JP7627148B2 - Simulation Equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a simulation device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a display screen debugging device that includes a coverage screen creation means and a simulation execution means. The coverage screen creation means creates setting item list data from the setting data of the screen. The setting data in the coverage screen data and the setting item list data are associated with each other for each item. The simulation execution means executes a simulation based on the setting data in the input coverage screen data.

JP 2006-155158 A

However, in the display screen debugging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a user manually inputs multiple setting items to run a simulation for each of the multiple setting items, the user's work time increases. One aspect of the present invention aims to shorten the user's work time for simulation and prevent oversights.

In order to solve the above problems, a simulation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display control unit that displays a created screen including one or more objects on a display unit, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device, and an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation that causes the display control unit to execute control to display the behavior of the one or more objects on the display unit according to a definition file that defines the behavior of the one or more objects.

The simulation device automatically performs a simulation of the behavior of one or more objects. This eliminates the need for the user to perform operations to simulate the behavior of one or more objects, shortening the time required for the user to perform the simulation and preventing oversights.

The simulation device may further include a storage unit that stores a screen file including the creation screen, in which setting information related to the operation of one or more objects is set for the one or more objects, and a creation unit that automatically creates the definition file by reading the setting information from the screen file stored in the storage unit.

Definition files are automatically created from screen files that contain the creation screen, eliminating the need for users to create definition files, reducing the amount of time required for users to create definition files.

The execution unit may automatically execute the simulation in which the display control unit executes control to display the operation of the one or more objects on the display unit of the programmable display device according to the definition file. The simulation can be executed automatically using the programmable display device.

The definition file may include information on abnormal values outside a preset numerical range corresponding to the behavior of the one or more objects, and the execution unit may cause the display control unit to execute control to display, on the display unit, the behavior of the object corresponding to the abnormal value information.

When the display unit displays the behavior of an object that corresponds to abnormal value information outside a preset numerical range, the user can check whether the object is performing any unexpected abnormal behavior.

The storage unit may store, as the screen files, a first edit screen file before editing and a second edit screen file after editing, the creation unit may automatically create, as a difference definition file, the definition file that defines the behavior of the one or more objects in which the setting information of the second edit screen file differs from the setting information of the first edit screen file, and the execution unit may automatically execute the simulation only for the behavior of the one or more objects defined in the difference definition file.

A simulation is performed only for the behavior of one or more objects that correspond to setting information that has changed since editing the screen file. This reduces the simulation execution time, and therefore the time required for the user to perform the simulation.

The display unit may include a first display unit of the simulation device and a second display unit of the programmable display, the simulation device may include a storage unit that stores a first screen file including a first creation screen as the creation screen, and the execution unit may automatically execute the simulation by causing the display control unit to control the first display unit to display the operation of the one or more objects included in the first creation screen according to the definition file, and to control the second display unit to display the operation of the one or more objects included in a second creation screen as the creation screen, which is included in a second screen file having a file format different from that of the first screen file, according to the definition file.

When checking whether there is a difference between the behavior of one or more objects included in the first creation screen and the behavior of one or more objects included in the second creation screen, the display of the object behavior can be automated. This allows the user to easily check the object behavior by simply comparing the display on the first display unit with the display on the second display unit.

The execution unit may cause the display control unit to execute control to display the object for which the simulation is being performed in a more emphasized manner than other objects on the display unit.

The object for which a simulation is being performed is highlighted on the display, allowing the user to recognize the object for which a simulation is currently being performed and easily check the operation of the object.

The definition file may include information on the start time of the simulation corresponding to the operation of the object, or information on the execution interval of the simulation corresponding to the operation of each of the plurality of objects, and the execution unit may automatically execute the simulation according to the start time information or the execution interval information included in the definition file.

The simulation of the object's operation is automatically performed according to the simulation start time information or execution interval information contained in the definition file. This eliminates the need for the user to rewrite and check device values each time, shortening the work time.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for users to perform simulations and prevent oversights.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a creation screen displayed on a display unit of the PC shown in FIG. 1 and setting information set for an object included in the creation screen. FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a definition file that defines the behavior of one or more objects. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a simulation of one or more objects performed by the control unit of the PC illustrated in FIG. 1 . 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a definition file by a creating unit included in a control unit of the PC shown in FIG. 1 . This is the setting information referenced by the creating unit in the process of step S5 shown in FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a creation screen according to a second embodiment of the present invention, setting information set for an object included in the creation screen, and a definition file. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC, a programmable display, and a PLC according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a connection state between the PC, the programmable display device, and the PLC shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a PC and a programmable display according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a camera is connected to the PC shown in FIG. 10.

[Embodiment 1]
The configuration of a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a "PC") 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

<Configuration of PC1>
1, the PC 1 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a storage unit 14, and an interface unit 15. The PC 1 functions as a simulation device that executes a simulation of the operation of one or more objects included in a creation screen displayed by the programmable display device 2.

The control unit 11 controls each part of the PC 1. The control unit 11 has a display control unit 111, a creation unit 112, and an execution unit 113. The creation unit 112 will be described in a modified example below. The display unit 12 is a monitor that displays the processing contents of the PC 1.

The operation unit 13 is, for example, a keyboard for the user to input data and a mouse for the user to perform operations. The memory unit 14 stores the processing contents in the PC 1, and also stores a screen file including one or more created screens created by the user. The interface unit 15 is a communication unit that enables the PC 1 to communicate with the programmable display device 2 and PLC (programmable logic controller) 3 shown in FIG. 8, and is capable of communicating with the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 shown in FIG. 8.

<Processing of PC1>
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a creation screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the PC 1 shown in Fig. 1 and setting information set for objects included in the creation screen. Reference numerals 101 and 102 in Fig. 2 respectively denote creation screens P1 and P2 included in a screen file created by a user using the PC 1. Reference numeral 103 in Fig. 2 denotes setting information I1 set for one or more objects included in the creation screens P1 and P2.

The user uses PC1 to create a screen file that includes one or more creation screens and in which setting information related to the operation of one or more objects included in the creation screen is set. The storage unit 14 stores the screen file created by the user. Creation screens P1 and P2 are included in the screen file stored in the storage unit 14 and have been created as display screens to be displayed on the display unit 22 of the programmable display device 2 shown in FIG. 8. The display control unit 111 causes the display unit 12 to display the creation screens P1 and P2.

As shown by reference numeral 101 in FIG. 2, creation screen P1 includes objects B1 to B3. Object B1 is an object that represents a bit switch for switching bits of an address on the device memory of PLC 3, object B2 is an object that represents a lamp, and object B3 is an object that represents a state change switch. Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 2, creation screen P2 includes objects B4 and B5. Object B4 is an object that represents a graph, and object B5 is an object that represents a numeric display.

As shown by reference numeral 103 in FIG. 2, the setting information I1 is set with a corresponding screen number, part ID, object function, address, and value. In other words, the setting information I1 includes this information. The setting information I1 is set in a screen file stored in the storage unit 14, and is set with respect to the operation of one or more objects. Each item set in the setting information I1 is described below.

The screen number is a number set for each creation screen to identify one or more creation screens. The part ID is an ID set for each object to identify one or more objects. The object function column indicates the content of the operation of each object. The address is the address where the content of the operation of each object is stored in the device memory of PLC3. The value column indicates a numerical value that is preset corresponding to the operation of each object.

In addition, as shown by reference numeral 103 in FIG. 2, multiple actions may be set for one object. For example, object B1 has "switch" and "lamp" set as actions. The value of setting information I1 is set in one-to-one correspondence with the object's actions.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a definition file that defines the behavior of one or more objects. Using PC 1, a user creates a definition file for checking whether one or more objects are operating correctly. The storage unit 14 stores the definition file created by the user. As shown in Figure 3, definition file D1 contains a start time, a screen number, a part ID, an object function, an address, a value, and an abnormal value, which are associated with each other. In other words, definition file D1 contains this information. Each item set in definition file D1 will be described below.

The start time is the start time of the simulation corresponding to the operation of the object when the simulation is executed by the execution unit 113 according to the definition file D1. The screen number, part ID, object function, address, and value of the definition file D1 are the same as those of the setting information I1. An abnormal value is an abnormal value outside a numerical range that is preset in correspondence with the operation of one or more objects.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation of one or more objects executed by the control unit 11 of the PC 1 shown in FIG. 1. The execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit 111 controls the display unit 12 to display the operations of one or more objects in accordance with the definition file D1 stored in the storage unit 14. At this time, the display control unit 111 displays the operations of one or more objects on the display unit 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 12 displays a screen S1 of an HMI simulator that reproduces the functions of the programmable display device 2, a screen S2 of a PLC simulator that reproduces the functions of the PLC 3, and a screen S3 that shows the status of related devices 4 and the like. The HMI simulator and the PLC simulator are executed by the execution unit 113. The creation screen P1 is displayed on the screen S1. The processing contents by the PLC simulator are displayed on the screen S2. The status of the devices 4 and the like that are related to the HMI simulator and the PLC simulator are displayed on the screen S3.

The execution unit 113 reads out the information on the start time of the simulation corresponding to the object's action from the definition file D1, and automatically executes the simulation according to the start time information. As a result, the action of each object is displayed on the display unit 12 in order according to the start time of the simulation.

At this time, the execution unit 113 reads out the function of each object from the definition file D1, and causes the display control unit 111 to execute control to display the operation of the function on the display unit 12. Note that the definition file D1 may include information on the execution interval of a simulation corresponding to the operation of each of the multiple objects, and in this case, the execution unit 113 executes the simulation according to the information on the execution interval included in the definition file D1.

In this way, the simulation of the object's operation is automatically performed according to the simulation start time information contained in the definition file D1. This eliminates the need for the user to rewrite and check the device values each time, thereby reducing the work time.

The execution unit 113 also causes the display control unit 111 to execute control to display the object undergoing simulation in a more emphasized manner than the other objects on the display unit 12. In this case, for example, if a simulation of the operation of object B3 is being executed, object B3 is displayed in a more emphasized manner than the other objects B1 and B2.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, object B3 may be displayed surrounded by a frame or pointed to by a hand icon. The color of the icon for object B3 may also be changed or the icon for object B3 may flash. This allows the user to recognize the object for which a simulation is currently being performed, and allows the user to easily check the operation of the object.

Furthermore, the execution unit 113 causes the display control unit 111 to execute control to display on the display unit 12 the behavior of an object corresponding to the abnormal value information included in the definition file D1. This allows the user to check whether the object is performing an unexpected abnormal behavior when the behavior of an object corresponding to the abnormal value information outside a preset numerical range is displayed on the display unit 12.

As a result, a simulation of the behavior of one or more objects is automatically performed on the PC 1. This eliminates the need for the user to perform operations to simulate the behavior of one or more objects, thereby reducing the time required for the user to perform the simulation and preventing oversights.

<Modification>
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating the definition file D1 by the creation unit 112 of the control unit 11 of the PC 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 shows setting information I2 referenced by the creation unit 112 in the process of step S5 shown in Fig. 5. In this modified example, the creation unit 112 may automatically create the definition file D1. Note that, as described above, when the user creates the definition file D1, the control unit 11 does not need to have the creation unit 112.

First, the creation unit 112 sequentially refers to one or more created screens included in a screen file stored in the storage unit 14 in accordance with the detailed settings of the simulation executed by the execution unit 113 (S1). The detailed settings of the simulation are stored in the storage unit 14. The detailed settings of the simulation include the execution interval for the simulation related to the operation of each object, the range of the screen, and the selection of the type of object.

Then, the creation unit 112 adds the setting for switching the creation screen to the definition file D1 (S2). The creation unit 112 can set the time for switching the creation screen in the definition file D1, for example, by setting the start time and the screen number in association with each other in the definition file D1.

Next, the creation unit 112 searches for one or more objects while referring to the creation screens in order and the detailed settings of the simulation (S3). In step S3, the creation unit 112 determines whether the object to be searched for is a target object pre-selected in the detailed settings of the simulation (S4). The target object is an object that is the subject of the simulation executed by the execution unit 113. If the creation unit 112 determines that the object to be searched for is not a target object (NO in S4), the creation unit 112 proceeds to step S3 and moves on to searching for the next object to be searched for.

When the creation unit 112 determines that the object being searched for is a target object (YES in S4), it reads the properties of the target object according to the classification of the target object and creates a definition file D1 (S5). At this time, the creation unit 112 reads the target properties set for the object included in the creation screen from the screen file, from the setting information I2. The setting information I2 associates and sets the target part as the target object, the classification, and the target property as the property of the target object. The abnormal value information described above is also automatically generated and included in the definition file D1 based on the setting information I2.

Next, the creation unit 112 determines whether or not the search has been completed for all objects included in the creation screen (S6). If the creation unit 112 determines that the search has not been completed for all objects included in the creation screen (NO in S6), the creation unit 112 proceeds to step S3.

When the creation unit 112 determines that the search has been completed for all objects included in the creation screen (YES in S6), the process proceeds to step S7. In this case, the creation unit 112 determines whether the creation screen targeted in steps S2 to S6 is the final creation screen among one or more creation screens included in the screen file (S7).

If the creation unit 112 determines that the target creation screen in steps S2 to S6 is not the final creation screen (NO in S7), it proceeds to step S1. If the creation unit 112 determines that the target creation screen in steps S2 to S6 is the final creation screen (YES in S7), it ends the creation process of the definition file D1.

As described above, the creation unit 112 automatically creates a definition file D1 by reading the target properties of the object from the screen file stored in the storage unit 14 with reference to the setting information I2. At this time, the user can use the PC1 to check the definition file D1 automatically created by the creation unit 112 and edit it as necessary. As a result, the definition file D1 is automatically created from the screen file including the creation screen, so the user does not need to create the definition file D1, and the work time required for the user to create the definition file D1 can be reduced.

In addition, when a user manually performs a simulation using PC1, the creation unit 112 can refer to the contents of the simulation performed by the user and automatically create a definition file D1 from the contents of the simulation. The creation unit 112 stores the created definition file D1 in the storage unit 14.

Furthermore, when the execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation, it may stop the simulation by setting a stop point, or trace the simulation. Also, while the execution unit 113 is executing a simulation, it may be possible for the user to manually add simulation content using the PC 1. In this case, the creation unit 112 adds the simulation content added by the user to the definition file D1. The execution unit 113 also executes the simulation added to the definition file D1.

[Embodiment 2]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a creation screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention, setting information set for an object included in the creation screen, and a definition file. In Fig. 7, reference numeral 201 indicates a creation screen P1, reference numeral 202 indicates setting information I3, and reference numeral 203 indicates a difference definition file D2.

The following describes a case where the user edits the screen file so as to change the position of object B1 on the creation screen P1 and the address of object B3 on the device memory of PLC3. In this case, the screen file before editing is called the first edited screen file, and the screen file after editing is called the second edited screen file. The storage unit 14 stores the first edited screen file and the second edited screen file as screen files.

At this time, as shown in the portion surrounded by the dotted line of reference numeral 202 in FIG. 7, among the values related to object B1 in setting information I3, the value indicating the position is changed, and the address in the device memory of object B3 is changed. The creation unit 112 automatically creates a definition file, as difference definition file D2, that defines the behavior of one or more objects in which setting information I3 of the second editing screen file differs from setting information I3 of the first editing screen file. In addition, the execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation only for the behavior of one or more objects defined in difference definition file D2.

In this way, a simulation is performed only for the behavior of one or more objects that correspond to setting information I3 that has changed since editing the screen file. This reduces the time it takes to run the simulation, and therefore the time it takes for the user to perform the simulation.

[Embodiment 3]
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same functions as those described in the first and second embodiments, and the explanations thereof will not be repeated. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC 1, a programmable display device 2, and a PLC 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the connection state of the PC 1, the programmable display device 2, and the PLC 3 shown in Fig. 8. The PC 1 is connected to the programmable display device 2 and the PLC 3.

<Programmable display 2>
The programmable display device 2 includes a control unit 21, a display unit 22, a touch panel 23, a user memory 24, and an interface unit 25. The programmable display device 2 is connected to the PC 1 and the PLC 3. The programmable display device 2 is a dedicated computer that realizes operation functions and display functions specific to the programmable display device by displaying a creation screen for operation and display, and is used as an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device.

The control unit 21 specifies the operation of displaying the state of the device 4 connected to the PLC 3 and the operation of controlling the state of the device 4 in response to operations on the touch panel 23. The control unit 21 controls each part of the programmable display device 2. The display unit 22 displays a screen created by the user and the state of the device 4. The user memory 24 stores screen files created by the user. The interface unit 25 is a communication unit that allows the programmable display device 2 to communicate with the PC 1 and the PLC 3.

The PLC 3 is a control device that reads out the state of the device 4 and issues control instructions to the device 4 at every predetermined scan time according to a sequence program created by the user. The device 4 is one or more, and may be controlled by the PLC 3 or may output detection values such as from a sensor.

As shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 12 of the PC 1 displays a screen C1 of the HMI control software that controls the programmable display device 2, a screen C2 of the PLC control software that controls the PLC 3, and a screen S3 showing the status of related devices 4 and the like. The HMI control software and the PLC control software are executed by the execution unit 113. The creation screen P1 is displayed on the screen C1. The processing contents by the PLC control software are displayed on the screen C2. The status of the devices 4 and the like related to the HMI control software and the PLC control software is displayed on the screen S3.

The execution unit 113 executes the HMI control software, causing the display control unit 111 to execute control for displaying the creation screen P1 on the display unit 22 of the programmable display device 2. The display control unit 111 issues an instruction to the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 to display the creation screen P1 on the display unit 22. As a result, the creation screen P1 is displayed on the display unit 22 in addition to the screen C1 of the display unit 12. The execution unit 113 also controls the PLC 3 by executing the PLC control software.

The execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit 111 controls the display unit 22 to display the operations of one or more objects according to the definition file D1 stored in the storage unit 14. Thus, the simulation can be executed automatically using the programmable display device 2. The display control unit 111 issues an instruction to the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 to display the operations of one or more objects on the display unit 22, and issues an instruction to change the device value of the PLC 3. As a result, the operations of one or more objects are displayed on the screen C1 of the display unit 12 and on the display unit 22.

As a result, the PC 1 can execute a simulation of the operation of one or more objects while controlling the programmable display device 2 and the PLC 3. This allows the PC 1 to execute a simulation of the operation of one or more objects in a state close to the actual operation of the one or more objects.

[Embodiment 4]
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the first to third embodiments, and the explanations thereof will not be repeated. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC 1 and a programmable display device 2 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a camera 5 is connected to the PC 1 shown in Fig. 10.

In the fourth embodiment, the screen file after conversion is called the first screen file, and the screen file before conversion is called the second screen file. The storage unit 14 of the PC 1 stores the first screen file, and the user memory 24 of the programmable display device 2 stores the second screen file. The user uses the PC 1 to convert the second screen file that is compatible with an older model or a programmable display device 2 made by another company, thereby creating a first screen file that is compatible with the latest model of a programmable display device 2 made by the user's own company. As a result, the second screen file has a different file format from the first screen file.

As shown in FIG. 10, the display unit 12 of the PC 1 displays a screen S1 of the HMI simulator, a screen SC1 of the PLC simulator, and a screen S3 showing the status of related devices 4, etc. The HMI simulator and the PLC simulator are executed by the execution unit 113.

Screen S1 displays the created screen P1 included in the first screen file. Screen SC1 displays the processing contents by the PLC simulator. Screen S3 displays the status of the HMI simulator and device 4 related to the PLC simulator.

The execution unit 113 executes the HMI control software to cause the display control unit 111 to control the display unit 22 of the programmable display device 2 to display the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file. At the same time, the execution unit 113 executes the HMI control software to cause the display control unit 111 to control the display unit 12 to display the creation screen P1 included in the first screen file on the screen S1.

The display control unit 111 instructs the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 to display the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file on the display unit 22. The display control unit 111 also displays the creation screen P1 included in the first screen file on the screen S1 of the display unit 12. As a result, the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file is displayed on the display unit 22, and the creation screen P1 included in the first screen file is displayed on the screen S1 of the display unit 12.

The execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit 111 executes control to display on the display unit 22 the behavior of one or more objects included in the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file according to the definition file D1 stored in the storage unit 14. The display control unit 111 issues an instruction to the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 to display on the display unit 22 the behavior of one or more objects included in the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file. As a result, the behavior of one or more objects included in the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file is displayed on the display unit 22.

At the same time, the execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit 111 controls the display unit 12 to display the actions of one or more objects included in the creation screen P1 included in the first screen file, according to the definition file D1 stored in the storage unit 14. The display control unit 111 causes the display unit 12 to display the actions of one or more objects. As a result, the actions of one or more objects in the first screen file are displayed on the display unit 12.

The execution unit 113 also controls the creation screen P1 displayed on the screen S1 of the display unit 12 and the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 22 in response to screen switching and user operations on the touch panel 23 using the HMI control software. The execution unit 113 reads and writes device values by communicating with the functions of the PLC 3 reproduced by the PLC simulator using the HMI control software. Thus, the creation screen P1 displayed on the screen S1 of the display unit 12 and the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 22 are simulated by the execution unit 113 in approximate synchronization.

This allows the user to automate the display of the object's behavior when checking whether there is a difference between the behavior of one or more objects included in the first creation screen and the behavior of one or more objects included in the second creation screen. This allows the user to easily check the object's behavior by simply comparing the display on display unit 12 with the display on display unit 22.

As shown in FIG. 11, a camera 5 may be connected to the PC 1 to capture an image of the display unit 22 of the programmable display device 2. In this case, the camera 5 outputs the captured image of the display unit 22 to the control unit 11 of the PC 1. The execution unit 113 executes image processing to compare the creation screen P1 of the image of the display unit 22 output from the camera 5 with the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 12.

The control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 may also capture the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 22 and output the captured creation screen P1 to the control unit 11 of the PC 1. In this case, the execution unit 113 executes image processing to compare the creation screen P1 of the display unit 22 output from the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 with the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 12.

As a result, the execution unit 113 determines whether the movements of one or more objects in the first screen file are accurate. If the execution unit 113 determines that the movements of one or more objects in the first screen file are not accurate, the execution unit 113 controls a notification unit (not shown) to notify the user of content indicating that the movements of one or more objects are not accurate. The notification unit notifies the user of content indicating that the movements of one or more objects are not accurate. The notification unit is an audio output unit, such as a speaker, that is provided in the PC 1 and outputs audio.

In addition, if the execution unit 113 determines that the behavior of one or more objects in the first screen file is not accurate, it may cause the display control unit 111 to display an icon, highlight, or the like.

In this way, the execution unit 113 automatically determines whether the operation of one or more objects in the first screen file is accurate. This eliminates the need for the user to check whether the operation of one or more objects in the first screen file is accurate, thereby reducing the time required for the user to check.

[Software implementation example]
The functions of PC1 can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as PC1, and a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of PC1 (particularly each part included in control unit 11).

In this case, the PC1 includes a computer having one or more control devices (e.g., a processor) and one or more storage devices (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the above programs. The above programs are executed by the control devices and storage devices, thereby realizing the functions described in the above embodiments.

The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not on a temporary basis. The recording media may or may not be included in the PC1. In the latter case, the above program may be supplied to the PC1 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

The processes described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI may run on the control device, or on another device (such as an edge computer or a cloud server).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments.

1 PC (simulation device)
2 Programmable display device 12 Display unit (first display unit)
22 Display section (second display section)
14 Storage unit 111 Display control unit 112 Creation unit 113 Execution unit B1 to B5 Objects D1 Definition file D2 Difference definition file I1 to I3 Setting information P1, P2 Creation screen

Claims (8)

a display control unit that displays on the display unit a created screen including one or more objects, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device;
an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit executes control to display the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines actions of the one or more objects ;
The simulation device is characterized in that the execution unit automatically executes the simulation by causing the display control unit to control the display unit of the programmable display device to display the operation of the one or more objects in accordance with the definition file . a storage unit that stores a screen file including the creation screen, the screen file having setting information related to the operation of the one or more objects set in the one or more objects;
2. The simulation device according to claim 1, further comprising a creating unit that automatically creates the definition file by reading out the setting information from the screen file stored in the storage unit. the definition file includes information on abnormal values outside a predetermined numerical range corresponding to the actions of the one or more objects;
3. The simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit causes the display control unit to execute control for displaying, on the display unit, an action of the object corresponding to the information on the abnormal value. a display control unit that displays on the display unit a created screen including one or more objects, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device;
an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation to cause the display control unit to execute control for displaying the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines actions of the one or more objects;
a storage unit that stores a screen file including the creation screen, the screen file having setting information for the one or more objects related to the operation of the object set therein;
a creation unit that automatically creates the definition file by reading out the setting information from the screen file stored in the storage unit,
the storage unit stores, as the screen file, a first edited screen file before editing and a second edited screen file after editing;
the creation unit automatically creates, as a difference definition file, the definition file that defines operations of the one or more objects in which the setting information of the second editing screen file is different from the setting information of the first editing screen file;
The simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit automatically executes the simulation only for the operations of the one or more objects defined in the difference definition file. a display control unit that displays on the display unit a created screen including one or more objects, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device;
an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit executes control to display the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines actions of the one or more objects,
As the display unit, a first display unit of the simulation device and a second display unit of the programmable display device are provided,
the simulation device includes a storage unit configured to store a first screen file including a first created screen as the created screen,
The execution unit is
Control for displaying, on the first display unit, actions of the one or more objects included in the first creation screen in accordance with the definition file;
a second screen file having a file format different from that of the first screen file, in accordance with the definition file; and a control unit for causing the second display unit to display the operations of the one or more objects included in a second creation screen as the creation screen, the second creation screen being included in the second screen file having a file format different from that of the first screen file, in accordance with the definition file. The simulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the execution unit causes the display control unit to execute control to display the object for which the simulation is being performed in an emphasized manner compared to other objects on the display unit. the definition file includes information on a start time of the simulation corresponding to an action of the object, or information on an execution interval of the simulation corresponding to each action of the plurality of objects,
7. The simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit automatically executes the simulation in accordance with the information on the start time or the information on the execution interval included in the definition file. a display control unit that displays on the display unit a created screen including one or more objects, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device;
an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit executes control to display the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines actions of the one or more objects;
the definition file includes information on a start time of the simulation corresponding to an action of the object, or information on an execution interval of the simulation corresponding to each action of the plurality of objects,
The simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit automatically executes the simulation in accordance with the start time information or the execution interval information contained in the definition file.

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