification information “LN0009-01” in the data table D03, and identifies the command identification of the rung number 9 that is the item α selected when the editing screen 281 is closed. An edit screen 281A with the information 2812 (“X1_Axis.Details.InHome”) selected is displayed. Similar to the editing screen 281, the editing screen 281 </ b> A is a screen in an editable state (a state where data addition, deletion, change, etc. can be input and the state can be saved).

  Even when the thumbnail images 820, 830 and the like are selected on the history screen 800 of FIG. 8, the support apparatus 100 refers to the data table D03 as in the case where the thumbnail image 810 is selected, and performs the same processing. Do.

  Since the support apparatus 100 performs the various processes described above, the user simply selects a thumbnail image on the history screen 800, and the editing screen similar to when the editing screen is closed, or when the editing screen is closed. It becomes possible to promptly display an editing screen partially overlapping. Therefore, the user can quickly access the closed editing screen with a simple operation. Therefore, according to the support device 100, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of project creation by the user.

<C. Control structure>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of data processing in the support device 100. Specifically, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for mainly explaining processing performed when an input for closing the editing screen is received.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in step S <b> 2, support device 100 determines whether an input for closing the edit screen has been received. If it is determined that the input has been accepted (YES in step S2), in step S4, the support device 100 captures the editing screen and generates a thumbnail image from the image obtained by the capture. When it is determined that the input is not accepted (NO in step S2), support device 100 returns the process to step S2. In step S6, the support apparatus 100 stores the generated thumbnail image, PLC identification information, data identification information, item identification information, and time information in association with each other in the data table D03.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining another data processing flow in the support apparatus 100. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining data processing based on the history screen 800.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in step S10, support device 100 determines whether or not an input for displaying a history has been received. When it is determined that the input has been accepted (YES in step S10), in step S12, the support apparatus 100 displays a history screen 800 showing a history list on the display based on the data table D03 in step S12. When it is determined that the input is not accepted (NO in step S10), support device 100 returns the process to step S10.

  In step S <b> 14, the support apparatus 100 determines whether a thumbnail image selection is accepted on the history screen 800. If it is determined that the selection has been accepted (YES in step S14), the support device 100 determines in step S16 that the PLC identification information, the data identification information, and the item associated with the selected thumbnail image in the data table D03 The editing screen is displayed based on the identification information. In addition, since the content of the specific process was demonstrated based on FIG. 9, description is not repeated here.

<D. Functional configuration>
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the support device 100. Referring to FIG. 12, support device 100 includes an operation unit 150, a display unit 160, a storage unit 170, a communication processing unit 180, and a control unit 190. The control unit 190 includes a data input reception unit 191, a display control unit 192, a data management unit 193, and a capture unit 194.

  The operation unit 150 is an interface for accepting an operation from the user. The operation unit 150 corresponds to input means such as a keyboard and a mouse. The operation accepted by the operation unit 150 is accepted as a command from the user in the data input acceptance unit 191.

  The display unit 160 is an interface for displaying various types of information. Corresponds to the display. The display unit 160 corresponds to a display. The communication processing unit 180 is an interface for communicating with the PLCs 1 to 4 and the like. The storage unit 170 is a memory for storing information.

  The storage unit 170 stores a plurality of projects, a data table D03, support software, and various data and programs such as an operating system.

  Control unit 190 exchanges data with operation unit 150, display unit 160, storage unit 170, and communication processing unit 180. Each functional block included in the control unit 190 is typically realized by a CPU executing a program.

  The data input reception unit 191 issues an instruction to at least one of the display control unit 192, the data management unit 193, and the capture unit 194 according to the received command. The display control unit 192 causes the display unit 160 to display various information (images) such as an editing screen. The data management unit 193 manages data created by a user, such as a project and a data table D03. Hereinafter, details of processing of each functional block included in the control unit 190 will be described.

  (1) When an input for selecting one of a plurality of data (for example, the above-described axis system variable input) is received, the display control unit 192 edits the selected data (for example, The editing screen 281) is displayed on the display unit 160.

  When one item is selected from a plurality of editable items displayed on the editing screen among the selected data and the input for closing the editing screen is received, the capture unit 194 receives the data immediately before closing. Capture the edit screen.

  The data management unit 193 associates the thumbnail image obtained by the capture with the data identification information for identifying the selected data and the item selected when the input for closing the editing screen is received. Item identification information for identifying α is stored in the data table D03 of the storage unit 170.

  When an instruction for displaying a history is input, the display control unit 192 causes the display unit 160 to display a thumbnail image. Furthermore, when the displayed thumbnail image is selected, the display control unit 192 is an editing screen for data specified by the data identification information associated with the selected thumbnail image, and corresponds to the selected object. The editing screen including the item α specified by the attached item identification information is displayed on the display unit 160. That is, the display control unit 192 causes the display unit 160 to display the editing screen 281A (specifically, the user interface including the editing screen 281A) illustrated in FIG.

  According to the above configuration, the user can quickly access the closed editing screen with a simple operation.

  (2) More specifically, the display control unit 192 receives an instruction for displaying a history when a plurality of editing screens are captured (that is, when a plurality of thumbnail images are generated). A plurality of thumbnail images are displayed as a list on the display unit 160. Specifically, the display control unit 192 causes the display unit 160 to display a history screen 800 representing a history list shown in FIG.

  When one thumbnail image is selected in the list display (that is, the history screen 800), the display control unit 192 is an editing screen for data specified by the data identification information associated with the selected thumbnail image. Then, the editing screen including the item α specified by the item identification information associated with the selected thumbnail image is displayed on the display unit 160.

  (3) When displaying a list of thumbnail images on the display unit 160, the display control unit 192 displays the name of the data specified by the data identification information associated with the thumbnail image in a state associated with the thumbnail image. . According to such a configuration, the user can more easily determine which editing screen the thumbnail image corresponds to.

  (4) The project includes a plurality of data for each of the plurality of PLCs 1 to 4. When the input for selecting one of the plurality of PLCs 1 to 4 and the input for selecting one of the plurality of data are received, the display control unit 192 selects the selected PLC related to the selected one. An editing screen for editing data is displayed on the display unit 160. Specifically, the display control unit 192 causes the display unit 160 to display the user interfaces 200, 200A, and 200B including the edit screens 281, 282, and 283 (FIGS. 2, 4, and 6).

  The data management unit 193 further stores PLC identification information for identifying the selected PLC in the data table D03 in association with the thumbnail image obtained by the capture.

  According to the configuration described above, the support apparatus 100 can manage a closed editing screen by distinguishing it for each PLC, even in a project including a plurality of PLCs. Therefore, the user can access a desired closed editing screen without specifying a PLC.

  (5) When displaying a list of thumbnail images on the display unit 160, the display control unit 192 displays the name of the data specified by the data identification information associated with the thumbnail image and the name of the PLC specified by the PLC identification information. Are displayed in a state associated with the thumbnail image. According to such a configuration, the user can easily determine which editing screen of which PLC the thumbnail image corresponds to.

<E. Hardware configuration of support device>
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the support device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, support device 100 is typically configured with a general-purpose computer. From the viewpoint of maintainability, a notebook personal computer with excellent portability is preferable.

  The support device 100 stores a CPU 101 that executes various programs including an operating system (OS), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 that stores BIOS and various data, and data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute the programs. And a hard disk (HDD) 104 that stores a program executed by the CPU 101 in a nonvolatile manner.

  The support apparatus 100 further includes a keyboard 105 and a mouse 106 that receive an operation from the user, and a display 107 for presenting information to the user. The support device 100 includes a communication interface (IF) 109 for communicating with a PLC (CPU unit 10) or the like.

  As will be described later, various programs executed by the support device 100 are stored in the DVD-ROM 900 and distributed. The program stored in the DVD-ROM 900 is read by a DVD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) driving device 108 and stored in a hard disk (HDD) 104 or the like. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from a host computer or the like via a network.

<F. Modification>
(F1. First modification)
In the above, a ladder program, a global variable, EtherCAT setting information, and the like have been described as examples of data used in the PLC. However, the data is not limited to this as long as the data is included in the project. . For example, the data may be structured text. The structured text is a programming language for PLC, and is a language defined by IEC 61131-3. In structured text, the program is created in text format.

(F2. Second modification)
Next, a case where the support apparatus 100 has a function of displaying a history list (list of edit screen history edited by the user) for each device controlled by each of the PLCs 1 to 4 will be described. In the following, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the description will be given focusing on the aspect of generating the project (Project AAA) shown in FIG.

  In order to realize such a function, the data management unit 193 of the support apparatus 100 includes PLC identification information for identifying the selected PLC, data identification information for identifying the selected data, Item identification information for identifying the item α selected when the input for closing the edit screen is accepted, the file name of the thumbnail image, the time information, and the device relating to the selected data are identified. The device identification information is stored in the data table D03 in association with the device identification information. That is, the data table D03 further stores device identification information in addition to the information shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a selection screen 801 for selecting one device from a plurality of devices. Referring to FIG. 14, when an instruction for displaying a history (specifically, a user operation for selecting a recently closed window) is input, display control unit 192 of support apparatus 100 switches the device. A selection screen 801 on which the object to be displayed is displayed for each device is displayed on the display unit 160 (the display of the support apparatus 100).

  For example, when the user is performing editing work related to motion control, the support apparatus 100 displays a list of devices related to motion control. Specifically, the support apparatus 100 displays a list of devices related to the recently closed motion control editing screen.

  As a specific example, the support apparatus 100 is a selection for selecting one device from among the devices such as axis-1, axis-2, axis-3, standard IO (input / output), and safety. A screen 801 is displayed. More specifically, the support device 100 includes an object 891 representing axis-1, an object 892 representing axis-2, an object 893 representing axis-3, an object 894 representing a standard IO, and an object representing safety. 895 or the like is displayed, and selection of one object from the displayed objects is accepted.

  When receiving the selection of one of the objects 891 to 895, the support device 100 displays a device history list related to the selected object on the display.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a history list displayed when the object 891 in FIG. 14 is selected as an example. Referring to FIG. 15, when receiving an input for selecting axis-1 (specifically, object 891) from the user, support device 100 displays a history screen 800A representing a history list. Specifically, the support apparatus 100 causes the display to display thumbnail images 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, and 1860 related to the device (ie, axis-1) specified by the selected object 891. Typically, the support apparatus 100 displays thumbnail images 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, and 1860 on a display in time series with reference to the file name and time information of the thumbnail images in the data table D03. To do.

  At this time, the support device 100 refers to the PLC identification information and the data identification information in the data table D03, and the data specified by the data identification information for the thumbnail images 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860. (For example, “Axis Basic Settings”, “EtherCAT”, “Run”, “Stop”, “I / O Map”, “Global Variables”) are displayed in association with each other. Note that, for the thumbnail images 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, and 1860, not only the name of the data specified by the data identification information, but also the PLC specified by the PLC identification information as shown in FIG. The names may be displayed in association with each other.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a user interface displayed when the thumbnail image 1820 is selected on the history screen 800A of FIG. Referring to FIG. 16, support apparatus 100 refers to PLC identification information, data identification information, and item identification information in data table D03, and displays user interface 200C on the display.

  Specifically, when the thumbnail image 1820 shown in FIG. 15 is selected, the support device 100 is an editing screen related to the PLC specified by the PLC identification information associated with the thumbnail image 1820. Appears on the display. That is, the support device 100 is an editing screen of data “EtherCAT” specified by the data identification information associated with the thumbnail image 1820, and the item α identified by the item identification information associated with the thumbnail image 1820. An edit screen 283A including “master 2839” is displayed on the display.

  Even when the thumbnail images 1810, 1830, 1840, 1850, and 1860 are selected on the history screen 800A of FIG. 15, the support device 100 refers to the data table D03 as when the thumbnail image 1820 is selected. The same processing is performed.

  As described above, the support apparatus 100 displays the selection screen (see FIG. 14) for allowing the user to select a device on the display. In addition, the support apparatus 100 displays a history list (see FIG. 15) regarding the selected device based on receiving an operation for selecting a device (specifically, an object representing the device) from the user on the selection screen. Specifically, the support apparatus 100 extracts a thumbnail image related to the device selected by the user from a plurality of thumbnail images, and displays the extracted thumbnail image in the history list.

  Therefore, the support apparatus 100 accepts a user operation to select a thumbnail image, and thereby the editing screen related to the selected device is an editing screen (the editing screen is associated with the selected thumbnail image). It is possible to promptly display the same edit screen as when it was closed, or an edit screen partially overlapping with that when the edit screen was closed.

  In particular, as described above, since the support apparatus 100 displays the thumbnail images extracted based on the device selection in the history list, the user is compared with a case where the user uses a support apparatus that does not have a device selection function. The user can easily access a desired editing screen.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1, 2, 3, 4 PLC, 5 display, 6 detection sensor, 7 relay, 10 CPU unit, 11 system bus, 12 power supply unit, 13 connection cable, 14 IO unit, 100 support device, 101 CPU, 104 HDD, 105 keyboard, 106 mouse, 107 display, 150 operation unit, 160 display unit, 170 storage unit, 180 communication processing unit, 190 control unit, 191 data input reception unit, 192 display control unit, 193 data management unit, 194 capture unit, 200, 200A, 200B User interface, 270 Navigation pane, 271,272 area, 280 Main pane, 281,281A, 282,283 Edit screen, 800 History screen, 810,820,830,1810,1820,1 30,1840,1850,1860 thumbnail image, 2721,2722,2723 items, 2812 instruction identification information, 2821 variables, 2831 slave, SYS PLC system.

Claims (11)

An information processing device for creating a project including a plurality of data used in a control device,
Display control means for displaying an edit screen for editing the selected data on a display when an input for selecting one of the plurality of data is received;
When an input for closing the editing screen is received in a state where one item is selected from a plurality of editable items displayed on the editing screen among the selected data, the editing immediately before the closing is performed. Capture means to capture the screen;
The item selected when the data identification information for identifying the selected data and the input for closing the editing screen are received in association with the first object obtained by the capture Management means for storing in the memory item identification information for identifying
The display control means includes
When a predetermined instruction is input, the first object is displayed on the display,
When the displayed first object is selected, the data editing screen specified by the data identification information associated with the selected first object is the selected first object. An information processing apparatus that causes an edit screen including the item specified by the item identification information associated with the object to be displayed on the display. The display control means includes
When the predetermined instruction is input when the plurality of editing screens are captured, a plurality of the first objects are displayed in a list on the display,
When one of the first objects is selected in the list display, the data editing screen specified by the data identification information associated with the selected first object is the selected screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an edit screen including the item specified by the item identification information associated with the first object is displayed on the display.   When displaying the first object on the display as a list, the display control means assigns the name of the data specified by the data identification information associated with the first object to the first object. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is displayed in an associated state. The project is executed by a plurality of the control devices, and includes the plurality of data for each of the plurality of control devices,
When the display control means receives an input for selecting one of the plurality of control devices and an input for selecting one of the plurality of data, the display control means relates to the selected control device. An edit screen for editing the selected data is displayed on the display,
4. The information processing according to claim 3, wherein the management unit further stores controller identification information for identifying the selected control device in the memory in association with the first object obtained by the capture. apparatus.   When displaying the first object on the display as a list, the display control means specifies the name of the data specified by the data identification information associated with the first object and the controller identification information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the name of the controller to be displayed is displayed in a state associated with the first object. The editing screen is displayed on the display in a tab format,
The input for closing the edit screen includes an input for closing the tab, an input for closing the project screen, an input for closing the application for generating the project, and turning off the power of the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is any one of inputs to be performed.   7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of pieces of data is one of a ladder program, a structured text, and a variable.   8. If one of the plurality of data is a ladder program, the item identification information includes a rung number and instruction identification information for identifying an input instruction or an output instruction in the rung. The information processing apparatus described. The control device controls a plurality of devices,
Each of the plurality of data relates to at least one of the plurality of devices;
The management means stores the data identification information, the item identification information, and device identification information for identifying the device related to the selected data in a memory in association with the first object,
The display control means includes
When the predetermined instruction is input, a second object representing the device is displayed for each device,
Based on selection of one second object from the plurality of displayed second objects, the first object related to the device specified by the selected second object is displayed on the display. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An information processing method executed in an information processing device for creating a project including a plurality of data used in a control device,
When an input for selecting one of the plurality of data is accepted, displaying an edit screen for editing the selected data on a display;
When an input for closing the editing screen is received in a state where one item is selected from a plurality of editable items displayed on the editing screen among the selected data, the editing immediately before the closing is performed. A step to capture the screen;
Data identification information for identifying the selected data and the item selected when the input for closing the editing screen is received in association with the object obtained by the capture Storing item identification information for memory in memory;
When a predetermined instruction is input, displaying the object on the display;
When the displayed object is selected, the data editing screen specified by the data identification information associated with the selected object, the item associated with the selected object And displaying an edit screen including the item specified by the identification information on the display. A program for controlling an information processing device for creating a project including a plurality of data used in a control device,
When an input for selecting one of the plurality of data is accepted, displaying an edit screen for editing the selected data on a display;
When an input for closing the editing screen is received in a state where one item is selected from a plurality of editable items displayed on the editing screen among the selected data, the editing immediately before the closing is performed. A step to capture the screen;
Data identification information for identifying the selected data and the item selected when the input for closing the editing screen is received in association with the object obtained by the capture Storing item identification information for memory in memory;
When a predetermined instruction is input, displaying the object on the display;
When the displayed object is selected, the data editing screen specified by the data identification information associated with the selected object, the item associated with the selected object A program for causing a processor of the information processing apparatus to execute an editing screen including the item specified by identification information on the display.

Images