JP4301919B2 - Editor device, program for causing computer to function as editor device, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for editing a program executed by a display device having a function of displaying a state of a control target device and a function of instructing control of an operation of the control target device. The present invention relates to an editor device capable of improving the maintainability of a program while providing flexibility to the user regarding definition, a program for causing a computer to function as an editor device, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  An industrial control device called a programmable logic controller is connected to an automatic assembly machine or other control target device, and executes sequence control or other control, or receives data representing the state of the device. The control or display of the state of the control target device is performed, for example, via a display unit having a function of displaying the state of the device and a function of controlling the operation of the device. In recent years, a display device having a control function of the industrial control device has been introduced.

  Such a display device displays a state of a connected control target device or displays a screen for an operator to input an instruction. The screen displayed at this time is created by programming prepared in advance in the editor device for the screen. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established a standard programming language used for this programming. This language includes SFC (Sequential Function Chart), LD (Ladder Diagram), IL (Instruction List), FBD (Function Block Diagram), and ST (Structured Text).

  The screen created in this way often has a plurality of images associated with variables. Each variable is set according to the state of the control target device or the operation to be controlled. Therefore, when creating or editing a screen, there has been a demand for creating a program by efficiently setting a plurality of variables.

  Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-75616 (Patent Document 1) discloses an editor device that can simplify the input of incidental information and efficiently create a display content program or a control procedure program. This editor device creates a first editor means for creating a display content program for defining display contents for displaying the status of a control target device, and a control procedure program for determining a control procedure for controlling the control target device. A variable set in common corresponding to the address of each control target device between the second editor means, the display content program, and the control procedure program to represent each control target device and their state And supplementary information supply means for supplying information from one editor means to the other editor means as supplementary information about a display symbol or a plurality of control symbols representing a control operation corresponding to the control target device.

According to the above-described editor device, the incidental information already input by any one of the editor means is supplied to the other editor means, so that it is possible to avoid redundant input of the information. Thereby, a program can be created by efficiently setting a plurality of variables.
JP 2001-75616 A (Patent Document 1)

  In addition to the above-mentioned request for efficiency when setting efficient variables, we would like to efficiently edit the screen according to the setting change due to the addition of equipment and other changes in the configuration of the control target equipment. There is also a request.

  However, for example, in order to add a new variable to a variable that has already been set, depending on the attribute of the variable (for example, a bit variable, an integer variable, etc.) Since the area may not be secured in the memory area, the program may not be easily changed. That is, conventionally, the address of the variable initially set for the control target device is secured as a fixed data area, and the user can add a variable assigned to a memory area other than that area. did it. Therefore, when a variable is created after the user has set the variable area once for the purpose of changing the control target device or other purposes, it may not be flexible in that the usable area is restricted. there were.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display device having a function of displaying a state of a control target device and a function of instructing control of an operation of the control target device. The creation of variables used by the program to be executed enables flexible creation, improves the use efficiency of the data area in the storage device of the computer that uses this program, and further improves the maintainability of the program. An editor device is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide flexible creation of variables used by a program executed in a display device having a function of displaying the state of a control target device and a function of instructing control of operation of the control target device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a program that allows a computer to function as an editor device capable of improving the maintainability of the program.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide flexible creation of variables used by a program executed in a display device having a function of displaying a state of a control target device and a function of instructing control of operation of the control target device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording medium that records a program that can cause a computer to function as an editor device that can improve the maintainability of the program.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, the editor device displays the status of the control target device based on a plurality of data stored in the storage device by the display device and instructions for controlling the operation. Is a device for creating data corresponding to a control program for executing the above in a format that can be transferred to a display. This editor device includes a storage means for storing attributes in a control program for variables to which a plurality of data are respectively associated in association with names of groups to which the variables belong, and an input for a user to input data Means, display means for displaying each name based on a display instruction detected from the data, input of identification data associated with each group for each name from the data, and variables belonging to the group Detecting means for detecting an input of a setting value that defines a number; generating means for generating a code for declaring a variable associated with an attribute based on identification data, a setting value, and an attribute; A generated code and a code created based on a predetermined creation program, which is a processing code that represents display execution and instruction execution. Based on the de, and a creation means for creating a control program.

  According to the editor apparatus, when the user inputs a display instruction via the input unit, the display unit displays the name of the group to which each variable belongs. These names are associated with variable attributes to which a plurality of data in the control program for executing the display of the state of the control target device and the operation control instruction are associated. When the user inputs identification data associated with each group for each name and a setting value that defines the number of variables belonging to that group, the generating means converts the identification data, setting value, and attribute into the identification data, the setting value, and the attribute. Based on (for example, by assigning identification data to a numerical value from 0 to a set value), a code for declaring a variable associated with an attribute (for example, a variable declaration statement in a programming language) is generated. The creation means is a code created based on the code and a predetermined creation program, and based on the processing code representing execution of display and execution of instructions, for example, the code is By adding to the head, data corresponding to the control program is created. In this way, when the user inputs the identification data and the set value, the editor device can create data corresponding to the control program having a variable with which the attribute is associated. When this data is transferred to the display device, the display device can capture the control program from the data in an executable form. As a result, when the display device executes this control program, a data area referred to by a variable declared in the program is secured in the storage device in accordance with the attribute of the data. Thereby, the use efficiency of the data area can be improved in the storage device of the computer using this program.

  Preferably, the code is a code representing a variable declaration in the control program. The creating means creates the control program by inserting the code at a position before the position where the variable included in the code is referenced in the processing code.

  According to the editor device described above, since the variable created according to the attribute is declared before the processing of the control program, the display device can reliably execute the control program including the variable.

  Preferably, the generation means is based on the identification data and the set value, the variable generation means for generating each of the plurality of variables, the means for associating the attribute with each of the plurality of variables, and the attribute And sorting means for rearranging the plurality of variables, and means for generating a code corresponding to the order of the arrangement of the plurality of rearranged variables.

  According to the editor device, a control program including a code for declaring each variable based on the order rearranged based on the attribute is generated. Therefore, when the display device executes the control program, an area for storing data corresponding to each variable is secured in a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or other storage device according to the attribute. In this way, it is possible to suppress the generation of free space in the storage device, so that the storage device can be used efficiently.

  Preferably, the set value is an upper limit value of an address of a variable belonging to the group. The variable generation means generates each of the plurality of variables by adding identification data to the head of the character string representing the address with respect to the address up to the upper limit value.

  According to the editor device described above, each variable is generated up to the upper limit value of the address for each group to which the variable belongs. In this way, the user can create a program in the editor device while imagining the arrangement of variables in the data recording area. Thereby, the efficiency can be improved with respect to the creation of the control program.

  Preferably, the identification data is a character represented by an alphabet. The number of digits of the character string is a predetermined number of digits.

  According to the editor device, a variable whose length is fixed in advance is generated. Since this variable includes characters represented by alphabets at the beginning, the sorting process can be easily executed. In this way, by reflecting the attribute of the variable in the identification data, the user can set a variable that improves the utilization efficiency of the data area while recognizing the attribute of the variable.

  Preferably, the attribute in the control program includes a variable type.

  According to the above editor device, the code for declaring each variable referred to in the control program is generated according to the type of the variable. Therefore, by setting the identification data associated with the variable type, it is possible to set a variable that improves the use efficiency of the data area.

  Preferably, the variable type includes any of bits, integers and integer arrays.

  According to the editor device described above, by setting identification data associated with any one of bits, integers, and integer arrays, it is possible to set variables that improve the utilization efficiency of the data area.

  Preferably, the editor device further includes means for detecting an input of an additional variable name and an additional variable attribute from the data, and a code for declaring the additional variable associated with the additional variable attribute. Means for generating. The sorting means rearranges the additional variables based on the attributes of the additional variables following the array of the plurality of variables.

  According to the editor device described above, the user can arbitrarily add a variable. The code that declares the variable is generated so as to declare the added variable after the plurality of originally generated variables. Therefore, even if the user adds a variable, the control program can reliably execute the operation before the addition.

  Preferably, the editor device further includes means for storing the operating condition of the control program in the display, and conversion means for converting the code of the control program into a code corresponding to the operating condition.

  According to the editor device described above, the control program is converted so that the display device can be executed. Therefore, it is not necessary for the display device to have a function of converting the control program into a code corresponding to the operating condition, so that the load on the processing function of the display device (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) can be reduced.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the program stores data corresponding to a control program that executes a display of the state of the controlled device and an instruction to control the operation based on a plurality of data stored in the storage device by the display. The computer is caused to function as an editor device created in a format that can be transferred to the display. This program reads out the data stored in the storage means of the computer, and prepares the attribute in the control program of the variable to which each of the plurality of data is associated with the name of the group to which each variable belongs. A step of inputting data, a step of inputting data by the user, a step of displaying each name based on a display instruction detected from the data, and an input of identification data associated with each group for each name from the data Detecting a setting value that defines the number of variables belonging to the group; generating a code that declares a variable associated with the attribute based on the identification data, the setting value, and the attribute; A generated code and a code created based on a predetermined creation program. Te, based on the processing code representing the execution of the display and the execution of the instruction, and a step of creating a control program.

  According to the above program, when the user inputs a display instruction via the input means, the computer displays the name of the group to which each variable belongs. These names are associated with variable attributes to which a plurality of data in the control program for executing the display of the state of the control target device and the operation control instruction are associated. When the user inputs identification data associated with each group for each name and a setting value that defines the number of variables belonging to that group, the computer is based on the identification data, the setting value, and the attribute. (For example, by assigning identification data to a numerical value from 0 to a set value), a code for declaring a variable associated with an attribute (for example, a variable declaration statement in a programming language) is generated. The computer is a code created based on the code and a predetermined creation program, and the processing code representing execution of display and execution of the instruction, for example, the code is added to the head of the processing code. By adding to, data corresponding to the control program is created. In this way, when the user inputs the identification data and the set value, the computer can create data corresponding to the control program having the variable with which the attribute is associated in a transferable format. As a result, when the display device executes the control program, the data area referred to by the variable declared in the program is secured in the storage device of the display device in accordance with the attribute of the data. Thereby, the utilization efficiency of the data area can be improved in the storage device of the display using this program.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium creates a control program for executing the display of the state of the controlled device and the operation control instruction based on a plurality of data stored in the storage device by the display device. As an editor device, a program that causes a computer to function is stored. This program reads out the data stored in the storage device of the computer and prepares the attribute in the control program of the variable to which each of the plurality of data is associated with the name of the group to which each variable belongs. A step of inputting data, a step of displaying data based on a display instruction detected from the data, and a step of displaying identification data associated with each group for each name from the data A step of detecting an input and an input of a set value that defines the number of variables belonging to the group; and a step of generating a code for declaring a variable associated with the attribute based on the identification data, the set value, and the attribute And the generated code and the code created based on a predetermined creation program Therefore, pursuant to the processing code representing the execution of the display and the execution of the instruction, and a step of creating a control program.

  According to the above recording medium, the computer has a function of displaying the state of the control target device and a function of instructing control of the operation of the control target device by executing a program stored in the recording medium. The variable used by the program to be executed can be created flexibly, and it can function as an editor device that can improve the utilization efficiency of the data area in the storage device of the display using this program.

  According to the editor device of the present invention, an address is created in creating a variable used by a program executed in a display device having a function of displaying a state of a control target device and a function of instructing control of an operation of the control target device. The image can be reminded to the user. Moreover, according to this editor apparatus, the utilization efficiency of the data area in the storage device of the computer that uses the generated control program can be improved. Further, the editor device generates a variable declaration code based on data arbitrarily input by the user. The code is placed so that it follows the variable declaration code that has already been created. Therefore, since a new program can be easily added to a program whose operation has already been confirmed, maintainability can be improved.

  According to the program according to the present invention, a computer that executes this program can generate a control program that improves the utilization efficiency of the data area in the storage device of the display.

  According to the recording medium of the present invention, a computer that executes a program stored in the recording medium can generate a control program that improves the utilization efficiency of the data area in the storage device of the display.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  With reference to FIG. 1, an aspect of the configuration of editor device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an editor device 100 according to the present embodiment, a programmable display 150 that uses image data generated by the device, and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 180. In general, the editor device 100 and the programmable display device 150 are not always connected. For example, the image data generated by the editor device 100 is temporarily connected to the programmable display device 150 when it is loaded. .

  The editor device 100 includes a control unit 110, a memory unit 112 for temporarily storing data, a display unit 114 for displaying a created image, and the like, which are connected to each other via a data bus, and a user Input unit 116 for inputting data, drive unit 118 to which recording medium 120 is mounted, communication unit 122 for inputting / outputting data to / from the outside, and data storage for storing a large amount of data Part 140 and an editor part 130 for editing a screen and other graphics. The editor unit 130 includes a drawing editor 132, a variable management unit 134, and a program editor 136.

  The controller 110 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or other arithmetic circuit. When the control unit 110 detects a predetermined instruction, the control unit 110 reads the initial data and the processing program stored in the data storage unit 140 in advance into the memory unit 112, and sequentially calculates in the memory unit 112, thereby processing based on the program. Execute.

  The memory unit 112 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or other memory. The memory unit 112 stores fixed data such as initial data, or temporary processing results by the control unit 110 and other data. The storage of this data will be described later.

  The display unit 114 is, for example, a display device. The display unit 114 displays a screen based on the signal received from the control unit 110.

  The input unit 116 is a keyboard, mouse, or other input device. The user can input data for editing the screen, setting data associated with an image included in the screen, and the like via the input unit 116.

  The drive unit 118 can read data from the attached recording medium 120 or write data to the recording medium 120. The drive unit 118 includes a CD (Compact Disk) drive device, a memory card drive device, and the like.

  The communication unit 122 is an interface for communicating with an external device via a communication line. The communication unit 122 is, for example, an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, RS (Recommendation Standard) -232C standard, RS-422 standard, etc., but is not limited thereto, and devices and data connected via a communication line. As long as it can communicate.

  The editor unit 130 realizes a function for editing a screen or the like displayed on the programmable display 150 by the user based on a program and data stored in advance. The drawing editor 132 includes data necessary for drawing (for example, parts such as switches, lamps, numeric keys, and various displays, a drawing function, and a text input function).

  The drawing editor 132 generates a screen desired by the user based on these data and programs prepared in advance. Further, the drawing editor 132 can assign an input / output number (address) to each control target device of the mark arranged on the created screen. The user screen created by the drawing editor 132 is stored in the data storage unit 140. This user screen is transferred to the programmable display 150 connected via the communication unit 122 based on a user instruction. The transferred screen data is transferred to a FEPROM (Flash Erasable Programmable ROM) 164 via the maintenance port 154 of the programmable display 150 that is temporarily connected to the communication unit 122.

  The variable management unit 134 assigns the function (lamp, switch, counter, timer, etc.) represented by the symbol to the variable input from the drawing editor 132 as a function attribute, and causes the data storage unit 140 to store the variable.

  This variable may be a variable (so-called free variable) that can be arbitrarily input by the user, or a variable (so-called fixed variable) created based on a predetermined standard based on a predetermined naming rule. May be.

  The function attribute is given by including a reserved word in each of the above variables. In this case, for example, in the case of a lamp, “L” is a reserved word, and this reserved word is included at the beginning of the variable. For example, “LOOO” (O represents any letter or number) represents a lamp variable whose identification number is OOO. Variables can be set similarly for switches, counters, timers, and the like. The assignment of the function attribute is not limited to the above method.

  The program editor 136 creates a control program executed by the programmable display device 150 based on the screen created by the drawing editor 132 and the variables stored in the data storage unit 140. This control program displays, for example, the status of the PLC 180 connected to the programmable display 150, an assembly machine (not shown), or other control target devices, or causes these control target devices to perform predetermined operations. This is a program for outputting instructions.

  The data storage unit 140 is, for example, a hard disk device, but may be another storage device. The data storage unit 140 is controlled by the control unit 110 to write or read data.

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, the programmable display 150 includes a CPU 152, a maintenance port 154, a memory 160, a communication controller 166, a VRAM (Video RAM) 168, and a graphic controller, which are connected to each other via a data bus. 170, a display 172, a touch panel 174, a touch panel controller 176, an I / O (Input / Output) control IF (Interface) 178, and an I / O unit 179.

  The memory 160 includes a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) 162 and a FEPROM (Flash Erasable and Programmable ROM) 164. The I / O unit 179 includes input / output terminals, input / output circuits, and the like for connecting control target devices 196, 198 and other devices. A plurality of input / output terminals may be provided. The I / O control IF 178 is an interface circuit that mediates transmission / reception of signals between the CPU 152 and the I / O unit 179. The I / O control IF 178 includes an input / output memory, a D / A (Digital to Analog) converter, an A / D (Analog to Digital) converter, and the like.

  The CPU 152 executes communication processing with the PLC 180, display processing of the display 172, and the like based on a program stored in the FEPROM 164. The CPU 152 also executes processing corresponding to the input based on the input on the touch panel 174.

  The maintenance port 154 is a port temporarily used when the programmable display device 150 is maintained. New data is input from the maintenance port 154 when the screen to be displayed on the programmable display 150 is changed or when the display control setting of the screen is changed. Thereby, the screen data can be updated without interfering with communication between the programmable display 150 and the PLC 180.

  The DRAM 162 temporarily stores data mainly used for display control and other processing in the display 172. The FEPROM 164 is a rewritable flash memory. Since the flash memory does not have an operating part and is resistant to impact, it can operate stably even if the environment connected to the PLC 180 is poor.

  The communication controller 166 performs data communication with the PLC 180 under the control of the CPU 152. The data to be communicated includes data representing actual results and other operating conditions reported from the PLC 180, or setting data transmitted from the programmable display 150 to the PLC 180.

  The VRAM 168 temporarily stores screen display data under the control of the CPU 152. This data is read by the graphic controller 170 and output to the display 172. Thereby, the display 172 can display a predetermined screen.

  The touch panel controller 176 is disposed between the touch panel 174 and the data bus, and detects pressing of the touch panel 174. When the touch panel controller 176 detects the pressing, the position or input data is output to the memory unit 160.

  Since the programmable display 150 has the I / O control IF 178 and the I / O unit 179 as in the above configuration, it can be connected to the control target device without going through the PLC 180. Therefore, the programmable display 150 can directly execute, for example, a display of the state of the control target devices 196 and 198 or an operation control instruction.

  The configuration of the programmable display 150 is not limited to the above. For example, the programmable display has a function such as an operation panel, a switch, an indicator light, etc. for performing graphic display, as well as various monitors for management such as operation status and work instructions of devices and other controlled devices, It suffices to have a function as a terminal for inputting a setting value for a device.

  A control screen displayed on such a display can be created by a user by a screen creation program. When such a program is started on the computer, a screen for editing is displayed. The user can arbitrarily use the image blocks constituting the control screen on the screen, and set whether or not the operation can be performed. Here, the image block is, for example, a control screen itself, a component image (symbol) such as a lamp, switch, counter, meter display, or graph display displayed on the control screen, or added to the control screen or component image. An auxiliary image (for example, a pop-up window screen) or the like that is displayed automatically, but is not limited thereto. These images may all be designed by the user, or may be images prepared in advance as templates.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the PLC 180 is connected to the programmable display 150 via the network 190. The PLC 180 is further connected to the control target devices 192 and 194. The PLC 180 controls the operations of the control target devices 192 and 194 by executing a preset control program as a control function unit. The control target devices 192 and 194 are, for example, automatic assembly machines and belt conveyors, but are not limited to these devices. Further, the number of control target devices connected to the PLC 180 is not limited to a specific number.

  With reference to FIG. 2, a computer system 200 that realizes the editor device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system 200.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computer system 200 includes a CPU 210, a monitor 220, a mouse 230, a keyboard 240, a memory 250, a fixed disk 260, and an FD (Flexible Disk) drive connected to each other via a bus. A device 270, a CD-ROM drive 280, and a communication IF 290 are included. An FD 272 is attached to the FD driving device 270. A CD-ROM 282 is attached to the CD-ROM drive 280.

  The CPU 210 functions as the control unit 110 and the editor unit 130 in the editor device 100 shown in FIG. The mouse 230 or the keyboard 240 functions as the input unit 116 in the editor device 100. The monitor 220 functions as the display unit 114 in the editor device 100. The memory 250 functions as the memory unit 112 in the editor device 100. Fixed disk 260 functions as data storage unit 140 in editor device 100. The FD driving device 270 or the CD-ROM driving device 280 functions as the driving unit 118 in the editor device 100. The FD 272 or the CD-ROM 282 is a recording medium that is attached to the drive unit 118 of the editor device 100. Communication IF 290 functions as communication unit 122 in editor device 100.

  The processing in the computer system 200 that implements the editor device 100 in this way is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 210. Such software may be stored in advance in the memory 250 or the fixed disk 260. Alternatively, the FD 272 or the CD-ROM 282 may be stored and distributed in another recording medium, read from the recording medium by the FD driving device 270 or the CD-ROM driving device 280, and temporarily stored in the fixed disk 260. The software is read from the memory 250 or the fixed disk 260 and executed by the CPU 210. The hardware itself of the computer system 200 shown in FIG. 2 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded in the memory 250, the fixed disk 260, the FD 272, the CD-ROM 282, and other recording media.

  Since the operation of each hardware of computer system 200 is well known, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, screens displayed on the monitor 220 of the computer system 200 that functions as the editor device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. 3 to 5 show screens displayed when the computer system 200 executes a program for creating a ladder diagram.

  When the user starts a predetermined program to be described later and inputs a ladder diagram display command, the monitor 220 of the computer system 200 displays the ladder diagram (FIG. 3).

  On the screen on which this diagram is displayed, when the user displays the “edit” menu list 310 and then selects the “variable creation” menu, “free variable mode” and “fixed variable mode” are selected. A screen 320 is displayed (FIG. 4).

  When the user selects “fixed variable mode”, variable creation processing in the fixed variable mode starts as will be described later. When the user starts variable creation processing in the “fixed variable mode”, the monitor 220 displays a screen for inputting items necessary for variable creation (FIG. 5).

  Referring to FIG. 5, device name input area 410 is an area for inputting the name of the device desired by the user. The area of the score input area 420 is a screen for the user to input the number of areas desired to be secured in the memory area.

  When the user inputs predetermined values to the device name input area 410 and the score input area 420, a variable having a predetermined name is created as will be described later. That is, a source code for declaring a variable referred to in a program executed by the programmable display device 150 is created. Therefore, when the program including the source code is in a format that can be executed by a computer, a data area corresponding to the variable is secured in a storage device such as the DRAM 162.

  With reference to FIG. 6, data stored in memory 250 of computer system 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6A shows a data structure temporarily reserved in memory 250 before the user inputs a predetermined value. FIG. 6B shows a data structure secured in memory 250 after the user inputs a predetermined value.

  Referring to FIG. 6A, when the user executes an editing program to be described later, each variable name and an attribute associated therewith are prepared in memory 250 in advance. That is, the variable name is stored in the field F502. The attribute corresponding to each variable is stored in field F504.

  The name of the device scheduled to be input by the user is stored in the field F506. Until the user inputs the name, data indicating that the field is blank, for example, “NULL” is stored in field F506.

  The number of points scheduled to be input by the user is stored in field F508. Similar to the field F506, “NULL” is stored in the field F508 until the user inputs a predetermined value.

  Referring to FIG. 6B, when the user inputs a predetermined device name (device name input area 410 in FIG. 5), the input device name is stored in field F506. Similarly, when the user sets a score (score input area 420 in FIG. 5), the input value is stored in field F508.

  Note that the data structure shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is merely exemplary. Therefore, the data stored in the memory 250 may have other forms.

  With reference to FIG. 7, a control structure of computer system 200 that implements the editor device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by CPU 210 of computer system 200.

  In step S602, CPU 210 activates the editor program upon detecting the user's instruction to execute the program.

  In step S604, CPU 210 determines whether or not the instruction input by the user is an instruction to execute the fixed variable mode. This determination is made based on, for example, whether or not a signal output in response to the user pressing the menu 1100 in the fixed variable mode is detected on the screen shown in FIG. If CPU 210 determines that the user instruction is an instruction to execute the fixed variable mode (YES in step S604), the process proceeds to step S606. If not (NO in step S604), the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S606, CPU 210 causes monitor 220 to display a list of variable setting screens.

  In step S608, CPU 210 executes the processing of “free variable mode”. When this process is executed, the user can arbitrarily create a variable having bits, integers, and other attributes based on the arbitrarily input variable name.

  In step S610, CPU 210 detects input of a device name and a score.

  In step S612, CPU 210 determines whether or not the input of the device name and the score is confirmed. This determination is made based on, for example, whether or not pressing of the “OK button” shown on the screen of FIG. 5 is detected. If CPU 210 determines that the input of the device name and the score is confirmed (YES in step S612), the process proceeds to step S614. If not (NO in step S612), the process returns to step S610.

  In step S614, CPU 210 creates a variable based on the input device name and score and each attribute stored in advance. In this case, first, an address number having a predetermined number of digits is created with the input score as an upper limit value. Next, a device name is given before each address number. Thereby, a plurality of variables are created for each device name. Note that the variable creation procedure is not limited to this. Further, the creation of variables includes variables created based on variable names arbitrarily input by the user, in addition to variables created in the fixed variable mode entered in the above steps.

  In step S616, CPU 210 creates a ladder diagram by executing a creation program stored in advance. Note that what is created may be other than the ladder diagram. Therefore, this creation program is not particularly limited to a program for creating a ladder diagram. For example, the program may be a program that uses variables for the control instruction function or the state display function of the control target device.

  In step S618, CPU 210 determines whether or not to save the variable. This determination is made by detecting whether or not the save variable button is pressed on a predetermined screen of the editor program. If CPU 210 determines to save the variable (YES in step S618), the process proceeds to step S620. If not (NO in step S618), the process returns to step S616.

  In step S620, CPU 210 executes sort processing for each variable in memory 250 based on the device name input by the user. This sort processing is performed based on, for example, alphabetical order. Note that the sorting process at this time may be in ascending order or descending order.

  In step S622, CPU 210 creates a variable table using the rearranged variables.

  In step S624, CPU 210 creates binary data so that it can be used on the display of the screen created by this program. This display is, for example, the programmable display 150 shown in FIG.

  An operation of computer system 200 that realizes the editor device according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

  When the user starts the computer system 200 and executes the editor program (step S602), an initial screen is displayed (FIG. 4). When the user selects the fixed variable mode on the initial screen (YES in step S604), a list screen for inputting a device name and other setting values is displayed (step S606, FIG. 5).

  When the user inputs the device name and the score and completes the input of the predetermined setting value, the computer system 200 creates a variable based on the setting value (step S604). The computer system 200 further creates a ladder diagram based on these variables (step S616), and when the user instructs to save the variables (YES in step S618), the computer system 200 performs the sorting process for the variables. Execute (step S620).

  Thereafter, the computer system 200 creates a variable table for the sorted variables (step S622), and further creates output data (step S624). The created variable table or output data is stored in the memory 250.

  With reference to FIG. 8, an array of variables generated when a control program created by computer system 200 according to the present embodiment is executed will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data area secured in DRAM 162 of programmable display 150 that executes this control program.

  Each of the variables having the device names input by the user for the data register, word register, auxiliary relay, timer, counter, and PID is rearranged in order by the sort process. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, these variables are sorted alphabetically. That is, even if a user sets a variable while creating an image of a fixed arrangement in the computer system 200 and creates a control program, the programmable display 150 that executes the program does not store data in the storage device (for example, the DRAM 162). The data area of the variable is secured based on the type attribute.

  Thereby, the programmable display 150 can efficiently use the data area while reducing the free area in the DRAM 162 and other storage devices.

  In this way, the user can add a variable by paying attention to the capacity of the storage device and the type attribute of the variable and taking into account the free space. Therefore, for example, when a production facility or other control target device connected to the programmable display 150 is added, or when an item to be displayed is added, the control program can be easily corrected. In this case, a new variable is added to the control target program so that the data area is secured after the already set variable. When the modified control program is executed by the programmable display 150, the address of the variable already defined does not change, so the data area in the DRAM 162 is not changed. Therefore, even if a new process is added to a control program whose operation is already guaranteed, the control program can execute a predetermined operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reliability of the control program.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the function which the computer system 200 which implement | achieves the editor apparatus 100 which concerns on this Embodiment has is demonstrated. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are screens displayed on the monitor 220 of the computer system 200 when the user changes the variable name, attribute, and other information unique to each variable set in the fixed variable mode.

  When the user selects the “variable list” menu on the program editing screen (for example, FIG. 4) displayed on the monitor 220, a list of variables is displayed (FIG. 9). In this list, the variables created in the fixed variable mode and the free variable mode are shown in an aligned state based on the order of the variable names.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when a user selects a variable whose attribute is to be changed by mouse 230 (for example, “D — 0000”) and double-clicks the display of the variable, a variable setting screen is displayed (FIG. 9). 10).

  Referring to FIG. 10, the variable setting screen displayed on monitor 220 is a screen for updating specific information of a selected variable (for example, D_0000). The user can change the attribute and other unique information of each variable already created by re-entering the information to be changed on this screen. In this way, the user can change the attributes and the like of specific variables after collectively creating variables that are referenced in the control program executed by the programmable display device 150. Thereby, it is possible to provide flexibility in creating the control program.

  As described above, computer system 200 that implements editor apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment displays in advance a screen for inputting setting values for each variable based on a user instruction. This display allows the user to easily recall the arrangement of variables. On the other hand, the computer system 200 rearranges a plurality of variables generated based on values input by the user. In this way, when a user creates a variable, it becomes easy to imagine the array of variables to be created, and the computer system 200 appropriately secures a variable area to be allocated at the time of program execution based on the variable name. can do. As a result, the fractional free space generated in the memory 250 can be reduced, so that a necessary area can be secured for each variable without reducing the use efficiency of the memory area.

  In addition, by assigning variables to the memory area in this way, the user can create a new variable considering only the free space even when adding a variable thereafter. Therefore, a new screen or a new figure can be easily added to the screen displayed on the display unit that has the function of displaying the status of the control target device and the function of instructing the control of the operation of the control target device. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a degree of freedom of change.

  In the present embodiment, the computer system 200 has created binary data. In this case, the created data is transferred to the programmable display 150 and is based on the premise that the programmable display 150 converts the data into an executable format.

  Instead of such a method, the computer system 200 further converts the created binary data into a format that can be executed by the programmable display 150, and transfers the converted data to the programmable display 150. Also good. In this case, the computer system 200 stores in advance the operating conditions of the programmable display 150 and other conditions necessary for execution of the control program in the fixed disk 260. As a result, the computer system 200 can convert the generated data into an executable format in accordance with a display that uses the control program.

  If it does in this way, since the programmable display 150 does not need to be provided with the function to convert into the executable format previously, it can reduce the load regarding the arithmetic processing function of the programmable display 150.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The present invention can be used in a computer having a function of editing a program executed by a display device having a function of displaying a state of a control target device or a function of controlling an operation instruction of the device.

It is a figure for demonstrating the editor apparatus, programmable display, and PLC which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the computer system which implement | achieves the editor apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a first diagram for explaining a screen displayed by the computer system shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a second diagram for explaining a screen displayed by the computer system illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a third diagram illustrating a screen displayed by the computer system illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a figure for demonstrating the data stored in the computer system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart (the 1) showing the procedure of the process which the computer system which implement | achieves the editor apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the data area produced | generated by DRAM of the programmable display which performs the program produced by the editor apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a view (No. 4) for explaining a screen displayed by the computer system shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a view (No. 5) for explaining a screen displayed by the computer system shown in FIG. 2;

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Editor apparatus, 110 Control part, 112 Memory part, 114 Display part, 116 Input part, 118 Drive part, 120 Recording medium, 122 Communication part, 130 Editor part, 132 Drawing editor, 134 Variable management part, 136 Program editor, 140 Data storage unit, 150 programmable display, 152, 182, 210 CPU, 154 maintenance port, 160, 184, 250 memory, 162 DRAM, 164 FRPROM, 166 communication controller, 168 VRAM, 170 graphic controller, 172 display, 174 touch panel, 176 touch panel controller, 178 I / O control IF, 179 I / O unit, 180 PLC, 186 communication IF, 190 network, 192, 194 Control target equipment, 200 computer system, 220 monitor, 230 mouse, 240 keyboard, 260 fixed disk, 270 FD drive, 272 FD, 280 CD-ROM drive, 282 CD-ROM.

Claims (11)

Based on a plurality of data stored in the storage device by the display device, data corresponding to a control program for executing the display of the status of the controlled device and the instruction for controlling the operation is created in a format that can be transferred to the display device. An editor device for
Storage means for storing the attributes in the control program of the variables to which the plurality of data are respectively associated in association with the names of the groups to which the variables belong;
Input means for accepting input to the editor device ;
And display means for displaying a previous Symbol name, respectively,
Is input via the front Symbol input means, the name of the identification data associated with the respective said group for each, and a setting value that defines the number of variables that belong to the group, based on said attribute, Generating means for generating a code for declaring the variable associated with the attribute;
In order to create the control program based on the generated code and a processing code representing execution of the display and execution of the instruction, the code being generated based on a predetermined creation program An editor device, comprising: The code is a code representing a declaration of the variable in the control program,
The editor device according to claim 1, wherein the creating unit creates the control program by inserting the code at a position before a position where a variable included in the code is referenced in the processing code. The generating means includes
Variable generating means for generating each of the plurality of variables based on the identification data and the set value;
Means for associating the attribute with each of the plurality of variables;
Sort means for rearranging the plurality of variables based on the identification data ;
The editor device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for generating the code in correspondence with an order of the rearranged plurality of variables. The set value is an upper limit value of an address of a variable belonging to the group,
4. The variable generation unit according to claim 3, wherein the variable generation unit generates each of the plurality of variables by adding the identification data to a head of a character string representing the address with respect to an address up to the upper limit value. 5. Editor device. The identification data is a character represented by an alphabet,
The editor device according to claim 4, wherein the number of digits of the character string is a predetermined number of digits.   The editor device according to claim 1, wherein the attribute in the control program includes a variable type.   The editor apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the type of the variable includes one of a bit, an integer, and an integer array. The variable generation unit generates each variable by combining the identification data before each numerical value derived from the setting value, and the number of digits of each numerical value is fixed. The editor device described. The editor device further includes:
Means for storing operating conditions of the control program in the display;
The editor device according to claim 1, further comprising conversion means for converting the code of the control program into a code corresponding to the operating condition. To create data corresponding to a control program for displaying the status of a control target device and instructing operation control based on a plurality of data stored in a storage device in a format that can be transferred to the display As an editor device, a program for causing a computer to function, the program being stored in the computer,
Reading the data stored in the storage means of the computer, and preparing the attributes in the control program of the variables to which the plurality of data are respectively associated with the names of the groups to which the variables belong;
Receiving input to the computer ;
Displaying each of the names based on the input instructions;
The input to the computer, the identification data associated with each said group for each of said names, and a set value that defines the number of variables that belong to the group, based on said attribute, associating said attribute Generating code for declaring said given variable;
Creating the control program based on the generated code and a processing code representing execution of the display and execution of the instruction, the code being generated based on a predetermined creation program And a program to execute.   A recording medium storing the program according to claim 10.

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