Complete plant monitoring control system

Abstract

If the general operation part (22, 23) is hidden by the window part (24), it is difficult for the operator to visually confirm the association establishment state of the field device (10A, 10B) and the hardware switch (3). In a case where such a display state is made, the HMI server (5) stops the health check signal output to the PLC (6). The PLC (6) detects the stop of the health check signal, and forcibly releases the association establishment state of the field device (10A, 10B) and the hardware switch (3). Thus, it is possible to prevent human error.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a plant monitoring control system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Industrial plants (steel plants, paper plants, power plants, oil plants, chemical plants, water treatment plants, etc.) are necessary for raw materials or resources for industrial activities. In recent years, in a plant monitoring control system that monitors and controls industrial plants, a human-machine interface (HMI) system is used. The HMI system is connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a plurality of field devices that constitute an industrial plant via a computer network. An operator performs monitoring and control of the industrial plant using a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0003] Conventionally, the operation of the operator was performed by a hardware switch provided on a workbench. The hardware switch is a lever controller, a button, a rotary switch, a toggle switch, or the like. However, in order to improve the ease of modification such as expansion of the operation monitoring function, addition of components, and resolution of operation failures caused by deterioration of components over the years, the operation of the operator is replaced with the operation of components on the HMI system.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6552775

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-46726 SUMMARY

[0008] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In an industrial plant in which electrical control with high real-time performance is performed, in order to ensure product quality and safety, it is required to respond to the operation of the operator at high speed. With respect to high responsiveness of the HMI system, there is Patent Document 1.

[0010] In Patent Document 1, with respect to display delay caused by DOM GC (Garbage Collection) when a SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) HMI that makes an HMI screen act is constructed on a Web browser, display of a signal output from a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to an HMI is made high speed by mixing Web GL (Web Graphics Library) rendering and SVG rendering.

[0011] By the method of Patent Literature 1, for a plurality of parts on the HMI system, it is possible to achieve a high-speed response necessary to ensure product quality and safety. However, for a part having a function of causing a field device to act only during operation by an operator, a faster response is required.

[0012] Therefore, for a part having a function of causing a field device to act only during operation by an operator, instead of using a part on the HMI system, a hardware switch is used as in the past.

[0013] There are many field devices that act only during operation of a part by an operator within a factory. Therefore, a method is used in which a common hardware switch is arranged on a workbench, and a field device associated with the common hardware switch is selected by a part on the HMI system.

[0014] A part on the HMI system that associates a common hardware switch with a field device is called a general purpose part.

[0015] If the common hardware switch is operated in a state in which an erroneous field device is selected by the general purpose part, a field device that does not correspond to the intention of the operator acts, which is dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent human error.

[0016] As a method of preventing human error, a method such as that of Patent Literature 2 is proposed. However, in the method of Patent Literature 2, the general purpose part is hidden by another part (for example, a window part), and it is difficult for the operator to visually recognize a state in which a field device and a hardware switch are associated, and it is not possible to prevent human error.

[0017] The present application was made to solve the above-described technical problem. An object of the present application is to provide a plant monitoring control system that can prevent human error in a state in which an operator cannot visually recognize a state in which a field device and a hardware switch are associated.

[0018] Means for solving the technical problem

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, the plant monitoring control system of the present application is configured as follows.

[0020] The plant monitoring control system of the present application is provided with a hardware switch, a programmable logic controller, and an HMI subsystem.

[0021] The hardware switch outputs a control signal for controlling a field device that constitutes an industrial plant. The field device is an actuator that should act only during operation of the hardware switch by an operator.

[0022] The programmable logic controller is connected to the field device and the hardware switch. The programmable logic controller manages the association establishment state information of the field device and the hardware switch. The programmable logic controller controls the field device according to the control signal output from the hardware switch in a case where the association establishment state of the field device and the hardware switch is established.

[0023] The HMI subsystem is connected to the programmable logic controller. The HMI subsystem displays a first software component and a second software component on an HMI screen. The first software component is the general operation component that displays the association establishment state information on the screen. The second software component is a window component whose display position is freely changeable within the HMI screen.

[0024] In addition, in a case where the second software component overlaps at least a part of the first software component on the HMI screen, the programmable logic controller cancels the association establishment state. The association establishment state is cancelled, and thus the field device and the hardware switch become a non-association establishment state in which the association is not established. Therefore, the control signal output from the hardware switch is not transmitted from the programmable logic controller to the field device.

[0025] Preferably, the programmable logic controller maintains the association establishment state during a period in which a health check signal is periodically received from the HMI subsystem. The programmable logic controller cancels the association establishment state in a case where the periodic reception of the health check signal is interrupted. The HMI subsystem stops transmission of the health check signal in a case where the second software component overlaps at least a part of the first software component.

[0026] Preferably, the programmable logic controller cancels the association establishment state in a case where communication with the HMI subsystem is cut off.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the present application, in a case where a second software component overlaps at least a part of a first software component that represents association establishment state information of a field device and a hardware switch on an HMI screen, a programmable logic controller cancels the association establishment state. Therefore, in a state where an operator has difficulty in visually confirming the association establishment state of the field device and the hardware switch, a human error can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a plant monitoring control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0030] Figure 2Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a packaged equipment monitoring control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0031] Figure 3 Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process of associating a hardware switch with a field device.

[0032] Figure 4 Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a process when a hardware switch is operated.

[0033] Figure 5 Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a health check-based association release process.

[0034] Figure 6 Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a component-based overlap association release process.

[0035] Figure 7 Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the overlap of a general operation component and a window component.

[0036] Figure 8 Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure example of each of an HMI client, an HMI server, and a PLC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present application will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in the case where a number, a quantity, an amount, a range, and the like of each element are mentioned in the embodiments shown below, the present application is not limited to the mentioned number unless specifically mentioned or clearly determined as the number in principle. In addition, the configuration and the like explained in the embodiments shown below are not necessarily essential in the present application unless specifically mentioned or clearly determined as such in principle. In addition, the same symbols are attached to the common elements in each drawing, and the repeated explanation is omitted.

[0038] Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a packaged equipment monitoring control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0040] The packaged equipment monitoring control system is provided with a monitoring device 1, a control network HUB 4, a human-machine interface (HMI) server 5, a programmable logic controller (PLC) 6, an I / O device 7, a field network HUB 8, a drive device 9, and a plurality of field devices 10. The monitoring device 1 is provided with an HMI client 2 and a hardware switch 3.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1The following describes the connection relationships between the devices. HMI client 2 is connected to HMI server 5 via control network HUB4. Hardware switch 3 is connected to PLC 6 via I / O device 7 and field network HUB8. HMI server 5 is connected to PLC 6 via control network HUB4. Drive unit 9 is connected to PLC 6 via field network HUB8. Multiple field devices 10 are connected to drive unit 9.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, PLC6 is electrically connected to hardware switch 3, HMI subsystem 30, and multiple field devices 10. HMI subsystem 30 includes HMI client 2 and HMI server 5.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 This section describes the hardware switch 3, the HMI subsystem 30 (HMI client 2, HMI server 5), and the PLC 6. The relationship between the general operating components, field devices 10, and the hardware switch 3 is explained in particular.

[0044] (Hardware switch 3)

[0045] When operated by the operator, hardware switch 3 outputs control signals to control the field devices 10 that constitute the industrial equipment. Field devices 10 are actuators such as motors and solenoid valves. The control signals are input to PLC 6 via I / O device 7 and field network hub 8.

[0046] (HMI Client 2)

[0047] HMI client 2 displays HMI screen 21 on a monitor. HMI client 2 runs as display software, such as web browser 20, and displays HMI screen 21 on web browser 20.

[0048] A general operation component 22 and a general operation component 23 are configured on the HMI screen 21. The general operation component 22 is a component used to change the association establishment status between field device A (10A) and hardware switch 3 each time it is selected. Additionally, the general operation component 22 is a first software component that displays the association establishment setting information between field device A (10A) and hardware switch 3. Similarly, the general operation component 23 is a component used to change the association establishment status between field device B (10B) and hardware switch 3 each time it is selected. Additionally, the general operation component 23 is a first software component that displays the association establishment setting information between field device B (10B) and hardware switch 3. The association establishment setting information indicates whether the field device 10 and hardware switch 3 are in an "association establishment status" (i.e., an association has been established) or in a "non-association establishment status" (i.e., no association has been established).

[0049] Further, a window component 24 is arranged on the HMI screen 21, which is freely changeable in display position within the HMI screen 21 by the operator's operation. The window component 24 is a second software component.

[0050] When the operator operates the components on the HMI screen 21 using a mouse or a touch panel or the like input device, an operation signal of the HMI is sent to the HMI server 5. The operation signal of the HMI includes an item name unique to each component of the HMI screen 21 and an operation value. The item name is, for example, combined with a screen name of the HMI screen 21 on which the component is arranged and a number sequentially assigned to the component within the HMI screen 21, and is uniquely determined within the HMI system.

[0051] When the operator operates the common operation component 22 or 23, an association change signal is sent to the HMI server 5 as the operation signal of the HMI. The item name of the common operation component and the operation value are included in the association change signal. Further, the HMI client 2 receives a feedback signal from the HMI server 5 as a response to the association change signal. The feedback signal includes the above-mentioned association establishment setting information. For example, in the case where the association establishment setting information is information indicating that the association establishment state in which the field device A (10A) is associated with the hardware switch 3, the HMI client 2 causes the common operation component 22 related to the field device A (10A) to flicker. By the flickering, the operator can recognize that the field device A (10A) and the hardware switch 3 are in the association establishment state. The same applies to the common operation component 23.

[0052] Further, the HMI client 2 sends an association release signal to the HMI server 5 in the case where the window component 24 overlaps at least a part of the common operation component 22, the association release signal being for releasing the association establishment state in which the field device A (10A) is associated with the hardware switch 3. Likewise, in the case where the window component 24 overlaps at least a part of the common operation component 23, an association release signal is sent to the HMI server 5, the association release signal being for releasing the association establishment state in which the field device B (10B) is associated with the hardware switch 3.

[0053] (HMI server 5)

[0054] The HMI server 5 stores in advance a conversion table for converting the item name of the HMI client 2 and the PLC address of the PLC 6. When the HMI server 5 receives the association change signal from the HMI client 2, the PLC address is acquired from the conversion table on the basis of the item name of the common operation component (22 or 23) included in the association change signal, and the operation value is sent to the PLC 6 as the transmission destination.

[0055] Further, the HMI server 5 receives a feedback signal from the PLC 6 as a response to the association change signal. The feedback signal includes the above-described association establishment setting information therein. In a case where the association establishment setting information is information indicating an association establishment state in which the field device 10 (10A or 10B) is associated with the hardware switch 3, the HMI server 5 starts to periodically transmit a health check signal relating to the field device A (10A or 10B) to the PLC 6. The health check signal is a signal whose value is periodically changed. As the health check signal, for example, a healthy counter which increments the value every control cycle, or a heart beat which alternately changes 0 and 1 every control cycle is used.

[0056] Further, when the HMI server 5 receives an association release signal relating to the field device 10 (10A or 10B) from the HMI client 2, the HMI server 5 stops transmitting the health check signal relating to the field device 10 to the PLC 6.

[0057] (PLC 6)

[0058] The PLC 6 operates the signals from the HMI subsystem 30 and the hardware switch 3 by the PLC software executed by the processor of the PLC 6 at a fixed cycle.

[0059] The PLC 6 manages the association establishment state information of the field device 10 and the hardware switch 3. When an operation value is input to the PLC address corresponding to the association change signal, the PLC 6 changes the association establishment setting information of the object field device. For example, assume that the object field device is the field device A (10A). In a case where the field device A (10A) and the hardware switch 3 are in an association establishment state in which they are associated with each other, the PLC 6 releases the association establishment state. On the other hand, in a case where the field device 10A and the hardware switch 3 are in a non-association establishment state in which they are not associated with each other, the PLC 6 establishes the association between the field device 10A and the hardware switch 3.

[0060] Further, when the PLC 6 receives the health check signal, the stored value of the PLC address corresponding to the signal is changed. The PLC 6 refers to the stored value to perform the operation. The PLC 6 maintains the association establishment state in which the object field device and the hardware switch 3 are associated with each other during the period in which the health check signal is periodically received from the HMI subsystem 30.

[0061] In addition, when the PLC 6 receives the control signal of the hardware switch 3, the stored value of the PLC address corresponding to the signal changes. The PLC 6 performs an operation with reference to the stored value. The PLC 6 controls the drive device 9 in accordance with the control signal output from the hardware switch 3 in the case where the object field device and the hardware switch 3 are in the association establishment state in which the association is established. The drive device 9 controls the object field device in accordance with the signal from the PLC 6. On the other hand, in the case of the non-association establishment state, the PLC 6 does not control the drive device 9.

[0062] In addition, when the periodic reception of the health check signal is interrupted, the PLC 6 releases the association establishment state of the object field device and the hardware switch 3.

[0063] (Flowchart)

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, a specific example will be described with respect to the processing described below. Figures 3 to 7

[0065] (1) Processing of establishing association of hardware switch and field device

[0066] (2) Processing at the time of operation of hardware switch

[0067] (3) Association release processing based on health check

[0068] (4) Association release processing based on overlapping of components

[0069] (5) Association release processing based on communication failure

[0070] (1) Processing of establishing association of hardware switch and field device

[0071] Figure 3 FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of establishing the association of the hardware switch 3 and the field device 10. As an example, a case where the general operation component 23 is operated will be described.

[0072] First, in step S100, the operator presses the general operation component 23 for establishing the association of the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3. When the general operation component 23 is pressed, the association change signal is transmitted from the HMI client 2 to the HMI server 5. The item name and the operation value of the general operation component 23 are included in the association change signal.

[0073] In step S110, the HMI server 5 acquires the PLC address corresponding to the item name from the conversion table, and transmits the operation value to the PLC 6 as the transmission destination.

[0074] ​In step S120, the PLC 6 confirms the association establishment state information of the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3, and determines whether it is an association establishment state or a non-association establishment state. In the case of the current non-association establishment state, the PLC 6 establishes the association of the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3 (step S130).

[0075] On the other hand, in the case of the current association establishment state, the PLC 6 releases the association of the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3 (step S140). The PLC 6 stores the association establishment state information as the processing result of step S130 or S140.

[0076] In step S150, the PLC 6 transmits a feedback signal including the association establishment state information to the HMI server 5. The HMI server 5 receives the feedback signal.

[0077] Next, in step S160, the HMI server 5 determines whether the association establishment state information of the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3 is an association establishment state or a non-association establishment state.

[0078] In the case of the association establishment state, the HMI server 5 starts to periodically transmit a health check signal to the PLC 6 (step S170). For example, the signal value is counted at each transmission cycle.

[0079] On the other hand, in the case of the non-association establishment state, the HMI server 5 stops transmitting the health check signal (S180).

[0080] In step S190, the HMI server 5 transmits a feedback signal to the HMI client 2. In the case where the association establishment state information included in the feedback signal is an association establishment state, the HMI client 2 causes the general operation part 23 pressed in step S110 to flicker. On the other hand, in the case of a non-association establishment state, the flicker of the general operation part 23 is stopped.

[0081] The processing of the above-described example in which the general operation part 23 is pressed is explained, but the same processing is performed in the case where the general operation part 22 for establishing the association of the field device A (10A) and the hardware switch 3 is operated. Figure 3

[0082] (2) Processing at the time of hardware switch operation

[0083] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing at the time of the hardware switch operation.

[0084] First, in step S200, the PLC 6 receives a control signal from the hardware switch 3.

[0085] ​In step S210, the PLC 6 confirms the stored value stored in the PLC address corresponding to the control signal.

[0086] In step S220, the PLC 6 confirms the association establishment state information, and confirms whether there is a field device 10 with which the hardware switch 3 is associated. In the case where there is no field device 10 with which the hardware switch 3 is associated, no field device 10 is controlled, and the process returns to step S200 to continue.

[0087] On the other hand, in the case where there is a field device 10 with which the hardware switch 3 is associated, the PLC 6 controls the field device via the drive device 9 in accordance with the control signal (step S230).

[0088] (3) Association release processing based on health check

[0089] Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining the association release processing based on the health check.

[0090] First, in step S300, the PLC 6 periodically confirms the stored value stored in the PLC address corresponding to the health check signal of the field device A (10A) and the field device B (10B) respectively.

[0091] In step S310, when the stored value of the health check signal is changed within a certain time, the PLC 6 returns to step S300 to continue the process.

[0092] On the other hand, when the value of the health counter does not change within a certain time, the PLC 6 forcibly releases the association establishment state of the field device and the hardware switch 3 (step S320).

[0093] (4) Association release processing based on overlap of components

[0094] In the case where the second software component overlaps at least a part of the first software component on the screen, the programmable logic controller releases the state in which the field device and the hardware switch are associated.

[0095] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the association release processing when the general operation component is hidden by the window component. As an example, a case where the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3 are in the association establishment state in which the association is established is explained.

[0096] First, in step S400, the HMI client 2 detects the position and size of the component each time the coordinates or size of the component are changed by a script operating on, for example, the web browser 20.

[0097] In step S410, the HMI client 2 determines whether the window component 24 overlaps at least a part of the common operation component 23. Referring to FIG. 9, the determination is made based on the coordinates and the size of each component. Figure 7 The overlapping of components is explained. When the component C (25) shown in (A) of FIG. 10 is pressed, the window component 24 is displayed as shown in (B) of FIG. 10. Sometimes the position of the window component 24 is changed by the operator's operation, and overlaps a part of the common operation component 23 as shown in (C) of FIG. 10. In step S410, it is determined whether the components overlap based on the coordinates and the size of each component. In the case where the components do not overlap, the process returns to step S400 of FIG. 8, and the process is restarted when there is a coordinate change in any one component. Figure 7 Figure 7 The overlapping of components is explained. When the component C (25) shown in (A) of FIG. 10 is pressed, the window component 24 is displayed as shown in (B) of FIG. 10. Sometimes the position of the window component 24 is changed by the operator's operation, and overlaps a part of the common operation component 23 as shown in (C) of FIG. 10. In step S410, it is determined whether the components overlap based on the coordinates and the size of each component. In the case where the components do not overlap, the process returns to step S400 of FIG. 8, and the process is restarted when there is a coordinate change in any one component. Figure 7 Figure 6

[0098] On the other hand, in the case where the components overlap, the HMI client 2 outputs a disassociation signal for canceling the association establishment state of the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3 to the HMI server 5. The HMI server 5 stops transmitting the health check signal relating to the field device B (10B) (step S420).

[0099] In step S430, the PLC 6 forcibly cancels the association establishment state of the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3.

[0100] The above is explained with respect to the process of FIG. 9, taking the case where the field device B (10B) and the hardware switch 3 are in the association establishment state as an example, but the same process is performed in the case where the field device A (10A) and the hardware switch 3 are in the association establishment state. Figure 6 (5) Disassociation process based on poor communication

[0101] In the case where the communication between the HMI server 5 and the PLC 6 is cut off, the PLC 6 cannot receive the health check signal. As a result, the same process as the work flow described above is performed. That is, the PLC 6 cancels the association of the hardware switch 3 and all the field devices 10 in the case where the periodic reception of the health check signal is interrupted. Thus, it is possible to prevent a malfunction due to a deterioration in the communication state of the HMI subsystem 30 and the PLC 6.

[0102] Figure 5

[0103] ​​​​​As explained above, the plant monitoring control system according to the present embodiment is able to detect the case where the window component 24 overlaps at least a part of the general operation component that displays the association establishment state information of the field device 10 and the hardware switch 3 on the HMI screen 21. Also, in the case where the components overlap is detected, the association establishment state is released similarly to when the communication between the HMI server 5 and the PLC 6 is cut off, by stopping the transmission of the health check signal. Therefore, in the state where the operator is difficult to visually confirm the association establishment state of the field device 10 and the hardware switch 3, it is possible to prevent human error.

[0104] (Modified example)

[0105] In addition, in the system of the above-described embodiment 1, the HMI subsystem 30 is constituted by two computers, the computer for the HMI client 2 and the computer for the HMI server 5. However, the number of computers that constitute the HMI subsystem 30 is not limited to this, and can be three or more. In addition, the HMI subsystem 30 can be constituted by one computer that has the functions of the HMI client 2 and the functions of the HMI server 5.

[0106] In addition, in the system of the above-described embodiment 1, the state where one hardware switch 3 is allowed to be associated with both of the field devices A and B is allowed. That is, the PLC software is designed to be able to control the field device A and the field device B in linkage. However, the design of the PLC software is not limited to this. It is also possible to make only either one of the field device A and the field device B be associated with the hardware switch 3. That is, it is also possible to forcibly release the association of one field device (for example, A) and to establish the association of the other field device (for example, B).

[0107] (Hardware configuration example)

[0108] Figure 8 is a block diagram that shows a hardware configuration example of each of the HMI client 2, the HMI server 5, and the PLC 6. Each device has at least a processor 71, a storage device 72, and a network interface 73. In addition, the HMI client 2 has an input / output interface 74 and a monitor 75.

[0109] The storage device 72 includes a main storage device such as a ROM and a RAM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD and an SSD. The network interface 73 is a device that is able to transceive signals with the outside. The input / output interface 74 includes an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. Each device functions as a processing circuit that realizes the above-described processing by the processor 71 executing various programs stored in the storage device 72.

[0110] The above describes the embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present application.

[0111] Reference Signs List

[0112] 1 monitoring device

[0113] 2 HMI client

[0114] 3 hardware switch

[0115] 4 control network HUB

[0116] 5 HMI server

[0117] 6 programmable logic controller (PLC)

[0118] 7 I / O device

[0119] 8 field network HUB

[0120] 9 drive device

[0121] 10, 10A, 10B field device

[0122] 20 web browser

[0123] 21 HMI screen

[0124] 22, 23 general operating components

[0125] 24 window component

[0126] 30 HMI subsystem

[0127] 71 processor

[0128] 72 storage device

[0129] 73 network interface

[0130] 74 input / output interface

[0131] 75 monitor

Claims

1. A packaged plant monitoring control system, characterized by, Possessing: a hardware switch that outputs a control signal for controlling a field device that constitutes an industrial plant; a programmable logic controller that is connected to the field device and the hardware switch, and that controls the field device in accordance with the control signal output from the hardware switch in a state in which the field device and the hardware switch are connected; and a man-machine interface subsystem that is connected to the programmable logic controller, and that displays a first software component and a second software component on a screen, the first software component displaying state information regarding the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch, the second software component being a different component from the first software component and being capable of changing the display position by an operator's operation, in a case in which the second software component overlaps at least a part of the first software component on the screen, the programmable logic controller releasing the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch.

2. The plant monitoring control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the programmable logic controller, maintains the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch during a period in which a health check signal is periodically received from the man-machine interface subsystem; releases the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch in a case in which the periodic reception of the health check signal is interrupted, the man-machine interface subsystem stops the transmission of the health check signal in a case in which the second software component overlaps at least a part of the first software component on the screen.

3. The plant monitoring control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the programmable logic controller releases the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch in a case in which communication with the man-machine interface subsystem is cut off.

4. The plant monitoring control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the programmable logic controller is configured to change the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch from a connected state to a non-connected state, or from the non-connected state to the connected state, each time the first software component is selected on the screen by the operator.

5. The plant monitoring control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: the man-machine interface subsystem is configured to cause the first software component to be displayed in a flashing manner on the screen on the condition that the information of the connection state between the field device and the hardware switch is the connected state.

6. The plant monitoring control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the programmable logic controller is configured to: confirm the information of the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch in correspondence with the reception of the control signal output from the hardware switch, control the field device via a drive device on the condition that the information of the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch is the connected state.

7. The plant monitoring control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The human interface subsystem is configured to, detect that at least one of a display position and a size of the second software component on the screen has been changed, the human interface subsystem determines that the second software component overlaps at least a portion of the first software component on the screen based on the display position and the size of the second software component.

8. The packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 1, wherein the hardware switch is connected to a first field device and a second field device, the programmable logic controller controls the first field device and the second field device in linkage.

9. The packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 8, wherein the second software component is displayed on the screen based on an operation of selecting another software component by the operator.

10. A control method of a plant monitoring control system, characterized by, comprising the steps of: in a case where a field device constituting an industrial packaged equipment is connected to a hardware switch, a programmable logic controller controls the field device based on a control signal output from the hardware switch; a human interface subsystem connected to the programmable logic controller displays a first software component and a second software component on a screen, the first software component displays information about a connection state of the field device and the hardware switch, and the second software component is a component different from the first software component and is capable of changing a display position by an operation of an operator; and the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch is released by the programmable logic controller on a condition that the human interface subsystem determines that the second software component overlaps at least a portion of the first software component on the screen.

11. The control method of the packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 10, wherein comprising the steps of: during a period in which a health check signal is periodically received from the human interface subsystem, the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch is maintained by the programmable logic controller; in a case where the periodic reception of the health check signal is interrupted, the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch is released by the programmable logic controller; and the transmission of the health check signal is stopped by the programmable logic controller on a condition that the human interface subsystem determines that the second software component overlaps at least a portion of the first software component on the screen.

12. The control method of the packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 10, wherein further comprising the step of: in a case where communication with the human interface subsystem is cut off, the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch is released by the programmable logic controller.

13. The control method of the packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 10, wherein further comprising the step of: whenever the operator selects the first software component on the screen, the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch is changed from a connected state to a non-connected state or from the non-connected state to the connected state by the programmable logic controller.

14. The control method of the packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 13, wherein further comprising the step of: on a condition that the information about the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch is the connected state, the first software component is displayed in a flickering manner on the screen by the human interface subsystem.

15. The control method of the packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 10, wherein further comprising the step of: The programmable logic controller confirms information on a connection state of the field device and the hardware switch based on the fact that the control signal output from the hardware switch is received; and The programmable logic controller controls the field device via a drive device based on the fact that the information on the connection state of the field device and the hardware switch is a connection state.

16. The control method of the packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 10, wherein Further comprising the steps of: The human-machine interface subsystem detects that at least one of a display position and a size of the second software component on the screen has been changed; and The human-machine interface subsystem determines that the second software component overlaps at least a portion of the first software component on the screen based on the display position and the size of the second software component.

17. The control method of the packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 10, wherein Further comprising the steps of: The hardware switch is connected to a first field device and a second field device, and the first field device and the second field device are controlled in linkage by the programmable logic controller.

18. The control method of the packaged equipment monitoring control system according to claim 17, wherein The second software component is displayed on the screen based on an operation of selecting another software component by the operator.

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