JP6371709B2 - Control system, control device, and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control system in which a control device such as a plurality of temperature controllers independently constitutes a control loop.

  There are times when many stand-alone temperature controllers (in principle, one PID calculation function, one display function, and a temperature controller in which an operation panel is housed in one unit) are used. For example, the example shown in FIG. 6 is a configuration example of a heating apparatus that controls the temperature PV inside the heat treatment furnace 100 by using the temperature controllers C1 to C8. The temperature sensors S1 to S8 measure the temperature PV of the temperature control zones Z1 to Z8 heated by the heaters H1 to H8, respectively. The temperature controllers C1 to C8 calculate the manipulated variable MV so that the temperatures PV measured by the temperature sensors S1 to S8 respectively coincide with the temperature set value SP. The power adjusters P1 to P8 supply power to the heaters H1 to H8 according to the operation amount MV output from the temperature controllers C1 to C8, respectively. In the temperature control system shown in FIG. 6, eight control loops for independently controlling the temperatures PV of the temperature control zones Z1 to Z8 corresponding to the temperature controllers C1 to C8 are formed.

  There are parameters that need to be preset and stored in the temperature controller. Therefore, efforts have been made to improve work efficiency in the case of performing parameter presetting of a large number of temperature controllers using a PC loader (software) (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-193506 A

There is a need for further improvement in the work efficiency of operations during actual operation of a manufacturing apparatus or the like mounted with a temperature controller, not parameters set in advance. A typical operation during actual operation is changing the set value SP. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operator supports parameter setting work by the operator when the switching between the PC loader and the temperature controller is detected. When the SP changing operation is performed, the same set value SP changing operation is repeated by the number of temperature controllers, which is inefficient.
Note that the above problem occurs not only in the temperature controller but also in a control system using a plurality of control devices.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and a control system, a control device, and a control method that can improve the work efficiency of a change operation of the set value SP during actual operation of a plurality of control devices. The purpose is to provide.

The control system according to the present invention includes a plurality of control devices, and each control device stores a set value SP that stores a set value SP, and an operation amount that calculates an operation amount MV based on the set value SP and the control amount PV. The calculation means, the operation amount output means for outputting the operation amount MV to the control target, the set value operation means for the operator to change the set value SP as appropriate, and the operator selected as the change target of the set value SP Or when the change of the set value SP is confirmed, the information indicating the selection or confirmation and the set value SP stored in the set value storage means at the time of the selection or confirmation are notified to the shared function means. a setting value notification unit, a setting value receiving means for receiving the representative value of the set point SP, which is transmitted from the shared function unit as the set value SP of undetermined own device, the set value by the operator If the P change operation receives a representative value or if the set point SP that occurred, when led to situations to determine the set point SP was undetermined, setting by the operator set point SP or received entered Setting value confirmation means for registering a representative value of the value SP in the setting value storage means and confirming the setting value SP, and the sharing function means is either one of the outside of the plurality of control devices or the plurality of control devices. or one to provided, an operation generating receiving means for receiving a notification from the setting value notification unit, the representative value determining that determines either the set point SP of the one or more control devices change has been determined as the representative value It means, and a representative value notification unit configured to notify the undetermined values to the control device of the change target setpoint SP the representative value of the set point SP of the representative value determining means has determined, the representative value may change One or more confirmed Among the control devices, the setting value SP of the control device in which the change is first confirmed, or the latest setting value SP of one or more control devices in which the change is confirmed, or one or more in which the change is confirmed It is defined as one of the median setting values SP of the control device .

Further, in one configuration example of the control system of the present invention, each control device further receives the input value when the set value SP to be changed is input from the operator or when the representative value of the set value SP is received. Alternatively, the received value is displayed as an unconfirmed set value SP of its own apparatus, and when there is no input or reception, the set value display processing means for displaying the set value SP stored in the set value storage means is provided. It is characterized by.
Further , in one configuration example of the control system of the present invention, the set value confirming means is a representative of the set value SP when the set value SP becomes unconfirmed due to a change operation of the set value SP by the operator. The setting value SP is determined by determining that the setting value SP has been determined when a predetermined time has elapsed from when the value was received as an undetermined setting value SP. It is.
Further, in one configuration example of the control system of the present invention, the set value confirming means is a representative value of the set value SP after the change operation of the set value SP by the operator occurs and the set value SP becomes unconfirmed. Is received as an undetermined setting value SP, and when a confirmation operation is performed by an operator, it is determined that the setting value SP has been entered and the setting value SP is confirmed. .

In addition, the control device of the present invention controls a set value storage unit that stores a set value SP, an operation amount calculation unit that calculates an operation amount MV based on the set value SP and the control amount PV, and controls the operation amount MV. Operation amount output means for outputting to the target, setting value operation means for the operator to change the setting value SP as appropriate, shared function means capable of communication with other control devices, and change of the setting value SP by the operator When the target is selected or when the change of the set value SP is confirmed, the information for informing the selection or confirmation and the set value SP stored in the set value storage means at the time of the selection or confirmation are obtained. a setting value notification unit configured to notify the shared function unit, a setting value receiving means for receiving the representative value of the set point SP, which is transmitted from the shared function unit as the set value SP of undetermined own device, operating When the change operation of the set point SP receives a representative value or if the set point SP generated by, when led to situations to determine the set point SP which was uncertain, or set point SP input by the operator Setting value determining means for registering the received representative value of the setting value SP in the setting value storage means and determining the setting value SP, and the sharing function means is a setting value notifying means for the own device and other control devices. Operation generation receiving means for receiving a notification from a representative value determining means for determining, as a representative value, a set value SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed among its own device and other control devices ; and a representative value notification unit configured to notify the undetermined values to the control device of the change target setpoint SP the representative value of the set point SP of the representative value determining means has determined, the representative value is changed is finalized 1 More than one system The setting value SP of the control device in which the change is first determined among the devices, the latest setting value SP of one or more control devices in which the change is determined, or one or more controls in which the change is confirmed It is defined as one of the median setting values SP of the apparatus .

In addition, the control device of the present invention controls a set value storage unit that stores a set value SP, an operation amount calculation unit that calculates an operation amount MV based on the set value SP and the control amount PV, and controls the operation amount MV. Operation amount output means for outputting to the target, setting value operation means for the operator to change the set value SP as appropriate, and when the operator selects the set value SP as a change target, or the change of the set value SP is confirmed Setting value notifying means for notifying external sharing function means of the information indicating the selection or confirmation and the setting value SP stored in the setting value storage means at the time of the selection or confirmation, and the sharing JiSo functional means, when the determined one of the set point SP of the one or more control devices change has been determined as the representative value, a representative value of the set point SP, which is sent from this sharing means Of the set value receiving means for receiving as undetermined set point SP, when receiving the representative value or if the set point SP to change operation of the set point SP by the operator has occurred, the set value SP was undetermined Setting value determining means for registering a set value SP inputted by an operator or a representative value of the received setting value SP in the setting value storage means and determining the setting value SP when the situation to be confirmed is reached ; The representative value is the setting value SP of the control device that is confirmed to be changed first among the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed, or the setting of the latest control device among the one or more control devices that is confirmed to be changed. It is defined as either the value SP or the median value of the setting values SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed .

In the control method using a plurality of control devices, the present invention provides an operation amount calculation step in which each control device calculates the operation amount MV based on the set value SP and the control amount PV stored in the set value storage means. And an operation amount output step in which each control device outputs the operation amount MV to a control target, and when each control device is selected as a change target of the set value SP by an operator, or a change in the set value SP is confirmed. Information indicating the selection or confirmation and the setting value SP stored in the setting value storage means at the time of the selection or confirmation are either outside of the plurality of control devices or a plurality of control devices. A setting value notifying step for notifying the sharing function means provided in one, and an operation occurrence receiving step for the sharing function means to receive a notification by the setting value notifying step The sharing means, the representative value determining step of determining either the set point SP of the one or more control devices change has been determined as the representative value, it said sharing means, determined by the representative value determining step A representative value notifying step of notifying a representative value of the set value SP to the control device to be changed of the set value SP as an indeterminate value, and the representative value of the set value SP transmitted from the shared function means by each control device; a setting value receiving step of receiving as undetermined set point SP of the apparatus, when the control unit has received a representative value or if the set point SP to change operation of the set point SP by the operator occurs, unconfirmed when that led to the situation to determine the set point SP which was in, confirm the setting value SP register the representative value of the set point SP set by the operator value SP or received entered in the setting value storing means Look including a setting value determination step that the representative value, the control device first change has been established among the one or more control devices change is determined whether the setting value SP, one or more changes have been determined It is characterized in that it is defined as either the setting value SP of the latest control device among the control devices or the median value of the setting values SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed .

  According to the present invention, when each control device is selected by the operator as a target for changing the set value SP, or when the change of the set value SP is confirmed, the information indicating the selection or confirmation and the point of selection or confirmation are displayed. The setting value SP stored in the setting value storage means is notified to the sharing function means, and the sharing function means determines a representative value of the setting value SP based on the setting value SP of the control device whose change has been confirmed, and When the control device is notified and each control device has reached a situation in which the set value SP is determined when an operator changes the set value SP or when a representative value of the set value SP is received, Is registered in the set value storage means to determine the set value SP, so that the operator's operation during the actual operation of a plurality of control devices is performed. With and, it is possible to omit the operation to duplicate, it is possible to improve the work efficiency. Further, in the present invention, it is possible to avoid inconvenience when an exceptional setting operation is required by allowing operator intervention without changing the setting value SP fully automatically.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the control system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of the temperature controller which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the setting value change of the temperature controller which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the setting value change of the shared function apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the example of the front panel of a temperature controller. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a heating apparatus provided with eight temperature control zones.

[Principle of the Invention]
The inventor has found the following tendency as a result of intensive research on the operation of changing the set value SP at the production site.
In the case shown in FIG. 6, the stand-alone total temperature controller often changes the set value SP at the same time and temperature in principle. On the other hand, in a special case, it is not always the same as the principle, so an operation function (a function such as a fully automatic method) limited to changing the set value SP at the same time and at the same temperature is not preferable. However, even if it is not in principle, it may be almost in principle as in the case of changing the set value SP of the same / same temperature except for one or two units.

  Assuming the actual usage at the production site as described above, the following processing methods can be considered. Specifically, the temperature controller for which the set value SP is to be changed is first selected. As the selection operation, there is a method of changing the set value SP to the display level and keeping it in a state where it is not fixed (a stage where the determination operation is not performed). After that, the set value SP of the temperature controller for which the change of the set value SP is first confirmed is sent to the other temperature controller for which the set value SP is to be changed, and this is expanded to the display level of the set value SP (the confirmation operation is performed). Absent).

  At this time, if there is a temperature controller for which the set value SP change to the set value SP different from the first set value SP is confirmed after the above, the remaining set value SP change target temperature controller has the set value SP change. It has been conceived that it is efficient to develop a representative value of the set value SP of the temperature controller that has been determined. The representative value is not an average value, but is assumed to be the same value as any one of the setting values SP of the temperature controller in which the change of the setting value SP is confirmed. If the principle of changing the set value SP at the same time and at the same temperature is taken into consideration, the probability that the operation for changing the set value SP can be reduced increases.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, a control system such as a manufacturing apparatus (heating apparatus in the example of FIG. 6) using a large number of stand-alone temperature controllers (eight control loops in the example of FIG. 6). Is applicable. Although the function to link the temperature controllers may be provided inside the temperature controller, this embodiment will be described as a mode provided as a shared function device outside each temperature controller.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the control system according to the present embodiment. The control system includes a plurality of temperature controllers (control devices) C1 to C8 and a shared function device FU (shared function means). Since the configurations of the power regulators P1 to P8, the heaters H1 to H8, the temperature sensors S1 to S8, etc. connected to the temperature controllers C1 to C8 are as shown in FIG. 6, description thereof is omitted in FIG.

  The temperature controller C1 includes a set value storage unit 10 that stores a definite value of the set value SP, a control amount input unit 11 that inputs a control amount PV from a measuring instrument, and a set value SP and a control amount PV by PID control calculation. An operation amount calculation unit 12 that calculates the operation amount MV based on the operation amount output unit 13 that outputs the operation amount MV to the outside of the temperature controller, a set value operation unit 14 for the operator to change the set value SP as appropriate, When the operator selects the setting value SP as a change target, or when the change of the setting value SP is confirmed, information notifying selection or confirmation and the setting stored in the setting value storage unit 10 at the time of selection or confirmation A setting value notification unit 15 for notifying the shared function device FU of the value SP, a setting value receiving unit 16 for receiving a representative value of the setting value SP transmitted from the sharing function device FU, and a setting value for displaying the setting value SP table When the setting value SP is changed by the processing unit 17 or the operator or when the representative value of the setting value SP is received, the setting value SP input by the operator when the setting value SP is determined is reached. Alternatively, it includes a set value confirming unit 18 that registers the representative value of the received set value SP in the set value storage unit 10 and confirms the set value SP. Although FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the temperature controller C1, the configurations of the other temperature controllers C2 to C8 are the same as the temperature controller C1.

  The shared function device FU includes the operation generation receiving unit 20 that receives notifications from the set value notification units 15 of the temperature controllers C1 to C8, and the set value SP of the set value SP based on the set value SP of the temperature controller that has been confirmed to be changed. The representative value determining unit 21 that determines the representative value, and the representative value notifying unit 22 that notifies the representative value of the set value SP determined by the representative value determining unit 21 to the temperature controller to be changed of the set value SP.

Hereinafter, the operation of the control system of the present embodiment will be described. First, the control operation of each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 will be described with reference to FIG.
The control amount PV (temperature) is measured by a measuring instrument (temperature sensors S1 to S8 in the example of FIG. 6), and is input to the operation amount calculation unit 12 via the control amount input unit 11 (step S100 in FIG. 2).

The operation amount calculation unit 12 calculates the operation amount MV by a known PID control calculation based on the set value SP stored in the set value storage unit 10 and the control amount PV input from the control amount input unit 11 ( FIG. 2 step S101).
The operation amount output unit 13 outputs the operation amount MV calculated by the operation amount calculation unit 12 to the control target (step S102 in FIG. 2). In the temperature controller Ci (i = 1 to 8), the power regulator Pi is the actual output destination of the manipulated variable MV.

  Each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 executes the processing of steps S100 to S102 as described above for each temperature controller and each control cycle until the control is terminated by, for example, an operator instruction (YES in step S103 in FIG. 2). .

  Next, the operation when the set value SP of the control system of the present embodiment is changed will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the temperature controllers C1 to C8, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the shared function device FU.

  When the set value SP is appropriately changed (simultaneous / same temperature set value SP change), the operator first performs an operation of selecting a temperature controller to be changed in the set value SP. The set value display processing unit 17 of each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 selects the own device (that is, the operated temperature controller itself) as the change target of the set value SP when the operator operates the set value operation unit 14. If it is recognized (YES in step S200 in FIG. 3), the setting value SP displayed on the display unit of the own device is displayed in a blinking manner to clearly indicate that the own device has been the target of changing the setting value SP. (Step S201 in FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the front panel 30 of each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 includes a display unit 31 for displaying the control amount PV, a display unit 32 for displaying the set value SP, and a plurality of operation buttons. 33 is provided. At least a part of these operation buttons 33 constitutes the set value operation unit 14.

  The set value display processing unit 17 displays the control amount PV input from the control amount input unit 11 on the display unit 31 and displays the set value SP stored in the set value storage unit 10 on the display unit 32. When the own device is a target for changing the set value SP, the set value SP is blinked as described above. The operator selects all the temperature controllers that are the targets for changing the set value SP of the same / same temperature.

  The set value notification unit 15 of each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 sets the set value at the point of time (before change) that the own device has been selected as the change target of the set value SP for the shared function device FU. The setting value SP stored in the storage unit 10 is notified (step S202 in FIG. 3).

  When the operation generation receiving unit 20 receives the notifications from the temperature controllers C1 to C8 (YES in step S300 in FIG. 4), the representative value determining unit 21 of the shared function device FU is based on the result received by the operation generation receiving unit 20. Then, the temperature controller for which the set value SP has been changed is grasped (step S301 in FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, the operator operates the set value operation unit 14 of an arbitrary temperature controller (for example, the temperature controller at the most easily operable position) among the temperature controllers selected by the operation in step S200. The set value SP of the temperature controller is changed (step S203 in FIG. 3). The set value display processing unit 17 of the temperature controller displays the set value SP input from the set value operating unit 14 on the display unit 32 when an operation for changing the set value SP occurs (step S204 in FIG. 3). At this time, since the blinking display of the set value SP is continued in the temperature controller to be changed of the set value SP, the blinking value is changed from the set value SP stored in the set value storage unit 10 to the set value operation. The unit 14 is operated to change to a value input by the operator. However, the change of the set value SP is not finalized at this time.

  When the setting value confirmation unit 18 of the temperature controller that has undergone the change operation of the set value SP has entered the situation of confirming the set value SP after the change operation of the set value SP has occurred (step S205 in FIG. 3). YES), the setting value SP stored in the setting value storage unit 10 is updated to the value input by the operator from the setting value operation unit 14, thereby confirming the change of the setting value SP (step S206 in FIG. 3). . There are two methods D and E for determining the set value SP, which will be described later.

  The set value display processing unit 17 of the temperature controller for which the change of the set value SP is confirmed clearly indicates that the change of the set value SP is confirmed by stopping the blinking display of the set value SP and returning to the normal display (FIG. 3 step S207). At this time, it is needless to say that the set value SP after the change is displayed on the display unit 32. Then, the set value notification unit 15 of the temperature controller that has confirmed the change of the set value SP confirms that the change of the set value SP has been confirmed by the own device with respect to the shared function device FU, and the time of change (after the change). ) To notify the set value SP stored in the set value storage unit 10 (step S208 in FIG. 3).

  When the operation generation receiving unit 20 receives the notifications from the temperature controllers C1 to C8 (YES in step S302 in FIG. 4), the representative value determining unit 21 of the shared functional device FU is based on the result received by the operation generation receiving unit 20. The temperature controller for which the change of the set value SP is confirmed is grasped (step S303 in FIG. 4). At this time, the representative value determination unit 21 recognizes that the temperature controller for which the change of the set value SP has been confirmed is out of the temperature controller to be changed of the set value SP.

  Then, the representative value determining unit 21 determines a representative value of the set value SP based on the reception result of the operation generation receiving unit 20 (step S304 in FIG. 4). There are the following three methods A, B, and C as representative value determination methods.

(A) A method in which the set value SP of the temperature controller whose change is first confirmed is used as a representative value. In this case, since the representative value is determined when the change of the set value SP of the first one of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 is confirmed, the temperature controller whose change has been confirmed after the second is determined. The set value SP does not affect the determination of the representative value. When the method A is employed, it is particularly efficient for the operator to first select and operate the temperature controller to be set to the set value SP of the same / same temperature. For example, when the temperature controller C1 is first operated and the set value SP is confirmed, the set value SP whose change is confirmed in the temperature controller C1 is consistently a representative value.

(B) A method in which the set value SP of the latest temperature controller is used as the representative value among the temperature controllers for which the change has been confirmed. In the case of adopting the method B, the operator postpones the temperature controller to be set to the set value SP of the simultaneous / same temperature and after confirming the change of the set value SP of the other temperature controller, It is particularly efficient to operate a temperature controller for which the temperature set value SP is desired. For example, when the temperature controller C1 is first operated to change the set value SP, the changed set value SP in the temperature controller C1 once becomes a representative value, but then the temperature controller C3 is operated. When the set value SP is changed, the changed set value SP in the latest temperature controller C3 becomes a new representative value.

(C) A method in which the median value (median) of the set values SP of the temperature controller for which change has been confirmed is used as a representative value. When the method C is adopted, if the simultaneous / same temperature set value SP is the majority and the others are exceptional minorities, the simultaneous / same temperature set value SP is the representative value. Easy to handle when you start to operate without consideration. For example, when the set values SP are changed by sequentially operating the temperature controllers C1, C3, and C5, the set values SP of the temperature controllers C1, C3, and C5 are 200 ° C., 180 ° C., and 200 ° C., respectively. Suppose. That is, the operator changes the set value SP of the temperature controllers C1 and C5 to the same value of 200 ° C., and changes the set value SP of the temperature controller C3 to another value of 180 ° C. In this case, since the set values SP of the temperature controllers C1, C3, and C5 are determined sequentially, the representative value changes every time the set value SP is determined, but eventually 200 ° C. is the representative value. become.

  Note that any one of A, B, and C may be set in advance in the shared function device FU as a representative value determination method, but the operator can arbitrarily select and set any one method. It may be.

  The representative value notification unit 22 of the shared functional device FU determines a representative value for a temperature controller for which the change of the set value SP is not confirmed among the temperature controllers to be changed of the set value SP acquired in step S301. The representative value of the set value SP determined by the unit 21 is notified (step S305 in FIG. 4).

  Next, the set value display processing unit 17 of each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 receives when the set value receiving unit 16 receives the representative value of the set value SP from the shared function device FU (YES in step S209 in FIG. 3). The representative value of the set value SP is displayed on the display unit 32 (step S210 in FIG. 3). At this time, since the blinking display of the setting value SP is continued in the temperature controller to be changed of the setting value SP, the blinking value is changed from the setting value SP stored in the setting value storage unit 10 to the representative value. It will be.

  The set value determination unit 18 of each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 receives the representative value of the set value SP from the shared function device FU and then enters the situation in which the set value SP is determined (step S205 in FIG. 3). In step S206 in FIG. 3, the setting value SP stored in the setting value storage unit 10 is updated to the received representative value to update the setting value SP. There are the following two methods D and E for determining the set value SP.

(D) The setting value SP is determined when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operator changed the setting value SP or received a representative value of the setting value SP. A method of determining that the setting value SP has been determined. When the method D is adopted, the operator does not perform any operation. Note that if the operator changes the set value SP before the predetermined time has elapsed since the representative value of the set value SP was received, the elapsed time being measured is set to 0 seconds. After resetting, the elapsed time from when the change operation of the set value SP occurs is measured, and the set value SP is determined when a predetermined time has elapsed.

(E) It is determined that the setting value SP has been confirmed when the operator has performed an operation for changing the setting value SP or after receiving a representative value of the setting value SP, when the operator has performed a confirmation operation. And confirming the set value SP. When the method E is adopted, the operator operates the set value operation unit 14 to determine the set value SP.

  As a method for determining the set value SP, any one of D and E may be set in advance in each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8, but the operator arbitrarily selects and sets any one of the methods. You may be able to do it.

  When the change of the set value SP is confirmed by the process of step S206, the set value display processing unit 17 of each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 stops the blinking display of the set value SP and returns to the normal display, thereby changing the set value SP. It is clearly indicated that the change has been confirmed (step S207 in FIG. 3). Then, the set value notification unit 15 of the temperature controller that has confirmed the change of the set value SP confirms that the change of the set value SP has been confirmed by the own device with respect to the shared function device FU, and the time of change (after the change). ) To notify the set value SP stored in the set value storage unit 10 (step S208 in FIG. 3).

  By repeating the processes described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 as necessary, at least the simultaneous / same temperature setting value SP can be omitted. Therefore, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the operation of the operator during the actual operation of the temperature controller.

[Operation example]
Next, a specific operation example will be described. Here, in the heating apparatus shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the set values SP of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 are all 30 ° C. (normal temperature) as an initial state. At this time, a case where the set value SP of the temperature controllers C1 to C7 is changed to 200 ° C. and only the set value SP of the temperature controller C8 is changed to 180 ° C. is taken as an example. Note that the above method A is adopted as a representative value determination method, and the above method D is adopted as a method of determining the set value SP. The control functions of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 are always operating as described with reference to FIG.

  The operator selects the temperature controllers C1 to C8 as the temperature controller whose setting value SP is to be changed. Thereby, the value “30” of the set value SP displayed on the display unit 32 of the front panel of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 is displayed in a blinking manner.

  Subsequently, the operator changes the set value SP of the temperature controller C1 to 200 ° C. Since the change of the set value SP of the temperature controller C1 is confirmed, the representative value of the set value SP determined by the shared function device FU is 200 ° C., and therefore, the change of the set value SP is confirmed by this representative value. The set value SP displayed on the display unit 32 of the front panel of the temperature controllers C2 to C8 is switched to “200”. At this time, the display state of the set value SP of the temperature controllers C2 to C8 is maintained in the blinking display, and the change of the set value SP is not finalized.

  Before a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses since the change of the set value SP of the temperature controller C1 is confirmed and the representative value 200 ° C. of the set value SP is notified to the temperature controllers C2 to C8 ( That is, while the set value SP of the temperature controller C2 to C8 is blinking), the operator changes the set value SP of the temperature controller C8 to 180 ° C. In this case, the set value determination unit 18 of the temperature controller C8 resets the elapsed time measured from when the representative value of the set value SP is received to 0 second, and restarts the measurement of the elapsed time from 0 second.

  The set value determining unit 18 of the temperature controllers C2 to C7 stores the set value SP in the set value storage unit 10 when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses after receiving the representative value 200 ° C. of the set value SP. The stored set value SP is updated to the representative value 200 ° C. The value “200” of the set value SP that has been blinking is displayed as a normal lighting.

  The set value determination unit 18 of the temperature controller C8 is stored in the set value storage unit 10 when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses from when the setting value SP is changed by the operator. The set value SP is updated to the value 180 ° C. inputted by the operator. The value “180” of the set value SP that has been blinking is displayed as a normal lighting.

  As described above, for the plurality of temperature controllers C1 to C8, the operation of changing the set value SP by the operator can be reduced to a total of two operations of the temperature controller C1 and the temperature controller C8. Since the procedure is substantially semi-automatic, the procedure is not limited to the above as long as the procedure is easy for the operator to understand. For example, the operator may first select the temperature controllers C1 to C7 as the temperature controller whose setting value SP is to be changed.

  When the B or C method is adopted as the representative value determination method or the E method is adopted as the method for determining the set value SP, the work efficiency of changing the set value SP can be improved in the same manner. it can. However, when the representative value determination methods B and C are adopted, it is more preferable to combine the determination method E that can adjust the timing for determining the set value SP depending on the operation of the operator.

  In the present embodiment, the shared function device FU is described as being provided outside the temperature controllers C1 to C8. However, for example, any one temperature controller that is a representative model is similar to the shared function device FU. The shared function means having the configuration described above may be incorporated. Not all temperature controllers need to have a shared function means.

  Each of the temperature controllers C1 to C8 described in the present embodiment can be realized by a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device, and an interface, and a program for controlling these hardware resources. The CPU of each temperature controller executes the processing described in this embodiment in accordance with a program stored in the storage device of each temperature controller.

  Further, when the shared function device FU is provided outside the temperature controllers C1 to C8 as in the present embodiment, the shared function device FU can also be realized by another computer. The CPU of the shared function device FU executes the processing described in the present embodiment in accordance with a program stored in the storage device of the shared function device FU.

  The present invention can be applied to a control system using a plurality of control devices.

  C1 to C8 ... temperature controller, FU ... shared function device, 10 ... set value storage unit, 11 ... control amount input unit, 12 ... operation amount calculation unit, 13 ... operation amount output unit, 14 ... set value operation unit, 15 ... Setting value notification unit, 16... Setting value reception unit, 17... Setting value display processing unit, 18... Setting value determination unit, 20.

Claims (10)

A plurality of control devices,
Each control device
Setting value storage means for storing the setting value SP;
An operation amount calculating means for calculating an operation amount MV based on the set value SP and the control amount PV;
An operation amount output means for outputting the operation amount MV to a control target;
Set value operating means for an operator to change the set value SP as appropriate;
When the operator selects the set value SP as a change target or when the change of the set value SP is confirmed, the information indicating the selection or confirmation is stored in the set value storage means at the time of the selection or confirmation. A set value notification means for notifying the shared function means of the set value SP being present;
A setting value receiving means for receiving a representative value of the setting value SP transmitted from the sharing function means as an undetermined setting value SP of the own device ;
When the operator changes the set value SP or when a representative value of the set value SP is received , the set value SP input by the operator when the setting value SP that has not been confirmed is reached is reached. Or a set value confirming means for registering the representative value of the received set value SP in the set value storage means and confirming the set value SP;
The sharing function means is provided outside any of a plurality of control devices or in any one of a plurality of control devices,
Operation generation receiving means for receiving a notification from the set value notification means;
Representative value determining means for determining any set value SP of one or more control devices whose change has been determined as a representative value;
Representative value notifying means for notifying the representative value of the set value SP determined by the representative value determining means to the control device to be changed of the set value SP as an undetermined value ;
The representative value is the set value SP of the control device that is confirmed to be changed first among the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed, or the latest control device of the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed. A control system characterized in that it is defined as either the set value SP or the median of the set values SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed . The control system according to claim 1,
Further, each control device, when a set value SP to be changed is input from the operator, or when a representative value of the set value SP is received, the input value or the received value is set as an undetermined set value of the own device. A control system comprising: a set value display processing means for displaying the set value SP stored in the set value storage means when displayed as SP and there is no input or reception. The control system according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The set value confirmation means starts when the setting value SP is changed by the operator and the set value SP becomes unconfirmed , or when the representative value of the set value SP is received as the unconfirmed set value SP. A control system that determines that the setting value SP has been determined when a predetermined time has elapsed and determines the setting value SP. The control system according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The set value confirming means is configured so that the operator can change the set value SP and the set value SP becomes unconfirmed or the representative value of the set value SP is received as the unconfirmed set value SP. A control system characterized by determining that the setting value SP is in a state to be confirmed when the confirmation operation is performed according to the above, and confirming the setting value SP. Setting value storage means for storing the setting value SP;
An operation amount calculating means for calculating an operation amount MV based on the set value SP and the control amount PV;
An operation amount output means for outputting the operation amount MV to a control target;
Set value operating means for an operator to change the set value SP as appropriate;
Sharing function means capable of communicating with other control devices;
When the operator selects the set value SP as a change target or when the change of the set value SP is confirmed, the information indicating the selection or confirmation is stored in the set value storage means at the time of the selection or confirmation. Set value notification means for notifying the shared function means of the set value SP being present;
A setting value receiving means for receiving a representative value of the setting value SP transmitted from the sharing function means as an undetermined setting value SP of the own device ;
When the operator changes the set value SP or when a representative value of the set value SP is received , the set value SP input by the operator when the setting value SP that has not been confirmed is reached is reached. Or a set value confirming means for registering the representative value of the received set value SP in the set value storage means and confirming the set value SP;
The sharing function means includes
Operation generation receiving means for receiving notifications from the setting value notification means of the own device and other control devices;
Representative value deciding means for deciding, as a representative value, one of the set values SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed among the own device and other control devices ;
Representative value notifying means for notifying the representative value of the set value SP determined by the representative value determining means to the control device to be changed of the set value SP as an undetermined value ;
The representative value is the set value SP of the control device that is confirmed to be changed first among the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed, or the latest control device of the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed. A control device characterized in that it is defined as either the set value SP or the median of the set values SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed . Setting value storage means for storing the setting value SP;
An operation amount calculating means for calculating an operation amount MV based on the set value SP and the control amount PV;
An operation amount output means for outputting the operation amount MV to a control target;
Set value operating means for an operator to change the set value SP as appropriate;
When the operator selects the set value SP as a change target or when the change of the set value SP is confirmed, the information indicating the selection or confirmation is stored in the set value storage means at the time of the selection or confirmation. Set value notification means for notifying the external shared function means of the set value SP being
When the shared function means determines, as a representative value , any one of the one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed, the representative value of the set value SP transmitted from the shared function means is A set value receiving means for receiving as an undefined set value SP ;
When the operator changes the set value SP or when a representative value of the set value SP is received , the set value SP input by the operator when the setting value SP that has not been confirmed is reached is reached. Or a set value confirming means for registering the representative value of the received set value SP in the set value storage means and confirming the set value SP ;
The representative value is the set value SP of the control device that is confirmed to be changed first among the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed, or the latest control device of the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed. A control device characterized in that it is defined as either the set value SP or the median of the set values SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed . In a control method using a plurality of control devices,
An operation amount calculation step in which each control device calculates an operation amount MV based on the set value SP and the control amount PV stored in the set value storage means;
An operation amount output step in which each control device outputs the operation amount MV to a control target;
When each control device is selected by the operator as a target for changing the set value SP, or when the change of the set value SP is confirmed, the information indicating the selection or confirmation and the set value storage at the time of the selection or confirmation are stored. A setting value notification step of notifying the setting value SP stored in the means to the shared function means provided outside of the plurality of control devices or in any one of the plurality of control devices;
An operation generation receiving step in which the sharing function means receives notification by the setting value notification step;
A representative value determining step in which the shared function means determines a set value SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed as a representative value;
A representative value notifying step in which the sharing function means notifies the representative value of the set value SP determined in the representative value determining step to the control device to be changed of the set value SP as an uncertain value ;
A setting value receiving step in which each control device receives a representative value of the setting value SP transmitted from the sharing function means as an undefined setting value SP of the own device ;
When each of the control devices has reached a situation in which the setting value SP that has not been confirmed is reached when the operator changes the setting value SP or receives a representative value of the setting value SP, the operator look including a setting value determination step that the representative value of the set point SP set value SP or received entered registered in the setting value storing means for determining the set value SP,
The representative value is the set value SP of the control device that is confirmed to be changed first among the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed, or the latest control device of the one or more control devices that are confirmed to be changed. A control method characterized in that it is defined as either the set value SP or the median of the set values SP of one or more control devices whose change has been confirmed . The control method according to claim 7 ,
Further, when each control device receives a set value SP to be changed from the operator, or when a representative value of the set value SP is received, the input value or the received value is set as an undefined set value of the own device. the method displays as SP, when there is no the input or reception, characterized in that it comprises a setting value display processing step of displaying the set value SP stored in the setting value storing means. The control method according to claim 7 or 8 ,
The set value confirmation step is performed from when the setting value SP is unconfirmed due to an operation of changing the set value SP by the operator or from when the representative value of the set value SP is received as the unconfirmed set value SP. A control method comprising: determining that the setting value SP has been determined when a predetermined time has elapsed, and determining the setting value SP. The control method according to claim 7 or 8 ,
The set value confirmation step is performed after the operator has changed the set value SP and the set value SP becomes unconfirmed , or after the representative value of the set value SP is received as the unconfirmed set value SP. A control method characterized by determining that the setting value SP is in a state to be confirmed when the confirmation operation is performed according to the above, and confirming the setting value SP.