JP4465176B2 - 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 creating a control program executed by a display that performs processing for displaying a state of a control target device and processing for instructing control of operation of the control target device, and is particularly referred to in the control program. An editor device capable of creating a control program while preventing an inappropriate variable from being associated when associating a variable with each process, a program for causing a computer to function as an editor device, and the program recorded The present invention relates to a recording medium.

  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 of the control target device or the display of the state is performed, for example, via a display device having a function of displaying the state of the device to be controlled 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 in a programming language prepared in advance in the screen editor device.

  Also, a command for controlling the operation of the control target device by the display is created by a program editor that edits the command. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established a programming language that can be executed as such an editor. This language includes SFC (Sequential Function Chart), LD (Ladder Diagram), IL (Instruction List), FBD (Function Block Diagram), and ST (Structured Text).

  In this screen, for example, variables corresponding to specific processing (for example, opening / closing operation of a switch, logical operation, data transfer, etc.) are assigned to a ladder diagram or other function chart created in advance in the above language. Is created. In this case, various attributes such as a bit attribute of “0” or “1”, an integer attribute, and an integer array are included in the attribute of data referred to by the variable corresponding to the process. Therefore, it is necessary to individually assign variables that refer to appropriate attributes for each process.

  In the past, the assignment of variables and other data input were usually performed by the user through the keyboard. For this reason, there has been a problem that erroneous data is input due to a key operation error or the like, or it takes time to input data.

  Thus, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-53156 (Patent Document 1) discloses a data input device that can improve the operability during data input. The data input device displays data image display means for displaying one or more data images indicating one or more data to be input on a display screen, and a data input instruction image for instructing data input. Data input instruction image display means, pointing means for instructing a position in the display screen in response to an external operation, data input selection means for selecting an instructed position in response to an external operation, and the selected Selection data display means for displaying one or more data in association with the position, and data input means for receiving the selected data as input data when the position of the data input instruction image is instructed.

According to the data input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user can select and input data displayed on the data image via the data input instruction image displayed on the display screen. In this way, since the amount of movement of the pointing device can be reduced, the operability at the time of data input can be improved.
JP-A-11-53156

  However, according to the data input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the operability of inputting numbers, characters, and other data is improved, for example, when a bit string or other data is continuously input, an erroneous input occurs. There was a case.

  In addition, the control program executed by the above display device uses many variables that refer to data having bit attributes, integers, integer arrays, and other different attributes, and each variable is used for processing targeted by the control program. Assigned. In this case, if the creator of the program mistakes the correspondence between the data attribute of each variable and the data attribute that can be assigned to the process, the variable cannot be correctly assigned to the process. As a result, there is also a problem that the control program does not execute processing according to a predetermined specification.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to efficiently create a control program used by a display device while reducing erroneous data input by a user. It is to provide an editor device that can be used.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a program that can cause a computer to function as an editor device that can efficiently create a control program used by a display while reducing erroneous data input by a user. That is.

  Still another object of the present invention is to record a program that allows a computer to function as an editor device that can efficiently create a control program used by a display device while reducing erroneous data input by a user. Is to provide a recording medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, the editor device corresponds to a control program executed by a display that performs processing for displaying a state of a control target device and processing for instructing control of operation. Process data to be created in a format that can be transferred to the display unit. This editor device represents an input means for a user to input an instruction, a program editing means for editing each process based on the instruction, the name of each edited process, and an image of each process A processing data storage means for storing image data and attributes of control data for controlling each process in association with each other, and a variable having at least one of a plurality of elements based on an instruction; Defining means for defining each variable name of each of the plurality of variables to be referred to and type attributes of each of the plurality of variables, and each variable name defined based on the instruction is assigned to each corresponding type. Variable data storage means for storing in association with attributes, and when an instruction is input, the image of each process edited based on the image data and each variable name, and each variable name has Day A display means for displaying a list of data, a detection means for detecting a variable selected by the user from the data list based on an operation of the input means by the user, and an operation of the input means On the basis of the detection means for detecting that the association between the selected variable and one of the processes is about to be performed, and when the association is detected to be performed, the selected variable is selected. Based on the type attribute of the variable and the attribute of the control data, a determination means for determining whether or not the association is possible, and if it is determined that the association is possible, the selected variable is processed. When it is determined that the association means for associating and the association is impossible, a plurality of elements of the selected variable are displayed on the display means as a data list for any of the processes. Includes because of the control means, and the processing, based on the variables associated to each process, and a creation means for creating a processing data.

  According to the above-described editor apparatus, it is possible to associate a variable defined in advance by the user with each process edited by the user. That is, the display means displays a processing image and a list of variable data. The user can operate an input means (for example, a mouse, a trackball or other pointing device) to select a specific variable name and try to associate it with the display of the processing image. When the detection means detects that the selected variable is to be associated with one of the processes based on the operation, the determination means determines whether the type attribute of the variable selected by the user It is determined whether or not association is possible based on (for example, bit type, integer type, integer array type, etc.) and control data attributes (for example, bit type, integer type, integer array type, etc.). If it is determined that the association is possible, the selected variable is associated with the process. When it is determined that the association is impossible, the display unit displays a plurality of elements of the selected variable as a data list for any of the processes. In this case, the user can select a specific element from the list again. As a result, when it is determined that the element can be associated with the process, the element is associated with the process. When the association with each process is performed, the creating means can create process data based on each process and a variable associated with each process. In this way, the user can associate variables for each process by selecting a specific display from the displayed list. Thereby, an editor device capable of preventing erroneous setting can be provided as compared with a case where association is performed by inputting data.

  Preferably, the editor device further acquires means for acquiring image position data representing the position of the image of the process displayed on the display means, and variable position data representing the position of the selected variable on the display means. Means. When the variable display data is included in the image position data, the detection unit detects that the association is about to be performed.

  According to the above-described editor device, association is detected based on position data of a display (for example, a graphic) representing a process to be associated with a variable and display position data representing a variable selected by the user. Therefore, the user can associate the variable with the process only by performing an operation (for example, moving an instruction of a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball) such that the displays overlap each other.

  Preferably, the determination unit determines whether the type attribute of the selected variable matches the attribute of the control data. When the type attribute of the selected variable matches the attribute of the control data, the associating unit stores the selected variable in the storage unit in association with the process.

  According to the editor device described above, when the type attribute of the variable selected by the user matches the attribute of the control data of the process to be associated, the variable is associated with the process and stored. The Therefore, the user can associate a variable with a process by selecting a specific variable from the list without inputting the name of the variable or the name of the process.

  Preferably, the determination unit determines whether the type attribute of the selected variable matches the attribute of the control data. When the type attribute of the selected variable and the attribute of the control data do not match, the control means uses a plurality of elements of the selected variable as a data list for any process. Display control means for displaying on the display means.

  According to the above editor device, when the type attribute of the variable selected by the user does not match the attribute of the control data of the process to be associated, a list of elements of the variable is displayed. Therefore, since the user can select an element to be associated with the process from the list, the association can be performed without inputting a name.

  Preferably, the display control unit outputs the data of the plurality of elements to the display unit after the image data of the process whose association has been detected is output.

  According to the above-described editor device, a list of a plurality of elements is displayed in front of the process display, so that a specific element can be selected while reliably recognizing the process to be selected.

  Preferably, the process data storage means stores 1-bit data as control data for any process. The variable data storage means stores variable names of variables having an array structure having a plurality of bits as array elements. The display control means displays each of the plurality of bits on the display means as a list of data.

  According to the above-described editor apparatus, when the process control data is 1 bit and the user selects a variable having a plurality of bits, a list of each bit is displayed. Therefore, the user can select a variable having a specific bit from the list without inputting the name of the variable, so that the variable can be reliably associated with the process.

  Preferably, the process data storage means stores an integer as control data for any process. The variable data storage means stores variable names of variables having an array structure having a plurality of integers as array elements. The display control means causes the display means to display each of the plurality of integers as a list of data.

  According to the above-described editor apparatus, when the attribute of the process control data is an integer type, when the user selects a variable having an integer array structure, a list of each integer that is an array element is displayed. Therefore, the user can select a specific integer type variable from the list without inputting the name of the variable, so that the variable can be reliably associated with the process.

  Preferably, the input means includes a pointing device.

  According to the above-described editor apparatus, the user can associate the variable with the process by selecting a target with a pointing device (for example, a mouse, a trackball, a light pen, etc.). Therefore, since it is not necessary to input the name of the object, erroneous input of data by the user is prevented. Thereby, the variable can be reliably associated with the process.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the program transfers processing data corresponding to a control program executed by a display that performs processing for displaying a state of a control target device and processing for instructing operation control to the display. The computer functions as an editor device for creating in a possible format. The program includes a step of inputting instructions to a computer, a step of editing each process based on the instructions, a name of each edited process, image data representing an image of each process, and each process A step of associating and preparing attributes of control data for controlling each of the variables, and at least one of the variables having a plurality of elements based on the instructions, and variable names of the plurality of variables referred to by the control program A step of defining each type attribute of the plurality of variables, a step of preparing each defined variable name in association with each corresponding type attribute based on the instruction, and an instruction Then, a step of displaying the image data, the image of each edited process based on each variable name, and a list of data of each variable name, and input by the user A step of detecting a variable selected by the user from the data list based on the operation of the step and an association between the selected variable and one of the processes are performed based on the operation of the input step. Whether the association is possible based on the type attribute of the selected variable and the attribute of the control data. If it is determined that the association is possible, the step of associating the selected variable with the process and the determination that the association is impossible are selected for one of the processes. Based on a step of displaying a plurality of elements included in a variable as a list of data on a display step, each process, and a variable respectively associated with each process And a step of creating a processing data.

  According to the above program, the computer can associate variables defined in advance by the user with each process edited by the user. That is, the computer causes the display device to display a processing image and a list of variable data. The user can operate an input means (for example, a mouse, a trackball or other pointing device) to select a specific variable name and try to associate it with the display of the processing image. Based on the operation, the computer detects that the selected variable is about to be associated with one of the processes. Based on the variable type attribute (eg, bit type, integer type, integer array type, etc.) selected by the user and the control data attribute (eg, bit type, integer type, integer array type, etc.) It is determined whether or not the association is possible. If it is determined that the association is possible, the selected variable is associated with the process. If it is determined that the association is impossible, the display device displays a plurality of elements of the selected variable as a data list for any process. In this case, the user can select a specific element from the list again. As a result, when it is determined that the element can be associated with the process, the element is associated with the process. When the association with each process is performed, the computer can create process data based on each process and a variable associated with each process. In this way, the user can associate variables for each process by selecting a specific display from the displayed list. As a result, it is possible to provide a program that can cause a computer to function as an editor device that can suppress erroneous settings as compared with the case where data is input and associated.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a medium storing the above program.

  According to the recording medium, it is possible to cause a computer to execute processing based on the program. Therefore, the user can associate the process with the variable by selecting from the displayed list without inputting data. As a result, it is possible to prevent the association of inappropriate variables, and it becomes easy to create processing data for a control program that does not malfunction.

  According to the editor device of the present invention, since the user does not need to input a specific variable via, for example, a keyboard or other input device, erroneous input of the variable can be prevented. In addition, since variables or variable elements that are candidates for association are displayed in advance, the user can associate variables with each process simply by selecting from the display. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently associate a process with a variable, and it is easy to create a process that does not malfunction.

  According to the program according to the present invention, the computer does not need to input data from, for example, a keyboard or other input device, and thus can function as an editor device that can prevent erroneous input of variables by the user. In addition, since the computer displays variables or variable elements that are candidates for association in advance, the user can associate variables with each process simply by selecting from the display.

  The recording medium according to the present invention eliminates the need to input data from, for example, a keyboard or other input device, and thus allows the computer to function as an editor device that can prevent erroneous input of variables by the user. . This recording medium further displays in advance variables or variable elements that are candidates for association, and allows the user to select a specific candidate from the display, thereby associating variables with each process. As a result, the computer can function.

  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, the structure of the editor apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. 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 150 are not always connected. For example, the image data generated by the editor device 100 is temporarily connected to the programmable display 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 an image to be created, and the like, which are connected to each other via a data bus. An input unit 116 for inputting data, a drive unit 118 to which the recording medium 120 is mounted, a communication unit 122 for inputting / outputting data to / from the outside, and a data storage unit for storing a large amount of data 140 and an editor unit 130 for editing a screen and other graphics. The editor unit 130 includes a drawing editor 132 and a variable management unit 134.

  The control unit 110 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or other arithmetic circuit. When the control unit 110 detects a predetermined instruction, the control unit 110 reads the program stored in the data storage unit 140 in advance into the memory unit 112 and reads or writes the predetermined data into the memory unit 112 to execute the program. To do.

  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 reader, 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 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 uploaded to the 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.

  The function attribute is given by including a reserved word in the variable. 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 controlled devices, or causes these controlled devices to perform predetermined operations. This is a program for outputting instructions.

  The data storage unit 140 is, for example, a hard disk device, and can store a large amount of data. 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.

  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 a control program stored in advance as a control function unit. The control target devices 192 and 194 are, for example, an automatic assembly machine and a belt conveyor, but are not limited to specific 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 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 (Interface) 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.

  In this way, the processing in the computer system 200 that implements the editor device 100 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, or may be stored and distributed in the FD 272, the CD-ROM 282, or other recording medium, and the FD driving device 270 or the CD-ROM driving device 280. May be read from the recording medium 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, data stored in computer system 200 that implements editor apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 shows a data structure stored in the fixed disk 260 of the computer system 200.

  As shown in FIG. 3, instructions executed by the programmable display device are stored in advance on a fixed disk 260 of the computer system 200. This instruction includes a bit operation instruction, a logical operation instruction, a transfer instruction, an operation instruction, a timer / counter instruction, a conversion instruction, a program control instruction, and the like.

  The function corresponding to each instruction is stored in the field F310. The instruction code corresponding to each function is stored in field F320. This instruction code is a code corresponding to an instruction executed by the programmable display device 150.

  The data attribute corresponding to each instruction code is stored in field F330. Examples of this attribute include, but are not limited to, a bit attribute and an integer attribute. For example, for the instruction “a contact”, the instruction code is “NO” and its data attribute is a bit attribute.

  Note that the manner of storing ladder instructions in the fixed disk 260 is not limited to the manner shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the data stored in computer system 200 that implements editor apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be further described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the name of the variable is stored in a field F410. This name is a variable that is arbitrarily set by the user, for example, and that is set based on a predetermined rule in the editor apparatus 100.

  The attribute of the variable is stored in the field F420. Examples of this attribute include, but are not limited to, an integer, an integer array, and a timer.

  The attribute for classifying the variable is stored in the field F430. Examples of this attribute include, but are not limited to, internal variables.

  In FIG. 4, for example, a variable “C_0000” has an integer data attribute, and its classification is an internal variable. For example, the variable “P — 0000” is an attribute of an integer array having seven array elements, and is a classification of an internal variable.

With reference to FIG. 5 , a control structure of computer system 200 that implements editor apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by CPU 210 of computer system 200. For example, when the user executes a program for creating a control program on the computer system 200, the following processing is performed.

  In step S502, CPU 210 activates the editor program based on the command input by the user. This program is, for example, a program for creating a control program executed by the programmable display 150, but may be another program.

  In step S504, CPU 210 creates a variable in accordance with a user input or based on a predetermined criterion. The created variable is associated with its name, attribute, and other information unique to the variable. Here, the attribute is an attribute of data referred to by the variable. This attribute includes, for example, a bit, an integer, an integer array, a real number, and the like.

  In step S506, CPU 210 creates a ladder diagram based on the created variables. This creation is performed based on the control logic input by the user. Note that what is created in this process is not limited to a ladder diagram. Any program that can display control logic on the monitor 220 may be used.

  In step S508, CPU 210 displays a list of created variables. This display is performed, for example, when a display instruction from the user is detected or when another subroutine program or program module is executed from the editor program being executed. As a result, the user can refer to variables that can be used to create the control program on the monitor 220.

  In step S510, CPU 210 detects selection of a variable by the user. In this detection, for example, in a variable list, the user moves the pointer (arrow) of the mouse 230 to the position of the variable (for example, an area including the display of the variable) to confirm the selection (for example, a predetermined value of the mouse 230). This is done when the button is pressed.

  In step S512, CPU 210 detects the designation of the instruction to be assigned on the ladder diagram. This detection is performed, for example, when a user instructs display of a specific command with the mouse 230 on a ladder diagram displayed on the monitor 220. Here, the command refers to a process executed by the programmable display device 150. This processing includes control of the operation of the control target device by the programmable display 150, display of the state of the control target device, and the like. The operation of the control target device includes opening / closing of a switch, data transfer, data calculation, logical calculation, measurement by a timer, counting by a counter, and other processing.

  In step S514, CPU 210 determines whether the attribute permitted for the instruction specified in step S512 matches the attribute of the variable selected in step S510. This determination is made, for example, by comparing the attribute of the data associated with the command with the attribute of the data referred to by the variable based on the data stored in advance in fixed disk 260. If it is determined that the attribute permitted for the instruction matches the attribute of the selected variable (YES in step S514), the process proceeds to step S530. If not (NO in step S514), the process proceeds to step S516.

  In step S516, CPU 210 creates a list of variables having attributes permitted for the command. Instead of creating this list, for example, a process of extracting variable data stored in the fixed disk 260 based on a predetermined standard, or a corresponding variable list is created in advance, and the data is stored in the memory. The process of reading to 250 may be performed.

  In step S518, CPU 210 causes monitor 220 to display the created variable list. Thereby, the user can refer to selectable variables.

  In step S520, CPU 210 detects a variable selected in the list of variables being displayed. This detection is performed, for example, when the pointer of the user's mouse 230 is pointed on a specific variable and the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing of the confirm button on the mouse 230).

  In step S530, CPU 210 associates the selected variable with the designated instruction. By this association, a variable having a predetermined attribute is assigned to the instruction specified on the ladder diagram. Therefore, when the control program created by the editor device 100 is executed, the command is executed based on the data referred to by the variable.

  The operation of computer system 200 that implements editor apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described. Hereinafter, a case where an integer array, a timer variable, and an integer variable are dragged and dropped will be described.

  7, 9, 11, 13 to 15, and 17 that are referred to in the following description are diagrams showing screens displayed on the monitor 220. FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 represent data structures in the memory 250. These drawings will be described as appropriate in accordance with the description of the operation of the computer system 200.

[Drag and drop operation of integer array]
When the user executes the editor program (step S502), the variable is created based on a predetermined process (step S504). The created variable and the attribute of each variable are stored in the fixed disk 260.

  Here, the created variable will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of variables read from fixed disk 260 to memory 250. The created variable is stored in field F610. The attribute of each variable is stored in field F620. The classification code for each variable is stored in field 630. For example, the variable “P — 0000” is an integer array having seven array elements. The manner in which data is stored is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  When the user selects a variable “P — 0000” with the mouse 230 in the list displayed on the monitor 220, the display portion of the variable indicates that the variable has been selected, for example, due to a change in display color or the like. (Fig. 7).

  When the user drags and drops the ladder “P_0000” on the ladder diagram with the mouse 230 while selecting the variable “P_0000”, the computer system 200 detects the designation of the instruction of the assignment destination (step S512). In this case, the selected variable “P_0000” has an attribute of an integer array composed of a plurality of bits, and the instruction to which the assignment is made has a bit attribute. Therefore, it is determined that the attribute permitted for the instruction does not match the attribute of the selected variable (NO in step S514), and computer system 200 determines the attribute permitted for the instruction (eg, “a contact”). A list of variables is created (step S516).

  Here, data created as a variable list and stored in the memory 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram representing data temporarily stored in memory 250 during execution of the editor program.

  A field F810 stores a variable (that is, P_0000) selected by the user's mouse operation. The array element corresponding to the variable is stored in field F820. For example, since the variable “P_0000” is a variable having seven array elements, seven bit data is stored in the memory 250. The manner in which data is stored is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  In this way, the array element corresponding to the variable “P_0000” selected by the user is displayed on the monitor 220 (step S518, FIG. 9), and the user selects a specific variable (for example, P_0000 [ 3]) When the pointer of the mouse 230 is placed on top, selection of the variable (P_0000 [3]) is detected (step S520).

  In this case, if the selected variable (P_0000 [3]) is, for example, a 32-bit integer, the variable attribute (integer) does not match the instruction attribute (bit attribute) (NO in step S514). ). Therefore, the computer system 200 again creates a list of variables having attributes permitted for the instruction (for example, “a contact”) (step S516).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 10, data created as a list of variables (P_0000 [3]) and stored in the memory 250 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram representing data temporarily stored in memory 250 during execution of the editor program.

  A field F1010 stores a variable selected by the user's mouse operation (that is, P_0000 [3]). Each variable having the bit attribute constituting the variable is stored in field F1020. For example, if the variable (P_0000 [3]) is 32 bits, as shown in FIG. 10, 32 variables “P_0000 [3] × [0]” to “P_0000 [3] × [31]” Stored in the data area. The manner in which data is stored is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  In this way, a list of variables (P_0000 [3] × [0] to P_0000 [3] × [31]) constituting the variable “P_0000 [3]” selected by the user is displayed on the monitor 220. (Step S518, FIG. 11).

  This list is displayed in front of the list of variables (FIG. 9) that has been displayed. Therefore, since the user can easily confirm the variable to be selected, the variable can be surely selected. In order to realize the display of the list in FIG. 11, for example, the start point (upper left corner) of the list overlaps the start point (for example, upper left corner of the screen) of the already displayed list (FIG. 9). As described above, position data for display may be output. That is, the same data as the coordinate data corresponding to any corner of the displayed list is used as the coordinate data for the new list, so that the variable can be displayed in an overlapping manner.

  When the user places the pointer of the mouse 230 on a specific variable (for example, P_0000 [3] × [0]) and presses a button (not shown) having a determination function with respect to the list, the variable ( Selection of P_0000 [3] × [0]) is detected (step S520).

  As a result, the attribute (bit attribute) of the selected variable (P_0000 [3] × [0]) matches the attribute (bit attribute) of the instruction at the allocation destination (YES in step S514). Therefore, the variable (P_0000 [3] × [0]) is associated with the instruction for which the assignment is designated (that is, “a contact”) (step S530).

  As described above, when a user tries to assign a variable defined as an integer array to an instruction having a bit attribute, array elements that are candidates for assignment are displayed as a list for the variable selected by the user. To do. Since the user can select a specific array element from the list, erroneous input or erroneous operation can be reduced as compared with the case where the user inputs the array element by operating the keyboard 240, for example.

[Timer variable drag and drop operation]
Hereinafter, a case where the user assigns a timer variable to an instruction will be described. Here, the timer variable refers to a variable that includes, for example, a bit variable and a word variable, and sets a command for operating or stopping the control target device.

  Here, the data stored in the memory 250 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12A shows a data structure generated when the user starts the editor program. That is, the variable name is stored in the field F1210. The data attribute corresponding to each variable is stored in field F1220. The classification of each variable is stored in field F1230.

  FIG. 12B shows a data structure temporarily created during execution of the editor program. That is, the selected variable is stored in field F1250. The element variable that the variable includes as a constituent element is stored in field F1260. This variable represents, for example, a variable when a variable having a different attribute is included in the variable.

  When the user activates the editor program and executes a process for creating a predetermined variable (step S504), the variable is stored in the fixed disk 260. When the user continues the operation in the computer system 200 and instructs to display a list of variables (step S508), the monitor 220 displays a list of the variables on the ladder diagram (step S508, FIG. 13).

  When the user selects a variable “T_0005” with the mouse 230 in the list, the display portion of the variable is switched to a display mode indicating that the variable has been selected (for example, black and white inversion). In this state, when the user drags the variable “T_0005” to an instruction (eg, “a contact”) on the ladder diagram with the mouse 230 and further drops it, the monitor 220 displays the variable “T_0005” on the instruction. ”Is displayed (step S518, FIG. 14).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 14, the place where the list is displayed will be described. This list is displayed in front of the instruction to be assigned (for example, the display section of the program comment “2” in FIG. 13). Therefore, since the user can easily confirm the variable to be selected, the variable can be surely selected. In order to realize the display of the list in FIG. 14, for example, the start point of the list (the upper left part) is the start point of the display area of the instruction (FIG. 13) already displayed (for example, the upper left part on the screen). Position data for display may be output so as to overlap. That is, the same data as the coordinate data corresponding to any corner of the display area of the instruction to be assigned is used as the coordinate data for the new list, so that the variable can be displayed in an overlapping manner. .

  When the user selects the bit variable “T_0005.Q” from the list, the computer system 200 assigns the variable to an instruction (a contact) (step S530).

  Thus, when a user tries to assign a timer structure variable to an instruction that requires bit data on a ladder diagram, the variable element of the selected timer structure (for example, bit attribute or word attribute) The variable corresponding to is further displayed. Therefore, since the user can select a variable having a bit attribute (for example, T_0005.Q) from the list, it is possible to reduce erroneous input as compared with the case where the variable name is input using the keyboard 240. Can do.

[Integer variable drag and drop operation]
Hereinafter, a case where a 16-bit integer variable is to be assigned to an instruction having a bit attribute will be described.

  When the user activates the editor program and creates a variable (step S504), the created variable is stored in the fixed disk 250 (for example, FIG. 6). When the monitor 220 of the computer system 200 displays a list of variables (step S508, FIG. 15), the user can perform a selection operation using the mouse 230. For example, when a user selects a variable “D_0004” and tries to assign the variable to an instruction (a contact) by a drag and drop operation, the attribute of the variable “D_0004” matches the attribute of the instruction (a contact). If not (NO in step S514), a list of variables having an attribute corresponding to the variable “D_0004” is created in the memory 250 (step S516, FIG. 16).

  Here, data created in the memory 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram conceptually showing a mode in which data read from fixed disk 250 to memory 250 is stored.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a variable (eg, “D_0004”) that is about to be assigned to a specific instruction is stored in field F1610. The bit element included in the variable is stored in each data area as shown in a field F1620. The manner in which data is stored is not limited to the manner shown in FIG.

  The computer system 200 displays a list corresponding to the variable “D_0004” based on the data read to the memory 250 (step S518).

  Here, a screen displayed on the monitor 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 shows a screen on which a list of bit elements included in a variable selected from the list displayed on the monitor 220 is displayed.

  When the user selects a variable (for example, D_0004 × [0]) to be assigned to the command (contact “a”) from the displayed list and presses a confirm button (not shown) (step S520). The variable “D_0004 × [0]” is stored in the memory 250 in association with the instruction (a contact) (step S530).

  In this way, when a user tries to assign a variable having an integer attribute to an instruction having a bit attribute, a list of variables having an attribute corresponding to the attribute of the instruction is created from the variable. The user can select a specific variable from the list with the mouse 230 and assign it to the command. In this way, compared to the case where the user inputs a specific variable via the keyboard 240, the user can prevent an input of a variable inappropriate for the command and other erroneous operations.

  As described above, the computer system 200 that implements the editor device 100 according to the present embodiment described in detail, while executing the process of assigning a variable to a ladder diagram, It is determined whether or not the attribute of the data referred to by the variable matches. If the attribute of the data permitted for the instruction does not match the attribute of the data referred to by the variable, the computer system 200 creates a list of variables having the attribute permitted for the instruction as assignable candidates. Display on the monitor 220. In this way, the user can select a specific variable from the displayed list and assign the variable to the command by operating the mouse 230 or other pointing device. In this way, the user does not mistakenly select a variable to be assigned to the command, as compared with the case where the variable is input via the keyboard 240 or other input means, for example. Therefore, an appropriate variable can be assigned to the ladder diagram.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a case has been described in which an element included in a variable is associated with a process for a variable selected by the user. That is, the case has been described where the association between the variable and the process cannot be made in the first selection, and the association can be made by the selection of the subsequent element.

  In addition to such a case, a similar process can be executed when a specific element is further selected from the elements. In this case, for example, when the data attribute in the process is a bit element, the user selects a variable having an attribute of an integer array composed of a plurality of bit elements. At this time, processing for selecting a specific array element from the selected variable and processing for selecting a specific bit element from the selected array element (that is, an integer) are required.

  In such a case as well, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the determination process in step S514 is executed after step S520. If they do not match, the process similar to that in step S516 is executed. It is possible to associate variables that match the processing attributes.

  In the above embodiment, the mouse 230 is used to select a variable. However, the selection of a variable is not limited to this. Other pointing devices (for example, a light pen, a trackball, etc.) may be used.

  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 control program executed by a display device having a function of displaying a state of a device to be controlled 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 data stored in the computer system shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a (second) diagram for explaining data stored in the computer system shown in FIG. 2; It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process which the computer system which implement | achieves the editor apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs. FIG. 3 is a third diagram for explaining data stored in the computer system illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a first diagram for explaining a screen displayed by the computer system shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 4) for explaining data stored in 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. 6 is a fifth diagram for explaining data stored in 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. FIG. 6 is a view (No. 6) for explaining data stored in the computer system shown in FIG. 2; 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; FIG. 6 is a view (No. 6) for explaining a screen displayed by the computer system shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 7 is a view (No. 7) for explaining data stored in the computer system shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 9 is a view (No. 7) 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, 194 196,198 control target device, 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)

An editor device for creating processing data corresponding to a control program executed by a display that performs processing for displaying a state of a control target device and processing for instructing operation control in a format that can be transferred to the display There,
An input means for the user to input instructions;
Program editing means for editing each of the processes based on the instructions;
Process data storage for storing the edited name of each process, image data for displaying an image indicating the contents of each process, and attribute of control data for controlling each process in association with each other Means,
Based on the instruction, and each of the variable name of a plurality of variables before Symbol control program references, and a defining means for defining a type attribute of each of the plurality of variables, the plurality of variables Includes at least one of the components, and each of the components can be referred to by the control program .
Variable data storage means for storing each defined variable name in association with each corresponding type attribute based on the instruction;
When the instruction is input, and the image data, on the basis on the respective variable name, and each front Kiga image that has been edited, and a display means for displaying a list of variables,
Detection means for detecting a variable selected by the user from the list of variables based on an operation of the input means by the user;
Based on the operation of the input means, and detecting means for detecting that the association is about to be performed with any of the processing of the selected variable and each said processing,
When it is detected that the association is about to be performed, determination means for determining whether or not the association is possible based on a type attribute of the selected variable and an attribute of the control data When,
An association means for associating the selected variable with the process if it is determined that the association is possible;
If it is determined that the association is not possible, the control means for the for either the process to be displayed on said display means as a list table for each of said components said selected variables have,
An editor device, comprising: each of the processes; and a creation means for creating the process data based on a variable or a component associated with each of the processes. The editor device further includes:
It means for obtaining the image position data representing the position of the front Kiga image displayed on the display means,
Means for obtaining variable position data representing the position of the selected variable on the display means;
The editor device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects that the association is about to be performed when the variable position data is included in the image position data. The determining means determines whether or not the type attribute of the selected variable matches the attribute of the control data;
The association means stores the selected variable in the storage means in association with the process when the type attribute of the selected variable matches the attribute of the control data. The editor device according to 2. The determining means determines whether or not the type attribute of the selected variable matches the attribute of the control data;
When the type attribute of the selected variable and the attribute of the control data do not match, the control means, for each of the processes, for each of the components included in the selected variable. The editor apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying on the display means as a list. The editor device according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit outputs the data of each component to the display unit after the image data of the process in which the association is detected is output. The processing data storage means stores 1-bit data as the control data for any of the processes,
Each of the components includes an array structure composed of a plurality of bits,
The editor apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit displays each of the plurality of bits as a list on the display unit. The process data storage means stores an integer as the control data for any of the processes,
Each of the components includes an array structure composed of a plurality of bits,
The display control means displays on the display means each of the plurality of integers as a list table editor apparatus according to claim 4.   The editor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit includes a pointing device. As an editor device for creating processing data corresponding to a control program executed by a display that performs processing for displaying a state of a control target device and processing for instructing operation control in a format that can be transferred to the display , A program for causing a computer to function, the program being stored in the computer,
A user entering instructions,
Editing each of the processes based on the instructions;
A step of associating and preparing the name of each edited process, image data for displaying an image indicating the content of each process, and an attribute of control data for controlling each of the processes;
Based on the instruction, and variable names of each of the plurality of variables that the control program refers, to execute the steps of defining a type attribute of each of the plurality of variables, at least one of the plurality of variables Or includes a plurality of components, and each of the components can be referred to by the control program ,
Preparing each defined variable name based on the instructions in association with the corresponding type attribute;
When the instruction is input, and displaying said image data, on the basis with each of the variable name, and each front Kiga image that has been edited, a list of variables,
Detecting a variable selected by the user from the list of variables based on an input by the user;
A step of detecting that said on the basis of the operation of the input step, the association between any of the processing of the selected variable and each said process is about to be performed,
When it is detected that the association is about to be performed, determining whether the association is possible based on a type attribute of the selected variable and an attribute of the control data;
If it is determined that the association is possible, associating the selected variable with the process;
If it is determined that the association is not possible, the step of displaying said for any processing, to the computer as a list table for each of said components said selected variables have,
A program that executes each of the processes and a step of creating the process data based on a variable or a component associated with each of the processes. The program is stored in the computer.
Obtaining image position data representing the position of the displayed image;
Obtaining variable position data representing the position of the selected variable, and
The program according to claim 9, wherein the detecting step includes a step of detecting that the association is about to be performed when the variable display data is included in the image position data. Recording a program according to claim 9 or 10, a recording medium.

Images