WO2018179129A1

WO2018179129A1 - System construction assistance device and system configuration diagram creating method

Info

Publication number: WO2018179129A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/012856
Authority: WO
Inventors: 貴紀江口
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2017-03-29
Filing date: 2017-03-29
Publication date: 2018-10-04
Also published as: JP6566152B2; CN110447027A; JPWO2018179129A1; KR20190085100A

Abstract

A system construction assistance device (10, 10a) is provided with: a component edition control unit 36 that receives, from an input device 15, an input of component set information registered by a user and that registers component set information 22 in a component set information storage unit 31; and a configuration diagram edition control unit 35 that receives, from the input device 15, an input of a component set selected by the user, and that collectively arranges, in an empty slot in a base unit 45, a plurality of unit components constituting the selected component set.

Description

System construction support apparatus and system configuration diagram creation method

The present invention relates to a system construction support apparatus and a system configuration diagram creation method for supporting construction of a program controller (PLC) system that functions as a control apparatus for an industrial machine.

The PLC system is a system that a user constructs by combining desired unit parts, and is configured by arranging a plurality of unit parts on a base unit. Unit parts placed in the base unit include power supply unit parts that supply power to the PLC system, CPU unit parts that control the entire PLC system, and signals from switches and sensors installed at appropriate locations in production equipment and equipment. Manufacturers and the like provide input unit parts for inputting, output unit parts for outputting control outputs to actuators, communication unit parts for connection to a communication network, and the like.

An overview of a system configuration diagram editing process performed by a conventional system construction support apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. The system configuration diagram is a configuration diagram in which unit parts are arranged on the base unit. As shown in FIG. 18, in the conventional system construction support apparatus, a configuration diagram editing screen 141 on which a system configuration diagram is displayed / edited on a display screen 140 of a display device, and unit parts arranged in a base unit are displayed in a list. The unit parts list display screen 142 to be displayed is displayed. When the user creates / edits the system configuration diagram, as shown in FIG. 19, the user can use the input device (for example, a mouse) to use the unit parts to be arranged from the unit parts displayed on the unit part list display screen 142 ( For example, the unit part t) is selected (clicked), and is placed (dragged and dropped) in the empty slot portion of the base unit displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 141. In the case where a plurality of unit parts are arranged in the slot portion of the base unit, this operation is repeated, and for example, a support device described in Patent Document 1 is known in order to reduce the number of repetitions.

Patent Document 1 discloses a support device that supports creation of a system configuration diagram including controlled devices controlled by a configured system. Specifically, when the user selects a unit part arranged from the unit parts listed on the unit part list display screen and drags it onto the configuration diagram edit screen, the controlled device that matches the specifications of the selected unit part is displayed in the unit. Automatically integrated with parts. When the user places the selected unit part in the empty slot portion of the base unit, the controlled device is connected to the unit part arranged in the base unit. When a controlled device that matches the specifications of the unit part selected by the user is uniquely determined, it is not necessary for the user to select and place the controlled device, so it is possible to create a system configuration diagram that includes the controlled device. Such a burden on the user can be reduced.

International Publication No. 2013/014961

However, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since a plurality of unit parts cannot be integrated, the user selects a unit part and places it in the slot portion of the base unit when arranging a plurality of unit parts in combination. Will be repeated. In addition, although the construction of a system in which unit parts are arranged in the slot portion of the base unit has been described, the above situation similarly occurs even in the case of constructing a system in which unit parts can be coupled without requiring a base unit.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system construction support apparatus and a system configuration diagram creation method capable of reducing the burden on the user for creating a system configuration diagram.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, in the apparatus according to claim 1, based on a first input for selecting a plurality of unit parts to be registered, the plurality of selected unit parts are used. Based on a registration processing unit that registers combination information of the plurality of unit components of the set component that is configured, and a second input that selects the set component registered by the registration processing unit, the selected set component And an arrangement processing unit that arranges a plurality of unit parts to be combined.

According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to arrange a plurality of unit parts in combination by registering in advance a set part composed of a plurality of unit parts. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to repeat the same work with the designation of the unit parts, so that the burden on the user for creating the system configuration diagram can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the system construction support apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the system construction support apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of unit part information and set part information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing set component registration processing by a user operation on the configuration diagram editing screen by the system construction support apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing set component registration processing by a user operation on the unit component list display screen by the system construction support apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing set component editing processing by the system construction support apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing unit component placement processing by the system construction support apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a batch arrangement process of set parts by the system construction support apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of batch arrangement of set parts by the system construction support apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a set component batch arrangement process according to a modification of the system construction support apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of batch arrangement of set parts according to a modification of the system construction support apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the system construction support apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating unit component placement processing by the system construction support apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing set component placement processing by the system construction support apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the batch arrangement of the same unit parts by the system construction support apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of batch arrangement of the same set part by the system construction support apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a screen example displayed on the display screen of the display device by the conventional system construction support device. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of arrangement of unit parts by a conventional system construction support apparatus.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
The system construction support apparatus 10 and the system diagram configuration method of the first embodiment accept a registration input of set part information by a user from the input device 15 and register the set part information in the set part information storage unit 32. 36 and a configuration diagram editing control unit 35 that accepts a selection input of a set part by the user from the input device 15 and collectively arranges a plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part in an empty slot part of the base unit; Is provided. As a result, the burden on the user for creating the system configuration diagram is further reduced.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the system construction support apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. A system construction support device (hereinafter simply referred to as a support device) 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a display screen 40 of the display device 14, and an input. A device 15 is provided. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the display device 14, and the input device 15 are connected to each other via a bus line.

The CPU 11 executes a system construction support program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a support program) 16 which is a computer program for realizing a later-described functional component of the support device 10. The display device 14 is a liquid crystal display or a CRT display, for example, and displays a screen generated by the CPU 11. The input device 15 includes a mouse and a keyboard, and an operation of the support device 10 from a user is input. The operation information input to the input device 15 is sent to the CPU 11.

The support program 16 is stored in the ROM 12 in advance, and when loaded into the RAM 13 via the bus line, program modules that realize various functions are generated in the RAM 13. The CPU 11 executes processing as the support device 10 by executing the program module generated in the RAM 13.

Note that the recording medium for storing the support program 16 in advance is not limited to the ROM 12 alone. For example, it may be an external storage device, or a CD-ROM or a removable nonvolatile memory device. The support program 16 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided or distributed by being downloaded via the network. Further, the support program 16 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the load destination of the support program 16 is not limited to the RAM 13 alone. For example, it may be loaded into an external storage device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the support device 10 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated, the support apparatus 10 includes a unit component information storage unit 31 that stores unit component information (unit component information 21), and combination information (set component information 22) of a set component that includes a plurality of unit components. Set component information storage unit 32 for storing the unit component list generation unit 33 for generating a unit component list display screen (unit component list display screen 42) based on the unit component information 21, unit component information 21 and set component A set component list generation unit 34 that generates a set component list display screen (set component list display screen 43) based on the information 22, a system configuration diagram edit screen (configuration diagram edit screen 41), and a unit component list display screen 42. And a set parts list display screen 43 on the display screen 40 of the display device 14 and The configuration diagram editing control unit 35 that accepts editing input of the system configuration diagram by the user from the input device 15, the registration input of set component information by the user is received from the input device 15, and the set component information is registered by the user. And a component editing control unit 36 that receives editing input from the input device 15 and edits the set component information.

The functions of the configuration diagram editing control unit 35, the component editing control unit 36, the unit component list generation unit 33, the set component list generation unit 34, and the like correspond to the functions generated by the support program 16 being expanded in the RAM 13. The program module is implemented by the CPU 11. The unit component information storage unit 31 and the set component information storage unit 32 are secured in the RAM 13 or an external storage device (not shown), for example, when the support program 16 is loaded into the RAM 13. The configuration diagram editing control unit 35 corresponds to an arrangement processing unit, a notification processing unit, and an extension processing unit, and the component editing control unit 36 corresponds to a registration processing unit and an editing processing unit.

The unit component information storage unit 31 stores, for example, unit component identification information (ID) and name (Name) as the unit component information 21, and includes a base unit, a unit component, and a system configuration diagram. Arrangement information (size, coordinate position, property (characteristic), etc.) necessary for arranging a set part or the like on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 is also stored. Here, the property (characteristic) of the base unit refers to only a specific unit part (for example, the power supply unit “POW” or the CPU unit “CPU”), and a specific slot (for example, a power supply slot or CPU) on the base unit. Information indicating that it can be placed in a slot portion or the like. In addition, the property (characteristic) of a unit part means that the unit part can be electrically connected even if it is on a base unit separate from other unit parts and can be arranged as long as it is a continuous slot part. Information. The unit component information storage unit 31 also stores a plurality of types of base units that can be arranged on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. The number of empty slot portions (for example, “5”) Information about “12 pieces” is also stored.

In the set part information storage unit 32, as set part information 22, set part identification information (Name), a set of identification information (IDs) of a plurality of unit parts constituting the set part, and a plurality of pieces constituting the set part Stores the arrangement order of unit parts. In the present embodiment, the unit part information storage unit 31 includes a plurality of predetermined unit parts that are stored in the unit part information storage unit 31, and is arranged in a predetermined arrangement order on the base unit. As a result, a set part that normally performs its function is provided by a manufacturer or the like (hereinafter simply referred to as a set part provided by the manufacturer), and the set part provided by the manufacturer is registered in the set part information storage unit 32 in advance. . In addition, the set part information storage unit 32 includes a set part (hereinafter, referred to as a set part) composed of a plurality of unit parts selected by the user among the plurality of unit parts whose information is stored in the unit part information storage unit 31. Simply described as a user-created set part). However, the manufacturer-provided set component information does not have to be registered in advance in the set component information storage unit 32, and it is sufficient that at least user-created set component information can be registered in advance. Registration of user-created set parts (FIGS. 5 and 6) and editing of user-created set parts registered in the past and set parts provided by manufacturers (FIG. 7) will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the unit part information 21 and the set part information 22. As shown in the drawing, in the unit part information storage unit 31, for example, information of unit parts to which “1” and “unit part a” are assigned as ID and Name as unit part information, respectively,. Information on unit parts to which “17” and “unit part q” are assigned is stored. Also, in the set component information storage unit 32, for example, information on set components to which “device A set” and “2, 1” are assigned as Name and IDs as set component information,. “C set” and “2, 1, 4” are stored. At this time, for example, the “apparatus A set” is composed of a total of two unit parts: “unit part b” with ID “2” and “unit part a” with ID “1”. It means that these “unit part b” and “unit part a” are set parts that are to be arranged in this order in succession, for example, from “left” in the slot portion of the base unit. Further, at this time, the unit part with the arrangement order “No. 1” constituting the “apparatus A set” is “unit part b”, and the unit part with the arrangement order “No. 2” is “unit part a”. Means.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed on the display screen 40 of the display device 14 by the support device 10. A base unit display object 45 is displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. For example, “POW slot part”, “CPU slot part”, and “12” slot parts are drawn on the display object 45 of the base unit. Numbers “0” to “11” are assigned. The POW slot portion is a slot portion where only the power supply unit can be placed, and the CPU slot portion is a slot portion where only the CPU unit can be placed. In addition, the slot part numbered “0” is the starting slot part, and the slot part numbered “11” is the terminal slot part.

On the unit parts list display screen 42 and the set parts list display screen 43, a list of unit parts and a list of set parts are respectively displayed in words. Specifically, the set parts displayed on the set part list display screen 43 are displayed in a so-called folding menu that allows selection of display and non-display of a plurality of unit parts constituting the set parts. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of constituent unit parts are displayed for “apparatus A set”, and a plurality of constituent part parts are not displayed for “apparatus B set” and “apparatus C set”. . At this time, “−” indicating that a plurality of constituent parts are displayed is displayed at the right end of the row in which “device A set” is displayed, and a plurality of constituent parts “ Unit parts b "and" unit parts a "are displayed with rows added according to their arrangement order. On the other hand, at the right end of the row where “device B set” is displayed and the right end of the row where “device C set” is displayed, “+” is displayed indicating that the component parts are not displayed. . The list display format is not limited to this, and an image showing unit parts and an image showing set parts may be displayed in a list, respectively, and can be changed as appropriate.

For easy understanding, FIG. 4 shows an example in which the number of unit parts displayed on the unit part list display screen 42 is small and the names are short. Therefore, it is easy for the user to find and select a unit part to be placed on the base unit from among the displayed unit parts. However, the unit parts are usually displayed in a list in the form of a very similar type of character string that is very long and includes only a few characters (for example, the last few characters), including many kinds of unit parts. Therefore, for example, when trying to reconstruct a system whose part is the same as the system configuration constructed in the past, the user selects a unit part selected in the past from the unit parts listed in a similar character string. Since it is necessary to arrange them on the base unit in the same arrangement order as the system configuration created in the past, and it is necessary to repeat these same operations, the burden on the user is great. In addition, for example, when trying to construct a plurality of similar system configurations, a part of the system configuration becomes the same, so that the burden on the user is large as described above.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, a set part configured as described above and configured by a plurality of unit parts is registered in advance, thereby reducing the burden on the user for creating the system configuration diagram.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a registration process for registering a part of a system configuration diagram that has already been created or is being created on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 as a set part. This registration process is performed while the system configuration diagram is created on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 by the user, that is, during the execution of the unit component arrangement process (FIG. 8) described later, or the set component arrangement process described later. This process is repeatedly executed during the execution of (FIG. 9). In practice, this registration process is often executed after the system configuration diagram is created on the configuration diagram editing screen 41, and a part of the already created system configuration diagram may be used in the future. This is a registration process that is often performed when a part of the user is registered as a set part.

When the execution of the unit part placement process or the set part placement process is started, the part edit control unit 36 designates a range on the configuration diagram edit screen 41 by the input operation of the input device 15 by the user as the process of step S111. Thus, it is determined whether or not a unit part to be registered has been selected. Specifically, the part editing control unit 36 is specified by the input device 15 (for example, a mouse) so as to include at least a part of the system configuration diagram on the configuration diagram editing screen 41, and the specified range. It is determined whether or not a plurality of unit parts are included. Here, when a plurality of unit parts are included in the specified range (“Yes” in step S111), the component editing control unit 36 determines that the plurality of unit parts are included in the specified range. Is selected, and the selection input is accepted. On the other hand, when a plurality of unit parts are not included in the designated range (“No” in step S111), the part edit control unit 36 repeatedly executes the process of step S111. The part editing control unit 36 includes unit parts including a predetermined percentage (for example, 50%) of display objects based on the arrangement information (size and coordinate position) of unit parts stored in the unit part information storage unit 31. Are in the range designated by the mouse, it is determined that the plurality of unit parts have been selected. The input operation of the input device 15 by the user in step S111 corresponds to the first input.

Subsequently, the component editing control unit 36 acquires the identification information (ID) of the selected unit component from the unit component information storage unit 31 as the process of step S112, and is arranged in the base unit as the process of step S113. Get the placement order. Further, when the name (Name) of the set part composed of the selected unit parts is input by user input, the part edit control unit 36 accepts the input as the process of step S114, and the input name ( Name) is acquired as set component identification information. In step S115, the component editing control unit 36 sets set component identification information (Name), a set of identification information (IDs) of a plurality of unit components constituting the set component, and an arrangement order as set component information. And stored in the set component information storage unit 32. Then, the component editing control unit 36 ends the registration process and executes the process of step S111 again. In this way, the user can register set component information by selecting a unit component to be registered among a plurality of unit components arranged on the base unit on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. If the user thinks that a part of the system configuration diagram that has already been created may be used in the future, a part of the system can be registered in advance as a set part. There is no need to create it, and the burden on the user for the registration process is small.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a registration process for registering a set component by selecting a unit component on the unit component list display screen 42 before creating a system configuration diagram on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. Note that this registration processing is also performed while a system configuration diagram is created on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 by an input operation of the input device 15 by the user, that is, during execution of a unit component placement process (FIG. 8) described later, or This process is repeatedly executed during the execution of the set component arrangement process (FIG. 9) described later. In practice, this registration process is often executed before the system configuration diagram is created on the configuration diagram editing screen 41, and it is highly likely that the system configuration diagram will be used repeatedly when creating and building the system configuration diagram. This is a registration process that is often executed when a part of a system configuration diagram to be created is created in advance and registered in advance as a set part.

When the execution of the unit part placement process or the set part placement process is started, the part edit control unit 36 determines whether or not a predetermined start operation by the user using the input device 15 is performed as the process of step S121a. . In the present embodiment, as the predetermined start operation, for example, a right click of the mouse on the unit component list display screen 42, and “right to start the set component registration process” by this right click. A display object is displayed and this display object is selected. However, the start operation is not limited to the operation and can be changed as appropriate. When a predetermined start operation is performed by the user (“Yes” in step S121a), the component editing control unit 36 executes the subsequent process of step S121b. On the other hand, if the predetermined start operation is not performed (“No” in step S121a), the component editing control unit 36 repeatedly executes the process of step S121a.

The component editing control unit 36 determines whether or not a unit component to be registered is selected from a plurality of unit components displayed on the unit component list display screen 42 by a user input as the processing of the subsequent step S121b. Specifically, for example, the component editing control unit 36 determines that the unit component displayed on the unit component list display screen 42 is to the left of the mouse when the shift key of the keyboard is pressed and the shift key is pressed. It is determined whether or not it has been selected by clicking. However, this selection operation is not limited to the operation, and can be changed as appropriate. Here, when a unit part is selected (“Yes” in step S121b), the part editing control unit 36 determines that the selected unit part is a unit part to be registered. On the other hand, if the selection operation of the unit component to be registered is not performed (“No” in step S121b), the component editing control unit 36 repeatedly executes the process of step S121b. Note that the selection operation by the input device 15 in step S121b corresponds to the first input.

Subsequently, the component editing control unit 36 acquires the identification information (ID) of the selected unit component from the unit component information storage unit 31 as the process of step S122, and the plurality of unit parts are processed as the process of step S123. The selected order is acquired as the arrangement order on the system configuration diagram. When the name (Name) of the set part composed of the selected unit parts is input by user input, the part edit control unit 36 accepts the input as the process of step S124, and the input name ( Name) is acquired as set component identification information. In step S125, the component editing control unit 36 sets set component identification information (Name), a set of identification information (IDs) of a plurality of unit components constituting the set component, and an arrangement order as set component information. And stored in the set component information storage unit 32. Then, the component editing control unit 36 ends the registration process and executes the process of step S121a again. In this way, the user can register set component information by selecting a unit component to be registered from among a plurality of unit components displayed in a list on the unit component list display screen 42. In the set part registration process, as the process of step S123, the order in which the unit parts are selected is stored in the set part information storage unit 32 as the arrangement order on the system configuration diagram. Thereby, the arrangement order can be easily registered. However, the arrangement order input is not limited to this mode. Apart from the input for selecting the unit parts, the arrangement order may be input.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the user-created set part registered by the registration process (FIGS. 5 and 6) and the above-described set part editing process provided by the manufacturer. This editing process is also performed while the system configuration diagram is created on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 by the input operation of the input device 15 by the user, that is, during the execution of the user component placement process (FIG. 8) described later, or This process is repeatedly executed during the execution of the set component arrangement process (FIG. 9) described later.

When the configuration diagram editing process is started, the component editing control unit 36 determines whether or not a predetermined start operation by the user using the input device 15 is performed as the process of step S131. In the present embodiment, as the predetermined start operation, for example, a right click of the mouse on the set component list display screen 43, and “right to start the set component editing process” by this right click. The display object is selected and this display object is selected. However, the start operation is not limited to the operation and can be changed as appropriate. When a predetermined start operation is performed by the user (“Yes” in step S131), the component editing control unit 36 executes the process of subsequent step S132. On the other hand, if the predetermined start operation is not performed (“No” in step S131), the component editing control unit 36 repeatedly executes the process of step S131.

The component editing control unit 36 determines whether or not a set component to be edited has been selected from a plurality of set components displayed on the set component list display screen 43 by user input as the processing of the subsequent step S132. Here, when a set part is selected (“Yes” in step S132), the part edit control unit 36 displays the set part information to be edited as the process of subsequent step S133. Specifically, on the set part list display screen 43, for example, when a set part is selected by left-clicking the mouse, the part edit control unit 36 expands a folding menu of the selected set part, and sets the set part. A plurality of unit parts constituting the parts are displayed in a list from the top in the arrangement order (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, if the set part is not selected (“No” in step S132), the part edit control unit 36 repeatedly executes the process of step S132.

The part edit control unit 36 receives edit input (addition or deletion) of a plurality of unit parts constituting the set part as the processing of the subsequent step S134. Specifically, for example, the component editing control unit 36 displays a display object “start editing processing of a set component” by right-clicking the mouse on the expanded folding menu. When this display object is selected, an edit input of the set part can be accepted. Then, the component editing control unit 36 selects and drags a unit component displayed on the unit component list display screen 42 by, for example, a left click of the mouse, and the dragged unit component is folded in which the set component is expanded. When dropped on the menu, it is determined that the unit part is added to the unit parts constituting the set part, and the unit parts are added to the unit parts constituting the set part and then displayed as a list. Further, for example, when a unit part constituting the set part is selected on the expanded menu of the set part by right-clicking the mouse, the part edit control unit 36 “deletes the unit part”. When this display object is selected, the unit part is determined to be deleted from the unit parts constituting the set part, and the unit part is deleted from the unit parts constituting the set part. List above.

The part edit control unit 36 receives an edit input of the arrangement order of a plurality of unit parts constituting the set part as the processing of the subsequent step S135. Specifically, the component editing control unit 36 selects, for example, a unit component constituting the set component on the expanded menu where the set component is expanded by left-clicking the mouse and drags it upward or downward. When dropped on the folding menu, it is determined that the arrangement order is changed. Then, after changing the arrangement order, the part editing control unit 36 displays a list of unit parts constituting the set part after changing the arrangement order.

The part edit control unit 36 receives an edit input for the name of the set part as the processing of the subsequent step S136. Specifically, for example, when the mouse is left-clicked at a position where a set part name (Name) is displayed on the set part list display screen 43, the part edit control unit 36 performs the name of the set part ( Name) is changed, and a name change using a keyboard or the like is accepted.

The component editing control unit 36 then updates the set component information registered in the set component information storage unit 32 as the processing of the subsequent step S137. Specifically, the component editing control unit 36 displays, for example, a right-click on the expanded folding menu, and a display object “End editing processing of set component” is displayed by this right-click. When this display object is selected, the set component information registered in the set component information storage unit 32 is updated, and the edit input of the set component is terminated. In this way, the user can update the set part information created by the user and the set part information provided by the manufacturer by editing input.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of unit component arrangement processing. When one of a plurality of unit parts displayed on the unit part list display screen 42 is selected by a user operation, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 accepts the selection input as the process of step S141. Then, in the subsequent steps S142 and S143, the configuration diagram edit control unit 35 adds the coordinate position information of the base unit and unit parts from the unit part information storage unit 31 in addition to the unit part information of the selected unit parts. The acquired display object indicating the selected unit part is displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41.

When the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 is arranged so that the display object of the selected unit part is overlapped with one of the slot portions of the base unit, the overlapped slot portion is freed as a process of subsequent step S144. If it is determined whether it is a slot part, and if it is determined that it is an empty slot part (“Yes” in step S144), then in step S145, the selection is performed based on the properties of the base unit and the unit part. It is determined whether or not the unit parts thus arranged can be arranged in the overlapped slot portion due to properties. Specifically, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 determines that the selected unit part is the specific unit part and is overlapped with the specific slot part or the selected unit part is the specific unit part. If it is not a unit part of the above and is overlaid on a slot portion that is not the specific slot portion, it is determined that it can be arranged due to the properties of the base unit. Further, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 does not arrange a unit part that cannot be arranged in the property of the selected unit part in the slot part adjacent to the slot part where the selected unit parts are stacked. In this case, it is determined that the unit parts can be arranged on the property. The configuration diagram editing control unit 35 determines that the selected unit part can be placed in the overlapped slot part when the base unit property and the unit part property can be placed. (“Yes” in step S145). Then, the configuration diagram edit control unit 35 arranges the selected unit part in the slot unit as the processing of the subsequent step S146. In this way, the user can place the selected unit part in the system configuration diagram.

On the other hand, when the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 determines that the slot is not an empty slot in the process of step S144 (“No” in step S144), the process of the subsequent step S147 is executed. Similarly, in the process of step S145, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 determines that the selected unit part is not arranged because of the property of the base unit, or is not possible to arrange because of the property of the unit part. Is not placed in the overlapped slot portion (“No” in step S145), and the process of the subsequent step S147 is executed. In step S147, the configuration diagram edit control unit 35 displays an error display (not shown) indicating that the selected unit part cannot be placed in the slot portion on the configuration diagram edit screen 41, and notifies the user of that fact. To do. In these cases, the user cannot place the selected unit part in the system configuration diagram.

Note that the display object of the selected unit part does not have to be overlapped so as to completely match the slot part, and the display area of the unit part has a predetermined ratio (for example, “50%”) or more of the area occupied by each slot part It may be superposed so as to coincide with the superposition. In addition, as an error display indicating that the selected unit part cannot be placed in the slot portion, an object indicating the wording to that effect may be displayed, and the color of the display object of the selected unit part may be changed. It may be blinking. It can be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the set part arrangement process. When the set component displayed on the set component list display screen 43 is selected by a user operation, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 accepts the selection input as the process of step S151. Then, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 receives coordinate position information such as the unit parts constituting the base unit and the set part in addition to the set part information of the selected set part as the process of the subsequent step S152 and the process of step S153. Displayed from the unit part information storage unit 31 and the set part information storage unit 32, the display objects of a plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part are continuously displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 in the arrangement order. To do. Note that the selection operation of the input device 15 by the user in step S151 corresponds to the second input.

For example, when the configuration object editing control unit 35 is arranged so that the display object having the first arrangement order is overlaid on one of the slot parts on the base unit, the arrangement order is the first in step S154. Whether the number of empty slots that are continuous from the slot where the display objects are stacked reaches the number of unit parts that constitute the set part by the end slot (that is, the number of empty slots is sufficient) Is determined). Here, when it is determined that the number of empty slot portions is sufficient (“Yes” in step S154), the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 configures the base unit properties and set parts as the processing of the subsequent step S155. Based on the properties of the unit parts, it is determined whether or not all of the plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part can be arranged in a plurality of continuous slot parts from the stacked slot parts. Specifically, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 includes the specific unit part included in the selected set part and the specific unit part is overlaid on the specific slot part, or If the selected set component does not include the specific unit component and is overlaid on a slot portion that is not the specific slot portion, it is determined that the arrangement is possible due to the properties of the base unit. Further, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 cannot place in the slot portion adjacent to the slot portion where the selected set component is overlapped, due to the properties of the plurality of unit components constituting the selected set component. When the unit part is not arranged, it is determined that the unit part can be arranged on the property of the unit part constituting the set part. When the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 can be arranged on the property of the base unit and on the properties of the plurality of unit parts constituting the set part, the plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part are It is determined that it is possible to arrange all the slots in a plurality of consecutive slots from the stacked slot (“Yes” in step S155). Then, the configuration diagram edit control unit 35 collectively arranges the selected set parts (more precisely, a plurality of unit parts constituting the set parts) in the slot part as the process of step S156. In this way, the user can collectively arrange a plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part in the system configuration diagram.

On the other hand, if the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 determines that the number of empty slot portions is not sufficient in the processing of step S154 (“No” in step S154), it executes the processing of subsequent step S157. Similarly, in the process of step S155, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 determines that the arrangement is not possible due to the properties of the base unit or the properties of the unit parts constituting the set component. It is determined that the plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part cannot all be arranged in the plurality of continuous slot parts from the stacked slot parts (“No” in step S155), and the subsequent step S157 Execute the process. Then, as a process of step S157, the configuration diagram edit control unit 35 displays an error display (not shown) indicating that the selected set part cannot be placed in the slot portion on the configuration diagram edit screen 41, and informs the user to that effect. Is notified. In these cases, the user cannot collectively arrange a plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part in the system configuration diagram.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of batch arrangement of set parts on the base unit by the system construction support apparatus according to the first embodiment. In this example, the power supply unit portion is arranged in the POW slot portion, the CPU unit portion is arranged in the CPU slot portion, and the “0” and “1” slot portions are arranged adjacent to each other instead of the specific unit portion. It is assumed that appropriate unit portions having no restrictions are placed on the unit portions, and the slot portions “No. 2” to “No. 11” are empty slot portions. In addition, “unit part b” and “unit part a” (see FIG. 3) constituting “apparatus A set” are not specific unit parts, but are units having no restrictions on adjacent unit portions. It shall be a part. Based on this assumption, an example is shown in which “device A set” is selected by the user and is collectively arranged in the “number 2” slot portion and the “number 3” slot portion of the display object 45 of the base unit.

As shown in FIG. 10, the user selects a set component from the set component list display screen 43 using the input device 15 (for example, “mouse”). When “set part A” is selected, the display objects 46 of “unit part b” and “unit part a” constituting the selected set part are arranged on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 according to the arrangement order (in this example, “ Displayed sequentially from left to right "). Then, the user clicks and drags the display object of “unit part b”, which is the unit part with the first arrangement order, and drops it on the “second” slot part of the base unit 45 slot part.

At this time, in the display object 45 of the base unit, since the slot portions numbered “2” to “11” are empty slot portions and there are nine empty slot portions, the number of empty slots is sufficient. . In addition, the slot portions to which the numbers “2” and “3” of the base unit 45 are attached are not specific slot portions, but “unit component b” and “unit component a” constituting the “apparatus A set” are specified. It is not a unit part. In addition, “unit part b” is a unit that has no restriction on the unit part that is already arranged in the slot part numbered “1” that is adjacent to “unit part b”. It is a part. The “unit part a” is a unit part having no restriction on the unit part arranged adjacent to the “unit part a”, and the slot part numbered “3” adjacent to the “unit part a”. There is no unit part. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the “device A set” in the “second” and “third” slot portions of the base unit 45 in terms of the properties of the base unit and the properties of the unit parts. Therefore, “unit part b” and “unit part a” constituting the “apparatus A set” are collectively arranged in the “second” and “third” slot portions of the base unit 45 in the arrangement order.

In the system construction support apparatus 10 and system configuration diagram creation method of the first embodiment described above, a part of the system configuration diagram already created on the configuration diagram edit screen 41 is registered as a set part, or the configuration diagram edit Before creating a system configuration diagram on the screen 41, set parts are registered by selecting unit parts on the unit part list display screen 42, and a plurality of unit parts constituting the set parts are collectively stored in the base unit. Decided to place. Therefore, unlike the conventional technology, even if there are multiple unit parts that meet the specifications of the selected unit part and cannot be uniquely determined, a list of similar character strings is displayed to the user each time. There is no need to specify connectable unit parts from among the unit parts. In addition, even if a part of the system configuration diagram is the same as a part of the system configuration diagram created in the past or when multiple similar system configuration diagrams are created, a part of the system configuration diagram created once Can be registered as a set part in advance, or a necessary set part can be registered in advance, so that it is not necessary for the user to repeat the same operation with the designation of the unit part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user for creating the system configuration diagram.

In the first embodiment, the set parts provided by the manufacturer are registered in the set part information storage unit 32 in advance. As described above, the set parts provided by the manufacturer are configured from a plurality of predetermined unit parts, and function properly by being arranged in a predetermined arrangement order on the base unit, and thus have high reliability. high. By placing the set parts provided by the manufacturer on the base unit, the user does not need to confirm whether the parts are configured from the predetermined unit parts or placed on the base unit in a predetermined arrangement order. The user's work efficiency can be improved.

In the first embodiment, when the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 determines that the number of empty slots is not sufficient, an error display is displayed on the display screen 40 to notify the user of the error display. Not limited to. In addition, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 12 may be performed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of set component placement processing by the system construction support apparatus according to the modification of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, when the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 determines that the number of empty slot portions is not sufficient in the process of step S154 (“No” in step S154), the following step S161 is performed. In this process, based on the properties of the unit parts constituting the set part, it is determined whether or not a base unit for arranging a plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part can be added. Specifically, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 selects a unit part that is to be placed in the slot part at the end of the base unit from among a plurality of unit parts constituting the set part on a separate base unit. Even if it is an electrically connectable and continuous slot part, it is a unit part that can be arranged, and among the plurality of unit parts constituting the set part, it is in the slot part at the start of the base unit to be added. If the unit unit to be arranged is a continuous slot unit that can be electrically connected even if it is on a separate base unit, it is determined that the base unit can be expanded if it is a unit unit that can be arranged (“Yes” in step S161). Then, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 displays, on the configuration diagram editing screen 41, a display (not shown) for inquiring the user whether or not to add a base unit as the processing of step S162 (step S162). When there is an input indicating that a base unit is to be added from the input device 15 (“Yes” in step S162), the configuration diagram editing control unit 35, as the processing in the subsequent step S163, includes a base unit having a necessary number of slot units. The base unit and the added base unit are electrically connected to each other, so that a slot located at the end of the base unit and a slot located at the start of the added base unit are It also automatically connects electrically. Then, as a process of subsequent step S156, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 collectively arranges the plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part in the slot part.

On the other hand, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 is configured such that, among the plurality of unit parts constituting the set part, the unit part to be arranged in the slot portion at the end of the base unit is on a separate base unit. Are not connectable unit parts as long as they are electrically connectable and continuous slot parts, or are arranged in the slot part at the beginning of the base unit to be added among a plurality of unit parts constituting the set parts. If the unit unit to be selected is not a unit unit that can be placed as long as it is an electrically connectable and continuous slot unit even on a separate base unit, a plurality of units constituting the selected set component It is determined that the base unit for arranging the components cannot be added (“No” in step S161). Similarly, if there is no input for adding a base unit from the input device 15 in the process of step S162 ("No" in step S162), the configuration diagram edit control unit 35 Although it is possible to add a base unit, it is determined that it will not be added. In these cases, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 displays an error display (not shown) on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 indicating that the selected set component cannot be arranged in the slot portion as the processing of the subsequent step S157, and the user To that effect. In this case, the user cannot collectively arrange a plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part in the system configuration diagram.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of batch arrangement of set parts on the base unit by the system construction support apparatus according to the modification of the first embodiment. In this example, the power supply unit portion is arranged in the POW slot portion, the CPU unit portion is arranged in the CPU slot portion, and the slot portions “No. 0” to “No. 2” are arranged adjacent to each other instead of the specific unit portion. Appropriate unit parts having no restrictions on the unit parts are arranged, and the “No. 3” and “No. 4” slot parts (enclosed by broken lines in FIG. 12) are empty slot parts. Shall. In addition, “unit part b”, “unit part b”, and “unit part c” (see FIG. 3) constituting “device B set” that is a set part are not specific unit parts but are arranged adjacent to each other. It is a unit part which does not have any restriction on the unit part to be provided, and can be arranged as long as it is a continuous slot part that can be electrically connected even on a separate base unit. Based on this assumption, an example is shown in which the “device B set” is selected by the user and is collectively arranged in the “number 3” slot portion of the display object 45a of the base unit. Incidentally, FIG. 12 also shows an operation in which the display object 45b of the base unit is automatically added and the display object 45a of the base unit is electrically connected to the display object 45b of the added base unit. Has been.

As shown in FIG. 12, the user selects a set component from the set component list display screen 43 using the input device 15 (for example, “mouse”). When “set part B” is selected, the display objects 46 of “unit part b”, “unit part b”, and “unit part c” constituting the selected set part are arranged on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. As shown (in this example, “from left to right”). Then, the user clicks and drags the display object 46a of “unit part b” which is the unit part having the first arrangement order, and the slot part of the base unit 45a is assigned with the number “3”. To drop.

At this time, in the display object 45a of the base unit, the number of the empty slots is not sufficient because the slot portions with the numbers “3” and “4” are empty slot portions and there are two empty slot portions. . Therefore, based on the properties of the unit parts constituting the apparatus B set, it is determined whether or not the base unit 45b for arranging a plurality of unit parts constituting the apparatus B set can be added. Here, among the plurality of unit parts constituting the apparatus B set, the unit to be arranged in the slot portion at the end of the display object 45a of the base unit (that is, the slot portion numbered “4”). The part b is a unit part that can be electrically connected even if it is on a separate base unit 45b and can be arranged as long as it is a continuous slot part. The slot part at the beginning of the display object 45b of the base unit to be added (That is, the unit part c to be arranged in the slot numbered with the number “0”) is a continuous slot part that can be electrically connected even on the separate base unit 45a. It is a unit part that can be arranged. Therefore, it is determined that the base unit 45b can be added.

Then, a display object 48 for inquiring the user whether or not to add a base unit is displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. When the user inputs, for example, the “Y” button on the keyboard to add a base unit, as shown in FIG. 12, based on the information stored in the unit component information storage unit 31, as shown in FIG. The base unit display object 45b having the minimum number of slot units among the required number (in this case, “5”) or more of the base units is displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 and the base unit display object. 45a and 45b are electrically connected to each other.

Then, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 includes three units constituting the device B set for the slot unit numbered “3” and the slot number numbered “4” in the base unit 45a. Among the parts, the unit part b whose arrangement order is “No. 1” and the unit part b whose arrangement order is “No. 2” are respectively arranged, and among the five empty slot parts of the added base unit 45b, the number “ A unit part c having an arrangement order “No. 3” among the three unit parts constituting the apparatus B set is arranged in the slot portion to which “0” is attached. In this way, the user can collectively arrange the three unit parts constituting the selected apparatus B set in the slot portion of the base unit.

According to the modification described above, the work efficiency of the user is further improved because the work of adding the base unit and the work of electrically connecting the already installed base unit and the added base unit become unnecessary. be able to.

In the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the configuration diagram edit control unit 35 determines whether it is possible to increase the number of properties as the process of step S161, and then performs the process of step S162. As a result, it was determined whether or not an extension permission was input. That is, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 does not make a determination as to whether or not the layout is possible due to the property as in step S155. Not limited to this configuration, after execution of the process of step S161, it is possible to add and execute a determination process as to whether or not placement is possible in terms of properties. As a result, when the user inputs an extension permission, it is possible to securely set the set parts after adding the base unit.

Further, in the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the number of empty slot portions is not sufficient, an error is displayed, and it is necessary to add a base unit having the necessary number of empty slot portions. Although the user's intention has been inquired, this is not a limitation. Without inquiring the user's intention, a base unit having a necessary number of empty slots may be added and a plurality of unit parts constituting the set part may be arranged at once (that is, step S162 is omitted). Further, in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and the modification shown in FIG. 12, an error is displayed when the number of empty slot portions is not sufficient, but this error display is also omitted. May be.

Further, in the first embodiment (including the modifications thereof), the component editing control unit 36 performs set component registration processing (FIG. 5) by user operation on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 as set component registration processing by user selection. 5) and set component registration processing (FIG. 6) by user operation on the unit component list display screen 42 can be performed, but at least one of them can be executed. Good.

Further, in the editing process (FIG. 7) of the first embodiment (including its modification), the user-created set part registered by the registration process (FIGS. 5 and 6) and the set part provided by the manufacturer are edited. However, the set part provided by the manufacturer may not be the editing target. The set parts provided by the manufacturer are composed of predetermined unit parts and are arranged on the base unit in a predetermined arrangement order. By not doing so, it becomes possible to ensure high reliability. Further, the component editing control unit 36 can execute both the registration processing and the editing processing of the set component. However, the component editing control unit 36 only needs to be able to execute at least the registration processing of the set component, and may not include the editing processing unit. Good.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, the system construction support apparatus 10a and the system diagram configuration method of the second embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Including). Specifically, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a designation input for designating the number of continuous arrangements of unit parts or set parts by the user is accepted from the input device 15, and the units having the designated number of continuous arrangements The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a configuration diagram editing control unit 35a that collectively arranges parts or set parts in empty slots of the base unit. As a result, it is intended to further reduce the burden on the user for creating the system configuration diagram.

FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 described above, and is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of unit component arrangement processing. A plurality of batch arrangements of the same unit parts on the system configuration diagram by user operation will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration diagram editing control unit 35a executes the above-described processing of steps S141 to S143 (FIG. 8) so that the display object of the unit part selected in the processing of step S141 is superimposed on one of the slot portions of the base unit. In step S244, a display object for inquiring the user of the number of continuous arrangements of the selected unit parts on the base unit is displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. Then, for example, when the number of consecutive arrangements is input by the user, for example, when the number buttons “0” to “9” of the keyboard are input in combination and the enter key is pressed, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a proceeds to the next step. In the process of S245, whether or not the number of empty slot portions that are continuous from the slot portion where the display objects are stacked has reached the number of continuous arrangements that are input by the end slot portion (that is, the number of empty slots is sufficient). Judgment) Note that the operation by the input device 15 in the processing of S244 corresponds to the third input.

Here, when it is determined that the number of empty slot portions is sufficient (“Yes” in step S245), the configuration edit control unit 35a sets the base unit property and unit part property as the processing of subsequent step S246. Based on the property, it is determined whether or not the selected unit part can be placed in the slot portion that is continuous from the overlapped slot portion by the number of placement. Note that the determination process is the same as the process in step S145, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here. If the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a can be arranged on the property of the base unit and the property of the unit part, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a collects the selected unit parts in the number of arrangements continuously in the stacked slot part. It is determined that it can be arranged (“Yes” in step S246). Then, the configuration diagram edit control unit 35a arranges the selected unit parts in batches as many as the number of arrangements continuously from the overlapped slot part as the process of subsequent step S247. In this way, the user can arrange the same unit parts collectively in the same number as the arrangement unit in the system configuration diagram.

On the other hand, when the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a determines that the number of empty slots is not sufficient ("No" in step S245), the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a executes the process of subsequent step S248. Similarly, in the process of step S246, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a determines that the selected unit part is not arranged because of the base unit property or cannot be arranged because of the unit part property. Are determined to be unable to be arranged in a batch in the number of arrangements in succession in the overlapped slot portion (“No” in step S246), and the processing in the subsequent step S248 is executed. In step S248, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a displays an error display (not shown) on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 indicating that the selected unit parts cannot be arranged in batches for the number of consecutive arrangements. Notify that. In these cases, the user cannot place the selected unit part in the system configuration diagram.

FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 described above, and is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the set part arrangement process. A plurality of batch arrangements on the system configuration diagram of the same set part by a user operation will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration diagram editing control unit 35a executes the above-described processing of steps S151 to S153 (FIG. 9), and the display object whose arrangement order of the set component selected in the processing of step S151 is the slot of the base unit is the display object. If they are arranged so as to overlap one another, a display object (not shown) that inquires the user of the number of consecutive arrangements of the selected set part on the base unit is edited as a process of step S254. It is displayed on the screen 41. Then, for example, when the number of consecutive arrangements is input by the user, for example, when the number buttons “0” to “9” of the keyboard are input in combination and the enter key is pressed, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a proceeds to the next step. In S255, whether or not the number of consecutive empty slot portions from the slot portion on which the display object with the first arrangement order is stacked has reached the input continuous arrangement number by the end slot portion (that is, Whether the number of empty slots is sufficient). Note that the operation by the input device 15 in the processing of S254 corresponds to the fourth input.

Here, when it is determined that the number of empty slot portions is sufficient (“Yes” in step S255), the configuration edit control unit 35a sets the properties of the base unit and the unit part as the processing of subsequent step S256. Based on the property, it is determined whether or not the plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part can be arranged in the slot part that is continuous from the stacked slot part by the number of arrangements. Note that the determination process is the same as the process in step S145, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here. If the configuration diagram edit control unit 35a can be arranged on the property of the base unit and the property of the unit part, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a collectively puts the selected set parts in the number of arrangements in the stacked slot parts. It is determined that it can be arranged (“Yes” in step S246). Then, as a process of subsequent step S257, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a arranges the selected set parts in batches in the number of arrangements in succession in the stacked slot parts. In this way, the user can arrange the same set parts in batches by the number of arrangements continuously in the system configuration diagram.

On the other hand, when the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a determines that the number of empty slots is not sufficient ("No" in step S255), the process of the subsequent step S258 is executed. Similarly, in the process of step S256, the configuration diagram edit control unit 35a determines that the selected set component is not possible to be placed due to the properties of the base unit, or is not possible to be placed due to the properties of the unit parts. Are determined to be unable to be arranged in the same number of arrangements in succession in the overlapped slot portion (“No” in step S256), and the processing in the subsequent step S258 is executed. As a process of step S258, the configuration diagram editing control unit 35a displays an error display (not shown) on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 indicating that the selected set parts cannot be arranged in batches for the number of consecutive arrangements. Notify that. In these cases, the user cannot place the selected unit part in the system configuration diagram.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of batch arrangements of the same unit parts by the system construction support apparatus according to the second embodiment. In this example, as in the example shown in FIG. 10, the power supply unit portion is assigned to the POW slot portion and the CPU unit portion is assigned the numbers “0” and “1” to the CPU slot portion. In the slot part, appropriate unit parts which are not limited to the unit parts arranged adjacent to each other, not the specific unit part, are assumed to be arranged, and slots numbered “2” to “11” are assigned. The part is an empty slot part. Further, the “unit part m” is not a specific unit part but a unit part that has no restriction on the unit parts arranged adjacent to each other. Under this assumption, “unit part m” is selected by the user, and “unit part m” is consecutively placed in the slot part “3” continuously from the slot part numbered “2” of the base unit 45. An example of arrangement is shown.

As shown in FIG. 16, the user selects a unit component from the unit component list display screen 42 using the input device 15 (for example, “mouse”). When “unit part m” is selected, a display object 46 of the selected unit part is displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. Then, the user clicks and drags the display object 46 of “unit part m”, and drops it on the slot portion numbered “2” among the slot portions of the base unit 45.

Then, a display object 49 that inquires the user of the number of continuous arrangements of the “unit part m” on the base unit 45 is displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. For example, when the number of consecutive arrangements “3” is input by pressing the number button “3” and the enter key of the keyboard, for example, the number “2”, in which the display object 46 of “unit part m” is superimposed. Whether or not the number of consecutive empty slot portions from the slot portion marked with has reached the input consecutive arrangement number “3” by the end of the slot portion marked with the end number “11” (that is, the empty slot number) Is the number sufficient)? Incidentally, in FIG. 16, the slot portion surrounded by a broken line needs to be an empty slot portion.

At this time, since the number of empty slots is “10”, the number of empty slots is sufficient. In addition, the slot part numbered “2” to “4” of the base unit 45 is not a specific slot part, “unit part m” is not a specific unit part, and “unit part m” The unit parts that are already arranged in the slot part numbered “1” adjacent to the part m ”are also unit parts that have no restriction on the unit part arranged adjacently. For this reason, it is possible to place “unit part m” in the slot portion to which the numbers “2” to “4” of the base unit 45 are attached in terms of properties of the base unit and unit parts. Therefore, the “unit component m” is collectively arranged in the slot portions to which the numbers “2” to “4” of the base unit 45 are assigned by the continuous arrangement number “3”.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of batch arrangements of the same set parts by the system construction support apparatus according to the second embodiment. In this example, as in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 16, the power supply unit portion is in the POW slot portion, the CPU unit portion is in the CPU slot portion, and the numbers “0” and “1” are Appropriate unit parts that do not have any restrictions on the adjacent unit parts, not specific unit parts, are arranged in the attached slot parts, and numbers “2” to “11” are assigned. It is assumed that the slot portion thus made is an empty slot portion. Further, “unit part b” and “unit part a” (see FIG. 3) constituting “device A set” which is a set part are not specific unit parts but are located in adjacent unit units. It is a unit part which does not have a restriction, and is a unit part which can be arranged as long as it is a continuous slot part that can be electrically connected even on a separate base unit. Under this assumption, “device A set” is selected by the user, and “two sets” are consecutively set in the slot portion “device A set” from the slot portion numbered “2” of the base unit 45. Shows an example in which are collectively arranged.

As shown in FIG. 17, the user selects a set component from the set component list display screen 43 using the input device 15 (for example, “mouse”). When “device B set” is selected, “unit part b” and display object 46 of “unit part b” constituting the selected “device B set” are arranged on the configuration diagram editing screen 41 according to the arrangement order ( In this example, “from left to right”) are displayed. Then, the user clicks and drags the display object 46a of “unit part b” that is the unit part with the first arrangement order, and the slot part of the base unit 45 is assigned to the slot part with the number “2”. To drop.

Then, a display object 49 that inquires the user of the number of continuous arrangements of the “device A set” on the base unit 45 is displayed on the configuration diagram editing screen 41. For example, when the number “2” is continuously arranged by pressing the numeric button “2” and the enter key on the keyboard, for example, the “unit A” is set to “unit” which is the first unit part. The number of consecutive empty slot portions from the slot portion with the number “2” on which the display object 46a of the part “b” is superimposed is input up to the slot portion with the end number “11”. It is determined whether or not “4” corresponding to the continuous arrangement number “2” has been reached (that is, the number of empty slots is sufficient). Incidentally, since the number of units constituting the apparatus A set is “2”, in order to achieve the continuous arrangement number “2”, four (= 2 × 2) empty slots are required. 17, the slot portion surrounded by a broken line needs to be an empty slot portion.

At this time, since the number of empty slots is “10”, the number of empty slots is sufficient. In addition, the slot portions to which the numbers “2” to “5” of the base unit 45 are attached are not specific slot portions, and “unit component b” and “unit component a” that constitute “device A set” are specified. It is not a unit part. In addition, “unit part b” is a unit that has no restriction on the unit part that is already arranged in the slot part numbered “1” that is adjacent to “unit part b”. It is a part. The “unit part a” is a unit part that has no restriction on the unit part arranged adjacent to the “unit part a”, and the slot part numbered “6” adjacent to the “unit part a”. There is no unit part. For this reason, it is possible to arrange the “device A set” in the slot portion to which the numbers “2” to “5” of the base unit 45 are attached in terms of the properties of the base unit and the properties of the unit parts. Accordingly, “unit part b” and “unit part a” constituting the “apparatus A set” are collectively arranged in the slot portions of the numbers “2” to “5” of the base unit 45 by the continuous arrangement number “2”. The

According to the system construction support apparatus 10a and the system configuration diagram creation method of the second embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain the operational effects according to the system construction support apparatus 10 of the first embodiment described above. In addition, according to the second embodiment, when the number of continuous arrangements of unit parts or the number of continuous arrangements of set parts is input and the number of empty slots is sufficient, the same unit part or set part is configured as a system configuration. As many as the number of arrangements can be arranged in succession in the figure. Therefore, when it is necessary to arrange a plurality of the same unit parts or set parts, it is not necessary to repeat the selection operation of the unit parts or the set parts and the placement operation on these unit bases by the number of arrangements. The number of operations can be reduced, and the burden on the user for creating the system configuration diagram can be further reduced.

In the second embodiment (including modifications thereof), the support device 10a includes a plurality of batch arrangements of the same unit parts on the unit base by a user operation and a plurality of the same set parts on the unit base by a user operation. Although both the batch arrangements are possible, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It is good also as a structure in which at least any one is possible. Also by this, it is possible to reduce the number of user operations for at least one of the plurality of batch arrangements, and it is possible to further reduce the burden on the user for creating the system configuration diagram.

Further, in the first embodiment (including the modification) and the second embodiment (including the modification), the configuration diagram editing control unit 35 is based on a plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part. Although the system is constructed by arranging in the slot portion of the unit, it is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied in the same way when a system capable of combining unit parts without requiring a base unit is constructed.

As described above, the system construction support device and the system configuration diagram creation method according to the present invention provide a system construction support device and system configuration diagram creation that support the construction of a program controller (PLC) system that functions as a control device for an industrial machine. It is about the method.

DESCRIPTION OF

SYMBOLS

10, 10a ... System construction support device, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Display device, 15 ... Input device, 16 ... System construction support program, 21 ... Unit parts information, 22 ... Set parts information, 31 ... Unit parts information storage unit, 32 ... Set parts information storage unit, 33 ... Unit parts list generation unit, 34 ... Set parts list generation unit, 35 ... Configuration diagram edit control unit (placement processing unit, notification processing unit, expansion processing) Part), 36... Part editing control part (registration processing part, editing processing part), 40... Display screen, 41... Configuration diagram editing screen, 42 .. unit part list display screen, 43. ... display objects.

Claims

A system construction support device for supporting the construction of a program controller system,
A registration processing unit for registering combination information of the plurality of unit parts of a set part composed of the selected plurality of unit parts based on a first input for selecting a plurality of unit parts to be registered;
Based on a second input for selecting a set component registered by the registration processing unit, an arrangement processing unit for combining and arranging a plurality of unit components constituting the selected set component;
A system construction support apparatus comprising:
The registration processing unit registers the combination information of the set parts based on the first input for selecting a unit part to be registered among a plurality of arranged unit parts. The system construction support device described in 1.
The registration processing unit registers the combination information of the set parts based on the first input for selecting a unit part to be registered among a plurality of unit parts displayed in a list. The system construction support apparatus according to 1 or 2.
The system construction support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a part information storage unit in which the combination information of a set part composed of a plurality of predetermined unit parts is registered.
The system construction support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an editing processing unit that edits the combination information of the registered set parts.
The arrangement processing unit arranges a plurality of unit components constituting the selected set component in a slot portion of a base unit based on the second input for selecting the set component registered by the registration processing unit. The system construction support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
Based on the second input for selecting the registered set part, the placement processing unit determines whether or not the unit parts constituting the selected set part can be placed in an empty slot part of the base unit. Judgment
The system construction support apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a notification processing unit that notifies that when the placement processing unit determines that the placement is impossible.
Based on the second input for selecting the registered set part, the placement processing unit determines whether or not the unit parts constituting the selected set part can be placed in an empty slot part of the base unit. Judgment
The system construction support apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising an expansion processing unit that adds an empty slot part when it is determined that the arrangement processing unit can arrange.
Whether the placement processing unit can be placed in an empty slot portion of the base unit based on the second input for selecting the registered set part and the characteristics of the unit parts constituting the selected set part. The system construction support apparatus according to claim 8, which determines whether or not.
10. The arrangement processing unit according to claim 7, wherein the arrangement processing unit arranges the designated number of selected unit parts in the empty slot part of the base unit based on a third input designating the number of arrangement of the unit parts. The system construction support apparatus according to claim 1.
11. The placement processing unit places a designated number of selected set parts in an empty slot part of the base unit based on a fourth input designating the number of placement of the set parts. The system construction support apparatus according to claim 1.
A method for creating a system configuration diagram of a program controller system, comprising:
A registration step of registering combination information of the plurality of unit parts of a set part composed of the plurality of selected unit parts based on a first input for selecting a plurality of unit parts as targets;
An arrangement step of arranging a plurality of unit parts constituting the selected set part based on a second input for selecting the set part registered by the registration step;
A system configuration diagram creation method comprising: