Control device, control method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

A control device, a control method, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. A control device that controls a controlled device can include a setting information registration section that registers first setting information that specifies an operation of the controlled device in a setting information holding section; a priority information registration section that registers priority information that indicates priority of one of second setting information that specifies an operation of the controlled device and held in the controlled device and the first setting information held in the setting information holding section in a priority information holding section; and a recovery processing section that, when the priority information indicates priority of the second setting information, acquires the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a recovery request of the setting information, and does not perform recovery of the setting information of the controlled device based on the first setting information, determines whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, and updates setting state information that indicates whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, which is registered in the setting state information holding section, based on a result of the determination.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a control device, a control method, and a computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Literature 1 describes that "a processing section, when performing recovery processing, reads device structure information, determines, from devices included in data, a slave device in which network connection is valid from among the read device structure information, or a slave device existing on a network, and recovers setting information corresponding to the determined slave device". Patent Literature 2 describes "automatically detecting a state in which backup data and setting information are inconsistent, and eliminating the state".

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6167532

[0006] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-167593 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] Since the setting information of the slave device held by the master device is made consistent with the setting information of the slave device held by the slave device, problems can sometimes occur.

[0009] TECHNICAL MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] A control device according to an embodiment of the present application is a control device that controls a controlled device. The control device can include a setting information registration section that registers first setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device in a setting information holding section. The control device can include a priority information registration section that registers priority information that indicates that one of second setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device held in the controlled device and the first setting information held in the setting information holding section is given priority in the priority information holding section. The control device can include a recovery processing section that, in a case where the priority information indicates that the second setting information is given priority, acquires the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a recovery request of the setting information, performs recovery of the setting information of the controlled device without being based on the first setting information, determines whether the first setting information and the second setting information are consistent, and updates setting state information that indicates whether the first setting information and the second setting information are consistent, which is registered in a setting state information holding section, in accordance with the determination result.

[0011] The restoration processing section can restore the setting information of the controlled device based on the first setting information and update the setting state information to show that the first setting information is consistent with the second setting information of the controlled device, in response to the restoration request, in a case where the priority information indicates that the first setting information is prioritized.

[0012] The restoration request can be made in a case where the power of the control device is turned on or in a case where the controlled device is detected by the control device.

[0013] The control device can include a backup processing section that acquires the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a backup request for the controlled device, determines whether the first setting information is consistent with the second setting information, and updates the setting state information according to the determination result, in a case where the priority information indicates that the first setting information is prioritized.

[0014] The backup processing section can not acquire the second setting information from the controlled device in response to the backup request, in a case where the priority information indicates that the second setting information is prioritized.

[0015] The backup request can be made periodically.

[0016] A control method according to an embodiment of the present technology is a control method of controlling a controlled device. The control method can include a step of registering first setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device in a setting information holding section. The control method can include a step of registering priority information that indicates that one of second setting information that specifies the action of the controlled device held in the controlled device and the first setting information held in the setting information holding section is prioritized in a priority information holding section. The control method can include a step of acquiring the second setting information from the controlled device without restoring the setting information of the controlled device based on the first setting information in response to a restoration request of the setting information, in a case where the priority information indicates that the second setting information is prioritized, and determining whether the first setting information and the second setting information are consistent. The control method can include a step of updating setting state information that indicates whether the first setting information and the second setting information are consistent, which is registered in a setting state information holding section, according to a determination result in the determining step.

[0017] The program according to one embodiment of the present application can be a program for causing a computer to function as a control device that controls a controlled device. The program can cause the computer to execute a step of registering first setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device in a setting information holding portion. The program can cause the computer to execute a step of registering, in a priority information holding portion, priority information that indicates priority of one of second setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device and is held in the controlled device and the first setting information that is held in the setting information holding portion. The program can cause the computer to execute a step of, in a case where the priority information indicates priority of the second setting information, acquiring the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a recovery request of the setting information, not performing recovery of the setting information of the controlled device on the basis of the first setting information, and determining whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical. The program can cause the computer to execute a step of updating setting state information that indicates whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, which is registered in a setting state information holding portion, in accordance with a result of the determination in the step of determining.

[0018] In addition, the above summary of the application does not exhaustively list all features of the application. Furthermore, subcombinations of these feature groups can also constitute the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system.

[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of a CPU module.

[0021] Figure 3 is a diagram showing one example of a setting table including setting information and priority information.

[0022] Figure 4 is a diagram showing one example of priority information of a controlled device.

[0023] Figure 5 is a diagram showing one example of setting state information.

[0024] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing one example of a procedure of an action of a recovery processing portion at the time of power-on of a CPU module.

[0025] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing one example of a procedure of an action of a recovery processing portion at the time of connection of a new controlled device to a control system.

[0026] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing one example of a procedure of a backup processing performed by a backup processing portion at a predetermined cycle.

[0027] Figure 9 is a diagram showing one example of a hardware structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present application is described below through embodiments of the application, but the following embodiments do not limit the application involved in the claims. In addition, the combination of features described in the embodiments is not all necessary for the technical means of the application.

[0029] Figure 1 The schematic structure of the control system 10 involved in the present embodiment is shown. The control system 10 includes a management device 20, a CPU module 100, a power supply module 200, an IO module 300a, an IO module 300b, a controlled device 350a, a controlled device 350b, and a controlled device 350c.

[0030] The IO module 300a and the IO module 300b are sometimes collectively referred to as the IO module 300. In addition, the controlled device 350a, the controlled device 350b, and the controlled device 350c are sometimes collectively referred to as the controlled device 350. The CPU module 100 is one example of a control device. The CPU module 100 corresponds to a so-called master device (master station), and the controlled device 350 corresponds to a so-called slave device (slave station). The IO module 300 is one example of an input / output device that performs input and output of data between the controlled device 350 in accordance with the control of the CPU module 100.

[0031] The management device 20 is realized by a computer such as a personal computer. The management device 20 is a so-called development support device. The management device 20 communicates with the CPU module 100 through a network. The CPU module 100 communicates with the IO module 300a and the IO module 300b through a network or a bus. The IO module 300a is connected to the controlled device 350a. The IO module 300a is responsible for input and output of data between the controlled device 350a. The IO module 300b is responsible for input and output of data between the controlled device 350b and the controlled device 350c, respectively. In addition, the number of the CPU module 100, the number of the IO module 300, and the number of the controlled device 350 are not limited to the numbers shown in the present embodiment.

[0032] The control system 10 can be used in an industrial facility such as a factory or a plant. The control system 10 can be used as at least a part of factory automation. The management device 20, the CPU module 100, and the IO module 300 can be an industrial control system. The controlled device 350 is an apparatus that becomes a control target of the management device 20, the CPU module 100, and the IO module 300. The controlled device 350 can be a motor, an encoder, a pump, a valve, a camera, various sensors, and the like. The controlled device 350 can be, for example, an industrial machine. The CPU module 100 and the IO module 300 can be programmable logic controllers (PLCs), respectively.

[0033] The management device 20 controls the entire control system 10. The management device 20 reads the state information from the CPU module 100 and outputs various control instructions to the CPU module 100 in accordance with a process controlled by the control system 10.

[0034] The IO module 300 acquires data such as information indicating a measurement result of the controlled device 350 or information indicating a state of the controlled device 350 from the controlled device 350 as input data. The IO module 300 outputs the input data acquired from the controlled device 350 to the CPU module 100.

[0035] The CPU module 100 has an application program for performing sequential control generated by a ladder diagram or the like. The CPU module 100 generates output data to the controlled device 350 based on the control instructions acquired from the management device 20 and the input data acquired through the IO module 300 and transmits to the IO module 300. The IO module 300 outputs a control signal to the controlled device 350 based on the output data received from the CPU module 100.

[0036] The power supply module 200 generates power supplied to the CPU module 100 and the IO module 300, that is, power supply power. The power supply module 200 can generate the power supply power from commercial power. In addition, a voltage of the power supply power is referred to as a "power supply voltage".

[0037] Figure 2 The functional structure of the CPU module 100 is schematically shown. The CPU module 100 includes a power supply section 110, a main control section 130, a volatile memory 142, a nonvolatile memory 144, a first communication section 146, a second communication section 148, a bus 140, and a low voltage detection section 150.

[0038] The power supply section 110 generates power for operating the CPU module 100. The power for operating the CPU module 100 is referred to as "operation power". In addition, the voltage of the operation power is referred to as "operation voltage". The operation voltage can be a voltage of a predetermined magnitude that is equal to or greater than a prescribed value. The power supply section 110 converts the power supply power from the power supply module 200 to generate the operation power of the CPU module 100.

[0039] More specifically, the power supply section 110 steps down the power supply power to generate the operation power. The power supply voltage can be 24 V. The operation voltage can be 3.3 V. That is, the power supply section 110 can convert the power supply power of 24 V voltage to the operation power of 3.3 V voltage. The operation power generated by the power supply section 110 is supplied to each section of the CPU module 100. For example, the operation power generated by the power supply section 110 is supplied to the main control section 130, the volatile memory 142, the non-volatile memory 144, the first communication section 146, and the second communication section 148, and is used as power for operation, respectively.

[0040] The main control section 130 can be a processor. The main control section 130 can be a microcontroller. The main control section 130 can be constituted by a semiconductor integrated circuit including a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The main control section 130 is one example of a control section. The main control section 130 is responsible for main processing in the CPU module 100. For example, the main control section 130 performs processing of output data from the IO module 300, generation of input data to the IO module 300, processing of a control instruction received from the management device 20, generation of message data to the management device 20, and the like, based on a system program and an application program.

[0041] The main control section 130 is connected to the first communication section 146, the second communication section 148, the volatile memory 142, and the non-volatile memory 144 through the bus 140. The main control section 130, the first communication section 146, the second communication section 148, the volatile memory 142, and the non-volatile memory 144 mutually transmit and receive data through the bus 140.

[0042] The first communication section 146 is responsible for communication with the management device 20. The first communication section 146 receives a control instruction from the management device 20 and transmits the received control instruction to the main control section 130. In addition, the first communication section 146 receives message data to the management device 20 from the main control section 130 and transmits the received message data to the management device 20.

[0043] The second communication section 148 is responsible for communication with an external device. For example, the second communication section 148 receives data from the IO module 300 and transmits data to the IO module 300. Specifically, the second communication section 148 receives output data output by the controlled device 350 from the IO module 300. The second communication section 148 transmits the received data to the main control section 130. The second communication section 148 receives input data for the controlled device 350 from the main control section 130 and transmits the received input data to the IO module 300.

[0044] The volatile memory 142 is an example of a volatile storage section. The volatile memory 142 is, for example, an SRAM. The non-volatile memory 144 is an example of a non-volatile storage section. The non-volatile memory 144 is, for example, a flash memory. The non-volatile memory 144 is a memory that is slower in access speed than the volatile memory 142. For example, the access time of the non-volatile memory 144 is longer than the access time of the volatile memory 142.

[0045] The non-volatile memory 144 stores backup data that is data that needs to be backed up. The backup data contains, for example, application data, system program data, operation information for controlling the control system 10, failure information for the control system 10, RAS information such as communication status and abnormality history in communication with the controlled device 350, and setting information that specifies the operation of the controlled device 350, such as IO information of the controlled device 350. The backup data stored in the non-volatile memory 144 is transferred to the volatile memory 142 in an initialization process before the operation of the CPU module 100 is started and the operation of a predetermined application is started. The main control section 130 uses the backup data transferred to the volatile memory 142 to execute the main process including the control of the controlled device 350 in a normal process according to the application. Thus, the main control section 130 can execute the main process at high speed.

[0046] The backup data stored in the volatile memory 142 is transferred to the non-volatile memory 144 at the end of the operation of the CPU module 100. Thus, in an initialization process after the operation of the CPU module 100 is started and before the operation is started, the data stored in the non-volatile memory 144 is restored to the volatile memory 142 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Further, at the end of the operation of the CPU module 100, the data stored in the volatile memory 142 is backed up to the non-volatile memory 144 when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0047] The low-voltage detection section 150 detects a power-off in the CPU module 100 as a power abnormality. In the case where a power-off occurs, the power voltage decreases. Therefore, the low-voltage detection section 150 detects a power-off by detecting the power voltage. Specifically, the low-voltage detection section 150 detects a power-off in the case where the power voltage decreases to a predetermined voltage or less. Here, the predetermined voltage can be higher than the operating voltage and lower than the power voltage. As one example, the predetermined voltage can be 20 V. That is, the low-voltage detection section 150 can detect a power-off in the case where the power voltage decreases to 20 V or less.

[0048] The low-voltage detection section 150 generates a signal indicating that a power-off has occurred in the case where a power-off is detected, and outputs the signal to the main control section 130. The low-voltage detection section 150 generates a signal indicating that a power-off has not occurred in the case where a power-off is not detected, and outputs the signal to the main control section 130. In addition, a power-off is one example of a power abnormality. A power abnormality includes not only a case where the power supply from the power module 200 completely stops, but also a case where the power section 110 cannot generate an operating power exceeding a prescribed value due to a decrease in the power voltage of the power module 200. In the case where a power-off is detected, the low-voltage detection section 150 notifies the main control section 130 of the case where a power-off has occurred. For example, the low-voltage detection section 150 notifies the main control section 130 of the case where a power-off has occurred by an interrupt. In addition, the interrupt that notifies of a power-off is referred to as a "power-off interrupt". The main control section 130 starts the backup processing in the case where a power-off has occurred from the low-voltage detection section 150.

[0049] In the recovery processing, the main control section 130 updates the settings of the controlled device 350 on the basis of the setting information of the controlled device 350 included in the backup data stored in the volatile memory 142. However, the setting information of the controlled device 350 included in the backup data is not necessarily correct as the setting information of the controlled device 350. Sometimes, the user rewrites the setting information of the controlled device 350 included in the backup data to an incorrect content via the management device 20.

[0050] In addition, in the backup processing, the main control section 130 updates the setting information of the controlled device 350 included in the backup data stored in the volatile memory 142 on the basis of the setting information of the controlled device 350 held by the controlled device 350. However, the setting information of the controlled device 350 held by the controlled device 350 is not necessarily correct as the setting information of the controlled device 350. Sometimes, the user rewrites the setting information held by the controlled device 350 to an incorrect content.

[0051] Thus, in the present embodiment, the setting information of the controlled device 350 included in the backup data held by the CPU module 100 is used to prevent the setting information of the controlled device 350 from being inadvertently rewritten. Further, the setting information held by the controlled device 350 is used to prevent the setting information of the controlled device 350 included in the backup data held by the CPU module 100 from being inadvertently rewritten. Further, it is possible to confirm whether or not the setting state of the controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side is consistent with the setting state of the controlled device 350 on the controlled device 350 side.

[0052] The main control section 130 has a setting information registration section 132, a priority information registration section 134, a restoration processing section 136, and a backup processing section 138. The nonvolatile memory 144 is one example of a setting information holding section and a setting state information holding section.

[0053] The setting information registration section 132 registers the setting information of the controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side, which specifies the operation of the controlled device 350, in the nonvolatile memory 144. The setting information can be various parameters that are referred to when the controlled device 350 operates. The setting information registration section 132 can register, as the setting information of the controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side, the setting information specified by the user via the management device 20 in the nonvolatile memory 144. The setting information registration section 132 can register, as the setting information of the controlled device 350a, the controlled device 350b, and the controlled device 350c on the CPU module 100 side, the setting information of the controlled device 350a, the controlled device 350b, and the controlled device 350c, respectively, specified by the user via the management device 20 in the nonvolatile memory 144.

[0054] The priority information registration section 134 registers, in the nonvolatile memory 144, priority information that indicates that one of the setting information of the controlled device 350 on the controlled device 350 side, which specifies the operation of the controlled device 350, and the setting information of the controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side, which is held in the nonvolatile memory 144, is given priority. The priority information registration section 134 can register, in the nonvolatile memory 144, the priority information based on an instruction from the user via the management device 20.

[0055] Figure 3 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating one example of a setting table 500 that includes setting information and priority information. The setting table 500 includes a slave number that uniquely identifies the controlled device 350, priority information that indicates whether the master (CPU module 100) is given priority or the slave (controlled device 350) is given priority, and setting information that indicates the values of various parameters of the controlled device 350.

[0056] Figure 3 In the example shown, the check box of "slave priority" is checked in the case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is prioritized. The check box of "slave priority" is not checked in the case where the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is prioritized. The user can generate the setting table 500 via the management device 20 and upload the generated setting table 500 to the CPU module 100.

[0057] The setting information registration section 132 registers the setting information of the controlled device 350 in the nonvolatile memory 144 with reference to the setting table 500 downloaded from the management device 20. The priority information registration section 134 registers the priority information of each controlled device 350 in the nonvolatile memory 144 with reference to the downloaded setting table. Figure 4 One example of the priority information 510 of the controlled device 350 is shown. The priority information registration section 134 can register the priority information 510 in the nonvolatile memory 144 for each controlled device 350. The priority information 510 includes a slave number uniquely identifying the controlled device 350, presence or absence of registration of the controlled device 350 corresponding to the slave number as a slave connected to the control system 10, and priority setting content indicating whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 (master) side is prioritized or the setting information on the controlled device 350 (slave) side is prioritized.

[0058] The restoration processing section 136 executes the restoration processing in the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied with respect to the recovery request of the setting information. In the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied, the restoration processing section 136 reads the setting information of the controlled device 350 from the nonvolatile memory 144 as the setting information on the CPU module 100 side and executes the restoration processing by updating the setting information of the controlled device 350 with the setting information on the CPU module 100 side.

[0059] In a case where the priority information indicates that the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is to be prioritized, the restoration processing section 136 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. Then, the restoration processing section 136 restores the setting information of the controlled device 350 based on the setting information on the CPU module 100 side in response to the restoration request of the setting information. That is, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting information of the controlled device 350 based on the setting information on the CPU module 100 side in response to the restoration request of the setting information. The restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state information indicating whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 side and the setting information on the controlled device 350 side are consistent, according to the update result of the setting information of the controlled device 350. That is, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state information indicating that the setting information on the CPU module 100 side and the setting information on the controlled device 350 side are consistent, according to the update result of the setting information of the controlled device 350.

[0060] On the other hand, in a case where the priority information indicates that the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is to be prioritized, the restoration processing section 136 determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied. Then, the restoration processing section 136 acquires the setting information on the controlled device 350 side from the controlled device 350 without restoring the setting information of the controlled device 350 based on the setting information on the CPU module 100 side in response to the restoration request of the setting information. Further, the restoration processing section 136 determines whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 side and the setting information on the controlled device 350 side are consistent. The restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state information indicating whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 side and the setting information on the controlled device 350 side are consistent, which is registered in the nonvolatile memory 144, according to the determination result. In addition, after the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is acquired from the controlled device 350, the restoration processing section 136 can register the setting information on the controlled device 350 side in the nonvolatile memory 144, and determine whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 side and the setting information on the controlled device 350 side are consistent in the step of accepting the request from the user, and notify the user of the determination result.

[0061] The restoration processing section 136 can accept the restoration request of the setting information with the power of the CPU module 100 turned on, and determine the priority target of the setting information of each controlled device 350 with reference to the priority information of each controlled device 350 stored in the nonvolatile memory 144. Further, if a new controlled device 350 is detected to be connected to the control system 10, the restoration processing section 136 can accept the restoration request of the setting information, and determine the priority target of the setting information of the new controlled device 350 with reference to the priority information of the new controlled device 350.

[0062] After the priority target is determined, in a case where the priority information indicates that the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is to be prioritized, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting information of the controlled device 350 based on the setting information on the CPU module 100 side. On the other hand, in a case where the priority information indicates that the setting information of the controlled device 350 is to be prioritized, the restoration processing section 136 acquires the setting information on the controlled device 350 side from the controlled device 350 without updating the setting information of the controlled device 350 based on the setting information on the CPU module 100 side.

[0063] The backup processing section 138 acquires the setting information from the controlled device 350 in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied in response to a backup request for the controlled device 350. The backup processing section 138 can accept the backup request at a predetermined timing. The backup processing section 138 can accept the backup request at a predetermined period. The backup processing section 138 can accept the backup request in a case where a power abnormality is detected.

[0064] In a case where the priority information indicates that the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is to be prioritized, the backup processing section 138 acquires the setting information on the controlled device 350 side from the controlled device 350 in response to the backup request and determines whether the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is consistent with the setting information on the CPU module 100 side. The backup processing section 138 updates the setting state information registered in the nonvolatile memory 144, which indicates whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is consistent with the setting information on the controlled device 350 side, in accordance with the determination result. The backup processing section 138 does not update the setting information on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 in accordance with the setting information on the controlled device 350 side acquired from the controlled device 350. Further, in a case where the priority information indicates that the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is to be prioritized, the backup processing section 138 does not acquire the setting information from the controlled device 350 in response to the backup request for the controlled device 350. That is, in a case where the priority information indicates that the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is to be prioritized, the backup processing section 138 does not acquire the setting information from the controlled device 350 even if the backup request is accepted.

[0065] According to the present embodiment, for example, it is possible to confirm whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is consistent with the setting information on the controlled device 350 side by referring to the setting state information 520 as shown in FIG. 5. Figure 5 The setting state information 520 can be list information of the slave numbers in a case where the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is inconsistent with the setting information on the controlled device 350 side.

[0066] Further, if the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is prioritized, in the restoration processing, the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is not rewritten. Therefore, in the restoration processing, the setting information on the controlled device 350 side can be prevented from being rewritten to setting information different from the user's intention.

[0067] Further, in the case where the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is prioritized, in the backup processing, the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is not rewritten using the setting information on the controlled device 350 side. Thereby, in the backup processing, the setting information on the CPU module 100 side can be prevented from being rewritten to setting information different from the user's intention.

[0068] Figure 6 Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing one example of a process illustrating the action of the restoration processing section 136 at the time of power-on of the CPU module 100.

[0069] If the power of the CPU module 100 is turned on (S100), the restoration processing section 136 refers to the priority information of the controlled device 350 of the object registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S102). The restoration processing section 136 determines whether or not to prioritize the setting information on the controlled device 350 side of the object in accordance with the priority information (S104). In the case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is prioritized, the restoration processing section 136 acquires the setting information from the controlled device 350 of the object (S106). Next, the restoration processing section 136 determines whether or not the setting information on the controlled device 350 side of the object is consistent with the setting information on the controlled device 350 of the object on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S108).

[0070] The restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state of the controlled device 350 of the object registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 to the consistent state in the case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 side of the object is consistent with the setting information on the controlled device 350 of the object on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S110). On the other hand, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state of the controlled device 350 of the object registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 to the inconsistent state in the case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 side of the object is not consistent with the setting information on the controlled device 350 of the object on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S112).

[0071] In a case where the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is prioritized, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting information of the controlled device 350 on the object in accordance with the setting information of the controlled device 350 on the object registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S 114). Then, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state of the controlled device 350 on the object registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 to the consistent state (S 116).

[0072] The restoration processing section 136 determines whether the restoration processing is completed for all the controlled devices 350 connected to the control system 10 (S 118), and if not, repeats the processing after step S 102, and if so, ends the processing.

[0073] According to the above procedure, in the restoration processing at the power-on of the CPU module 100, in a case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is prioritized, only the setting state of the controlled device 350 registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 is updated, and the update of the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is not performed. Thereby, at the power-on of the CPU module 100, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently changing the setting information on the controlled device 350 side. Further, by referring to the setting state, it is possible to easily grasp whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 side and the setting information on the controlled device 350 side are consistent.

[0074] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing one example of a procedure of the action of the restoration processing section 136 when the control system 10 is connected with a new controlled device 350.

[0075] If it is detected that the control system 10 is connected with a new controlled device 350 (S 200), the restoration processing section 136 refers to the priority information of the controlled device 350 on the object registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S 202). The restoration processing section 136 determines whether to prioritize the setting information on the controlled device 350 on the object in accordance with the priority information (S 204). In a case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 is prioritized, the restoration processing section 136 acquires the setting information from the controlled device 350 on the object (S 206).

[0076] Next, the restoration processing section 136 determines whether the setting information on the controlled device 350 on the object is consistent with the setting information on the controlled device 350 on the object on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S 208).

[0077] The restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state of the object's controlled device 350 registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 to the consistent state in a case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 on the object's controlled device 350 side is consistent with the setting information on the object's controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S210). On the other hand, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state of the object's controlled device 350 registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 to the inconsistent state in a case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 on the object's controlled device 350 side is inconsistent with the setting information on the object's controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S212).

[0078] In a case where the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is given priority, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting information on the object's controlled device 350 in accordance with the setting information on the object's controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side (S214). Then, the restoration processing section 136 updates the setting state of the object's controlled device 350 registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 to the consistent state (S216).

[0079] According to the above procedure, in the restoration processing when a new controlled device 350 is connected to the control system 10, in a case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is given priority, only the setting state of the controlled device 350 registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 is updated, and the update of the setting information on the controlled device 350 side is not performed. Thereby, at the time when a new controlled device 350 is connected to the control system 10, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently changing the setting information on the controlled device 350 side. Further, by referring to the setting state, it is possible to easily grasp whether the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is consistent with the setting information on the controlled device 350 side.

[0080] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing one example of a procedure of the backup processing performed by the backup processing section 138 at a predetermined cycle.

[0081] The backup processing section 138 refers to the priority information of the target controlled device 350 registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 (S300). The backup processing section 138 determines whether to give priority to the setting information on the target controlled device 350 side in accordance with the priority information (S302). In the case where the setting information on the target controlled device 350 side is given priority, the backup processing section 138 does not acquire the setting information from the target controlled device 350, and determines whether the backup processing is completed for all the controlled devices 350 connected to the control system 10 (S312), and repeats the process after step S302 if not completed, and ends the process if completed.

[0082] In the case where the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is given priority, the backup processing section 138 acquires the setting information from the target controlled device 350 (S304). The backup processing section 138 determines whether the setting information on the controlled device 350 on the target controlled device 350 side and the setting information on the target controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 are consistent (S306).

[0083] The backup processing section 138 updates the setting state of the target controlled device 350 registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 to the consistent state in the case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 on the target controlled device 350 side and the setting information on the target controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 are consistent (S308). On the other hand, the backup processing section 138 updates the setting state of the target controlled device 350 registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 to the inconsistent state in the case where the setting information on the controlled device 350 on the target controlled device 350 side and the setting information on the target controlled device 350 on the CPU module 100 side registered in the nonvolatile memory 144 are inconsistent (S310). Then, the backup processing section 138 determines whether the backup processing is completed for all the controlled devices 350 connected to the control system 10 (S312), and repeats the process after step S302 if not completed, and ends the process if completed.

[0084] According to the above process, in the case where the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is given priority, the setting information on the CPU module 100 side is not overwritten by the setting information on the controlled device 350 side in the backup processing. Thus, in the backup processing, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently overwriting the setting information on the CPU module 100 side.

[0085] Sometimes, the setting information of the controlled device 350 is rewritten via a setting device connected to the controlled device 350. In this case, whether the setting information of the controlled device 350 is consistent with the setting information on the CPU module 100 side can also be easily confirmed on the CPU module 100 side according to the above procedure.

[0086] Figure 9 The computer 1200 is an example of embodying the present application as a whole or a part of a plurality of modes. A program installed in the computer 1200 can cause the computer 1200 to function as an operation associated with a device or one or more "parts" of the device related to the embodiments of the present application. Alternatively, the program can cause the computer 1200 to execute the operation or the one or more "parts". The program can cause the computer 1200 to execute a process or a step of the process related to the embodiments of the present application. Such a program can be executed by the CPU 1212 to cause the computer 1200 to perform a specific operation corresponding to a part or all of the flowchart and the block of the block diagram described in this specification.

[0087] The computer 1200 related to the embodiments includes the CPU 1212 and the RAM 1214, which are connected to each other through the host controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes the communication interface 1222, the input / output unit, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via the input / output controller 1220. The computer 1200 also includes the ROM 1230. The CPU 1212 acts in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 1230 and the RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit.

[0088] The communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive can store a program and data used by the CPU 1212 in the computer 1200. Among them, the ROM 1230 stores a boot program and the like executed by the computer 1200 at the time of activation, and / or a program depending on the hardware of the computer 1200. The program is provided via a computer readable storage medium such as a CR-ROM, a USB memory, or an IC card, or a network. The program is installed in the RAM 1214 or the ROM 1230, which are also examples of the computer readable storage medium, and is executed by the CPU 1212. The information processing described in these programs is read to the computer 1200, and the program and the above-described various types of hardware resources are linked. The device or the method can also be configured to implement the operation or the processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 1200.

[0089] For example, in a case where communication is performed between the computer 1200 and an external device, the CPU 1212 can execute a communication program loaded into the RAM 1214, and based on a process described in the communication program, instruct the communication interface 1222 to perform a communication process. The communication interface 1222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in a storage medium such as the RAM 1214 or the USB memory under the control of the CPU 1212, transmits the read transmission data to a network, or writes reception data received from the network to a reception buffer area provided in the storage medium, and the like.

[0090] Further, the CPU 1212 can also cause all or a desired part of a file or a database stored in an external storage medium such as the USB memory to be read to the RAM 1214, and perform various types of processes on the data on the RAM 1214. Subsequently, the CPU 1212 can write the processed data back to the external storage medium.

[0091] Various types of programs, data, tables, and various types of information such as databases can be stored to a storage medium, and subjected to information processing. The CPU 1212 can perform various types of processes such as various types of operations specified by a command sequence of a program, information processing, condition determination, conditional branching, unconditional branching, search / replacement of information, and the like as described throughout the present disclosure, on data read from the RAM 1214, and write the results back to the RAM 1214. Further, the CPU 1212 can search information in a file, a database, or the like in the storage medium. For example, in a case where a plurality of entries each having a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the storage medium, the CPU 1212 searches for an entry in which a condition of a specified attribute value of the first attribute is matched from among the plurality of entries, reads the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby acquires the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0092] The programs or software modules described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near the computer 1200. Further, a storage medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, and thereby programs can be provided to the computer 1200 via the network.

[0093] The computer readable medium can include any tangible device that can store instructions for execution by a suitable device. As a result, the computer readable medium having instructions stored therein includes a product having the instructions stored therein, which can be executed to generate units for performing the operations specified in the flowchart or block diagram. As examples of the computer readable medium, electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, and the like can be included. As other examples of the computer readable medium, a floppy disk (registered trademark) disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray (RTM) disk, a memory stick, an integrated circuit card, and the like can be included.

[0094] The computer readable instructions can include source code or object code described in any combination of one or more programming languages. The source code or object code includes conventional programmatic languages. The conventional programmatic languages can be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or Smalltalk (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, and the like object-oriented programming languages, and "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable instructions can be provided to a processor or programmable circuit of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus in a local manner or via a local area network (LAN), the Internet, or the like wide area network (WAN). The processor or programmable circuit can execute the computer readable instructions to generate units for performing the operations specified in the flowchart or block diagram. As examples of the processor, a computer processor, a processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a controller, a microcontroller, and the like are included.

[0095] The above has described the present application using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present application is not limited to the range described in the above embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be made on the basis of the above embodiments, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The manner in which such changes or improvements are made is included in the technical scope of the present application according to the recitations of the claims.

[0096] Note that the order of execution of various processes shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings, such as the devices, systems, programs, and methods, actions, processes, steps, and stages, etc., can be implemented in any order as long as there is no specific indication of "before", "prior", etc., and as long as the output of the previous process is not used for the subsequent process. As for the flow of actions in the claims, the description, and the drawings, the order of "first", "next", etc. is used for convenience, but it does not mean that it must be implemented in that order.

[0097] Label Explanation

[0098] 10 Control system

[0099] 20 Management device

[0100] 100 CPU module

[0101] 110 Power supply unit

[0102] 130 Main control unit

[0103] 132 Set information registration unit

[0104] 134 Priority information registration unit

[0105] 136 Recovery processing unit

[0106] 138 Backup processing unit

[0107] 140 Bus

[0108] 142 Volatile memory

[0109] 144 Non-volatile memory

[0110] 146 First communication unit

[0111] 148 Second communication unit

[0112] 150 Low voltage detection unit

[0113] 200 Power supply module

[0114] 300, 300a, 300b IO module

[0115] 350, 350a, 350b, 350c Controlled device

[0116] 1200 Computer

[0117] 1210 Main controller

[0118] 1212 CPU

[0119] 1214 RAM

[0120] 1220 input / output controller

[0121] 1222 communication interface

[0122] 1230 ROM.

Claims

1. A control device, The control device is a control device that controls a controlled device, characterized by comprising: a setting information registration section that registers first setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device in a setting information holding section; a priority information registration section that registers priority information that indicates priority of one of second setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device held in the controlled device and the first setting information held in the setting information holding section in a priority information holding section; and a restoration processing section that, in a case where the priority information indicates priority of the second setting information, acquires the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a restoration request of setting information, does not restore the setting information of the controlled device based on the first setting information, determines whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, and updates setting state information that indicates whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, registered in a setting state information holding section, based on a result of the determination.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the restoration processing section, in a case where the priority information indicates priority of the first setting information, restores the setting information of the controlled device based on the first setting information in response to the restoration request, and updates the setting state information to show that the first setting information is identical to the second setting information of the controlled device.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restoration request is made in a case where a power supply of the control device is turned on, or in a case where the controlled device is detected by the control device.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a backup processing section that, in a case where the priority information indicates priority of the first setting information, acquires the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a backup request to the controlled device, determines whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, and updates the setting state information based on a result of the determination.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the backup processing section, in a case where the priority information indicates priority of the second setting information, does not acquire the second setting information from the controlled device in response to the backup request.

6. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the backup request is made periodically.

7. A control method, comprising: The present application relates to a control method of controlling a controlled device, characterized by a step of registering first setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device in a setting information holding section; a step of registering priority information that indicates priority of one of second setting information that specifies an action of the controlled device held in the controlled device and the first setting information held in the setting information holding section in a priority information holding section; and a step of, in a case where the priority information indicates priority of the second setting information, acquiring the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a restoration request of setting information, not restoring the setting information of the controlled device based on the first setting information, determining whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, and updating setting state information that indicates whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, registered in a setting state information holding section, based on a result of the determination. in the case where the priority information indicates that the second setting information is given priority, acquiring the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a request for setting information, without performing recovery of the setting information of the controlled device based on the first setting information, and determining whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical; and updating the setting state information indicating whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, which is registered in the setting state information holding section, based on the result of the determination in the determining step.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as a control device that controls a controlled device, characterized by storing a program that causes the computer to execute the steps of: registering first setting information that specifies an operation of the controlled device in a setting information holding section; registering priority information indicating that either second setting information that specifies an operation of the controlled device and is held in the controlled device, or the first setting information that is held in the setting information holding section, is given priority, in a priority information holding section; in the case where the priority information indicates that the second setting information is given priority, acquiring the second setting information from the controlled device in response to a request for setting information, without performing recovery of the setting information of the controlled device based on the first setting information, and determining whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical; and updating the setting state information indicating whether the first setting information and the second setting information are identical, which is registered in the setting state information holding section, based on the result of the determination in the determining step.

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