WO2006011271A1

WO2006011271A1 - Field bus system

Info

Publication number: WO2006011271A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/007036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shoji Tomita
Original assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
Priority date: 2004-07-30
Filing date: 2005-04-11
Publication date: 2006-02-02

Abstract

A field bus system comprising start-up assisting means having the functions below. (1) Having means for automatically repeating recognition of all the field devices connected to a segment until on-demand communication is possible. (2) Revealing the identities (device information such as vendor name) of the devices connected to a network. (3) Explicitly showing the statuses of the field devices. (4) Automating the pre-processing (assigning, equalizing, etc.) of downloading engineering data. (5) Enabling operation using graphical display. To realize the above functions, the field bus system which downloads engineering data in the field device connected to a field bus is provided with start-up assisting means for recognizing the field devices connected to a segment and automatically displaying the information.

Description

Specification

Finored Bus System Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fieldbus system for downloading engineering data to a field device connected to a fieldbus. Background art

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example in which a conventional field bus system for downloading engineering data to a field device is applied to a hierarchical process control system.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a host device, which is connected to the control bus 2. A field control station 3 connected to the control bus 2 communicates with the host device 1 and controls field devices connected to the field bus through the IZO bus 4.

[0004] Two interface cards 51 and 52 are connected to the I / O bus 4. Interface cards generally have multiple segments, and field buses can be connected in segment units. A segment is a physical group of devices connected to the fieldbus.

[0005] Field buses 61 and 62 are connected to segments of the interface card 51, and field devices 71 and 72 are connected to the segments. Similarly, field buses 63 and 64 are connected to segments of the interface card 52, and field devices 73 and 74 are connected to the segments.

[0006] 8 is a general-purpose communication bus represented by Ethernet (registered trademark) to which the host device 1 is connected. Reference numeral 9 denotes an engineering station that generates engineering data for operating the field devices 71 to 74, and is connected to the control bus 2 and the general-purpose communication bus 8.

[0007] In the engineering station 9, reference numeral 91 denotes a project database, which stores engineering data (including application programs) to be downloaded. 92 is a fieldbus builder for device registration, and 93 is a door for creating a control loop. Rowing builder, 94 is a detail builder that sets block parameter values, and 95 is a display device that displays information on field devices connected to the segment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of conventional engineering work performed by the user using the engineering station 9. In the engineering station 9, when a project is created in step S101, device registration is performed in the fieldbus builder 92 in step S102, and overwriting is saved in the project database 91 in step S103.

[0009] In step S104, a control loop is created by the drawing builder 93. In step S105, the block parameter value is set by the detailed builder 94, and these data are overwritten and saved in the project database 91 in step S106. .

[0010] The major flow of engineering work is that all engineering data (configuration data) is created offline (in a state where the network power is disconnected), and all data is downloaded to the field device during startup at the site. It ’s a flow.

[0011] When the engineering work is completed, the user performs a startup work of downloading the engineering data stored in the project database 91 to the field device. Startup work includes pre-download work.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a conventional start-up operation that has been performed by the user using the engineering station 9. In step S201, the user confirms the actual machine connected to the segment (vendor name, device type), and recognizes the revision in step S202. These operations can be performed in the display device 95 by the engineering station 9 communicating with the field device.

[0013] When the device tag and address are assigned in step S203, the user sets a class that determines the communication capability of the device in step S204. In addition, check the device connection status, implement zero adjustment, range adjustment, equalization, etc. This is the previous work, and when this work is completed, offline loading is executed in step S205.

[0014] In the offline load of S205, control of the device is stopped and the engineering data is downloaded (hereinafter simply referred to as “download” as appropriate), and then the operation start operation is performed. Do the work. A series of start-up operations is completed by executing the parameter adjustment of the equipment that has started operation S in step S206.

[0015] The above-mentioned pre-operation is particularly compulsory! / Is not automated! /, But it is an indispensable operation to complete the download normally. However, sometimes the work is often lost.

[0016] In addition, in offline loading, it is desirable to have a mechanism that can explicitly manage the start of device control under the powerful situation where the control starts immediately after the download is completed as described above. There is a case.

[0017] The configuration of a conventional fieldbus system is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 below.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-124937

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0018] The previous work such as confirmation of the actual machine before downloading the engineering data to the field device is specified in the manual describing the engineering procedure, and a tool (display device 95) for that purpose is also prepared.

[0019] However, since these operations are directly performed manually by the user, the procedure may differ depending on the situation, and there are the following problems.

(1) Download errors may occur due to failure to confirm.

(2) Since it is a manual operation, it takes time to recover from a work leak that easily occurs.

(3) It is possible to explicitly check the status of the field device connected to the network (recognition Z not recognized, registration Z not registered, operation Z not activated, whether or not it is necessary to download, etc.). Can not.

(4) There is no way to use the block parameter values that have already been adjusted by other devices.

(5) There is no environment for automatically and explicitly performing the above startup-related operations. Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a fieldbus system including a startup support means having the following functions.

(1) For each field device connected to the segment, there will be a means to automatically and repeatedly recognize the device until on-demand communication is possible.

(2) Clarify the features (device information such as vendor name) of devices connected to the network.

(3) Clarify the status of field devices.

(4) Automate pre-operations (assignment, equalization, etc.) for downloading engineering data.

(5) Enable operation using graphical display.

Means for solving the problem

[0021] The main configuration of the present invention for achieving such a problem is as follows.

The present invention provides (1) a fieldbus system that downloads engineering data to a field device connected to a fieldbus.

A start-up support means for recognizing the field device connected to the segment and automatically displaying the information is provided.

[0022] Further, the present invention provides (2) a process execution means for repeatedly and automatically executing a process until on-demand communication is possible with respect to the field device connected to the startup support means power segment. (2) The fieldbus system according to (1),

[0023] Further, the present invention is characterized in that (3) a process execution means for executing an equality の of the block parameter of the field device connected to the startup support means power segment (1) ) Or (2).

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides in advance whether (4) the value set in the actual device of the field device connected to the startup support means force segment or the value of the engineering data is used in advance. The fieldbus system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the fieldbus system has a process execution means that is determined according to predetermined selection information. [0025] The present invention is also characterized in that (5) the start-up support means power is communicatively connected to an engineering station that generates the engineering data.

The fieldbus system described in 4)!

[0026] Further, the present invention is (6) the fieldbus system according to any one of (1) to (5), which is compliant with the fieldbus and field device power FOUNDATION fieldbus standard.

[0027] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that (7) power of the start-up support means includes parameter display setting means for displaying and setting block parameters when the field device is operated. ) Fieldbus system according to any of the above.

[0028] Further, the present invention is characterized in that (8) power of the start-up support means includes alarm processing means for acquiring and displaying all alarms related to the field bus when the field device is operated ( The fieldbus system according to any one of 1) to (6).

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides (9) the startup support means power during operation or maintenance of the field device, the field device displays whether or not the operation target device power and maintenance target device power unavailability, and switching setting The fieldbus system according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that a display setting means is provided.

[0030] Further, the present invention is characterized in that (10) the startup support means power includes processing means for replacing and re-engineering the field device at the time of maintenance of the field device (1) to (6) The fieldbus system described in any of the above.

[0031] Further, the present invention is characterized in that (11) the startup support means power includes a registration means for registering a newly connected device in a project database at the time of maintenance of the field device. The fieldbus system according to any one of 6) Effect of the invention

[0032] The present invention has the following effects.

(1) A list of all field devices connected to the segment is automatically displayed. A recognition work mistake can be prevented.

(2) It is possible to automatically realize a state in which on-demand communication is possible for all field devices connected to the segment.

(3) All block parameters can be equalized. It is possible to automatically determine whether to use the database value or the value set in the actual machine.

[0033] Further, by expanding and using the function of the startup support means during operation and maintenance of the field device, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) During the operation phase, you will be able to set block parameters.

(2) During the operation phase, alarms can be analyzed.

(3) In the operation and maintenance phases, whether or not the device is an operation target device and whether or not the device is a maintenance target device can be displayed.

(4) In the maintenance phase, equipment can be replaced without using the engineering function.

(5) In the maintenance phase, it is easy to register the newly connected device in the system after adjustment.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a fieldbus system configuration when the present invention is applied to a hierarchical control system.

FIG. 2 is an image diagram of the operation screen of the startup support means.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed in the process in which device information is displayed on the segment information display means.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for executing an equality 匕 of a block parameter.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of block parameter equality keys.

[Fig.6] Block parameter equivalence screen.

FIG. 7 is an image diagram of alarm acquisition and display functions.

[Fig.8] Alarm display screen.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a re-engineering processing procedure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a new registration processing procedure.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example in which a conventional fieldbus system is applied to a hierarchical process control system.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of engineering work.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of startup work.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the configuration of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a fieldbus system in which the present invention is applied to a hierarchical control system. The same elements as those in the conventional system described in FIG. Hereinafter, the characteristic part of the present invention will be described.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a startup support means, which is connected to the control bus 2 and the general-purpose communication bus 8 to communicate with the engineering station 9 and the host device 1 and is connected to the field buses 61 to 64. Communicate with devices 71-74.

[0037] The start-up support means 100 is used at the start-up of the fieldbus system, and the main purpose is to display the status of all devices connected to the segment, and the engineered system configuration (device The configuration of the device itself is implemented by associating the configuration) with the actual machine.

[0038] In the startup support means 100, 101 is OLE (Object Linking and

Embedding) is an activation means. This means has the function of activating the various functions of the fieldbus builder, which is the function of constructing the fieldbus system of the existing functions, and starting it as necessary. With this function, the operation on the startup support means 100 side can be reflected in the engineering station 9 and various functions can be expanded.

Reference numeral 102 denotes event processing means. The startup support means 100 accepts an operation on the screen and starts processing for a logical device or an actual machine. Specifically, this is block parameter equivalence processing.

[0040] Reference numeral 103 denotes segment display means for displaying information on all field devices connected to the segment. The field device information includes basic information such as device tag, node address and device revision information, and detailed information to be obtained and displayed as necessary. [0041] Reference numeral 104 denotes project data display means for displaying a system configuration (equipment configuration) constructed by offline engineering at the engineering station 9 in a tree format. The display unit is the entire project managed by the process control system.

[0042] Reference numeral 105 denotes an on-demand communication means that recognizes a field device connected to a segment and automatically enters an on-demand communication with the device. Then, all the information necessary for display on the segment display means is acquired by communication. In addition, block parameter values are set in the equipment by communication.

[0043] 106 is a database access means, which accesses the project database 91 built in the engineering station 9 managed by the process control system, obtains project data, and passes it to the project data display means 104. .

Reference numeral 107 denotes processing execution means, which executes the various processes described above in the startup support means 100.

FIG. 2 shows an image diagram of the operation screen of the startup support means 100. The left side of the screen is the part that displays project information (logical equipment configuration) in a tree structure, and the right side of the screen is the part that displays segment information (actual machine information).

[0046] In the segment information display part on the right side of the screen, only basic information about the device is displayed by default, and detailed information can be displayed in a separate dialog if necessary. Also, the logical device and the real device are linked by overlapping the real device with the logical device on the left side of the screen by dragging and dropping on this screen. This operation is reflected in the fieldbus builder 92 of the engineering station by the OLE activation unit 101.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the startup support means 100 in the process in which device information is displayed on the segment information display unit 103. First, the startup support means 100 recognizes all the devices connected to the segment at regular intervals in step S11.

[0048] If the node address of the recognized device is a temporary address in the check in step S12, an address assignment process for automatically setting the node address to an appropriate effective address is executed in step S13. To do.

[0049] In step S14, in order to enable on-demand communication with the field device, an application Set QUB-VCR (on-demand communication environment processing based on Foundation fieldbus standard) for the case.

[0050] In this state, an environment is realized in which on-demand communication, that is, exchange of devices via communication, specifically, reading and writing of each parameter (including block parameters) can also be executed by the startup support means 100. The processing from step S11 to S14 is repeated for the number of devices, and device information of the devices for which processing has been completed is displayed as needed in the startup support means 100.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in which the start-up support means 100 executes the block parameter equivalence key で when the process progress is controlled by the start-up support means 100. This process is a typical process of the commissioning operation in the fieldbus system. First, in step S21, a so-called linking operation for connecting a logical device and a real device is performed by the user.

[0052] When the logical device and the real device are linked, the block parameter of the real device is uploaded in step S22. Next, in step S3, the block parameter in the logical device database is compared, and the result is displayed on the screen.

[0053] The user confirms the displayed comparison screen, and sets the equality option in step S24. The equality option is selection information that determines whether to use a parameter value of a logical device or an actual device. For the selection information, device units, block units, and individual parameters are prepared and each has a default value.

[0054] If there is no problem with the default value, the process jumps to step S26 to execute an equality 匕, and if there is a problem, the user has selected the intention of adopting each value by individual setting in step S25. Later, in step S26, the equality 匕 is executed.

[0055] When the equality key is executed, the process proceeds to step S27, where each block transitions to the MAN mode (mode in which control is not executed), and the series of parameter equality key processing ends.

In the embodiment described above, the functions related to the essential items of the previous work prior to the download have been described. However, various functions can be expanded by using the environment of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of a function extension that can be realized will be described.

[0057] In the usage phase of the operation, the device status display function of this embodiment is used as a basis. (1) Parameter display Z setting function

(2) Alarm display function

By adding, useful functions at the time of operation can be realized.

[0058] In the usage phase in maintenance, based on the device status display function of this embodiment,

(3) Mode switching function

(4) Re-engineering function for equipment replacement

By adding, you can realize useful functions during maintenance.

[0059] As an extension in further engineering,

(5) Device registration function

It is possible to improve the convenience during engineering.

Hereinafter, additional functions (1) to (5) will be supplementarily described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Parameter display The Z setting function can be easily realized because the on-demand communication is enabled. This is the use of the function of acquiring the parameter value of the device with the parameter equivalence key in this embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the block parameter equality key 、. The force is substantially the same as the procedure described in FIG. 4. The screen of the block parameter equality key の in step S26 is used. . Fig. 6 shows the block parameter equivalence screen, which has a function that allows you to select which parameter value to use for the logical device or the actual device, as shown in the figure. There is provided a parameter display setting means that can use this function at an arbitrary timing.

[0062] When the parameter value on the selected side of the logical device and the actual device can be modified and the logical side is selected, the parameter value on the logical side is selected and the device side is selected. In this case, the parameter value on the device side is subject to correction.

[0063] (2) The alarm display function allows an alarm to be transmitted when an application is downloaded to a device connected to the fieldbus by means of committing. Added the function to obtain and interpret Z at 100.

FIG. 7 is an image diagram of an alarm acquisition and display function. History of host device 1 From the message management, all alarms related to the fieldbus are acquired by the startup support means 100, and the information expressed in hexadecimal numbers such as error codes is separated using the interpretation method depending on each device. The contents are displayed as easy-to-read character strings. Fig. 8 shows an example of the alarm display screen processed in this way.

[0065] (3) The mode switching function is a function for rewriting a certain parameter in order to safely stop the device for device replacement. By entering the on-demand communication enabled state, parameter rewriting can be easily realized.

[0066] "Operable" and "Maintenance possible" can be set for each device in order to set work restrictions for workers who use this function. Equipment that is set to “operable” means that it is currently in operation and cannot be operated by maintenance workers. Also, a device set to “Maintenance Available” means that it is currently being maintained and cannot be operated by the operator.

[0067] Switching from “operation possible” to “maintenance possible” is performed by the operator, and switching from “maintenance possible” to “operation possible” is performed by the maintenance worker. It is carried out manually at the discretion of each worker. The engineer can perform any operation.

[0068] (4) The re-engineering function that accompanies the device replacement is performed by calling the device registration function already implemented as the function of the Fieldbus Builder 92 for the device in the provisional registration state by the OLE activation unit 101. It can be easily realized. As a result, it is possible to carry out device registration work without any operation on the field node builder side, and it is possible to improve the operability of online engineering.

[0069] Replacement of equipment (both hardware and software) involves re-engineering. This re-engineering work force S, start-up support means: It can be automatically executed in the flow of the equality processing provided in L00. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the re-engineering procedure.

Referring to the flow of FIG. 9, in step S 42, the work status is set to “maintenable” for the exchange target device. In step S43, the device is physically replaced. After the device is re-recognized in steps S44 and S45, the linking operation with the logical device is performed. Step S4 The equalization process is executed in step 6, and re-engineering is automatically performed to eliminate the difference.

[0071] The maintenance worker can perform the re-engineering after the replacement without using the engineering function without requesting the engineer to perform the re-engineering after the replacement. However, if the maintenance worker does not have engineer authority, the work shall be performed by the engineer. Even in this case, the operation itself is the same operation.

[0072] (5) A new device registration function can be added as an extended function in engineering, and the convenience during engineering can be improved. The device displayed in the startup support means of this embodiment is in a provisional registration state. In other words, it is registered in the project database 91 of Engineering Station 9!

[0073] A function for displaying information on a device newly connected to a segment already exists as a function of the startup support means 100, but the device is only in a provisional registration state. In other words, it is not registered in the project database 91 of the engineering station 9. This function allows devices in the provisional registration state to be registered in the project database 91.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for new registration. Explaining the flow of this process, when the drag & drop to the segment of the logical device in step S52 is executed, the automatic device registration processing is executed in step S53, and the generation function is executed in step S54.

[0075] Further, in step S55, the download function is executed. In step S56, the block parameter equivalence key designation is activated, and the parameter to be adopted is selected. In step S57, the offline function is installed on the equipment provided with the changing function. The load is executed.

[0076] This function can be registered in the project database 91 in the same equalization process flow without performing the work of registering a newly connected device by the engineering function. This means that maintenance workers who do not use the engineering function will be able to perform new registration work. This function is allowed only for maintenance workers with engineer authority. Industrial applicability

In the embodiment, the startup support means 100 is shown as an independent component that communicates with other components via the control node and the general-purpose communication bus. However, this function is not limited to the engineering station 9 or the host device 1. It is also possible to take the structure formed inside.

In the embodiment, the fieldbus system when the present invention is applied to a hierarchical control system has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a fieldbus system that does not have a hierarchical structure. .

Explanation of symbols

[0079] 1 Host device

2 Control bus

3 Field control station

4 I / O bus

51, 52 Interface card

61, 62, 63, 64 Field Nos

71, 72, 73, 74 Field, equipment

8 General-purpose communication bus

9 Engineering station

91 Project database

92 Fieldbus Builder

93 Drawing Builder

94 Detail Builder

95 Display device

100 Startup support measures

101 OLE activation means

102 Event processing means

103 Segment display means

104 Project data display means

105 Device recognition Z On-demand communication means 106 Database access means 107 Processing execution means

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In a fieldbus system that downloads engineering data to field devices connected to the fieldbus,

A fieldbus system comprising start-up support means for recognizing the field device connected to a segment and automatically displaying the information.

[2] The start-up support unit includes a process execution unit that automatically and repeatedly executes a process until on-demand communication is enabled for the field device connected to a segment. Fieldbus system as described in section 1

[3] The scope of claim 1 or 2, wherein the startup support means includes a process execution means for executing an equality 匕 of a block parameter of the field device connected to a segment. Fieldbus system.

[4] The start-up support means is set in the actual device of the field device connected to the segment, and uses either the value or the value of the engineering data according to predetermined selection information. The fieldbus system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising processing execution means for determining.

[5] The start-up support means is communicatively connected to an engineering station that generates the engineering data. A fieldbus system as described in any of the above.

[6] The fieldbus system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fieldbus and the field device conform to a FOUNDATION fieldbus standard.

[7] The start-up support means includes parameter display setting means for performing display and setting of a block meter during operation of the field device, according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Fieldbus system as described in

[8] The start-up support means includes alarm processing means for acquiring and displaying all alarms related to the field bus during operation of the field device. Fieldbus system according to any of the paragraphs Stem.

[9] The start-up support means includes display setting means for displaying whether or not the field device is an operation target device and whether it is a maintenance target device or not during operation or maintenance of the field device. The fieldbus system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fieldbus system is characterized by that.

[10] The start-up support means includes processing means for exchanging and re-engineering the field equipment during maintenance of the field equipment. The fieldbus system described in Crab.

[11] The start-up support means includes a registration means for registering a newly connected device in the project database during maintenance of the field device. A fieldbus system according to any one of the above.