Recording data analysis support system, recording data analysis support method, program, and support device

Abstract

A recorded data analysis support system includes: a plurality of recording devices that record control data relating to control of an instrument and generate recorded data; and an assistance device (10) that assists analysis of the recorded data. Each of the recording devices notifies the auxiliary device (10) of a recording period in which the control data is recorded. A support device (10) is provided with: a presentation unit (110) that associates a recording period with a device ID for identifying the recording device and presents the recording period; a reception unit (120) that receives a selection of one or more recording periods from among the presented plurality of recording periods; and a communication unit (140) that, during a recording period to be selected, acquires recording data generated by the recording device corresponding to the device ID associated with the recording period. The presentation unit (110) presents information relating to the recorded data acquired by the communication unit (140).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a recording data analysis auxiliary system, a recording data analysis auxiliary method, a program and an auxiliary device. Background Art

[0002] In a factory, a plurality of instruments are controlled to automate a process. Various analyses such as failure analysis and operation efficiency analysis are performed after the control of such instruments. In order to efficiently perform such analysis, a recording function for recording the history of control-related data is used (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a technology for reading and displaying recorded data recorded by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) by a PC (Personal Computer).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-036479 Summary of the invention

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, the recorded data is collected in the CPU unit of the PLC and recorded. However, if the recorded data is collected in one device, the recording capacity required for the device becomes larger. Therefore, it is considered to use multiple devices with recording functions. However, if the recorded data is stored in a dispersed manner in multiple devices, it is difficult to understand which device the recorded data created at what timing is stored in. Specifically, it is necessary to perform the operation of reading the recorded data in sequence for each device and confirming the timing of creating the recorded data, and the preparation work for analyzing the recorded data becomes complicated. Therefore, there is room for reducing the preparation work for analyzing the recorded data.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the preparation work for analyzing the recorded data.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the recording data analysis auxiliary system of the present invention comprises: a plurality of recording devices, which generate recording data by recording control data related to the control of the instrument; and an auxiliary device, which is connected to the plurality of recording devices and assists in the analysis of the recording data. In the recording data analysis auxiliary system, each recording device notifies the auxiliary device of the recording period in which the control data is recorded, and the auxiliary device comprises: a prompting unit, which associates the recording period notified from each of the recording devices with identification information for identifying the recording device and prompts it; a receiving unit, which receives a selection of greater than or equal to one recording period from the plurality of recording periods prompted by the prompting unit; and an acquisition unit, which acquires the recording data generated by the recording device corresponding to the identification information associated with the recording period in the recording period received by the receiving unit as the selected object, and the prompting unit prompts the information related to the recording data acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the preparation work for analyzing the recorded data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the recorded data analysis support system according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an overview of the processing associated with recording according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the FA device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the functional structure of the recording device involved in embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of recording data and recording period information according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the functional structure of the central processing unit involved in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the functional structure of the assisting device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a first example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 9This is a diagram showing a second example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a third example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a fourth example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing the flow at the time of system startup according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger setting information involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0022] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger sharing information involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0023] Fig.15 This is the first figure showing the flow of trigger sharing involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0024] Fig.16 FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the flow of trigger sharing according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing the trigger sharing process involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0026] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing the flow of providing information to the support device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.19 It is a diagram for explaining the setting of the trigger related to the comparative example.

[0028] Fig. 20 It is a diagram for explaining the reading of recorded data according to the comparative example.

[0029] Fig.21 This is a diagram for explaining the sharing of triggers involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0030] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing the process of trigger sharing involved in Implementation Method 2.

[0031] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger information involved in Implementation Example 2.

[0032] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger setting information involved in Implementation Example 2.

[0033] Fig.25This is a diagram for explaining the shared range of the trigger involved in Implementation Example 2.

[0034] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing the flow of providing information to the auxiliary device according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 27 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented by a presentation unit according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Fig.28 This is a diagram showing an example of event information involved in Implementation Example 3.

[0037] Fig.29 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented by a presentation unit according to the third embodiment.

[0038] Fig.30 This is a diagram showing the flow of providing information to an auxiliary device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Fig.31 This is a diagram showing an example of an input template of conditions involved in Implementation Example 4.

[0040] Fig.32 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented by a presentation unit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0041] Fig.33 This is a diagram showing a first example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the fifth embodiment.

[0042] Fig.34 This is a diagram showing a second example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the fifth embodiment.

[0043] Fig.35 This is a diagram for explaining the sharing of triggers involved in Implementation Example 6.

[0044] Fig.36 This is a diagram showing the functional structure of the network unit 24 involved in the sixth embodiment.

[0045] Fig.37 It is a diagram for explaining a recording unit according to a modification example.

[0046] Fig.38 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger information involved in Implementation Example 7.

[0047] Fig.39 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger sharing information involved in Implementation Example 7.

[0048] Fig.40 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger information involved in Implementation Example 8.

[0049] Fig.41 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger setting information involved in Implementation Example 8.

[0050] Fig.42 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger information involved in Implementation Example 9.

[0051] Fig.43 This is the first figure used to illustrate the remaining number of relay times involved in Implementation Example 9.

[0052] Fig.44 FIG. 2 is a second figure for explaining the remaining number of relays involved in the ninth embodiment.

[0053] Fig.45 This is a diagram for explaining the provision of auxiliary information involved in embodiment 10.

[0054] Fig.46 This is a diagram showing the relationship between control data and recording data involved in implementation mode 11.

[0055] Fig.47 It is a diagram for explaining integration of objects according to a modification example.

[0056] Fig.48 It is a diagram showing objects involved in the modification example.

[0057] Fig.49 It is a diagram showing a table presented by a presenting unit according to a modification example.

[0058] Fig.50 It is a diagram for explaining a PLC according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, a recorded data analysis support system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0060] Implementation Method 1

[0061] The recorded data analysis support system 100 according to the present embodiment is a system that supports the analysis of recorded data by a user. Figure 1 As shown, the recording data analysis assistance system 100 includes: an assistance device 10, which assists the analysis by providing the user with information related to the recording data recorded when controlling the instrument; a PLC 20, which controls the controlled instruments 31, 32; and recording devices 41, 42, which are connected to the PLC 20 via an industrial network 400.

[0062] The auxiliary device 10 is a computer represented by a PC having a UI (User Interface) function. The auxiliary device 10 is connected to the central processing unit 21 of the PLC 20 via a communication line such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) to communicate with each other. The auxiliary device 10 provides the user with a function of creating, editing, and writing a control program executed by the central processing unit 21 by executing application software called an engineering design tool. In addition, the engineering design tool provides the user with a function to easily analyze the recorded data stored in a plurality of recording devices in a dispersed manner.

[0063] The PLC 20 includes a central processing unit 21 that controls the device by executing a control program, an input / output unit 22 that receives input from an external device and outputs information to the external device, a recording unit 23 that records data, and a network unit 24 that is connected to the industrial network 400. The network unit 24 is connected to the recording devices 41 and 42 via the industrial network 400.

[0064] The central processing unit 21, the input / output unit 22, the recording unit 23, and the network unit 24 are connected to each other via the PLC bus 200 to transmit and receive signals. The PLC 20 is a functional module type control device configured by mounting the central processing unit 21, the input / output unit 22, the recording unit 23, and the network unit 24 on a base unit (not shown).

[0065] The central processing unit 21 executes a control program represented by a ladder diagram program, and controls the controlled instruments 31 and 32 via the input-output unit 22. Specifically, the central processing unit 21 generates an action command for the recording device, i.e., the controlled instrument 32, based on the input of the sensing result from the sensor, i.e., the controlled instrument 31, and outputs it to the controlled instrument 32. Here, the action of the controlled instrument 32 executed by the action command may be an action different from the recording, or may be the recording. The central processing unit 21 controls a plurality of instruments including the controlled instruments 31 and 32, and these plurality of instruments cooperate to, for example, perform the conveyance, processing, and inspection of workpieces on a production line.

[0066] The input / output unit 22 is connected to the controlled devices 31 and 32 via a signal line for transmitting a current signal or a voltage signal or a cable for transmitting digital data.

[0067] The recording unit 23 is a structural unit of the PLC 20, and records the control data related to the control of the instrument implemented by the PLC 20. The recording unit 23 may also have the same function as the input / output unit 22, and record the control data input and output between the instruments connected to the recording unit 23 itself. In addition, the recording unit 23 may also have the same function as the network unit 24, and record the control data sent and received via the industrial network. In addition, the recording unit 23 may also record the data shared with the central processing unit 21 via the PLC bus 200 without being connected to the external device of the PLC 20.

[0068] The network unit 24 has a network interface circuit for connecting to the recording devices 41 and 42, and communicates with the central processing unit via the PLC bus 200, thereby relaying the communication between the recording devices 41 and 42 and the central processing unit 21. The recording devices 41 and 42, like the controlled devices 31 and 32, may be devices that are the objects of control by the central processing unit 21, or may be other PLCs that cooperate with the PLC 20 to control the devices.

[0069] In addition, Figure 1 , various structural elements are shown as one or two, but are not limited to this. In detail, the input-output unit 22, the recording unit 23, and the network unit 24 may each be multiple. In addition, multiple central processing units 21 may also be connected to the PLC bus 200 to cooperate. The number of instruments connected to the input-output unit 22 may be one or more than two. The number of devices connected to the network unit 24 via the industrial network 400 may be one or more than two.

[0070] The recording unit 23, the controlled device 32, and the recording devices 41 and 42 of the components related to the PLC 20 have the function of recording control data. Specifically, the controlled device 32 records data transmitted between the input / output unit 22 or data changed in the internal processing of the controlled device 32. In addition, the recording devices 41 and 42 each record data transmitted via the industrial network 400 or data used in the internal processing of the recording devices 41 and 42.

[0071] In the following, when the recording unit 23 having a recording function, the controlled instrument 32, and the recording devices 41 and 42 are not distinguished, they are sometimes described as a recording device 50. The recording performed by the recording device 50 means recording the history of control data processed by the recording device 50 in relation to the control of the instrument. For example, the control data is data stored at an address preset as a recording object in a memory possessed by the recording device 50. The history of the control data is created by sequentially writing the value read from the address in a preset cycle into the storage area for recording, thereby showing the transition of the value. The length of the period for repeatedly reading the control data is predetermined in advance.

[0072] Here, use Figure 2 The outline of recording by the plurality of recording devices 50 will be described. Figure 2 The recording devices 51, 52, and 53 shown in the figure are each an example of the recording device 50. That is, the recording devices 51, 52, and 53 are each equivalent to Figure 1 The recording unit 23, the controlled device 32, and any one of the recording devices 41 and 42 shown.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, if the recording device 52 detects a trigger indicating the start of recording, the detected trigger is shared with the recording devices 51 and 53. The recording devices 51 to 53 that share the trigger each start generating recording data 511, 521, and 531 at approximately the same time. The recording data 511, 521, and 531 can each be generated based on the recording started by the detection or reception of the trigger, or can always use the data recorded in the ring buffer regardless of the presence or absence of the trigger, and use the data before the detection or reception of the trigger to generate. If the generation of the recording data 511, 521, and 531 is completed by recording the control data within the range of the recording period of a predetermined length, the recording devices 51 to 53 each generate and save the recording period information 512, 522, and 532 indicating the recording period spent on the generation of the recording data 511, 521, and 531. In addition, the following description will focus on an example in which the timing of generating the recording period information 512, 522, and 532 is immediately after the recording data 511, 521, and 531 are generated, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be changed arbitrarily.

[0074] Before providing the recorded data 511, 521, 531, the recording devices 51, 52, 53 provide the recording period information 512, 522, 532 to the auxiliary device 10 in response to a request from the auxiliary device 10. The auxiliary device 10 displays a list of the recording periods corresponding to the recorded data 511, 521, 531 stored in the recording devices 51 to 53 to the user, thereby allowing the user to easily understand the recording period corresponding to each recorded data 511, 521, 531.

[0075] As described above, the recording device 50 for notifying the recording period, the auxiliary device 10 for displaying the recording period, and the central processing unit 21 for mediating communication between the recording device 50 and the auxiliary device 10 are each composed of hardware elements for functioning as a computer. Figure 3 As shown, the FA device 60 corresponding to each of the recording device 50, the auxiliary device 10, and the central processing unit 21 includes a processor 61, a main storage unit 62, an auxiliary storage unit 63, an input unit 64, an output unit 65, and a communication unit 66. The main storage unit 62, the auxiliary storage unit 63, the input unit 64, the output unit 65, and the communication unit 66 are connected to the processor 61 via an internal bus 67.

[0076] The processor 61 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (MicroProcessing Unit) as a processing circuit. The processor 61 realizes various functions and performs the processing described below by executing the program P1 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 63. The program P1 of the auxiliary device 10 is equivalent to the above-mentioned engineering design tool, and the program P1 of the central processing unit 21 and the recording device 50 is equivalent to firmware. In addition, the processor 61 of the central processing unit 21 executes a control program in addition to the program P1.

[0077] The main storage unit 62 includes a RAM. The program P1 is loaded from the auxiliary storage unit 63 into the main storage unit 62. The main storage unit 62 is used as a work area for the processor 61.

[0078] The auxiliary storage unit 63 includes a nonvolatile memory represented by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The auxiliary storage unit 63 stores various data used for processing by the processor 61 in addition to the program P1. The auxiliary storage unit 63 supplies the data used by the processor 61 to the processor 61 according to the instruction of the processor 61. In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 63 stores the data supplied from the processor 61.

[0079] The input unit 64 includes input devices represented by hardware switches, input keys, a keyboard, and a pointing device. The input unit 64 acquires information input by a user of the FA device 60 and notifies the processor 61 of the acquired information.

[0080] The output unit 65 includes output devices represented by LED (Light Emitting Diode), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and speakers. The output unit 65 presents various information to the user according to the instructions of the processor 61. The output unit 65 can also be configured as a touch screen integrated with the input unit 64.

[0081] The communication unit 66 includes a network interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 66 receives a signal from the outside and outputs the data indicated by the signal to the processor 61. In addition, the communication unit 66 sends a signal indicating the data output from the processor 61 to the external device. Figure 3 , one communication unit 66 is representatively shown, but the FA device 60 may include a plurality of communication units 66. For example, the central processing unit 21, namely the FA device 60, may include a communication unit 66 for communicating with the auxiliary device 10 and a communication unit 66 for communicating via the PLC bus 200.

[0082] Next, the functional configurations of the recording device 50 , the central processing unit 21 , and the support device 10 that are achieved through cooperation of the above-described hardware configurations will be described in order.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the recording device 50 has: a storage unit 530, which stores various data; a trigger transceiver unit 540, which transmits and receives a trigger signal representing a trigger between an external device; a trigger detection unit 550, which is used for the recording device 50 itself to spontaneously detect a trigger; a recording unit 560, which generates recording data; and a response unit 570, which responds to a request from the auxiliary device 10.

[0084] The storage unit 530 is mainly realized by at least one of the main storage unit 62 and the auxiliary storage unit 63 of the recording device 50. The storage unit 530 stores trigger setting information 501 preset in the recording device 50 regarding triggers and control data 502 used by the recording device 50.

[0085] The trigger setting information 501 is information indicating conditions for detecting a trigger by the recording device 50. In addition, the trigger setting information 501 indicates whether to receive sharing of a trigger from an external device and whether to notify the external device of a trigger detected by the recording device 50. The trigger setting information 501 is received from the outside in advance by the recording device 50 and stored in the storage unit 530. The trigger setting information 501 may be received by the user operating the input unit 64 of the recording device 50 or by transmitting the user's operation content to the auxiliary device 10 via the central processing unit 21 and the communication unit 66 of the recording device 50.

[0086] The content of the control data 502 changes with time as the control of the device is realized by the PLC 20. The control data 502 corresponds to any of input data such as a sensing result used for control, intermediate data generated in the process of processing the input value, and control output data such as an operation command to the controlled device 32 generated from the input data or the intermediate data. In addition, the control data 502 may be a device value shared by a method such as so-called periodic transmission between multiple devices constituting the control system.

[0087] The trigger transceiver 540 is mainly implemented by the cooperation of the processor 61 and the communication unit 66 of the recording device 50. When the trigger transceiver 540 receives a trigger signal from an external device, it determines whether the trigger indicated by the received trigger signal is output to the recording unit 560 based on the trigger setting information 501. In addition, when a trigger is output from the trigger detection unit 550, the trigger transceiver 540 determines whether the trigger signal indicating the trigger is sent to the external device based on the trigger setting information 501. Here, the external device corresponds to the central processing unit 21 as described later, but may also include other recording devices 50.

[0088] The trigger detection unit 550 is mainly implemented by the processor 61 of the recording device 50. The trigger detection unit 550 monitors whether the condition specified by the trigger setting information 501 is satisfied, and if it is determined that the condition is satisfied, it notifies the trigger transceiver unit 540 and the recording unit 560 of the detection of the trigger. The condition for detecting the trigger may be that the value of the control data exceeds a threshold value, that an action instruction indicating the execution of recording is received from the central processing unit 21, or other conditions.

[0089] The recording unit 560 is mainly implemented by the processor 61 of the recording device 50. When a trigger is input from any of the trigger transceiver unit 540 and the trigger detector unit 550, the recording unit 560 periodically reads the control data 502 of the preset recording object and writes it into the storage unit 530 as the recording data 503. In addition, the recording unit 560 creates the recording period information 504 indicating the recording period during which the control data 502 is read to generate the recording data 503, and writes it into the storage unit 530.

[0090] Thus, record data 503 is created each time an input trigger occurs, so Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of recorded data 503 may be stored in the storage unit 530. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 5 , a file name is assigned to each record data 503, and each record data 503 is data that associates the date and time read from the control data with the value of the control data read from the address in the storage unit 530. The record data 503 may be a history of values ​​read from a single address, or may be a series of values ​​such as Figure 5 The values ​​read from multiple addresses are recorded in "01.BIN".

[0091] The recording period information 504 is information that indicates the file name of each recording data 503, the start date and time of the recording period, and the end date and time of the recording period in association with each other. The start date and time of the recording period information 504 is the date and time of the first recorded value contained in the recording data 503, and the end date and time is the date and time of the last recorded value contained in the recording data 503. The content of the recording period information 504 is added and updated every time the recording data 503 is generated. Figure 5 The record is equivalent to 1 row in .

[0092] Back to Figure 4 The response unit 570 is mainly implemented by the cooperation of the processor 61 and the communication unit 66 of the recording device 50. In response to the request of the auxiliary device 10, the response unit 570 reads the recording period information 504 from the storage unit 530 and provides the recording period information 504 to the auxiliary device 10. In addition, in response to the request of the auxiliary device 10, the response unit 570 reads the recording data 503 from the storage unit 530 and provides the recording data 503 to the auxiliary device 10.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, the central processing unit 21 has: a device communication unit 211 for communicating with the auxiliary device 10; a bus communication unit 212 for communicating via the PLC bus 200; a storage unit 213 for storing various data; a trigger relay unit 214 for relaying a trigger signal received from the recording device 50 to other recording devices 50; and a trigger detection unit 215 for the central processing unit 21 itself to spontaneously detect a trigger. The device communication unit 211 and the bus communication unit 212 are each mainly implemented by the communication unit 66 of the central processing unit 21.

[0094] The storage unit 213 is mainly implemented by at least one of the main storage unit 62 and the auxiliary storage unit 63 of the central processing unit 21. The storage unit 213 stores trigger sharing information 2131 that is pre-set in the central processing unit 21 regarding the sharing of the trigger and control data 2132 used by the central processing unit 21. The trigger sharing information 2131 is information indicating the conditions for detecting the trigger by the central processing unit 21 and the sharing target of the trigger. The sharing target of the trigger is the recording device 50 that is set to receive the trigger from the outside, and is determined by referring to the trigger setting information 501 of each recording device 50 as described later. The content of the control data 2132 changes from time to time along with the control of the device implemented by the central processing unit 21.

[0095] The trigger relay unit 214 is mainly implemented by the processor 61 of the central processing unit 21. When the trigger relay unit 214 receives a trigger signal from any recording device 50 via the bus communication unit 212, it transmits the trigger signal to the shared target specified in the trigger sharing information 2131. In addition, when a trigger is input from the trigger detection unit 215, the trigger relay unit 214 transmits a trigger signal indicating the trigger to the shared target indicated by the trigger sharing information 2131.

[0096] The trigger detection unit 215 is mainly implemented by the processor 61 of the central processing unit 21. The trigger detection unit 215 monitors whether the condition specified by the trigger sharing information 2131 is satisfied, and if it is determined that the condition is satisfied, it notifies the trigger relay unit 214 of the detection of the trigger. Figure 2 2 shows an example in which a trigger detected by any recording device 50 is shared with other recording devices 50, but a trigger detected by the central processing unit 21 is also shared with the recording devices 50. In addition, the trigger detection unit 215 may be omitted and the central processing unit 21 may be configured.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, the auxiliary device 10 has: a prompting unit 110, which prompts the user with information related to the recorded data 503; a receiving unit 120, which receives input from the user; a storage unit 130, which stores various information; and a communication unit 140, which is used to communicate with the central processing unit 21.

[0098] The presentation unit 110 is mainly realized by the cooperation of the processor 61 and the output unit 65 of the support device 10. The presentation unit 110 includes an online display unit 111 that displays information in an online state where the connection between the support device 10, the central processing unit 21, and each recording device 50 is established, and an offline display unit 112 that displays information in an offline state where the connection is disconnected.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, the online display unit 111 displays the recording period of each recording device 50 on the screen 113 based on the recording period information 504 obtained from each recording device 50 via the communication unit 140. Specifically, the online display unit 111 displays the objects corresponding to the recording period indicated by the recording period information 504 of each recording device 50 on a surface defined by a first axis corresponding to the list of recording devices 50 and a second axis corresponding to time. Figure 8 In the example of , a rectangular ribbon-shaped icon is displayed with a shadow as an object representing the recording period. The position of the object on the first axis represents the device ID (Identifier) ​​for identifying the recording device 50 that performed the recording during the recording period, and the width of the object on the second axis represents the range of the recording period. Figure 8 In the figure, the number equal to the number of each recording device 50 is represented as the device ID. In addition, the device ID can be information that can identify the recording device 50, for example, it can also be an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, a station number in the industrial network 400, other numbers or a combination thereof.

[0100] In such a picture 113, Fig. 9 As shown, when the user selects two objects 71 by pressing or tapping, the selection of the recording period corresponding to the object 71 is received by the receiving unit 120. Then, the communication unit 140 requests the recording device 50 to obtain the recording data corresponding to the recording period of the selected object. Fig. 9 In the example, the recording unit 23 is requested to generate the recording data 503 by recording during the recording period from 12:00 to 13:00, and the controlled device 32 is requested to generate the recording data 503 by recording during the recording period from after 12:00 to before 13:00.

[0101] The offline display unit 112 displays information related to the log data 503 acquired by the support device 10. Fig. 9 The selected recorded data obtained from the recording device 50 is shown, such as Fig.10 As shown, the corresponding recording period is displayed at a glance on the screen 113. The display of the recording period by the offline display unit 112 is performed in the same manner as the display of the recording period by the online display unit 111. That is, the offline display unit 112 displays the objects corresponding to the acquired recording data within a plane defined by the vertical axis corresponding to the list of the recording device 50 and the horizontal axis corresponding to the time.

[0102] exist Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 1 , if the user selects button 72 after further selecting an object, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the offline display unit 112 displays the details of the recorded data 503 corresponding to the selected object. Fig.11 In the example of , three graphs showing the transition of the values ​​included in the recording data 503 are displayed using a common time axis. The presentation unit 110 corresponds to an example of a presentation unit that presents the recording period notified from each recording device in association with identification information for identifying the recording device.

[0103] Back to Figure 7The receiving unit 120 is mainly implemented by the processor 61 and the input unit 64 of the auxiliary device 10. The storage unit 130 is mainly implemented by the auxiliary storage unit 63 of the auxiliary device 10. The storage unit 130 stores the recording period information 504 and the recording data 503 obtained from the recording device 50, and the storage unit 130 provides these recording period information 504 and the recording data 503 in response to the request of the prompting unit 110. The receiving unit 120 corresponds to an example of a receiving unit that receives a selection of one or more recording periods from a plurality of recording periods prompted by the prompting unit.

[0104] The communication unit 140 is mainly realized by the cooperation of the processor 61 and the communication unit 66 of the auxiliary device 10. The communication unit 140 obtains the recording period information 504 from the recording device 50 and provides it to the prompt unit 110 and the storage unit 130. In addition, the communication unit 140 obtains the recording data 503 corresponding to the recording period that becomes the selected object received by the receiving unit 120 from the recording device 50, and provides the obtained recording data 503 to the prompt unit 110 and the storage unit 130. The communication unit 140 is equivalent to an example of an acquisition unit that acquires the recording data generated by the recording device corresponding to the identification information associated with the recording period in the recording period that becomes the selected object received by the receiving unit. In addition, the recording data 503 obtained by the communication unit 140 is equivalent to an example of selection data including the first selection data and the second selection data.

[0105] Next, use Figures 12 to 18 The flow of processing executed in the recorded data analysis support system 100 will be described.

[0106] exist Fig.12 FIG. 2 shows a process for preparing for a shared trigger when the recording data analysis auxiliary system is started. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recording device 50 refers to the trigger setting information 501 stored in the storage unit 530 of the recording device 50 itself (step S11). Fig.13 As illustrated, the trigger setting information 501 indicates the trigger detection condition, whether transmission occurs when a trigger is detected, and whether recording occurs when a trigger is received.

[0107] Next, the recording device 50 determines whether the trigger setting information 501 referred to in step S11 specifies that a trigger should be sent or received (step S12). Specifically, if at least one of sending when a trigger is detected and recording when a trigger is received is specified, the recording device 50 confirms the determination in step S12.

[0108] When the determination of step S12 is affirmed (step S12; Yes), the recording device 50 outputs the trigger setting information 501 to the central processing unit 21 (step S13). The output of the trigger setting information 501 may be the sending of the trigger setting information 501 to the central processing unit 21, or the storage of the trigger setting information 501 in a storage device that can be referenced by the central processing unit 21. On the other hand, when the determination of step S12 is denied (step S12; No), that is, when it is specified that neither the trigger is sent nor received, the recording device 50 does not output the trigger setting information 501.

[0109] The central processing unit 21 obtains the trigger setting information 501 provided by each recording device 50 (step S14), and updates the trigger sharing information 2131 (step S15). Fig.14 As shown, each recording device 50 that outputs the trigger setting information 501 changes the trigger sharing information 2131 in a manner indicating whether to send a trigger signal and whether to receive a trigger signal from the outside and perform recording processing. Thus, the trigger sharing information 2131 indicates the recording device 50 that can be the source of the trigger signal and the recording device 50 that can be the target of the trigger signal.

[0110] Here, the central processing unit 21 may also query each of the recording devices 50 about the model or type of the recording device 50, and confirm whether the model or type of the recording device 50 has the function related to the sharing of the trigger or the transmission and reception of the trigger signal. Furthermore, when the trigger setting information 501 is provided from a recording device 50 of a model or type that does not have such a function, the central processing unit 21 may output an error indicating that the trigger setting information 501 is set incorrectly.

[0111] exist Fig.15 The process of sharing the trigger signal issued by the recording device 51 is shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the recording device 51 determines whether a trigger signal is received (step S21). If it is determined that the trigger signal is not received (step S21; No), the recording device 51 determines whether a trigger is detected (step S22). If it is determined that the trigger is not detected (step S22; No), the recording device 51 repeats the processing after step S21 to monitor whether a trigger signal is received and whether a trigger is detected.

[0112] When it is determined in step S22 that a trigger is detected (step S22; Yes), the recording device 51 refers to the trigger setting information 501 from the storage unit 530, and determines whether it is specified in the trigger setting information 501 that a trigger signal should be sent (step S23). When it is determined that it is specified that a trigger signal should be sent (step S23; Yes), the recording device 51 sends a trigger signal to the central processing unit 21 (step S24).

[0113] In step S21, when it is determined that a trigger signal is received (step S21; Yes), the recording device 51 determines whether it is specified in the trigger setting information 501 that a trigger signal should be received and recording processing should be performed (step S25). In the case where it is determined that a trigger signal should be received and recording processing should be performed (step S25; Yes) and in the case where it is determined in step S23 that it is not specified that a trigger signal should be sent (step S23; No), and after step S24 is completed, the recording device 51 performs recording processing according to the trigger setting information 501 (step S26). Thus, the recording data 503 is generated. Then, the recording device 51 generates recording period information 504 indicating the recording period of the recording data 503 generated in step S26 (step S27). Specifically, the recording device 51 generates a record indicating the recording period and adds it to the recording period information 504.

[0114] In step S25 , when it is determined that it is not specified that the recording process should be executed by receiving the trigger signal (step S25 ; No), the recording device 51 does not execute the recording.

[0115] If a trigger signal is sent in step S24, the central processing unit 21 receives the trigger signal and relays the trigger signal according to the trigger sharing information 2131 (step S28). Specifically, the trigger sharing information 2131 sends a trigger signal to the recording device 50 that receives the trigger signal and performs recording processing. Fig.15 In FIG. 5 , as the recording device 50 to which the trigger signal from the central processing unit 21 is sent, the recording device 52 is representatively shown.

[0116] When the recording device 52 receives the trigger signal from the central processing unit 21, it performs the same processing as steps S21 to S25 performed by the recording device 51. When it is specified that the recording processing should be performed upon receiving the trigger signal, the recording processing is performed (step S29), and the recording period information 504 is generated (step S210). Thus, the recording devices 51 and 52 generate the recording data 503 and the recording period information 504 in a linked manner.

[0117] In addition, when the recording device 52 does not specify in the trigger setting information 501 that it should receive the trigger signal and perform the recording process, it is not necessary to perform the recording process. Here, the central processing unit 21 sends the trigger signal to the recording device 50 that receives the trigger signal and performs the recording process, but Fig.12 In the startup process shown, after the trigger setting information 501 of the recording device 52 is reflected in the trigger sharing information 2131, if the trigger setting information 501 of the recording device 52 is changed, the recording device 52, which is the sharing target of the trigger signal, does not record even if it receives the trigger signal.

[0118] In addition, Fig.15 , the recording device 52 executes steps S29 and S210, but the execution steps of the recording device 52 are representative steps in the processing flow executed in the same manner as the recording device 51. That is, the recording device 52 executes the same steps S21 to S27 as the recording device 51. In addition, the recording devices 51 and 52 may each be any one of the plurality of recording devices 50.

[0119] exist Fig.16 The flow of sharing the trigger detected by the central processing unit 21 is shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the central processing unit 21 determines whether a trigger is detected (step S31). If it is determined that no trigger is detected (step S31; No), the central processing unit 21 monitors whether there is a trigger by repeating the determination. On the other hand, if it is determined that a trigger is detected (step S31; Yes), the central processing unit 21 sends a trigger signal according to the trigger sharing information 2131 (step S32). Then, the recording device 50 receives the trigger signal sent in step S32, and if it is specified in the trigger setting information 501 that the recording process should be performed by receiving the trigger signal, the recording process is performed (step S33), and the recording period information 504 is generated (step S34).

[0120] exist Fig.17 4 shows the trigger sharing process for sharing the trigger performed by the central processing unit 21. In the trigger sharing process, the central processing unit 21 determines whether a trigger signal is received from the outside (step S41). When it is determined that the trigger signal is not received (step S41; No), the central processing unit 21 determines whether the trigger is detected in the central processing unit 21 (step S42). When it is determined that the trigger is not detected (step S42; No), the central processing unit 21 repeats the process after step S41. Thus, the central processing unit 21 monitors whether a trigger signal is received and whether a trigger is detected.

[0121] When it is determined in step S41 that a trigger signal is received (step S41; Yes) and when it is determined in step S42 that a trigger is detected (step S42; Yes), the central processing unit 21 sends a trigger signal to the recording device 50 (step S43) according to the trigger sharing information 2131. Thereafter, the central processing unit 21 repeats the processing after step S41.

[0122] according to Fig.17 It can be seen that if the central processing unit 21 receives a trigger signal indicating a trigger or detects a trigger, it executes processing related to the next trigger after the received trigger or the detected trigger is shared with the recording device 50. In other words, when multiple triggers occur at approximately the same time, the central processing unit 21 only shares the initial trigger with the recording device 50, and does not share other triggers with the recording device 50.

[0123] exist Fig.18 FIG. 5 shows a flow of providing the generated recording data 503 and recording period information 504 to the auxiliary device 10. Fig.18 As shown, the auxiliary device 10 requests the transmission of the recording period information 504 to each recording device 50 connected via the central processing unit 21 according to a specific operation from the user (step S51). Here, the specific operation is, for example, the input of a start instruction for recording data analysis in the engineering design tool. In addition, the request for the recording period information 504 may also include the designation of the time to be displayed on the screen 113. The designated time may be a specific time point or a time range. For example, in order to Figure 8 The screen 113 shown is displayed, and the support device 10 specifies the most recent 7 hours, and requests recording of the recording period information 504 indicating the recording period overlapping with the time within the range of the 7 hours.

[0124] Specifically, at exactly 17:00, the auxiliary device Figure 8 As shown, the time range from 10:00 to 17:00 is specified, thereby requesting the recording of the recording period information 504 indicating the recording period included in the time range, and the recording of the recording period information 504 indicating the recording period overlapping with a part of the time range. Here, the recording period included in the time range refers to the period that includes both the start time and the end time in the time range. In addition, the recording period that overlaps with a part of the time range refers to the period that includes one of the start time and the end time in the time range but does not include the other. Figure 8In the time range from 10:00 to 17:00 as illustrated, if there is a record of the recording period information 504 indicating a recording period with a start time of 9:30 and an end time of 10:30, this recording is also requested.

[0125] If the request from the auxiliary device 10 is received, the recording device 50 transmits the recording period information 504 in response to the request (step S52). Specifically, the response unit 570 of the recording device 50 receives the query from the auxiliary device 10, and when the recording period indicated by the recording period information 504 includes the designated time, the response unit 570 provides a part or all of the recording period information 504 to the auxiliary device 10 as a response to the query. Here, when a plurality of records in the recording period information 504 include the designated time, the plurality of records may be provided. Then, the communication unit 140 of the auxiliary device 10 obtains the recording period information 504 (step S53).

[0126] Next, the presenting unit 110 of the support device 10 presents the user with the recording period indicated by the recording period information 504 acquired in step S53 (step S54). Figure 8 A screen 113 as shown is displayed.

[0127] Next, the receiving unit 120 of the auxiliary device 10 receives the selection of any recording period from among the presented recording periods by the user (step S55). Here, the selection of the recording period essentially refers to the selection of a combination of the recording device 50 and the recording period for recording by the recording device 50. Then, the auxiliary device 10 requests the recording device 50 that has performed recording during the recording period to provide the recording data 503 corresponding to the selected recording period.

[0128] The recording device 50 receiving the request transmits the requested recording data 503 to the support device 10 (step S56). Thus, the communication unit 140 of the support device 10 acquires the recording data 503 generated in the designated recording period through the recording device 50 designated by the user (step S57).

[0129] Next, the support device 10 determines whether the user has input an instruction to start the offline analysis (step S58). If it is determined that the instruction has been input (step S58; Yes), the prompting unit 110 of the support device 10 prompts the recording period for the acquired log data 503 (step S59). Thus, the log data 503 is displayed in the same manner as before the log data 503 is acquired. Fig.10Then, the support device 10 displays the details of the recorded data 503 according to the user's instruction (step S510), thereby supporting the analysis of the recorded data 503 by the user. Fig.11 The screen 113 shown as an example is displayed. In step S58, when it is determined that no instruction has been input (step S58; No), the support device 10 repeats the determination of step S58 and waits for the input of an instruction.

[0130] As described above, in the recorded data analysis support system 100, a plurality of recording devices 50 execute the recording process in conjunction with each other by sharing a trigger. Here, in the analysis of the recorded data, there is a desire to generate the recorded data 503 in advance in the plurality of recording devices 50 at the same time, and to set the recorded data 503 as the object of analysis. Specifically, Fig.19 As shown, in order to verify the operation of multiple devices at the time of abnormality, it is desired to analyze multiple recorded data 503. However, without a shared trigger, triggers need to be set in advance for multiple recording devices 50 in a linked recording manner, which is usually difficult.

[0131] Specifically, when the number of recording devices 50 is about 2 or 3, the setting operation is not so difficult, but when the number increases to 5, 6 or dozens of recording devices, simply setting the same information for each recording device 50 in sequence will take time and the operation will become complicated. In addition, when multiple recording devices 50 are connected across a network, there may be an operation to change the network settings in order to make these recording devices 50 work in conjunction. In addition, when different persons in charge set information for each recording device 50 constituting the recorded data analysis support system 100, it is difficult to modify the information set for the recording device 50.

[0132] On the other hand, in the recorded data analysis support system 100 according to the present embodiment, by making the recording devices 50 share triggers, it is possible to easily realize recording in overlapping recording periods.

[0133] Furthermore, before acquiring the log data 503 stored in a plurality of recording devices 50 in a distributed manner, the support device 10 acquires the recording period information 504 from each recording device 50 , and displays to the user at a glance which recording device 50 stores the log data 503 generated in which recording period.

[0134] In the case where only the recorded data 503 is read out from the recording device 50, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20As shown, the user needs to check the recorded data 503 stored in each recording device 50 in turn to find the required recorded data 503, which results in complicated operations.

[0135] In contrast, according to the recorded data analysis support system 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, by displaying the recorded period at a glance, the user can confirm the outline of the recorded data 503 and select the recorded data 503 required for analysis simply by visually recognizing one screen 113. In particular, in the analysis of the recorded data 503, the recorded data 503 generated at a specific time or within a specific time range is often targeted, so it is effective to indicate the recording period for each recording device 50. Therefore, the preparation work for the analysis of the recorded data can be reduced.

[0136] In addition, the shared range of the trigger signal in the recorded data analysis support system 100 is determined by the trigger setting information 501 pre-set in the recording device 50. Specifically, whether the recording device 50 that detects the trigger has generated a trigger signal is determined by the trigger setting information 501 of the recording device 50. Moreover, the transmission destination of the trigger signal is determined by the trigger setting information 501 of other recording devices 50. That is, the recording device 50 having the trigger setting information 501 that stipulates that the recording process is executed upon receiving the trigger signal is used as the receiving destination, and the trigger signal is relayed through the central processing unit 21.

[0137] In addition, the trigger setting information 501 has been described as an example that specifies both the presence or absence of sending a trigger signal and the presence or absence of receiving a trigger signal, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The trigger setting information 501 may specify either the presence or absence of sending a trigger signal or the presence or absence of receiving a trigger signal.

[0138] When the trigger setting information 501 specifies whether to send a trigger signal but does not specify whether to receive a trigger signal, the trigger signal sent from any recording device 50 is broadcast to all other recording devices 50. When the trigger setting information 501 specifies whether to receive a trigger signal but does not specify whether to send a trigger signal, all recording devices 50 that detect a trigger send a trigger signal, and the central processing unit 21 relays the trigger signal to the recording device 50 that specifies to receive a trigger signal.

[0139] Furthermore, an example in which the trigger setting information 501 set in each recording device 50 is reflected in the trigger sharing information 2131 of the central processing unit 21 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The trigger sharing information 2131 that specifies whether or not the trigger signal to be executed by each recording device 50 has a transmission authority and whether or not the trigger signal to be received has a reception authority may be directly set in advance in the central processing unit 21. The setting of the trigger sharing information 2131 may be achieved by the central processing unit 21 receiving a user operation to the input unit 64 of the central processing unit 21, or by receiving a user operation to the auxiliary device 10 via the communication unit 66 of the central processing unit 21. Furthermore, the recording devices 50 that have detected a trigger may all send a trigger signal to the central processing unit 21, and the central processing unit 21 may relay the trigger signal to other recording devices 50 that have a reception authority when the recording device 50 that has sent the trigger signal has a transmission authority.

[0140] In addition, before acquiring the recorded data 503, the auxiliary device 10 displays the recorded data 503 by arranging objects corresponding to the recording period on a surface defined by the first axis corresponding to the list of the recording device 50 and the second axis corresponding to the time. In addition, the auxiliary device 10 also arranges the same objects for the acquired recorded data 503 to prompt the recording period. By arranging the objects in this way, the user can easily recognize the recording device 50 storing each recorded data 503 and the recording period generating the recorded data 503.

[0141] In addition, when the auxiliary device 10 receives a selection of two or more recording periods and obtains two recording data 503, as details of the two recording data 503, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the transition of the values ​​shown by each of the recorded data 503 is displayed on a common time axis. This enables efficient analysis of the recorded data 503 by the user. In addition, the selected recording period may be one or more than two. The recorded data corresponding to the recording period may be one or more than two.

[0142] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , if the central processing unit 21 receives a trigger signal, it does not execute processing related to other triggers until the relay of the trigger signal is completed. Fig.21 As shown, when the first trigger signal, the second trigger signal, and the third trigger signal are simultaneously transmitted from a plurality of recording devices 50, the central processing unit 21 relays the transmission of the first trigger signal received initially, and excludes other trigger signals from the objects of relay. Thus, it is possible to avoid the compression of the frequency band caused by the relay of a plurality of trigger signals.

[0143] In particular, when a certain abnormality is set as a trigger in a plurality of recording devices 50, when the abnormality occurs once, the trigger may be detected simultaneously by a plurality of recording devices 50. In such a case, even if all other triggers except the initial trigger are invalidated and discarded, the plurality of recording devices 50 execute the recording process in conjunction with the initial trigger.

[0144] In addition, Fig.17 In the example, the relay of other trigger signals is not performed until the relay processing of one trigger signal executed in the central processing unit 21 is completed. In other words, the end time point of the interruption period in which the relay of other trigger signals is interrupted after the central processing unit 21 starts relaying one trigger signal is the completion time of the relay processing executed in the central processing unit 21. Here, the end time point of the interruption period can also be changed to other arbitrary timing.

[0145] For example, the end time point of the interruption period may also be the timing when the relayed trigger signal reaches the recording device 50 as the receiving target. Specifically, the timing may be the timing when the relayed trigger signal reaches at least one recording device 50 as the receiving target, or the timing when the relayed trigger signal reaches all the receiving targets. The recording device 50 sends a reception signal indicating that the trigger signal has been received to the central processing unit 21, and the central processing unit 21 ends the interruption period based on the reception signal.

[0146] In addition, the end time point of the interruption period may also be the timing when the recording is completed by the recording device 50 that has received the relayed trigger signal. Specifically, the timing may be the timing when the recording is completed by at least one recording device 50 that has received the trigger signal, or the timing when the recording is completed by all recording devices 50 that have received the trigger signal. The recording device 50 sends a completion signal indicating that the recording is completed to the central processing unit 21, and the central processing unit 21 ends the interruption period based on the completion signal.

[0147] In addition, the length of the interruption period may be set to 5 minutes or 10 minutes, for example, or may be predetermined. If the length of the interruption period is long, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of congestion such as trigger signal circulation in a large-scale recorded data analysis support system 100 including a plurality of devices. The length of the interruption period is at least longer than the period until the central processing unit 21 completes the relay processing of the trigger signal initially received at a timing other than the interruption period.

[0148] In addition, an example of generating recorded data 503 by repeatedly reading the value of control data from a specific address is described. Here, the address from which the control data is read may be an identifier of a physical storage area of ​​a storage device, or an identifier of a logical storage area processed by software including firmware and OS (Operating System). The address of the control data may be identification information for distinguishing the value whose transition is recorded as recorded data 503 from other values. For example, the address of the control data may be a device in a PLC, or a "variable" or "label" processed by a programming language such as FBD (Function Block Diagram) language.

[0149] Implementation Method 2

[0150] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with a focus on the differences from Embodiment 1. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as those in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, an example in which a trigger only indicates the start of recording is described, but focusing on the trigger, it is conceivable to further assist the analysis of the recorded data 503 performed by the user. Next, a method for further assisting the user in relation to the trigger is described.

[0151] In this embodiment, trigger information related to the trigger is given to the trigger signal and the recorded data. Fig. 22 As shown, when the determination of step S23 is affirmed (step S23; Yes), the recording device 51 adds trigger information to the trigger signal and sends it to the central processing unit 21 (step S61). Fig.23 As shown, the trigger information includes sharing information indicating a sharing destination of the trigger and a trigger ID for identifying the trigger.

[0152] The trigger ID is defined based on, for example, identification information of a device that detects the trigger and the time at which the trigger is detected, but is not limited thereto, and may be a unique identifier for each trigger. Fig.24 As illustrated, in the trigger setting information 501 , shared information is defined along with the content that a trigger signal is transmitted when a trigger is detected. Fig.24 The upper part of indicates that the sharing target when the first trigger is detected is limited to "only the management target of the central processing unit 21", Fig.24 The lower part of indicates that the shared targets when the second trigger is detected are all devices.

[0153] like Fig.25As shown, sometimes the PLC 20 includes central processing units 21 and 21a, the central processing unit 21 sets the recording device 51 as the management object, and the central processing unit 21a sets the recording device 52 different from the recording device 51 as the management object. In this case, if the recording device 51 detects Fig.24 The first trigger shown in Fig.25 As indicated by the solid arrow, the trigger signal is shared with other recording devices 51 managed by the central processing unit 21 together with the recording device 51 that detected the trigger, and is not shared with the recording device 52. Specifically, the central processing unit 21 limits the transmission destination of the trigger signal to the recording device 51.

[0154] In addition, if the recording device 51 detects Fig.24 The second trigger shown in Fig.25 As shown by the dotted arrow in the middle, it is shared with all the recording devices 51 and 52. In this way, the sharing range of the trigger can be controlled by the setting content of the trigger setting information 501.

[0155] Back to Fig. 22 After step S61, the recording device 51 performs recording processing (step S26), generates recording period information 504, and also assigns the trigger information assigned to the trigger signal in step S61 to the recording period information 504 (step S62). Specifically, the trigger information is associated with the record added to the recording period information 504 and stored.

[0156] If the trigger signal and trigger information sent in step S61 are received, the central processing unit 21 relays the trigger signal and trigger information according to the trigger sharing information 2131 (step S63). Here, in the case where the sharing target specified by the trigger sharing information 2131 is different from the sharing target indicated by the sharing information of the trigger information, an arbitrary sharing target may be specified in advance, or the trigger signal may be sent to the receiving target that is repeatedly designated as the sharing target. In addition, since the sharing target is specified by the trigger information, the selection of the sharing target specified by the trigger sharing information 2131 may be omitted. That is, the central processing unit 21 may relay the trigger signal based on the trigger information without storing the trigger sharing information 2131.

[0157] After executing step S29, the recording device 52 that receives the trigger signal and the trigger information from the central processing unit 21 generates recording period information 504 and assigns the received trigger information to the recording period information 504 (step S64). Regarding step S29, whether or not to execute can be determined in accordance with the content of the trigger setting information 501 of the recording device 52, and all recording devices 52 that the trigger signal reaches as the shared target can also execute it regardless of the trigger setting information 501.

[0158] exist Fig.26 , the auxiliary device 10 obtains the recording period information 504 and the trigger information. Specifically, if the auxiliary device 10 requests the recording period information 504, the recording device 50 sends the recording period information 504 and the trigger information given to the recording period information 504 (step S65). If the auxiliary device 10 obtains the recording period information 504 and the trigger information (step S66), the auxiliary device 10 prompts the user with the recording period and the trigger information (step S67).

[0159] Specifically, if Fig. 27 As shown, in screen 113, if the user presses button 721 for indicating the display of the trigger ID, a line indicating the timing at which the trigger occurred is displayed overlapping the object corresponding to each recording period, and the trigger ID of the trigger is displayed. As a result, the user can easily understand that the recorded data corresponding to the two objects 722 are both generated by a trigger having a trigger ID such as "TRIG001", while on the other hand, object 723, which overlaps with the time range of object 722, is generated by a trigger having a different trigger ID such as "TRIG302". In addition, since the common trigger ID is displayed, the recorded data 503 recorded by the shared trigger can be easily understood from Fig. 27 Screen 113 makes it easy to identify the triggered sharing range.

[0160] In addition, Fig. 27 The timing of the trigger can also be indicated by the trigger information. When the trigger information indicates the timing of the trigger, in addition to Fig.23 In addition to the shared information and trigger ID shown, the trigger occurrence timing is indicated.

[0161] In addition, the trigger occurrence timing can also be determined by the method of generating the recording data 503 based on the trigger in the recording device 50. For example, when the recording device 50 reads the control data and generates the recording data 503 just after the trigger occurs or just after the trigger signal is received, the start time point of the recording period corresponds to the trigger occurrence timing. The recording device 50 always reads the control data regardless of whether there is a trigger and temporarily stores it in the ring buffer. Using the ring buffer, when the recording data 503 is generated from the control data read a certain time before the trigger occurs or the trigger signal is received, the time point after the certain time has passed from the start time point of the recording period corresponds to the trigger occurrence timing. The method of generating the recording data 503 can be stored in the auxiliary device 10 in advance, or can be obtained by querying the recording device 50 through the auxiliary device as needed.

[0162] When the generation method cannot be determined, the auxiliary device 10 may indicate any timing in the recording period as the trigger generation time, or may display only the trigger ID corresponding to the recording period without indicating the trigger generation time. Fig. 27 In the case of a line corresponding to the trigger occurrence time, the trigger ID is displayed.

[0163] As described above, the use of trigger information including shared information and trigger ID can further assist the user. In addition, the trigger information can be used to flexibly control the sharing range of the trigger signal. In addition, one of the shared information and the trigger ID can be omitted from the trigger information. In addition, an example of assigning trigger information to a trigger signal is described, but the trigger information can also be filled into the trigger signal to transmit the trigger signal representing the trigger information.

[0164] Implementation 3

[0165] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with a focus on the differences from Embodiment 1. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as those in Embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the occurrence history of events different from the recorded data 503 is combined with the recorded period and presented to the user.

[0166] As for the auxiliary device 10 involved in this embodiment, Fig.28 As shown, the communication unit 140 obtains event information and stores it in the storage unit 130. Event information is information that associates an event ID for identifying an event, the date and time of occurrence of the event, the type of event, and the details of the event. An event is an event related to the control of an instrument by the PLC 20, such as the detection of an abnormality, the occurrence of an error, and other phenomena that are pre-defined as events. The source of the event information is arbitrary. Specifically, the event information can be provided from the central processing unit 21, can be provided from the recording device 50, or can be provided from other instruments. In addition, when an event occurs, the user can also directly input the event information into the receiving unit 120.

[0167] like Fig.29 As illustrated, the presentation unit 110 refers to the event information from the storage unit 130 and displays a triangular object 731 indicating the time of occurrence of the event. When the user selects the object 731, the presentation unit 110 displays an area 732 for displaying the details of the event.

[0168] As described above, the support device 10 displays the time of the event together with the recording period. This allows the user to easily sort the recording data 503 generated before and after the event occurs.

[0169] Implementation 4

[0170] Next, Embodiment 4 will be described with the difference from Embodiment 1 as the center. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as those in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the user must confirm the recording period of each recording device 50 and select the recorded data 503 to be obtained. However, the recorded data 503 to be obtained sometimes depends on the control data included in the recorded data 503. In such a case, obtaining a large amount of recorded data 503 to find the control data will cause line congestion and take time. Therefore, the following describes a method for investigating the control data included in the recorded data 503 to some extent before obtaining the recorded data 503.

[0171] In this embodiment, if Fig.30 As shown, following step S54, the support device 10 receives the designation of the control data condition to be retrieved from the recorded data 503 (step S71). Specifically, the presentation unit 110 Fig.31 The input template of the condition as shown is displayed, and the receiving unit 120 receives the input of the condition specified by the user.

[0172] Next, the auxiliary device 10 notifies the recording device 50 of the condition of step S71 (step S72), and the recording device 50 searches for control data that meets the condition from the recorded data 503 (step S73). Then, the recording device 50 sends search result information indicating the search result to the auxiliary device 10 (step S74). When the control data that meets the condition is found, the search result includes the found control data and the recording date and time of the control data. In addition, when the control data that meets the condition is not found, the search result indicates that no control data is found.

[0173] Then, the assisting device 10 presents the search result information received from the recording device 50 to the user (step S75). Fig.32 As shown, the presentation unit 110 displays an object indicating the recording period and an object 741 indicating the recording date and time of the found control data.

[0174] As described above, before the auxiliary device 10 acquires the recorded data, the recording device 50 searches for control data satisfying the condition specified by the user from the recorded data 503, and presents the search result through the presenting unit 110. Thus, when the recorded data 503 including the control data satisfying the specific condition becomes the object of analysis, the user can easily search for such control data without sending any of a plurality of recorded data 503 or recorded data 503 of a large size to the auxiliary device 10.

[0175] Implementation method 5

[0176] Next, Embodiment 5 will be described with a focus on differences from Embodiment 1. The same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as those in Embodiment 1. This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that a user can add a mark to recording period information 504 and recording data 503 at any time.

[0177] like Fig.33 As shown, the receiving unit 120 involved in this embodiment, when a mark 751 is added by the user to a surface including an object indicating a recording period, calculates the time corresponding to the mark and stores it in the storage unit 130 together with the mark ID. Fig.34 As shown, this mark shows the time when the transition of the value of each of the log data 503 is calculated as described above in the screen 113 showing the details of two or more log data 503.

[0178] As described above, if the user can add a tag, it can help the analysis of the recorded data 503 performed by the user. Specifically, when studying the transition of each of the multiple control data in detail, the user specifies the common timing that should be paid attention to, and can easily observe the changes in the control data near the timing. The addition of a tag by the user is equivalent to an example of registering tag information. Displaying the tag assigned to the recorded data 503 together with the details of other recorded data 503 is equivalent to an example of prompting information related to the second selected data different from the first selected data with the tag information registered together with the tag information.

[0179] Implementation 6

[0180] Next, Embodiment 6 will be described with a focus on the differences from Embodiment 2. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as those in Embodiment 2. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that the recording device 50 managed by PLC 20 and the recording device 50 connected to PLC 20 via industrial network 400 share triggers in a different manner.

[0181] In this embodiment, if Fig.35 As shown, the PLC 20 and the controlled device 32 share the trigger using the shared information, and define the sharing range of the trigger according to the shared information. In addition, in the industrial network 400, the trigger is shared by adding the trigger information.

[0182] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the central processing unit 21 is described as the element having the function of relaying the trigger signal. However, in the present embodiment, the network unit 24 is Fig.36 As shown, it also has a function related to the relay of the trigger signal equivalent to that of the central processing unit 21. Fig.36 The communication unit 242, storage unit 243, trigger relay unit 244 and trigger detection unit 245 of the network unit 24 are shown in FIG. Figure 6 The bus communication unit 212, storage unit 213, trigger relay unit 214 and trigger detection unit 215 of the central processing unit 21 shown in the figure function in the same manner. However, the communication unit 242 transmits and receives the trigger signal via the PLC bus 200 and the industrial network 400. The network unit 24 has a function as the central processing unit 21. Figure 3 The hardware structure of the FA device as shown.

[0183] The central processing unit 21 relays a trigger signal received from a unit constituting the PLC 20 via the PLC bus 200 to other units via the PLC bus 200. In contrast, the network unit 24 relays a trigger signal received from a device via the PLC bus 200 or the industrial network 400 to other devices via the PLC bus 200 or the industrial network 400.

[0184] For example, when the network unit 24 receives a trigger signal from the PLC bus 200, it assigns trigger information to the trigger signal and sends the trigger signal to the recording devices 41 and 42 on the industrial network 400. In addition, when the network unit 24 receives a trigger signal from the recording device 41, it uses the trigger information assigned to the trigger signal to send the trigger signal to the units connected via the recording device 42 and the PLC bus 200.

[0185] Here, if the network unit 24 has a function of detecting a trigger, the execution is performed in accordance with Fig.17 Therefore, the network unit 24, like the central processing unit 21, sets an interruption period from the time when one trigger signal is received, during which no relay is performed even if another trigger signal is received. In the case where the network unit 24 does not have a function to detect a trigger, Fig.17 The trigger sharing process shown may omit step S42.

[0186] In the method described above, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned embodiment 2 is also achieved. In addition, when the method for determining the sharing range of the trigger signal on the PLC bus 200 is common to the method for determining the sharing range of the trigger signal on the industrial network 400, the network unit 24 may also have the same relay-related functions as the central processing unit 21.

[0187] In addition, the recording unit 23 of the PLC 20 may also be configured to omit the function of receiving the trigger. Fig.37 As shown, the recording unit 23 may include a trigger transmitting unit 540 a instead of the trigger transceiver 540 , and transmit a trigger signal when a trigger is detected. The central processing unit 21 broadcasts the trigger signal to the recording devices 41 and 42 via the industrial network 400 .

[0188] Implementation 7

[0189] Next, Embodiment 7 will be described with a focus on the differences from Embodiment 2. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as those in Embodiment 2. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that the trigger information received by the central processing unit 21 indicates the issuing source of the trigger and the sending source and sending destination of the trigger signal, and the sharing range of the trigger signal is determined based on the trigger information. This trigger information is equivalent to an example of the first trigger information.

[0190] like Fig.38 As shown, the trigger information involved in this embodiment is shared information, indicating the issuing source of the trigger, the sending source of the trigger signal, and the receiving destination of the trigger signal. The issuing source refers to the device that detects the trigger or the device that initially sends the trigger signal. The trigger information is assigned to the trigger signal by the recording device 50 that detects the trigger and generates the trigger signal. However, the "sending source" in the trigger information is rewritten as information representing the device by the device that transmits the trigger signal between the recording device 50 and the central processing unit 21. Fig.38 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , trigger information of a stage is generated by detecting a trigger using the recording device 41 , transmitted via the network unit 24 , and received by the central processing unit 21 .

[0191] The central processing unit 21 determines the destination of the trigger signal based on the trigger information and the preset trigger sharing information 2131. Fig.39The trigger sharing information 2131 as illustrated in the example. The trigger sharing information 2131 indicates a device as an issue source for sending a trigger signal as an issue source condition, and indicates a device as a transmission source for sending a trigger signal as a transmission source condition. When the issue source indicated by the trigger information matches the issue source condition specified in the trigger sharing information 2131, and the transmission source indicated by the trigger information matches the transmission source condition specified in the trigger sharing information 2131, the central processing unit 21 transmits a trigger signal to the destination indicated by the trigger information.

[0192] The trigger signal transmitted from the central processing unit 21 may or may not be provided with trigger information. The recording device 50 that receives the trigger signal from the central processing unit 21 records the control data.

[0193] As described above, the sharing range of the trigger signal is determined by the issuing source, the transmission source, and the destination indicated by the trigger information received by the central processing unit 21. Thus, the sharing range of the trigger signal can be flexibly controlled.

[0194] Furthermore, the example in which the trigger signal is relayed when both the issuer condition and the transmission source condition are satisfied is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When one of these conditions is satisfied, the central processing unit 21 may transmit the trigger signal to the destination indicated by the trigger information.

[0195] In addition, the trigger information may be information indicating any one or both of the issuing source, the sending source, and the receiving destination. Fig.38 The trigger information of any one or both of the issuing source, the sending source and the receiving destination shown determines the sharing range of the trigger signal. When the receiving destination is omitted, the central processing unit 21 can send the trigger signal to all connected recording devices 50 when one or both of the conditions related to the issuing source and the sending source are met.

[0196] This embodiment is equivalent to the following example, in which whether the recording device records the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection device is determined by whether or not a trigger signal is sent to the recording device executed by the central processing unit in accordance with at least one of the contents of the relay setting information and the contents of the first trigger information assigned by the detection device to the trigger signal sent from the detection device.

[0197] In addition, the trigger sharing information 2131 indicating the issuing source condition is equivalent to an example of relay setting information indicating whether the trigger signal should be sent to the recording device when the first trigger information assigned to the trigger signal indicates the detection device as the issuing source. The trigger sharing information 2131 indicating the sending source condition is equivalent to an example of relay setting information indicating whether the trigger signal should be sent to the recording device when the first trigger information assigned to the trigger signal indicates the sending source device.

[0198] Implementation 8

[0199] Next, Embodiment 8 will be described with a focus on the differences from Embodiment 2. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as those in Embodiment 2. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that the trigger information sent by the central processing unit 21 indicates the source of the trigger and the source and destination of the trigger signal, and the recording device 50 that receives the trigger signal determines whether to perform recording based on the trigger information. This trigger information is equivalent to an example of the second trigger information.

[0200] like Fig.40 As shown, the trigger information involved in this embodiment is shared information, indicating the source of the trigger, the source of the trigger signal, and the destination of the trigger signal. The trigger information is assigned to the trigger signal by the recording device 50 that detects the trigger and generates the trigger signal. However, the "sending source" in the trigger information is rewritten by the device that relays the trigger signal to the information indicating the device. Fig.40 In the example, the trigger information is generated by detecting the trigger by the recording device 41 and relayed by the central processing unit 21. In addition, the trigger information may not be given to the trigger signal received by the central processing unit 21, but the trigger information may be generated by the central processing unit 21 and given to the trigger signal. In the case where the central processing unit 21 generates and gives the trigger information, when it is difficult to identify the issuing source, the device that sends the trigger signal to the central processing unit 21 may be indicated as the issuing source in the shared information.

[0201] The recording device 50 that receives the trigger signal from the central processing unit 21 determines whether or not to perform recording based on the trigger information and the trigger setting information 501. Fig.41The trigger setting information 501 is as shown in the example. The trigger setting information 501 indicates the source condition for executing recording and the source condition for executing recording. The recording device 50 executes recording when the source indicated by the trigger information matches the source condition specified in the trigger setting information 501, the source indicated by the trigger information matches the source condition specified in the trigger setting information 501, and the destination indicated by the trigger information is the recording device 50 itself. In addition, the recording device 50 does not execute recording when the trigger information indicates a destination other than the recording device 50.

[0202] As described above, the existence or non-existence of recording by the recording device is determined by the issuer, the transmission source, and the destination indicated by the trigger information. This makes it possible to flexibly control the substantial sharing range of the trigger signal for executing recording.

[0203] Furthermore, the recording device 50 may also perform recording when any one of the first condition of the issue source condition, the second condition of the transmission source condition, and the third condition that the destination is the recording device 50 itself is satisfied, or when any combination of the two is satisfied. In addition, the trigger information may be information indicating any one or both of the issue source, the transmission source, and the destination.

[0204] This embodiment is equivalent to the following example, in which whether the control data is recorded based on the trigger detected by the detection device is determined by at least one of the contents of the receiving setting information received by the recording device and the contents of the second trigger information assigned by the trigger signal sent from the central processing unit that receives the trigger signal to the recording device.

[0205] In addition, the trigger setting information 501 indicating the issue source condition is equivalent to an example of the reception setting information indicating whether the control data should be recorded when the second trigger information assigned to the received trigger signal indicates the detection device as the issue source. The trigger setting information 501 indicating the transmission source condition is equivalent to an example of the reception setting information indicating whether the control data should be recorded when the second trigger information assigned to the received trigger signal indicates the transmission source device.

[0206] Implementation method 9

[0207] Next, Embodiment 9 will be described with a focus on the differences from Embodiment 2. The same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent configurations as Embodiment 2. This embodiment differs from Embodiment 2 in that the sharing range of the trigger signal is determined by defining an upper limit value for the number of relays.

[0208] like Fig.42 As shown, the shared information involved in the present embodiment indicates the remaining number of relays of the trigger signal. The initial value of the remaining number of relays is set by the recording device 50 that detects the trigger. The initial value can be preset when the recording device 50 leaves the factory, or it can be set arbitrarily by the user. The initial value can also be a different value corresponding to the type of trigger. Moreover, the device having the function of relaying the trigger signal relays the trigger signal after decrementing the remaining number of relays when the remaining number of relays of the shared information assigned to the trigger signal is greater than or equal to 2 times, and when the remaining number of relays is 1, the remaining number of relays is decremented, and as a result, the remaining number of relays becomes zero, so the trigger signal is not relayed.

[0209] Here, the relay in which the number of remaining relays is reduced may also be the relay performed by the central processing unit 21, the input / output unit 22, the network unit 24, and the recording device 50. However, in a large-scale control system including a plurality of networks, if the number of remaining relays is reduced in the relay via the network, the range of the network through which the trigger signal is propagated is limited, which is effective in avoiding the congestion of the line caused by the loop of the trigger signal. The following describes an example in which the number of remaining relays is reduced when relaying a trigger signal from one network to another network.

[0210] In detail, Fig.43 As shown in FIG. 1 , when a trigger signal is transmitted between devices constituting a single PLC system, the device does not change the number of remaining relays. Here, the PLC system is a system including a PLC and a FA device connected to the PLC via a signal line outside the network. Figure 1 In the example, the PLC 20 and the controlled devices 31 and 32 constitute a PLC system, and the recording devices 41 and 42 connected to the PLC 20 via the industrial network 400 are each located outside the PLC system including the PLC 20. Figure 1 In the example, each of the units constituting the PLC 20 and the controlled devices 31 and 32 corresponds to each of them.

[0211] exist Fig.44 An example of determining the sharing range of trigger signals and trigger information by the remaining number of relays in a large-scale control system is shown in FIG. Fig.44 In the figure, the "CPU" constituting the PLC system is equivalent to the central processing unit 21, and the "relay device" constituting the PLC system is a device having the function of relaying the trigger signal to other devices. In addition, the lines connecting the devices to each other and the lines connecting the devices to the networks NW1 to NW6 represent the connection realized by the communication lines, and the arrows represent the transmission of the trigger signal and the trigger information. The number in the circular symbol near the arrow refers to the remaining number of relays of the trigger information corresponding to the arrow.

[0212] exist Fig.44 In the example, if the recording device 54 shown in the bold frame detects a trigger, the recording device 54 outputs the trigger information indicating the remaining relay times of 4 as an initial value together with the trigger signal, and the trigger information is shared within the PLC system 801 having the recording device 54. Then, the relay device 81 of the PLC system 801 decrements the remaining relay times to 3 times, and then sends the trigger information to the network NW1. As a result, the PLC systems 802, 803, and 804 connected to the PLC system 801 via the network NW1 receive the trigger information indicating the remaining relay times of 3 times, and the trigger signal is shared within each of the PLC systems 802, 803, and 804. In addition, the recording device connected to the PLC system 801 via the network NW1 receives the trigger signal and starts recording.

[0213] Then, the PLC system 805 connected to the PLC system 803 via the network NW2 receives the trigger information that the number of remaining relays is 2, and the trigger signal is shared within the PLC system 805. In addition, the recording device connected to the PLC system 804 via the network NW3 and the PLC system 806 connected to the PLC system 804 via the network NW4 receive the trigger information that the number of remaining relays is 2, and the PLC system 806 shares the trigger signal therein.

[0214] In addition, if Fig.44 As shown, the recording device 55 receiving the trigger signal from the PLC system 806 via the network NW4 transmits the trigger information with the remaining relay count of 2 in the network NW4 as described above, and thus similarly receives the trigger information with the remaining relay count of 2. That is, when the trigger information is transmitted again to the network to which the trigger information has already been transmitted, the remaining relay count does not change.

[0215] The PLC system 807 connected to the PLC system 806 via the network NW5 receives the trigger information with the remaining relay count of 1, and shares the trigger signal within the PLC system 807. Since the value obtained by decrementing the remaining relay count of the trigger information received by the PLC system 806 is zero, the relay device constituting the PLC system 806 does not send the trigger information via the network NW6. Therefore, the PLC system 808 connected to the PLC system 807 via the network NW6 is excluded from the sharing range of the trigger signal and the trigger information.

[0216] As described above, even when the trigger information indicates the remaining number of relays, the sharing range of the trigger signal can be flexibly controlled. In particular, in a large-scale system where the trigger signal may be transmitted via multiple networks, the trigger signal loop can be reliably avoided.

[0217] In addition, the trigger information may not indicate the remaining number of relays, but may indicate the number of times the trigger signal has been relayed. If the number indicated by the trigger information is less than a predetermined upper limit, the relay device relays the trigger signal and the trigger information after incrementing the number. If the number is greater than or equal to the upper limit, the trigger signal is not relayed. The trigger information may indicate information corresponding to the number of times the trigger signal has been relayed.

[0218] Embodiment 10

[0219] Next, Embodiment 10 will be described with a focus on differences from Embodiment 1. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent configurations as those in Embodiment 1. This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that recording device 50 is an external device that stores recorded data.

[0220] like Fig.45 As shown, the recording device 50 involved in this embodiment does not store the recorded data inside the recording device 50, but stores the recorded data in an external storage device. The storage device may be a server on the network or a recording medium such as a memory card. Furthermore, if the recording period information 504 is requested from the auxiliary device 10 (step S51), the recording device 50 receives the recording period information 504 and the auxiliary information for assisting in obtaining the recorded data (step S81). The auxiliary information is, for example, the address of the storage device on the network, the address of the recorded data in the memory of the storage device, information for decrypting the encrypted recorded data, or authentication information for accessing the storage device.

[0221] After step S55, the assist device 10 reads the recorded data from the storage device using the assist information. That is, the storage device transmits the recorded data to the assist device 10 (step S82).

[0222] As described above, even in the case where the recorded data stored outside the recording device 50 is provided to the auxiliary device 10 using auxiliary information, the same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved. In particular, the recording unit 23 constituting the PLC 20 is mostly an embedded device, and the basic specifications of its hardware are low. In contrast, the auxiliary device 10 involved in this embodiment can directly access the storage device storing the recorded data 503, so it is expected to quickly obtain the file.

[0223] Implementation 11

[0224] Next, Embodiment 11 will be described with a focus on differences from Embodiment 1. The same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent configurations as Embodiment 1. This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that recording device 50 acquires control data from an external transmission device and generates recording data of the control data.

[0225] like Fig.46 As shown, the recording unit 23 as an example of the recording device 50 receives and records the control data from the sending unit 25 constituting the PLC 20 via the PLC bus 200, thereby generating and saving the recording data. In detail, if the recording unit 23 detects or receives a trigger, it requests the sending unit 25 to provide the control data processed by the sending unit 25, thereby periodically acquiring and recording the control data.

[0226] As described above, even in a mode in which the recording device 50 records external control data, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0227] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

[0228] For example, Fig.47 As shown, the presentation unit 110 may combine recording periods adjacent to each other in the time direction and display them as one object.

[0229] In addition, the prompting unit 110 may display the recorded period in a different display method than the bar graph as described above. For example, the object prompted by the prompting unit 110 is not limited to a strip-shaped icon, but may also be Fig.48 In addition, the prompting unit 110 may also obtain the recorded data 503 by Fig.49 The display of the table shown here prompts the user of the recording period.

[0230] In addition, the control data may be read from a periodic memory that synchronizes data through a plurality of devices when controlling the instrument, or may be other data. Instead of associating the date and time with the value, the record data 503 may be data that associates index information indicating the order of the time sequence with the value.

[0231] In addition, the example in which the recording period information 504 and the recording data 503 are created at the same time has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the recording period information 504 is requested, the recording device 50 may generate the recording period information 504 with reference to the recording data 503 and respond. In addition, the recording device 50 may create the recording period information 504 at a certain period, at a timing when the processing load of the recording device 50 is small, at a preset timing, or at a timing instructed by the central processing unit 21, according to its product characteristics.

[0232] In addition, since the size of the recorded data 503 is generally large, the recorded data 503 is often stored in a large-capacity nonvolatile memory with a slow access speed. In contrast, the recorded period information 504 may be fixedly or temporarily stored in a high-speed cache that can be accessed at high speed in preparation for a request from the auxiliary device 10.

[0233] In addition, if Fig.50 As shown, the PLC 20 can also be connected to multiple recording devices 41, 42, 41a, 42a via different industrial networks 400, 400a. In this way, if the trigger can be shared via multiple networks, it is easy to make the recording performed by multiple recording devices 50 linked in a complex network structure built in the factory.

[0234] In addition, although the example in which a plurality of recording devices 50 including an external recording device 50 of the PLC 20 share a trigger has been described, it is also possible that a plurality of recording devices 50 constituting the PLC 20 share a trigger. In other words, it is also possible that a single PLC 20 functions as a recording system. In addition, although the example in which a plurality of recording devices 50 share a trigger has been described, it is also possible that a recording data auxiliary system is constituted by a single recording device 50, and the recording period information is provided from the recording device 50 to the auxiliary device 10.

[0235] Furthermore, although the example in which the recording period information 504 includes records corresponding to the respective recording data 503 has been described, the recording period information 504 may be information corresponding to the respective recording data 503 such as the above-mentioned records.

[0236] For example, embodiment 7 of controlling the sharing range of the trigger signal based on the transmission source indicated by the sharing information of the trigger information and embodiment 9 of controlling the sharing range of the trigger signal based on the remaining number of relay times may be combined.

[0237] The functions of the recording device 50, the central processing unit 21, and the support device 10 according to the above-described embodiment can also be realized by dedicated hardware or a general computer system.

[0238] For example, the program P1 may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or an MO (Magneto-Optical Disk) and distributed, and installed in a computer, thereby forming a device that executes the above-mentioned processing.

[0239] Alternatively, the program P1 may be stored in advance in a disk device of a server device on a communication network such as the Internet, and may be superimposed on a carrier wave and downloaded to a computer.

[0240] Furthermore, the above-mentioned processing can also be achieved by forwarding the program P1 via a network represented by the Internet and starting its execution.

[0241] Furthermore, the above-described processing can also be achieved by executing all or part of the program P1 on a server device, and by causing the computer to transmit and receive information related to the processing via a communication network and execute the program P1.

[0242] Furthermore, when the above functions are realized by sharing with the OS or by cooperative operation of the OS and the application, only the portion other than the OS may be stored in a medium and distributed, or may be downloaded to a computer.

[0243] In addition, the method of realizing the functions of the recording device 50, the central processing unit 21, and the auxiliary device 10 is not limited to software, and a part or all of them may be realized by dedicated hardware or circuits.

[0244] The present invention can be set to various embodiments and variations without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is not the embodiments, but is represented by the scope of the claims. Moreover, various variations applied within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0245] Industrial Applicability

[0246] The present invention is suitable for analysis of record data recorded in an FA system.

[0247] Description of the label

[0248] 10 auxiliary device, 20 PLC, 21, 21a central processing unit, 22 input and output unit, 23 recording unit, 24, 24a network unit, 25 sending unit, 31, 32 controlled instrument, 41, 41a, 42, 42a, 50-55 recording device, 60 FA device, 61 processor, 62 main storage unit, 63 auxiliary storage unit, 64 input unit, 65 output unit, 66, 242 communication unit, 67 internal bus, 71, 722, 723, 731, 741 object, 72, 721 button, 81, 86, 87 relay device, 100 recording data analysis auxiliary system, 110 prompt unit, 111 online display unit, 112 offline display unit, 113 screen, 120 receiving unit, 130 storage unit, 140 communication unit, 200 PLC bus, 211 device communication unit, 212 bus communication unit, 213, 243 storage unit, 214, 244 trigger relay unit, 215, 245 trigger detection unit, 400, 400a industrial network, 501 trigger setting information, 502 control data, 503, 511, 521, 531 recording data, 504, 512, 522, 532 recording period information, 530 storage unit, 540 trigger transceiver unit, 540a trigger sending unit, 550 trigger detection unit, 560 recording unit, 570 response unit, 732 area, 751 tag, 801~808 PLC system, 2131 trigger sharing information, 2132 control data, NW1~NW5 network, P1 program.

Claims

1. A recording data analysis auxiliary system, comprising: a plurality of recording devices that generate recording data by recording control data related to control of the instrument; and an auxiliary device connected to the plurality of recording devices to assist in the analysis of the recorded data, In this record data analysis auxiliary system, Each of the recording devices notifies the auxiliary device of a recording period during which the control data is recorded, The auxiliary device comprises: a presenting unit configured to present the recording period notified from each of the recording devices in association with identification information for identifying the recording device; a receiving unit configured to receive a selection of one or more of the recording periods from among the plurality of the recording periods prompted by the prompting unit; as well as an acquisition unit that acquires the recording data generated by the recording device corresponding to the identification information associated with the recording period during the recording period that is the selected object and received by the receiving unit, The presenting unit presents information related to the log data acquired by the acquiring unit.

2. The recording data analysis auxiliary system according to claim 1, wherein: The presenting unit presents the object corresponding to each of the recording periods on a surface defined by a first axis corresponding to the list of the recording device and a second axis corresponding to time, The receiving unit receives the selection of the object, thereby receiving the selection of the recording period corresponding to the object.

3. The recording data analysis auxiliary system according to claim 2, wherein: The presenting unit presents the object by merging the recording periods that are adjacent to each other in the direction of the second axis on the surface.

4. The recording data analysis auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires event information indicating an occurrence time of an event related to control of the device. The presenting unit presents the occurrence time indicated by the event information together with the recording period.

5. The recording data analysis auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The receiving unit receives a condition related to the control data, notifies each of the recording devices of the condition, Each of the recording devices searches for the control data that meets the condition from the generated recording data, and notifies the auxiliary device of search result information indicating the search result of the control data. The prompting unit prompts the search result information.

6. The recording data analysis auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The presenting unit associates the recording period corresponding to the recording data acquired by the acquiring unit with the identification information corresponding to the recording period and presents the recording period.

7. The recording data analysis auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The receiving unit receives a selection greater than or equal to two of the recording periods, The acquisition unit acquires the recording data generated by recording in each of two or more recording periods as selection data, The presenting unit presents a graph indicating transition of a value indicated by each of the selection data using a common time axis.

8. The recording data analysis auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The receiving unit receives a selection greater than or equal to two of the recording periods, The acquisition unit acquires the recording data generated by recording in each of two or more recording periods as selection data, The receiving unit receives registration of flag information for a first selected data greater than or equal to the two selected data, The presenting unit presents information related to second selection data different from the first selection data together with the mark information.

9. A method for assisting analysis of recorded data, comprising: Each of the plurality of recording devices generates recording data by recording control data related to the control of the device. Each of the recording devices notifies the auxiliary device of a recording period during which the control data is recorded, The presenting unit of the auxiliary device presents the recording period notified from each of the recording devices in association with identification information for identifying the recording device. The receiving unit of the auxiliary device receives a selection of one or more of the recording periods from among the plurality of the recording periods presented by the presenting unit, The acquisition unit of the auxiliary device acquires the recording data generated by the recording device corresponding to the identification information associated with the recording period during the recording period to be selected and received by the receiving unit. The presenting unit presents information related to the log data acquired by the acquiring unit.

10. A program that causes an auxiliary device to function as a unit that assists analysis of recorded data generated by each of a plurality of recording devices by recording control data related to control of an instrument: a presenting unit for presenting the recording period in which the control data is recorded and notified from each of the recording devices by associating it with identification information for identifying the recording device; a receiving unit configured to receive a selection of one or more of the recording periods from among the plurality of the recording periods prompted by the prompting unit; as well as an acquisition unit that acquires the recording data generated by the recording device corresponding to the identification information associated with the recording period during the recording period that is the selected object and received by the receiving unit, The presenting unit presents information related to the log data acquired by the acquiring unit.

11. An assisting device for assisting analysis of recorded data generated by each of a plurality of recording devices by recording control data related to control of an instrument, The auxiliary device has: a presenting unit for presenting the recording period in which the control data is recorded and notified from each of the recording devices by associating it with identification information for identifying the recording device; a receiving unit configured to receive a selection of one or more of the recording periods from among the plurality of the recording periods prompted by the prompting unit; as well as an acquisition unit that acquires the recording data generated by the recording device corresponding to the identification information associated with the recording period during the recording period that is the selected object and received by the receiving unit, The presenting unit presents information related to the log data acquired by the acquiring unit.

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