Controller, setting method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a controller, a setting method, and a computer-readable storage medium that efficiently implement engineering of an automation system. The controller includes: a reception unit that receives a specification of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to the plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the controller; a search unit that searches for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrument database in which the identification information and input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device are associated and recorded; and a setting unit that sets the searched input / output information in an input / output module of the controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a controller, a setting method and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the workshop, the process for manufacturing various products is automated by introducing an automation system. When the project related to the above automation system is completed, engineering design such as design / construction / inspection is carried out based on the design information received from the customer.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-046438

[0004] However, currently, the engineering design of automation systems cannot be effectively implemented. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of one aspect is to provide a controller, a setting method, and a setting program that can efficiently implement engineering design of an automation system.

[0006] A controller according to one aspect comprises: an accepting unit that accepts the designation of identification information, the identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of instruments, or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the controller; a retrieving unit that retrieves input / output information corresponding to the designated identification information from an instrument database that records the identification information and input / output information (e.g., IO information) of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other; and a setting unit that sets the retrieved input / output information in an input / output module (e.g., IO module) of the controller.

[0007] A setting method according to one aspect includes executing the following processing by a computer: accepting the designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of instruments or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and a computer, retrieving input / output information corresponding to the designated identification information from an instrument database that records the identification information and input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other, and setting the retrieved input / output information in an input / output module of a controller.

[0008] A computer-readable storage medium according to one aspect causes a computer to execute the following processing: accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of instruments or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer, retrieving input / output information corresponding to the designated identification information from an instrument database that records the identification information and input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other, and setting the retrieved input / output information in an input / output module of the computer.

[0009] Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to one embodiment, engineering design of an automation system can be efficiently performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining the system configuration according to the present embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the meter database.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of P&ID data.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the DCN involved in this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the DCN according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining a hardware configuration example.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of design information received from a customer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Below, the controller, setting method and computer-readable storage medium disclosed in the present application are described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, the same reference numerals are marked on the same elements and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted, and each embodiment can be appropriately combined within the scope of non-contradiction.

[0019] (Implementation Method)

[0020] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of design information received from a customer. Figure 7 As shown, for example, the design information 10 includes an instrument database 11, process flow chart information 12, control function and safety function requirement specifications 13, operation concept / sequence / alarm management requirements 14, and physical workshop structure 15. In addition, the instrument database 11 includes cable information 11a, instrument information 11b, and workshop hierarchy 11c. The process flow chart information 12 includes P&ID (Piping

[0021] &Instrumentation Diagram: Piping and instrumentation diagram)12a.

[0022] Currently, when engineering design is performed based on the design information 10, there are some tasks that are performed manually by operators. For example, operators refer to the instrument database 11 to build IO (Input Output) settings for multiple controllers (hereinafter referred to as DCN: Distributed Control Node) constituting the automation system and control loops of function blocks connected to the IO.

[0023] As described above, conventionally, when engineering design is performed based on the design information 10 , workers manually perform the setting of the DCN, and thus the automation system project cannot be completed efficiently.

[0024] Furthermore, when the design information 10 is changed, the operator has to refer to the meter database 11 every time to re-set a plurality of DCNs, which increases the burden on the operator. Next, this embodiment will be described.

[0025] (Overall structure)

[0026] An example of a system configuration according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 2 is a diagram for explaining the system structure involved in the implementation scheme. Figure 1 As shown, the system has a workshop 1, an instrument database 50, P&ID data 60, a structure management device 70, an authentication device 80, and DCNs 100a, 100b, and 100c. Although not shown in the figure, the system may also have other DCNs in addition to DCNs 100a to 100c (for example, it may also have DCN 100d). The structure management device 70 and the authentication device 80 may be implemented by a single device.

[0027] The configuration management device 70, the authentication device 80, and the DCNs 100a to 100c are connected to each other via a control network 90. ​​The configuration management device 70 is connected to the instrument database 50 and the P&ID database 60.

[0028] Workshop 1 is the production equipment for petroleum / petrochemical, gas, iron / non-iron, chemical, electricity, food and medicine, etc.

[0029] A plurality of instruments 2 are installed in various places of the workshop 1. The instruments 2 are connected to field instruments such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, pH sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, valves, pumps, and motors in the workshop 1. In addition, the instruments 2 are connected to junction boxes 4a, 4b, and 4c.

[0030] Function block 3 is constructed in DCN to control the device 2. For example, a series of processes in which function block 3 obtains information from a certain device 2 and controls other devices 2 based on the obtained information is called a control cycle.

[0031] The junction boxes 4a to 4c are connected to the DCN 100a to 100c respectively by using multi-core trunk cables 5a, 5b, and 5c. Although not shown in the figure, the workshop 1 may also include junction boxes other than the junction boxes 4a to 4c. The junction boxes 4a to 4c are an example of a "relay device". For example, if the instrument 2 has a communication function, the instrument 2 can be connected to a relay device 4d having a communication function such as a network switch. In this case, the relay device 4d is connected to the DCN 100d by using a communication cable 5d.

[0032] Junction boxes 4a to 4c connect cables and the like to the device 2. In the following description, junction boxes 4a to 4c are appropriately referred to as "junction boxes 4". Junction box numbers (hereinafter referred to as JB numbers) are set for identifying the junction boxes. Figure 1 In the example shown, the JB number of the junction box 4a is "JB-001". The JB number of the junction box 4b is "JB-002". The JB number of the junction box 4c is "JB-003".

[0033] In addition, the trunk cables 5 a to 5 c are appropriately referred to as “trunk cables 5 .” A trunk cable number (HR cable number) for identifying the trunk cable 5 is set for the trunk cable 5 .

[0034] The meter database 50 associates the JB number, the HR cable number, and the IO information. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the instrument database. Figure 2 As shown, the instrument database has project number, JB number, JB terminal number, HR cable number, cable core number, IO information, DCN setting information, control parameters, and alarm threshold.

[0035] The item number is a number for identifying a record in the meter database 50. In addition, the item number may not be included in the meter database 50.

[0036] The JB number is a number for identifying the junction box 4. The JB terminal number indicates the terminal number connected to the device 2 among the terminal numbers on the device 2 side of the junction box 4. For example, the JB terminal number "1 / 2" indicates No. 1 and No. 2.

[0037] The HR cable number is a number for identifying the trunk cable 5. The cable core number indicates the core number of the cable used for connecting the terminal on the DCN side of the junction box 4 and the terminal of the IO module of the DCN. For example, the cable core number "1 / 2" indicates No. 1 and No. 2.

[0038] IO information includes tag name, IO type, signal type, measurement range, industrial unit, etc. For example, the tag name is the tag name (Device Tag Name) of instrument 2. The IO type can be set to any of "AI (Analog Input)", "AO (Analog Output)", "DI (Digital Input)", and "DO (Digital Output)".

[0039] Signal type is the type of signal, and settings include "4-20mA", "24VDC (Volts Direct Current)", etc. Measurement range indicates the range that can be measured by the instrument 2. For example, "0 to 300" is set as the measurement range. Industrial unit includes industrial units such as "T / hr", "%", and "PSIG".

[0040] The DCN setting information is setting information of the DCN connected to the junction box 4, and is notified from the DCNs 100a to 100c as described later. For example, the DCN setting information includes "DCN Assignment", "IO Channel Assignment", "ControlSystem Tag", and "Function Block Type".

[0041] For DCN Assignment, set the identification information of the DCN to which the corresponding JB number is assigned. For IOChannel Assignment, set the channel number of the IO module assigned to the DCN. For Control System Tag, set the tag name of the function block 3 related to the control loop built in the DCN. Function Block Type is the model name of the function block 3.

[0042] The control parameters are various parameters set for the function block 3. The alarm threshold is a threshold that is referred to when the function block 3 outputs an alarm. For example, when the value output from the instrument 2 exceeds the threshold, the function block 3 outputs an alarm.

[0043] For example, the DCNs 100 a to 100 c can identify the IO information corresponding to the JB number (or the HR cable number) by using the meter database 50 .

[0044] The P&ID data 60 is data that graphically expresses various elements such as field instruments in the plant 1 , instruments 2 connected to the field instruments, function blocks 3 , and piping.

[0045] Figure 360. FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of P&ID data. For convenience, a description will be given here of some of the devices, some of the functional blocks, and some of the piping included in the P&ID data 60. The junction box 4 is connected to a plurality of devices 2.

[0046] The heat exchanger 61 is connected to the pipes p1, p2, etc. For example, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is transported to the heat exchanger 61 through the pipe p1. The heat exchanger 61 heats the LNG and returns the LNG to gas. The heat exchanger 61 is supplied with gas through the pipe p2.

[0047] A sensor se1 for measuring the flow rate of LNG is provided on the pipe p1. Valves v1 and v2 for adjusting the flow rate of LNG are provided on the pipe p1. The sensor se1 is connected to the instrument 2-1. The valve v1 is connected to the instruments 2-2 and 2-3. The valve v2 is connected to the instruments 2-4 and 2-5.

[0048] Function blocks 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 are constructed in the DCN. Function block 3-1 is connected to instruments 2-1, 2-3, and function block 3-2. Function block 3-2 is connected to function block 3-3. For example, function block 3-1 obtains the measured value of the flow rate of pipe p1 from instrument 2-1, and outputs control information of valve v1 to instrument 2-3 based on the measured value. Instrument 2-3 adjusts the opening and closing of valve v1 based on the control information. Function block 3-1 performs the above-mentioned processing to control the flow rate of pipe p1. A series of processing in which function block 3-1 obtains information from instrument 2-1 and controls instrument 2-3 based on the obtained information is a control cycle.

[0049] For example, the DCNs 100 a to 100 c can specify the connection relationship between the device 2 and the function block 3 and the control cycle using the P&ID data 60 .

[0050] The structure management device 70 manages Figure 2 The structure of the system shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a DCN 100a to 100c. For example, the structure management device 70 stores information set for the DCNs 100a to 100c connected to the control network 90. ​​The structure management device 70 transmits information related to the meter database 50 and the P&ID data 60 to the DCNs 100a to 100c in response to a request from the DCNs 100a to 100c. In addition, the DCNs 100a to 100c can directly access the meter database 50 and the P&ID data 60 to obtain information.

[0051] When the DCN is connected to the control network 90, the authentication device 80 authenticates the connected DCN. When an authentication request is received from the DCN, if the DCN of the authentication request source is a DCN to be permitted to connect, the authentication device 80 notifies the connection permission. For example, information identifying the DCN is set in the authentication request.

[0052] The DCNs 100a to 100c are connected to the equipment 2 via the trunk cable 5 and the junction box 4 to perform data collection, monitoring, transmission of control commands, process optimization, etc. In the following description, the DCNs 100a to 100c are collectively referred to as "DCN 100".

[0053] When the DCN 100 according to the present embodiment receives the setting of the JB number from the operator and is connected to the control network 90 , the IO information corresponding to the JB number is searched based on the meter database 50 and the JB number, and the searched IO information is set in the IO module of the DCN 100 .

[0054] If the setting of the IO information is completed, the DCN 100 searches for the control loop associated with the instrument 2 having the tag name of the set IO information based on the P&ID data 60, associates the tag name associated with the control loop with the function block 3, and thereby constructs the control loop in the DCN 100. If the control loop is constructed, the DCN 100 sets the control parameters and alarm thresholds corresponding to the tag name of the function block 3 related to the control loop to the function block 3 from the instrument database 50.

[0055] As described above, the operator only needs to set the JB number in the DCN 100 to automatically set the IO information in the IO module and automatically construct the control loop, thereby eliminating the burden of engineering design that the operator has previously manually performed.

[0056] (Functional Structure)

[0057] Next, Figure 1 A configuration example of DCN 100 included in the system shown will be described. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the DCN involved in this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the DCN 100 includes an IO module 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, a control unit 150, and a communication unit 160. The functional units of the DCN 100 are not limited to the illustrated configurations, and other functional units may be included.

[0058] The IO module 110 has a plurality of channels for connecting to the trunk cable 5 and the like. For example, the DCN 100 controls the equipment 2 of the plant 1 via the IO module 110. In addition, the DCN 100 performs data communication with the configuration management device 70 and the authentication device 80 via the communication unit 160. In addition, the communication unit 160 can access the instrument database 50 and the P&ID data 60.

[0059] The input unit 120 inputs various information to the control unit 150 of the DCN 100. The input unit 120 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. An operator operates the input unit 120 to input a JB number or an HR cable number.

[0060] In addition, the operator confirms in advance the relationship between the DCN 100 to be operated and the junction box 4 connected to the DCN 100 (which JB number is associated with the DCN 100) by referring to the meter database 50. The JB number and the HR cable number are input to the meter database 50, so if the JB number is determined, the HR cable number is also determined.

[0061] The display unit 130 displays information output from the control unit 150 of the DCN 100 .

[0062] The storage unit 140 stores an IO information table 141, control cycle information 142, and DCN setting information 143. The storage unit 140 is implemented by a memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0063] The IO information table 141 stores the IO information retrieved from the meter database 50 by the control unit 150 . The IO information registered in the IO information table 141 is set in the IO module 110 by the control unit 150 .

[0064] The control cycle information 142 and the DCN setting information 143 are information generated based on the IO information registered in the IO information table 141 and the search result of the P&ID data 60 .

[0065] The control unit 150 is a processing unit that manages the entire DCN 100, and is implemented by, for example, a processor, etc. The control unit 150 includes a receiving unit 151, an authentication request unit 152, a search unit 153, a first setting unit 154, a construction unit 155, and a second setting unit 156. The first setting unit 154 and the second setting unit 156 are examples of a "setting unit".

[0066] The receiving unit 151 receives the designation of the JB number or the HR cable number from the input unit 120. In the present embodiment, the case where the designation of the JB number is received from the input unit 120 is described, but the HR cable number may be received instead of the JB number and the same process may be performed. As described above, this is because if the JB number is determined, the HR cable number is determined.

[0067] The receiving unit 151 outputs the designated JB number to the searching unit 153. In the following description, the designated JB number is referred to as "designated JB number".

[0068] When the communication unit 160 of the DCN 100 is connected to the control network 90 by hardware, the authentication request unit 152 validates the port number used for the authentication request among the plurality of port numbers for identifying the program used for communication, and invalidates the other port numbers not used for the authentication request. The port number used for the authentication request is the port number used when the DCN 100 communicates with the authentication device 80.

[0069] The authentication request unit 152 makes an authentication request to the authentication device 80. For example, the authentication request unit 152 sets identification information for identifying the DCN 100 in the authentication request. When receiving a notification of connection permission from the authentication device 80, the authentication request unit 152 sets all the required port numbers among the multiple port numbers that have been set to invalid to valid. The required port numbers are set in advance by the setting program.

[0070] When receiving the designated JB number from the accepting unit 151 and receiving the connection permission notification from the authentication device 80, the searching unit 153 accesses the meter database 50 via the configuration management device 70. The searching unit 153 searches the records in the meter database 50 for a record in which the same JB number as the designated JB number is set.

[0071] For example, when "JB-001" is specified as the designated JB number, Figure 2 The search unit 153 obtains the IO information included in the searched record from the meter database 50 . The search unit 153 registers the obtained IO information in the IO information table 141 .

[0072] The first setting unit 154 sets a plurality of IO information stored in the IO information table 141 for each IO node (input / output channel) of the IO module 110. For example, the first setting unit 154 sets one piece of IO information for one IO node.

[0073] When IO information is set for each IO node (input / output channel) of the IO module 110 , the first setting unit 154 registers the channel number (IO Channel Assignment) assigned to the DCN in the DCN setting information 143 .

[0074] In addition, when the amount of IO information stored in the IO information table 141 exceeds the amount that can be set for the IO nodes of the IO module, the first setting unit 154 sets the IO information with the amount that can be set for the IO nodes, and entrusts the structure management device 70 with the settings related to the remaining IO information that cannot be set.

[0075] When receiving a request for setting of the remaining IO information that cannot be set from DCN 100, configuration management device 70 searches for another DCN that has the same JB number as DCN 100 as the requesting party, notifies the searched DCN of the received IO information, and requests the setting of the IO module.

[0076] When the setting of the IO information by the first setting unit 154 is completed, the construction unit 155 determines the label name of the device 2 included in the IO information set for the IO module 110. In the following description, the label name of the device 2 included in the IO information set for the IO module 110 is referred to as a "set label name".

[0077] The construction unit 155 accesses the P&ID data 60 via the configuration management device 70, and searches for a control loop having a tag name of the device 2 that is the same as the set tag name based on the set tag name and the P&ID data 60. Figure 3 In the case of the label name of the device 2 - 1 described in , the control loop is a control loop of the device 2 - 1 , the function block 3 - 1 , and the device 2 - 3 .

[0078] The construction unit 155 generates control loop information 142 that associates the label name of the instrument 2 included in the retrieved control loop, the label name of the function block 3, the IO type (AI, AO, DI, DO) of the instrument 2 included in the control loop, the Function Block Type (PID, DC, other) of the function block included in the control loop, and the like, and registers the information in the storage unit 140. For example, a function block whose Function Block Type is "PID" is a function block that calculates and adjusts a control signal based on the difference (error) between the current state of the control object and the target state (PID control). A function block whose Function Block Type is "DC" is a function block that processes digital signals (DI, DO) for controlling a motor, etc.

[0079] The second setting unit 156 determines the label name of the function block included in the control cycle based on the control cycle information 142 generated by the construction unit 155. The second setting unit 156 accesses the instrument database 50 via the configuration management device 70, obtains the control parameter and the alarm threshold value corresponding to the determined label name of the function block, and sets them in the corresponding function block 3.

[0080] In addition, the second setting unit 156 determines the relationship between the channel number (IO Channel Assignment) assigned to the DCN, the label name of the function block, and the Function Block Type based on the control cycle information 142 generated in the construction unit 155, and registers it in the DCN setting information 143. The second setting unit 156 accesses the meter database 50 via the configuration management device 70, and registers the relationship between the designated JB number and the DCN setting information 143 in the meter database 50.

[0081] The operator updates the information in the instrument database 50. If the operator wants to change the JB number set for the DCN 100, the operator operates the input unit 120 to input the JB number to the DCN 100 again. When a new designated JB number is received from the input unit 120, each functional unit 151 to 156 included in the control unit 150 initializes the IO information table 141, the control cycle information 142, and the DCN setting information 143 and executes the above-mentioned processing again. Thus, the IO information corresponding to the new designated JB number is retrieved, and the retrieved IO information is set to each IO node of the IO module 110. In addition, the control cycle information 142 and the DCN setting information 143 corresponding to the new designated JB number are generated again.

[0082] Furthermore, in connection with the dynamic process simulation, DCN 100 performs a functional test on the function block 3 and outputs a test report.

[0083] (Processing Flow)

[0084] Next, the processing flow of DCN 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 5 : is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the DCN of this embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the receiving unit 151 of the DCN 100 receives an input of a JB number from the input unit 120 (step S101).

[0085] When connecting to the control network, the authentication request unit 152 of the DCN 100 invalidates the port numbers other than the port number used for the authentication request among the plurality of port numbers (step S102). The authentication request unit 152 sends the authentication request to the authentication device 80 (step S103). When receiving a notification of connection permission from the authentication device 80, the authentication request unit 152 sets all the required port numbers to be valid (step S104).

[0086] The search unit 153 of the DCN 100 accesses the meter database 50 via the configuration management device 70, searches for IO information corresponding to the JB number, and registers the searched IO information in the IO information table 141 (step S105).

[0087] The first setting unit 154 of the DCN 100 sets a plurality of IO information registered in the IO information table 141 for each IO node of the IO module 110 (step S106). When the number of IO information registered in the IO information table 141 exceeds the number that can be set, the first setting unit 154 executes a request for setting related to the IO information that cannot be set to the configuration management device (step S107).

[0088] The first setting unit 154 generates the DCN setting information 143 based on the result of allocating the IO information to each IO node of the IO module 110 (step S108 ).

[0089] The construction unit 155 of the DCN 100 determines the tag name (set tag name) of the device 2 included in the IO information set for the IO module 110 (step S109). The construction unit 155 accesses the P&ID data 60 via the configuration management device 70, searches for the control loop having the tag name of the device 2 that is the same as the set tag name, and generates the control loop information 142 (step S110).

[0090] The second setting unit 156 of the DCN 100 determines the tag name of the function block 3 included in the control cycle based on the control cycle information 142 (step S111). The second setting unit 152 accesses the meter database 50 via the configuration management device 70, and obtains the control parameter and alarm threshold value corresponding to the determined tag name of the function block 3 (step S112).

[0091] The second setting unit 156 sets the acquired control parameter and alarm threshold value for the function block (step S113). The second setting unit 156 determines the relationship between the channel number assigned to the DCN 100, the label name of the function block 3, and the Function Block Type based on the control cycle information 142, and registers it in the DCN setting information 143 (step S114).

[0092] In connection with the dynamic process simulation, the DCN 100 performs a functional test and outputs a test report (step S115 ).

[0093] The second setting unit 156 accesses the meter database 50 via the configuration management device 70 and registers the relationship between the designated JB number and the DCN setting information 143 in the meter database 50 (step S116 ).

[0094] (Effect)

[0095] Next, the effects of the DCN 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. If the designation of the JB number (or HR cable number) is accepted, the DCN 100 accesses the meter database 50, retrieves the IO information corresponding to the designated JB number, and sets the retrieved IO information to the IO module. Thus, the operator can automatically set the IO information to the IO module by only setting the JB number to the DCN 100, and can eliminate the burden of engineering design that the operator has previously performed manually.

[0096] When connecting to the control network 90, the DCN 100 invalidates the numbers other than the port number for which the authentication request is made, makes an authentication request for connection to the authentication device 80, and makes the invalid port number valid when the connection is permitted by the authentication device 80. Thus, only the authenticated DCN can be connected to the control network 90, thereby improving the security level.

[0097] The DCN 100 constructs a control loop based on the retrieved IO information and the P&ID data 60. Thus, the operator can generate a basic control loop simply by setting a JB number to the DCN 100.

[0098] When the number of retrieved IO information exceeds the number that can be set in the IO module, the DCN 100 executes a setting request of IO information corresponding to the excess to the configuration management device 70. Thus, the setting of IO information can be efficiently distributed.

[0099] The DCN 100 records information for setting the IO information in the IO module 110 as the DCN setting information 143 and sets it in the meter database 50. Thus, the allocation of the IO information automatically set to the DCN side can be automatically set in the meter database 50.

[0100] (hardware)

[0101] Next, a hardware configuration example of DCN 100 is described. Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a hardware configuration. Figure 6 As shown, the DCN 100 includes a communication device 6a, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 6b, a memory 6c, a processor 6d, and an IO device 6e. Figure 6 The various parts shown are connected to each other by a bus or the like.

[0102] The communication device 6a communicates with the configuration management device 70, the authentication device 80, other servers, and field devices having a communication function. In addition, the IO device 6e is an IO module, etc., which is connected to the trunk cable 5. The HDD 6b is used for Figure 4 The program and DB that execute the functions shown are stored.

[0103] Processor 6d reads and executes data from HDD 6b, etc. Figure 4 The same processing program is developed in the memory 6c for each processing unit as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The process of each function described in the above etc. executes the action. For example, this process executes the same function as each processing unit of DCN100. Specifically, the processor 6d executes the following process, that is, executes the same processing as the receiving unit 151, the authentication request unit 152, the search unit 153, the first setting unit 154, the construction unit 155, the second setting unit 156, etc.

[0104] In this way, DCN 100 operates as a DCN that executes the setting method by reading and executing the program. In addition, DCN 100 reads the above program from the recording medium using a medium reading device and executes the read program, thereby realizing the same functions as the above embodiment. In addition, the programs described in other embodiments are not limited to being executed by DCN 100. For example, when other computers or servers execute the program, or when they cooperate to execute the program, the present invention can also be applied in the same way.

[0105] The program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet, etc. In addition, the program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and is read from the recording medium by a computer and executed.

[0106] (other)

[0107] Several examples of combinations of disclosed technical features are described below.

[0108] (1) A controller, wherein:

[0109] The controller has:

[0110] an accepting unit that accepts a designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the controller;

[0111] a search unit that searches for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrument database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other; and

[0112] A setting unit sets the retrieved input / output information in an input / output module of the controller.

[0113] (2) A controller according to (1), wherein:

[0114] It also has an authentication request unit that, when connected to a control network for accessing the instrument database, invalidates port numbers other than the port number for which the authentication request is made, makes an authentication request regarding the connection to the authentication device, and executes processing to make the invalid port number valid when the connection is permitted by the authentication device.

[0115] (3) A controller according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0116] The invention further comprises a construction unit that determines the function block connected to the instrument corresponding to the input / output information based on the information defining the connection relationship between the plurality of instruments installed in the workshop and the function blocks connected to the plurality of instruments and the input / output information retrieved by the retrieval unit, and constructs a control loop that associates the instrument with the function block.

[0117] The setting unit sets a control parameter and an alarm threshold value in a function block.

[0118] (4) A controller according to (1), (2) or (3), wherein:

[0119] When the number of devices corresponding to the input / output information exceeds an upper limit set for the input / output module, the setting unit further executes a process of entrusting the setting of the input / output information related to the number of devices exceeding the upper limit to the management device of the system.

[0120] (5) A controller according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0121] When the input / output information is set for the input / output module, the setting unit further performs processing of recording a relationship between a channel of the controller and the input / output information as setting information and setting the setting information in the meter database.

[0122] (6) A controller according to (1), wherein:

[0123] The receiving unit receives a designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a junction box connected to a plurality of instruments used for workshop operations or a number for identifying a cable connecting the junction box and the computer,

[0124] The search unit searches for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from a meter database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the junction box in association with each other,

[0125] The setting unit sets the retrieved input / output information in an input / output module of the controller.

[0126] (7) A setting method, wherein:

[0127] The following processing is performed by the computer:

[0128] accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer,

[0129] Retrieving the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrument database that records the identification information and the input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other,

[0130] The retrieved input / output information is set in an input / output module of the computer.

[0131] (8) A computer-readable storage medium having a setting program recorded thereon, wherein:

[0132] The setting program causes the computer to execute the following processing:

[0133] accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer,

[0134] Retrieving the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrument database that records the identification information and the input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other,

[0135] The retrieved input / output information is set in an input / output module of the computer.

[0136] Description of the label

[0137] 1 Workshop

[0138] 2 Instruments

[0139] 3 Function blocks

[0140] 100DCN

[0141] 110IO module

[0142] 120 Input unit

[0143] 130 Display unit

[0144] 140 Storage

[0145] 141IO Information Table

[0146] 142 Control loop information

[0147] 143DCN setting information

[0148] 150 Control Department

[0149] 151 Reception Department

[0150] 152 Certification Request Department

[0151] 153 Search Department

[0152] 154 Setting Part 1

[0153] 155 Construction Department

[0154] 156 Setting Part 2

[0155] 160 Department of Communications

Claims

1. A controller, wherein: The controller has: an accepting unit that accepts a designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the controller; a search unit that searches for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrument database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other; as well as A setting unit sets the retrieved input / output information in an input / output module of the controller.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: The controller further includes an authentication request unit which, when connected to a control network for accessing the instrument database, invalidates port numbers other than the port number for which the authentication request is made, makes an authentication request regarding the connection to an authentication device, and executes processing to make the invalid port number valid when the connection is permitted by the authentication device.

3. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: The controller further includes a construction unit that determines the function block connected to the instrument corresponding to the input / output information based on the information defining the connection relationship between the plurality of instruments installed in the workshop and the function blocks connected to the plurality of instruments and the input / output information retrieved by the retrieval unit, and constructs a control loop that associates the instrument with the function block. The setting unit sets a control parameter and an alarm threshold value in a function block.

4. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: When the number of devices corresponding to the input / output information exceeds an upper limit set for the input / output module, the setting unit further executes a process of entrusting the setting of the input / output information related to the number of devices exceeding the upper limit to the management device of the system.

5. The controller according to claim 1, wherein: When the input / output information is set for the input / output module, the setting unit further performs processing of recording a relationship between a channel of the controller and the input / output information as setting information and setting the setting information in the meter database.

6. A setting method, wherein: The following processing is performed by the computer: accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer, Retrieving the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrument database that records the identification information and the input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other, The retrieved input / output information is set in an input / output module of the computer.

7. A computer-readable storage medium, which is a computer-readable recording medium having a setting program recorded thereon, wherein: The setting program causes the computer to execute the following processing: accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer, Retrieving the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from a meter database that records the identification information and the input / output information of a plurality of instruments connected to the relay device in association with each other, The retrieved input / output information is set in an input / output module of the computer.

Images