Image generation program product, image generation apparatus, programmable controller system, and image generation method

Abstract

The program causes the image generation apparatus (10) to function as the acquisition section (11) and the generation section (13). The acquisition section (11) acquires FB information (121) indicating a function block equivalent to a routine described in an action program for causing a PLC (20) to act, and individual structure information (122) that defines a structure of a state image that shows a state of a parameter related to the function block when the function of the function block is used, and that is defined individually for the function block. The generation section (13) generates the state image when the function block acts, based on the individual structure information (121), and outputs to the UI section (14).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image generation program product, an image generation apparatus, a programmable controller system, and an image generation method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a field of a factory as a representative of FA (Factory Automation), a programmable controller is caused to act in accordance with an action program created in advance, thereby controlling a large number of devices. In order to efficiently describe the action program, a function block corresponding to so-called routine is utilized. If the function block is distributed, a plurality of users can utilize the function of the function block without performing a programming job. For example, a function block related to a device as a control object is provided from a manufacturer of the device to a user in the field.

[0003] In order to create the action program in the field, there is a demand to want to experimentally exercise the function of the function block and to observe the state of a parameter related to the function block. Therefore, it is conceived to apply a technology of performing partial simulation with respect to the function block corresponding to a part of the program (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-082034 SUMMARY

[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Literature 1, there is nothing related to how to constitute a screen to be prompted to a user in order to observe a progress or a result of the partial simulation. Therefore, a user interface installed in advance in an apparatus that performs the partial simulation is provided to a user who observes the function of the function block. Here, in a case where the user interface following a common standard is installed with respect to various function blocks, although design and installation can be efficiently performed, the use convenience of the user can be deteriorated. On the other hand, if the user interface is designed and installed in detail with respect to each function block in different standards, although the use convenience of the user is improved, a large amount of man-hours can be consumed. Therefore, with respect to the user interface for observing the function of the function block, there is room for consideration of both the use convenience of the user and the reduction of the burden of design and installation.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to, with respect to the user interface for observing the function of the function block, take into consideration both the use convenience of the user and the reduction of the burden of design and installation.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the image generation program of the present application is for causing a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires function block information indicating a function block corresponding to a function described in an action program for causing a programmable controller to act, and individual structure information that specifies a structure of a state image and is specified individually for the function block, the state image showing a state of a parameter related to the function block when the function of the function block is used; and a generation unit that generates the state image when the function block acts based on the individual structure information, and outputs to a display device.

[0008] Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present application, the acquisition unit acquires individual structure information that specifies a structure of a state image and is specified individually for the function block, and the generation unit generates the state image based on the individual structure information. Therefore, it is possible to provide a user interface that is good in use convenience in that it is not necessary to design and install a user interface corresponding to each function block from scratch, but only individual structure information is created. Thus, with respect to a user interface for observing the function of the function block, it is possible to balance the use convenience of the user, the design, and the reduction of the work burden of installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a functional structure of the image generation apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a hardware structure of the image generation apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing one example of the function block according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a state image generated based on the individual structure information according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagram showing one example of the individual structure information according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 6 is a diagram showing one example of the common structure information according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a state image generated based on the common structure information according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the image generation process according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 9is a view showing a state image generated based on individual structure information and common structure information according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 10 is a view showing one example of individual structure information according to Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 11 is a view showing individual structure information and a plurality of common structure information having priorities according to Embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an image generation apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1

[0022] Embodiment 1

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the image generation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment constitutes a programmable controller system 100 together with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 20 that controls devices 21. The programmable controller system 100 is an FA (Factory Automation) system for managing the contents of actions of the PLC 20. Figure 1

[0024] The PLC 20 is a control apparatus corresponding to one example of a programmable controller. The PLC 20 controls one or a plurality of devices 21 according to an action program provided from the image generation apparatus 10, and realizes various processes typified by a production line. The action program corresponds to one example of a program for causing a programmable controller to act. For example, the PLC 20 controls a device 21 having a robot based on a sensing result obtained by a device 21 as a sensor according to a ladder program as one type of action program, and thereby controls the flow of a workpiece on a belt conveyor. Further, in the present embodiment, the PLC 20 controls a device 21 having a robot according to a program for causing a programmable controller to act, and thereby controls the flow of a workpiece on a belt conveyor. Figure 2 One PLC 20 is shown representatively in FIG. 1, but a plurality of PLCs 20 can cooperate to control one or a plurality of devices 21.

[0025] The PLC 20 and the devices 21 are connected via a signal line that transmits a voltage signal or a current signal, a communication line that transmits serial data, or an industrial network. The PLC 20 is connected to the image generation apparatus 10 via a communication line typified by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0026] ​​The image generation device 10, typically an industrial PC (Personal Computer), serves as a terminal for managing the PLC 20. By executing software called an engineering design tool, the image generation device 10 edits the content of the action program executed by the PLC 20, writes the created action program to the PLC 20, and reads data stored in the PLC 20's memory. Furthermore, the image generation device 10 generates a status image representing the state of the function blocks (equivalent to routines) that make the PLC 20 function during a trial run, and displays this status image on a trial run screen to the user.

[0027] Figure 2 The hardware structure of the image generation apparatus 10 is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the image generation apparatus 10 includes a processor 31, a main storage unit 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, an input unit 34, an output unit 35, and a communication unit 36. The main storage unit 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, the input unit 34, the output unit 35, and the communication unit 36 ​​are all connected to the processor 31 via an internal bus 37.

[0028] The processor 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor 31 performs the functions described later by executing the program P1 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33. The program P1 is an example of an image generation program that enables the image generation apparatus 10 to perform various functions.

[0029] The main storage unit 32 contains RAM (Random Access Memory). Program P1 is loaded from the secondary storage unit 33 into the main storage unit 32. Furthermore, the main storage unit 32 is used as the working area of ​​the processor 31.

[0030] The auxiliary storage unit 33 includes non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). In addition to program P1, the auxiliary storage unit 33 also stores various data used by the processor 31. Following instructions from the processor 31, the auxiliary storage unit 33 supplies data used by the processor 31 to the processor 31 and stores the data supplied from the processor 31.

[0031] The input unit 34 includes an input device, such as a keyboard. The input unit 34 acquires information input by the user from the image generation device 10 and notifies the processor 31 of the acquired information.

[0032] The output section 35 includes an output device typified by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The output section 35 prompts various information to the user in accordance with the instruction of the processor 31.

[0033] The communication section 36 includes a communication interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication section 36 receives a signal from the outside, and notifies the processor 31 of the information indicated by the signal. In addition, the communication section 36 transmits a signal indicating the information output from the processor 31 to the external device.

[0034] The image generation device 10 functions to generate a state image that prompts the state of a function block being executed to the user, by the cooperative action of the above-described hardware structure. In detail, as shown in the figure, Figure 3 as its function, the image generation device 10 has: a retrieval section 11 that retrieves the FB information 121, the individual structure information 122, and the common structure information 123 stored in the storage section 12; the storage section 12 that stores the information supplied from the retrieval section 11; a generation section 13 that generates a state image of a function block using the information stored in the storage section 12; a UI (User Interface) section 14 that prompts a trial operation screen including the state image to the user; and an instruction section 15 that transmits an instruction of trial operation to the PLC 20 in accordance with the user's operation input to the UI section 14.

[0035] The retrieval section 11 is mainly realized by the cooperative action of the processor 31 and the input section 34. The retrieval section 11 retrieves the FB information 121, the individual structure information 122, and the common structure information 123 input by the user.

[0036] The FB information 121 corresponds to one example of function block information that shows a function block. The function block is a reusable program component equivalent to a so-called routine, that is, a collection of a plurality of commands, and is characterized in that it can perform the saving of a variable inside it. The function block outputs a result obtained by performing a predetermined process on incoming data using the variable. The FB information 121 shows the category of data input to the function block, the process performed on the data, and the category of data output from the function block as a result of the process, respectively. However, the function block can also output a result of the process in a state without using the variable.

[0037] Figure 3 A function block 40 named "MCv_AllPower" is exemplified. This function block 40 is a function block for operating the device 21 that is a servo amplifier. The input of the function block 40 includes "Axis" indicating a shaft as a control object, a bit value "Enable" indicating whether or not to activate the function of the function block 40, and a bit value "ServoON" indicating whether or not to set the servo amplifier to an on state.

[0038] In addition, the output of the function block 40 includes the same "Axis" as the input, a bit value "Busy" indicating whether the function block is operating, a bit value "Error" indicating whether an error has occurred in the function block 40, and an unsigned word type "ErrorID" indicating the error category when an error has occurred. Figure 3 In the "DUT" in the table, "B" indicates a bit value, and "UW" indicates an Unsigned Word.

[0039] From the above Figure 1 As is apparent from the above, the state of the function block 40 is represented by the values of the parameters related to the function block 40. The parameters include the arguments of the data input and the return values of the data output. In addition, the parameters can include intermediate parameters used in the process for obtaining the output from the input. Hereinafter, the parameters corresponding to the input of the function block are sometimes referred to as input arguments, and the parameters corresponding to the output are sometimes referred to as output arguments. In addition, these parameters are sometimes referred to as arguments.

[0040] Returning to the above Figure 4 The individual structure information 122 is information that is individually specified in advance for each function block, and specifies the structure of the state image of the function block. The common structure information 123 is information that is commonly specified in advance for a plurality of function blocks, and specifies the structure of the state image. Details of the individual structure information 122 and the common structure information 123 will be described later.

[0041] In addition, the manner in which the acquisition section 11 acquires the FB information 121, the individual structure information 122, and the common structure information 123 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the acquisition section 11 can acquire the FB information 121, the individual structure information 122, and the common structure information 123 by downloading a part or all of them from a server device on a network, provided from the manufacturer of the device 21. In the case where these information are acquired by downloading, the acquisition section 11 is realized by the communication section 36. In addition, the acquisition section 11 can acquire the FB information 121, the individual structure information 122, and the common structure information 123 by reading a part or all of them from a recording medium typified by a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and a memory card. Further, the FB information 121, the individual structure information 122, and the common structure information 123 can be bundled to the device 21 sold, or these information can be bundled to the program PI sold. The acquisition section 11 corresponds to one example of an acquisition unit that acquires the function block information, the individual structure information, and the common structure information.

[0042] The storage section 12 is realized mainly by at least either of a main storage section 32 and an auxiliary storage section 33. The storage section 12 holds the FB information 121, the individual structure information 122, and the common structure information 123 stored by the acquisition section 11, and provides these information in accordance with a request from the generation section 13. The FB information 121 is information defined individually for each of a plurality of function blocks, and the storage section 12 stores a plurality of FB information 121 each representing a function block different from the others. Similarly, the individual structure information 122 is information defined individually for each of a plurality of function blocks, and the storage section 12 stores a plurality of individual structure information 122. However, the individual structure information 122 is not defined for a part of the function blocks, and the FB information 121 of the function block for which the individual structure information 122 does not correspond can be stored in the storage section 12. The common structure information 123 is common to a plurality of function blocks, and the storage section 12 stores a single common structure information 123.

[0043] The generation section 13 is realized mainly by the processor 31. The generation section 13 generates a state image representing the state of a parameter of a function block in accordance with a request from the UI section 14 receiving a selection made by a user of the function block, with reference to the information of the storage section 12. In detail, the generation section 13 reads out the FB information 121 representing the selected function block from the storage section 12, and reads out the individual structure information 122 of the function block in the case where the individual structure information 122 is stored in the storage section 12, or reads out the common structure information 123 instead of the individual structure information 122 in the case where the individual structure information 122 is not stored in the storage section 12. The generation section 13 corresponds to one example of a generation unit that generates a state image when a function block is made to function, based on individual structure information, and outputs to a display device.

[0044] Figure 3 A window 400 corresponding to one example of a state image generated by the generation section 13 is illustrated. The window 400 has a combo box 401 for selecting a function block, a combo box 402 for selecting an axis, buttons 403, 404, and display sections 405, 406, 407 showing the state of a parameter. The options of the combo box 402 correspond to "Axis" of the function block 40 shown in Fig. 4, the buttons 403, 404 correspond to the input parameters of the function block 40, i.e., "Enable" and "Servo ON", respectively, and the display sections 405, 406, 407 correspond to the output parameters of the function block 40, i.e., "Busy", "Error", and "Error ID", respectively. Figure 4 The state image corresponds to one example of an image showing the state of a parameter related to a function block when the function of the function block is used.

[0045] Figure 5The window 400 shown is generated based on Figure 6 The individual structure information 122 exemplified is information that specifies the configuration of the image elements included in the window 400, and includes a line that specifies an area of an area, and a line that specifies the configuration of the image elements within the area. For example, the line 501 indicates that the area of the area named "FB selection combo box area" is set to a rectangular area determined in such a manner that the upper left end point of the window 400 is the origin, and the area of the rectangle determined by the points of 10 pixels down and 10 pixels right, and 40 pixels down and 320 pixels right. Further, FB means a function block. In the line 502 below, the area of the rectangle is specified in the same manner as in the line 501.

[0046] Further, the line 503 indicates that a string such as "FB selection" is displayed on the left within the "FB selection combo box area", and the line 504 indicates that a combo box that includes the elements of an array obtained as the return value of the function "GetFBs()" is displayed as options in the center within the "FB selection combo box area". The line 505 indicates that a button for inputting "enable" or "disable" is displayed on the left within the "button area" in correspondence with the bit value of the input argument of the function block 40, i.e., "Enable". The line 506 indicates that a red or green lamp, or a string of "executing" or "stopping" is displayed on the left within the "lamp area" in correspondence with the bit value of the output argument of the function block 40, i.e., "Busy". As described above, the individual structure information 122 specifies the configuration of image elements such as strings, combo boxes, buttons, and lamps. Further, at least a part of the plurality of image elements configured correspond to the input argument or the output argument of the function block, and the display mode of the image element is changed by the value. Here, the display mode of the image element means the characters and colors that constitute the string, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] An example of the common structure information 123 is shown in Figure 6 The common structure information 123 is described in the same form as the individual structure information 122. However, in the common structure information 123, the configuration of the image elements is specified in correspondence with different parameters included in a plurality of function blocks. In other words, in the common structure information 123, instead of directly referring to the argument used only for a specific function block among the plurality of function blocks corresponding to the common structure information 123, a generalized reference expression is used. For example, Figure 7 The line 601 in indicates that all of the input arguments of which the data type is Boolean are configured within the "input argument table area". By this, the window 600 shown in Figure 1 is generated as a status image. The window 600 includes a table 602 that indicates a list of the input arguments of the function block as an image element.

[0048] Return Figure 4 The UI section 14 is mainly realized by the cooperative action of the input section 34 and the output section 35. The UI section 14 prompts the user with a screen including the state image generated by the generation section 13, and receives the user's operation input using the screen. For example, the UI section 14 receives the selection operation realized by the pressing or tapping of the buttons 403, 404 in the screen of FIG. 4B. Then, the UI section 14 causes the operation received to be reflected on the PLC 20 by notifying the instruction section 15 of the operation, thereby causing the operation to be reflected on the PLC 20. That is, the UI section 14 functions as an input / output interface for the user at the time of trial operation of the PLC 20 as a functional block. The UI section 14 corresponds to one example of a display device that displays the state image output from the generation section 13. Figure 8

[0049] The instruction section 15 is mainly realized by the cooperative action of the processor 31 and the communication section 36. The instruction section 15 causes the PLC 20 to act in accordance with the user operation notified from the UI section 14. Here, the user operation refers to causing the PLC to execute the function of the functional block on a trial basis, and thus the instruction from the instruction section 15 to the PLC 20 can also be said to be an instruction to write an action program equivalent to a single functional block to the PLC 20, and cause the PLC 20 to execute the action program. However, as the input argument of the functional block, the value specified by the user using the state image is adopted.

[0050] Further, the instruction section 15 reads out the parameter related to the functional block at the time when the functional block is executed by the PLC 20 from the memory of the PLC 20, and outputs to the generation section 13. The generation section 13 that has obtained the value of the parameter output from the instruction section 15 updates the state image using the value, and outputs to the UI section 14, whereby the state image prompted to the user is updated. The instruction section 15 corresponds to one example of an instruction unit that instructs the programmable controller to act in accordance with the functional block.

[0051] Next, the flow of the image generation processing executed in the image generation device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 8 The image generation processing corresponds to one example of an image generation method executed by the image generation device. Further, the image generation processing is not limited to the flow shown in FIG. 5, and as long as the state image representing the state of the functional block is prompted to the user, the steps to be executed and the order of the steps can be arbitrarily changed. Figure 7

[0052] In the image generation processing, the acquisition section 11 acquires the FB information (step S1), and acquires the individual structure information and the common structure information (step S2). Specifically, the acquisition section 11 reads out these information from the server device or the area of the recording medium represented by the address specified by the user.

[0053] ​​Next, the generation section 13 determines whether or not the commissioning operation for causing the PLC 20 to execute the function block has been input by the user (step S3). In the case where it is determined that the commissioning operation has not been input (step S3; No), the determination of step S3 is repeated.

[0054] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the commissioning operation has been input (step S3; Yes), the generation section 13 determines whether or not the individual structure information 122 corresponding to the function block specified in the commissioning operation has been stored in the storage section 12 (step S4). In the case where it is determined that the individual structure information 122 has not been stored in the storage section 12 (step S4; No), the generation section 13 extracts the information of the arguments of the function block from the FB information 121 corresponding to the function block specified in the commissioning operation of step S3, and generates the state image based on the extracted information of the arguments and the common structure information 123 (step S5). Thus, the window 600 as shown in FIG. 6 is generated. Figure 4

[0055] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the individual structure information 122 has been stored in the storage section 12 (step S4; Yes), the generation section 13 determines whether or not the information shown in the state image by the common structure information 123 is more than the information shown in the state image by the individual structure information 122 (step S6). Specifically, with respect to the function block specified in the commissioning operation of step S3, the generation section 13 determines whether or not the number of parameters referred to in the common structure information 123 is more than the number of parameters referred to in the individual structure information 122.

[0056] In the case where the determination of step S6 is negative (step S6; No), the generation section 13 generates the state image based on the information of the arguments extracted from the FB information 121 and the individual structure information 122, as in step S5 (step S7). Thus, the window 400 as shown in FIG. 4 is generated. Figure 3

[0057] On the other hand, in the case where the determination of step S6 is affirmative (step S6; Yes), the generation section 13 generates the state image based on the information of the arguments extracted from the FB information 121, the individual structure information 122, and the common structure information 123, as in step S5 (step S8). Specifically, the generation section 13 appends, to the state image temporarily generated based on the individual structure information 122, a layout including the image elements related to the parameters not referred to in the individual structure information 122 but referred to in the common structure information 123, thereby generating the state image that should be displayed. Thus, for example, with respect to the function block having the same name of the output argument as the function block 40, which is "MCv_FB2", the window 600 as shown in FIG. 6 is generated. Figure 9 Figure 10 ​​​As shown, the window 900 in which the image elements corresponding to the output parameters such as "Busy" and "Error" are configured based on the individual structure information 122 and the image elements corresponding to the output parameter such as "ErrorID" are configured based on the common structure information 123 is generated as a status image.

[0058] After the steps S5, S7, S8, the image generation apparatus 10 performs a trial operation of the PLC 20 by sending an execution instruction of the function block to the PLC 20, and displays the status image to the user (step S9). Specifically, the instruction from the user input using the status image displayed by the UI section 14 is sent to the PLC 20 by the instruction section 15, thereby causing the PLC 20 to act, and the result of the action of the PLC 20 is reflected to the status image by the generation section 13.

[0059] Then, the image generation processing ends. The timing at which the image generation processing ends can be the timing at which the stop instruction is input by the user, can be the timing at which the length of time prescribed in advance elapses, or can be any other arbitrary timing.

[0060] As described above, the acquisition section 11 acquires the individual structure information 122 that specifies the structure of the status image, and the generation section 13 generates the status image based on the individual structure information 122. Therefore, a user interface in which the user interface corresponding to each function block is not designed and installed from scratch, but in which the use convenience is good as long as the individual structure information is created, can be provided. Thus, with respect to the user interface for observing the function of the function block, the use convenience appropriate for the user, the design, and the reduction of the work burden of the installation can be taken into account.

[0061] In addition, in the case where the individual structure information 122 corresponding to the function block is not present, the generation section 13 generates the status image based on the common structure information 123. Therefore, it is not necessary to create the individual structure information 122 for all the function blocks and distribute it to the user. Thus, the work burden of the creator who creates the individual structure information 122 is reduced, and the user does not need to manage a large number of individual structure information 122. Here, the function block for which the corresponding individual structure information 122 is stored in the storage section 12 corresponds to one example of the first function block, and the function block for which the corresponding individual structure information 122 is not stored in the storage section 12 corresponds to one example of the second function block. The generation section 13 corresponds to one example of a generation unit that generates the status image when the first function block is caused to act based on the individual structure information, generates the status image when the second function block different from the first function block is caused to act based on the common structure information, and outputs it to the display apparatus.

[0062] In addition, in a case where the information displayed based on the individual structure information 122 is insufficient, a state image in which the insufficient information is arranged as an image element based on the common structure information 123 is generated. Thus, as long as the individual structure information 122 is created for a particularly important parameter, the burden on the creator of the individual structure information 122 can be alleviated. Here, the parameter referred to in the individual structure information 122 corresponds to one example of the first parameter, and the parameter not referred to in the individual structure information 122 but referred to in the common structure information 123 corresponds to one example of the second parameter. The generation section 13 corresponds to one example of a generation unit that generates a state image indicating the state of the first parameter based on the individual structure information and the state of the second parameter based on the common structure information, in a case where the parameter indicating the state of the function block by the common structure information includes the first parameter indicating the state of the function block by the individual structure information and the second parameter different from the first parameter.

[0063] In addition, the individual structure information 122 and the common structure information 123 specify the arrangement of the plurality of image elements included in the state image. Thereby, the information to be presented to the user can be directly constructed.

[0064] In addition, using the state image, the commissioning of the PLC 20 is performed by the function block. Thereby, the user on site can easily observe the action of the PLC 20 as a result of the function of the function block being exerted.

[0065] Embodiment 2

[0066] Next, the embodiment 2 is described focusing on the difference from the above-described embodiment 1. Further, the same reference numerals are used for the structures same as or equivalent to those of the above-described embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. The difference between the present embodiment and the embodiment 1 is that, as shown in Figure 10 The individual structure information 122 includes the element information indicating the new image element.

[0067] Figure 11 The individual structure information 122 of the "Busy" function block 1000 includes the lines 1001, 1002 indicating that the image with the name "image01.jpg" or the image with the name "image02.jpg" is displayed in correspondence with the value of the output parameter "Busy", and includes the image files determined by the names as the element information. The state image generated based on the individual structure information 122 includes the image of either of "image01.jpg" or "image02.jpg".

[0068] As described above, the individual structure information 122 contains element information representing a new image element, and therefore the state image generated by the generation section 13 is configured with the new image element. Thus, the state image can be designed flexibly.

[0069] Embodiment 3

[0070] Next, the embodiment 3 will be described focusing on the difference from the above-described embodiment 1. Further, the same reference numerals are used for the structures common or identical to those of the above-described embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment 1 is that the state image is generated using a plurality of common structure information 123 having priorities.

[0071] ​ The individual structure information 122 stored in the storage section 12, the first common structure information 123a having a priority of "1", the second common structure information 123b having a priority of "2", and the third common structure information 123c having a priority of "3" are exemplified. The priority indicates the degree of priority, and the common structure information 123 having a larger value of priority is used preferentially to the common structure information 123 having a smaller value of priority.

[0072] The generation section 13 generates the state image based on the individual structure information 122. However, in a case where the parameters displayed in the state image based on the individual structure information 122 are insufficient, the generation section 13 refers to the common structure information 123 having a higher priority in order, and attempts to generate the state image displaying the parameters as described above. Further, in a case where there is no individual structure information 122 corresponding to the functional block whose state is displayed by the state image, the generation section 13 refers to the common structure information 123 having a higher priority in order, and generates the state image displaying the parameters of the functional block.

[0073] Here, the common structure information 123 is information defined for a plurality of functional blocks, but can be defined for a specific group of functional blocks. For example, the third common structure information 123c can correspond to the functional blocks of the devices operating a specific manufacturing year, the second common structure information 123b can correspond to the functional blocks of the devices operating a group of which the string representing the model starts with "AB", and the first common structure information 123a can correspond to the functional blocks of the devices of a specific device manufacturer.

[0074] As described above, if the state image is generated by preferentially adopting a plurality of common structure information having priorities in order of the priorities, the structure of the state image can be designed more flexibly.

[0075] Further, the priority can also be defined without being explicitly defined. For example, the priority order can also be defined by having the common structure information 123 inherited by other common structure information 123, in the same manner as the inheritance of classes in a programming language.

[0076] The above describes embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0077] For example, the method of describing the individual structure information 122 and the common structure information 123 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, these information can also be described in XML (eXtensible Markup Language).

[0078] Further, the above describes an example in which the PLC 20 executes an action program equivalent to a single function block, but the present application is not limited thereto. The instruction unit 15 can also cause the PLC 20 to execute an action program including a function block whose state is displayed in the state image and other source codes, in accordance with an instruction from a user.

[0079] Further, the common structure information 123 can also define the configuration of the image elements corresponding to all kinds of data types of parameters that can be used in the action program, in order to generate a state image for an arbitrary function block.

[0080] Further, the image generation apparatus 10 has the UI unit 14 as a display apparatus that generates the state image, but can also output the state image to an external display apparatus.

[0081] Further, the image generation apparatus 10 generates a state image at the time of trial operation in which the function of the function block is reflected in the PLC 20, but the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the image generation apparatus 10 can also generate a state image at the time of simulation in which the function of the function block is executed, without causing the PLC 20 to actually operate.

[0082] Further, the functions of the image generation apparatus 10 can be realized by a dedicated hardware, or can also be realized by a general-purpose computer system.

[0083] For example, the apparatus that executes the above-described processing can be configured by distributing a program P1 executed by the processor 31, storing the program P1 in a non-transitory recording medium that is readable by a computer, and installing the program P1 in the computer. As such a recording medium, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), a DVD, and a MO (Magneto-Optical Disc) are conceivable.

[0084] Further, the program P1 can also be stored in a storage disk device possessed by a server apparatus on a communication network typified by the Internet, and downloaded to a computer, for example, superimposed on a carrier wave.

[0085] In addition, the above processing can be realized by executing the startup while forwarding the program P1 via the communication network.

[0086] Further, the above processing can be realized by executing the program while the computer transmits and receives information related to the processing via the communication network, by causing all or a part of the program P1 to be executed on the server device.

[0087] Further, in a case where the above function is realized by the OS (Operating System) sharing or in a case where it is realized by the cooperative action of the OS and the application, only a part other than the OS can be distributed by being stored in a medium, and the computer can be downloaded.

[0088] In addition, the means for realizing the function of the image generation device 10 is not limited to software, and a part or all of it can be realized by a dedicated hardware including a circuit.

[0089] The present application can be configured in various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present application. In addition, the above embodiments are used to explain the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. That is, the scope of the present application is not indicated by the embodiments, but by the claims. And, various modifications implemented within the scope of the claims and the meaning equivalent to the application are considered to fall within the scope of the present application.

[0090] Industrial Applicability

[0091] The present application is applicable to the development of an action program executed by a programmable controller.

[0092] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0093] 100 programmable controller system, 10 image generation device, 11 acquisition section, 12 storage section, 121 FB information, 122 individual structure information, 123 common structure information, 123a first common structure information, 123b second common structure information, 123c third common structure information, 13 generation section, 14 UI section, 15 instruction section, 20 PLC, 21 device, 31 processor, 32 main storage section, 33 auxiliary storage section, 34 input section, 35 output section, 36 communication section, 37 internal bus, 40 function block, 400, 600, 900 window, 401, 402 combination frame, 403, 404 button, 405-407 display section, 501-506, 601 row, 602 table, P1 program.

Claims

1. An image generation program product that causes a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires function block information indicating a function block described in an action program for causing a programmable controller to act, acquires individual structure information that is individually specified for the function block and specifies a structure of a state image that shows a state of a parameter related to the function block at the time of use of a function of the function block, the individual structure information being input by a user; and a generation unit that generates a window that contains the state image at the time of causing the function block to act, based on the individual structure information, and outputs to a display device, the individual structure information being described in a form containing a line that specifies a slice area, a line that specifies a disposition of an image element within the slice area.

2. An image generation program product that causes a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires function block information indicating a function block described in an action program for causing a programmable controller to act, acquires individual structure information that is individually specified for the function block and specifies a structure of a state image that shows a state of a parameter related to the function block at the time of use of a function of the function block; and a generation unit that generates the state image at the time of causing the function block to act, based on the individual structure information, and outputs to a display device, the acquisition unit acquiring a plurality of the function block information respectively indicating the function blocks different from each other, the individual structure information specified for a first function block among the plurality of function blocks, common structure information that specifies the structure of the state image and is common to the plurality of function blocks, the generation unit generating the state image at the time of causing the first function block to act, based on the individual structure information, generating the state image at the time of causing a second function block different from the first function block to act, based on the common structure information, and outputting to the display device.

3. The image generation program product according to claim 2, wherein the generation unit generates the state image that shows a state of a first parameter shown by the state image constituted in accordance with the individual structure information for the first function block, a state of a second parameter different from the first parameter, based on the individual structure information, in a case where the parameter shown by the state image constituted in accordance with the common structure information for the first function block contains the first parameter and the second parameter.

4. The image generation program product according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of the common structure information having priorities, the generation unit generates the state image by giving priority to the individual structure information over the common structure information, and giving priority to the common structure information having a higher priority over the common structure information having a lower priority.

5. The image generation program product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The individual structure information is information that specifies a configuration of a plurality of image elements included in the state image, The plurality of image elements include the image elements corresponding to the parameters.

6. The image generation program product according to claim 5, wherein The individual structure information includes element information indicating the image elements, The generation unit generates the state image including the image elements indicated by the element information based on the individual structure information.

7. The image generation program product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The image generation program product further causes the computer to function as an instruction unit that instructs the programmable controller to act in accordance with the function block, The generation unit generates the state image when the programmable controller is caused to act by the instruction of the instruction unit.

8. An image generation apparatus having: an acquisition unit that acquires function block information indicating a function block corresponding to a routine described in an action program for causing a programmable controller to act, acquires individual structure information that specifies a structure of a state image and is individually specified for the function block, the individual structure information being input by a user, the state image showing a state of a parameter related to the function block when a function of the function block is used; and a generation unit that generates a window including the state image when the function block is caused to act based on the individual structure information, outputs to a display device, The individual structure information is described in a form including a line specifying a slice area, a line specifying a configuration of an image element in the slice area.

9. An image generation apparatus having: an acquisition unit that acquires function block information indicating a function block corresponding to a routine described in an action program for causing a programmable controller to act, acquires individual structure information that specifies a structure of a state image and is individually specified for the function block, the state image showing a state of a parameter related to the function block when a function of the function block is used; and a generation unit that generates the state image when the function block is caused to act based on the individual structure information, outputs to a display device, The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of the function block information respectively indicating the function blocks different from each other, the individual structure information specified for a first function block among the plurality of function blocks, common structure information that specifies a structure of the state image and is common to the plurality of function blocks, The generation unit generates the state image when the first function block is caused to act based on the individual structure information, generates the state image when a second function block different from the first function block is caused to act based on the common structure information, outputs to the display device.

10. A programmable controller system having the image generation apparatus of claim 8 or 9 and the programmable controller, wherein The image generation apparatus further has an instruction unit that instructs the programmable controller to act in accordance with the function block, The image generation apparatus further has an instruction unit that instructs the programmable controller to act in accordance with the function block, The generation unit of the image generation apparatus generates the state image at the time when the programmable controller is caused to act by the instruction of the instruction unit.

11. An image generation method comprising the steps of: a function block information representing a function block corresponding to a routine described in an action program for causing a programmable controller to act is acquired; the function block information representing a function block corresponding to a routine described in an action program for causing a programmable controller to act is acquired; a separate structure information which defines a structure of a state image and is defined separately for the function block is acquired, the state image showing a state of a parameter related to the function block at the time when a function of the function block is used, the separate structure information being input by a user; and a window including the state image at the time when the function block is caused to act is generated based on the separate structure information, and output to a display device, the separate structure information is described in a form including a line defining a slice area, and a line defining a disposition of an image element in the slice area.

12. An image generation method comprising the steps of: a function block information representing a function block corresponding to a routine described in an action program for causing a programmable controller to act is acquired; a separate structure information which defines a structure of a state image and is defined separately for the function block is acquired, the state image showing a state of a parameter related to the function block at the time when a function of the function block is used; a window including the state image at the time when the function block is caused to act is generated based on the separate structure information, and output to a display device, the function block information representing a plurality of the function blocks different from each other, the separate structure information defined for a first function block among the plurality of the function blocks, and common structure information defining a structure of the state image and common to the plurality of the function blocks are acquired, the state image at the time when the first function block is caused to act is generated based on the separate structure information, and the state image at the time when a second function block different from the first function block is caused to act is generated based on the common structure information, and output to the display device.

Images