Remote virtual simulation method, system, device and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention discloses a remote virtual simulation method, system, and device. This method provides an API interface on an edge gateway for data transmission with a virtual simulation system. The API interface on the edge gateway transmits acquired PLC data to the virtual simulation system. The virtual simulation system then performs virtual simulation of PLC devices based on the PLC data. This eliminates the need for wired connections, enabling remote virtual simulation of PLC devices and improving user efficiency. The present invention is widely applicable to the field of automotive virtual simulation technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automobile virtual simulation, and in particular to a remote virtual simulation method, system, device and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Virtual commissioning technology is currently widely used in the early stages of manufacturing automation line design. Virtual commissioning software requires users to import mathematical models and programs and perform a series of configurations to simulate and debug within a virtual production environment.

[0003] However, since the system requires data exchange between the PLC and the virtual software system, the PLC and the virtual software system can only be connected through wired transmission, which makes it impossible for users to perform remote virtual debugging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art to at least a certain extent.

[0005] To this end, an object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method, system, device and medium for remote virtual simulation, which can be wirelessly connected to a virtual simulation system through an edge gateway to realize remote virtual simulation of PLC equipment and improve user work efficiency.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the technical solutions adopted by the embodiments of the present invention include:

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a remote virtual simulation method, comprising the following steps:

[0008] Get PLC data;

[0009] Sending the PLC data to the virtual simulation system through the edge gateway;

[0010] Performing virtual simulation on the PLC data on the virtual simulation system;

[0011] The PLC is connected to the edge gateway, and the edge gateway is provided with an API interface for data transmission with the virtual simulation system.

[0012] Furthermore, the edge gateway is provided on the data collector, and before the step of obtaining the PLC data, the following steps are further included:

[0013] It is determined that the data collector is not connected to the virtual simulation system, and the edge gateway is connected to the virtual simulation system through the API interface.

[0014] Furthermore, before the step of determining that the data collector is not connected to the virtual simulation system, the method further includes the following steps:

[0015] It is determined that preset virtual debugging software is installed in the virtual simulation system.

[0016] Furthermore, the step of obtaining PLC data is as follows:

[0017] The PLC data is acquired through the data collector.

[0018] Furthermore, after the step of performing virtual simulation on the PLC data on the virtual simulation system, the following steps are also included:

[0019] Determine whether the simulation is completed. If so, disconnect the virtual simulation system from the edge gateway; if not, control the virtual simulation system to continue to perform virtual simulation on the PLC through the edge gateway.

[0020] Furthermore, before the step of performing virtual simulation on the PLC data on the virtual simulation system, the following steps are also included:

[0021] The PLC data is displayed visually.

[0022] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a remote virtual simulation system, comprising:

[0023] The first module is used to obtain PLC data;

[0024] The second module is used to send the PLC data to the virtual simulation system through the edge gateway;

[0025] A third module is used to visualize the PLC data on the virtual simulation system;

[0026] The PLC is connected to an edge gateway, and the edge gateway is provided with an API interface for data transmission with the virtual simulation system.

[0027] Furthermore, the remote virtual simulation system also includes:

[0028] The fourth module is used to determine that the data collector is not connected to the virtual simulation system, and connect the edge gateway to the virtual simulation system through the API interface.

[0029] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a remote virtual simulation device, comprising:

[0030] at least one processor;

[0031] at least one memory for storing at least one program;

[0032] When the at least one program is executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor implements the remote virtual simulation method.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a storage medium storing processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor-executable instructions are used to implement the remote virtual simulation method when executed by the processor.

[0034] The present invention discloses a remote virtual simulation method, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] This embodiment provides an API interface on the edge gateway for data transmission with the virtual simulation system, and sends the acquired PLC data to the virtual simulation system through the API interface on the edge gateway; the virtual simulation system performs virtual simulation of the PLC device according to the PLC data, thereby realizing remote virtual simulation of the PLC device without the need for a wired connection, thereby improving user work efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following introduction is made to the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention or the related technical solutions in the prior art. It should be understood that the drawings introduced below are only for the convenience of clearly describing some embodiments of the technical solutions of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0037] Figure 1 A block diagram of a vehicle simulation debugging system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 A flowchart of a remote simulation method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 A simulation flow chart of the simulation system provided by an embodiment of the present invention during application;

[0040] Figure 4 A module block diagram of a remote simulation device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The step numbers in the following embodiments are provided for ease of explanation only and do not limit the order of the steps. The order of execution of the steps in the embodiments can be adaptively adjusted according to the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0043] The embodiment of the present invention provides a remote virtual simulation method. This solution can be applied to Figure 1 Specifically, in this embodiment, an API interface for data transmission with a virtual simulation system is provided on the edge gateway, and the acquired PLC data is sent to the virtual simulation system through the API interface on the edge gateway; the virtual simulation system performs virtual simulation of the PLC device based on the PLC data, thereby realizing remote virtual simulation of the PLC device without the need for a wired connection, thereby improving user work efficiency.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The automobile simulation and debugging system includes a virtual simulation system 101, an edge gateway 102 and a PLC 103. The edge gateway 102 is connected to the PLC 103, and the edge gateway 102 is wirelessly connected to the virtual simulation system 101. Both the edge gateway 102 and the virtual simulation system 101 are provided with an API interface for transmitting and receiving PLC data. Among them, the edge gateway 102 is arranged on the data collector. During operation, the data collector first obtains the PLC data from the PLC device, and then the data collector wirelessly transmits the PLC data to the virtual simulation system 101 through the edge gateway 102. The user can remotely operate the PLC device in the virtual simulation system 101 to realize remote virtual simulation. It can be understood that the connection between the edge gateway 102 and the PLC 103 can be a wired connection or a wireless connection. Among them, PLC refers to a programmable logic controller, which is a digital computing and operating electronic system specially designed for use in an industrial environment. It uses a programmable memory to store instructions for performing logical operations, sequential control, timing, counting, and arithmetic operations, and controls various types of mechanical equipment or production processes through digital or analog input and output.

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 , the embodiment of the present invention provides a remote virtual simulation method. This method can be applied to Figure 1The automobile simulation and debugging system shown in FIG. The automobile simulation and debugging system includes a virtual simulation system 101, an edge gateway 102, and a PLC 103. The edge gateway 102 is provided with an API interface for data transmission with the virtual simulation system 101. The API interface on the edge gateway 102 transmits the acquired PLC data to the virtual simulation system 101. The virtual simulation system 101 performs virtual simulation on the PLC 103 based on the PLC data, thereby achieving remote virtual simulation of the PLC device without the need for a wired connection, thereby improving user work efficiency.

[0047] Specifically, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0048] Step 201: Obtain PLC data. Specifically, the edge gateway of the simulation system is set on the data collector, and the automobile simulation debugging system can obtain data from the PLC device through the data collector. In this embodiment, the specific content of the PLC data is related to the industry type to which the data belongs. For example, when the industry type to which the data belongs is automobile manufacturing, the PLC includes the simulated wear resistance of the automobile tires, the simulated horsepower of the automobile motor, and the simulated pressure resistance of the automobile. The acquisition of PLC data can be achieved by collecting PLC data from the PLC through the collector set in the edge gateway.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 In other embodiments, before the data collector acquires data from the PLC device, it is necessary to determine whether the data collector is connected to the virtual simulation system. If so, the data collector can be controlled to acquire data from the PLC device. If not, the edge gateway must be connected to the virtual simulation system through an API. An API (Application Programming Interface) is a predefined interface (such as a function or HTTP interface) or refers to a convention for connecting different components of a software system.

[0050] In other embodiments, before determining whether the data collector is connected to the virtual simulation system, it is also necessary to determine whether the preset virtual debugging software is installed in the virtual simulation system to ensure the normal operation of the simulation system. Among them, the virtual debugging software includes PDPS and NX MCD. In the field of automotive virtual simulation, PDPS is a more commonly used virtual debugging software. PDPS is the abbreviation of Process Designer & Process Simulate, which are both products under Siemens Tecnomatix. PDPS is a software system that includes two products with different functions, namely PD (short for Process Designer), whose main function is data management and process planning; PS (short for Process Simulate), whose main function is to realize simulation verification and offline programming.

[0051] Step 202: Send the PLC data to the virtual simulation system via the edge gateway. After the data collector acquires data from the PLC, it controls the edge gateway to wirelessly transmit the acquired PLC data to the virtual simulation system. An edge gateway is deployed at the edge of the network. It connects the physical and digital worlds through network connectivity and protocol conversion, providing lightweight connection management, real-time data analysis, and application management.

[0052] In another embodiment, PLC data does not need to be sent to the virtual simulation system via an edge gateway. Instead, the virtual simulation system remotely connects to the edge gateway and accesses the edge gateway server to observe the data collected by the collector. In this embodiment, by remotely connecting the virtual simulation system to the edge gateway server and observing the collected data, the amount of data transmitted is reduced, making the simulation process smoother.

[0053] Step 203: Virtually simulate the PLC data on the virtual simulation system. After receiving the PLC data transmitted by the edge gateway, the virtual simulation system can start virtual simulation.

[0054] Virtual simulation: A popular automotive virtual debugging technology today, this technology imports digital models of on-site equipment, such as roller beds, robots, personnel, vehicle bodies, fixtures, and PLC programs, into specialized software and performs a series of configurations. This allows the system to simulate real-world production, allowing debuggers to debug programs and layouts in a virtual environment in advance. It also allows managers to monitor production through mathematical modeling. This embodiment uses an edge gateway to wirelessly transmit PLC data remotely, enabling remote wireless virtual simulation. This overcomes geographical constraints, simulates real-world production, and monitors production through mathematical modeling.

[0055] In other embodiments, after the PLC data is virtually simulated on the virtual simulation system, the virtual simulation system is controlled to visualize the PLC data, so that the user can view the results of the virtual simulation more intuitively, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0056] In other embodiments, after visually displaying the PLC data, it is necessary to determine whether the simulation has been completed. If it has been completed, the connection between the virtual simulation system and the edge gateway is disconnected. If it has not been completed, the virtual simulation system is controlled to continue the virtual simulation.

[0057] The following uses an application example to illustrate the simulation process of the above embodiment applied to the automobile simulation debugging system:

[0058] like Figure 3 Described, it specifically comprises the following steps:

[0059] Before performing simulation operations in the automotive simulation and debugging system, it is necessary to ensure that preset virtual debugging software is installed in the virtual simulation system. The preset virtual debugging software can be appropriately selected according to the specific application field. For example, in the automotive manufacturing field, process simulation software such as PDPS and NX MCD can be selected for simulation.

[0060] Next, it is necessary to determine whether the data collector is connected to the virtual simulation system. If the data collector is not connected to the virtual simulation system, the edge gateway is connected to the virtual simulation system through the API interface. Among them, the API interface is a customized interface for communicating with the virtual debugging software. Through this interface, the PLC data required by the virtual debugging software can be remotely transmitted through the wireless gateway to realize remote monitoring function. Application Programming Interface API (Application Programming Interface), referred to as program interface. Through this interface, the system and application can access the resources in the system and obtain OS services during execution. It is also the only way for the program to obtain operating system services.

[0061] If the data collector is connected to the virtual simulation system, it will acquire PLC data. The data collector is set up on the edge gateway server and extracts data from the PLC after receiving the control command.

[0062] The edge gateway then sends the PLC data to the virtual simulation system. Once the virtual simulation system receives the PLC data from the edge gateway, it can perform remote simulation and remotely control the remote PLC through the edge gateway, overcoming geographical constraints and enabling real-time remote monitoring of the simulation process. Alternatively, instead of sending PLC data to the virtual simulation system, the edge gateway can access the edge gateway server through the virtual simulation system, allowing remote browsing of PLC data and real-time monitoring.

[0063] Next, the PLC data is visualized. Before visualization, the data can be preprocessed to remove abnormal data and retain data within a preset range. Additionally, visualization can be performed using a combination of graphics and text. For example, simulation results can be displayed using a bar chart, along with simulation data and analysis results, helping users quickly understand the simulation results.

[0064] Then, it is determined whether the simulation is completed. If the simulation is completed, the connection between the virtual simulation system and the edge gateway is disconnected. If the simulation is not completed, the virtual simulation operation is continued.

[0065] Reference Figure 4 , a remote virtual simulation system proposed in an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0066] The first module 401 is used to obtain PLC data;

[0067] The second module 402 is used to send PLC data to the virtual simulation system through the edge gateway;

[0068] The third module 403 is used to visualize the PLC data on the virtual simulation system;

[0069] The PLC is connected to the edge gateway, which is equipped with an API interface for data transmission with the virtual simulation system.

[0070] In other embodiments, the remote virtual simulation system further includes a fourth module 404 for determining that the data collector is not connected to the virtual simulation system, and connecting the edge gateway to the virtual simulation system through an API interface.

[0071] The contents of the above method embodiments are all applicable to the present system embodiments. The functions specifically implemented by the present system embodiments are the same as those of the above method embodiments, and the beneficial effects achieved are also the same as those achieved by the above method embodiments.

[0072] Reference Figure 5 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a remote virtual simulation device, comprising:

[0073] at least one processor 501;

[0074] at least one memory 502, for storing at least one program;

[0075] When the at least one program is executed by the at least one processor 501, the at least one processor 501 implements Figure 2 The remote virtual simulation method shown.

[0076] The contents of the above method embodiments are all applicable to the present device embodiments. The functions specifically implemented by the present device embodiments are the same as those of the above method embodiments, and the beneficial effects achieved are also the same as those achieved by the above method embodiments.

[0077] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a storage medium in which processor-executable instructions are stored. When the processor executes the instructions, the processor-executable instructions are used to implement Figure 2 The remote virtual simulation method shown.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, the function / operation mentioned in the block diagram may not occur in the order mentioned in the operation diagram. For example, depending on the function / operation involved, the two boxes shown in succession can actually be executed substantially simultaneously or the boxes can sometimes be executed in reverse order. In addition, the embodiment presented and described in the flow chart of the present invention is provided in an exemplary manner for the purpose of providing a more comprehensive understanding of the technology. The disclosed method is not limited to the operation and logic flow presented herein. Optional embodiments are contemplated in which the order of the various operations is changed and the sub-operations described as a part of a larger operation are performed independently.

[0079] Furthermore, although the present invention is described in the context of functional modules, it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, one or more of the functions and / or features described may be integrated into a single physical device and / or software module, or one or more functions and / or features may be implemented in separate physical devices or software modules. It will also be understood that a detailed discussion of the actual implementation of each module is not necessary for understanding the present invention. More specifically, given the properties, functions, and internal relationships of the various functional modules in the devices disclosed herein, the actual implementation of the module will be understood within the ordinary skill of an engineer. Therefore, a person skilled in the art using ordinary skill will be able to implement the present invention set forth in the claims without undue experimentation. It will also be understood that the specific concepts disclosed are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is determined by the full scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0080] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0081] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowcharts or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing the logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (e.g., a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For purposes of this specification, a "computer-readable medium" can be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0082] More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include the following: an electrical connection with one or more wires (electronic devices), a portable computer disk cartridge (magnetic devices), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable and programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a fiber optic device, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may even be paper or other suitable medium on which the program is printed, since the program may be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, deciphering, or processing in another suitable manner as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0083] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above-described embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented using hardware, as in another embodiment, any one of the following technologies known in the art or a combination thereof can be used: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function on a data signal, an application-specific integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0084] In the foregoing description of this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment / example," "another embodiment / example," or "certain embodiments / examples" means that a specific feature or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0085] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0086] The above is a specific description of the preferred implementation of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without violating the spirit of the present invention. These equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included in the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A remote virtual simulation method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Determine that the data collector is not connected to the virtual simulation system, and connect the edge gateway to the virtual simulation system through the API interface; Obtain PLC data through data collector; The virtual simulation system is remotely connected to the edge gateway, and the virtual simulation system accesses the PLC data collected from the remote observation data collector in the edge gateway server; The edge gateway is arranged on the data collector; The edge gateway is wirelessly connected to the virtual simulation system; Visually displaying the PLC data; Performing virtual simulation on the PLC data on the virtual simulation system; Determine whether the simulation is completed, and if so, disconnect the virtual simulation system from the edge gateway; if not, control the virtual simulation system to continue to perform virtual simulation on the PLC through the edge gateway; The PLC is connected to the edge gateway, and the edge gateway is provided with an API interface for data transmission with the virtual simulation system.

2. A remote virtual simulation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before determining that the data collector is not connected to the virtual simulation system, the method further includes the following steps: It is determined that preset virtual debugging software is installed in the virtual simulation system.

3. A remote virtual simulation system, characterized in that: include: The first module is used to obtain PLC data through a data collector; The second module is used to remotely connect the virtual simulation system to the edge gateway, and the virtual simulation system enters the PLC data collected from the remote observation data collector in the edge gateway server; The edge gateway is arranged on the data collector; The edge gateway is wirelessly connected to the virtual simulation system; A third module is used to visualize the PLC data on the virtual simulation system; The PLC is connected to an edge gateway, and the edge gateway is provided with an API interface for data transmission with the virtual simulation system; A fourth module is configured to determine that the data collector is not connected to the virtual simulation system, and connect the edge gateway to the virtual simulation system through the API interface; The system is also used to determine whether the simulation is completed. If so, disconnect the virtual simulation system from the edge gateway; if not, control the virtual simulation system to continue to perform virtual simulation on the PLC through the edge gateway.

4. A remote virtual simulation device, characterized in that: include: at least one processor; at least one memory for storing at least one program; When the at least one program is executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor implements a remote virtual simulation method according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

5. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions executable by a processor, characterized in that: The processor-executable instructions are used to implement a remote virtual simulation method according to any one of claims 1 to 2 when executed by the processor.

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