JPH10143237A - Control operation analyzing method and analyzer using the method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To speedily and exactly analyze the facility operation by displaying the image of the facility operation and the state change of a sequence element to be detected by a sequencer on the same screen while relating them to each other. SOLUTION: When a programmable controlled PC starts sequence control and any state change occurs for each sequence element, that time is successively fetched from the starting time point of a sequence program into a time information storage means 1, stored and held. At the same time, each time the sequence element changes its state, a video photographing and storage means 2 successively photographs facility equipment 5 to be operated corresponding to the sequence element by driving a video camera 2a, stores the image and holds it. Thus, time information corresponding to the state change at the sequence element is fetched into an image forming means 3 and converted to a video signal and this video signal is further synthesized with the video image of the facility equipment 5 photographed by the video photographing and storage means 2 so that one image can be generated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an analysis method suitably used for analyzing the operation of equipment in an automated equipment system operated by a sequencer, and an analysis apparatus for executing the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an automatic equipment system, a sequence program (control program) is generally executed by a sequencer to monitor the operation of the system. FIG. 14 schematically shows an example of the automated equipment system. Here, a pallet 101 flows on the free flow conveyor 100, and a production line is constituted by three processes of component insertion, caulking, and inspection.

[0003] In the component insertion process of the process 1, the pallet 10
After the arrival of the part 1, the parts 104 supplied by the parts feeder 103 are moved to the holding jig 1 using the biaxial cylinder 102.
05 (chuck) and inserted into a jig on the pallet 101. In the press-fitting process of the process 2, the pallet 10
After 1 arrives, the press-fitting jig 107 is pressed against the component 104 on the pallet 101 by the cylinder 106 and caulking is performed.

In the inspection step 3, after the pallet 101 arrives, the inspection jig 109 is caulked to the component 104.
The inspection is performed by moving the cylinder 108 upward. In such a system, the status change of the pallet arrival detection sensors X1, X2, X3 and the cylinder drive output contacts Y10, Y11, Y20, Y30 corresponding to each process are taken into the sequencer. The state change of the component detection sensor X4 that detects whether or not the component 104 has been supplied from the device is captured.

The operation of the sequencer in this case will be described. The change of the pallet arrival detection sensor X1 from the OFF state to the ON state is detected, and the pallet 101 is moved to the step 1
It detects that it has arrived. Next, the component detection sensor X
4 is turned on, and when it is confirmed that the component 104 has been supplied, the contact Y10 is turned off and the contact Y11 is turned on,
The cylinder 102 is driven to move the gripping jig 105 to the component supply position of the parts feeder 103. Then
After the component 104 is gripped by the gripping jig 105, the contact Y10 is turned on and the contact Y11 is turned off, and the pallet 1
Then, the component 104 is moved to the component insertion position on the component 01 and the component 104 is inserted. Then, a series of operations for turning off the contacts Y10 and Y11 and returning the gripping jig 105 to the original fixed position are repeated.

[0006] In step 2, when it is detected that the sensor X2 has changed from the off state to the on state, the contact Y20 is turned on, the press-fitting jig 107 is moved to the component position on the pallet 101, and caulking is performed. A series of operations for turning off the contact Y20 and returning the press-fitting jig 107 to the original fixed position are repeated. In step 3, the contact Y30 is turned on by detecting that the sensor X3 has changed from the off state to the on state, and the inspection jig 109 is moved to the component position on the pallet 101 for inspection. A series of operations of turning off and returning the inspection jig 109 to the original home position are repeated.

As described above, in each process, each equipment starts operating at an independent timing and repeats a series of operations. FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the control operation. Sensors X1 to X4, contact Y1
The state changes of 0, Y11, Y20, and Y30 are recorded in chronological order, and when an abnormal operation occurs, the cause thereof is analyzed based on the abnormal operation.

By the way, in analyzing the operation of such a system, conventionally, a change in the state of a sequence element is converted into a timing chart and stored, or the control operation of the equipment is photographed and stored by video, and when the reproduction is performed. It is customary to analyze the mechanical operation of the equipment and the electric operation in association with each other while viewing a timing chart and a video image.

[0009]

However, in such a conventional automated equipment system, since the analysis of the equipment operation is performed based on the timing chart while playing back the video, detailed analysis is difficult. The work on top was also cumbersome and spent a lot of time. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an image of equipment operation,
An analysis method that makes it possible to analyze equipment operation quickly and accurately by correlating the state change of the sequence element detected by the sequencer and displaying it on the same screen, and an analysis apparatus for implementing this analysis method It is intended to provide.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention captures a video image of equipment controlled by a sequencer in synchronization with a change in the state of a sequence element. Proposes an analysis method that combines information on changes in the state of elements and displays them as one image on the same screen so that the operation state of equipment can be analyzed, and an analysis device for implementing this analysis method. Claims 1 to 7 propose an analysis method.

That is, in the analysis method proposed in the first aspect, a change in the state of a sequence element such as an internal contact of the sequencer provided corresponding to the equipment operated by the sequencer, a control contact in the system, or a sensor is determined. From the start of the program. In accordance with a change in the state of a sequence element such as an internal contact of the sequencer, a control contact or a sensor in the system, the control operation of each equipment is photographed as a video image, and these are stored and retained. Then, while changing the state change of the sequence element into a video signal, synchronizing and synthesizing the video image of each of the photographed equipment with the video signal, the synthesized video image is displayed on the same screen. The display screen is viewed by a person or read into a dedicated analysis device to determine an abnormality of the equipment.

In the method proposed in claim 2, the state change of the sequence element is displayed on the display screen as information including a time-series element such as a timing chart.
At the time of image analysis, the state change of the sequence element is displayed as temporally continuous information, so that the control time of each step in the sequence control can be grasped, and the image analysis can be easily performed. In this method, the status change of the sequence element is not limited to that displayed in the timing chart, and may be a status bar as long as the status change is continuously displayed.

[0013] In the method proposed in claim 3, the state change of the sequence element is displayed as a timing chart, and at the time of rising and falling of the timing chart, the video image of the equipment operating correspondingly is displayed on the same screen. Since the display is performed, at the time of the image analysis, the timing chart and the image of the equipment synchronized with the rising and falling thereof are displayed in comparison with each other, so that the image analysis can be performed quickly. Also, during playback, you can advance and analyze frames as needed,
It is convenient.

In the method proposed in claim 4, the state change of the sequence element is indicated by a timing chart, and a video image of the equipment is displayed on the same screen in synchronization with the rise and fall of the timing chart. Since the time position on the timing chart corresponding to the image is indicated by displaying an index such as a cursor and a pointer, the flow of control in the sequence control can be accurately grasped, and image analysis can be performed more easily.

In the method proposed in claim 5, the state change of the sequence element is displayed as a timing chart,
At the same time, the on / off remaining retention time of each sequence element based on the rise and fall times of the timing chart corresponding to the video image is also displayed. It can be easily grasped and more accurate analysis can be performed.

In the method proposed in claim 6, the change in the state of the sequence element is converted into a video signal as an on / off display of a picture or a character which does not include a time-series element. It is displayed on the same screen as the video image of the equipment corresponding to the ON / OFF display. Therefore,
Only important change information in the sequence is displayed as a spot, and operation analysis in sequence control can be performed easily and quickly.

Further, according to this method, an image of the equipment is displayed on the screen by frame advance, and at the same time, a change in the state of the sequence element is indicated by an on / off display for changing a mark or a symbol. Operation can be intuitively grasped, and the operation abnormality of the equipment can be determined more quickly. In the method proposed in claim 7, the video image of the equipment is not displayed, the status change of each sequence element to be monitored is displayed as a timing chart, and the rising and falling edges of each timing chart are indicated by a cursor or the like. When the index is operated and pointed, the remaining ON / OFF retention time from the time point indicated by the index is displayed for all the sequence elements displayed on the screen. Simultaneous measurement of operation time is possible, and time analysis can be shortened.

In any one of the first to seventh methods, if the sequence elements to be monitored cannot be displayed on the same screen, the sequence elements are divided into a plurality of groups and displayed on the same screen to perform image analysis. Should be performed. In any one of claims 2 to 6, an index such as a cursor or a pointer can be specified on a timing chart by using an input operation device, and the ON / OFF remaining holding time based on the position can be designated. It would be more desirable if it could be displayed on the screen.

Claims 8 to 13 propose an analyzer for implementing the method of the present invention. An analysis device proposed in claim 8 implements the method of claim 1 and includes sequence elements such as internal contacts of a sequencer provided corresponding to equipment operated by the sequencer, control contacts and sensors in the system. Time information storage means for sequentially storing the time of the state change of the sequencer from the start of the program of the sequencer, and the respective equipment according to the state change of the sequence element such as the internal contact of the sequencer, the control contact in the system, and the sensor The control operation of the above is photographed into a video image, the video photographing and recording means for storing and holding these, and the information on the state change of the sequence element stored and retained by the time information storage means are converted into a video signal, The captured video images of the equipment are taken from the video capturing / recording means in synchronization with the state change of the sequence element. And a display device for displaying a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing a change in the state of the sequence element and a video image of the equipment by the image synthesizing means. The change information of the sequence element is combined with the video image of the equipment controlled by the apparatus, and is displayed as one image on the same screen so that the operation state of the equipment can be analyzed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the image synthesizing means converts a state change of a sequence element into a video signal including a time-series element such as a timing chart. Then, in this video signal, video images of the equipment photographed in synchronization with the state change of the sequence element, sequentially fetched from the video photographing and recording means,
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the image synthesizing unit converts the state change of the sequence element into a video signal as a timing chart. The rising and falling of the video equipment equipment taken in synchronization with the fall, sequentially fetched from the video image shooting and recording means,
The image combining means converts the state change of the sequence elements into a video signal as a timing chart, and the image combining means performs the method of claim 4. The video image of the equipment synchronized at the time of falling is sequentially captured from the video image capturing / recording means, and an index such as a cursor and a pointer indicating a time position is added to the timing chart to be combined into one image. I have.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is for implementing the method of the seventh aspect, wherein internal contacts of a sequencer provided corresponding to the equipment operated by the sequencer, control contacts and sensors in the system, etc. Time information storage means for sequentially storing the state changes of the sequence elements for each sequence element from the start of the program of the sequencer, and each state change of the sequence elements stored by the time information storage means is converted into a timing chart. Timing chart conversion means, image synthesis means for converting a state change of each sequence element converted into a timing chart into a video signal, and generating a synthesized image to which an index such as a cursor is added, and image generation means generated by the image synthesis means A display device for displaying the synthesized image on the same screen, and a display screen of the display device. When the time position of the timing chart is designated by an index such as the indicated cursor, an operation means for calculating the ON / OFF remaining retention time from the designated time position for all the sequence elements is provided. When a time position on the display screen is designated, the remaining on / off holding times based on the position are displayed for all the sequence elements.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method of the sixth aspect, the image synthesizing means displays on and off a picture or a character which does not include a time-series element in a state change of the sequence element. The video signal is converted into a video signal, and video images of the equipment photographed with video are sequentially taken in from the video signal by the video capturing / recording means and synthesized.

Such a display device is constituted by a computer having a CRT or the like, and is connected to an image pickup device such as a sequencer or a video camera via a cable. Also,
The sequencer in this specification includes all controllers and computers that perform a series of control and monitoring of automation equipment, such as a programmable controller (PC), a sequence controller, and a programmable logic controller (PLC).

Further, the sequence element includes, in addition to the internal contacts of the sequencer and the data of the register, external connection contacts such as valves, cylinders, and motors of equipment.
In addition, the equipment is a broad concept including things other than those directly controlled by the sequence elements. In the configuration described above, the equipment is photographed in synchronization with the change in the state of the sequence element. For each sequence element, photographing is performed from the start of the sequence program, and sequentially stored in the image memory. You may. In this case, a large-capacity image memory is required, but if an arbitrary change point is designated by an index such as a cursor or a pointer on the display screen, an image of the equipment at the change point can be selected and displayed. Then, the operation analysis of the equipment can be performed quickly and accurately.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an analyzer according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration. The analysis apparatus A includes a computer for image processing as a control center, and a programmable controller PC (hereinafter simply referred to as “P”) as a sequencer.
C) is connected to the time information storage means 1 via the communication means 1a. If the PC starts sequence control and a state change occurs in the sequence element, the time is set to the start of the sequence program. The information is sequentially taken in and stored in the time information storage means 1 from the time point. At the same time, the video photographing and storing means 2 drives the video camera 2a every time the state of the sequence element changes, and sequentially photographs the equipment 5 operated corresponding to the sequence element. Store and hold images. In this way, the time information corresponding to the state change of the sequence element is
When taken into the image synthesizing means 3, it is converted into a video signal,
This video signal is further combined with the video image of the equipment 5 photographed by the video photographing and recording means 2 to generate one image. Then, when the video image of the equipment 5 photographed in synchronization with the state change of the sequence element is reproduced by the display reproduction means 6, the video image is displayed on the same screen of the display device 4 as described later. Is displayed with.

Here, the video photographing and recording means 2 drives the video camera 2a in response to the command signal from the PC every time the sequence element changes, and sequentially takes the photographed images of the equipment 5 into the image memory 3a. Is configured to be stored. Further, the image synthesizing unit 3 records and holds the information on the state change of the sequence element stored and held in the time information storage unit 1 in the video shooting and recording unit 2 while converting the information into a timing chart, a video signal such as a picture or a character. The video images of the installed equipment 5 are sequentially read to generate a composite image.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed block diagram. As shown in the figure, the video shooting and recording means 2 includes a video camera 2a, a video shooting device 21 for receiving a control command signal sent from a PC every time a sequence element changes, and driving the video camera 2a. A video memory 22 for sequentially storing video images of the equipment 5 taken in by the video photographing device 21;
One time information storage means 1 has a clock timer (not shown), and is a time information capture device for monitoring a PC and sequentially capturing the time at which a state change occurs in a sequence element from the start of the sequence program. 11, a memory 12 for storing the time information captured by the time information capturing device 11, and a timing chart converting means 13 for converting the time information of the sequence elements stored in the memory 12 into a timing chart. .

Here, the image synthesizing means 3 synchronizes with the information on the state change of the sequence element converted into the video signal and the state change of the sequence element to record the video photographing and recording means 2.
The basic operation of generating the captured image of the equipment in a single composite image is performed. In order to display index data such as a cursor and a pointer indicating a time position on the timing chart, the index data generating unit 7 is used. Has been added.

The image synthesizing means 3 converts a state change of a sequence element into a video signal containing a time-series element such as a timing chart, and synchronizes this video signal with the state change of the sequence element. The captured video images of the equipment 5 are sequentially taken in from the video capturing / recording means 21 and combined into one image. Further, the state change of the sequence element is converted into a video signal as a timing chart, and a video image of the equipment 5 taken in synchronization with the rising and falling of the timing chart is
The images are sequentially taken from the video image photographing and recording means 2 and combined into one image.

Further, the state change of the sequence element is converted into a video signal as a timing chart, and the video images of the equipment 5 synchronized with the rise and fall of the timing chart are sequentially taken in from the video image recording / recording means 2. A combined image is formed by a method such as adding an index such as a cursor or a pointer indicating a time position on the timing chart and combining them into one image, and the combined image is stored and held in the image memory 3a.

The image synthesizing means 3 extracts a video image of the equipment 5 corresponding to the rise and fall of the timing chart showing the state change of the sequence element from the video photographing and recording means 2, and further extracts the video. Character information indicating the on / off remaining holding time based on the rising and falling times of the timing chart at which the image was captured may be combined as one image.

According to the present invention, the status change information of the sequence element and the image indicating the operation change of the automation equipment are correlated with each other, and the timing chart indicating the change information of the sequence element, the change information of the sequence element, Is converted into a video signal, and at the same time, an image of the equipment taken in synchronization with the change in the state of the sequence element is synthesized into one composite image, and then stored in the image memory 3a. When reproduced by the display / reproduction means 6, the composite image can be displayed on the display device 4, and the sequence control operation can be reproduced to perform image analysis.

In another configuration of the image synthesizing means 3, the state change of the sequence element fetched from the time information storage means 1 is displayed on or off, that is, such as a picture or character which does not include a time-series element. Converted into video signal as information,
A video image of the equipment 5 photographed by video is sequentially taken from the video signal by the video photographing and recording means and synthesized.

Furthermore, without displaying an image of the equipment 5, a change in the state of a sequence element in the system is displayed as a timing chart arranged on the same screen,
If you point the time position on any of the timing charts with an index such as a cursor, ON based on that position,
A configuration may be employed in which the remaining OFF holding time is displayed. With such a configuration, the operation of the equipment cannot be confirmed as a video image, but time measurement of a plurality of sequence elements can be performed simultaneously.Therefore, when analyzing a sequence program only for time measurement. Especially convenient.

Next, a display example of a screen that can be reproduced and displayed according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 shows sequence elements X1 to X
3 shows a display example of a screen in which a timing chart showing a state change of Y1, Y2, and an image of equipment corresponding to the change of the timing chart are combined. The screen is vertically divided into a display area 11a for the timing chart and an image display area 11b for the equipment, and a cursor X indicated by a broken line is displayed on the timing chart with the lapse of time during reproduction. Cursor X
The image G of the equipment taken in correspondence with the time position on the timing chart pointed by is displayed in the equipment image display area 11b thereunder. At the top of the screen, the time pointed by the cursor is displayed from the time when the sequence program was started.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation when the display shown in FIG. 3 is performed. The state changes of the sequence elements are sequentially stored in the time storage unit 1 from the start of the sequence program, and the image synthesizing unit 3 generates a timing chart based on the time information stored in the time change storage unit 1. Converted to video signal.

On the other hand, the video photographing storage means 2 is provided with a video camera 2a for each equipment 5 to be photographed, and drives the video camera 2a every time the sequence element is in a state from the start of the sequence program, and 5 is stored in the storage means as it is in the form of a video signal.
In this way, the video images of the equipment 5 stored and photographed in synchronism with the state change of the sequence element are sequentially sent to the image synthesizing means 3, where the synthesized image synchronized with the state change of the sequence element is obtained. Generated.

In place of such an image display method,
At the time of reproduction, the display position of the index such as the cursor X displayed on the timing chart can be indicated using an input operation device such as a mouse, and equipment corresponding to the display position indicated by the index such as the cursor X at that time. The image of the device 5 may be sequentially selectively frame-advanced and displayed. With such a method, the image analysis can be further facilitated.

FIG. 5A shows the time information storage unit 1.
FIG. 5B shows an example of a video image management table provided in the video photographing and recording means. As shown in the figure, the time storage means 1 stores the time at the on / off change points of the contacts X1, X2, X3, Y1, and Y2 from the start of the sequence program, that is, the state change information of the sequence element every moment. The timing chart conversion means 13 which has been input and stored generates a timing chart as shown in FIG. 3 based on the information.

The video shooting storage means 2 is provided with a video image management table as shown, and stores the numbers of the video images of the equipment corresponding to the on / off change times of the sequence elements. . With such a video image management table, it is possible to arbitrarily call and display an image of equipment corresponding to a change in the state of a sequence element during image reproduction.

Next, the operation of the equipment and the timing of image capture will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Then, the equipment performs the process of moving the cylinder 20 up and down and sucking the work 22 by the suction jig 21. FIGS. 5A to 5F show a series of operations in the process. I have. The PC monitors each contact or sensor of the cylinder upper limit X1, the cylinder lower limit X2, the work detection X3, the cylinder lowering Y1, and the work suction Y2.
Among the video images of the equipment 5 taken by the video camera 2a, the sequence elements X1 to X1 shown in FIG.
The images synchronized with the cursor position on the timing chart of X3 and Y1 and Y2 are captured corresponding to the images shown in FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the equipment corresponding to the state change of the sequence element. By this operation, the change time of the sequence element is sequentially taken, and the timing chart as shown in FIG. Is created as a video signal, and is displayed on the display screen during reproduction. The cylinder upper limit X1 is turned on (# 10
1) If the work detection X3 is turned on (# 10)
2) Start the suction operation. First, when the cylinder lowering Y1 is turned on and the cylinder 20 starts lowering (# 10
3, see FIGS. 5 (a) and 7), the cylinder upper limit X1 is turned off (# 104, see FIGS. 6 (b) and 7), and the cylinder 20 is lowered until the cylinder lower limit X2 is turned on.

When the cylinder lower limit X2 is turned on, the suction of the work 22 by the suction jig 21 is started, and the work suction Y
2 is turned on (# 105, # 106, see FIGS. 6 (c) and 7). Here, after that, wait 2.5 seconds (#
107), when the cylinder descent X2 is turned off (#
108, see FIGS. 6 (d) and 7), the cylinder 20 starts to rise.

Then, the cylinder lower limit X2 and the work detection X
3 is turned off (# 109, see FIGS. 6 (e) and 7), and waits until the cylinder lift X1 is turned on (# 11
0, FIG. 6 (f), FIG. 7). Then, the cylinder 20
Is raised to the upper limit, the operation is continued by moving the sucked work 22 to another process or the like, but the subsequent operation is omitted here.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when the state change of the sequence element is indicated by ON / OFF display.
0 indicates the basic operation executed in that case in a timing chart. In this process, the state change of the sequence element is indicated not by a timing chart but by an on / off display that does not include a time-series change of a picture, a character, or the like. That is, the display screen is divided into an image display area 11b of the equipment on the left side and a state display area 11c on the right side, and the on / off of the sequence elements X1 to X3, Y1, and Y2 is performed as shown in FIG. Are indicated by marks of “●” (ON state) and “O” (OFF state) on the right side of.

With such a display, the state of the sequence elements X1 to X3, Y1, and Y2 can be grasped by ON / OFF display even when an image of the equipment is displayed on the screen as a moving image (or frame advance). Because it is possible, a series of operations of the equipment can be understood intuitively. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect a plurality of lamps or the like corresponding to each contact point of the PC and photograph the lamps and the equipment together and analyze the images while viewing the images as in the related art. Since the operation can be analyzed while looking at the screen, it is easy to judge the analysis and the cost of the equipment can be reduced.

Finally, a description will be given of an analysis apparatus for performing image analysis only by displaying a timing chart without displaying a video image of equipment. In this analyzer, the state change of the sequence element is shown only in the timing chart, and as shown in FIG. 12, if the time position on the timing chart is designated by the cursor, the ON / OFF remaining based on the position is retained. Time is now displayed for all sequence elements.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration. The analysis device B includes a computer for image processing as a control center, and connects a time information storage unit 1 to a programmable controller PC (hereinafter, simply referred to as “PC”) as a sequencer via a communication unit 1a. When the PC starts the sequence control and a state change occurs in the sequence element, the time is sequentially taken in and stored in the time information storage means 1 from the start time of the sequence program. Next, the time information fetched into the time information storage means 1 is stored in the timing chart conversion means 1.
3, the image is converted into a video signal by the image synthesizing means 3, and displayed on the display device 4 together with an index such as a cursor. An index such as a cursor displayed on the display device 4 can be freely moved on the timing chart by an input operation device such as a mouse. If a time position on the timing chart is designated,
The remaining on / off holding times based on the position are displayed corresponding to the timing charts of all the sequence elements. When the cursor is moved on the screen, the calculating means 8 calculates the on / off remaining holding times t1 to t4 based on the position for all the sequence elements, and the calculated values are as shown in FIG. Display device 4
Is displayed on the display screen.

According to such a configuration, as in the prior art,
It is not necessary to use two cursors X to find the time from a specific position on the timing chart to the change point. By specifying the cursor X once, a plurality of sequence elements displayed on the same screen can be displayed. The on / off remaining time can be determined at a glance. FIG. 12 shows a screen display example at this time.

Here, the timing chart display area 11
When only a change point on the timing chart is designated by the cursor X, the remaining on / off holding times t1 to t4 based on the designated position are displayed above the respective change points. In this figure, the display of the calculated time is
Although the process is performed only from the position of the cursor X to a change point thereafter, the time from the position of the cursor X to a change point before the position of the cursor X may be calculated and displayed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the above operation.

[0052]

As can be understood from the above description, the present invention has the following advantages. That is, according to the analysis method proposed in claims 1 to 6, the state change of the sequence element and the image of the equipment at that time are displayed on the same screen. For this reason, it is not necessary to compare the operation images of the equipment displayed on the screen with the analysis while looking at the timing chart or the lighting display of the lamp linked to the sequencer. Image analysis can be easily and accurately performed.

In particular, in the first to fifth aspects, the status change of the sequence element is displayed as a timing chart, and is displayed in a comparative manner on the same screen as the screen of the equipment, which is even more convenient. Since the state change of the sequence element is displayed as a spot in the on / off display by a picture or a character, it is easy to understand visually, and image analysis can be easily performed.

Further, according to the present invention, the state changes of a plurality of sequence elements are displayed as a timing chart in a state where they are arranged on the same screen, and the rise and fall of the timing chart of each sequence element can be designated by a cursor or the like. For example, since the remaining on / off retention times from that point are displayed simultaneously for all sequence elements, time analysis of a plurality of sequence elements can be performed simultaneously, which is convenient.

According to claims 8 to 13, an analyzer for implementing the method of the present invention proposed in claims 1 to 7 can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic basic configuration of an analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the analyzer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display device (a composite screen of a timing chart and a video image of equipment).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic operation of the analysis method of the present invention.

5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a management table of state change information of a sequence element, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a video image management table.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the equipment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a timing chart corresponding to the operation of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a basic operation of the automated equipment system.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display by a display device (a composite screen of an on / off display and a video image of equipment).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a basic operation of the analysis method of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an analyzer according to another example of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display by the display device (a timing chart of a sequence element and a remaining on / off holding time based on a time position designated by a cursor).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation when the screen display shown in FIG. 12 is performed.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an automated facility system.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing an example of a state change of a sequence element.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A: analysis device 1: time information storage unit 2: video photographing and recording unit 3: image synthesizing unit 4: display unit 5: equipment 6: display reproduction unit 7. ..Cursor / pointer index data generating means 8 ... Calculating means 11 ... Display screen 11a ... Timing chart display area 11b ... Equipment image display area 11c ... Status display area 1 ... Time information Storage means 13: Timing chart conversion means X: Cursor PC: Programmable controller C, 2a: Video camera G: Image of equipment

Claims (13)

[Claims] An internal contact of a sequencer provided corresponding to equipment operated by a sequencer, a state change of a sequence element such as a control contact or a sensor in a system,
From the start of the program of the sequencer, it is memorized sequentially, and the control operation of each equipment is photographed in a video image according to the state change of the sequence element such as the internal contact of the sequencer, the control contact in the system and the sensor. Is stored, and the change in state of the sequence element is converted into a video signal, and the video signal of each of the photographed equipment is synthesized and synchronized with the video signal, and the synthesized video image is displayed on the same screen. A method for analyzing a control operation, characterized in that: 2. The control operation analysis method according to claim 1, wherein the state change of the sequence element is displayed as an image including a time-series element such as a timing chart. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the state change of the sequence element is displayed as a timing chart, and a video image of the equipment is displayed on the same screen in synchronization with the rise and fall of the timing chart. A method for analyzing a control operation, characterized in that: 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the status change of the sequence element is displayed as a timing chart, and a video image of the equipment is displayed on the same screen in synchronization with the rise and fall of the timing chart. And a time position on the timing chart corresponding to the video image is indicated by displaying an index such as a cursor or a pointer. 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein when the status change of the sequence element is displayed as a timing chart, the video image of the equipment equipment photographed in synchronization with the rise and fall of the timing chart. A control operation analysis method characterized by further displaying, for each of them, the remaining on / off retention times based on the rise and fall times of a timing chart corresponding to the video image. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the state change of the sequence element is displayed on and off with a picture or a character not including a time-series element. A method for analyzing a control operation, comprising displaying, on the same screen, a video image of a facility device synchronized with the control device. 7. A state change of a sequence element such as an internal contact of a sequencer provided corresponding to the equipment operated by the sequencer, a control contact or a sensor in the system, and the like.
For each sequence element, it is stored sequentially from the start of the program of the sequencer, and each state change of the sequence element is displayed as a timing chart, and the rise and fall of the timing chart displayed at that time are indicated by a cursor or the like. A control operation analysis method characterized in that when indicated by an index, the on / off remaining retention time for all sequence elements based on the location is displayed on the same screen. 8. A sequence change time of a sequence element such as an internal contact of the sequencer, a control contact or a sensor in the system provided corresponding to the equipment operated by the sequencer is sequentially stored from the start of the program of the sequencer. A time information storage means to be operated, and control operations of respective equipments are photographed in a video image in accordance with a change in the state of a sequence element such as an internal contact of the sequencer, a control contact or a sensor in the system, and these are stored and stored. Video shooting and recording means, and converts the information on the state change of the sequence element stored and held by the time information storage means into a video signal, and converts the video image of each equipment captured in the video signal into the state change of the sequence element. Image synthesizing means for capturing and synthesizing from the video photographing and recording means in synchronism with the image synthesizing means; Therefore, the analysis device of the control operation, characterized in that it includes a state change of the sequence elements, and a display device for displaying a composite image in which the video image is synthesized of the equipment. 9. The image synthesizing means according to claim 8, wherein said image synthesizing means converts a state change of the sequence element into a video signal including a time-series element such as a timing chart, and converts the image signal into a state change of the sequence element. A control operation analyzing apparatus configured to sequentially capture video images of the equipment taken in synchronization with the image capturing apparatus from the video capturing / recording means and combine the video images into one image. 10. The equipment according to claim 8, wherein said image synthesizing means converts a state change of the sequence element into a video signal as a timing chart, and equipment equipment photographed in synchronization with rising and falling of the timing chart. A control image analyzing apparatus configured to sequentially capture the video images from the video image capturing / recording means and to combine them into one image. 11. The image synthesizing means according to claim 8, wherein said image synthesizing means converts a state change of the sequence element into a video signal as a timing chart, and converts a video image of the equipment synchronized with the rising and falling of the timing chart. And a control operation analyzing apparatus configured to sequentially capture the images from the video image capturing / recording means and to add an index such as a cursor and a pointer indicating a time position on the timing chart to synthesize the images into one image. 12. A state change of a sequence element such as an internal contact of the sequencer, a control contact or a sensor in the system provided corresponding to the equipment operated by the sequencer, for each sequence element, from the start of the program of the sequencer. A time information storage means for sequentially storing, a timing chart conversion means for converting a state change of each of the sequence elements stored by the time information storage means into a timing chart, and a timing chart conversion means for converting each of the sequence elements converted into the timing chart. Image synthesizing means for converting a state change into a video signal and generating a synthetic image to which an index such as a cursor is added, a display device for displaying the synthetic image generated by the image synthesizing device on the same screen, and a display of the display device The timing chart is displayed by an index such as a cursor displayed on the screen. When a time position of the sequence is designated, there is provided arithmetic means for calculating the remaining on / off time from the designated time position for all the sequence elements, and the time position on the display screen is determined by the cursor. A control operation analysis apparatus characterized in that when specified, the on / off remaining holding time based on the position is displayed for all sequence elements. 13. The image synthesizing means according to claim 8, wherein said image synthesizing means turns on information such as a picture or a character which does not include a time-sequential element,
A control operation analysis apparatus configured to convert the video signal into a video signal as an off display, and sequentially capture and synthesize video images of the equipment captured by the video signal from the video capturing and recording means.