A monitoring terminal, monitoring system and regular monitoring method for PLC equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a monitoring terminal, a monitoring system, and a regular monitoring method for a PLC device. The monitoring system includes a monitoring terminal and a server. The monitoring terminal includes a monitoring module, a control module, and a read-write module. The monitoring module continuously receives the authorization information of the PLC device and sets the working status of the PLC device according to the authorization information. The monitoring module also sends the current authorization information of the PLC device on time, and the server verifies the current authorization information. The present disclosure uses a monitoring terminal to build an information processing and interaction bridge between the PLC device and the server, thereby realizing online monitoring of the PLC device. Through the instant one-way or two-way communication between the monitoring terminal and the server, the authorization status and working status of the PLC device can be known in a timely manner, and the working status of the PLC device can be set, thereby realizing real-time and effective monitoring of the PLC device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of industrial control technology, and in particular to a monitoring terminal, a monitoring system, and a periodic monitoring method for PLC equipment. Background Art

[0002] Industrial equipment such as intelligent copper bar bins and automatic drawer lines typically use PLCs as their business logic controllers. PLCs utilize programmable memory to internally store and execute business logic operations, sequence control, and timing calculations. They also issue logic commands to servo motors to control mechanical equipment. There is a need for online monitoring of PLCs to monitor their operation, identify unauthorized use, and collect fault data.

[0003] However, the communication module of the PLC device only has simple network connection and data storage functions, and is unable to perform large-scale logical calculations and data processing functions, and cannot meet the needs of online monitoring of the PLC device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present disclosure is to propose a monitoring terminal, a monitoring system and a regular monitoring method for a PLC device, which can solve the technical problem of being unable to perform online monitoring of the PLC device.

[0005] Based on the above purpose, the present disclosure provides a monitoring terminal for a PLC device, comprising: a monitoring module, a control module, and a read-write module;

[0006] The monitoring module continuously receives authorization information of the PLC device;

[0007] The control module generates a control signal for the PLC device according to the received authorization information, updates the local authorization validity period, and counts the time;

[0008] The read-write module is connected to the PLC device and sets the working state of the PLC device according to the control signal.

[0009] Optionally, the monitoring module periodically sends current authorization information of the PLC device.

[0010] Optionally, the authorization information includes a verification result of the current authorization information.

[0011] Optionally, the monitoring module continuously receives query instructions from the PLC device, and in response to the instructions, the monitoring module sends current authorization information of the PLC device.

[0012] Optionally, the read-write module receives feedback information from the PLC device to obtain the working status of the PLC device.

[0013] The present disclosure also provides a PLC device monitoring system, comprising: a monitoring terminal and a server, wherein the monitoring terminal is connected to the server and the PLC device respectively.

[0014] The server sends authorization information of the PLC device to the monitoring terminal;

[0015] The monitoring terminal continuously receives the authorization information of the PLC device sent by the server, and sets the working status of the PLC device according to the authorization information.

[0016] Optionally, the server further sends an instruction to query the PLC device to the monitoring terminal.

[0017] Optionally, the monitoring terminal periodically sends current authorization information of the PLC device.

[0018] Optionally, the server verifies the current authorization information and sends a verification result.

[0019] The present disclosure also provides a method for periodically monitoring a PLC device, comprising the following steps:

[0020] S11, sending the current authorization information of the PLC device on time;

[0021] S21, verify the current authorization information and obtain the verification result;

[0022] S31, if the verification result is authorization, start the PLC device, update the local authorization validity time, and count;

[0023] S41: If the verification result is unauthorized, the PLC device is disabled.

[0024] As described above, compared to existing technologies, the technical solution provided by the present disclosure achieves the following beneficial effects: The monitoring terminal connects to remote services and performs data communication with the PLC, building a bridge for information processing and interaction between the PLC device and the server, thereby enabling online monitoring of the PLC device. Through real-time one-way or two-way communication with the server, the monitoring terminal can promptly detect when the PLC device's authorization information expires or its operating status is inconsistent with the authorization information, and can then set the PLC device's operating status, thus achieving real-time and effective monitoring of the PLC device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present disclosure or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a monitoring terminal or monitoring system for a PLC device disclosed herein;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a monitoring terminal or monitoring system for a PLC device disclosed herein;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the authorization process of the PLC device disclosed in the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the periodic monitoring method of the PLC device disclosed in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clearly understood, the present disclosure is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure should have the usual meanings understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in the embodiments of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative position relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative position relationship may also change accordingly.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of a monitoring terminal for a PLC device provided by the present disclosure includes: a monitoring module, a control module, and a read-write module.

[0033] The monitoring module continuously receives authorization information of the PLC device, and the authorization information includes the number of the PLC device, the corresponding authorization code and the authorization validity period, and whether it is authorized. The authorization period is the effective time that the PLC device is allowed to be used each time after the authorization is enabled; the monitoring module is bidirectionally connected to the server, and continuously receives the authorization information of the PLC device sent by the server. The continuous reception can be every minute, every hour, every day, every week, etc., to ensure that the authorization information sent by the server can be received in a timely manner. The monitoring terminal can be set to a normally on state or to start at a scheduled time; optionally, the device number and the corresponding authorization code are unique and are used to identify whether the device is authorized.

[0034] Optionally, the monitoring module periodically sends the current authorization information of the PLC device, and the current authorization information includes the authorization code currently used by the PLC device, the authorization validity period, the working hours, the local time, etc., and the local time is the clock information of the PLC device or the clock information of the monitoring terminal; when the authorization information of the PLC device is tampered with, the authorization information currently used is different from the received authorization information. By periodically sending the current authorization information of the PLC device, it is possible to promptly know whether the authorization information of the PLC device is expired, whether it has been tampered with or cracked, and whether the PLC device is used without authorization.

[0035] Optionally, the authorization information also includes a verification result of the current authorization information of the PLC device. After receiving the current authorization information of the PLC device from the monitoring terminal, the server verifies whether the authorization information is correct and provides a verification result. The server stores the issued authorization information, including the number of each PLC device, the corresponding authorization validity period, the time of each authorization, and the number of the monitoring terminal. By comparing this information, it can determine whether the authorization information of the PLC device is correct. By periodically verifying the current authorization information of the PLC device sent to the monitoring terminal, any expiration, tampering, or cracking of the authorization information can be promptly notified.

[0036] The monitoring module also continuously receives query commands from the PLC device, including information about the device's current authorization, operating status, and operating hours. The monitoring terminal promptly responds to the server's query commands and, through the monitoring module, promptly transmits the PLC device's current authorization information to the server. This allows the server to promptly understand the PLC device's authorization and operating status, enabling real-time monitoring.

[0037] Optionally, the monitoring module periodically collects the current authorization information and operating information of the PLC device and sends it to the server. The periodicity can be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or bimonthly, or each time the authorization validity period expires. When the authorization information and operating status of the PLC device change, the server can be promptly informed. The data sent to the server includes the current authorization information and operating information of the PLC device. The operating information includes whether the PLC device is currently inactive or active, the operating hours, the local time, etc.

[0038] The control module generates a control signal for the PLC device based on the received authorization information, updates the local authorization validity period, and keeps timing. The local authorization validity period can be the received authorization validity period stored locally by the PLC device or the monitoring terminal, or it can be the remaining validity period after the authorization validity period is subtracted from the used time, or it can be the local time set according to the authorization validity period, and the local time can be the clock information of the PLC device or the clock information of the monitoring terminal. The control signal is a control signal for controlling the start or stop of the PLC device. When the validity period expires, the monitoring module is controlled again to send an authorization request to the server. If the received authorization information is authorized, and the current state of the PLC device is disabled, a control signal for starting the PLC device is generated, the local authorization validity period is updated, and timing is kept; if the current state of the PLC device is started, the local authorization validity period is updated, and timing is kept; if the received authorization information is unauthorized, and the current state of the PLC device is started, a control signal for stopping the PLC device is generated.

[0039] The read / write module is connected to the PLC device and sets the PLC device's operating status based on the control signal. The PLC device provides readable and writable address bits for device activation or deactivation data. The read / write module writes the address bits that activate or deactivate the device based on the control signal. Upon detecting that the device control data has been altered, the PLC device deactivates the device through a logic control program. Optionally, the PLC device provides a status code to the monitoring terminal, enabling the monitoring terminal to obtain the PLC device's operating status and confirm whether authorization or deactivation has been successful.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, this is another embodiment of the present disclosure. Optionally, the monitoring terminal further includes a database for storing basic information, including the received authorization information of the PLC device, and the regularly collected working information and current authorization information of the PLC device.

[0041] Optionally, the monitoring terminal can be connected to a PLC device one-to-one, or can be connected to multiple PLC devices at the same time for management.

[0042] Optionally, the monitoring terminal is connected to the PLC device via a wired or wireless LAN and communicates using the MODBUS protocol.

[0043] Optionally, the monitoring terminal uses a low-power device such as Raspberry Pi as a carrier, in which a NODE service program is installed, and NODEJS is used as the program language.

[0044] Optionally, the server is a remote server, such as a cloud server. The server is a WEB server, connected to the monitoring terminal via HTTP protocol.

[0045] The present disclosure also provides a PLC device monitoring system, comprising: a monitoring terminal and a server, wherein the monitoring terminal is connected to the server and the PLC device respectively.

[0046] The monitoring terminal actively or passively receives the PLC device authorization information sent by the server. In contrast, the server passively or actively sends the PLC device authorization information, which includes the PLC device number, the corresponding unique authorization code and the authorization validity period, and the verification information of the authorization code;

[0047] Optionally, communication between the monitoring terminal and the server is achieved by: the monitoring terminal provides an interface program for externally activating the device. The server or other external device can activate the monitoring terminal and communicate with it by calling this interface program. The server provides an authorization service interface program for external devices to call, including logic for identifying and verifying the authorization code, returning a verification result indicating whether the device is authorized and the authorization validity period. The monitoring terminal or other external device can obtain the authorization information of the PLC device by calling this authorization service interface program.

[0048] The active reception can be that the monitoring terminal calls the server interface program and sends an authorization request to it, carrying the PLC device number when sending the authorization request. Then the server sets the authorization information according to the received PLC device number and sends the authorization information to the corresponding monitoring terminal; or the monitoring terminal periodically sends the current authorization information of the PLC device to the server, and the server verifies the received current authorization information and gives the verification result; the periodicity can be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or every other month, or each time the authorization validity period expires, etc.; the active reception of the monitoring terminal is passive sending for the server.

[0049] Passive reception can be achieved by enabling the device authorization service on the server control program page, selecting a PLC device, setting the authorization code and the validity period of each authorization, then finding the corresponding monitoring terminal device based on the device number and / or unique authorization code, calling its interface program to start the monitoring terminal device, and sending authorization information to it; the server sends the PLC device authorization information to the monitoring terminal, and the authorization information includes the PLC device code, the corresponding unique authorization code and the validity period of the authorization, and the PLC device authorization code verification information. Passive reception by the monitoring terminal is considered active transmission by the server.

[0050] The monitoring terminal receives authorization information for the PLC device from the server and sets the operating state of the PLC device based on the authorization information. Optionally, after receiving the authorization information, the monitoring terminal writes the address bits for enabling or disabling the PLC device to the PLC logic controller. The PLC device then enables the device through its logic program based on the control data of the device.

[0051] This monitoring terminal and monitoring system can realize the authorization of PLC equipment and regularly monitor PLC equipment. The specific working process is as follows:

[0052] PLC device authorization (including initial authorization and restoration authorization):

[0053] First, the monitoring terminal actively or passively receives the PLC device authorization information sent by the server;

[0054] The active reception can be that the monitoring terminal calls the server interface program and sends an authorization request to it, carrying the PLC device number when sending the authorization request. Then the server sets the authorization information according to the received PLC device number and sends the authorization information to the corresponding monitoring terminal; or the monitoring terminal regularly sends the current authorization information of the PLC device to the server, and the server verifies the received current authorization information and gives the verification result; the active reception of the monitoring terminal is passive sending for the server.

[0055] The passive reception can be to select a PLC device on the server control program page, set the authorization code and the validity period of each authorization, and then find the corresponding monitoring terminal device according to the device number and / or unique authorization code, call its interface program to start the monitoring terminal device, and send authorization information to it; the passive reception of the monitoring terminal is active sending for the server.

[0056] Next, after receiving the authorization information, the monitoring terminal sets the PLC device's operating status accordingly. The monitoring terminal writes the address bits that enable or disable the PLC device to the PLC logic controller. The PLC device activates the device based on its control data and its logic program. The control module then updates the local authorization validity period, which continues to count.

[0057] Optionally, the monitoring terminal returns information on whether the PLC device is authorized successfully to the server to confirm the time of authorization or deactivation. The monitoring terminal can confirm whether the authorization is successful based on the status code fed back by the PLC device.

[0058] Regular monitoring of PLC equipment:

[0059] First, the monitoring terminal sends the current authorization information of the PLC device on time; the on-time sending includes sending according to a predetermined frequency or period, which can be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or every other month, or each time the authorization validity period expires; optionally, the monitoring terminal sends according to the query instruction of the server, and the query instruction can be sent according to a predetermined frequency or period, or at any time as needed;

[0060] Next, after receiving the authorization information from the monitoring terminal, the server begins to verify the authorization code and returns the verification result. If the verification code is correct, it returns the corresponding authorization status and authorization validity period of the device. If it is incorrect, it returns an incorrect verification result to the monitoring terminal, informing the monitoring terminal that the authorization code is illegal.

[0061] After receiving the returned verification result, the monitoring terminal starts to confirm whether the device is authorized. If the verification result is correct, the device is authorized. When the PLC device is in the deactivated state, the PLC device is started, and the monitoring terminal updates the local authorization validity time and keeps counting. When the PLC device is in the started state, the local authorization validity time is updated and keeps counting. After the validity period expires, the monitoring terminal sends an authorization request to the server again; or periodically sends an authorization information confirmation request to the server again to confirm whether the authorization information is valid.

[0062] If the received verification result is incorrect and the device is not authorized, the monitoring terminal writes the address bit of the disabled device to the PLC logic controller connected to it. After the PLC device finds that the control data of the device has been changed, it disables the device through the logic control program.

[0063] Optionally, before the authorization validity period expires, a reminder message is sent to the user to remind him to prepare for device deactivation or to make payment.

[0064] By regularly sending the current authorization information of the PLC device to the server and verifying the current authorization information, it is possible to automatically and continuously monitor whether the authorization information of the PLC device is in a valid state, thereby preventing the PLC device from being used without authorization.

[0065] Another embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for periodically monitoring a PLC device, comprising the following steps:

[0066] S11, sending the current authorization information of the PLC device on time; the current authorization information includes the device code, authorization code, usage time, etc. of the PLC device; the sending on time includes sending according to a predetermined frequency or period, or responding to the query time of the server, the predetermined frequency or period can be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, every other month, or each time the authorization validity period expires; optionally, the sending on time can be actively sent by the monitoring terminal according to a predetermined frequency or period, or the monitoring terminal can respond to the regular query instruction of the server to send the current authorization information of the PLC device; the current authorization information includes the authorization code currently used by the PLC device, the authorization validity period, the working time, the local time, etc., and the local time is the clock information of the PLC device or the clock information of the monitoring terminal;

[0067] S21, verify the current authorization information and obtain the verification result; after receiving the current authorization information sent by the monitoring terminal, the server starts to verify the authorization code, determines whether the current authorization information is correct, and returns the verification result; the server stores the issued authorization information, including the number of each PLC device, the corresponding authorization validity period, the time of each authorization, and the number of the monitoring terminal. By comparing the information, it can be determined whether the authorization information of the PLC device is correct;

[0068] S31. If the verification result is authorization, when the PLC device is in the deactivated state, the PLC device is started, the local authorization validity time is updated, and the time is continuously counted; when the PLC device is in the activated state, the local authorization validity time is updated, and the time is continuously counted; the local authorization validity time may be the received authorization validity time stored locally by the PLC device or the monitoring terminal, or the remaining validity time after the authorization validity time is subtracted from the used time, or the local time set according to the authorization validity time, and the local time may be the clock information of the PLC device or the clock information of the monitoring terminal;

[0069] S41, if the verification result is unauthorized, the PLC device is disabled; the monitoring terminal writes the address bit of the disabled device, and after the PLC device finds that the control data of the device has been changed, it disables the device through the logic control program.

[0070] As described above, compared to existing technologies, the technical solution provided by the present disclosure achieves the following beneficial effects: The monitoring terminal connects to remote services and performs data communication with the PLC, building a bridge for information processing and interaction between the PLC device and the server, thereby enabling online monitoring of the PLC device. Through real-time one-way or two-way communication with the server, the monitoring terminal can promptly detect when the PLC device's authorization information expires or its operating status is inconsistent with the authorization information, and can then set the PLC device's operating status, thus achieving real-time and effective monitoring of the PLC device.

[0071] While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, many alternatives, modifications and variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.

[0072] The embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A monitoring terminal for a PLC device, characterized in that: include: Monitoring module, control module, read-write module; The monitoring module continuously receives authorization information of the PLC device; The control module generates a control signal for the PLC device according to the received authorization information, updates the local authorization validity period, and counts the time; The read / write module is connected to the PLC device and sets the working state of the PLC device according to the control signal; The monitoring module periodically sends the current authorization information of the PLC device; The current authorization information includes the authorization code currently used by the PLC device, the authorization validity period, the working time, and the local time, where the local time is the clock information of the PLC device or the clock information of the monitoring terminal; When the validity period expires, the monitoring module is controlled to issue an authorization request again; When the authorization information of a PLC device is tampered with, the authorization information currently used is different from the received authorization information. By regularly sending the current authorization information of the PLC device, it is possible to promptly know whether the authorization information of the PLC device has expired, been tampered with or cracked, and whether the PLC device is being used without authorization. The authorization information includes a verification result of the current authorization information; After receiving the current authorization information of the PLC device sent by the monitoring terminal, verification is performed to confirm whether the authorization information is correct and a verification result is given.

2. The monitoring terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring module continuously receives query instructions from the PLC device, and in response to the instructions, the monitoring module sends current authorization information of the PLC device.

3. The monitoring terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that The read-write module receives feedback information from the PLC device and obtains the working status of the PLC device.

4. A monitoring system for PLC equipment, characterized in that: include: A monitoring terminal and a server, wherein the monitoring terminal is connected to the server and the PLC device respectively. The server sends authorization information of the PLC device to the monitoring terminal; The monitoring terminal continuously receives the authorization information of the PLC device sent by the server and sets the working status of the PLC device according to the authorization information; The monitoring terminal periodically sends the current authorization information of the PLC device; The current authorization information includes the authorization code currently used by the PLC device, the authorization validity period, the working time, and the local time, where the local time is the clock information of the PLC device or the clock information of the monitoring terminal; When the validity period expires, the monitoring module is controlled again to send an authorization request to the server; When the authorization information of a PLC device is tampered with, the authorization information currently used is different from the received authorization information. By regularly sending the current authorization information of the PLC device, it is possible to promptly know whether the authorization information of the PLC device is expired, tampered with or cracked, and whether the PLC device is used without authorization; The server verifies the current authorization information and sends a verification result; After receiving the current authorization information of the PLC device sent by the monitoring terminal, verification is performed to confirm whether the authorization information is correct and a verification result is given.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The server also sends an instruction to query the PLC device to the monitoring terminal.

6. A method for periodically monitoring a PLC device, comprising the following steps: S11, sending the current authorization information of the PLC device on time; S21, verify the current authorization information and obtain the verification result; S31, if the verification result is authorization, start the PLC device, update the local authorization validity time, and count; S41, if the verification result is unauthorized, deactivate the PLC device; In the S11, the current authorization information includes the authorization code currently used by the PLC device, the authorization validity period, the working time, and the local time, where the local time is the clock information of the PLC device or the clock information of the monitoring terminal; When the validity period expires, the monitoring module is controlled again to send an authorization request to the server; When the authorization information of a PLC device is tampered with, the authorization information currently used is different from the received authorization information. By regularly sending the current authorization information of the PLC device, it is possible to promptly know whether the authorization information of the PLC device has expired, been tampered with or cracked, and whether the PLC device is being used without authorization. In said S21, after receiving the current authorization information of the PLC device sent by the monitoring terminal, verification is performed to confirm whether the authorization information is correct and a verification result is given.

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