JP7585972B2 - Information processing device, method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing device, method, and program.

Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which a cloud server collectively manages parameters used to control multiple units (devices) that make up a control device. The parameters are, for example, an IP address set in a network unit and an allowable voltage set in a power supply unit. First, the CPU unit of the control device sends a parameter acquisition request to the cloud server. The parameter acquisition request includes an ID that identifies the unit. When the cloud server receives the acquisition request, it sends parameters for the unit identified from the ID included in the acquisition request to the CPU unit. The CPU unit sets the parameters received from the cloud server and executes the control program according to the set parameters.

JP 2018-77911 A

Here, it is assumed that the cloud server processes requests received from multiple devices. It is assumed that the requests received by the cloud server include requests for which a response should be given priority and requests for which a response should not be given priority, depending on the content of the request. For example, when a control device controls a controlled device on a production line, the control device is required to execute processing on the controlled device within a set time. This is to ensure stable operation of the production line. For this reason, the cloud server should not postpone responses to such control devices. However, in the case of the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it is not assumed that requests will be processed with consideration of the priority of the requests. For this reason, responses that should be given immediately, such as responses to control devices, may be postponed.

This disclosure can be realized in the following forms:

(1) According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device that controls a plurality of devices is provided. The information processing device includes a device control unit that controls a control target, which is at least one device among the plurality of devices, and receives input data supplied from the control target via a communication processing unit, executes a control program using the input data, and controls the control target by supplying the obtained output data to the control target; a data processing unit that executes predetermined data processing on collected data collected from the plurality of devices; a communication processing unit that controls data transmission and reception between the plurality of devices, the device control unit, and the data processing unit; and a priority data storage unit that stores priority definition data that associates a data destination, a data transmission source, and a priority . The data received by the communication processing unit from the plurality of devices, the device control unit, and the data processing unit includes information that indicates the priority of the data. The communication processing unit refers to the priority definition data stored in the priority data storage unit, and determines the priority based on the destination indicated by the destination information and the transmission source indicated by the transmission source information, which are information that indicates the priority, included in the received data, and transmits data indicating a high priority in preference to data indicating a low priority.
According to this aspect, the communication processing unit gives priority to transmitting data with a high priority, so that responses that should be processed immediately are not postponed . According to this aspect, the priority is determined from the destination information and the sender information included in the data, so that the priority can be determined in a simple manner.
( 2 ) In the information processing device of the above aspect, the data processing unit may receive status data including information indicating the operation status of the plurality of devices supplied from the plurality of devices, execute data processing on the status data, and supply result data generated by the data processing to the device control unit. The device control unit may change the control content of the control target by using the result data supplied from the data processing unit.
According to this aspect, the operating states of a plurality of devices can be fed back into the control content for the control target.
( 3 ) In the information processing device of the above aspect, a first virtual machine, a second virtual machine, and a hypervisor that manages the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine may be operating. The function of the device control unit may be realized by first application software that operates on a real-time OS in the first virtual machine. The function of the data processing unit may be realized by second application software that operates on a non-real-time OS in the second virtual machine. The function of the communication processing unit may be realized by the hypervisor.
According to this aspect, the device control unit and the data processing unit are operated on separate virtual machines, and further, the device control unit is executed on a real-time OS, making it easy to respond to the controlled device within a set time.
( 4 ) According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure may be realized in the form of a method executed by a hypervisor that manages virtual machines in an information processing device in which a virtual environment is constructed. In the information processing device in this embodiment, a first virtual machine that controls a control target that is at least one device among a plurality of devices, and a second virtual machine that executes a predetermined data processing on collected data collected from the plurality of devices are configured to operate. The hypervisor executes the steps of: controlling data transmission and reception between the first virtual machine, the second virtual machine, and the plurality of devices; determining whether the priority of data is high or not based on the destination indicated by destination information and the source indicated by source information, which are information representing the priority , included in the data received from the plurality of devices, the first virtual machine, and the second virtual machine, by referring to priority definition data that associates the destination of the data, the source of the data, and the priority; and transmitting data with a high priority in preference to data with a low priority.
According to this embodiment, by giving priority to transmitting high-priority data, responses that should be processed immediately are not put off.
( 5 ) According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure may be realized in the form of a program executed by a computer. In the computer in this embodiment, a virtual environment is constructed, and a first virtual machine and a second virtual machine are configured to operate. In the computer in this embodiment, the first virtual machine controls a control target that is at least one device among the multiple devices, and the second virtual machine executes a predetermined data processing on collected data collected from the multiple devices. The program executed by the computer causes the computer to realize a function of controlling data transmission and reception between the first virtual machine, the second virtual machine, and the multiple devices, a function of determining whether the priority of data is high or not based on the destination indicated by destination information and the source indicated by source information, which are information indicating the priority included in the data received from the multiple devices, the first virtual machine, and the second virtual machine, by referring to priority definition data that associates the destination of the data, the source of the data, and the priority, and a function of transmitting data with a high priority in preference to data with a low priority.
According to this embodiment, by giving priority to transmitting high-priority data, responses that should be processed immediately are not put off.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a configuration of a control server according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control server. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control server. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a parameter storage unit. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of priority definition data stored in a priority data storage unit; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which packets are transmitted with priority. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control server according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another functional configuration of the control server according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of group definition data stored in a priority data storage unit according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of priority definition data stored in a priority data storage unit according to another embodiment.

A. Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a control server 100 according to an embodiment. The control server 100 is an industrial computer. The control server 100 functions as a control device that controls controlled devices 91 and 92 at a production site. The controlled devices 91 and 92 are FA (Factory Automation) devices including production machines, sensors, driving devices, remote IO devices, and the like. In the embodiment, the controlled devices 91 and 92 are, for example, processing machines having multiple axes. More specifically, the controlled devices 91 and 92 are machine tools that process automobile parts such as engine blocks and gears. Furthermore, the control server 100 executes processing determined for data supplied from the controlled devices 91 and 92 to calculate optimal values of parameters used to control the controlled devices 91 and 92. The control server 100 is also called an information processing device.

In the control server 100, a virtualization environment is created on a physical computer in which multiple virtual computers are operated. The control server 100 includes a hypervisor 10, virtual machines 20, 30, and 40, an RTOS (Real Time Operating System) 50, a non-real time OS (Operating System) 60, a first application 71, a second application 72, and a third application 73.

The hypervisor 10 is software that runs on hardware to realize a virtual environment. For example, the hypervisor 10 allocates the hardware resources of the control server 100 to each of the virtual machines 20, 30, and 40.

The virtual machines 20, 30, and 40 are virtual computers constructed by the hypervisor 10. The virtual machines 20, 30, and 40 run on the hypervisor 10 and are managed by the hypervisor 10.

RTOS 50 is an OS that can schedule predetermined processing to be executed by a predetermined time.

The non-real-time OS 60 is an OS for which real-time performance cannot be guaranteed. The non-real-time OS 60 is, for example, a general-purpose OS equipped with various application programs.

The first application 71, the second application 72, and the third application 73 are application software that allows the virtual machines 20, 30, and 40 to realize various functions. The first application 71 is software that controls the controlled devices 91 and 92. The first application 71 includes, for example, a control program and various parameters used to execute the control program. The control program is a program created using a ladder diagram, a function block diagram, a sequential function chart, or the like to control the controlled devices 91 and 92. The virtual machine 20 controls the controlled device 91 by executing the first application 71. The virtual machine 30 controls the controlled device 92 by executing the first application 71. The second application 72 is software that calculates optimal values of parameters used to control the controlled devices 91 and 92 from data collected from the controlled devices 91 and 92. The third application 73 is software that saves and reads data upon request, such as a database management system.

The control server 100 is placed, for example, in a server room in a factory. The control server 100 communicates with the controlled devices 91 and 92 via a communication network 80. The communication network 80 is an industrial control network realized by communication lines installed in the factory.

In the embodiment, an RTOS 50 is executed as a guest OS on each of the virtual machines 20 and 30. A first application 71 for controlling the controlled devices 91 and 92 is executed on the RTOS 50. With this configuration, the virtual machines 20 and 30 function as a control device such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The virtual machines 20 and 30 are also referred to as first virtual machines.

On the virtual machine 40, a non-real-time OS 60 is executed as a guest OS. On the non-real-time OS 60, a second application 72 for calculating optimal values of parameters and a third application 73 which is a database management system are executed. With this configuration, the virtual machine 40 functions as a computer that executes information processing. The virtual machine 40 is also called a second virtual machine.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control server 100. The control server 100 includes a processor 1, a main memory unit 2, an auxiliary memory unit 3, an interface 4, and a communication unit 5. The main memory unit 2, the auxiliary memory unit 3, the interface 4, and the communication unit 5 are connected to the processor 1 via an internal bus 9.

The processor 1 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 1 loads a program stored in the auxiliary memory unit 3 into the main memory unit 2 and executes it, thereby realizing each function of the control server 100.

The main memory unit 2 is, for example, a main storage device including a RAM (Random Access Memory). Programs are loaded into the main memory unit 2 from the auxiliary memory unit 3. The main memory unit 2 is also used as a working area when the processor 1 executes a program.

The auxiliary storage unit 3 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The auxiliary storage unit 3 stores programs executed by the processor 1 and various data used to execute the programs. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 3 stores a program for constructing a virtualization environment in the control server 100. Under the control of the processor 1, the auxiliary storage unit 3 supplies the processor 1 with data used by the processor 1 and stores the data supplied from the processor 1.

The interface 4 is, for example, an I/O (Input/Output) port such as a serial port or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. Input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel are connected to the interface 4. The interface 4 outputs information input by a user via the input device to the processor 1. In addition, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display is connected to the interface 4. The interface 4 outputs an image indicated by the information supplied from the processor 1 to the display device.

The communication unit 5 includes a network interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 5 receives a signal from the outside and outputs data indicated by this signal to the processor 1. The communication unit 5 also transmits a signal indicating the data output from the processor 1 to the external device.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control server 100. The control server 100 includes a device control unit 201, a device control unit 301, a parameter calculation unit 401, a parameter storage unit 402, a communication processing unit 1001, and a priority data storage unit 1002. The device control unit 201 is included in the virtual machine 20. The device control unit 301 is included in the virtual machine 30. The parameter calculation unit 401 and the parameter storage unit 402 are included in the virtual machine 40. The communication processing unit 1001 and the priority data storage unit 1002 are included in the hypervisor 10.

The device control unit 201 functions as a control device that controls the control target device 91. The function of the device control unit 201 is realized by the virtual machine 20 shown in FIG. 1 executing the first application 71. The first application 71 is also referred to as the first application software.

The device control unit 301 shown in FIG. 3 functions as a control device that controls the control target device 92. The function of the device control unit 301 is realized by the virtual machine 30 shown in FIG. 1 executing the first application 71.

The device control units 201 and 301 shown in FIG. 3 each perform the following processing to control the control target devices 91 and 92, respectively.

The device control unit 201 sequentially executes the commands in the control program using the data supplied from the controlled device 91 as input values. The device control unit 201 receives data from the controlled device 91 via the communication processing unit 1001. When the device control unit 201 executes the last command in the control program, it transmits data including the output value obtained by executing the control program to the controlled device 91 via the communication processing unit 1001. The device control unit 201 receives new data from the controlled device 91 via the communication processing unit 1001. The device control unit 201 sequentially executes the commands in the control program again using the newly supplied data as input values. The device control unit 201 controls the controlled device 91 by repeating this cycle. The method in which the device control unit 301 controls the controlled device 92 is similar. The data supplied by the controlled devices 91 and 92 to the device control units 201 and 301 is also called input data. The data that the device control units 201 and 301 supply to the controlled devices 91 and 92 is also called output data.

In the following explanation, the device control unit 201 and the controlled device 91 are used as examples, but the device control unit 301 and the controlled device 92 also have the same configuration.

The data supplied from the controlled device 91 to the device control unit 201 includes, for example, a notification of the completion of the positioning of the workpiece, a notification of the completion of the rotation of the rotation axis, etc. The data supplied from the device control unit 201 to the controlled device 91 includes information specifying the rotation axis, the number of rotations, the feed rate, etc.

For example, when the equipment control unit 201 receives a notification from the controlled equipment 91 that the positioning of the workpiece is complete, the equipment control unit 201 executes the control program and supplies the controlled equipment 91 with data indicating the next rotation axis, the rotation speed, and the feed speed. When the equipment control unit 201 receives a notification from the controlled equipment 91 that the rotation of the rotation axis is complete, the equipment control unit 201 executes the control program and supplies the controlled equipment 91 with data indicating the next rotation axis, the rotation speed, and the feed speed.

In this way, the controlled devices 91, 92 operate according to the output values output by the device control units 201, 301. If the output values are not supplied to the controlled devices 91, 92 within the set time, the operation of the controlled devices 91, 92 will be delayed. Therefore, the device control units 201, 301 need to execute one cycle of the control program within the set time.

Furthermore, the device control units 201, 301 receive optimal values of parameters used to control the controlled devices 91, 92 from the parameter calculation unit 401 via the communication processing unit 1001. Upon receiving the optimal parameter values, the device control units 201, 301 update the values of the parameters used to execute the control program. This changes the control content of the controlled devices 91, 92 executed by the device control units 201, 301.

The parameter calculation unit 401 receives data from the control target devices 91, 92 via the communication processing unit 1001. This data is also called collected data. The parameter calculation unit 401 accumulates the data collected from the control target devices 91, 92. The parameter calculation unit 401 calculates optimal values of parameters to be used for controlling the control target devices 91, 92 from the accumulated collected data. The parameter calculation unit 401 is also called a data processing unit.

The data supplied by the controlled devices 91, 92 to the parameter calculation unit 401 includes information indicating the operating status of the controlled devices. This data is also called status data. This data includes, for example, for each rotation axis, information on the cutting speed, torque value, and temperature of the tool attached to the rotation axis. The controlled devices 91, 92 may transmit data indicating the operating status to the parameter calculation unit 401, for example, at a predetermined time. Alternatively, the controlled devices 91, 92 may transmit data indicating the operating status to the parameter calculation unit 401 in response to a request from the parameter calculation unit 401.

The parameter calculation unit 401 also has in advance data indicating information on the tools attached to each axis of the controlled devices 91, 92 (such as the type of tool and the material of the tool blade). The parameter calculation unit 401 calculates the amount of heat generated by the tool based on this data and the data supplied from the controlled devices 91, 92, and calculates the optimal cutting speed for each temperature. The optimal cutting speed is a cutting speed that can suppress wear on the tool. Here, the parameter calculation unit 401 calculates the optimal cutting speed for each material to be processed. The parameter calculation unit 401 generates data including the optimal cutting speed, and stores the generated data in the parameter storage unit 402. This data is also called result data.

The parameter calculation unit 401 transmits data stored in the parameter storage unit 402 to the device control units 201 and 301 via the communication processing unit 1001. Specifically, the parameter calculation unit 401 transmits, from among the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 402, parameters that the device control unit 201 uses to control the controlled device 91 to the device control unit 201. The parameter calculation unit 401 transmits, from among the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 402, parameters that the device control unit 301 uses to control the controlled device 92 to the device control unit 301.

For example, in response to a request from the communication processing unit 1001 or at a predetermined time, the parameter calculation unit 401 transmits the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 402 to the equipment control units 201, 301. The equipment control units 201, 301 execute the control program using the newly supplied parameters. For example, when an optimal value of the cutting speed is supplied from the parameter calculation unit 401, the equipment control units 201, 301 can calculate an optimal rotation speed from the optimal value of the cutting speed and a predefined cutting diameter of the tool by executing the control program. The function of the parameter calculation unit 401 is realized by the virtual machine 40 shown in FIG. 1 executing the second application 72. The second application 72 is also called second application software.

The parameter storage unit 402 shown in FIG. 3 stores various parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit 401.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the parameter storage unit 402. In the example shown, the parameter storage unit 402 stores data on the optimum cutting speed for each rotation axis of the equipment. Here, data on the optimum cutting speed calculated for each tool temperature and material to be machined is stored in the parameter storage unit 402. The function of the parameter storage unit 402 is realized by the virtual machine 40 shown in FIG. 1 executing the third application 73.

The communication processing unit 1001 shown in FIG. 3 communicates with the controlled devices 91 and 92 in accordance with an industrial communication protocol. The industrial communication protocol is, for example, EtherNet/IP (trademark). The communication processing unit 1001 communicates with the virtual machines 20, 30, and 40. In the following description, it is assumed that communication is performed in packet units.

When the communication processing unit 1001 receives a packet, it determines the destination and source of the packet from the information contained in the received packet. The packet contains a destination IP (Internet Protocol) address indicating the destination device or virtual machine, and a source IP address indicating the source device or virtual machine. It is assumed that different IP addresses are assigned to the virtual machines 20, 30, and 40 operating on the control server 100.

Furthermore, the packet contains a destination port value indicating the destination application and a source port value indicating the source application. The destination port value is also called destination information. The source port value is also called source information. The destination port value is a value indicating whether the destination is the device control unit 201, 301, the parameter calculation unit 401, or the controlled device 91, 92. The source port value is a value indicating whether the source is the device control unit 201, 301, the parameter calculation unit 401, or the controlled device 91, 92. Since the controlled devices 91, 92 are not applications, predetermined values are assigned to the controlled devices 91, 92.

The device control units 201, 301, parameter calculation unit 401, and controlled devices 91, 92 send packets that, for example, include an IP (Internet Protocol) header including a destination IP address and a source address, and a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) header including a destination port and a source port, to the data to be sent.

The communication processing unit 1001, for example, determines the destination device or virtual machine and the source device or virtual machine from the destination IP address and source IP address included in the IP header. The communication processing unit 1001, for example, determines whether the destination and source are the device control unit 201, 301, the parameter calculation unit 401, or the controlled device 91, 92 from the destination port and source port in the TCP header.

The communication processing unit 1001 receives packets from the controlled devices 91, 92, the device control unit 201 of the virtual machine 20, the device control unit 301 of the virtual machine 30, and the parameter calculation unit 401 of the virtual machine 40, and forwards the packets to an appropriate destination. In this way, the communication processing unit 1001 controls the exchange of data between the controlled devices 91, 92, the device control units 201, 301, and the parameter calculation unit 401. The communication processing unit 1001 can also be said to fulfill the role of a so-called switch.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the priority data storage unit 1002. The priority data storage unit 1002 stores definition data that associates the destination of data, the source of data, and the priority. The data stored in the priority data storage unit 1002 is also called priority definition data. For example, it is assumed that the administrator of the control server 100 stores data in advance in the priority data storage unit 1002. The priority data storage unit 1002 stores data that associates the value of the destination port, the value of the transmission port, and the priority. In the embodiment, the value of the destination port and the value of the transmission port are used as information representing the priority. In the embodiment, the following values are set in the destination port or the source port. "P91" is a value that is set in the destination port or the source port as a value representing the controlled device 91. "P92" is a value that indicates the controlled device 92. "P201" is a value that indicates the device control unit 201. "P301" is a value that indicates the device control unit 301. "P401" is a value indicating the parameter calculation unit 401.

In this embodiment, there are four patterns of packet (data) flow through the communication processing unit 1001.

(a) First Pattern In the first pattern, the source of the packet is the controlled device 91, 92, and the destination of the packet is the device control unit 201, 301. The controlled device 91 transmits a packet addressed to the device control unit 201 of the virtual machine 20. In this case, the destination IP address of the packet specifies the virtual machine 20, so the packet is transmitted to the control server 100. When the communication processing unit 1001 determines that the destination of the received packet is the device control unit 201 of the virtual machine 20, it transmits the packet to the virtual machine 20. In addition, the controlled device 92 transmits a packet addressed to the device control unit 301 of the virtual machine 30. In this case, the destination IP address of the packet specifies the virtual machine 30, so the packet is transmitted to the control server 100. When the communication processing unit 1001 determines that the destination of the received packet is the device control unit 301 of the virtual machine 30, it transmits the packet to the virtual machine 30.

(b) Second Pattern In the second pattern, the source of the packet is the device control unit 201, 301, and the destination of the packet is the controlled device 91, 92. The device control unit 201 transmits a packet addressed to the controlled device 91. This packet is passed to the communication processing unit 1001. When the communication processing unit 1001 determines that the destination of the packet is the controlled device 91, it transmits the packet to the controlled device 91. In addition, the device control unit 301 transmits a packet addressed to the controlled device 92. This packet is passed to the communication processing unit 1001. When the communication processing unit 1001 determines that the destination of the packet is the controlled device 92, it transmits the packet to the controlled device 92.

(c) Third Pattern In the third pattern, the source of the packet is the controlled devices 91 and 92, and the destination of the packet is the parameter calculation unit 401. The controlled devices 91 and 92 transmit packets addressed to the parameter calculation unit 401. In this case, the destination IP address of the packet specifies the virtual machine 40, so the packet is transmitted to the control server 100. When the communication processing unit 1001 determines that the destination of the received packet is the parameter calculation unit 401 of the virtual machine 40, it transmits the packet to the virtual machine 40.

(d) Fourth Pattern In the fourth pattern, the destination of the packet is the parameter calculation unit 401, and the destination of the packet is the device control unit 201, 301. The parameter calculation unit 401 transmits a packet addressed to the device control unit 201 or the device control unit 301. This packet is passed to the communication processing unit 1001. When the communication processing unit 1001 determines that the destination of the packet is the device control unit 201 of the virtual machine 20, it transmits the packet to the virtual machine 20. When the communication processing unit 1001 determines that the destination of the packet is the device control unit 301 of the virtual machine 30, it transmits the packet to the virtual machine 30.

Of these four patterns of packet flow, delays in packet exchanges (first and second patterns) between the controlled devices 91, 92 and the device control units 201, 301 are undesirable. As described above, delays in the supply of output values from the device control units 201, 301 to the controlled devices 91, 92 lead to delays in the operation of the controlled devices 91, 92.

On the other hand, even if the transmission of packets from the controlled devices 91, 92 to the parameter calculation unit 401 (third pattern) is delayed, the operation of the production line is not affected. Even if the transmission of packets from the parameter calculation unit 401 to the device control units 201, 301 (fourth pattern) is delayed, the operation of the production line is not affected.

The communication processing unit 1001 has the following configuration to prevent delays in sending and receiving packets of the first and second patterns. When the communication processing unit 1001 receives multiple packets within a set period of time, it determines whether the packets have a high priority based on the destination port value and source port value contained in the packets and the priority definition data stored in the priority storage unit 1002. The communication processing unit 1001 transmits packets with a high priority among the multiple received packets in preference to packets with a low priority.

In the embodiment, the communication processing unit 1001 prioritizes sending packets whose destination is the device control unit 201, 301 and whose sender is the controlled device 91, 92. In addition, the communication processing unit 1001 prioritizes sending packets whose destination is the controlled device 91, 92 and whose sender is the device control unit 201, 301.

Specifically, the communication processing unit 1001 determines that the priority of the packet is high when the value of the destination port is a value indicating the device control unit 201 or device control unit 301, and the value of the source port is a value indicating the controlled device 91 or controlled device 92. The communication processing unit 1001 determines that the priority of the packet is high when the value of the destination port is a value indicating the controlled device 91 or controlled device 92, and the value of the source port is a value indicating the device control unit 201 or device control unit 301.

The communication processing unit 1001 determines that the priority of the packet is low when the value of the destination port is a value indicating the parameter calculation unit 401 and the value of the source port is a value indicating the controlled device 91 or the controlled device 92. The communication processing unit 1001 determines that the priority of the packet is low when the value of the source port is a value indicating the parameter calculation unit 401 and the value of the destination port is a value indicating the device control unit 201 or the device control unit 301. When the communication processing unit 1001 receives multiple packets for a determined period, it transmits a packet with a high priority first, regardless of the order of arrival of the packets, and transmits a packet with a low priority after the packet with a high priority. The determined period may be the same period as the communication cycle set in the communication network 80. For example, when the control server 100 and the controlled devices 91 and 92 communicate in accordance with the EtherNet/IP protocol, this period may be the same period as the cycle set as the RPI (Request Packet Interval) set for cyclic communication.

Figure 6 shows how the communication processing unit 1001 transmits packets with priority. Assume that four packets arrive at the communication processing unit 1001 within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is a time axis divided at predetermined intervals. The device control units 201 and 301 control the controlled devices 91 and 92 on the order of milliseconds. For this reason, the predetermined period is very short. In the illustrated example, the destination of packet P1 is the parameter calculation unit 401 and the source is the controlled device 92. The destination of packet P2 is the device control unit 201 and the source is the controlled device 91. The destination of packet P3 is the device control unit 301 and the source is the parameter calculation unit 401. The destination of packet P4 is the device control unit 301 and the source is the parameter calculation unit 401.

The communication processing unit 1001 refers to the data stored in the priority data storage unit 1002 to determine whether the priority of the packet is high. As shown in FIG. 5, if the destination is the device control unit 201 and the source is the controlled device 91, the priority is defined as high. The communication processing unit 1001 determines that the priority of packet P2 is high. Furthermore, the communication processing unit 1001 determines the priority of other packets. The communication processing unit 1001 determines that the priority of packets P1, P3, and P4 is low. The communication processing unit 1001 transmits packet P2 with priority, regardless of the order in which packets P1 to P4 arrive. In the illustrated example, the communication processing unit 1001 transmits packet P2 first. The communication processing unit 1001 transmits packets P1, P3, and P4 after packet P2. Packets P1, P3, and P4 are transmitted in the order in which they arrive at the communication processing unit 1001. Next, the communication processing unit 1001 processes the newly arrived packets in the same manner.

By providing the communication processing unit 1001 with the above configuration, it is possible to prevent delays in packets exchanged between the controlled devices 91, 92 and the device control units 201, 301.

In the embodiment, the virtual machines 20 and 30 running on the control server 100 operate what is known as a software PLC, which has the following advantages. For example, in automobile-related production lines, changes to the layout of the production line occur frequently. Even in such cases, the layout changes can be flexibly accommodated.

For example, in a production line, the controlled devices 91, 92 may need to be replaced due to breakdowns, aging, or other reasons. In this case, the old controlled devices 91, 92 are removed from the communication network 80, and the new controlled devices 91, 92 are connected to the communication network 80. For example, when individual devices are used as control devices, changing the layout of the production line requires replacing multiple devices and changing the connections of the communication lines between the multiple devices, which is a cumbersome task. On the other hand, in the configuration according to the embodiment, the work involved in changing the layout of the production line can be reduced compared to when individual devices are used as control devices.

When the number of controlled devices increases, the new controlled devices can be controlled by adding virtual machines to be operated on the control server 100. When using individual devices as control devices, it is necessary to prepare new control devices, which increases costs. However, when multiple virtual machines on the same server are operated as control devices as in the embodiment, costs associated with changing the layout of the production line can be reduced.

In addition, virtual machines 20, 30, and 40 operate independently of each other. Therefore, even if an application running on one of the virtual machines is changed or stopped, the other virtual machines are unlikely to be affected. For example, even if the execution of the first application 71 on virtual machine 20 is stopped, there is no need to stop the execution of the first application 71 on virtual machine 30. Therefore, the control-related processing can continue on virtual machine 30.

B. Other Embodiment (B1) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the parameter calculation unit 401 of the virtual machine 40 calculates optimal values of parameters used for control, but the example of data processing is not limited to this.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a control server 100a according to another embodiment B1. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the embodiment.

Four virtual machines, virtual machines 20, 30, 40, and 110, are running on the control server 100a. It is assumed that a non-real-time OS 60 is running on the virtual machine 110 as a guest OS. In addition to the configuration according to the embodiment, the control server 100a also includes an analysis unit 1101 included in the virtual machine 110. The function of the analysis unit 1101 is realized by the virtual machine 110 executing an application for analyzing data. The virtual machine 110 is managed by the hypervisor 10 in the same way as other virtual machines.

The control server 100a can communicate with the measuring device 93 via the communication network 80. The measuring device 93 is an instrument that measures the dimensions of a machined workpiece. For example, an operator uses the measuring device 93 to measure the dimensions of the workpiece. For example, when the measurement is completed, the measuring device 93 transmits data of the measurement value to the analysis unit 1101. At this time, the measuring device 93 transmits a packet including the measurement value data with the destination set to the analysis unit 1101 of the virtual machine 110 and the source set to the measuring device 93. This packet is transmitted to the analysis unit 1101 via the communication processing unit 1001. The analysis unit 1101 analyzes the data supplied from the measuring device 93. The analysis unit 1101 transmits a packet including the data of the analysis result to the parameter calculation unit 401. This packet is transmitted to the parameter calculation unit 401 via the communication processing unit 1001. The parameter calculation unit 401 can use the analysis result supplied from the analysis unit 1101 to calculate the optimal value of the parameter. This can improve the accuracy of the parameter calculation.

The communication processing unit 1001 determines the priority of the packet from the destination port and the source port. The priority of packets transmitted and received between the device control units 201, 301 and the controlled devices 91, 92 is the highest. This priority is set to "Level 1". The priority of packets whose destination is the parameter calculation unit 401 and whose source is the controlled devices 91, 92 is set to the second highest. This priority is set to "Level 2". The priority of packets whose destination is the analysis unit 1101 and whose source is the measuring instrument 93 is also set to "Level 2". The priority of packets whose destination is the parameter calculation unit 401 and whose source is the analysis unit 1101 is set to the lowest. This priority is set to "Level 3". The priority of packets whose destination is the device control units 201, 301 and whose source is the parameter calculation unit 401 is also set to "Level 3".

The communication processing unit 1001 determines the priority of multiple packets received during a fixed period, and first transmits "level 1" packets. The communication processing unit 1001 transmits "level 1" packets and then transmits "level 2" packets. The communication processing unit 1001 transmits "level 2" packets and then transmits "level 3" packets. When there are multiple packets of the same level, the communication processing unit 1001 may transmit the packets in the order of arrival of the packets for multiple packets of the same level. In other embodiment B1, as in the embodiment, delays in packets that should be transmitted with priority can be prevented.

(B2) In another embodiment B1, an example was described in which the analysis results output by the analysis unit 1101 are used to calculate optimal parameter values, but the analysis results of the analysis unit 1101 may be used for other purposes. For example, the analysis unit 1101 may be supplied with data representing the operating status of the control target devices 91 and 92 from the control target devices 91 and 92. The analysis unit 1101 may predict an abnormality or failure of the control target devices 91 and 92 from the supplied data.

(B3) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the priority is the same for both data transmitted and received between the device control unit 201 and the controlled device 91 and data transmitted and received between the device control unit 301 and the controlled device 92. However, the priority of one of the device control units 201, 301 may be set higher than the priority of the other. For example, the priority of data transmitted and received between the device control unit 201 and the controlled device 91 is assumed to be the highest. This priority is assumed to be "Level 1". The priority of data transmitted and received between the device control unit 301 and the controlled device 92 is assumed to be the second highest. This priority is assumed to be "Level 2". The priority of other data is assumed to be the lowest. This priority is assumed to be "Level 3".

The communication processing unit 1001 determines the priority of multiple packets received during a fixed period, and transmits "level 1" packets first. The communication processing unit 1001 transmits "level 2" packets after transmitting "level 1" packets. The communication processing unit 1001 transmits "level 2" packets after transmitting "level 3" packets. When there are multiple packets of the same level, the communication processing unit 1001 may transmit the packets in the order of arrival of the packets for multiple packets of the same level. In other embodiment B3, as in the embodiment, delays in packets that should be transmitted with priority can be prevented.

(B4) In the embodiments, an example of setting priority on a device basis has been described, but priority may also be set on a group basis. In embodiment B4, an example of dividing multiple devices into several groups and setting priority on a group basis will be described.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a control server 100b according to another embodiment B4. The control server 100b has a configuration in which two virtual machines are added to the configuration of the control server 100 shown in Figure 3. The following will focus on the configuration that differs from the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the control target devices 91 and 92, the control target devices 94 and 95 are connected to the control server 100b. Five virtual machines, virtual machines 20, 30, 40, 120, and 130, are running on the control server 100b. Assume that an RTOS 50 runs on the virtual machines 120 and 130 as a guest OS. The virtual machines 120 and 130 are also managed by the hypervisor 10 like the other virtual machines. The virtual machine 120 includes a device control unit 1201. The virtual machine 130 includes a device control unit 1301. The device control units 1201 and 1301 have the same configuration as the device control units 201 and 301 according to the embodiment. The device control unit 1201 controls the control target device 94. The device control unit 1301 controls the control target device 95.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of group definition data 1002a stored in the priority data storage unit 1002. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of priority definition data 1002b stored in the priority data storage unit 1002. For example, it is assumed that the administrator of the control server 100 has stored this data in the priority data storage unit 1002 in advance.

Group definition data 1002a stores data that defines groups determined by combinations of destination port values and sending port values. Priority definition data 1002b stores data that associates groups with priorities.

In the following explanation, the following values are set for the destination port or source port. "P91" is a value set for the destination port or source port as a value indicating the controlled device 91. "P92" is a value indicating the controlled device 92. "P94" is a value indicating the controlled device 94. "P95" is a value indicating the controlled device 95. "P201" is a value indicating the device control unit 201. "P301" is a value indicating the device control unit 301. "P401" is a value indicating the parameter calculation unit 401. "P1201" is a value indicating the device control unit 1201. "P1301" is a value indicating the device control unit 1301.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, data for which the controlled device 91 is the destination or source and the device control unit 201 is the source or destination is defined as group "G1". Data for which the controlled device 92 is the destination or source and the device control unit 301 is the source or destination is also defined as group "G1". Data for which the controlled device 94 is the destination or source and the device control unit 1201 is the source or destination is defined as group "G2". Data for which the controlled device 95 is the destination or source and the device control unit 1301 is the source or destination is also defined as group "G2". Furthermore, data transmitted and received between the controlled devices 91, 92 and the parameter calculation unit 401 is defined as group "G3".

As shown in FIG. 10, the group priorities are set as follows: "Level 1" for group "G1", "Level 2" for group "G2", and "Level 3" for group "G3".

The communication processing unit 1001 refers to the data stored in the priority definition data storage unit 1002, determines the priority of multiple packets received during a fixed period, and transmits "level 1" packets first. After transmitting the "level 1" packets, the communication processing unit 1001 transmits "level 2" packets. After transmitting the "level 2" packets, the communication processing unit 1001 transmits "level 3" packets. By setting priorities on a group basis in this way, it is not necessary to set a priority for each combination of destination and source, and the work involved in setting priorities can be simplified.

(B5) In the embodiment, the communication processing unit 1001 determines the priority of a packet from the destination port value and the source port value of the packet, but the communication processing unit 1001 may determine the priority of a packet using other methods. For example, a value indicating the priority may be set in the first determined range of the TCP data of the packet. The communication processing unit 1001 determines the priority of a packet based on the value set in the first determined range of the TCP data of the packet.

In the embodiment, examples of the controlled devices 91 and 92 include production machines, sensors, and driving devices, but a PLC that controls FA devices may also be connected to the control server 100 via the communication network 80.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the control server 100 has two virtual machines for controlling the devices, but the control server 100 may have only one virtual machine for controlling the devices. Alternatively, the control server 100 may have three or more virtual machines for controlling the devices.

In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the device control units 201 and 301 control the control target devices 91 and 92, respectively, but each of the device control units 201 and 301 may control two or more devices.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the Summary of the Invention column can be replaced or combined as appropriate to solve some or all of the above-described problems or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

1...processor, 2...main memory unit, 3...auxiliary memory unit, 4...interface, 5...communication unit, 9...internal bus, 10...hypervisor, 20, 30, 40, 110, 120, 130...virtual machine, 50...RTOS, 60...non-real-time OS, 71...first application, 72...second application, 73...third application, 80...communication network, 91, 92...control target device, 100...control server, 201, 301, 1201, 1301...device control unit, 401...parameter calculation unit, 402...parameter storage unit, 501...analysis unit, 1001...communication processing unit, 1002...priority data storage unit, 1002a...group definition data, 1002b...priority definition data, 1101...analysis unit, P1, P2, P3, P4...packet

Claims (5)

An information processing device for controlling a plurality of devices,
a device control unit that controls a control target that is at least one device among the plurality of devices, the device control unit receiving input data provided from the control target, executing a control program using the input data, and providing the control target with obtained output data, thereby controlling the control target;
a data processing unit that performs predetermined data processing on the collected data collected from the plurality of devices;
a communication processing unit that controls data transmission and reception between the plurality of devices, the device control unit, and the data processing unit;
a priority data storage unit that stores priority definition data that associates a destination of the data, a source of the data, and a priority;
Including,
the data received by the communication processing unit from the plurality of devices, the device control unit, and the data processing unit includes information indicating the priority of the data;
The communication processing unit:
referring to the priority definition data stored in the priority data storage unit, determining the priority based on the destination indicated by destination information and the source indicated by source information, which are information representing the priority included in the received data;
transmitting the data indicating a high priority in preference to the data indicating a low priority;
Information processing device. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1 ,
the data processing unit receives status data indicating operation statuses of the plurality of devices supplied from the plurality of devices, executes the data processing on the status data, and supplies result data generated by the data processing to the device control unit;
the device control unit changes the control content of the control target by using the result data supplied from the data processing unit.
Information processing device. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 ,
a first virtual machine, a second virtual machine, and a hypervisor that manages the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine are operating;
a function of the device control unit is realized by a first application software that runs on a real-time OS in the first virtual machine;
a function of the data processing unit is realized by second application software that runs on a non-real-time OS in the second virtual machine;
The function of the communication processing unit is realized by the hypervisor.
Information processing device. A method executed by a hypervisor that manages a virtual machine in an information processing device in which a virtual environment is built, comprising:
In the information processing device, a first virtual machine that controls a control target which is at least one device among a plurality of devices, and a second virtual machine that executes predetermined data processing on collected data collected from the plurality of devices are operating;
The hypervisor,
controlling data transmission and reception between the first virtual machine, the second virtual machine, and the plurality of devices;
a step of referring to priority definition data that associates a destination of the data, a source of the data, and a priority, and determining whether the priority of the data is high or not based on the destination indicated by destination information and the source indicated by source information, which are information representing the priority , included in the data received from the plurality of devices , the first virtual machine, and the second virtual machine;
transmitting the data with higher priority in preference to the data with lower priority;
How to do it. A program executed by a computer,
In the computer,
A virtual environment has been created,
A first virtual machine and a second virtual machine are operating,
The first virtual machine controls a control target which is at least one device among a plurality of devices;
The second virtual machine executes a predetermined data processing on the collected data collected from the plurality of devices.
It is structured as follows:
The computer includes:
a function of controlling data transmission and reception between the first virtual machine, the second virtual machine, and the plurality of devices;
a function of referring to priority definition data that associates a destination of the data, a source of the data, and a priority level, and determining whether the priority level of the data is high or not based on the destination indicated by destination information and the source indicated by source information, which are information representing the priority level and are included in the data received from the multiple devices, the first virtual machine, and the second virtual machine;
a function of transmitting the data with a higher priority in preference to the data with a lower priority;
A program to achieve this.

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