WO2020237665A1

WO2020237665A1 - Device and method for assisting user in using automated system, and computer-readable medium

Info

Publication number: WO2020237665A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/089647
Authority: WO
Inventors: 牛铸; 范顺杰; 李季; 张彬
Original assignee: 西门子股份公司; 西门子（中国）有限公司
Priority date: 2019-05-31
Filing date: 2019-05-31
Publication date: 2020-12-03

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present invention are a device and method for assisting a user in using an automated system, and a computer-readable medium. A server comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the computer program makes the server execute an action when executed by the processor. The action comprises: receiving, from a client device, a request regarding an application, wherein the application guides a user to write, at the client device, a program code that can be executed by a programmable logic controller in order to simulate control of a controlled object; in response to the request, acquiring, from a data storage library coupled to a server, the application and a simulation model associated with the application, wherein the simulation model is used for simulating the controlled object; and sending the application and the simulation model to the client device. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a controlled physical object is replaced with a simulation model for simulating a controlled object, thereby reducing hardware costs.

Description

Apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for assisting users in using automation system

Technical field

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of computers, and more specifically, to devices, methods, and computer-readable media for assisting users in using automated systems.

Background technique

An automation system usually includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a controlled object coupled with the PLC. Training institutions can be created to assist users in using automated systems. Training institutions can have multiple branches. The training system of each branch can include a server and one or more client devices. The server manages user information and stores applications locally. The application guides users to use automation software to write program codes that can be executed by PLC to control the controlled objects coupled with PLC. The user downloads the application from the server via the client device and stores the downloaded application locally.

Summary of the invention

In traditional training institutions, the accused object consists of physical equipment (such as manipulators, conveyor belts, etc.). When an application is updated, the physical equipment associated with the application also has to be updated, thereby increasing the hardware cost of the training institution. In view of this, it would be advantageous to replace physical equipment with a simulation model that simulates the controlled object. The embodiments of the present disclosure provide such a simulation-based training system.

In the first aspect of the present disclosure, a server is provided. The server includes a processor and a memory coupled with the processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the computer program causes the server to perform actions when executed by the processor. Actions include: receiving a request for the application from the client device, and the application instructing the user to write program code at the client device that can be executed by the programmable logic controller to simulate the control of the controlled object; in response to the request, from the server The coupled data storage library obtains the application and the simulation model associated with the application, the simulation model is used to simulate the controlled object; and the application and the simulation model are sent to the client device.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a simulation model for simulating the controlled object is used to replace the physical device, so that when the application is updated, only the associated simulation model needs to be updated without the need to redeploy the corresponding physical device, thereby reducing The hardware cost of the training system.

In some embodiments, the action further includes: in response to the application and the simulation model being updated, obtaining the updated application and the updated simulation model from another server; and storing the updated application and the updated simulation model to the data In the repository. Obtain the updated application and the updated simulation model from another server, which avoids the administrator from updating the application and simulation model one by one to multiple branches of the training institution, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

In some embodiments, the action further includes: receiving first usage information related to the user's usage of the application from the client device; and storing the first usage information in a data storage library. Unified management of user information in the data repository can avoid data loss and improve data security.

In some embodiments, the action further includes: obtaining first usage information and second usage information from the data repository, the second usage information being related to another user's usage of the application in the data repository; based on the first usage information and The second usage information is to determine another application to be recommended to the user; and send the information of the other application to the client device. Based on the user's usage information and the usage information of other users, recommending the subsequent applications to the user can help the user more quickly grasp the use of the automation system.

In some embodiments, the server is caused to send the application and simulation model to the client device by sending the application, simulation model, and simulation file to the client device in response to the programmable logic controller being simulated by the simulation file. The use of simulation files to simulate the programmable logic controller enables users to perform program tests that do not rely on physical programmable logic controllers on client devices without having to reach the training institution site, which enhances the convenience of users.

In some embodiments, the server and data repository are deployed in the cloud. In this way, the administrator can only maintain the data repository in the cloud, instead of updating the applications and simulation models on the local server of the branch branch by branch, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a client device is provided. The client device includes a processor and a memory coupled with the processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the computer program causes the client device to perform actions when executed by the processor. Actions include: sending a request for the application to the server, and the application instructing the user to write program code that can be executed by the programmable logic controller to simulate the control of the controlled object at the client device; receiving the application from the server and associating with the application The simulation model is used to simulate the controlled object; and the control of the controlled object is simulated by running the program code and the simulation model.

In some embodiments, the action further includes: sending first usage information related to the user's usage of the application to the server.

In some embodiments, the action further includes: receiving information about another application recommended to the user from the server, the other application is determined based on the first usage information and the second usage information, and the second usage information is stored with the data of another user. Related to the use of the application in the library.

In some embodiments, the client device is caused to cause the program code to be executed by one of the following: causing the program code to be executed by a physical programmable logic controller, and causing the program code to be executed by a simulated programmable logic controller.

In some embodiments, the client device is caused to receive the application and the simulation model associated with the application from the server by receiving the application, the simulation model, and the simulation file from the server in response to the programmable logic controller being simulated by the simulation file.

In the third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assisting users in using an automated system is provided. The method includes: at the server, receiving a request for an application from a client device, and the application instructs the user to write at the client device that can be executed by the programmable logic controller in the automation system to simulate the controlled object in the automation system In response to the request, obtain the application and the simulation model associated with the application from the data repository coupled with the server, the simulation model is used to simulate the controlled object; and send the application and simulation model to the client device .

In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assisting users in using an automated system is provided. This includes: at the client device, send a request for the application to the server, and the application guides the user to write at the client device that can be executed by the programmable logic controller in the automation system to simulate the control of the controlled object in the automation system Control program code; receive the application and the simulation model associated with the application from the server, the simulation model is used to simulate the controlled object; and simulate the control of the controlled object by running the program code and the simulation model.

In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. A computer program is stored on the computer readable medium. The computer program, when executed, causes at least one processor to execute the method according to the third aspect of the present disclosure.

In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. A computer program is stored on the computer readable medium. The computer program, when executed, causes at least one processor to execute the method according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

The content of the invention is provided to introduce the choice of concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the following specific embodiments. The content of the invention is not intended to identify the key features or main features of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Description of the drawings

Hereinafter, the above-mentioned characteristics, technical characteristics, advantages and implementation methods of the present disclosure will be further described through the description of the preferred embodiments in a clear and easy-to-understand manner in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional training system;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a training system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a training system according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a signaling interaction diagram of a process of assisting a user in using an automated system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method for assisting a user in using an automated system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for assisting a user to use an automated system according to other embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Figure 7 shows a block diagram of an example device that can be used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

List of reference signs:

110: Server

120: client device

122: Application

130: PLC

140: accused object

150: users

210: Data Repository

212: Simulation model

214: Model Simulator

302: Simulation file

304: PLC simulator

701: CPU

702: ROM

703: RAM

704: Bus

705: I/O interface

706: Input unit

707: output unit

708: storage unit

709: Communication unit

Detailed ways

The principles of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to several example embodiments shown in the drawings. Although the drawings show preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the description of these embodiments is only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present disclosure, and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

The term "including" and its variants as used herein means open-ended inclusion, that is, "including but not limited to". Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "or" means "and/or". The term "based on" means "based at least in part on." The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment." The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment." The terms "first", "second", etc. may refer to different or the same objects. The following may also include other explicit and implicit definitions.

As mentioned above, a training institution may have multiple branches, and the training system of each branch may include a server and one or more client devices. Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of such a conventional training system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the training system 100 includes a server 110, a client device 120, a PLC 130, and a controlled object 140. It should be understood that the arrangement and number of the devices shown in FIG. 1 are schematic. In other cases, multiple client devices 120 can connect to and access the server 110.

The server 110 manages the information of the user 150 and stores the application 122 locally. The application 122 instructs the user 150 to write a program code that can be executed by the PLC 130 at the client device 120 to control the controlled object 140 coupled with the PLC 130. The user 150 downloads the application 122 from the server 110 via the client device 120 and stores the downloaded application 122 locally on the client device 120. Subsequently, the application is removed from the server 110. When the application 122 is updated, the manager of the training institution stores the updated application on the server 110, and the user 150 can download the updated application from the server 110 via the client device 120.

At the client device 120, the user 150, under the guidance of the application 122, learns to use the automation software at the client device 120 to write program codes that can be executed by the PLC 130 to control the controlled object 140 coupled with the PLC 130. Examples of automation software may include, but are not limited to: STEP 7, WPLSoft, PLCEdit, etc. It should be understood that what is given here are only some non-limiting examples of automation software, and according to the PLC used, the user 150 can adopt any appropriate automation software.

As used herein, the controlled object refers to the physical device controlled in the control system or the process realized by the physical device. Examples of controlled objects may include, but are not limited to: motors, the process of gripping objects with clamps, the process of robotic arms handling semiconductor wafers, the process of conveying equipment with conveyors, and so on. It should be understood that what is given here are only some non-limiting examples of the controlled object, and the controlled object can be any appropriate physical device or process as required.

When the application 122 is updated, the physical device associated with the application 122 also has to be updated. For example, assume that the application 122 is an application that instructs the user 150 to write a program code that can be executed by the PLC 130 to control the clip. If the application 122 is updated to guide the user 150 to write an application that can be executed by the PLC 130 to control the robotic arm, the training institution needs to purchase the robotic arm to replace the existing clip. It can be seen that updating the physical equipment in the training institution in response to application updates undoubtedly increases the hardware cost of the training institution.

In order to solve the foregoing and other potential defects and problems in the existing solutions, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a simulation-based training system. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a simulation model for simulating the controlled object is used to replace the physical device. The server sends the application and the simulation model associated with the application to the client device in response to the request of the client device. In this way, when the application is updated, only the associated simulation model needs to be updated without redeploying the corresponding physical equipment, thereby reducing hardware costs. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a training system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference from the training system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is that the training system 200 further includes a data storage library 210 coupled to the server 110, a simulation model 212 that simulates the controlled object 140 instead of the controlled object 140, and the client The device 120 includes a model simulator 214 for running a simulation model 212.

The data repository 210 is configured to store information of the user 150, the application 122, and the simulation model 212 associated with the application 122. The application 122 instructs the user 150 to write program code at the client device 120 that can be executed by the PLC 130 to simulate the control of the controlled object 140. The simulation model 212 is used to simulate the controlled object 140.

The model simulator 214 and the PLC 130 may communicate through a communication interface. Examples of communication interfaces may include, but are not limited to: PRODAVE, OPC, Profibus, and Profinet. It should be understood that what is given here are only some non-limiting examples of communication interfaces, and according to the type of PLC, any appropriate communication interface may be used.

The server 110 is configured to receive a request from the client device 120 for the user 150 to access the server 110. In response to the user 150's request to access the server 110, the server 110 obtains the user's information from the data storage library 210, and verifies the identity of the user 150 based on the obtained information.

After passing the authentication, the user 150 can send a request for the application 122 to the server 110 via the client device 120. After the server 110 receives the request for the application 122, it obtains the application 122 and the simulation model 212 associated with the application 122 from the data repository 210. Then, the server 110 sends the application 122 and the simulation model 212 to the client device 120.

After receiving the application 122 and the simulation model 212, the client device 120 can load the simulation model 212 into the model simulator 214. At the client device 120, the user 150 uses automation software under the guidance of the application 122 to write program code that can be executed by the PLC 130 to simulate the control of the controlled object 140.

The user 150 downloads the program code to the PLC 130 via the client device 120, and simulates the control of the controlled object 140 by executing the program code by the PLC 130 and running the simulation model 212 by the model simulator 214. Specifically, the model simulator 214 running the simulation model 212 can present a virtual version of the controlled object 140. For example, in an example in which the controlled object 140 is a clip gripping an object, the model simulator 214 can present a visual representation of the clip gripping an object.

In the training system 200, when the application 122 is updated, only the associated simulation model 212 in the data storage library 210 needs to be updated, without the need to redeploy the corresponding physical equipment in the training institution. For example, consider the following example, where the application 122 is an application that instructs the user 150 to write at the client device 120 a program code that can be executed by the PLC 130 to simulate the control of the controlled object 140. If the application 122 is updated to instruct the user 150 to write an application that can be executed by the PLC 130 to control the robotic arm, only the simulation model 212 in the data storage library 210 needs to be updated to the simulation model for the robotic arm, and There is no need to redeploy the robotic arm in the training system 200 to replace the existing clip. After the server 110 receives a request for the updated application from the client device 120, it obtains the updated application and the updated simulation model from the data storage library 210, and then sends them to the slave client device 120. In this way, the hardware cost of the training system can be reduced.

It can be understood that, for example, due to cost reasons, the user 150 may not purchase a physical PLC 130, and therefore has to go to the training institution site to use the application 122. In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the user to use the application 122, the PLC simulation file used to simulate the physical PLC 130 may be created in advance and stored in the data storage library. Correspondingly, a PLC simulator for running PLC simulation files is deployed on the client device 120. By loading the program code written by the user 150 into the PLC simulator, the program test that does not depend on the physical PLC can be performed on the client device 120. Therefore, the user 150 can use the application 122 only through the client device 120 without having to go to the training institution site, thereby providing convenience for the user 150.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a training system 300 in which a PLC simulation file is used to simulate the PLC 130. In the training system 300, the PLC simulation file 302 is pre-created for simulating the physical PLC 130 shown in FIG. 2 and is stored in the data storage library 210. Accordingly, the PLC simulator 304 for running the PLC simulation file 302 is deployed on the client device 120.

After the server 110 receives the request for the application 122 from the client device 120, it obtains the application 122, the simulation model 212, and the PLC simulation file 302 from the data storage library 210, and then sends them to the slave client device 120.

After receiving the application 122, the simulation model 212, and the PLC simulation file 302, the client device 120 loads the simulation model 212 into the model simulator 214 and loads the PLC simulation file 302 into the PLC simulator 304.

The user 150 downloads the written program code to the PLC simulator 304 via the client device 120, and simulates the control of the controlled object 140 by executing the program code by the PLC simulator 304 and running the simulation model 212 by the model simulator 214.

In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the data repository 210 is shown as being communicatively coupled with the server 110. Although illustrated as being independent of the server 110, in other embodiments, the data repository 210 may be deployed in the server 110 as part of the server 110.

In some embodiments, the server 110 and the data repository 210 may be deployed in the cloud. The cloud can be a public cloud or a private cloud, which is configured to centrally manage and utilize the software and hardware resources deployed in it to provide organizations and/or individuals with various functions such as data storage, sharing, computing, analysis, etc. And/or services. The cloud can also be referred to as a cloud-based network, in which software and/or hardware resources can be interconnected and can also be accessed by external devices and users.

In such an embodiment, the various branches of the training institution can share the resources of the server 110 and the data storage library 210, without setting up respective local servers to maintain the application and the associated simulation model. The manager of the training organization can only maintain the data repository 210 in the cloud instead of updating the application and simulation model on the local server of the branch branch by branch, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Hereinafter, a process of assisting a user to use an automated system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a signaling interaction diagram of a process 400 of assisting a user to use an automated system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 400 involves the client device 120, the server 110, and the data repository 210 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The process 400 will be described in detail below in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. It should be understood that process 400 may also include actions not shown and/or actions shown may be omitted. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

As shown in Figure 4, the client device 120 sends (410) a request for the application 122 to the server 110, and the application 122 instructs the user 150 to write a program at the client device 120 that can be executed by the PLC to simulate the control of the controlled object Code.

After the server 110 receives the request for the application 122, it obtains (420) the application 122 and the simulation model 212 associated with the application 122 from the data repository 210 coupled with the server 110. The simulation model 212 is used to simulate the controlled object.

The server 110 sends (430) the application 122 and the simulation model 212 to the client device 120.

After the client device 120 receives the application 122 and the simulation model 212 associated with the application 122, the program code written by the user 150 and the simulation model 212 are executed to simulate (440) the control of the controlled object.

In some embodiments, if the application 122 and the simulation model 212 are updated, the server 110 may obtain the updated application and the updated simulation model from another server. Furthermore, the server 110 may store the updated application and the updated simulation model in the data storage library 210.

In some embodiments, the client device 120 may send (450) the first usage information related to the use of the application 122 by the user 150 to the server 110. After the server 110 receives the first usage information, it can store (460) the first usage information in the data storage library 210. Examples of the first usage information may include, but are not limited to: the user's usage record of the application, the error rate of the program code written by the user, and the user's evaluation information of the application. Examples of the user's evaluation information on the application may include, but are not limited to, information related to at least one of the following: whether the application settings are reasonable and whether the application is helpful to the user. It should be understood that what is given here are only some non-limiting examples of usage information, and the usage information and evaluation information may contain any appropriate content as required. The unified management of user information in the data storage library 210 can avoid data loss and improve data security.

As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the training system 200 may include multiple client devices 120. In such an embodiment, multiple client devices 120 may respectively send usage information related to their users' usage of their respective applications to the server 110. After the server 110 receives the usage information, it can store the usage information in the data storage library 210 respectively.

In some embodiments, after the user 150 finishes using the application 122, the server 110 may obtain (470) the respective usage information of the multiple users from the data repository 210, and determine (480) the user's usage information based on the usage information. Another application recommended by 150. In some embodiments, any known or future-developed big data analysis methods and algorithms can be used in combination with the embodiments of the present disclosure to determine another application to be recommended to the user. Furthermore, the server 110 transmits (490) information of the recommended another application to the client device 120. Based on the user's usage information and the usage information of other users, recommending the subsequent applications to the user can help the user more quickly grasp the use of the automation system.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 for assisting a user in using an automated system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 500 may be executed by the server 110 as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, for example. It should be understood that the method 500 may also include unshown blocks and/or the shown blocks may be omitted. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

At block 510, at the server, a request for the application is received from the client device. This application guides users to write program codes that can be executed by the programmable logic controller in the automation system to simulate the control of the controlled object in the automation system at the client device.

At block 520, in response to the request, an application and a simulation model associated with the application are obtained from a data repository coupled with the server. The simulation model is used to simulate the controlled object.

At block 530, the application and simulation model are sent to the client device.

In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: in response to the application and the simulation model being updated, obtaining the updated application and the updated simulation model from another server; and storing the updated application and the updated simulation model to In the data repository.

In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: receiving first usage information related to the user's usage of the application from the client device; and storing the first usage information in a data storage library.

In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: obtaining first usage information and second usage information from a data storage database, the second usage information being related to another user's usage of an application in the data storage database; based on the first usage information And the second usage information, determining another application to be recommended to the user; and sending the information of the other application to the client device.

In some embodiments, sending the application and the simulation model to the client device includes: in response to the programmable logic controller being simulated by the simulation file, sending the application, the simulation model, and the simulation file to the client device.

In some embodiments, the server and data repository are deployed in the cloud.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method 600 for assisting a user in using an automated system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 600 may be executed by the server 110 as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, for example. It should be understood that the method 600 may also include unshown blocks and/or may omit the shown blocks. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

At block 610, at the client device, a request for the application is sent to the server. This application guides users to write program codes that can be executed by the programmable logic controller in the automation system to simulate the control of the controlled object in the automation system at the client device.

At block 620, an application and a simulation model associated with the application are received from the server, and the simulation model is used to simulate the controlled object.

At block 630, the control of the controlled object is simulated by running the program code and the simulation model.

In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes: sending first usage information related to the use of the application by the user to the server.

In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes: receiving from the server information about another application recommended to the user, the other application is determined based on the first usage information and the second usage information, and the second usage information is related to the data of another user. Related to the use of the application in the repository.

In some embodiments, causing the program code to be executed includes: causing the program code to be executed by a physical programmable logic controller, and causing the program code to be executed by a simulated programmable logic controller.

In some embodiments, receiving the application and the simulation model associated with the application from the server includes receiving the application, the simulation model, and the simulation file from the server in response to the programmable logic controller being simulated by the simulation file.

It should be understood that the operations and related features performed by the server 110 and the client device 120 described above in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are also applicable to the process 400, and the

methods

500 and 600, and have the same effect, and the specific details will not be omitted. Repeat.

Figure 7 shows a schematic block diagram of an example device 700 that can be used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be used to implement the process 400 in FIG. 4, the method 500 in FIG. 5, and/or the method 600 in FIG. The device 700 may be implemented as the server 110 or the client device 120 described above.

As shown in the figure, the device 700 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 701, which can be loaded according to computer program instructions stored in a read only memory (ROM) 702 or loaded from a storage unit 708 to a random access memory (RAM) 703. Program instructions to perform various appropriate actions and processing. In the RAM 703, various programs and data required for the operation of the device 700 can also be stored. The CPU 701, the ROM 702, and the RAM 703 are connected to each other through a bus 704. An input/output (I/O) interface 705 is also connected to the bus 704.

Multiple components in the device 700 are connected to the I/O interface 705, including: an input unit 706, such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output unit 707, such as various types of displays, speakers, etc.; and a storage unit 708, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc. ; And the communication unit 709, such as a network card, a modem, a wireless communication transceiver, etc. The communication unit 709 allows the device 700 to exchange information/data with other devices through a computer network such as the Internet and/or various telecommunication networks.

The processing unit 701 executes the various methods and processes described above, such as the process 400, the method 500, and/or the method 600. For example, in some embodiments, the process 400, the method 500, and/or the method 600 may be implemented as a computer software program or computer program product, which is tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium (For example, storage unit 708). In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program may be loaded and/or installed on the device 700 via the ROM 702 and/or the communication unit 709. When the computer program is loaded into the RAM 703 and executed by the CPU 701, one or more steps of the process 400, the method 500, and/or the method 600 described above can be executed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the CPU 701 may be configured to execute the process 400, the method 500, and/or the method 600 in any other suitable manner (for example, by means of firmware).

Those skilled in the art should understand that the various steps of the method of the present disclosure described above can be implemented by a general computing device, and they can be concentrated on a single computing device or distributed on a network composed of multiple computing devices. In particular, they can be implemented by program codes executable by a computing device, so that they can be stored in a storage device for execution by the computing device, or they can be made into individual integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or The steps are implemented as a single integrated circuit module. In this way, the present disclosure is not limited to any specific hardware and software combination. For example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure further include various program modules and/or integrated circuit modules for executing one or more steps of the process 400, the method 500, and/or the method 600 and/or other embodiments of the present disclosure One or more other steps described. These program modules may be included or embodied in a device, such as the device 700 of FIG. 7.

It should be understood that although several devices or sub-devices of the device are mentioned in the above detailed description, this division is only exemplary and not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the features and functions of two or more devices described above may be embodied in one device. Conversely, the features and functions of one device described above can be further divided into multiple devices to be embodied.

The above descriptions are only optional embodiments of the present disclosure and are not used to limit the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may have various modifications and changes. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

A server (110), including:

Processor (701); and

A memory (702, 703) coupled with the processor (701), the memory (702, 703) stores a computer program, which when executed by the processor (701) causes the server (110 ) Perform actions, the actions include:

A request for an application (122) is received (510) from a client device (120), and the application (122) instructs the user (150) to write at the client device (120) that can be executed by a programmable logic controller, Program code to simulate the control of the controlled object (140);

In response to the request, the application (122) and the simulation model (212) associated with the application (122) are obtained (520) from the data repository (210) coupled with the server (110), so The simulation model (212) is used to simulate the controlled object (140); and

The application (122) and the simulation model (212) are sent (530) to the client device (120).
The server (110) according to claim 1, wherein the action further comprises:

In response to the application (122) and the simulation model (212) being updated, obtaining the updated application and the updated simulation model from another server; and

The updated application and the updated simulation model are stored in the data storage library (210).
The server (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the action further comprises:

Receiving from the client device (120) first usage information related to the use of the application (122) by the user (150); and

The first usage information is stored in the data storage library (210).
The server (110) according to claim 3, wherein the action further comprises:

Acquiring the first usage information and second usage information from the data storage library (210), where the second usage information is related to the use of the application in the data storage library (210) by another user;

Based on the first usage information and the second usage information, determine another application to be recommended to the user (150); and

The information of the other application is sent to the client device (120).
The server (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the server (110) is caused to send the application (122) and the simulation to the client device (120) by Model (212):

In response to the programmable logic controller being simulated by the simulation file (302), the application (122), the simulation model (212), and the simulation file (302) are sent to the client device (120).
The server (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the server (110) and the data repository (210) are deployed in the cloud.
A client device (120), including:

Processor (701); and

A memory (702, 703) coupled with the processor (701), the memory (702, 703) stores a computer program, which when executed by the processor (701) causes the client device (120) Perform actions, the actions include:

Send (610) a request for the application (122) to the server (110), and the application (122) instructs the user (150) to write at the client device (120) that can be executed by a programmable logic controller to simulate Program code for controlling the controlled object (140);

The application (122) and the simulation model (212) associated with the application (122) are received (620) from the server (110), and the simulation model (212) is used to compare the controlled object ( 140) Perform simulation; and

The control of the controlled object (140) is simulated by running (630) the program code and the simulation model (212).
The client device (120) of claim 7, wherein the action further comprises:

The first usage information related to the usage of the application (122) by the user (150) is sent to the server (110).
The client device (120) of claim 8, wherein the action further comprises:

The information of another application recommended to the user (150) is received from the server (110), the another application is determined based on the first usage information and the second usage information, and the second usage information is the same as Another user is related to the use of the application in the data repository (210).
The client device (120) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the client device (120) is caused to cause the program code to be executed by one of the following:

Make the program code run by a physical programmable logic controller (130), and

The program code is executed by the simulated programmable logic controller (304).
The client device (120) according to claim 10, wherein the client device (120) is caused to receive the application (122) from the server (110) and communicate with the application (122) by Associated simulation model (212):

In response to the programmable logic controller being simulated by the simulation file (302), the application (122), the simulation model (212), and the simulation file (302) are received from the server (110).
A method for assisting users (150) to use an automated system, including:

At the server (110), a request for an application (122) is received from a client device (120), and the application (122) instructs the user (150) to compose that can be written by the client device (120). Program code executed by the programmable logic controller in the automation system to simulate the control of the controlled object (140) in the automation system;

In response to the request, obtain the application (122) and a simulation model (212) associated with the application (122) from a data repository (210) coupled with the server (110), the simulation model (212) is used to simulate the controlled object (140); and

The application (122) and the simulation model (212) are sent to the client device (120).
The method of claim 12, further comprising:

In response to the application (122) and the simulation model (212) being updated, obtaining the updated application and the updated simulation model from another server; and

The updated application and the updated simulation model are stored in the data storage library (210).
The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising:

Receiving from the client device (120) first usage information related to the use of the application (122) by the user (150); and

The first usage information is stored in the data storage library (210).
The method of claim 14, further comprising:

Acquiring the first usage information and second usage information from the data storage library (210), where the second usage information is related to the use of the application in the data storage library (210) by another user;

Based on the first usage information and the second usage information, determine another application to be recommended to the user (150); and

The information of the other application is sent to the client device (120).
The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein sending the application (122) and the simulation model (212) to the client device (120) comprises:

In response to the programmable logic controller being simulated by the simulation file (302), the application (122), the simulation model (212), and the simulation file (302) are sent to the client device (120).
The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the server (110) and the data repository (210) are deployed in the cloud.
A method for assisting users (150) in using an automated system, including:

At the client device (120), a request for the application (122) is sent to the server (110), and the application (122) instructs the user (150) to write at the client device (120) that can be controlled by the automation Program code executed by the programmable logic controller in the system to simulate the control of the controlled object (140) in the automation system;

The application (122) and the simulation model (212) associated with the application (122) are received from the server (110), and the simulation model (212) is used to perform the control on the controlled object (140). Simulation; and

The control of the controlled object (140) is simulated by running the program code and the simulation model (212).
The method of claim 18, further comprising:

The first usage information related to the usage of the application (122) by the user (150) is sent to the server (110).
The method of claim 19, further comprising:

The information of another application recommended to the user (150) is received from the server (110), the another application is determined based on the first usage information and the second usage information, and the second usage information is the same as Another user is related to the use of the application in the data repository (210).
The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein causing the program code to be executed comprises:

Make the program code run by a physical programmable logic controller (130), and

The program code is executed by the simulated programmable logic controller (304).
The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the application (122) and the simulation model (212) associated with the application (122) from the server (110) comprises:

In response to the programmable logic controller being simulated by the simulation file (302), the application (122), the simulation model (212), and the simulation file (302) are received from the server (110).
A computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which when executed, causes at least one processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 12 to 17.
A computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed, causes at least one processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 18 to 22.