JP5026925B2 - Control program creation device and control program creation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control program creating apparatus and a control program creating method for creating a control program using a function block in which an algorithm for a function unit of a control device is defined.

  Conventionally, in a control design configuration tool (control program creation device) using a function block, a function block is placed on the screen of the control program creation device, and the connection partner is connected from a connection terminal corresponding to a parameter in the function block. A control line is designed by setting a connection line (link) to the connection terminal. A control program creation method using such a control program creation device is a method that is generally used in DCS (Distributed Control System) and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) configuration tools. However, it is also commonly used in a fieldbus (Foundation Fieldbus) engineering tool that uses functional blocks (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a control program creation method using a conventional control program creation device, and shows an operation procedure on the screen of the control program creation device.
In the conventional control program creation method, the control program is created by moving the function block 1000 constituting the control logic from the list of available function blocks 1001 to the control logic editing window 1002 on the screen of the apparatus.

  Then, on the control logic editing window 1002, a connection line (link) is drawn from a terminal indicating a parameter of the function block 1000 to a terminal of another function block 1000 to define a connection relationship between the function blocks. In the example of FIG. 21, an analog input (AI) functional block 1000-AI, a functional block 1000-PID for performing PID calculation, and a functional block 1000-AO for performing analog output (AO) are displayed on the control logic editing window 1002. Yes, the terminal 1003 of the functional block 1000-AO and the terminal 1004 of the functional block 1000-PID are connected by a link 1005.

When there are a plurality of control logics, the movement of the function block 1000 from the list window 1001 to the control logic editing window 1002 and the connection between the function blocks by the link 1005 are repeated.
After such control logic editing, the control program creation device creates an execution schedule of the function block 1000 based on the connection relationship of each function block 1000 in which input is first and output is later.

  It can be said that the control design using the functional blocks of the fieldbus is more complicated than the conventional distributed control system. The reason is that it is necessary to define more connection lines, such as many functional block parameters and a link to reflect the calculation result in the upper functional block (Backward-Calculation). is there. Such design complexity is one of the reasons that only a part of workers who have the knowledge can perform fieldbus control design work (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Fieldbus control logic is considered to be made by combining various functional blocks from relatively simple logic such as a simple PID control loop to more complicated control logic, and functions to reduce work man-hours. It is required to incorporate control logic that combines blocks. However, since the conventional method is not suitable for creating such complex control logic, the user's data setting work is cumbersome, and the change is updated when the created control logic is changed. There is a problem that it is difficult to re-create the control program.

JP 2002-163003 A JP 10-177410 A

As described above, the conventional fieldbus control program creation device has a problem that the fieldbus control design work is complicated and requires a lot of work.
Such a problem occurs not only in the fieldbus control design but also in the case of a control design in a field in which the definition of the connection relation is complicated, for example.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a control program creation device and a control program creation method capable of facilitating control design work and reducing work man-hours.

The present invention relates to a plurality of definition blocks in which a plurality of function blocks of a control device are respectively templated in a control program creation device that creates a control program by combining the function blocks by regarding the functions of the control device as function blocks. and algorithms and parameters, and link indicating the connection relationship between these definition block, and said definition block and the link execution order of data, memory means for previously storing a file of templated connection pattern defined, Association setting means for associating a functional block of an actual control device with a definition block in the connection pattern selected from the connection pattern file stored in the storage means, and definition in the connection pattern for which the association has ended Based on the execution order data Generating an execution schedule of the connection pattern, and output means for generating a control program of a file and the data association of the connection pattern and the execution schedule, the parameters according to the definition block in the file of the connection patterns or connection relationship When a change is made, it is provided with an update unit that automatically or manually captures the changed part, drives the association setting unit and the output unit, and updates the control program.
In addition, one configuration example of the control program creation device of the present invention further includes connection pattern creation means for creating the connection pattern file in advance, and the connection pattern creation means creates a plurality of the definition blocks on the screen. A block creating means, a port creating means for creating a port indicating a parameter applied to an input / output terminal of each definition block on the screen, and a link for creating a link indicating a connection relation between the ports of each definition block on the screen Creating means; property setting means for setting attributes of definition blocks, ports and links on the screen; and connection pattern files including the created definition block data, port data and link data in the storage means. And a file creation means for storing.

Further, in one configuration example of the control program creation device of the present invention, a connection pattern file selected from the connection pattern files stored in the storage unit is further read, and the connection pattern is processed by the association setting unit. Connection pattern reading means to be the target of the above.
In the configuration example of the control program creation device of the present invention, the association setting means selects an arbitrary functional block from the list of displayed functional blocks, and an arbitrary definition of the connection pattern being displayed by the functional block. When the block is moved onto the block, the selected function block is associated with the selected definition block.
Further , in one configuration example of the control program creation device of the present invention, the connection pattern creation means reads a plurality of connection pattern files from the connection pattern files stored in the storage means, and combines these connection patterns. It has connection pattern compounding means.

Further, the present invention provides a control program creation method for creating a control program by combining the function blocks with the functions of the control device being regarded as function blocks. A connection pattern that predefines a connection pattern file that defines and defines a definition block algorithm and parameters, a link that indicates the connection relationship between these definition blocks, and the definition block and the execution order data of the link, and is templated. The creation procedure, the association setting procedure for associating the functional block of the actual control device with the definition block in the connection pattern selected from the connection pattern file prepared in advance, and the connection pattern for which the association has ended Data in the defined execution order To generate a schedule for running the connection pattern, and an output step of generating a control program of a file and the data association of the connection pattern and the execution schedule, according to the definition block in the file of the connection pattern parameter Or, when the connection relationship is changed, an update procedure for capturing the changed portion automatically or manually, executing the association setting procedure and the output procedure, and updating the control program is provided.
Also, one configuration example of the control program creation method of the present invention is such that the connection pattern creation procedure edits the connection pattern file with a text editor.

  According to the present invention, a function block can be obtained by reading a connection pattern file created in advance, selecting a function block from a list of usable function blocks of each control device, and selecting a definition block from the connection pattern. Since the control program can be created in association with the definition block, the control design work can be facilitated and the number of work steps can be reduced. Further, in the present invention, by providing the updating means, the changed part of the connection pattern can be reflected in the control program using the connection pattern.

  Further, according to the present invention, by providing the connection pattern creating means, the connection pattern can be easily created, and the connection pattern can be stored in the storage means.

  Further, according to the present invention, by providing the connection pattern reading means, it is possible to read a desired connection pattern file from the connection pattern files stored in the storage means and create a control program.

  According to the present invention, an engineer who uses the control program creation device associates a functional block and a definition block by selecting a desired functional block and a definition block on the screen by a so-called drag and drop method. be able to.

  Further, according to the present invention, by setting execution order data as the definition block and link attributes, it is not necessary to check the connection relationship of each block when generating the execution schedule of the control program. It is possible to reduce the man-hours required for the development of the generating means.

  Further, according to the present invention, by providing the connection pattern combining means, a larger connection pattern can be created by combining a plurality of connection patterns.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control program creation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The control program creation device 1 according to the present embodiment defines a plurality of definition block parameters each of which is a template of a plurality of functional blocks of a control device, and defines a connection relationship between these definition blocks for each control logic. Selected from the connection pattern creation unit 2 for creating the connection pattern, the storage unit 3 for storing the function block data of the control device and the connection pattern file in advance, and the connection pattern file stored in the storage unit 3 Control program for creating a control program by associating the connection pattern reading unit 4 for reading the connection pattern file, the functional block selected from the functional blocks stored in the storage unit 3, and the definition block of the selected connection pattern The editing unit 5 and an execution schedule for generating an execution schedule of the control program A module generation unit 6, an input unit 7 for a user of the control program creation device to give instructions to the device, a display unit 8 for displaying information to the user of the control program creation device, and a connection And a control program update unit 9 that updates the control program in accordance with the pattern change.

  In this embodiment, the connection pattern (control logic template) created in advance by the connection pattern creation unit 1 is used, and the control design of the fieldbus is performed by selecting a desired connection pattern and assigning functional blocks. . The functional block defines, for example, an algorithm or parameter for a minimum functional unit in an actual control device such as a sensor or a valve positioner. The connection pattern is a template in which the parameters of each functional block and the connection relationship between the functional blocks are defined for each control logic (for example, PID control or cascade control).

  Note that the functional blocks used in the connection pattern are function blocks that are defined for general use so that they can be used as long as the algorithms and parameters are the same even when the manufacturer of the control device is different. The function block used in is called a definition block.

[Outline of control program creation device]
2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining a control program creation method using the control program creation device of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of control program creation by the control program creation device, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a program creation apparatus.
First, the connection pattern creation unit 2 creates a connection pattern 100, which is a control loop template, in advance (step S1 in FIG. 3). The created connection pattern 100 file is stored in the storage unit 3.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the connection pattern 100 is a template that defines an algorithm of a PID control loop. The analog input (AI) definition block 101 -AI, a definition block 101 -PID that performs PID calculation, and an analog output (AO) And a definition block 101-AO. Ports 102 indicating parameters relating to the input / output terminals of each definition block 101 are connected by a link 103, and a connection relationship of parameters of the definition block 101 is defined. In the example of FIG. 2, for example, the OUT parameter of the definition block 101-AI and the IN parameter of the definition block 101-PID are connected. In the connection pattern 100, execution order data of each definition block 101 is also registered. In the example of FIG. 2, the execution order is 101-AI → 101-PID → 101-AO.

  Next, the connection pattern reading unit 4 reads a file of the selected connection pattern 100 from the storage unit 3, and the control program editing unit 5 displays the connection pattern 100 read by the connection pattern reading unit 4 on the screen of the display unit 8. It is displayed on the control logic editing window 104 (step S2).

  Then, the control program editing unit 5 selects a function block from the list 105 of usable function blocks of each control device, and defines the definition block 101 of the connection pattern 100 and the function block of the control device on the control logic editing window 104. Are associated (step S3).

  The association between the definition block 101 and the functional block of the control device may be performed by moving a desired functional block on the screen of the display unit 8 to the definition block 101 to be associated. In the example of FIG. 2, a function block with a control device name “DST — 02” and a function block name “AI” is associated with the definition block 101-AI, and a function block with a control device name “AVP — 08” is associated with the definition block 101-PID. A function block with a name “PID” is associated, and a function block with a control device name “AVP — 08” and a function block name “AO” is associated with the definition block 101-AO. The control program editing unit 5 repeatedly associates the definition block 101 with the functional block of the control device until there is no unprocessed definition block 101 (NO in step S4).

The execution schedule generation unit 6 generates an execution schedule of the connection pattern 100 for which the association in step S3 has ended based on the execution order data defined in the selected connection pattern 100 (step S5).
The control program creation process including the connection pattern 100, the association information between the definition block 101 of the connection pattern 100 and the functional block of the control device, and the execution schedule of the connection pattern 100 is completed.

[Description of connection pattern creation]
Next, the control program creation device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the connection pattern creation unit 2. The connection pattern creation unit 2 includes an edit screen creation unit 20, a block creation unit 21, a port creation unit 22, a link creation unit 23, a property setting unit 24, and a file creation unit 25.

In the present embodiment, the connection pattern creation unit 2 creates a connection pattern in accordance with an instruction from the designer of the connection pattern of the control program.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a connection pattern editing screen displayed on the display unit 8 when a connection pattern is created, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the connection pattern creation unit 2. Note that the processing flow shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  The connection pattern editing screen 200 has an editing window 201 for displaying / editing a connection pattern, a property window 202 for setting attributes of definition blocks, ports and links, and a connection pattern in a hierarchical structure when there are a plurality of connection patterns. A hierarchy window 203 to be displayed and an operation unit 204 such as a menu or a toolbar are configured.

First, the edit screen generation unit 20 of the connection pattern creation unit 2 creates a connection pattern edit screen 200 and displays it on the display unit 8 when creating a connection pattern (step S10 in FIG. 6).
Subsequently, as a result of the designer operating the operation unit 204 using the input unit 7 as a result of receiving an instruction to create a block (YES in step S11), the block creating unit 21 displays the definition block 101 on the editing window 201. Create (step S12). The created definition block 101 can be appropriately selected, deleted, and moved on the editing window 201 using the input unit 7.

  The port creation unit 22 automatically creates the port 102 in the definition block 101 simultaneously with the creation of the definition block 101 (step S13). When the definition block 101 moves, the port 102 automatically moves accordingly, and when the definition block 101 is deleted, the port 102 is also automatically deleted. The definition block 101 and the port 102 created in steps S12 and S13 are in an incomplete state in which no attribute is set.

  When the designer selects the definition block 101 or the port 102 on the editing window 201 using the input unit 7 (YES in step S14), the property setting unit 24 sets the attribute of the selected definition block 101 or the port 102 as a property. It is displayed on the window 202 (step S15).

  Here, when the designer inputs attribute information on the property window 202 using the input unit 7 (YES in step S16), the property setting unit 24 selects the attribute of the definition block 101 or the port 102 in which the attribute information is selected. (Step S17).

Attributes of the definition block 101 include a block type, a block name, and an execution order. Examples of the block type include AI, PID, AO, CS (selector), TMR (timer), and the like. By setting this block type, the algorithm of the definition block 101 is selected, and a settable port type (parameter type) is selected.
An attribute of the port 102 is a port type. Examples of the port type include IN, OUT, CAS_IN, BKCAL_IN, and BKCAL_OUT. The settable port types are determined in advance for each block type.

  When the attribute of the definition block 101 is set, the property setting unit 24 displays the block name and the execution order near the definition block 101 on the editing window 201, and the attribute of the port 102 is set. In this case, the port type is displayed near the port 102 on the edit window 201.

  Next, the link creation unit 23 uses the input unit 7 to select the port 102 for which the port type has been set on the edit window 201 and further selects another port 102 for which the port type has been set (step S <b> step). In S18, the link 103 is created between these two ports on the editing window 201 (Step S19). At this time, the link creation unit 23 automatically sets the input and output of the link 103 according to the set port type.

When the designer selects the link 103 on the edit window 201 using the input unit 7 (YES in step S20), the property setting unit 24 displays the attribute of the selected link 103 on the property window 202 (step S21). ).
Here, when the designer inputs attribute information on the property window 202 using the input unit 7 (YES in step S22), the property setting unit 24 sets this attribute information as an attribute of the selected link 103 ( Step S23).

  The attributes of the link 103 include the execution order. The property setting unit 24 displays the execution order near the link 103 on the editing window 201 when the attribute of the link 103 is set.

  When the designer operates the operation unit 204 using the input unit 7 and receives an instruction to create a connection pattern file (YES in step S24), the file creation unit 25 is created by the processes in steps S11 to S23. A connection pattern file is created (step S25). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the format of the connection pattern file. In this way, the created connection pattern file is saved in XML (Extensible Markup Language) or other meta language format, so that it can be easily searched and edited.

  A pattern name input in advance is used as the file name of the connection pattern file. The connection pattern file includes information such as a file version 300, a pattern name 301, a connection pattern description 302, block data 303, port data 304, and link data 305.

The block data 303 indicates information on each definition block in the connection pattern, and is generated for each definition block. The block data 303 includes a definition block name 306, a definition block execution order 307, a block type 308, a definition block coordinate 309, and port data 304 of each port provided in the definition block.
The port data 304 includes a port position 310 on the definition block and a port type 311.

The link data 305 indicates information on each link in the connection pattern, and is generated for each link. The link data 305 includes an input-side definition block name 312, an input-side port type 313, an output-side definition block name 314, an output-side port type 315, an execution order 316, and a link inflection. Point coordinates 317.
The file creation unit 25 stores the created connection pattern file in the storage unit 3. Thus, the process of the connection pattern creation unit 2 is completed.

[Explanation of reading connection pattern]
Next, the operation of the connection pattern reading unit 4 of the control program creation device 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the connection pattern reading unit 4. The connection pattern reading unit 4 includes a list screen generation unit 40, a connection pattern addition unit 41, a connection pattern deletion unit 42, and a connection pattern selection reading unit 43.
The connection pattern reading unit 4 reads and displays an empty connection pattern (that is, a connection pattern that is not associated with a functional block of the control device) from the list of connection patterns created by the connection pattern creation unit 2.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a connection pattern list screen displayed on the display unit 8 when a connection pattern is read, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the connection pattern reading unit 4. Note that the processing flow shown in FIG. 10 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
On the connection pattern list screen 400, a display button 401, an add button 402, a delete button 403, and a connection pattern list 404 used to create a control program are displayed. The list 404 includes a control class name 405 and a connection pattern file name 406 included in the control class. The control class refers to an identifier assigned for management classification.

First, the list screen generation unit 40 of the connection pattern reading unit 4 generates a connection pattern list screen 400 and displays it on the display unit 8 when the connection pattern is read (step S30 in FIG. 10).
When the designer operates the add button 402 on the connection pattern list screen 400 using the input unit 7 (YES in step S31), the connection pattern addition unit 41 adds the connection pattern to the list 404 according to the designer's instruction ( Step S32).

  When the designer operates the add button 402, the connection pattern adding unit 41 prompts the user to input a control class name. In addition, the connection pattern adding unit 41 presents selectable connection pattern files stored in the storage unit 3 and prompts the user to select a connection pattern file. When the input of the control class name and the selection of the connection pattern file are completed, the selected connection pattern is added to the list 404. This completes the processing of the connection pattern adding unit 41.

  When the designer selects a control class on the list 404 using the input unit 7 and operates the delete button 403 (YES in step S33), the connection pattern deletion unit 42 selects the name 405 of the selected control class and this The file name 406 of the connection pattern included in the control class is deleted from the list 404 (step S34).

  Next, the connection pattern selection reading unit 43 selects a desired control class and connection pattern on the list 404 using the input unit 7 and operates the display button 401 (YES in step S35). The connection pattern file of the control class is read from the storage unit 3, and this connection pattern file is passed to the control program editing unit 5 (step S36).

Next, the operation of the control program editing unit 5 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of the control program editing unit 5. The control program editing unit 5 includes a creation screen generation unit 50, an association setting unit 51, a property display unit 52, and a setting data storage unit 53. The setting data storage unit 53 constitutes output means for generating a control program.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a control program creation screen displayed on the display unit 8 when the control program is created, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control program editing unit 5. Note that the order of processing shown in FIG. 13 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  The control program creation screen 500 hierarchically displays a control logic editing window 501 for displaying / editing a connection pattern of a control class read by the connection pattern reading unit 4 and a list of usable function blocks 504 of each control device. A hierarchy window 502 and a setting window 503 for displaying the association information of the block selected in the control logic editing window 501 are configured. In the hierarchy window 502, the name of the control device and the name of the functional block included in the control device are displayed.

  First, when the creation screen generation unit 50 of the control program editing unit 5 receives the connection pattern file of the control class from the connection pattern reading unit 4, the creation screen generation unit 50 generates the control program creation screen 500 and causes the display unit 8 to display the connection pattern file. Based on the file received from the unit 4, the connection pattern is displayed in the control logic edit window 501 of the control program creation screen 500 (step S40 in FIG. 13).

  At this time, the creation screen generating unit 50 displays the block type acquired from the connection pattern file in each definition block 101 of the connection pattern as shown in FIG. 12, and the port type acquired from the connection pattern file near the port 102. (Parameter) is displayed. Definition data of the function block 504 of each control device displayed in the hierarchy window 502 is registered in the storage unit 3 in advance.

  Next, in the association setting unit 51 of the control program editing unit 5, the designer uses the input unit 7 to select a function block 504 of a desired control device on the hierarchy window 502, and this function block 504 is selected in the control logic editing window. If it is moved to the desired definition block 101 of 501 (YES in step S41), it is determined whether or not the association between the selected function block 504 and the definition block 101 is possible (step S42).

  In the storage unit 3, definable data of the definition block 101 is registered in advance for each block type. The association setting unit 51 confirms whether or not the selected function block 504 is associated with another definition block 101. Also, the association setting unit 51 confirms the definition data of the selected function block 504 and the definable data of the selected definition block 101, and whether the selected function block 504 and the definition block 101 are compatible. Check if.

  If the selected function block 504 is not associated with another definition block 101 and the blocks are compatible, the association setting unit 51 determines that the association is possible and selects the selected function block 504. The definition block 101 is associated (step S43). The association between the function block 504 and the definition block 101 is realized by the association setting unit 51 generating association data. The association data associates the control device name and function block name with the definition block name.

  Thus, the association setting unit 51 repeatedly associates the functional block 504 of the control device with the definition block 101 in accordance with the designer's instruction (steps S41 to S43). The association setting unit 51 displays the corresponding control device name and function block name in the definition block 101 for which association has been completed among the definition blocks 101 displayed in the control logic editing window 501.

  FIG. 14 shows a control program creation screen 500 after the association is completed. In the example of FIG. 14, the functional block with the control device name “DST — 01” and the functional block name “AI — 1” is associated with the definition block 101-AI, and the functional block with the control device name “AVP — 01” is associated with the definition block 101-PID. A functional block with the name “PID_1” is associated, and a functional block with the control device name “AVP — 01” and the functional block name “AO — 1” is associated with the definition block 101-AO.

  The association setting unit 51 does not associate the selected function block 504 when the selected function block 504 is already associated with another definition block 101 or when the selected function block 504 and the definition block 101 are not compatible. It judges that it is possible (NO in step S42), displays an error message on the control program creation screen 500, and rejects the association (step S44).

  Next, when the designer uses the input unit 7 to select the definition block 101 on the control logic editing window 501 (YES in step S45), the property display unit 52 of the control program editing unit 5 selects the selected definition block. The control device name (PD_TAG in FIG. 14) and the function block name (BLK_TAG in FIG. 14) corresponding to 101 are displayed on the setting window 503 (step S46).

  The execution schedule generation unit 6 responds to an instruction from the designer based on the execution order data defined in the connection pattern file of the control class read by the connection pattern reading unit 4 and the connection pattern for which the association has ended. Generate an execution schedule.

[Description of output means]
Finally, the setting data storage unit 53 of the control program editing unit 5 stores in the storage unit 3 a control program including a connection pattern file, association data between function blocks and definition blocks, and a connection pattern execution schedule. As a timing of saving, for example, there is a time when the control program creation screen 500 is closed. The file format may also be generated in a meta language format.

[Description of control program update unit]
When a part of the created connection pattern file is changed by the connection pattern creation unit 2, there is a request to reflect the changed part in the control program once generated. In order to respond to such a request, when the connection pattern file stored in the storage unit 3 is changed, the control program update unit 9 reads the changed connection pattern file by the connection pattern reading unit 4, and this connection pattern Update the control program associated with the file.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control program update unit 9, and FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control program update unit 9. Note that the processing flow shown in FIG. 16 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
The control program update unit 9 includes a file change detection unit 90, a related program determination unit 91, a program change unit 92, and a program update unit 93.

  The designer can start the connection pattern creation unit 2 and change parameters or connection relations related to the created connection pattern definition block. Since the change work at this time can be performed in the same manner as the connection pattern creation process, details are omitted. The file creation unit 25 of the connection pattern creation unit 2 updates the connection pattern file according to the changed content.

  When the file change detection unit 90 detects a change in the connection pattern file stored in the storage unit 3 (YES in step S50 in FIG. 16), the related program determination unit 91 of the control program update unit 9 changes this connection. It is determined whether a control program using the pattern file exists in the storage unit 3 (step S51). When the control program that uses the changed connection pattern file exists in the storage unit 3, the related program determination unit 91 displays a dialog on the screen of the display unit 8, for example, to change the connection pattern. The designer is inquired whether to update the control program (step S52).

  When updating the control program, the program changing unit 92 needs to change the association between the changed connection pattern definition block and the functional block of the control device and the execution schedule in accordance with the change of the connection pattern file. Whether or not (step S53). When it is determined that the association or execution schedule needs to be corrected, the program changing unit 92 activates the control program editing unit 5 to change the association between the definition block and the functional block and the execution schedule (step S54). Since the operation of the control program editing unit 5 is the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted.

Then, the program update unit 93 creates a changed control program including the changed connection pattern file, the association data between the functional block and the definition block, and the connection pattern execution schedule, and is stored in the storage unit 3. The control program to be updated is updated to the changed control program (step S55).
The related program determination unit 91 returns to step S52 until all the control programs using the changed connection pattern file have been updated (YES in step S56), and performs the processing of steps S52 to S55 for each program. repeat. Thus, the process of the control program update unit 9 ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a connection pattern file created in advance is read, a function block is selected from a list of usable function blocks of each control device, and a connection pattern on the control logic editing window is selected. Since the control program can be created by associating the functional block with the definition block simply by selecting the definition block from the above, the control design work can be facilitated and the number of work steps can be reduced. An engineer who uses the control program creation device can associate a functional block and a definition block by simply selecting a desired functional block and a definition block on the screen by a so-called drag and drop technique.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily realize a program mass generation function using the same connection pattern.
In the present embodiment, unlike the conventional case, the connection relationship between the definition blocks is already defined as data when the connection pattern is created, so there is no need to set the connection relationship again when creating the control program using the connection pattern. .

  Conventionally, the control design configuration tool checks the connection relationship of each block and generates an execution schedule. Therefore, if the control logic becomes complicated, the setting logic becomes complicated, and man-hours are required to develop the execution schedule generation means. Cost. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the execution schedule of the control program is generated by setting the execution order data in advance as the connection pattern definition block and the link attribute, the connection of each block is connected. It is not necessary to check the relationship, and the man-hours required for developing the execution schedule generation unit 6 can be reduced. Further, in the present embodiment, by providing the control program update unit 9, the connection pattern change portion can be reflected in the control program using the connection pattern.

[Second Embodiment]
Although the case where one connection pattern is included in one control program has been described in the first embodiment, a control program may be created by combining a plurality of connection patterns.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the connection pattern creation unit 2 of the present embodiment. The connection pattern creation unit 2 according to the present embodiment includes a connection pattern composite unit 26 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. Other configurations of the control program creation device 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the connection pattern creation unit 2 of the present embodiment, and the same processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
When the designer uses the input unit 7 to select a desired connection pattern file from the created connection pattern files stored in the storage unit 3, the connection pattern combination unit 26 of the connection pattern creation unit 2 (FIG. 18). In step S26, the selected connection pattern file is read, and the connection pattern is displayed on the editing window 201 of the connection pattern editing screen 200 based on this connection pattern file (step S27).

  The connection pattern composite unit 26 repeats the processes of steps S26 and S27 in accordance with the designer's instruction. As a result, a plurality of connection patterns are arranged on the editing window 201. Thereafter, the processes of steps S11 to S25 may be appropriately performed in accordance with the designer's instruction, and a larger connection pattern may be created by combining a plurality of connection patterns. Further, a configuration in which another connection pattern is hierarchically included (nested) in one connection pattern is also possible.

  19 and 20 are diagrams showing an example of a connection pattern according to the present embodiment. The example of FIG. 19 shows an example in which two connection patterns, a PID connection pattern 100-1 and a PID connection pattern 100-2, are connected in series to create a cascade control connection pattern.

  In the example of FIG. 20, two connection patterns, a PID connection pattern 100-3 and a PID connection pattern 100-4, are arranged in parallel, and a CS (selector) definition block is output as an output of the connection patterns 100-3 and 100-4. In this example, the AO definition block is connected and the selector selection outputs BKCAL_SEL1 and BKCAL_SEL2 are fed back to the PID connection patterns 100-3 and 100-4, respectively, thereby creating an override select control connection pattern. The selector selectively outputs any one of the connection patterns 100-3 and 100-4 to the AO, and selectively outputs the feedback output from the AO to any one of the connection patterns 100-3 and 100-4. To do.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment of the present invention, a connection pattern file created by the connection pattern creation procedure or a completely new connection pattern is created by reading and editing a file in XML format with a text editor or the like. It is a method to do. In this method, the connection pattern file thus changed is directly read by the connection pattern reading procedure to create a control program. That is, the connection pattern creating means is not used, and other association setting procedures, output procedures, and the like are common to the other embodiments.

  Note that the control program creation devices of the first to third embodiments can be realized by a computer having a CPU, a storage device, and an external interface, and a program for controlling these hardware resources. In such a computer, a program for realizing the control program creation method of the present invention is provided in a state of being recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a memory card. The CPU writes the program read from the recording medium to the storage device, and executes the processes described in the first and second embodiments according to the program.

  In the first to third embodiments, the fieldbus control design has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the fieldbus field, connection relationships between functional blocks and their parameters are defined. Thus, the present invention can be applied to a field in which configuration work is performed in a field where the definition of connection relations is complicated or a lot of data with the same pattern appears.

  The present invention can be applied to a control program creation technique using functional blocks of a control device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of control program creation by the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the connection pattern creation part of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the connection pattern edit screen displayed at the time of creation of a connection pattern in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the connection pattern creation part of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows one example of the format of the connection pattern file in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the connection pattern reading part of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the connection pattern list screen displayed at the time of the connection pattern reading in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the connection pattern reading part of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control program edit part of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control program creation screen displayed at the time of creation of a control program in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control program edit part of the control program creation apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control program creation screen after correlating the functional block and the definition block in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control program update part of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control program update part of the control program creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the connection pattern preparation part of the control program preparation apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the connection pattern preparation part of the control program preparation apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows one example of the connection pattern in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the connection pattern in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the control program creation method using the conventional control program creation apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control program creation apparatus, 2 ... Connection pattern creation part, 3 ... Memory | storage part, 4 ... Connection pattern reading part, 5 ... Control program edit part, 6 ... Execution schedule production | generation part, 7 ... Input part, 8 ... Display part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Control program update part, 20 ... Edit screen production | generation part, 21 ... Block creation part, 22 ... Port creation part, 23 ... Link creation part, 24 ... Property setting part, 25 ... File creation part, 26 ... Connection pattern composite part , 40 ... list screen generation unit, 41 ... connection pattern addition unit, 42 ... connection pattern deletion unit, 43 ... connection pattern selection reading unit, 50 ... creation screen generation unit, 51 ... association setting unit, 52 ... property display unit, 53 ... Setting data storage unit, 90 ... File change detection unit, 91 ... Related program determination unit, 92 ... Program change unit, 93 ... Program update unit.

Claims (7)

In a control program creation device that creates a control program by combining the function blocks with the functions of the control device as function blocks,
Define a plurality of definition block algorithms and parameters each of which is a template of a plurality of functional blocks of a control device, a link indicating a connection relationship between these definition blocks, and data of execution order of the definition block and the link. Storage means for storing in advance a connection pattern file formed into a template;
Association setting means for associating the functional block of the actual control device with the definition block in the connection pattern selected from the connection pattern file stored in the storage means;
Based on the execution order data defined in the connection pattern for which the association has been completed, an execution schedule for the connection pattern is generated, and a control program comprising the connection pattern file, the association data, and the execution schedule is provided. Output means to generate;
When a parameter or connection relationship related to a definition block in the connection pattern file is changed, the changed part is automatically or manually captured, the association setting unit and the output unit are driven, and the control program is updated. A control program creating apparatus comprising: an updating unit. The control program creation device according to claim 1,
Furthermore, a connection pattern creating means for creating the connection pattern file in advance is provided,
The connection pattern creating means includes
A block creating means for creating a plurality of the definition blocks on the screen;
Port creation means for creating a port indicating a parameter applied to an input / output terminal of each definition block on the screen;
Link creating means for creating a link indicating a connection relationship between ports of each definition block on the screen;
Property setting means for setting attributes of the definition block, port and link on the screen;
A control program creation device, comprising: a file creation means for storing a connection pattern file including the created definition block data, port data, and link data in the storage means. The control program creation device according to claim 1,
Furthermore, a connection pattern file selected from the connection pattern files stored in the storage unit is read, and a connection pattern reading unit that uses the connection pattern as a processing target of the association setting unit is provided. Control program creation device. The control program creation device according to claim 1,
The association setting means selects an arbitrary function block from the list of displayed function blocks, and when the function block is moved onto an arbitrary definition block of the connection pattern being displayed, the selected function block And a selected definition block. The control program creation device according to claim 2,
Further, the connection pattern creating means has a connection pattern composite means for reading a plurality of connection pattern files from the connection pattern files stored in the storage means and combining these connection patterns. Creation device. In a control program creation method for creating a control program by combining the function blocks by regarding the functions of the control device as function blocks,
Define a plurality of definition block algorithms and parameters each of which is a template of a plurality of functional blocks of a control device, a link indicating a connection relationship between these definition blocks, and data of execution order of the definition block and the link. Connection pattern creation procedure to create a connection pattern file templated in advance,
An association setting procedure for associating a functional block of an actual control device with a definition block in the connection pattern selected from a connection pattern file prepared in advance;
Based on the execution order data defined in the connection pattern for which the association has been completed, an execution schedule for the connection pattern is generated, and a control program comprising the connection pattern file, the association data, and the execution schedule is provided. The output procedure to generate,
When the parameter or connection relationship related to the definition block in the connection pattern file is changed, the changed part is automatically or manually captured, the association setting procedure and the output procedure are executed, and the control program is updated. A control program creation method comprising: an update procedure. The control program creation method according to claim 6 ,
A control program creation method characterized in that the connection pattern creation procedure edits the connection pattern file with a text editor.

Images