JPH07129076A - Programmable controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a programmable controller capable of performing easily the operation of a storage device via a communication line and in which the operation of the storage device is made possible only for users having an operation competence. CONSTITUTION:The address space of the storage device 1B of a programmable controller main body 1 is pretended to be a virtual directory device with a communication line 3 and a work station 4 operates the storage content of the storage device 1B in the programmable controller main body 1 by accessing to the virtual directory device. Moreover, a communication device 2 receives the operation of the storage contents the storage device 1B only in the case that a key information inputted from an user is correct and makes the operation of the storage contents possible only in the case that the storage contents of the storage device 1B is not being operated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a programmable controller, and more particularly to a programmable controller which allows a storage device of a programmable controller body to be operated by a workstation or the like via a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a programmable controller for controlling production equipment or automatic equipment is provided with 1) a user program, 2) a storage device for storing setting information of connected equipment, and the like. Used in. 3) Plan data 4) Result data etc. are configured to be stored, and 5) Tool information etc. used in the production facility are also stored.

As described above, the information stored in the storage device of the programmable controller is diverse.

A programmable controller using a file-oriented storage device has also been proposed, which uses a memory card or the like as the storage device.

[0005]

By the way, when the information stored in the memory device of the programmable controller is diverse, it is important to manage the data stored in the memory device of the programmable controller. Therefore, an optimal method for facilitating the management of the data stored in the storage device of the programmable controller is desired.

As a method for facilitating the management of such a wide variety of data, a so-called file device has been conventionally known, but there is a problem in adopting the conventional file device method as it is to a programmable controller. Yes, it is not adopted at present.

That is, considering a configuration in which the programmable controller is connected to a communication line such as a network and the stored contents of the storage device of the programmable controller are operated from the line side, a complicated program must be constructed according to its application.

Further, in this case, when a plurality of users try to operate the memory device of the programmable controller at the same time, the data in the memory device of the programmable controller may be destroyed, and a user who does not have the operation authority mistakenly operates the data. There is a risk of rewriting and reading.

Therefore, the present invention provides a programmable controller capable of easily operating a storage device via a communication line and allowing the operation of the storage device only to a user who has operation authority. With the goal.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a programmable controller main body having a storage means for storing various data, and a storage content of the programmable controller main body via a communication line. In the programmable controller including operating means for operating, the address space of the storing means of the programmable controller main body is made to appear on the communication line as a virtual directory means, and the operating means accesses the virtual directory means to perform the programmable operation. It is characterized in that the stored contents of the storage means of the controller main body are operated.

The present invention also includes a programmable controller main body having storage means for storing various data,
An operating means for operating the stored contents of the storage means of the programmable controller main body, a communication line, and a communication means connected to the programmable controller main body for controlling data communication with the operating means via the communication line, The communication means includes virtual directory means for making the address space of the storage means of the programmable controller main body look like the virtual directory means on the communication line.

[0012]

According to the present invention, the address space of the storage means of the programmable controller main body is made to appear on the communication line to the virtual directory means, and the operating means operates the storage contents of the storage means of the programmable controller main body by accessing the virtual directory means. .

Here, the operation means rewrites predetermined file data in the storage means of the programmable controller body.

Further, the operation means reads out predetermined file data from the storage means of the programmable controller main body.

The operating means transmits predetermined key information to the communication line when operating the stored contents of the memory means of the programmable controller body, and only when the key information is correct, the programmable controller body of the programmable controller body is operated. It is configured to accept the operation of the storage contents of the storage means.

[0016] Here, the key information includes a password preset corresponding to the user.

Further, the storage means of the programmable controller body comprises a file information storage area for storing file information and an operation flag storage area for storing an operation flag corresponding to the file information. During the operation of the storage contents of the storage means, the operation flag of the operation flag storage area is turned on to prohibit the operation from other users.

Further, when the operation flag in the operation flag storage area is turned on, a notification means for notifying this is further provided.

Further, according to the present invention, the communication means has virtual directory means for making the address space of the storage means of the programmable controller main body look like the virtual directory means on the communication line, and the operating means is the virtual directory. By accessing the means, the stored contents of the storage means of the programmable controller body are operated.

Here, the operating means includes a key information transmitting means for transmitting predetermined key information on the communication line when operating the stored contents of the storing means of the programmable controller main body, and the communicating means. Includes operation accepting means for accepting the operation of the stored contents of the memory means of the programmable controller main body by the operating means only when the key information transmitted by the key information transmitting means on the communication line is correct.

Further, the key information transmitting means transmits the password information and the login information preset corresponding to the user as the key information.

The operation permitting means stores key information and login information corresponding to each user in advance, and the password information and login transmitted on the communication line by the key information transmitting means. When the extraction means for extracting the information, the password information and login information extracted by the extraction means, and the password information and login information corresponding to each user stored in the key information storage means are compared, and both match. Means for accepting an operation of the stored contents of the storage means of the programmable controller body.

Further, the storage means of the programmable controller main body is operating a file information area for storing a start address and an end address corresponding to each file name, and a storage content of the storage means of the programmable controller main body. And an operation flag area for storing an operation flag indicating.

Here, the communication means includes an operation permission means for permitting the operation of the contents stored in the storage means of the programmable controller body by the operation means only when the operation flag in the operation flag area is off. To have.

Further, the communication means includes display means for displaying the operation flag in the operation flag area when the operation flag is on.

Further, the communication means receives the unit data transmitted from the operation means and divided into data sizes that can be transmitted in one communication, and refers to the stored contents of the file information area to refer to the unit. The predetermined file data in the storage means of the programmable controller body is rewritten for each data.

Further, the communication means refers to the stored content of the file information area from the storage means of the programmable controller main body, reads unit data divided into data sizes that can be transmitted in one communication, and The unit data is transmitted to the operating means.

[0028]

Embodiments of a programmable controller according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a programmable controller according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the programmable controller includes a programmable controller main body 1, a communication device 2, and a communication line 3.
And a work station 4 and an external storage device 4A.

Here, the programmable controller body 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1A composed of a microprocessor, a storage device 1B for storing file information, operation flags, user programs, etc. A program console 1C for creating a user program and setting various information in the programmable controller body 1 and the communication device 2 and the like, and a display 1D are provided.

The communication device 2 is composed of a microprocessor, analyzes the operation command and data transmitted from the workstation 4, and requests the programmable controller body 1 to operate the storage device 1B (central processing unit ( CPU) 2A, storage device 2B for storing login name, password, etc., interface 2C
And a display unit 2E and a communication interface circuit 2D. The communication device 2 is connected to the programmable controller main body 1 via an interface 2C, and the communication device 2 is connected via a communication interface circuit 2D. Connected to the communication line 3.

The communication line 3 is connected to the communication device 2 and the workstation 4 via the communication interface circuit 2D.

The workstation 4 is connected to the communication line 3 and the external storage device 4A.

FIG. 2 shows a storage area structure of the storage device 1B built in the programmable controller main body 1. The storage device 1B has management information for handling data contents from a certain address as a file name. Have

That is, in this storage device 1B,
As shown in FIG. 2, the file names “DATA1” and “DA
A start address and an end address are stored corresponding to TA2 ", ... For example, a file name" D "
For ATA1 ", start address is address $ 0
0000, the address $ 00FFF is set as the end address, and for the file name “DATA2”, the address $ 01000 is set as the start address and the address $ 019FF is set as the end address.
6 bytes are located.

By the way, in this embodiment, the memory device 1B built in the programmable controller main body 1 is
Is handled as a file structure having a virtual directory structure in the communication device 2 by remote control from the workstation 4.

FIG. 3 shows a file structure having this virtual directory structure. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the mounting status of the storage device 1B of the programmable controller main body 1 is positioned as a directory, and the address $ 0 corresponding to the file name "DATA1" is set.
The data stored in 0000 to $ 00FFF is positioned as the file 12, and the data stored in the addresses $ 01000 to $ 019FF corresponding to the file name “DATA2” is positioned as the file 13, and each file is located in the subdirectory 11 and the root. Directory 1
It is related to 0.

Here, in this embodiment, the workstation 4 refers to the file structure having the virtual directory structure as shown in FIG. 3 and operates the storage contents of the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1 by remote control. To do.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

4 and 5 are flow charts showing an outline of the system program in the communication device 2.

In FIG. 4, first, it is checked whether or not the data is received from the communication line 3 (step 100), and if it is judged that the data is received from the communication line 3 here,
Next, this data is the programmable controller body 1
It is checked whether or not the operation is an operation request for the storage device 1B (step 101).

Here, if the received data is for requesting the operation of the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1, the communication line 3 is opened (step 102).

It should be noted that it is determined in step 100 that the data is not received from the communication line 3 and that the data received in step 101 is not a request for the operation of the storage device 1B of the programmable controller main body 1. If so, perform other processing (step 11
0), and returns to step 100.

When the communication line 3 is opened in step 101, it is next checked whether or not the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1 is being operated (step 10).
3). If the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1 is being operated, the communication line 3 opened in step 102 is closed (step 10
9) and returns to step 100.

If it is determined in step 103 that the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1 is not being operated, the LED (display 2E) is turned on (step 1
04), displaying that the storage device 1B of the programmable controller main body 1 is in operation.

Here, when the LED (display 2E) is turned on, the user visually confirms the access status of the storage device 1B of the programmable controller main body 1, that is, that the storage device 1B of the programmable controller main body 1 is in operation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the risk of inadvertently turning off the power.

Next, the programmable controller body 1
The operation flag of the storage device 1B is turned on (step 10
5) It enables exclusive control with the user program of the programmable controller main body 1.

Next, whether or not the login name and password entered from the communication line 3 side are correct, that is, the login name and password entered from the communication line 3 side are stored in the storage device 2B built in the communication device 2 It is checked whether the login name and password stored in advance match or not (step 106).

If it is determined that the login name and password input from the communication line 3 are incorrect, the operation flag of the storage device 1B turned on in step 105 is turned off (step 107), and in step 104. The turned-on LED (display unit 2E) is turned off (step 108), the communication line 3 opened in step 102 is closed (step 109), and the process returns to step 100.

When it is determined in step 106 that the login name and password input from the communication line 3 side are correct, the process proceeds to step 200 in FIG. 5 and the command from the communication line 3 is received.

First, it is checked whether or not the command received from the communication line 3 is an instruction to close the communication line 3 (step 201). Here, the command received from the communication line 3 is Close (cl
ose) is instructed, the process directly proceeds to step 107, the operation flag of the storage device 1B turned on in step 105 is turned off, and the LED (display unit 2E) turned on in step 104 is turned off. (Step 10
8) Further, the communication line 3 opened in step 102 is closed (step 109), and the process returns to step 100.

If the command received from the communication line 3 does not instruct to close the communication line 3 in step 201, then it is determined whether the command received from the communication line 3 is the information separating code (is). Check (Step 2
02) If it is the information separation code (is), the PC body (programmable controller body 1) is requested to transmit the file name (step 203), and when the file name is received from the PC body (step 204), this reception The created file name is transmitted to WS (workstation 4) (step 205) and the process returns to step 200.

If it is determined in step 202 that the command received from the communication line 3 is not the information separating code (is), then the command received from the communication line 3 is written in the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1. It is checked whether or not it is an input command (put) (step 206).

Here, if it is determined that the command received from the communication line 3 is the write command (put) of the storage device 1B of the programmable controller main body 1, WS
The file name is received from the (workstation 4) (step 207), and the file name is followed by the data transmitted from the WS (workstation 4) divided into data sizes that can be transmitted in one communication ( Step two
08), based on the file name received in step 207, the received data is transmitted to the PC main body (programmable controller main body 1).

Next, it is checked whether or not the file is the end (EOF) (step 210). If it is not the end of the file (EOF), the process returns to step 208 and the processes of step 208, step 209 and step 210 are repeated.

If it is determined in step 210 that the file has ended (EOF), the process returns to step 200.

The above operation will be further described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the case where the data a having the file name a is received from the communication line 3, and the file name a and its data a are received from the WS (workstation 4).
Is transmitted as data a1, data a2, data a3, and data a4 divided into data sizes that can be transmitted in one communication.

In the communication device 2, first, a file write command is transmitted from the file name a and the data a1 to the programmable controller body 1 in the creation mode.

In the programmable controller body 1,
From the file name a, the start address of the storage device 1B in which the data of this file name a is stored is calculated, and the data a1 is stored in the storage device 1B.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the start address $ 00000 of the file name "DATA1" is checked,
The data a1 of 1024 bytes is stored in the storage device 1B from address $ 0000 to address $ 003FF.

Next, only the data a2 is sent from the workstation 4. The communication device 2 transmits a file write command from the previous file name a and data a2 to the programmable controller body 1 in the additional mode.

In the programmable controller body 1,
The data a2 is stored in the address of the storage device 1B to which an offset including the start address of the file name a and the data size up to that point is added.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, an address $ is obtained by adding the data size 1024 bytes of the data a1 to the start address $ 00000 of the file name "DATA1".
00400 is obtained and 1024 bytes of data a2 are transferred from the memory device 1B from the address $ 00400 to the address $ 007.
Store by FF.

Thus, the communication control unit 2 repeats the above operation until the data sent from the workstation 4 is completed, that is, until the data a4 is received.

On the other hand, in step 206, the command received from the communication line 3 is the programmable controller body 1
If it is determined that the command is not a write command (put) for the storage device 1B, then whether the command received from the communication line 3 is a read command (get) from the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1 is determined. Examine (Step 21
1).

Here, if it is determined that the command received from the communication line 3 is a read command (get) from the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1, W
A file name is received from S (workstation 4) (step 212), data is requested to the PC body (programmable controller body 1) based on this file name (step 213), and the PC body (programmable controller body 1) is requested. When data is received from (step 2
14) Then, the received data is transmitted to WS (workstation 4) (step 215).

Next, it is checked whether the file is the end of file (EOF) (step 216). If the file is not the end of file (EOF), the process returns to step 213 and the processes of step 213, step 214, step 215 and step 216 are repeated. .

If it is determined in step 216 that the file has ended (EOF), the process returns to step 200.

The above operation will be further described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a case where the data b of the file name b is transmitted to the communication line 3, and the file name b is transmitted from the WS (workstation 4). The communication device 2 transmits a file read command from the file name b to the programmable controller main body 1. In the programmable controller main body 1, first, the storage device 1
The content of the data b is read from B by dividing it into data sizes that can be transmitted in one communication.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the programmable controller main body 1 starts from the file name b to the start address of the storage device 1B in which the data of this file name b is stored, that is, the file name "DATA2.""Start address $ 01000 is calculated and this address $
The data b1 of a fixed size, that is, 1024 bytes, is read from 01000 and sent to the communication device 2. Communication device 2
Sends this data b1 to WS (workstation 4).

The WS (workstation 4) stores the received data b1 in the external storage device 4A.

Next, the communication device 2 uses the previous file name b
And a file read command to which the previously read position information is added is transmitted to the programmable controller body 1.

In the programmable controller body 1,
Address $ which is the start address $ 01000 by the file name b plus the data size 1024 bytes of data b1
The data b2 is read from 01400, and this data b2
To the communication device 2. The communication device 2 sends this data b2 to W
S (workstation 4).

The WS (workstation 4) stores the received data b2 in the external storage device 4A.

The above operation is repeated until the programmable controller main body 1 notifies the end of the file, that is, until the data b3 is transmitted.

When it is determined in step 211 that the command received from the communication line 3 is not the read command (get) from the storage device 1B of the programmable controller body 1, other processing is executed (step 217). , And then returns to step 200.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The address space of the storage means of the programmable controller main body is made to appear as virtual directory means on the communication line,
The operation means is configured to operate the storage contents of the storage means of the programmable controller main body by accessing the virtual directory means, and further accepts and stores the operation of the storage contents only when the key information input by the user is correct. Since the storage contents can be operated only when the storage contents of the means are not being operated, the following effects can be obtained.

1) The operation of the storage device via the communication line becomes easy. 2) Data destruction due to simultaneous operations by multiple users can be prevented. 3) Exclusive control can be performed on the same data area. 4) The storage device can be operated while maintaining a safe operation sequence under the control of the automatic device, and the operability is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a programmable controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a storage device built in the programmable controller main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a file structure having a virtual directory structure in this embodiment.

4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a system program of the communication device shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing an outline of a system program of the communication device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation when data a having a file name a is received from a communication line.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation when data b having a file name b is transmitted to a communication line 3.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Programmable Controller Main Body (PC Main Body) 1A Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1B Storage Device 1C Program Console 1D Display (LED) 2 Communication Device 2A Central Processing Unit (CPU) 2B Storage Device 2C Interface 2E Display 2D Communication Interface Circuit 3 Communication line 4 Work station (WS) 4A External storage device

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A programmable controller comprising: a programmable controller main body having storage means for storing various data; and operating means for operating the storage contents of the storage means of the programmable controller main body via a communication line. The address space of the storage means of the controller main body is made to appear as a virtual directory means on the communication line, and the operation means operates the storage contents of the storage means of the programmable controller main body by accessing the virtual directory means. Programmable controller. 2. The programmable controller according to claim 1, wherein the operation means rewrites predetermined file data in the storage means of the programmable controller main body. 3. The operation means reads out predetermined file data from a storage means of the programmable controller main body.
Programmable controller described. 4. The operating means transmits predetermined key information to the communication line when operating the stored contents of the storage means of the programmable controller body, and only when the key information is correct, the programmable controller body of the programmable controller body The programmable controller according to claim 1, wherein the programmable controller receives an operation of the stored contents of the storage means. 5. The programmable controller according to claim 4, wherein the key information includes a password preset for a user. 6. The programmable controller main body comprises a storage means of the programmable controller main body, which comprises a file information storage area for storing file information and an operation flag storage area for storing an operation flag corresponding to the file information. 2. The programmable controller according to claim 1, wherein an operation flag of the operation flag storage area is turned on during operation of the stored contents of the storage means to prohibit operation by other users. 7. The programmable controller according to claim 1, further comprising: an informing unit for informing that the operation flag in the operation flag storage area is turned on. 8. A programmable controller body having storage means for storing various data, operating means for operating the stored contents of the storage means of the programmable controller body, a communication line, and the communication connected to the programmable controller body. Communication means for controlling data communication with the operation means via a line, the communication means reveals the address space of the storage means of the programmable controller main body to the virtual directory means on the communication line. A programmable controller comprising: a virtual directory means. 9. The operating means comprises key information transmitting means for transmitting predetermined key information to the communication line when operating the stored contents of the storing means of the programmable controller main body, and the communication means An operation accepting means for accepting an operation of the stored content of the memory means of the programmable controller main body by the operation means only when the key information transmitted by the key information transmitting means on the communication line is correct, The programmable controller according to claim 8. 10. The programmable controller according to claim 9, wherein the key information transmitting means transmits password information and login information preset in correspondence with the user as the key information. 11. The operation permitting means stores key information and login information corresponding to each user in advance, and key information storing means, and the password information and login transmitted on the communication line by the key information transmitting means. When the extraction means for extracting information is compared with the password information and login information extracted by the extraction means and the password information and login information corresponding to each user stored in the key information storage means, and when both match 11. The programmable controller according to claim 10, further comprising: a unit that receives an operation of a storage content of the storage unit of the programmable controller main body. 12. The storage means of the programmable controller main body is in the process of operating a file information area for storing a start address and an end address corresponding to each file name and a storage content of the storage means of the programmable controller main body. 9. The programmable controller according to claim 8, further comprising: an operation flag area for storing an operation flag indicating the. 13. The communication means comprises operation permission means for permitting the operation of the stored contents of the storage means of the programmable controller body by the operation means only when the operation flag in the operation flag area is off. The programmable controller according to claim 12, wherein: 14. The programmable controller according to claim 12, wherein the communication means includes a display means for displaying an operation flag of the operation flag area when the operation flag is on. 15. The communication unit receives the unit data transmitted from the operation unit, which is divided into data sizes that can be transmitted in one communication, and refers to the stored contents of the file information area to determine the unit. 13. The programmable controller according to claim 12, wherein predetermined file data in the storage means of the programmable controller main body is rewritten for each data. 16. The communication means comprises means for storing data in the programmable controller main body,
13. The storage device according to claim 12, wherein the stored data in the file information area is referred to, unit data divided into data sizes that can be transmitted in one communication is read, and the unit data is transmitted to the operation means. Programmable controller.