FA control program generation assistance program product, FA control program generation assistance device, FA control program generation assistance method

Abstract

A first filter condition data acquisition section (171) of an FA control program generation assistance device (100) acquires first filter condition data determined by a user, a first partial structure diagram data generation section (141) generates first partial structure diagram data based on structure diagram data and the first filter condition data, and a first partial structure diagram data display control section (151) displays the first partial structure diagram data. A second filter condition data acquisition section (172) acquires second filter condition data determined by the user, a second partial structure diagram data generation section (142) generates second partial structure diagram data based on the first partial structure diagram data and the second filter condition data, and a second partial structure diagram data display control section (152) displays the second partial structure diagram data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an FA control program generation assistance program product, an FA control program generation assistance device, and an FA control program generation assistance method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, a tool that assists in the generation of an FA control program, which is a program executed by a programmable logic controller (PLC: Programmable Logic Controller, hereinafter referred to as "PLC") that controls equipment in factory automation, i.e., so-called FA (Factory Automation), is known. With such a tool, a project that manages data required for an FA control program generated through so-called structured programming is provided. In addition, with such a tool, a relationship diagram that illustrates the relationship between data such as programs, function blocks (FBs), structures, and interfaces, which are constituent elements included in a project, is displayed. Furthermore, for such a tool, a tool having a so-called filtering function that extracts only the relationship related to a specific constituent element from the displayed relationship diagram is known.

[0003] As one example of a device that implements such a filtering function, a development assistance device for a PLC is disclosed in Patent Literature 1, which includes a mark adding unit that adds a mark from a user's request to add a mark to a design project desired by the user among a plurality of design projects, and a display control unit that collectively displays a specific design project to which a mark is added by the mark adding unit.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-194694 SUMMARY

[0005] In the device described in Patent Literature 1, even though a plurality of marks can be added to a plurality of design projects at the same time and collectively displayed, a mark cannot be re-added to a design project that is collectively displayed. That is, in the device described in Patent Literature 1, a plurality of filtering conditions can be set at the same time to obtain a filtering result, and on the other hand, the filtering result obtained cannot be further set with a filtering condition to update the filtering result. As a result, in the device described in Patent Literature 1, there is a problem that further mining from the filtering result obtained is not possible, and it is difficult to grasp the constituent elements associated with a specific constituent element as the size of the project becomes larger.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to enable a user to easily grasp constituent elements associated with a specific constituent element.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the FA control program generation auxiliary program of the present invention enables a computer to function as the following components: a component data acquisition unit that acquires component data, which is stored as data of elements constituting an item in an item database that manages data required by the FA control program, the FA control program being a structured program executed when a programmable logic controller controls the FA device; a structure diagram data generation unit that generates structure diagram data representing the item based on the component data; a structure diagram data display control unit that displays the structure diagram data on a display unit; a first filter condition data acquisition unit that acquires first filter condition data, which represents data of a first specific element constituting the item determined by the user from the structure diagram data; and a first partial structure diagram data generation unit that generates data based on the structure diagram data and the first filter condition data. The system generates first partial structure diagram data, which represents a portion of the structure diagram showing a first specific element and elements related to the first specific element; a first partial structure diagram data display control unit displays the first partial structure diagram data on a display unit; a second filter condition data acquisition unit acquires second filter condition data, which represents data showing a second specific element constituting an item determined by the user from the first partial structure diagram data; a second partial structure diagram data generation unit generates second partial structure diagram data based on the first partial structure diagram data and the second filter condition data, which represents a portion of the first partial structure diagram showing a second specific element and elements related to the second specific element; and a second partial structure diagram data display control unit displays the second partial structure diagram data on the display unit.

[0008] The effects of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention, if a user determines a first specific element from the displayed structural diagram data, the computer generates and displays first partial structural diagram data representing the relationship between the first specific element and elements different from the first specific element. Furthermore, if the user determines a second specific element from the displayed first partial structural diagram data, the computer generates and displays second partial structural diagram data representing the relationship between the second specific element and elements different from the second specific element. As a result, compared to FA control program generation assistance programs where the user cannot determine the second specific element from the first partial structural diagram data, and FA control program generation assistance programs that do not generate and display second partial structural diagram data even if the user determines the second specific element, the FA control program generation assistance program of the present invention allows the user to more easily grasp the constituent elements associated with specific constituent elements. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the FA control program generation auxiliary device involved in the implementation method.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a block diagram representing the hardware structure of the auxiliary device generated by the FA control program.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process of obtaining constituent element data.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the analytical processing of constituent elements.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process of generating structured graph data.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how structural diagram data is processed for display.

[0016] Figure 7 It means to and Figure 6 This is an example of how different structural data are processed for display.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of data displayed based on the first filter condition.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing performed on a specific first element.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing used to obtain data based on the first filter condition.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing performed on the first specific element.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process for generating the first local structure diagram data.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of data displayed in the first local structure diagram.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the data displayed under the second filter condition.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing for detecting a second specific element.

[0025] Figure 16is a view showing one example of a process of acquiring the second filter condition data.

[0026] Figure 17 is a view showing one example of a process of analyzing the second specific element.

[0027] Figure 18 is a view showing one example of a process of generating the second partial structure diagram data.

[0028] Figure 19 is a view showing one example of a process of displaying the second partial structure diagram data.

[0029] Figure 20 is a view showing one example of a process of displaying the first filter condition in a list.

[0030] Figure 21 is a view showing one example of a process of displaying the third partial structure diagram data.

[0031] Figure 22 is a view showing one example of a process of switching the display to the first partial structure diagram data corresponding to the selected first filter condition.

[0032] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a flow of the FA control program generation assistance process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an FA control program generation assistance program, an FA control program generation assistance device, and an FA control program generation assistance method according to an embodiment for implementing the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0034] (Regarding the FA control program generation assistance device 100)

[0035] The FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the embodiment of the present application is one example of a computer on which an FA control program generation assistance program that assists in the generation of a structured program, i.e., an FA control program, executed when a PLC controls an FA device is installed. Specifically, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 is a personal computer, i.e., a so-called engineering design tool, on which an engineering design tool software is installed.

[0036] The FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 obtains data on the constituent elements of the project from the project database that manages the data required by the FA control program, analyzes the relationships between the constituent elements, and generates and displays a structure diagram of the project. Furthermore, if the user identifies an element from the displayed structure diagram, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 obtains data by displaying filter conditions representing that element, analyzes the relationships between that element and other elements, generates a partial structure diagram, and displays it. Thus, the user can understand other elements related to a specific element.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 includes a database of the aforementioned items, namely, a project database 110. Furthermore, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 includes: a component element data acquisition unit 120, which acquires the data of the aforementioned components, namely, component element data, from the project database 110; and a relationship parsing unit 130, which parses the relationships between the component elements. Additionally, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 includes: a structure diagram data generation unit 140, which generates data representing the aforementioned structure diagram, namely, structure diagram data; and a structure diagram data display control unit 150, which displays the structure diagram data. Furthermore, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 includes: a filter condition data display control unit 160, which displays data representing specific elements determined by the user, namely, filter condition data; and a filter condition data acquisition unit 170, which acquires the filter condition data.

[0038] The relationship parsing unit 130 includes: a first specific relationship parsing unit 131, which parses the relationship between a first specific element and other elements (described later); and a second specific relationship parsing unit 132, which parses the relationship between a second specific element and other elements (described later). Additionally, the structure diagram data generation unit 140 includes: a first local structure diagram data generation unit 141, which generates data representing a first local structure diagram (described later), i.e., first local structure diagram data; and a second local structure diagram data generation unit 142, which generates data representing a second local structure diagram (described later), i.e., second local structure diagram data.

[0039] Furthermore, the structure diagram data display control unit 150 includes: a first partial structure diagram data display control unit 151, which displays first partial structure diagram data; and a second partial structure diagram data display control unit 152, which displays second partial structure diagram data. Additionally, the filter condition data display control unit 160 includes: a first filter condition data display control unit 161, which displays first filter condition data (described later); and a second filter condition data display control unit 162, which displays second filter condition data (described later). The filter condition data acquisition unit 170 includes: a first filter condition data acquisition unit 171, which acquires first filter condition data; and a second filter condition data acquisition unit 172, which acquires second filter condition data.

[0040] Additionally, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 includes: a specific element detection unit 181 for detecting specific elements; a filter condition data storage unit 182 for storing filter condition data; and a filter condition data overview display control unit 183 for displaying the filter condition data. Furthermore, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 includes: a specific element modification unit 184 for modifying specific elements; and an external output unit 185 for outputting data to an external source. Additionally, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 includes: a structure diagram data storage unit 186 for storing structure diagram data; a first partial structure diagram data storage unit 187 for storing first partial structure diagram data; and a second partial structure diagram data storage unit 188 for storing second partial structure diagram data.

[0041] (Hardware structure of the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100)

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 has a control unit 51 that performs processing according to the control program 59. The control unit 51 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 51 performs processing according to the control program 59. Figure 1The illustrated constituent element data acquisition section 120, relationship analysis section 130, first specific relationship analysis section 131, second specific relationship analysis section 132, structure diagram data generation section 140, first partial structure diagram data generation section 141, second partial structure diagram data generation section 142, structure diagram data display control section 150, first partial structure diagram data display control section 151, second partial structure diagram data display control section 152, filter condition data display control section 160, first filter condition data display control section 161, second filter condition data display control section 162, filter condition data acquisition section 170, first filter condition data acquisition section 171, second filter condition data acquisition section 172, specific element detection section 181, filter condition data list display control section 183, specific element change section 184 function.

[0043] Returning to Figure 2 , the FA control program generation assistance device 100 has a main storage section 52 that loads the control program 59, which is used as a work area of the control section 51. The main storage section 52 has a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0044] In addition, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 has an external storage section 53 that stores the control program 59 in advance. The external storage section 53 supplies data stored by the program to the control section 51 and stores data supplied from the control section 51, in accordance with an instruction from the control section 51. The external storage section 53 has a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The external storage section 53 functions as a storage section that stores the control program 59. Figure 1 The illustrated project database 110, filter condition data storage section 182, structure diagram data storage section 186, first partial structure diagram data storage section 187, and second partial structure diagram data storage section 188 function.

[0045] Returning to Figure 2 , the FA control program generation assistance device 100 has an operation section 54 that is operated by a user. Information input via the operation section 54 is supplied to the control section 51. The operation section 54 has an information inputting member such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

[0046] In addition, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 has a display section 55 that displays information input via the operation section 54 and information output by the control section 51. The display section 55 has a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and the like.

[0047] Further, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 has a transmission / reception section 56 that transmits and receives information. The transmission / reception section 56 has a communication network terminal device, a wireless communication device, or the like that is connected to a network. The transmission / reception section 56 functions as an information communication section Figure 1 as the external output section 185 shown in Fig. 1.

[0048] Returning to Figure 2 In the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the main storage section 52, the external storage section 53, the operation section 54, the display section 55, and the transmission / reception section 56 are connected to the control section 51 via the internal bus 50.

[0049] The FA control program generation assistance device 100 functions as the above-described sections 110, 120, 130 to 132, 140 to 142, 150 to 152, 160 to 162, 170 to 172, 181 to 188 shown in Fig. 1 by using the main storage section 52, the external storage section 53, the operation section 54, the display section 55, and the transmission / reception section 56 as resources by the control section 51. Figure 1 For example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 performs the project storage step by the project database 110, the constituent element data acquisition step by the constituent element data acquisition section 120.

[0050] Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 performs the relationship analysis step by the relationship analysis section 130, the first specific relationship analysis step by the first specific relationship analysis section 131, and the second specific relationship analysis step by the second specific relationship analysis section 132. Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 performs the structure diagram data generation step by the structure diagram data generation section 140, the first partial structure diagram data generation step by the first partial structure diagram data generation section 141, and the second partial structure diagram data generation step by the second partial structure diagram data generation section 142. Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 performs the structure diagram data display control step by the structure diagram data display control section 150, the first partial structure diagram data display control step by the first partial structure diagram data display control section 151, and the second partial structure diagram data display control step by the second partial structure diagram data display control section 152.

[0051] Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 executes a filter condition data display control step by the filter condition data display control section 160, a first filter condition data display control step by the first filter condition data display control section 161, and a second filter condition data display control step by the second filter condition data display control section 162. Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 executes a filter condition data acquisition step by the filter condition data acquisition section 170, a first filter condition data acquisition step by the first filter condition data acquisition section 171, and a second filter condition data acquisition step by the second filter condition data acquisition section 172.

[0052] Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 executes a specific element detection step by the specific element detection section 181. Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 executes a filter condition data storage step by the filter condition data storage section 182, and a filter condition data list display control step by the filter condition data list display control section 183. Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 executes a specific element change step by the specific element change section 184, and an external output step by the external output section 185. Further, for example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 executes a structure diagram data storage step by the structure diagram data storage section 186, a first partial structure diagram data storage step by the first partial structure diagram data storage section 187, and a second partial structure diagram data storage step by the second partial structure diagram data storage section 188.

[0053] (Details of the functional structure of the FA control program generation assistance device 100)

[0054] As shown in Fig. 1, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 includes a project database 110, a constituent element data acquisition section 120, a program data display control section 130, a filter condition data display control section 160, a filter condition data acquisition section 170, a specific element detection section 181, a filter condition data storage section 182, a filter condition data list display control section 183, a specific element change section 184, an external output section 185, a structure diagram data storage section 186, a first partial structure diagram data storage section 187, and a second partial structure diagram data storage section 188. Figure 3 As shown in Fig. 1, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 includes a project database 110, a constituent element data acquisition section 120, a program data display control section 130, a filter condition data display control section 160, a filter condition data acquisition section 170, a specific element detection section 181, a filter condition data storage section 182, a filter condition data list display control section 183, a specific element change section 184, an external output section 185, a structure diagram data storage section 186, a first partial structure diagram data storage section 187, and a second partial structure diagram data storage section 188.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 1, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 includes a project database 110, a constituent element data acquisition section 120, a program data display control section 130, a filter condition data display control section 160, a filter condition data acquisition section 170, a specific element detection section 181, a filter condition data storage section 182, a filter condition data list display control section 183, a specific element change section 184, an external output section 185, a structure diagram data storage section 186, a first partial structure diagram data storage section 187, and a second partial structure diagram data storage section 188. Figure 3 As shown in Fig. 1, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 includes a project database 110, a constituent element data acquisition section 120, a program data display control section 130, a filter condition data display control section 160, a filter condition data acquisition section 170, a specific element detection section 181, a filter condition data storage section 182, a filter condition data list display control section 183, a specific element change section 184, an external output section 185, a structure diagram data storage section 186, a first partial structure diagram data storage section 187, and a second partial structure diagram data storage section 188.

[0056] The relationship analysis section 130 analyzes the dependency relationships among the component data ProgPou1 to ProgPou4 and FB1 to FB5 on the basis of the component data ProgPou1 to ProgPou4 and FB1 to FB5 acquired by the component data acquisition section 120.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 6, for example, the relationship analysis section 130 determines a dependency relationship in which the first program ProgPou1 depends on the second function block FB2 and the second program ProgPou2 depends on the fifth function block FB5. Further, for example, the relationship analysis section 130 determines a dependency relationship in which the third program ProgPou3 depends on the fourth function block FB4 and the fifth function block FB5. Further, for example, the relationship analysis section 130 determines a dependency relationship in which the fourth program ProgPou4 depends on the first function block FB1 and the fifth function block FB5. Further, for example, the relationship analysis section 130 determines a dependency relationship in which the first function block FB1, the fourth function block FB4, and the fifth function block FB5 depend on the third function block FB3. Figure 4

[0058] The structure diagram data generation section 140 generates structure diagram data on the basis of the analysis result of the relationship analysis section 130. As shown in Fig. 7, the structure diagram data generation section 140 generates data indicating a structure diagram in which the above-described dependency relationships of the component data ProgPou1 to ProgPou4 and FB1 to FB5 determined by the relationship analysis section 130 are summarized, as structure diagram data, and stores the structure diagram data in the structure diagram data storage section 186. Figure 5

[0059] As shown in Fig. 8, the structure diagram data display control section 150 causes the structure diagram data generated by the structure diagram data generation section 140 to be displayed in the structure diagram display region 551 of the display section 55. Further, as shown in Fig. 9, the structure diagram data display control section 150 can cause the structure diagram data of a project having a larger scale than the structure diagram data shown in Fig. 8 to be displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 6

[0060] The filter condition data display control section 160 causes filter condition data indicating a specific element of a component project determined by a user from the structure diagram data displayed by the structure diagram data display control section 150 to be displayed in the filter condition display region 552 of the display section 55. The first filter condition data display control section 161 causes first filter condition data indicating a first specific element among the specific elements determined by the user from the structure diagram data to be displayed in the first filter condition display region 553 of the filter condition display region 552. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the first filter condition data display control section 161 causes the first filter condition data to be displayed in the first filter condition display region 553. Figure 8 ​​​​​As shown, in a case where the user uses the operation section 54 to perform an operation of selecting the third function block FB3 from the structure diagram data in the structure diagram display region 551, the first filter condition data display control section 161 causes the first filter condition data indicating that the first specific element is the third function block FB3 to be displayed in the first filter condition display region 553.

[0061] The specific element detection section 181 detects the first specific element based on the text data input by the user in a case where the structure diagram data is displayed. For example, as shown, in a case where the user uses the operation section 54 to perform an operation of inputting text data to the first filter condition display region 553, the specific element detection section 181 detects the component element data containing the input text data from the component element data displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Specifically, in a case where the user inputs the text data of "FB3" indicating the third function block FB3, the third function block FB3 is detected from the component element data displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Further, in this case, the first filter condition data display control section 161 causes the input text data to be displayed in the first filter condition display region 553 as the first filter condition data indicating that the first specific element is the third function block FB3 detected by the specific element detection section 181. Figure 9 As shown, in a case where the user uses the operation section 54 to perform an operation of inputting text data to the first filter condition display region 553, the specific element detection section 181 detects the component element data containing the input text data from the component element data displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Specifically, in a case where the user inputs the text data of "FB3" indicating the third function block FB3, the third function block FB3 is detected from the component element data displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Further, in this case, the first filter condition data display control section 161 causes the input text data to be displayed in the first filter condition display region 553 as the first filter condition data indicating that the first specific element is the third function block FB3 detected by the specific element detection section 181.

[0062] The specific element detection section 181 detects the first specific element based on the text data input by the user in a case where the structure diagram data is displayed. For example, as shown, in a case where the user uses the operation section 54 to perform an operation of inputting text data to the first filter condition display region 553, the specific element detection section 181 detects the component element data containing the input text data from the component element data displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Specifically, in a case where the user inputs the text data of "FB3" indicating the third function block FB3, the third function block FB3 is detected from the component element data displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Further, in this case, the first filter condition data display control section 161 causes the input text data to be displayed in the first filter condition display region 553 as the first filter condition data indicating that the first specific element is the third function block FB3 detected by the specific element detection section 181.

[0063] The filter condition data acquisition section 170 acquires the filter condition data displayed in the filter condition display region 552 by the filter condition data display control section 160. As shown, in a case where the user uses the operation section 54 to perform an operation of selecting the third function block FB3 from the structure diagram data in the structure diagram display region 551, the filter condition data acquisition section 170 acquires the first filter condition data indicating that the first specific element is the third function block FB3 from the first filter condition display region 553. Figure 10As shown, the first filter condition data acquisition unit 171 acquires the first filter condition data displayed in the first filter condition display area 553 by the first filter condition data display control unit 161 and the structure diagram data displayed in the structure diagram display area 551 by the structure diagram data display control unit 150, and stores the first filter condition data in the filter condition data storage unit 182.

[0064] The first specific relationship parsing unit 131 parses the relationship between the first specific element and other elements different from the first specific element based on the first filter condition data and structure diagram data obtained by the first filter condition data acquisition unit 171. For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first specific relation parsing unit 131 parses all dependencies among the constituent element data ProgPou1~ProgPou12 and FB1~FB30 that are associated with the third functional block FB3, which is the first specific element. Specifically, the first specific relation parsing unit 131 determines the dependency relationship between the 19th functional block FB19 and the 23rd functional block FB23 on the 3rd functional block FB3. In addition, the first specific relation parsing unit 131 determines the dependency relationship between the 17th functional block FB17, the 22nd functional block FB22 and the 12th functional block FB12 on the 19th functional block FB19, the 24th functional block FB24 and the 13th functional block FB13 on the 23rd functional block FB23, and so on.

[0065] The first local structure diagram data generation unit 141 generates first local structure diagram data based on the analysis result of the first specific relationship analysis unit 131. This first local structure diagram data represents the portion of the structure diagram that includes a first specific element and elements related to the first specific element, i.e., the data of the first local structure diagram. For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first local structure diagram data generation unit 141 generates data representing a first local structure diagram that summarizes all dependencies associated with the third functional block FB3, which is determined by the first specific relationship parsing unit 131 as a first specific element. This data is stored as first local structure diagram data in the first local structure diagram data storage unit 187. Furthermore, the first local structure diagram data storage unit 187 stores the first local structure diagram data in a manner associated with the first filter condition data stored by the filter condition data storage unit 182.

[0066] like Figure 13 As shown, the first partial structure diagram data display control unit 151 displays the first partial structure diagram data generated by the first partial structure diagram data generation unit 141 in the structure diagram display area 551.

[0067] The second filter condition data display control section 162 causes the second filter condition data, which is data indicating the second specific element among the specific elements determined by the user from the first partial configuration diagram data, to be displayed in the second filter condition display area 554 of the filter condition display area 552. For example, as shown in Figure 14 FIG. 18, in a case where the user has performed an operation of selecting the 22nd function block FB22 from the first partial configuration diagram data using the operation section 54 in the configuration diagram display area 551, the second filter condition data display control section 162 causes the second filter condition data indicating that the second specific element is the 22nd function block FB22 to be displayed in the second filter condition display area 554.

[0068] The specific element detection section 181 detects the second specific element based on the text data input by the user in a case where the first partial configuration diagram data is displayed. For example, as shown in Figure 15 FIG. 18, in a case where the user has performed an operation of inputting text data into the second filter condition display area 554 using the operation section 54, the specific element detection section 181 detects the configuration element data including the input text data from the configuration element data displayed in the configuration diagram display area 551 in the same manner as in a case where text data is input into the first filter condition display area 553.

[0069] The specific element change section 184 changes the second specific element based on the data input by the user in a case where the second filter condition data is displayed. For example, in a case where the user has performed an operation of changing the text data displayed in the second filter condition display area 554 using the operation section 54 in the above-described case, the specific element change section 184 changes the second specific element by causing the specific element detection section 181 to detect the configuration element data including the changed text data from the configuration element data displayed in the configuration diagram display area 551 in the same manner as in a case where the text data displayed in the first filter condition display area 553 is changed. Further, for example, in a case where the user has performed an operation of selecting the configuration element data displayed in the configuration diagram display area 551 using the operation section 54 in the above-described case, the specific element change section 184 changes the second specific element determined by the configuration element data. In this case, the second filter condition data display control section 162 causes the second filter condition data indicating the changed second specific element to be displayed in the second filter condition display area 554.

[0070] As Figure 16As shown, the second filter condition data acquisition section 172 acquires the second filter condition data displayed in the second filter condition display area 554 by the second filter condition data display control section 162 and the first partial structure diagram data displayed in the structure diagram display area 551 by the first partial structure diagram data display control section 151, and stores the second filter condition data in the filter condition data storage section 182.

[0071] The second specific relationship analysis section 132 analyzes the relationship between the second specific element and other elements different from the second specific element based on the second filter condition data acquired by the second filter condition data acquisition section 172 and the first partial structure diagram data. For example, as shown in Figure 17 As shown, the second specific relationship analysis section 132 analyzes all of the dependency relationships associated with the 22nd functional block FB22 as the second specific element among the dependency relationships between the constituent element data ProgPou1 to ProgPou4, ProgPou6 to ProgPou10, ProgPou12, FB1, FB3 to FB6, FB9 to FB14, FB16 to FB20, FB22 to FB26, FB29, and FB30. Specifically, the second specific relationship analysis section 132 determines the dependency relationships that the 20th functional block FB20, the 14th functional block FB14, and the 29th functional block FB29 depend on the 22nd functional block FB22. In addition, the second specific relationship analysis section 132 determines the dependency relationships that the 6th functional block FB6 depends on the 14th functional block FB14, the 26th functional block FB26, the 25th functional block FB25, the 11th functional block FB11, and the 8th program ProgPou8 depend on the 29th functional block FB29, and so on.

[0072] The second partial structure diagram data generation section 142 generates the second partial structure diagram data based on the analysis result of the second specific relationship analysis section 132, the second partial structure diagram data being data indicating a portion of the first partial structure diagram, i.e., the second partial structure diagram, in which the second specific element and elements having a relationship with the second specific element are present. For example, as shown in Figure 18 As shown, the second partial structure diagram data generation section 142 generates data indicating the second partial structure diagram in which all of the dependency relationships associated with the 22nd functional block FB22 as the second specific element determined by the second specific relationship analysis section 132 are summarized as the second partial structure diagram data, and stores the data in the second partial structure diagram data storage section 188. In addition, the second partial structure diagram data storage section 188 stores the second partial structure diagram data in association with the first filter condition data and the second filter condition data stored by the filter condition data storage section 182.

[0073] As shown in Figure 19As shown, the 2nd partial structure diagram data display control section 152 causes the 2nd partial structure diagram data generated by the 2nd partial structure diagram data generation section 142 to be displayed in the structure diagram display region 551.

[0074] The filter condition data list display control section 183 lists the filter condition data stored in the filter condition data storage section 182 on the display section 55. For example, as shown in Figure 20 As shown, the filter condition data list display control section 183 displays a pull-down menu screen in which all of the 1st filter conditions stored in the filter condition data storage section 182 are listed, in the case where the user has performed a predetermined operation in the 1st filter condition display region 553 using the operation section 54. Also, although not shown, the filter condition data list display control section 183 displays a menu screen in which all of the 2nd filter conditions stored in the filter condition data storage section 182 are listed, in the case where the user has performed a predetermined operation in the 2nd filter condition display region 554.

[0075] In this case, the user can perform an operation of selecting a filter condition from among the filter conditions listed in the menu screen using the operation section 54. Also, in this case, the 1st filter condition data display control section 161 causes the 1st filter condition data selected by the user to be displayed in the 1st filter condition display region 553. Also, the 2nd filter condition data display control section 162 causes the 2nd filter condition data selected by the user to be displayed in the 2nd filter condition display region 554.

[0076] The external output section 185 outputs data displayed on the display section 55 to the outside. For example, as shown in Figure 19 As shown, if the user performs an external output operation using the operation section 54 in the case where the 2nd partial structure diagram data, the 1st filter condition data, and the 2nd filter condition data are displayed on the display section 55, these data are externally output to an external terminal connected via a network to which the FA control program generation assistance device 100 can perform data transmission and reception.

[0077] Also, as shown in Figure 21In the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the filter condition data display control section 160 can cause the third filter condition data, which is data indicating the third specific element among the specific elements determined by the user from the second partial structure diagram data, to be displayed in the third filter condition display area 555 of the filter condition display area 552. For example, in a case where the user has performed an operation of selecting the 14th function block FB14 and the 29th function block FB29 from the second partial structure diagram data using the operation section 54 in the structure diagram display area 551, the filter condition data display control section 160 can cause the third filter condition data indicating the gist that the third specific element is the 14th function block FB14 and the 29th function block FB29 to be displayed in the third filter condition display area 555. That is, in the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the filter condition data display control section 160 can include a third filter condition data display control section, which is not shown.

[0078] In the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the filter condition data acquisition section 170 can acquire the third filter condition data displayed in the third filter condition display area 555 and store it in the filter condition data storage section 182. That is, in the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the filter condition data acquisition section 170 can include a third filter condition data acquisition section, which is not shown.

[0079] In the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the relationship analysis section 130 can analyze the relationship between the third specific element and other elements different from the third specific element on the basis of the second partial structure diagram data and the third filter condition data. For example, the relationship analysis section 130 can analyze all of the dependency relationships associated with the 14th function block FB14 and the 29th function block FB29, which are the third specific elements, among the dependency relationships between the constituent element data ProgPou1 to ProgPou4, ProgPou6 to ProgPou10, ProgPou12, FB6, FB10, FB11, FB14, FB20, FB22, FB25, FB26, and FB29. Specifically, the relationship analysis section 130 can determine dependency relationships in which the 6th function block FB6 depends on the 14th function block FB14, the 26th function block FB26, the 25th function block FB25, and the 11th function block FB11 depend on the 29th function block FB29. In addition, the relationship analysis section 130 can determine dependency relationships in which the 2nd program ProgPou2 and the 8th program ProgPou8 depend on the 6th function block FB6, the 8th program ProgPou8 depends on the 26th function block FB26, and the like. That is, in the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the relationship analysis section 130 can include a third specific relationship analysis section, which is not shown.

[0080] In addition, in the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the structure diagram data generating section 140 can generate, based on the analysis result of the relationship analysis section 130, third partial structure diagram data that is data indicating a third partial structure diagram that is a portion of the second partial structure diagram in which a third specific element and elements having a relationship with the third specific element are indicated. For example, the structure diagram data generating section 140 can generate, as the third partial structure diagram data, data indicating a third partial structure diagram in which all of the dependency relationships associated with the 14th function block FB14 and the 29th function block FB29 that are the third specific elements are summarized, and store the data in a not-illustrated third partial structure diagram data storage section. That is, in the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the structure diagram data generating section 140 can include a not-illustrated third partial structure diagram data generating section.

[0081] Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the structure diagram data display control section 150 can cause the generated third partial structure diagram data to be displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. That is, in the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the structure diagram data display control section 150 can include a not-illustrated third partial structure diagram data display control section. Figure 21

[0082] Further, in the FA control program generation assistance device 100, the structure diagram data display control section 150 switches the display of the structure diagram display region 551 to partial structure diagram data corresponding to the selected filter condition in a case where the user uses the operation section 54 to perform an operation of selecting any one of the plurality of filter condition data displayed in the filter condition display region 552. For example, in a case where the user performs an operation of selecting the first filter condition in a state where the third partial structure diagram data is displayed in the structure diagram display region 551, as shown in FIG. 5, the structure diagram data display control section 150 switches the display of the structure diagram display region 551 to the first partial structure diagram data. Figure 22

[0083] (Regarding the FA control program generation assistance processing)

[0084] Next, the operation of the FA control program generation assistance device 100 assisting in the generation of the FA control program will be described using a flowchart. If the user uses the operation section 54 to perform an operation of starting the FA control program generation assistance program in a state where the component data is stored in the project database 110, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 starts the processing of FIG. 6. Figure 23 ​​The FA control program generation assistance process is shown. First, the constituent element data acquisition section 120 acquires the constituent element data ProgPou1 to ProgPou12, FB1 to FB30 from the project database 110 (step S101), and the relationship analysis section 130 analyzes the dependency relationships between the acquired constituent element data ProgPou1 to ProgPou12, FB1 to FB30 (step S102).

[0085] Next, the structure diagram data generation section 140 generates and stores structure diagram data based on the analysis result (step S103), and the structure diagram data display control section 150 causes the generated structure diagram data to be displayed in the structure diagram display region 551 (step S104). Next, the filter condition data display control section 160 determines whether or not a specific element has been determined from the displayed structure diagram data by the user (step S105). For example, the filter condition data display control section 160 determines that a specific element has been determined in a case where the specific element detection section 181 detects a specific element based on text data input by the user, in a case where the specific element change section 184 changes a specific element, or in a case where the user selects any of the filter condition data that is listed and displayed by the filter condition data list display control section 183.

[0086] The filter condition data display control section 160 determines whether or not a specific element has been determined by the user in a case where a specific element has not been determined by the user (step S105; N), and the external output section 185 determines whether or not an external output operation has been performed by the user (step S106). The external output section 185 returns to step S105 in a case where an external output operation has not been performed by the user (step S106; N), and repeats the processes of steps S105 and S106 until a specific element is determined by the user or an external output operation is performed by the user. On the other hand, the external output section 185 externally outputs all of the data displayed on the display section 55 to an external terminal connected via a network in a case where an external output operation has been performed by the user (step S106; Y) (step S107), and returns to step S105.

[0087] On the other hand, the filter condition data display control section 160 causes data indicating a specific element that has been determined, i.e., filter condition data, to be displayed in the filter condition display region 552 in a case where a specific element has been determined by the user (step S105; Y) (step S108). For example, the 1st filter condition data display control section 161 causes data indicating a 1st specific element that has been determined, i.e., 1st filter condition data, to be displayed in the 1st filter condition display region 553 in a case where a 1st specific element has been determined. Also, for example, the 2nd filter condition data display control section 162 causes data indicating a 2nd specific element that has been determined, i.e., 2nd filter condition data, to be displayed in the 2nd filter condition display region 554 in a case where a 2nd specific element has been determined.

[0088] Next, the filter condition data acquisition section 170 acquires the filter condition data displayed in the filter condition display region 552 (step S109). For example, in a case where the first specific element is determined, the first filter condition data acquisition section 171 acquires the first filter condition data displayed in the first filter condition display region 553 and the structure diagram data displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Also, for example, in a case where the second specific element is determined, the second filter condition data acquisition section 172 acquires the second filter condition data displayed in the second filter condition display region 554 and the first partial structure diagram data displayed in the structure diagram display region 551.

[0089] Next, the relationship analysis section 130 analyzes the dependency relationship between the specific element and other elements different from the specific element based on the generated structure diagram data and the acquired filter condition data (step S110). For example, in a case where the first specific element is determined, the first specific relationship analysis section 131 analyzes the relationship between the first specific element and other elements different from the first specific element based on the structure diagram data and the first filter condition data. Also, for example, in a case where the second specific element is determined, the second specific relationship analysis section 132 analyzes the relationship between the second specific element and other elements different from the second specific element based on the first partial structure diagram data and the second filter condition data.

[0090] Next, the structure diagram data generation section 140 generates and stores the partial structure diagram data based on the analysis result (step S111). For example, in a case where the first specific element is determined, the first partial structure diagram data generation section 141 generates the first partial structure diagram data based on the analysis result of the first specific relationship analysis section 131, and stores the first partial structure diagram data in the first partial structure diagram data storage section 187 in association with the first filter condition data stored in the filter condition data storage section 182. Also, for example, in a case where the second specific element is determined, the second partial structure diagram data generation section 142 generates the second partial structure diagram data based on the analysis result of the second specific relationship analysis section 132, and stores the second partial structure diagram data in the second partial structure diagram data storage section 188 in association with the first filter condition data and the second filter condition data stored in the filter condition data storage section 182.

[0091] Next, the structure diagram data display control section 150 causes the generated partial structure diagram data to be displayed in the structure diagram display region 551 (step S112), and returns to step S105. For example, in a case where the first specific element is determined, the first partial structure diagram data display control section 151 causes the generated first partial structure diagram data to be displayed in the structure diagram display region 551. Also, for example, in a case where the second specific element is determined, the second partial structure diagram data display control section 152 causes the generated second partial structure diagram data to be displayed in the structure diagram display region 551.

[0092] As described above, according to the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment, the constituent element data acquisition section 120 acquires constituent element data from the project database 110, and the relationship analysis section 130 analyzes the relationship between the constituent elements based on the constituent element data. Also, the structure diagram data generation section 140 generates structure diagram data based on the analysis result, and the structure diagram data display control section 150 causes the structure diagram data to be displayed in the display section 55. Also, the first filter condition data acquisition section 171 acquires the first filter condition data determined by the user from the structure diagram data.

[0093] Also, the first partial structure diagram data generation section 141 generates the first partial structure diagram data based on the structure diagram data and the first filter condition data, and the first partial structure diagram data display control section 151 causes the first partial structure diagram data to be displayed in the display section 55. Also, the second filter condition data acquisition section 172 acquires the second filter condition data determined by the user from the first partial structure diagram data. Also, the second partial structure diagram data generation section 142 generates the second partial structure diagram data based on the first partial structure diagram data and the second filter condition data, and the second partial structure diagram data display control section 152 causes the second partial structure diagram data to be displayed in the display section 55.

[0094] Thus, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment can determine the dependency relationship of a plurality of elements determined with a so-called multiple filter condition and other elements. As a result, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it easy for the user to grasp the constituent elements associated with a specific constituent element, as compared with a FA control program generation assistance device in which the user cannot determine the second specific element from the first partial structure diagram data, and a FA control program generation assistance device that does not generate and display the second partial structure diagram data even if the second specific element is determined by the user. As a result, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it easy to determine the range of influence when the user changes a specific element, and can reduce the debugging man-hours of the FA control program and the man-hours of the entire programming.

[0095] In addition, according to the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment, the first filter condition data display control section 161 causes the first filter condition data to be displayed on the display section 55 when the user determines the first filter condition data from the structure diagram data. The second filter condition data display control section 162 causes the second filter condition data to be displayed on the display section 55 when the user determines the second filter condition data from the first partial structure diagram data.

[0096] Thus, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment can display multiple filter conditions, and the user can confirm each filter condition determined by the user's input. As a result, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it easier for the user to confirm the multiple filter conditions determined, compared to the FA control program generation assistance device that does not display all of the filter condition data determined.

[0097] In addition, according to the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment, the specific element detection section 181 detects the first specific element based on the text data input by the user when the structure diagram data is displayed. In addition, the specific element detection section 181 detects the second specific element based on the text data input by the user when the first partial structure diagram data is displayed.

[0098] Thus, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it possible for the user to quickly determine the specific element, compared to the FA control program generation assistance device that cannot detect the specific element based on the text data input by the user, and the investigation efficiency of the range of influence when the specific element is changed is improved. As a result, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it easier for the user to determine the range of influence of the specific element, and can further reduce the debugging man-hours of the FA control program and the man-hours of the entire programming.

[0099] In addition, according to the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment, the filter condition data storage section 182 stores filter condition data including the first filter condition data and the second filter condition data. In addition, the filter condition data list display control section 183 lists the filter condition data stored by the filter condition data storage section 182 on the display section 55. In addition, the first filter condition data display control section 161 displays data selected by the user as the first specific element from the filter condition data listed as the first filter condition data on the display section 55. Furthermore, the second filter condition data display control section 162 displays data selected by the user as the second specific element from the filter condition data listed as the second filter condition data on the display section 55.

[0100] Thus, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment can display a list of the past generated filter condition data for the user to select, and can display the past generated partial structure diagram data again. As a result, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it easier for the user to determine the specific element, and the investigation efficiency of the influence range when the specific element is changed is improved, compared to the FA control program generation assistance device in which the past generated filter condition data cannot be selected by the user. As a result, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it even easier to determine the influence range when the specific element is changed by the user, and can further reduce the debugging man-hours of the FA control program and the man-hours of the entire programming.

[0101] In addition, according to the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment, the specific element changing unit 184 changes the first specific element based on the text data input by the user when the first filter condition data is displayed. At this time, as the first filter condition data indicating the first specific element changed by the user, the first filter condition data display control unit 161 causes the input text data to be displayed on the display unit 55. In addition, the specific element changing unit 184 changes the second specific element based on the text data input by the user when the second filter condition data is displayed. At this time, as the second filter condition data indicating the second specific element changed by the user, the second filter condition data display control unit 162 causes the input text data to be displayed on the display unit 55.

[0102] Thus, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment can edit the filter condition data generated by the user in the past. As a result, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it easier for the user to determine the specific element, and the investigation efficiency of the influence range when the specific element is changed is improved, compared to the FA control program generation assistance device in which the past generated filter condition data cannot be edited by the user. As a result, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it even easier to determine the influence range when the specific element is changed by the user, and can further reduce the debugging man-hours of the FA control program and the man-hours of the entire programming.

[0103] In addition, according to the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment, the external output unit 185 outputs the data displayed on the display unit 55 to the outside.

[0104] Thus, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the present embodiment makes it easier for the user of the external terminal as a third party to refer to the structure diagram, the specific element, and the influence range when the specific element is changed, compared to the FA control program generation assistance device that does not output the displayed data to the outside.

[0105] (Alteration Example)

[0106] Further, as shown in Figure 21 the above-described embodiment, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 generates and displays partial structure diagram data using three filter conditions, but the number of filter conditions is not limited thereto, and partial structure diagram data can be generated and displayed using any number of filter conditions greater than or equal to one. For example, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 can generate and display partial structure diagram data using five filter conditions. That is, in the case of the FA control program generation assistance device 100, if so-called multiple filtering is possible, then any number of filtering is possible, and is not limited to the threefold filtering shown in the embodiment, and can be, for example, fivefold filtering.

[0107] Further, as shown in Figure 21 the above-described embodiment, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 determines two elements as the third specific element, but the same applies to the first specific element and the second specific element, and two elements can be determined as the first specific element, and two elements can be determined as the second specific element. In addition, these specific elements are not limited to two elements, and any number of elements greater than or equal to one can be determined. For example, five elements can be determined as the first specific element, three elements can be determined as the second specific element, and one element can be determined as the third specific element. Further, in the case where two or more elements are determined as these specific elements, the determined two or more elements are analyzed in a so-called OR condition, but this is not limiting, and the determined two or more elements can be analyzed in a so-called AND condition. In this case, it is necessary to set the two or more elements determined as specific elements as an OR condition or as an AND condition based on data input by the user.

[0108] Further, the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the above-described embodiment acquires program and function block constituent element data from the project database 110, but this is not limiting, and other data, such as structure body constituent element data, interface constituent element data, can also be acquired. In this case, the dependency relationships of each constituent element of the program, the function block, the structure body, and the interface are analyzed, and structure diagram data can be generated and displayed, and the user can determine specific elements from the constituent element data of the program, the function block, the structure body, and the interface.

[0109] Further, in the case of the FA control program generation assistance device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, as shown in Figure 9As shown, if a user inputs text data into the first filter condition display area 553 while the structure diagram data is displayed, then the new first specific feature is detected, such as... Figure 15 As shown, if a user inputs text data into the second filter condition display area 554 while the first partial structure diagram data is displayed, a new second specific feature is detected, but this is not limited to this. For example, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 could also detect a new first specific feature if a user inputs text data into the first filter condition display area 553 while the second or third partial structure diagram data is displayed.

[0110] In this case, for the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100, even if the remaining specific elements after the second specific element are not changed, it is necessary to re-parse the specific elements after the detected new first specific element and re-generate and display the local structure diagram data after the first local structure diagram data. Furthermore, if by changing to the new first specific element, there is no dependency between the new first specific element and the unchanged remaining specific elements, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 may also display a warning message indicating that without changing to the new first specific element, there is no dependency with the remaining specific elements, and local structure diagram data cannot be generated. It may then change to the new first specific element and re-parse the specific elements and re-generate and display the local structure diagram data as much as possible.

[0111] Furthermore, while the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 described in the above embodiments parses the dependencies between constituent elements, it is not limited to this and can also parse other relationships. For example, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 can also parse the relationship where constituent elements use the same global variables. Additionally, for example, if the FA control program is described using an object-oriented concept, the FA control program generation auxiliary device 100 can also parse the relationship where one constituent element inherits from other constituent elements.

[0112] Moreover, the part that becomes the center of the processing by the FA control program generation assistance device 100 can also be, for example, distributed by storing the FA control program generation assistance program for executing the aforementioned actions in a recording medium such as a flash memory that can be read by the FA control program generation assistance device 100, installing the FA control program generation assistance program, thereby configuring the FA control program generation assistance device 100 that executes the aforementioned processing, wherein the FA control program generation assistance device 100 has the control section 51, the main storage section 52, the external storage section 53, the operation section 54, the transceiver section 56, the internal bus 50, and the like. In addition, the FA control program generation assistance program can also be stored in advance in a storage device possessed by a server device on a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, downloaded by the FA control program generation assistance device 100, thereby configuring the FA control program generation assistance device 100.

[0113] In addition, in the case where the functions of the FA control program generation assistance device 100 are realized by the division of the OS (operating system) and the application program, or the cooperation of the OS and the application program, only the application program part can also be stored in the recording medium or the storage device.

[0114] In addition, the FA control program generation assistance program can also be provided via a communication network by superimposing it on a carrier wave. For example, the program can also be announced on a BBS (Bulletin Board System) on a communication network, the FA control program generation assistance program provided via the network. Furthermore, the aforementioned processing can also be executed by starting the FA control program generation assistance program, executing it under the control of the OS as with other application programs.

[0115] 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 aforementioned embodiments are for explaining the present application, and do not 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. Furthermore, various modifications implemented within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meaning of the disclosure are considered to fall within the scope of the present application.

[0116] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0117] 50...internal bus, 51...control section, 52...main storage section, 53...external storage section, 54...operation section, 55...display section, 56...transmitting and receiving section, 59...control program, 100...FA control program generating assistance device, 110...item database, 120...component data obtaining section, 130...relationship analyzing section, 131...first specific relationship analyzing section, 132...second specific relationship analyzing section, 140...structure diagram data generating section, 141...first partial structure diagram data generating section, 142...second partial structure diagram data generating section, 150...structure diagram data display control section, 151...first partial structure diagram data display control section, 152...second partial structure diagram data display control section, 160...filtering condition data display control section, 161...first filtering condition data display control section, 162...second filtering condition data display control section, 170...filtering condition data obtaining section, 171...first filtering condition data obtaining section, 172...second filtering condition data obtaining section, 181...specific component detecting section, 182...filtering condition data storage section, 183...filtering condition data list display control section, 184...specific component changing section, 185...external output section, 186...structure diagram data storage section, 187...first partial structure diagram data storage section, 188...second partial structure diagram data storage section, 551...structure diagram display area, 552...filtering condition display area, 553...first filtering condition display area, 554...second filtering condition display area, 555...third filtering condition display area.

Claims

1. An FA control program generation assistance program product that causes a computer to function as: a component data acquisition section that acquires component data that is stored as data of components of a project in a database of the project that manages data required for an FA control program that is a structured program executed when a programmable logic controller controls an FA device; a relationship analysis section that analyzes relationships of components of the project to each other based on the component data; a structure diagram data generation section that generates data of a structure diagram of the project, that is, structure diagram data, based on a result of the analysis of the relationships of the components of the project to each other; a structure diagram data display control section that causes the structure diagram data to be displayed on a display section; a first filter condition data acquisition section that acquires first filter condition data that is data indicating a first specific component of the project determined by a user from the structure diagram data; a first partial structure diagram data generation section that generates first partial structure diagram data that is data indicating a portion of the structure diagram, that is, a first partial structure diagram, of the first specific component and components having a relationship with the first specific component based on the structure diagram data and the first filter condition data; a first partial structure diagram data display control section that causes the first partial structure diagram data to be displayed on the display section; a second filter condition data acquisition section that acquires second filter condition data that is data indicating a second specific component of the project determined by the user from the first partial structure diagram data; a second partial structure diagram data generation section that generates second partial structure diagram data that is data indicating a portion of the first partial structure diagram, that is, a second partial structure diagram, of the second specific component and components having a relationship with the second specific component based on the first partial structure diagram data and the second filter condition data; and a second partial structure diagram data display control section that causes the second partial structure diagram data to be displayed on the display section.

2. The FA control program generation assistance program product according to claim 1, further causing the computer to function as: a first filter condition data display control section that causes the first filter condition data to be displayed on the display section; and a second filter condition data display control section that causes the second filter condition data to be displayed on the display section.

3. The FA control program generation assistance program product according to claim 1, further causing the computer to function as a specific component detection section that detects the first specific component based on text data input by a user when the structure diagram data is displayed and detects the second specific component based on text data input by a user when the first partial structure diagram data is displayed.

4. The FA control program generation assistance program product according to claim 2, further causing the computer to function as: a filter condition data storage section that stores filter condition data including the first filter condition data and the second filter condition data; and a filter condition data list display control section that lists the filter condition data stored by the filter condition data storage section on the display section, the first filter condition data display control section causing the first filter condition data selected by the user from among the listed first filter condition data to be displayed on the display section, the second filter condition data display control section causing the second filter condition data selected by the user from among the listed second filter condition data to be displayed on the display section.

5. The FA control program generation assistance program product according to claim 2, further causing the computer to function as a specific element change section that changes the first specific element based on data input by the user when the first filter condition data is displayed and changes the second specific element based on data input by the user when the second filter condition data is displayed, the first filter condition data display control section causing the first filter condition data indicating the first specific element changed by the user to be displayed on the display section, the second filter condition data display control section causing the second filter condition data indicating the second specific element changed by the user to be displayed on the display section.

6. The FA control program generation assistance program product according to claim 2, further causing the computer to function as an external output section that outputs data displayed on the display section to the outside.

7. An FA control program generation assistance apparatus that assists in the generation of an FA control program that is a structured program executed when a programmable logic controller controls an FA device, the FA control program generation assistance apparatus having: a constituent element data acquisition section that acquires constituent element data that is data of elements constituting a project stored in a database of the project that manages data required for the FA control program; a relationship analysis section that analyzes relationships of the elements constituting the project to each other based on the constituent element data; a structure diagram data generation section that generates data indicating a structure diagram of the project, i.e., structure diagram data, based on a result of the analysis of the relationships of the elements constituting the project to each other; a structure diagram data display control section that causes the structure diagram data to be displayed on a display section; a filter condition data display control section that causes data indicating a specific element constituting the project determined by a user from the structure diagram data, i.e., filter condition data, to be displayed on the display section; and a filter condition data acquisition section that acquires the filter condition data, the FA control program generation assistance apparatus The filter condition data acquisition section acquires first filter condition data that is data indicating a first specific element constituting the project that the user determines from the structure diagram data, The structure diagram data generation section generates first partial structure diagram data that is data indicating a portion of the structure diagram that is a first partial structure diagram of the first specific element and elements having a relationship with the first specific element, based on the structure diagram data and the first filter condition data, The structure diagram data display control section causes the first partial structure diagram data to be displayed on the display section, The filter condition data acquisition section acquires second filter condition data that is data indicating a second specific element constituting the project that the user determines from the first partial structure diagram data, The structure diagram data generation section generates second partial structure diagram data that is data indicating a portion of the first partial structure diagram that is a second partial structure diagram of the second specific element and elements having a relationship with the second specific element, based on the first partial structure diagram data and the second filter condition data, The structure diagram data display control section causes the second partial structure diagram data to be displayed on the display section.

8. An FA control program generation assistance method that assists in the generation of an FA control program that is a structured program executed when a programmable logic controller controls an FA device, The FA control program generation assistance method includes: a constituent element data acquisition step in which a computer acquires constituent element data that is stored as data of elements constituting a project in a database of the project that manages data required for the FA control program; a relationship analysis step in which the computer analyzes relationships of elements constituting the project with each other based on the constituent element data; a structure diagram data generation step in which the computer generates structure diagram data that is data indicating a structure diagram of the project, based on a result of the analysis of the relationships of the elements constituting the project with each other; a structure diagram data display control step in which the computer causes the structure diagram data to be displayed on a display section; a first filter condition data acquisition step in which the computer acquires first filter condition data that is data indicating a first specific element constituting the project that a user determines from the structure diagram data; a first partial structure diagram data generation step in which the computer generates first partial structure diagram data that is data indicating a portion of the structure diagram that is a first partial structure diagram of the first specific element and elements having a relationship with the first specific element, based on the structure diagram data and the first filter condition data; a first partial structure diagram data display control step in which the computer causes the first partial structure diagram data to be displayed on the display section; a second filter condition data obtaining step of obtaining, by the computer, second filter condition data that is data indicating a second specific element constituting the project determined by the user from the first partial structure diagram data; a second partial structure diagram data generating step of generating, by the computer, second partial structure diagram data that is data indicating a second partial structure diagram that is a portion of the first partial structure diagram in which the second specific element and elements having a relationship with the second specific element are indicated, based on the first partial structure diagram data and the second filter condition data; and a second partial structure diagram data display control step of causing, by the computer, the second partial structure diagram data to be displayed on the display section.

Images