JPH11161305A - Programming device for programmable controller, arranging and connecting method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an operator of a programmable controller(PC) to perform a program preparing work by easily and efficiently performing an arranging operation for operated description parts and a terminal-to-terminal connecting work. SOLUTION: A CPU 1 which controls the whole system of a programming device 10 of a PC reads out and executes an application program stored in a storage part 4 or on a portable storage medium 7 to perform processing for recognizing a 1st terminal in a cell of a function where an operated description part is placed on the screen of a display part 5 by retrieving a terminal information storage part 3-2, finding the position on the screen where the said operand description part can be arranged corresponding to the recognized 1st terminal by referring it to a cell information storage part 3-1 and capable of arranging the said operand description part at the position and processing for automatically connecting between the 2nd terminal of the said operand description part and the said 1st terminal by using connection information stored in a connection information storage part 3-3 and a connection management information storage part 3-4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a programming device which is a program creation support tool for a programmable controller.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Programmable controllers (hereinafter referred to as P
C), a programming device that is a program creation support tool is generally used. This programming device is usually separate from the PC, and is used by connecting to the PC when a program is changed, modified, or newly created.

[0003] As a PC programming language, there is known an illustration expression program such as a ladder diagram using graphic symbols such as relay symbols and logic symbols. The creation of an illustration expression program using a programming device is performed by displaying graphic symbols on a display screen, connecting them, and creating a so-called circuit diagram.

By the way, as an illustration expression program used for a PC, there is an expression format called a function block diagram (hereinafter, referred to as an FB diagram) in addition to the ladder diagram and the like. The FB diagram is a logical operation,
A graphic symbol of "function" indicating a processing unit such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and a graphic symbol of "operand" (hereinafter referred to as an operand description section) indicating input data or output data of the "function" are displayed on a display screen. And a program is expressed by connecting the terminals of these graphic symbols.

[0005] FIG. 12 shows a program creation /
It is a figure showing an example of a display. The figure shows an example of a program for calculating the sum of the values of "A" and "B" of the operands using the function of addition (+) and storing the result in "C". And a display example.

First, as shown in FIG. 12A, a command group displayed on a screen such as a display is used to operate an input device such as a keyboard (not shown). A function of addition (+) is selected by directly touching the display screen, and a graphic symbol (hereinafter, referred to as a cell) 200 of the addition (+) function is arranged at a desired position. Addition (+) function cell 200
Has two input and one output terminals (input terminals P and Q and an output terminal R) as shown in FIG. FIG.
The characters P, Q, and R shown in (a) to (d) are described for convenience of explanation, and are not always displayed on the display screen.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1B, an operand description section is selected from the instruction group (here, the operand description section 210 of "A") in the same manner as in the case of FIG.
The three terminals P of the cell 200 of the function of the addition (+),
The terminal (for example, terminal P) to which the selected operand description unit 210 is to be connected is confirmed in R and Q, and the operand description unit 210 is arranged near the terminal.

Subsequently, a "line" is selected from the instruction group, and as shown in FIG.
The terminal S in 0 is connected to the terminal (P) of the cell 200 of the corresponding function.

Although not particularly shown, the operand description section 220 of "B" and the operand description section 230 of "C" are operated in the same manner as those shown in FIGS. The arrangement and connection of 220 and 230 are performed. As a result, an illustrated expression program as shown in FIG.

[0010]

In the conventional method described above, the operator or the like checks the terminal of the cell of the function to which the operand description section is to be connected, and then places the operand description section near the terminal of the cell of the function. It is necessary to confirm whether there is enough space for placing the operand, perform the placement operation of the operand description section, and then select "line" to connect the terminal of the operand description section and the terminal of the function cell However, it was not possible to perform efficient program creation work.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement and connection of an operand description section to a placed function, so that an operator or the like automatically checks only the terminal of the function to which the operand description section is connected, and automatically. An object of the present invention is to provide a programming device of a programmable controller in which the arrangement of an operand description section and the connection between the terminal of the operand description section and the terminal of a function cell are performed.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a programming device for connecting a program for operating a programmable controller between each graphic symbol indicating a processing unit or input data or output data and terminals of each graphic symbol. In the programming device that is created by the illustrated representation, it is detected that the operation of arranging the second graphic symbol on the first terminal in the first graphic symbol arranged at an arbitrary position is performed. Detecting means for detecting an area in which the second graphic symbol whose arrangement operation has been detected by the detecting means can be arranged outside the first graphic symbol at a position corresponding to the first terminal; And arranging means for arranging the second graphic symbol in the designated area.

According to the programming device of the first invention, the second graphic to be connected to the first terminal in the first graphic symbol arranged by the operator or the like at an arbitrary position on the screen. By simply performing a simple operation of arranging a symbol on the first terminal, the second graphic symbol is automatically arranged.

A programming device according to a second aspect of the present invention further comprises: storage means for storing cell information of the first and second graphic symbols and their terminal information, respectively; and cell information and terminals stored in the storage means. A connection unit for connecting a first terminal in the first graphic symbol and a second terminal in the second graphic symbol based on the information;

According to the programming device of the second invention, the second graphic to be connected to the first terminal in the first graphic symbol arranged by the operator or the like at an arbitrary position on the screen. By simply performing a simple operation of arranging a symbol on the first terminal, the second graphic symbol is automatically arranged, and the first terminal and the second terminal are automatically connected. You.

A programming device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a program for operating a programmable controller in a diagrammatic representation in which each graphic symbol indicating a processing unit or input data or output data is connected to a terminal of each graphic symbol. In the programming device to be created, detecting means for detecting that an operation of arranging the second graphic symbol on the first terminal in the already arranged first graphic symbol has been performed; and Whether the second graphic symbol whose placement operation has been detected can be placed at a predetermined position near the first terminal of the first graphic symbol without overlapping with the first graphic symbol and other graphic symbols. First determining means for determining whether or not the first graphic symbol has been placed; Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the second graphic symbol can be arranged by moving another graphic symbol, or whether or not the second graphic symbol can be arranged by moving the second graphic symbol from the predetermined position. A second determining means for determining, and arranging the second graphic symbol at a position determined to be disposable by the first determining means or the second determining means; Arrangement / connection means for connecting the terminals of the second graphic symbol.

According to the programming device of the third aspect of the present invention, the second graphic to be connected to the first terminal in the first graphic symbol arranged by the operator or the like at an arbitrary position on the screen. By simply performing a simple operation of arranging the symbols on the first terminal, especially when the graphic symbols are dense and there is no place where the second graphic symbol can be arranged near the first graphic symbol. However, by moving the first graphic symbol or another graphic symbol, a space for automatically arranging the first graphic symbol is created, or the second graphic symbol is moved from the vicinity of the first graphic symbol. The second graphic symbol is automatically arranged, for example, by arranging it at a distance, and the first terminal and the second
Terminals are automatically connected.

As described above, according to the programming devices of the first, second, and third aspects, the work efficiency in creating the graphic representation program is significantly improved as compared with the conventional art.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a programming device 10 according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a CPU 1 is a central processing unit for controlling the entire system of the programming device 10. The input unit 2 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, or a touch panel.

The RAM 3 is a storage for storing information storage units such as a cell information storage unit 3-1, a terminal information storage unit 3-2, a connection information storage unit 3-3, and a connection management information storage unit 3-4. It is a memory having an area. Each of these information storage units 3-
The configuration of each of the information storage units 3-1 to 3-4 will be described later in detail. It is equivalent to the program data created. In addition, RAM
Reference numeral 3 denotes a battery backup so that data is not erased even when the power is turned off. RA
An EEPROM or the like may be used instead of M3.

The storage unit 4 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) and stores an OS (operating system), various application programs, and the like.
Further, it is possible to store an application program that provides the function of the programming device according to the present embodiment.

The display unit 5 is, for example, a CRT display. The display unit 5 is based on, for example, data (information) stored in the cell information storage unit 3-1, the terminal information storage unit 3-2, and the connection information storage unit 3-3. To display the FB diagram.

The medium driving device 6 is a device that executes reading or writing of application programs and data stored in a portable storage medium 7 described later under the control of the CPU 1, and includes, for example, an FDD and a CD-ROM.
Such as a drive.

The portable storage medium 7 stores at least an application program for providing the function of the programming device according to the present embodiment in a format that can be read by the medium drive device 6 and executed by the CPU 1. The portable storage medium 7 includes, for example, FD (floppy disk), MO (magneto-optical disk), CD-ROM,
An application program, such as a PC card, which provides the functions of the programming device of the present embodiment magnetically, magneto-optically, or electrically, is readable by the medium drive device 6 and executable by the CPU 1 It is stored in a format.

The communication section 8 transfers the program data stored in the RAM 3 or the like after the program creation work is completed to the PC 1
1 to a program memory (not shown). Alternatively, when partially modifying the program data stored in the program memory in the PC 11, the PC 11
Receiving program data transferred from the
It is stored in M3.

The PC 11 is a programmable controller. Programming device 10 according to the present embodiment
Represents a storage area for storing cell information (information of a cell of a function or a cell of an operand (operand description part)), terminal information, connection information, and the like based on the FB diagram input / created in the illustrated representation. To have.

FIG. 2 shows the information storage units 3-1 to 3-4.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data configuration of FIG. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a cell information storage unit 20 that stores cell information of each cell arranged on the screen.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the cell information storage unit 20 stores, for each cell, a cell type 21, a cell name 22, an input number 23, a head position 24 of the input terminal information storage unit, and an output number 25. , The cell information including the data of the head position 26, the cell XY coordinates 27, the cell width 28, and the cell height 29 of the output terminal information storage unit.

The cell type 21 is data indicating whether the cell is a function cell or an operand cell (operand description section). For example, “1” is stored for a function cell, and “2” is stored for an operand description part.

When the cell name 22 indicates that the cell is a function cell in the cell type 21, for example, addition / subtraction (+), (−), multiplication / division (×),
If it becomes data indicating the operation processing unit such as (÷) and indicates that the cell is an operand description part,
For example, data such as “A”, “B”, and “C” described above. Here, “A” in the operand description part,
The data such as “B” and “C” are information indicating the name of a register or the like for storing a value input to a function or an operation result of the function.

The number of inputs 23 is data indicating the number of inputs to the cell (the number of input terminals). The data of 23 inputs is
Normally, the value is “2” when the cell is a function cell, and is “0” or “1” when the cell is an operand description part.

The head position 24 of the input terminal information storage section is stored in the terminal information storage section 30 (FIG. 2) for storing information on each terminal.
(B); this will be described later) is data indicating the head position (head address) of a storage area for storing information on input terminals.

The output number 25 is data indicating the number of outputs (number of output terminals) from the cell. The data having 25 outputs is normally “1” when the cell is a function cell, and is “0” when the cell is an operand description part.
Or '1'.

The head position 26 of the output terminal information storage unit is data indicating the head position (head address) of the storage area for storing the information of the output terminal in the terminal information storage unit 30.

The cell XY coordinates 27 are data indicating the arrangement position of the cell on the display screen, for example, the (X, Y) coordinate value of the upper left corner of the cell. And this (X,
Y) The cell is displayed on the display screen based on the coordinate value data, the cell width data 28, and the cell height data 29. The cell width 28 is the length of the cell in the X direction, and the cell height 29 is the length of the cell in the Y direction.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a data structure of the terminal information storage unit 30 for storing information (terminal information) relating to each terminal of each cell arranged on the screen. As shown in FIG. 3B, the terminal information storage unit 30 includes an input / output division 31 for each terminal, a corresponding cell information storage position 32, a previous terminal information storage position 33, a next terminal position information storage position 34, and a terminal XY. The terminal information including the coordinates 35 and the data of the connection management information position 36 is stored.

The input / output section 31 is data indicating whether the terminal is an input terminal or an output terminal. For example, "1" for an input terminal, "2" for an output terminal
Is stored.

The corresponding cell information storage position 32 is data indicating the position where the information of the cell corresponding to the terminal in the cell information storage unit 20 is stored, in other words, the cell or operand description of the function having the terminal. This is data indicating the head position of the storage area in the cell information storage unit 20 in which the information of the unit is stored.

The previous terminal information storage position 33 is data indicating the head position of a storage area in the terminal information storage section 30 in which terminal information before the terminal concerned is stored. The next terminal information storage position 34 is data indicating a head position of a storage area in the terminal information storage unit 30 in which terminal information next to the terminal is stored.

Note that the previous or next terminal information at the previous terminal information storage location 33 and the next terminal information storage location 34 is defined as follows when there are a plurality of input terminals or output terminals in the same cell.
This is information for linking information storage positions of a plurality of terminals in the terminal information storage unit 30 between input terminals or between output terminals.

The terminal XY coordinates 35 are data indicating (X, Y) coordinates indicating the display position of the terminal on the display screen. The connection management information location 36 is stored in the connection management information storage unit 50.
This is data indicating a head position of a storage area in which connection management information corresponding to the terminal is stored in (FIG. 2D; described later).

FIG. 2C is a diagram showing the data structure of the connection information storage unit 40. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3C, the connection information storage unit 40 stores data of a connection start XY position 41, a connection end XY position 42, and a connection management information position 43 of each connection.

The connection start XY position 41 and the connection end XY position 42 are data indicating the (X, Y) coordinates of the start point and the (X, Y) coordinates of the end point of the connection, respectively. The connection management information position 43 is data indicating a head position of a storage area in the connection management information storage unit 50 in which connection management information corresponding to the connection is stored. .

FIG. 2D is a diagram showing the data structure of the connection management information storage unit 50. As shown in FIG.
The connection information storage unit 50 stores a connection information storage position 5 for each connection.
1. Each data of a connection start terminal information storage position 52 and a connection end terminal information storage position 53 is stored.

The information stored in the connection information storage unit 50 is
This is information for managing the terminals to be connected to each other and the connection information in association with each other. For example, the information of the terminals at the start point and the end point of a certain connection is a connection start terminal information storage position 5.
2, and by searching data in the storage area indicating the head position in the terminal information storage unit 30 by the connection end terminal information storage position 53.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the program creation support processing by the programming device of the first embodiment. The program to be created is shown in FIG.
This is the same as the conventional example shown in FIG.

FIGS. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of data stored in each information storage section shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D by the operation of the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS.

First, in FIG. 3, a cell of a function (for example, a cell of a function of addition (+)) is selected from an instruction group by an operator or the like, and the cell of the function is placed at an arbitrary position on the screen of the display unit 5. Is performed, the storage areas of the cell information storage unit 20 and the terminal information storage unit 30 are secured in the RAM 3 and the cells of this function are stored in the storage units 20 and 30 (for example, addition (+) Is stored (step S1).

By the process of step S1, the cell information storage unit 20 stores the function (addition (+) of the addition (+)) arranged on the screen as shown in the cell information storage unit 20-1 of FIG. Function) cell information is stored. In the terminal information storage unit 30, for example, as shown in the terminal information storage unit 30-1 in FIG. 4B, each terminal (input terminal) of the cell of the function (addition (+) function) arranged above is provided. P,
Q and information of the output terminal R) are stored.

In the cell information storage unit 20-1 of FIG. 4A, "1" indicating a function cell is stored as the cell type 21, and "+" is stored as the cell name 22. In the number of inputs 23 and the number of outputs 25, “2” and “1” are stored according to the number of input / output terminals. In the head position 24 of the input terminal information storage unit, the terminal information storage unit 3
“1” indicating the head position of the input terminal information stored in 0-1 is stored. Start position 2 of output terminal information storage
6, “3” indicating the head position of the output terminal information stored in the terminal information storage unit 30-1 is stored.

The cell XY coordinates 27, the cell width 28, and the cell height 29 respectively have, for example, XY coordinates (8, 0),
The cell width '5' and the cell height '5' are stored. FIG.
In the terminal information storage unit 30-1 of (b), for example, an input is made to the head position (the storage area corresponding to the position “1” stored in the head position 24 of the input terminal information storage unit) in the terminal information storage unit 30. Information on the terminal P is stored. The information of the input terminal Q is stored at the position next to the information of the input terminal P (position '2'), and the information of the output terminal R is stored at the next position (position '3').

Next, information on the input terminal P will be described. '1' indicating input is set in the input / output section 31
Is stored. In the corresponding cell information storage position 32, the above function (function of addition (+)) is stored in the cell information storage unit 20.
'1' indicating the position where the information is stored is stored.

In the front terminal information storage location 33, "0" (none) is stored. In the next terminal position information storage position 34,
“2” indicating the position where the information of the input terminal Q is stored in the terminal information storage unit 30 is stored.

For example, coordinates (8,
1) is stored. At the present time, the connection of the terminals P, Q, and R is not yet formed in the connection management information position 36, and the information is not stored in the connection management information storage unit 50, so that "0" (none) is displayed. Is stored.

The information of the input terminal Q and the output terminal R are also stored in the terminal information storage section 30 in the same manner as described above.
Is stored in the storage area. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, at the stage of the processing in step S1, no data is yet stored in the connection information storage unit 40 and the connection management information storage unit 50.

Then, based on the data stored in the cell information storage unit 20 and the terminal information storage unit 30, the cell of the addition (+) function and its terminals P, Q, R are displayed on the screen of the display unit 5.
Is displayed. That is, the display example is as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, next, an operand description section "[]" is selected from the instruction group by an operator or the like, and a terminal to which this operand description section is to be connected (for example, a terminal of a cell of the addition (+) function). When the operation of placing in P) is performed, first, a process of determining (detecting) the terminal in which the operand description section is placed is performed (step S2). That is,
Assuming that the position where the operand description section is located is, for example, XY coordinates (8, 1), the terminal XY coordinates 35 of each terminal in the terminal information storage section 30 of FIG. Detect matching terminals. In this case, since the terminal XY coordinates of the input terminal P are (8, 1), it is determined that the terminal in which the operand description part is placed is the input terminal P.

Next, from the information of the corresponding cell information storage position 32 of the input terminal P, the position where the cell information of the corresponding cell (the cell having the input terminal P) is stored is determined. Is searched for the corresponding cell information (step S3). Then, from the data of the cell XY coordinates 27, the cell width 28, and the cell height 29, the size / position of the area occupied by the cell of the function on the display screen of the display unit 5 is determined. Instead, it is determined whether there is a space on the left side of the input terminal P where the operand description section can be arranged (step S4). The width and height of the operand description section are set to predetermined values in advance, and the determination in step S4 is performed using these values. The arrangement of the operand description part for the function cell is such that the terminal is arranged on the left side of the input terminal when the terminal is an input terminal and on the right side when the terminal is an output terminal. Further, in step S4, the determination is made in consideration of whether there is a space for connection between the cell of the function and the operand description part.

In the above example, the determination is made only by considering that the operand description section can be arranged so as not to overlap the cell of the addition (+) function. However, the determination is actually made densely on the display screen. It is conceivable that a large number of cells (function cells and operand description sections) are arranged, so refer to the information of all cells (function cells and operand description sections) stored in the cell information storage section 20. Then, an empty space in which the operand description section can be arranged is determined.

If there is an empty space where the operand description section can be arranged, the operand description section is arranged in this empty space, the arrangement information is stored in the cell information storage section 20, and the operand description section is further stored. Is stored in the terminal information storage unit 30 (step S).
5). The terminal S of the operand description section is automatically determined as an output terminal because the terminal P of the addition (+) function is an input terminal.

As a result, the information stored in the cell information storage section 20 and the terminal information storage section 30 are as shown in FIG.
The result is as shown in FIG. As shown in the cell information storage unit 20-2 of FIG. 5A, the cell information storage unit 20 stores the cell information of the operand description unit arranged above at the position next to the cell information of the addition (+) function. Is stored. As shown in the figure, the cell information of this operand description part is cell type 2
1 is '2', cell name 22 is 'A', number of inputs 23 is '0', head position 24 of the input terminal information storage is '0',
The output number 25 is '1', the head position 2 of the output terminal information storage unit
6 is '4', cell XY coordinates 27 are (0,0), cell width 2
8 is '5' and cell height 29 is '2'.

As shown in the terminal information storage unit 30-2 in FIG. 5B, the cell information storage unit 30 stores the next position of the information of each terminal P, Q, and R of the cell of the addition (+) function. The information of the terminal (output terminal) S of the placed operand description section is stored in (position '4').

The output terminal information of this operand description part is
The input / output division 31 is “2” (output), the corresponding cell information storage position 32 is “2”, and the previous terminal information storage position 33 is “0”.
(None), the next terminal position information storage position 34 is “0” (none), the terminal XY coordinates 35 are (5, 1), and the connection management information position 36 is “0” (none).

The reason why the connection management information position 36 is “0” (none) is that no connection has been made yet at this stage, and as shown in FIG. 5C and FIG. This is because no data is stored in the storage unit 40 and the connection management information storage unit 50.

When the processing in step S5 is completed, next, the connection information storage unit 40 and the connection management information storage unit 50
The connection information between the terminal S of the operand description section and the terminal P of the addition (+) function is stored (step S6). Since the terminals to be connected to each other are known as described above, the coordinate value data of each terminal is read from the terminal information storage unit 30 and stored in the connection information storage unit 40. Further, terminal information of each terminal to be connected and information indicating a position where the connection information is stored are stored in the connection management information storage unit 50. Accordingly, the data of the connection management information position 36 of each terminal to be connected is set.

As a result, the connection start XY coordinates 41 and the connection end XY coordinates 42 in the connection information storage unit 40 are respectively stored in the operand description unit as shown in the connection information storage unit 40-3 in FIG. The coordinates (5, 1) of the output terminal S and the coordinates (8, 1) of the terminal P of the cell of the function of addition (+) are stored in the connection management information position 43 in the connection management information storage unit 50. '1' indicating the position where the connection management information is stored is stored. In the connection management information storage unit 50, as shown in the connection management information storage unit 50-3 in FIG. 6D, data indicating the position where the information of the connection is stored in the connection information storage unit 40. "1", data "4" indicating the position where the terminal information of the terminal S of the operand description part is stored in the terminal information storage unit 30, and terminal information of the terminal P of the addition (+) function are stored. The data '1' indicating the position of the connection is stored in the connection information storage position 51, the connection start terminal information storage position 52, and the connection end terminal information storage position 53, respectively.

Finally, the cell information storage section 20-3, the terminal information storage section 30-3, and the cell information storage section 20-3 shown in FIGS.
Connection information storage unit 40-3 and connection management information storage unit 50
-3 based on the data stored in the operand description unit 11 on the display screen of the display unit 5 as shown in FIG.
0 and the connection 140 between the terminals S and P are displayed (step S7).

Further, by the same processing as described above, FIG.
The connection shown in (d) can also be performed automatically. Here, as described above, for example, in a situation where a large number of cells (function cells and operand description sections) are already densely arranged on the display screen, for example, the object description section is replaced with the function cells. , It is necessary to find a place where the operand description part can be arranged in consideration of not only the area occupied by the cell of the function to be connected, but also at least the area occupied by other cells in the vicinity.

This will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a program creation support process performed by the programming device according to the second embodiment.

In the figure, first, step S1 in FIG.
Processing similar to that of steps S4 to S4 is performed (step S11).
That is, first, a cell of a function (for example, a cell of a function of addition (+)) is selected from an instruction group by an operator or the like, and the cell of the function is arranged at an arbitrary position on the screen of the display unit 5. An operation is being performed.
Cell information storage unit 20 and terminal information storage unit 30 in AM3
Is performed to secure the storage area and store the arrangement information of the cell of this function (for example, the cell of the function of addition (+)) in the storage units 20 and 30.

Then, an operand description section "[]" is selected from the instruction group by an operator or the like, and the operand description section is connected to a terminal to which the operand description section is to be connected (for example, the cell 100 of the addition (+) function cell 100 in FIG. When the operation of placing the terminal M) is performed, a process of determining (detecting) the terminal in which the operand description section is placed is first performed. Subsequently, the position where the cell information of the corresponding cell (the cell having the input terminal M; cell 100 in this example) is stored is determined from the information of the corresponding cell information storage position 32 of the detected terminal, and the cell information storage is performed. The corresponding cell information is searched in the section 20. Next, the size / position of the area occupied by the cell of the function on the display screen of the display unit 5 is determined, and it is determined whether or not the operand description unit can be arranged at a predetermined position without overlapping the cell of the function. I do. However, at this time, in the process of FIG. 7, not only the area occupied by the cell of the function, but also the area occupied by other cells (cells of the function, cells of the operand, etc.) are calculated. This need not necessarily be calculated for all cells, and may be for only cells (for example, cell 110) that are adjacent to the cell (for example, cell 100) of the function to be connected.

Then, it is determined whether or not the operand description section can be arranged at a predetermined position (for example, on the left side of the terminal M) without overlapping with the area occupied by the connection target cell and its neighboring cells. If it can be arranged, continue with Fig. 3.
Steps S5 to S7 may be performed.

On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG.
In a situation where the cell 110 of the addition (+) function is arranged close to the cell 100 of the addition (+) function, the operand description unit 140 is placed at the terminal M of the cell 100 of the addition (+) function. When an operation is performed, even if an attempt is made to place the operand description section 140 at a predetermined position (for example, to the left of the terminal M) as shown in FIG. , There is no space in which the operand description section 140 can be arranged.

In such a case, the process proceeds to step S12 and subsequent steps. That is, first, the operand description section 1
8A is moved from a predetermined position shown in FIG. 8A by a predetermined movement (for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is shifted one step below the predetermined position in FIG. 8A). do it),
It is determined whether it can be arranged at the position after the movement (step S12). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8B, there is an empty space for arranging the operand description unit 140 at the position where the above-mentioned specified movement has been performed (step S12, YE
S), the operand description section 140 is arranged at this position, and the processing substantially the same as the processing of steps S5 to S7 in FIG. 3 is performed (step S13).

On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when there is no free space for arranging the operand description section 140 due to the presence of another cell 150 at the position where the specified movement has been performed. (Step S12, NO), is it possible to create an empty space by moving the cell 100 of the function to be connected or another cell (such as the cell 150) that prevents the arrangement of the operand description section 140? It is checked whether or not it is (step S14). Then, for example, when it is possible to create an empty space by moving the cell 100 of the function to be connected (step S14,
YES), for example, by moving the cell 100 rightward as shown in FIG. 9B, an empty space where the operand description section 140 can be arranged on the left side of the terminal M of the cell 100 is created, and the operand description section 140 Are arranged (step S15). Alternatively, when it is possible to create an empty space by moving another cell 150 (step S14, YES), the cell 150 is moved downward in the figure, for example, as shown in FIG. 9C. This creates an empty space in which the operand description section 140 can be placed at the position where the above-mentioned prescribed movement has been performed, and places the operand description section 140 at the position where the above-mentioned prescribed movement has been made (step S15). Alternatively, although not specifically shown, an empty space may be created by moving the other cell 110 to the left, and the operand description section 140 may be arranged.

Then, the operand description section 140 is arranged in the empty space secured as described above, and FIG.
Steps S5 to S7 are performed.
At this time, when a cell to be connected or another cell is moved, it is necessary to change the arrangement information of the moved cell.

That is, first, the arrangement information of the operand description section 140 arranged as described above is stored in the cell information storage section 2.
0, and further stores the arrangement information of the terminal N of the operand description section in the terminal information storage section 30. Next, the connection information between the terminal N of the operand description unit 140 and the terminal M of the addition (+) function 100 is stored in the connection information storage unit 40 and the connection management information storage unit 50. Further, the arrangement information related to the moved cell is changed. That is, the cell XY coordinates 27 of the cell information storage unit 20, the terminal XY coordinates 35 of the terminal information storage unit 30, and the connection start XY position 41 and / or the connection end XY position 42 of the connection information storage unit 40 relating to the moved cell. The information is changed so as to be information corresponding to the position of the cell after the movement.

It is necessary to change the arrangement information of the operand description section connected to the moved cell. For example, when the cell 110 is moved, the operand description units 120 and 130 connected to the terminals P and Q of the cell 110 also need to be moved accordingly. , 130 are also changed.

Finally, based on the data stored in the cell information storage unit 20, the terminal information storage unit 30, the connection information storage unit 40, and the connection management information storage unit 50, the display screen of the display unit 5 is displayed. The function cell, operand description section, terminal, and connection are displayed (step S16).

On the other hand, the cells already placed (cell 10
0, 150, etc.) (step S14, NO), for example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the cell 100 is moved rightward or the cell 150 is moved. If the cell 110 is moved downward, it will exceed the “creation boundary line”. If the cell cannot be moved (the cell 110 cannot be moved because another cell (not shown) is particularly close to the left side thereof). By expanding the search range of the empty space where the operand description section 140 can be arranged (step S1).
7), it is determined whether or not there is an available empty space (step S18). For example, the operand description section 140
Are sequentially moved downward or upward (may be rightward or leftward) from the predetermined position, and each time the cells are sequentially moved, another cell (function cell, object, (Description part, etc.) is checked.

When a place where the operand description section 140 can be placed is found (step S18, YES), the operand description section 140 is placed at this place, and FIG.
Steps S5 to S7 are performed (step S19).

If no free space for arranging operand description section 140 is found even if the search range is expanded (step S18, NO), an error such as "no space for arranging this operand" is generated. Display a message and end the process.

In the above embodiment, the connection between the function cell and the operand description section has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Connection between function cells and function cells or automatic connection between operand description sections and operand description sections can be performed.

By the way, the programming device of the PC is as follows.
In addition to a specially developed device, there is a device that uses application software (software stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk) that realizes a PC programming function using a general personal computer as a tool body. Further, even in the device developed exclusively for the above, the application software may be exchanged using a floppy disk or the like. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the main body of the programming device and the method of supporting program creation in the programming device, but also has a computer-readable record for causing a computer to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention when used by the computer. It can also be configured as a medium (storage medium).

In this case, the “recording medium” includes, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a CD-ROM disk 7
1. Floppy disk 72 (or MO, DV
D, a removable hard disk or the like), a storage means (not shown) in an external device 60 (such as a server), or a storage device 83 in a main body 81 of the information processing device 80. (RAM / ROM or hard disk, etc.).

In FIG. 11, a program (data) 60a stored in a storage means (not shown) in an external device 60 on the program (data) provider side is a public line,
Through a line 90 such as a dedicated line or an interface,
The application program of the present invention is loaded into the storage device 83 in the main body 82 of the information processing device 80 on the recipient side and executed.

Also, by inserting the CD-ROM 71, the floppy disk 72, and the like into the medium driving device 82 provided (or connected) to the main body 81 of the information processing device 80, these portable storage media 70 The stored programs (program (data) 71a and program (data) 72a) are read (loaded into the storage device 83) by the medium drive device 82 and executed.

The device and the like developed exclusively for the above are ROM
Since the program may be changed by replacement, the portable storage medium includes a ROM.

[0090]

As described above in detail, according to the PC programming apparatus of the present invention, when arranging and connecting the operand description section to the cell of the arranged function, the operator or the like selects the cell. By simply performing the operation of placing the operand description part on the connection destination terminal, the arrangement of the operand description part and the connection between the terminal of the operand description part and the terminal of the function cell are performed automatically.

This eliminates the need for the user to determine the position where the operand description section can be arranged and to perform the operation of arranging the operand, thereby eliminating the need to perform the work of connecting the terminals. Thus, the operation burden on the user is reduced, and programming can be performed efficiently.

Further, even when there is no space where the operand description section can be arranged because the cells are densely arranged, the already arranged cells (such as function cells) are moved to create an empty space. An operand description section can also be arranged.

The same effects as described above can be obtained for the arrangement between the function cells and the function cells or between the operand description section and the operand description section and the connection between the terminals.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a programming device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram of each storage unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a program creation support process according to the first embodiment.

4 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of data stored in each information storage unit illustrated in FIG. 2 by the operation of the flowchart in FIG. 3;

5 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of data stored in each information storage unit illustrated in FIG. 2 by the operation of the flowchart in FIG. 3;

6 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of data stored in each information storage unit illustrated in FIG. 2 by the operation of the flowchart in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a program creation support process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of automatic arrangement and automatic connection of an operand description section.

FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of automatic arrangement and automatic connection of an operand description section.

FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of automatic arrangement and automatic connection of an operand description section.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording medium (storage medium).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of program creation / display using an FB diagram.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 Input part 3 RAM 3-1 Cell information storage part 3-2 Terminal information storage part 3-3 Connection information storage part 3-4 Connection management information storage part 4 Storage part 5 Display part 6 Medium drive device 7 Portable storage Medium 8 Communication unit 10 Programming device 11 PC 20 Cell information storage unit 21 Cell type 22 Cell name 23 Number of inputs 24 Input terminal information storage start position 25 Output number 26 Output terminal information storage start position 27 Cell XY coordinates 28 Cell width 29 Cell height S 30 Terminal information storage unit 31 Input / output division 32 Applicable cell information storage position 33 Previous terminal information storage position 34 Next terminal information storage position 35 Terminal XY coordinate 36 Applicable connection management information storage position 40 Connection information storage unit 41 Connection start XY coordinate 42 connection end XY coordinates 43 corresponding connection management information storage position 50 connection management information storage unit 51 connection information storage unit Position 52 Connection start terminal information storage location 53 Connection final terminal information storage location 60 External device 60a Program (data) 70 Portable storage medium 71 CD-ROM 71a Program (data) 72 Floppy disk 72a Program (data) Reference Signs List 80 information processing device 81 main body 82 medium driving device 83 storage device 83a program (data) 90 line 100 function cell (cell to be connected) 110 function cell (other cell) 120 operand description section 130 operand description section 140 operand description Part (operand to be connected) 150 Function cell (other cell)

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A programming device for creating a program for operating a programmable controller in a graphical representation formed by connecting each graphic symbol indicating a processing unit or input data or output data and a terminal of each graphic symbol, Detecting means for performing an operation of arranging the second graphic symbol on the first terminal in the first graphic symbol arranged at the position of the first symbol, and detecting the arrangement operation by the detecting means An area in which the determined second graphic symbol can be arranged at a position corresponding to the first terminal outside the first graphic symbol, and an arrangement for arranging the second graphic symbol in the detected area. Means, comprising: a programming device. 2. A storage means for storing cell information of the first and second graphic symbols and their terminal information, respectively, and the first graphic based on the cell information and the terminal information stored in the storage means. 2. The programming device according to claim 1, further comprising: connecting means for connecting a first terminal in the symbol and a second terminal in the second graphic symbol. 3. The detecting means detects arrangement coordinates on the screen where the second graphic symbol is placed, and searches terminal information of the first graphic symbol stored in the storage means. Detecting a terminal arrangement coordinate that coincides with the detected arrangement coordinates to determine a first terminal in the first graphic symbol, wherein the arrangement means stores a first terminal stored in the storage means. A first area occupied by the first graphic symbol on the screen is calculated based on the cell information of the graphic symbol, and a first area on the screen where the second graphic symbol can be arranged without overlapping the first area is calculated. 3. The programming device according to claim 2, wherein a second area is detected, and the second graphic symbol is arranged in the second area. 4. The graphic symbol according to claim 1, wherein said first graphic symbol is a graphic symbol of a function indicating a processing unit, and said second graphic symbol is a graphic symbol of an operand indicating data input / output. 4. The programming device according to 2 or 3. 5. A programming device for creating a program for operating a programmable controller in a graphical representation formed by connecting each graphic symbol representing a processing unit or input data or output data and a terminal of each graphic symbol, Detecting means for detecting that an operation of arranging the second graphic symbol has been performed on the first terminal in the arranged first graphic symbol; and detecting the arranging operation by the detecting means. Determining whether the second graphic symbol can be arranged at a predetermined position near the first terminal of the first graphic symbol without overlapping the first graphic symbol and other graphic symbols; When the first determining means determines that placement is impossible, the first graphic symbol or another graphic symbol is moved. Second determining means for determining whether or not the second graphic symbol can be arranged by moving the second graphic symbol, or whether or not the second graphic symbol can be arranged by moving the second graphic symbol from the predetermined position. And arranging the second graphic symbol at a position determined by the first determination means or the second determination means to be capable of being arranged, and providing terminals for the first graphic symbol and the second graphic symbol. A programming device, comprising: an arrangement / connection means for connecting between them. 6. The second determining means defines the second graphic symbol from the predetermined position when the first determining means determines that the second graphic symbol cannot be arranged at the predetermined position. 6. The programming device according to claim 5, wherein it is determined whether or not it can be arranged at the position where the movement has been performed. 7. The method according to claim 7, wherein the second determining unit determines that the first determining unit determines that the second graphic symbol cannot be arranged at the predetermined position. 6. The programming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein it is determined whether or not the second graphic symbol can be arranged by moving the first graphic symbol. 8. The method according to claim 8, wherein the second determining unit determines that the second graphic symbol cannot be arranged at a position where a predetermined movement has been performed from the predetermined position. 7. The programming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether or not the second graphic symbol can be arranged by sequentially moving the symbol. 9. An arrangement in a programming device for creating a program for operating a programmable controller in a graphical representation formed by connecting each graphic symbol representing a processing unit or input data or output data and a terminal of each graphic symbol. In the connection method, it is detected that an operation of arranging a second graphic symbol has been performed on a first terminal in a first graphic symbol arranged at an arbitrary position, and the arrangement operation has been detected. Detecting an area where the second graphic symbol can be arranged at a position corresponding to the first terminal outside the first graphic symbol; arranging the second graphic symbol in the detected area; A second terminal in the second graphic symbol and the first terminal. 10. An arrangement in a programming device for creating a program for operating a programmable controller in a diagrammatic representation formed by connecting between each graphic symbol indicating a processing unit or input data or output data and a terminal of each graphic symbol. In the connection method, it is detected that an operation of arranging a second graphic symbol has been performed on a first terminal in a first graphic symbol that has already been arranged, and the second operation is performed when the arrangement operation is detected. Is determined at a predetermined position in the vicinity of the first terminal of the first graphic symbol without overlapping the first graphic symbol and other graphic symbols. Is determined, the second graphic symbol is arranged by moving the first graphic symbol or another graphic symbol. It is determined whether or not the second graphic symbol can be arranged by moving the second graphic symbol from the predetermined position, and the second graphic symbol is arranged according to the determination result. A method of arranging and connecting the second graphic symbol in a possible area and connecting the terminals of the first graphic symbol and the second graphic symbol. 11. A recording medium storing a program for creating a program for operating a programmable controller by a computer when executed by a computer, comprising: a first graphic symbol in a first graphic symbol arranged at an arbitrary position; A function of detecting that an operation of arranging a second graphic symbol on a terminal of the first graphic symbol has been performed;
A function of detecting an area that can be arranged outside the graphic symbol of the above, a function of arranging the second graphic symbol in the detected area, a second terminal in the arranged second graphic symbol, and the first A recording medium in which a program for realizing the function of connecting the terminal to the computer and executing the program by the computer is recorded in a format readable by the computer. 12. A recording medium which stores a program for creating a program for operating a programmable controller by a computer when the program is executed by a computer, comprising: a first terminal in a first graphic symbol already arranged; A function of detecting that an operation of arranging the second graphic symbol has been performed, and a function of detecting the second graphic symbol whose arrangement operation has been detected in the vicinity of the first terminal of the first graphic symbol. A function of determining whether or not the first graphic symbol can be arranged at a predetermined position without overlapping with the first graphic symbol and another graphic symbol; Whether the second graphic symbol can be arranged by moving the second graphic symbol, or if the second graphic symbol is moved from the predetermined position. A function of deciding whether or not the second graphic symbol can be arranged by moving, and arranging the second graphic symbol in an area where the second graphic symbol can be arranged according to the result of the determination; A recording medium in which the program for realizing the function of connecting the terminal of the graphic symbol and the terminal of the second graphic symbol by executing the computer by the computer is recorded in a format readable by the computer.