WO2014188602A1 - Programmable controller system, motion video editor thereof, and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication content display unit (41) generates external device information (51) and initial external device memory data (52), on the basis of image data (32). A communication description editing processing unit (45) arbitrarily changes the external device memory data (52). A memory analysis processing unit (42) computes a processing time required for the external memory access on the basis of either the initial or the changed external device memory data (52). The result of the computation is displayed. The content of the external device memory data (52) is reflected in screen data (32) in response to a prescribed operation.

Description

Programmable controller system, drawing editor device thereof, program thereof

The present invention relates to a drawing editor apparatus that supports creation of screen data for a programmable display.

Programmable displays are generally connected to various connected devices such as PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and temperature control devices, and numerical items, lamps, and other items for displaying the status of these connected devices, and user-specified An image of an item such as a switch for issuing an instruction is displayed. An item is also called a screen component or the like. Usually, images of a plurality of screen components (items) are displayed on the screen of the programmable display (referred to as an operation display screen). Data or the like for displaying such an operation display screen (referred to as screen data or the like) is arbitrarily created in advance by a developer or the like in a support device or the like and downloaded from the support device to a programmable display.

The screen data includes, for each item, data such as an image of the item (switch image or lamp image), display position coordinates, and an address (assigned memory address) of a predetermined area of the external memory described later. It is. In addition, some programs may be included. The support device has a function of performing various types of support for allowing the user to arbitrarily create the screen data, for example. This is a well-known existing technique and will not be described here.

Each of the items (screen parts) is, for example, a status display of the component corresponding to an arbitrary component of an arbitrary connected device, or receiving an ON / OFF instruction for the component. is there. For example, in the case of an item that numerically displays the temperature measurement value of the temperature control device, the current temperature is displayed numerically as needed. Alternatively, in the case of a lamp item indicating the ON / OFF state of the temperature control device, the lamp is turned on if the temperature control device is ON, and the lamp is turned off if the temperature control device is OFF.

In the support device, a lamp-on image and a lamp-off image are registered in advance as item images, and the screen data includes a lamp-on image and a lamp-off image for one lamp item. Of course, this is not limited to the case of lamps, and the same applies to other item types such as switches.

The display control related to the various items is realized by, for example, periodically executing predetermined processing for each item. The predetermined process is, for example, data stored in a predetermined storage area of a predetermined memory device (referred to as an external memory device) in a predetermined connected device related to the item (in the predetermined allocation memory area indicated by the allocation memory address). Stored data). Furthermore, a process for determining and displaying the display content of an item based on the stored data (display content refresh process) and the like. Note that the process of reading the data stored in the predetermined allocation memory area) is generally a process of accessing the external memory device, and therefore may be referred to as an external memory access process.

The connected device updates the stored data in a predetermined area of the external memory device as needed. For example, if the connected device is the temperature control device, the connected device updates the temperature measurement value as needed.

Here, the support device also has a function of allowing the user to set an arbitrary allocated memory address for each item when creating screen data. As described above, the screen data also includes the set allocated memory address. The screen data is downloaded from the support device to the programmable display device and stored. During operation, the allocated memory area is accessed based on the allocated memory address corresponding to each item.

This is to generate stored commands in the allocated memory area by generating an access command to the allocated memory area and transmitting it to the connected device and receiving a reply command from the connected device. Basically, an access command is generated and transmitted for each item, that is, for each allocated memory area, but an access command to a memory area including a plurality of allocated memory areas is generated and transmitted. There is also a case. Thereby, data of a plurality of items can be acquired at once. As a result, the number of times of command transmission / reception can be reduced, and the external memory access processing time can be shortened.

Further, there are conventional techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, for example.
The prior art described in Patent Document 1 is to enable anomaly analysis to be performed easily and reliably in an FA system of Ethercat (registered trademark). For this purpose, the controller has a protocol monitor function that operates according to the monitor system program, and constantly monitors data communicated with the remote device. Since the controller has an abnormality diagnosis function for detecting an abnormality, when an abnormality is detected there, the controller monitors the data monitored immediately before that. The built-in protocol monitor function eliminates the need for a new protocol monitor to join the network as an external device after an error occurs. By monitoring the system from the beginning of operation, the data that causes it can be detected from the first error that occurred. Can be used for analysis.

The prior art described in Patent Document 2 efficiently associates addresses to objects in the same group in order to group and operate objects such as parts on a screen displayed on a programmable display. is there. For this purpose, the drawing editor unit is grouped by a common group address by the group setting unit. The grouping is performed on a plurality of objects arranged in the drawing window displayed by the drawing editor unit. When the user selects an object to be grouped and inputs a group address, the group setting unit sets the group address in common for the selected object. When the programmable display displays a screen including grouped objects, if the contents (bits or words) of the address corresponding to the group address in the PLC internal memory change, each grouped object will be changed accordingly. Change the display status of all at once.

The prior art described in Patent Document 3 analyzes a communication protocol and creates a communication program corresponding to the communication protocol. For this purpose, the communication program creation device acquires communication between the programmable display and the PLC by the monitor unit, and automatically analyzes the PLC protocol by the analysis unit. Further, the protocol format is stored in the storage unit, and the communication program P1 which is a communication interface is generated in the program creation unit. Thereby, the communication program creation apparatus can communicate with the PLC using the protocol format stored in the storage unit from the communication program P1 as if the programmable display device is communicating with the PLC.
JP 2011-35664 A JP 2007-65907 A JP 2002-300226 A

As described above, since the allocated memory address is set by a human, there is always a possibility that a setting error will occur. Even if it is not a mistake, there may be a more appropriate setting. More appropriate settings are memory address settings that allow the external memory access processing time to be shorter. Thus, for example, with the creation of screen data, there is a demand for a function that assists the user in making more appropriate settings.

None of the prior arts in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 can solve such a demand.
An object of the present invention relates to a drawing editor apparatus that supports creation of screen data for a programmable display, and provides a drawing editor apparatus and the like that supports a user to set an appropriate allocated memory address.

The present invention provides a programmable display that accesses an external memory of an external device based on screen data including external memory access information related to each item on the screen, and a drawing editor device that arbitrarily creates the screen data. A programmable controller system having the following configuration.

The drawing editor device has the following configurations.
Backup information generation means for generating default backup information from the external memory access information of arbitrary screen data;
A setting changing means for arbitrarily changing the backup information;
Processing time calculation means for calculating and displaying a memory access processing time related to external memory access according to the backup information at that time based on the default or changed backup information;

It is a schematic block diagram of the whole programmable controller system of this example. It is a hardware structural example of a programmable display. It is a software block diagram of this system. It is a functional block diagram of the drawing editor of this example. It is a figure which shows roughly a part of function of the drawing editor of this example. It is an example of screen selection. It is an example of the analysis setting display screen of an initial state. It is an example of the analysis setting display screen after a setting change. (A), (b) is a specific example of screen data. (A) is external device information, (b) is a specific example of external device memory data. It is a specific example of analysis data. It is a processing flowchart figure of a communication content display part. It is a process flowchart figure of a memory analysis process part. It is a process flowchart figure of a communication content edit process part. It is a process flowchart figure of a switch monitoring process part. It is a process flowchart figure of a memory setting process part. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of a command. It is a hardware structural example of a drawing editor apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire programmable controller system of this example.
The programmable controller system in the illustrated example has a configuration in which a programmable display 1 is connected to a drawing editor device 5 via a communication line 3. The programmable display 1 is also connected to one or more connection devices 4 (external devices) via the communication line 6. Each connection device 4 is, for example, various PLC main bodies, the above-described temperature control device, or the like. The programmable display 1 is provided with a plurality of communication interfaces 2 (communication ports), and is connected to various connection devices 4 and the drawing editor device 5 by the communication line 3 / communication line 6 connected to each communication interface 2. ing.

The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the configuration in which the programmable display device 1 is not necessarily connected to the drawing editor device 5 via the communication line 3 may be used. The programmable display 1 and the drawing editor device 5 may exist separately. However, it is desirable that the screen data arbitrarily created by the drawing editor device 5 is transferred to the programmable display device 1 by some method and stored.

The drawing editor device 5 also has the function of the existing support device described in the background art above. That is, it has an existing function or the like that supports a developer or the like to arbitrarily create data or the like (screen data or the like) for displaying the operation display screen on the programmable display 1.

As already described, for example, various item images are prepared in advance as the existing function, and the user repeats the operation of selecting a desired item image and placing it at a desired position, thereby creating the screen data. At this time, the user can arbitrarily set a desired allocated memory address (allocated memory area) for each item. That is, the screen data includes setting information for the allocated memory address for each item. The screen data created in this way is downloaded from the drawing editor device 5 to the programmable display device 1.

However, the drawing editor device 5 of this example further has a user support function (to be described later) in connection with the screen data creation support by this existing function. In other words, the user support function is a function for assisting the user to set an appropriate allocated memory address, so that screen data with more appropriate contents can be created (particularly, an appropriate allocated memory address is set). Like) is a function to support the user. Details will be described later.

The programmable display 1 displays the operation display screen based on the screen data as in the conventional case. During the display, for example, the display content is refreshed periodically. For this purpose, the above-mentioned allocation memory area related to each item on the operation display screen is accessed, the latest data is acquired, and the operation display screen having contents corresponding to the latest data is displayed.

In this description, basically, as described above, a request command (such as a read command) for accessing one storage area including an allocated memory area of one or a plurality of items is transmitted once or a plurality of times. Generate and send once. Basically, the allocated memory area of all items on the displayed operation display screen is accessed. And it is desirable that the time required for this (external memory access processing time) is short. It can be considered that the shorter the external memory access processing time, the better the communication performance.

Although not described one by one, the transmission destination of the request command or the like related to the external memory access is the connected device 4, and the allocated memory area of each item is an arbitrary storage area in the memory (external memory) in the connected device 4 It is.

In any case, the function itself of the programmable display 1 may be the same as the conventional one, and in this example, the drawing editor device 5 has a new function.
Here, the drawing editor device 5 is realized by, for example, a general general-purpose computer (such as a personal computer). Therefore, although not shown in the drawings, it has a configuration of a general personal computer or the like. That is, for example, it has an arithmetic processor such as a CPU, a storage device such as a memory and a hard disk, an operation unit such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit such as a display, a communication function unit, and the like.

A predetermined application program is stored in the storage device in advance, and various functions of the drawing editor device 5 are realized by the arithmetic processor executing the application program.

The programmable display 1 may also have a general hardware configuration. Therefore, a brief description will be given below with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration example of the programmable display device 1.

The programmable display device 1 has a function of displaying each screen (operation display screen) based on the above-described screen data and the like in substantially the same manner as the conventional example described above. The display process of the operation display screen includes the above-described display content refresh process. That is, the external memory access process (data acquisition process from the allocated memory area) corresponding to the item on the screen is also included.

The illustrated programmable display 1 includes a display operation control device 10, a touch panel 18, a display 19, the communication interface 2, and the like.
The display operation control device 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12 (flash memory or the like), a RAM 13, a communication controller 14, a graphic controller 15, a touch panel controller 16, and the like, which are connected to a bus 17.

The CPU 11 is a central processing unit (arithmetic processor) that controls the entire display operation control device 10. The CPU 11 executes application programs (for example, a main body program 21 described later) stored in the ROM 12 in advance, thereby performing various arithmetic processes of the programmable display device 1 (particularly, various flowchart processes and functional block diagram processes described later). Function).

The ROM 12 stores screen data described in the background art (screen data 22 described later). As described above, the screen data 22 includes various data related to each item such as a switch and a lamp arranged on the operation display screen (the various data includes data such as an image, display position coordinates, size, and the like described above. Allocated memory address).

By the processing of the CPU 11, for example, the display target data based on the screen data 22 and the acquired data by the external memory access is developed (drawn) on the RAM 13, for example. Details will be described later. The RAM 13 can be replaced with a video RAM (not shown). Based on this drawing, the graphic controller 15 displays the above-described operation display screen on the display 19. The display 19 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and a touch panel 18 is provided so as to overlap the liquid crystal panel.

The detection result of the pressing operation position (touch position) on the touch panel 18 by the operator or the like is taken into the CPU 11 or the like via the touch panel controller 16 and analyzed. For example, analysis is performed based on the display position coordinates and size data of each item. For example, when an operator or the like touches the display position of the switch image, the CPU 11 or the like analyzes that an operation on the switch has been performed.

Further, the communication controller 14 communicates with a connection device 4 and a drawing editor device 5 such as a PLC main body (not shown), a temperature control device, and the like via the communication interface 2.
FIG. 3 shows a software configuration diagram of the system.

In the programmable display 1, various programs / data such as a main body program 21, screen data 22, and a communication program 23 are stored in the ROM 12 such as a flash memory. The CPU 11 reads / executes / references these programs / data, etc., thereby performing display control of each operation display screen for the programmable display.

This operation display screen is composed of the above-described numerical display, image display of various items such as lamps and switches, and the display content of each item is, for example, data acquired from a predetermined storage area of an external memory device of each connected device 4 Updated as needed to reflect. In other words, the operation display screen is updated as needed to reflect the acquired data from the allocated memory area.

That is, the CPU 11 executes display control of the operation display screen based on the main body program 21, the screen data 22, and the acquired data. At that time, the display content of each item (each screen component) on the operation display screen reflects the content of the acquired data (numerical display such as temperature, lighting / extinguishing of the lamp, etc.). Note that this is an existing function and will not be described in further detail.

However, in this example, basically, it is not assumed that each allocated memory area of a plurality of items is sequentially accessed one by one. In other words, access is generally made to some extent. If possible, the allocated memory area (allocated address) of all items is accessed once.

That is, the programmable display 1 connects a request command for accessing the storage area including all the assigned addresses of each item once based on the screen data 22 (the assigned memory area for each item). By transmitting to the device 4, there are cases in which the allocated addresses of all items are accessed. An example thereof is shown in FIG.

Similarly, the programmable display device 1 transmits a request command for accessing a storage area including an allocation address of one or more items in each item to the connection device 4 a plurality of times based on the screen data 22 or the like. By doing so, the allocated addresses of all items may be accessed. An example thereof is shown in FIG.

The screen data 22 is, for example, a screen data file 32 arbitrarily created in advance on the drawing editor device 5 side, downloaded to the programmable display device 1 and stored. That is, the screen data 22 and the screen data file 32 may be regarded as substantially the same. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the screen data file 32 stores a plurality of screen data, and a part of them is downloaded to the programmable display 1 and stored as the screen data 22. You may hesitate. In the following description, for example, the screen data file 32 may be described as the screen data 22 or the screen data 32.

In addition, the communication program 23 is a program in which, for example, a communication program file 33 stored in advance on the drawing editor device 5 side is downloaded and stored in the programmable display device 1. Here, there are usually a large number of communication program files 33, which may be called a communication program group. Any one or more types of communication programs in each communication program file 33 (communication program group) are downloaded to the programmable display 1 and stored as the communication program 23.

Here, each communication program file 33 (various communication program group) is created in advance corresponding to the communication protocol of the various connected devices 4. And the communication program file 33 corresponding to the connection apparatus 4 (the communication protocol etc.) connected to the programmable display 1 of a download destination is downloaded to the said programmable display 1 among various communication program groups. Become. Then, the communication program 23 is stored.

The communication program 23 of the programmable display 1 is a program for communicating with the connection device 4 via the communication line 6. Usually, each connected device 4 has a communication protocol (communication rule) unique to each model and performs communication between the programmable display 1 and the connected device 4 in accordance with this communication rule. Therefore, the communication program 23 needs to be developed for each model of each connected device 4. Of course, the CPU 11 and the like execute the communication program 23 to realize communication processing with the connected device 4.

There are various manufacturers / models of the connection device 4 such as the PLC main body, and each manufacturer / model has its own communication program. Depending on the manufacturer / model of the connection device 4, there are many communication programs depending on the manufacturer / model. The types are created and stored in the drawing editor device 5 as the numerous communication program files 33.

Note that communication between the programmable display 1 and the drawing editor device 5 is performed by the main body program 21 and the drawing editor 31, for example. For example, a communication function is incorporated in the drawing editor 31. This is not particularly relevant and will not be shown or described.

It should be noted that a program for realizing various processes such as access to the allocated memory area and screen display may be included in the main body program 21 or may be included in the screen data 22, for example. In any case, when the CPU 11 executes such a program, for example, various operations of the programmable display 1 are realized.

In addition, the drawing editor 31 of the drawing editor device 5 has the above existing function and new function related to screen data creation support. The user creates arbitrary screen data (screen data 32) while receiving support from the drawing editor 31.

For example, various items created in advance are stored in the hard disk of the drawing editor device 5 or the like. These various items are displayed in a list by the creation support function of the operation display screen by the drawing editor 31, and the user selects a desired item and arranges it at a desired position. Furthermore, an arbitrary allocated memory address is set for each item. Up to this point, although it may be regarded as an existing technology, the drawing editor 31 of this example further has a new function for assisting the user to set an appropriate allocated memory address. Details will be described later.

The drawing editor device 5 is, for example, a personal computer or the like, and has a general general-purpose computer configuration (not shown). That is, for example, a CPU, a storage unit (hard disk, memory, etc.), a communication unit, an operation unit (mouse, etc.), a display, etc. When the CPU executes an application program stored in advance in the storage unit, the above-described existing function or new function of the drawing editor 31 is realized.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the drawing editor device 5 (its drawing editor 31).
The drawing editor device 5 in the illustrated example includes a communication content display unit 41, a memory analysis processing unit 42, a switch monitoring processing unit 43, a memory setting processing unit 44, a communication content editing processing unit 45, and various processing functions of the memory analysis processing group 46. Part. As described above, these various processing functions are realized by a CPU (not shown) executing an application program stored in a storage unit (not shown). In addition, the memory analysis processing group 46 includes the existing functions of the programmable display device 1 mounted in the drawing editor device 5.

The communication content display unit 41 generates external device information 51 and default external device memory data 52 based on the screen data 32 and the like, and includes a memory analysis processing unit 42, a switch monitoring processing unit 43, and a communication content editing processing unit 45. Operate appropriately. This allows the user to make arbitrary external memory settings, and calculates and displays communication performance information according to the settings. The communication performance information means an external memory access processing time.

The communication content editing processing unit 45 causes the user to arbitrarily change the setting content of the allocated memory address of an arbitrary item. Then, the changed contents are reflected in the external device memory data 52.

The memory analysis processing unit 42 operates the memory analysis processing group 46. The memory analysis processing group 46 executes predetermined analysis processing based on the external device information 51 and the external device memory data 52, and outputs analysis data 53 as a processing result. This generates the analysis data 53 by executing the predetermined analysis process based on the external device information 51, the external device memory data 52, and the like. That is, the memory analysis processing unit 42 generates analysis data 53 by executing analysis processing based on the external device information 51, the default state of the external device memory data 52, and the information after the allocation memory address setting is changed. The predetermined analysis process is an existing process as described above, and will be described later.

That is, it can be said that the memory analysis processing unit 42 calculates information indicating communication performance between the programmable display device 1 and the connection device 4 (external device) (particularly according to user settings). This particularly calculates the processing time (external memory access processing time) for external memory access related to arbitrary screen data. For example, as described later, the transmission time for command transmission / reception for external memory access is calculated, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Details will be described later.

The above analysis result is displayed. The user refers to this display content to determine whether or not the allocated memory address is appropriate in the current state. If it is determined as inappropriate, the setting contents of the allocated memory address are further changed, and a new analysis result is displayed. On the other hand, if it is deemed appropriate. A predetermined switch operation is performed. The switch monitoring processing unit 43 monitors the presence / absence of this switch operation, and operates the memory setting processing unit 44 when a predetermined switch operation is performed.

The memory setting processing unit 44 reflects the contents of the external device memory data 52 at that time in the screen data 32 (updates the screen data 32). As a result, the existing allocated memory address in the screen data 32 is changed to the allocated memory address when the user determines that it is appropriate.

When the screen data 32 is composed of a plurality of screen data, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, a screen data list is first displayed to allow the user to select arbitrary screen data to be analyzed. . Thus, with respect to the screen data to be analyzed, analysis processing and display of the processing result (analysis data 53) according to the external device memory data 52 for each default setting or any address setting change are performed. When the predetermined switch operation is performed, the screen data to be analyzed is updated based on the external device memory data 52 at that time. The screen data to be analyzed is, for example, a screen No. described later. 101 or the like.

Although not shown in FIG. 4, when the screen data 32 is updated by the memory setting processing unit 44, the updated screen data 32 is automatically downloaded (transferred) to the programmable display device. Although not shown, a transfer unit for updating the screen data 22 may be further provided. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the screen data 22 on the programmable display side is forgotten to be updated.

7 and 8 are specific examples of the analysis setting display screen by the drawing editor device 5. FIG. 7 shows a default state, and FIG. 8 shows an arbitrary address setting change.
The analysis setting display screen 60 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 has a memory setting display / change area 61 and an analysis result display area 62. Further, various switches (buttons) such as an OK switch 63, an application switch 64, and a cancel switch 65 are provided.

In the memory setting display / change area 61, the current contents (each allocated memory address) of the external device memory data 52 are displayed. As described above, each allocated memory address of the external device memory data 52 is the same as the screen data 32 in the default state. Each allocated memory address of the external device memory data 52 is the same as the selected screen data to be analyzed when the screen data 32 is composed of a plurality of screen data. That is, in the default state, each allocated memory address of the screen data 32 is displayed.

Each time the user changes an arbitrary address setting, each allocated memory address after the change is displayed.
Here, the display on the memory setting display / change area 61 displays, for example, the allocated memory addresses related to all items on the screen data to be analyzed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, a 10-word area from addresses D0 to D9 and a 1-word area at address D100 are allocated for the screen data to be analyzed.

However, in this display example, the allocated memory address of each item on the screen data to be analyzed is not known. Therefore, in the case of the illustrated example, there may be 11 items on the screen data to be analyzed, and a memory area may be assigned to each item by one word. Alternatively, there may be two items on the screen data to be analyzed, one of which is assigned addresses D0 to D9 and the other is assigned address D100. However, this point is not relevant in this method.

In this example, each address is described as being in units of one word. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.
In FIG. 7, the analysis processing result corresponding to the display content of the memory setting display / change area 61, that is, the current external device memory data 52 is displayed in the analysis result display area 62. In the illustrated example, the block read command (request command) is used twice as a result of the memory analysis.

As an example of an existing request command, a block read command for accessing a memory in an arbitrary address range (one word or more), a random read command for accessing a memory in any one or a plurality of addresses, or a memory in bit units There is a bit read command to access.

In particular, when a block read command is used, only one address range can be accessed with one request command. Therefore, in the example where the access destination is D0 to D9 and D100, if all data is acquired with one request command, Therefore, even a large amount of data in unnecessary storage areas (storage areas D10 to D99) is acquired together. For this reason, communication performance deteriorates. On the other hand, the communication performance may be improved by making the request command twice, but it is still insufficient. However, this does not improve unless the user changes the setting of the allocated memory address.

This method mainly corresponds to the case where the block read command is used. Therefore, unless otherwise specified in this description, a read command or a request command means a block read command or the like. However, the command is not limited to a read command, and may be a write command or the like. Thus, there is a case where it is called access without distinguishing between read and write.

The time required to send an arbitrary request command to the connected device 4 and complete the reception of the response command from the connected device 4 in response to this is the main time taken to acquire external memory data for each command. It is assumed to be called “processing time” shown in the figure. In other words, the “processing time” is “request command transmission time + response command transmission time”. The response command includes data stored in the allocated memory area.

The “processing time” for each request command and the total of these “processing times” (the “processing time” total) are calculated by the memory analysis processing group 46 and displayed in the analysis result display area 62 as shown in the figure. Is displayed.

In the example shown in the illustrated analysis result display area 62, the first processing time is 28.646 [ms] [ms], the second processing time is 9.896 [ms], and it takes 38.542 [ms] in total. become. This may be regarded as 38.542 [ms] for the time taken to acquire the data in the allocated memory area of all items of arbitrary screen data. In other words, it can be said that the external memory access processing time relating to arbitrary screen data is 38.542 [ms].

Here, on the memory setting display / change area 61, not only the current memory setting contents are displayed as described above, but also the user can arbitrarily change the memory setting contents. Although this change operation method may be various, in the example shown in FIG. 8, an arbitrary memory area is dragged and moved by a mouse operation, and a drop operation is performed at an arbitrary destination. As a result, in the illustrated example, the allocated memory address for an arbitrary item is changed from D100 to D10. This changed content is reflected in the external device memory data 52.

Thus, the analysis processing is performed by the memory analysis processing unit 42 (memory analysis processing group 46) based on the external device memory data 52 after the change, and as a result, the analysis result display area 62 in FIG. The analysis result shown is obtained. In the illustrated example, a read command (request command) is used only once as a result of memory analysis. In the illustrated example, the processing time is 30.729 [ms], which is only once, so the total processing time is 30.729 [ms].

Therefore, the entire processing time is shorter in the case of FIG. 8 than in FIG. 7, and it can be seen that the memory address setting in FIG. 8 is more appropriate than in FIG.
Thus, when the user operates the illustrated OK switch 63 or the like in the state of FIG. 8, the allocated memory address of the memory setting display / change area 61 in FIG. 8 is reflected in the screen data 32 to be analyzed. Become. That is, when the switch monitor processing unit 43 detects the above-described OK switch 63 operation or the like, the memory setting processing unit 44 uses the currently allocated memory address of the external device memory data 52 to assign the corresponding allocated memory address of the screen data 32. Update.

An example of the calculation method for each processing time will be described later. Here, a process for determining the number of times the read command is used will be described. In this example, the request command is used twice or once, but is not limited to this example, and may be used three or more times.

However, as described above, this is a function that the programmable display device 1 has so far, and will be briefly described. Note that the number of times of use of the read command may be regarded as meaning the number of times of communication between the programmable display 1 and the connected device 4 related to one refresh process.

In a conventional programmable display, for example, when performing external memory access related to each item on the screen data currently being displayed in relation to the refresh process, the number of use of the request command and the access destination for each request command ( (Address range) was determined. In this method, the function of the conventional programmable display device is also installed in the drawing editor device 5.

There are several types of functions of the conventional programmable display for determining the number of request commands and the address range as described above, which will be briefly described below.
As an example, for example, it is determined which transmission time is shorter when the request command is only once or when only the allocated memory address is accessed. And address range. A method for calculating the transmission time will be described later.

In the case of the example of FIG. 7, when the request command is performed only once, the address range is D0 to D100, and naturally addresses other than the allocated memory address (D10 to D99) are included.

On the other hand, when accessing only the allocated memory addresses, if the allocated memory addresses are continuous, they are accessed together. Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 7, since the allocated memory addresses are continuous from D0 to D9, it is determined that the addresses are accessed together and also D100 is accessed separately. That is, the request command is twice.

From the above, in the example of FIG. 7, the transmission time when accessing D0 to D100 with one request command, and the total transmission time when accessing D0 to D9 and D100 with two request commands, respectively. The transmission time that is relatively short is adopted. In the example of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the transmission time is shorter when the request command is used twice. As a result, in the case of a single request command, it may be considered that there are too many addresses (D10 to D99) other than the allocated memory address.

In the above, an example has been described regarding a method for determining the number of request commands and the like, but other examples will be described below.
Here, depending on the model of the connected device 4 and the like, there may be an upper limit (restriction) on the data read amount per data read. For example, it is assumed that there is a connected device 4 that can read only 30 words of data at a time.

In another example, it is assumed that the programmable display device performs control to reduce the number of times the request command is used as much as possible under the above-described restrictions. In other words, it is first determined whether or not all data can be read with a single request command. If it cannot be read, it is subsequently determined whether or not all data can be read with two request commands. Then, it is determined whether or not all data can be read out by three request commands. This is continued until it is determined that reading is possible.

In another example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, when data of all allocated memory addresses is to be acquired with a single request command, the area of addresses D0 to D100, that is, the area of 101 words is the acquisition target. However, since it exceeds 30 words, it is determined as NG (unreadable). For this reason, if data of all allocated memory addresses is subsequently acquired with two request commands, the area of addresses D0 to D9, that is, the area of 10 words and the area of address D100 (one word) Min.), Both of which do not exceed 30 words, so that it is determined as OK (readable).

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 8, when data of all allocated memory addresses is acquired by a single request command, the areas of addresses D0 to D10 (areas for 11 words) are acquired. Since it does not exceed 30 words, it is OK. In this sense, the destination from the address D100 is not limited to D10, and any address within the range of D10 to D29, such as D16, D20, D25, etc., can be used. Data (from D10 to the memory address immediately before the destination memory address) is also acquired, and the processing time of the analysis result display area 62 becomes long.

In this method, some of the existing functions of such a programmable display device 1 are installed in the drawing editor device 5 (the drawing editor 31). This is the memory analysis processing group 46.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are specific examples of the screen data 32 (22).

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the screen data 32 (22) includes data items such as an item type 71, coordinates 72, size 73, “data for each item type” 74, memory address information 75, and the like. Note that information of each record shown in the figure is stored for each item. FIG. 9B shows a detailed example of the memory address information 75.

The item type 71 stores item type identification information indicating the item type (switch, lamp, numerical display, etc.). “Data for each item type” 74 stores, for example, an image related to the item. The image relating to the item is, for example, an image of various items such as a lamp ON image and a lamp OFF image for a lamp item, or a switch ON image and a switch OFF image for a switch item.

Coordinate 72 and size 73 store information indicating the display position and size of the item image on the operation display screen.
The memory address information 75 is information related to the external memory access process, and includes information such as the allocated memory address. Then, the setting data correction / change target by this method is the memory address information 75 (particularly, the address 84).

In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the memory address information 75 includes a memory model 81, a memory access 82, a device name 83, an address 84, a data number 85, and the like.
The memory model 81 is identification information of the connected device 4 to be accessed.

The memory access 82 indicates an access format to the external memory device indicated by the device name 83. The format is, for example, 1-bit access, 16-bit (1 word) access, or the like.
The device name 83 is identification information of an external memory device to be accessed.

The address 84 is the head address of the storage area to be accessed in the external memory device indicated by the device name 83.
The number of data 85 indicates, for example, the capacity of the storage area to be accessed. For example, if the address 84 is “101” and the number of data 85 is “3”, the addresses 101 to 103 are the storage areas of the access destination.

The storage area indicated by the address 84 or the like of the memory device indicated by the device name 83 in the connected device 4 indicated by the memory model 81 corresponds to the allocated memory area. Changes to be made by this method are mainly allocated memory areas.

As described above, the external device information 51 and the external device memory data 52 are generated based on the screen data 32 and the like. However, in the case of the example of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the external device information 51 of the example of FIG. 10A described below cannot be generated only with the screen data 22. Thus, for example, communication protocol information (not shown) may be separately stored in advance for each of various connection devices. For example, a physical line (serial, Ethernet (registered trademark), etc.), baud rate, data length, stop bit, parity, etc. are registered in association with identification information for each of various connected devices. .

However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the memory address information 75 may include information corresponding to the external device information 51 shown in FIG. In this description, this example is used. Accordingly, the external device information 51 and the external device memory data 52 are generated based on the screen data 32 and the like. This may be regarded as the external device information 51 and the external device memory data 52 being generated by copying a part of the screen data 32. That is, the external device information 51 and the external device memory data 52 may be regarded as backup information for the screen data 32.

Then, the backup information (mainly external device memory data 52) is updated with the user setting work related to this method. Then, the changed contents of the backup information are reflected in the screen data 32 in accordance with a predetermined instruction operation by the user.

For example, the external device information 51 is generated by extracting the communication protocol information corresponding to the connected device indicated by the device name 83 from the communication protocol information and the memory address information 75 for each of the various connected devices (not shown).

Here, specific examples of the external device information 51 and the external device memory data 52 are shown in FIGS.
In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the external device information 51 includes data items such as an external device 91, a physical line 92, a baud rate 93, a data length 94, a stop bit 95, a parity bit 96, and a start bit 97.

As described above, the external device 91 is identification information of an arbitrary connected device 4 related to the screen data 32, and the communication protocol information related to the connected device 4 is a physical line 92 to a parity 96 and the like. Each data of the external device information 51 is included in the screen data 32 (22), for example.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 10B, the external device memory data 52 is stored in the screen No. 101, data items such as a device name 102 and an address 103. Screen No. 101 includes screen Nos. Of screens arbitrarily selected by the user from the screens displayed as a list in FIGS. Is stored. Screen No. The device name 83 and address 84 in the screen data 32 relating to the screen 101 are stored in the device name 102 and address 103. When a user setting operation is performed on a dialog box (for example, the analysis setting display screen 60), the device name 102, the address 103, and the like are updated in step S33 described later. Details will be described later.

In addition, screen No. Is identification information of screen data, and although not particularly shown, each screen No. The screen data 32 of the example shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 shows a specific example of the analysis data 53.

In the illustrated example, the analysis data 53 includes the communication command type 111, No. 112, processing time 113, external memory 114, and other data items. In general, for each request command, the address range of the access destination is stored in the external memory 114, and the external memory access processing time as the analysis processing result is stored in the processing time 113. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, information regarding two commands is stored. That is, the number of records is 2. For example, in the example of FIG. 7 described above, information regarding one command is stored. That is, the number of records is 1.

The type of each command is stored in the communication command type 111. In the example of FIGS. 7 and 8, “block read” is stored. As described above, there are other commands such as bit read, but this is not relevant in this description.

Also, a calculation result (simulation result) of the “processing time” (request command transmission time + response command transmission time) related to external memory access using these commands is stored in the processing time 113. Also, the access destination (device name + address range) by this command is stored in the external memory 114. No. 112 is a simple serial number.

Hereinafter, processing examples by the various processing function units will be described with reference to the processing flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a processing flowchart of the communication content display unit 41. This can also be regarded as an overall flowchart of the user support function according to the present method.

For example, when the user performs an operation of selecting a desired screen from the screen list shown in FIG. 6, the processing of FIG. 12 is started. At this time, the screen No. of the selected screen is displayed. Etc. are passed as parameters.

The communication content display unit 41 first executes the processes of steps S11, S12, and S13, which are processes for generating and displaying an initial dialog box. The dialog box in the initial state is, for example, the analysis setting display screen 60 in the initial state shown in FIG.

That is, first, external device information 51 and external device memory data 52 are generated based on the screen data 32 of the selected screen (step S11). Then, the memory analysis processing unit 42 is activated to execute memory analysis processing (step S12). A flowchart of the memory analysis process is shown in FIG. 13 and will be described later. Then, an initial state dialog box (the analysis setting display screen 60 etc.) is displayed using the memory analysis processing result (step S13). This can be said to display the external memory setting contents of the current screen data 32 and the analysis processing result corresponding thereto.

After that, basically, the communication content editing processing unit 45 repeats the process of monitoring the memory setting changing operation by the user and executing the memory analysis process according to this setting and displaying the processing result in the dialog box (step S14). The dialog box at this time is, for example, the analysis setting display screen 60 of FIG. The detailed processing flowchart of step S14 is shown in FIG. 14 and will be described later.

Each time the new analysis processing result or the like is displayed in the dialog box, the switch monitoring processing unit 43 monitors the predetermined switch operation by the user, and if there is a predetermined switch operation, the memory setting processing unit The process of starting 44 is performed (step S15). A detailed flowchart of step S15 is shown in FIG. 15 and will be described later. A processing flowchart of the memory setting processing unit 44 is shown in FIG. 16 and will be described later. The screen data 32 is updated by the memory setting processing unit 44. This is because the screen data 32 is updated in such a manner as to reflect the memory setting change by the user.

The predetermined switch operation is, for example, the OK switch 63 or the application switch 64 shown in FIGS. For example, when the OK switch 63 is operated, the processing of the memory setting processing unit 44 is executed and it is determined that the dialog box display is finished (NO in step S16), and the dialog box is hidden. (Step S17), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, for example, when the application switch 64 is operated, the process of the memory setting processing unit 44 is executed, and it is determined that the dialog box display is continued (step S16, YES), and the process returns to step S14.

When the cancel switch is operated, the dialog box is hidden at any time (step S17), and this process is terminated.
The processing in FIG. 12 has been described above.

Hereinafter, each processing of FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG.
As described above, FIG. 13 is a process flowchart of the memory analysis processing unit 42.
In the example of FIG. 13, first, the analysis data 53 is initialized such as data deletion (step S21). Thereafter, new analysis data 53 is generated based on the external device information 51 and the external device memory data 52 (step S22). If this process is the process of step S12, the external device memory data 52 remains in the original screen data 32, that is, in the default state. On the other hand, if this processing is processing in step S34 described later, the external device memory data 52 has contents corresponding to user settings on a dialog box (for example, the analysis setting display screen 60).

The process of step S22 in step S12 will be described below using the specific example shown in FIG. 7 and the specific example shown on the upper and lower sides of FIG. 10A.
First, as shown in FIG. 7, the allocated memory addresses are D0 to D9 and D100. In the example shown on the upper and lower sides of FIG. 10A, the physical line 92 = “serial communication”, the baud rate 93 = “19200 (bps)”, the data length 94 = “7 [bit]”, and the stop bit 95 = “1 [bit]”, parity bit 96 = “1 [bit]”, and start bit 97 = “1 [bit]”.

In this example, first, it is determined that two request commands, that is, a read command of D0 to D9 and a read command of D100 are generated. The transmission times of these two request commands are the same. On the other hand, the transmission time of the response command from the connection device 4 in response to each request command depends on the total amount of data to be read (in the above example, one is 10 words and the other is 1 word).

In this description, the time taken to generate a request command, the time taken to read data from the memory on the connected device 4 side, and the time taken to generate a response command are not considered, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In this description, serial communication is taken as an example as described above.

Based on the above and the example shown on the upper and lower sides of FIG. 10A, the transmission time of the request command is as follows.
First, a baud rate of “19200 (bps)” means that 19.2 [bit] can be transmitted per 1 [ms]. This can be calculated by 19200 ÷ 1000 [ms] = 19.2 [bit / ms].

As described above, since the data length = “7 [bit]”, the stop bit = “1 [bit]”, the parity bit = “1 [bit]”, and the start bit 97 = “1 [bit]”, The amount of data per character is
7 [bit] +1 [bit] +1 [bit] +1 [bit] +1 [bit] = 10 [bit]
It becomes.

Here, in this description, the data configuration example and expression shown in FIG. 17 are used for the data configuration of the command related to serial communication. In the example shown in FIG. 17, one frame of the request command is composed of a plurality of “characters”. In the example shown in the drawing, one frame of the request command is composed of 12 “characters”. Although not shown in the figure, one frame of a response command is composed of a plurality of “characters” as in the request command. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a case corresponding to a “character” in FIG. 17 may be called a “frame”. However, description will be made according to the definition shown in FIG.

Also, as shown in FIG. 17, each character is composed of the stop bit, parity bit, start bit, and the like, and data, and as described above, 10 characters per character in this example.

Here, the number of characters in the request command is fixedly determined, and here, it is assumed that the number of characters is 12 [characters] using the example shown in FIG. Of course, the number of characters in the response command varies depending on the amount of data read from the external memory. Here, it is assumed that there are 4 [characters] per word. Also, it is assumed that 3 [characters] are required as command identification information indicating a response command. Therefore. For example, when reading 10 words, the number of characters in the response command is 3 + 4 × 10 = 43 [characters].

From the above, the total data amount of the request command (read command) is
10 [bit] x 12 [character] = 120 [bit]
It becomes.

Therefore, the transmission time of the request command is
120 [bit] ÷ 19.2 = 6.25 [ms]
It becomes.

Similarly, the transmission time for the response command can be calculated as follows.
First, in the case of a response command of 10 words, the total data amount is {3 [character] +4 [character] × 10 [word]} × 10 [bit] = 430 [bit] in the above example.
It becomes.

Therefore, the transmission time of the response command is
430 [bit] ÷ 19.2 = 22.396 [ms]
It becomes.

Similarly, in the case of a one-word response command, the total data amount is {3 [character] +4 [character] × 1 [word]} × 10 [bit] = 70 [bit]
It becomes.

Therefore, the transmission time of the response command is
70 [bit] ÷ 19.2 = 3.646 [ms]
It becomes.

From the above, the time required for the first data read (memory access processing time) is
6.25 [ms] +22.396 [ms] = 28.646 [ms]
It becomes.

The time required for the second data read (memory access processing time) is
6.25 [ms] +3.646 [ms] = 9.896 [ms]
It becomes.

Therefore, as a whole, the time required for data reading (total memory access processing time) is
28.646 [ms] +9.896 [ms] = 38.542 [ms]
Will be.

For example, based on the analysis data 53 obtained by the above processing, the memory analysis result corresponding to the external device memory data 52 (original screen data 32) in the default state is displayed as an analysis setting as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the screen 60 or the like (step S13).

In this description, as described above, the memory access processing time is “request command transmission time + response command transmission time”. However, in actuality, each command is generated and the connected device 4 side is connected from an external memory. Time to read data will be added. Therefore, the memory access processing time may be calculated by adding these times. However, in this method, since it is not necessary to know the accurate memory access processing time, “request command transmission time + response command transmission time” may be used as the memory access processing time as in the above-described example. That is, in this method, it is only necessary to confirm the increase / decrease according to the setting change, and therefore, “request command transmission time + response command transmission time” may be used as the memory access processing time.

FIG. 14 is a detailed flowchart of step S14. This can also be said to be a processing flowchart diagram of the communication content editing processing unit 45.
The process of FIG. 14 is cyclically executed, and a specific event occurrence is monitored as needed (step S31). When a specific event occurs, for example, when there is a memory allocation setting operation by the user on the memory setting display / change area 61 (step S32, YES), the processes of steps S33, S34, and S35 are executed. . The occurrence of the specific event is, for example, the presence / absence of a user operation on the memory setting display / change area 61 of the analysis setting display screen 60.

First, the contents set by the user are reflected in the external device memory data 52 (step S33). In the case of the example of FIG. 8, for example, the address 103 of the record whose address 103 = “100” in the external device memory data 52 is updated to “10”. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the external device memory data 52 may include a differential data storage field (not shown), and the differential data may be updated in step S33. In this case, in the above example, “−90”, which is the difference between “10” and “100”, is stored in the difference data storage column. Then, when the screen data 32 is later updated based on the external device memory data 52, the difference data is used.

Then, the processing of FIG. 13 is executed by the memory analysis processing unit 42 (step S34). Although the processing of FIG. 13 has already been described, since the content of the external device memory data 52 is updated in step S33, the processing result according to the specific example changes.

For example, when the user sets the memory as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined that only one request command called a read command of D0 to D10 is generated. In this case, although not specifically described here, the transmission time of the response command is 24.479 [ms] by processing substantially similar to the above. Since the transmission time of the request command is always 6.25 [ms] as described above, the time required for data reading (external memory access processing time) is
6.25 [ms] and +24.479 [ms] = 30.729 [ms]
It becomes.

In this example, since the request command is used only once, the above 30.729 [ms] becomes the entire external memory access processing time as it is.
New analysis data 53 is generated by the analysis processing.

The communication content editing processing unit 45 updates the display content of the analysis result display area 62 based on the analysis data 53 (step S35). As a result, the analysis setting display screen 60 has display contents shown in FIG. 8, for example.

7 and 8, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the time required for data reading is shorter in the example shown in FIG. That is, the memory allocation shown in FIG. 8 may be considered more appropriate than the memory allocation shown in FIG. Thus, when the user operates the OK switch 63 or the like on the screen of FIG. 8, for example, the screen data 32 is updated with the user setting contents at this time. In this example, the address 84 of the record in which the device name 83 is “D” and the address 84 is “100” in the screen data 32 is updated to “10”.

For example, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show detailed examples of processing relating to detection of a predetermined switch operation by such a user and accompanying screen data 32 update.
FIG. 15 is a detailed flowchart of step S15. This can also be said to be a process flowchart diagram of the switch monitoring processor 43.

The processing in FIG. 15 is cyclically executed, and the occurrence of a specific event is monitored as needed (step S41). The specific event is an event related to each switch of the dialog box. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, the user operates the OK switch 63, the application switch 64, or the cancel switch 65.

When the specific event occurs (YES in step S42), the memory setting processing unit 44 is activated and a parameter indicating the generated event is passed (step S43). Thereby, the memory setting processing unit 44 executes the processing shown in FIG. 16, for example.

And, for example, when the memory setting processing unit 44 completes the processing or when nothing is operated until a predetermined time elapses (step S42, NO). The switch state is returned to the communication content display unit 41, and this process (the process of step S15) is terminated. Thus, the communication content display unit 41 executes the process of step S16 according to the returned switch state. The switch state is identification information of the operated switch, or some information indicating that there is no switch operation.

Subsequently, the process of FIG. 16 will be described below. As described above, FIG. 16 is a processing flowchart of the memory setting processing unit 44.
In FIG. 16, the memory setting processing unit 44 first confirms whether the generated event is the OK switch 63 or the application switch 64 based on the passed parameters (step S51). At this time, if there is a difference such as when the cancel switch 65 is operated (step S51, NO), this processing is ended as it is.

On the other hand, when the operation is an operation of the OK switch 63 or the application switch 64 (step S51, YES), a process of updating the screen data 32 in a manner to reflect the current user setting contents in the screen data 32 is performed (step S52). ). That is, the screen data 32 is updated with the current external device memory data 52.

Here, although not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the screen data 32 further includes identification information of each record, and when copying some of the records to the external device memory data 52, This identification information is also copied. As a result, for each record of the external device memory data 52, the record of the screen data 32 (copy source) corresponding to the record can be determined by the identification information.

For example, in such an example, the processing of step S52 is performed by, for example, changing the device name 102 and address 103 of each record of the current external device memory data 52 to the device name 83 and address 84 of the corresponding record in the screen data 32. Copy (overwrite). Of course, this is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such an example.

As described above, according to the support device (drawing editor device 5) of this example, the external memory setting contents relating to an arbitrary screen (each item thereof) are displayed based on the screen data 32, and the external device corresponding to the content is displayed. Calculate and display memory access processing time. Then, the user arbitrarily changes the memory setting contents, and calculates and displays the external memory access processing time corresponding to the changed memory setting. As a result, the user can perform more appropriate allocation memory address setting. The appropriate setting is a memory setting that makes the entire external memory access processing time shorter. Further, the screen data 32 (22) is updated by reflecting a setting change by the user by a predetermined user operation.

In addition, when the screen data 32 (22) is updated, the program on the connected device 4 side needs to be updated accordingly. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, it is necessary to change the process accessing D100 in the existing program on the connected device 4 side to the process accessing D10. However, unlike the screen data 32, this program update cannot be automated (manually performed by a programmer or the like).

Thus, according to the drawing editor device 5 of the present example, it is possible to assist the user in setting the allocated memory address more appropriately.
Note that the drawing editor device 5 of this example can be regarded as having, for example, each processing function unit (not shown).

The drawing editor device 5 of this example relates to the programmable display 1 that accesses the external memory of the external device (connected device 4) based on the screen data 22 including the external memory access information related to each item on the screen, for example. It has a support function that allows the user to arbitrarily create the screen data.

The drawing editor device 5 of this example includes a backup information generation unit (not shown) that generates default backup information from the external memory access information of arbitrary screen data 32, and a setting change unit that arbitrarily changes the backup information. (Not shown). Furthermore, a processing time calculation unit (not shown) that calculates and displays the memory access processing time related to the external memory access according to the backup information at that time based on the default or changed backup information.

The drawing editor device 5 of this example further includes a screen data updating unit (not shown) that updates the external memory access information of the screen data 32 using the backup information at that time in response to a predetermined instruction. It may be. Or you may further have the transfer part (not shown) which transfers the screen data 32 updated by the said screen data update part to the programmable display 1, and memorize | stores it as the new screen data 22. FIG.

The backup information is, for example, the external device information 51 and the external device memory data 52, but the change target is the external device memory data 52.
Further, the backup information includes, for example, an allocation address in the external memory of each item. Then, the setting change unit changes the backup information by, for example, displaying each assigned address and causing the user to change the assigned address of an arbitrary item.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the drawing editor device 5, for example, the configuration of the general-purpose computer (such as a personal computer).
That is, the drawing editor device 5 includes, for example, an arithmetic processor such as a CPU 201, a memory 202, a storage device 203 such as a hard disk, an operation unit 204 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit 205 such as a display, a communication unit 206, and a recording medium driving unit. 207 and the like. These are connected to the bus 208.

A predetermined application program is stored in the storage device 203 in advance, and various functions of the drawing editor device 5 are realized by an arithmetic processor such as the CPU 201 executing the application program. For example, each processing function unit (not shown) or each processing function unit shown in FIG. 4 is realized.

The recording medium driving unit 207 accesses (data read / write) a portable recording medium 209 such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or memory stick. The application program may be recorded on a portable recording medium 209.

Claims (13)

1. Programmable controller system having a programmable display for accessing external memory of an external device based on screen data including external memory access information related to each item on the screen, and a drawing editor device for arbitrarily creating the screen data Because
   The drawing editor device
   Backup information generating means for generating default backup information from the external memory access information of the arbitrary screen data;
   Setting changing means for arbitrarily changing the backup information;
   Based on the default or changed backup information, processing time calculation means for calculating and displaying a memory access processing time related to external memory access according to the backup information at that time, and
   A programmable controller system comprising:
2. The drawing editor device
   2. The programmable controller system according to claim 1, further comprising screen data updating means for updating external memory access information of the screen data using backup information at that time in response to a predetermined instruction.
3. The backup information includes an allocation address in the external memory of each item,
   3. The programmable controller system according to claim 1, wherein the setting change unit changes the backup information by displaying each assigned address and changing an assigned address of an arbitrary item. 4.
4. 3. The programmable controller system according to claim 2, further comprising transfer means for transferring and storing the screen data updated by the screen data update means to the programmable display.
5. The processing time calculation means determines a command transmission count for accessing the external memory based on the default or changed backup information, determines an access area for each command, and determines the determined transmission count. 5. The programmable controller system according to claim 3, wherein the memory access processing time corresponding to the access area is calculated.
6. The backup information includes communication protocol information between the programmable display and the external device,
   6. The programmable controller system according to claim 5, wherein the processing time calculation means calculates the memory access processing time using the communication protocol information.
7. The programmable display unit transmits a request command for accessing a storage area including all the assigned addresses of each item to the external device once based on external memory access information of the screen data. 2. The programmable controller system according to claim 1, wherein there is a case where all items assigned addresses are accessed.
8. The programmable display device receives a request command for accessing a storage area including an allocation address of one or more items in each item based on external memory access information of the screen data, a plurality of times, the external device The programmable controller system according to claim 1, wherein an assignment address of all items may be accessed by transmitting to the item.
9. The processing time calculation means determines the number of transmissions of the request command based on the default or changed backup information, determines the storage area to be accessed for each request command, and determines the number of transmissions thus determined. 9. The programmable controller system according to claim 7, wherein the memory access processing time corresponding to a storage area is calculated.
10. The backup information includes communication protocol information between the programmable display and the external device,
    The processing time calculation means calculates the memory access processing time by calculating the transmission time of each request command and the transmission time of a response command from the external device according to the request command using the communication protocol information. The programmable controller system according to claim 9, wherein:
11. A drawing editor device for arbitrarily creating screen data of a programmable display,
    Screen data storage means for storing the screen data including external memory access information relating to each item on the screen;
    Backup information generating means for generating default backup information from the external memory access information of the screen data;
    Setting changing means for arbitrarily changing the backup information;
    Based on the default or changed backup information, processing time calculation means for calculating and displaying a memory access processing time related to external memory access according to the backup information at that time, and
    A drawing editor apparatus characterized by comprising:
12. 12. The drawing editor apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising screen data updating means for updating external memory access information of the screen data using the backup information at that time in response to a predetermined instruction.
13. A computer of a drawing editor device that arbitrarily creates screen data of a programmable display,
    Screen data storage means for storing the screen data including external memory access information relating to each item on the screen;
    Backup information generating means for generating default backup information from the external memory access information of the screen data;
    Setting changing means for arbitrarily changing the backup information;
    Based on the default or changed backup information, processing time calculation means for calculating and displaying the memory access processing time related to external memory access according to the backup information at that time,
    Program to function as.
    

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