Logging system, logging method, and program

Abstract

A log data analysis support system is provided with: a log recording device (51) having a function of logging control data; a logging device (52) that detects a trigger; and a central processing unit of the programmable controller, which is connected to the log recording devices (51, 52). A log recording device (51) determines whether or not to log control data on the basis of a trigger detected by a log recording device (52). The central processing unit transmits the trigger signal to the log recording device (51) according to the presence or absence of the trigger signal generated by the log recording device (52) and the presence or absence of the trigger signal transmitted by the central processing unit according to at least one of the content of the trigger shared information and the content of the first trigger information given by the log recording device (52) for the trigger signal. Or at least one of the content of the trigger setting information and the content of the second trigger information given to the trigger signal transmitted from the central processing unit to the log recording device (51) is determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a log recording system, a log recording method and a program. Background Art

[0002] In a factory, many devices are controlled to automate processing steps. Various analyses such as problem analysis and operation efficiency analysis are performed after the control of the above-mentioned devices. In order to efficiently perform this analysis, a log recording function for recording the history of data related to the control is used. In addition, a technology for sharing a trigger for starting log recording among multiple devices is proposed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a trigger signal indicating the occurrence of a trigger in one of the device log recording device and the sensor log recording device is sent to the other log recording device via a data processing device, so that when a single trigger occurs, logging is performed by two or more log recording devices.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-544684 Summary of the invention

[0005] When there are multiple devices with a log recording function, it is preferable to select a device that can perform log recording based on the trigger that occurs from these devices. However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, how to determine the sending target of the trigger signal that triggers the log recording is not considered. Therefore, in a system including a log recording device, there is room for flexibly determining the presence or absence of log recording based on the trigger.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to flexibly determine whether or not to perform log recording based on a trigger in a system including a log recording device.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the log recording system of the present invention comprises: a log recording device, which has the function of logging control data related to the control of the equipment; a detection device, which logs data different from the object of the log recording involved in the log recording device if a trigger is detected; and a central processing unit of a programmable controller, which is connected to the log recording device and the detection device. In this log recording system, whether the log recording device logs the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection device is determined by whether a trigger signal representing the trigger generated by the detection device according to the sending setting information received by the detection device is sent to the log recording device via the central processing unit, whether a trigger signal to the log recording device is sent through the central processing unit according to at least one of the content of the relay setting information received by the central processing unit and the content of the first trigger information assigned by the detection device in response to the trigger signal sent from the detection device, or, according to at least one of the content of the receiving setting information received by the log recording device and the content of the second trigger information assigned to the trigger signal sent from the central processing unit to the log recording device.

[0008] Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, in a system including a log recording device, it is possible to flexibly determine whether or not to perform log recording based on a trigger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the log data analysis support system according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an overview of the process related to log recording according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the FA device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the functional structure of the log recording device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of log data and log recording period information according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the functional structure of the central processing unit involved in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the assist device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a first example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing a second example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a third example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a fourth example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing the flow at the time of system startup according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger setting information involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0023] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger sharing information involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0024] Fig.15 This is the first figure showing the flow of trigger sharing involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0025] Fig.16 FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the flow of trigger sharing according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing the trigger sharing process involved in the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing the flow of providing information to the support device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Fig.19 It is a diagram for explaining the setting of the trigger involved in the comparative example.

[0029] Fig. 20 It is a diagram for explaining the reading of log data according to the comparative example.

[0030] Fig.21 This is a diagram for explaining the sharing of triggers involved in Implementation Example 1.

[0031] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing the process of trigger sharing involved in Implementation Method 2.

[0032] Fig.23This is a diagram showing an example of trigger information involved in Implementation Example 2.

[0033] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger setting information involved in Implementation Example 2.

[0034] Fig.25 This is a diagram for explaining the shared range of the trigger involved in Implementation Example 2.

[0035] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing the flow of providing information to the support device according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 27 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Fig.28 This is a diagram showing an example of event information involved in Implementation Example 3.

[0038] Fig.29 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the third embodiment.

[0039] Fig.30 This is a diagram showing the flow of providing information to the support device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0040] Fig.31 This is a diagram showing an example of a condition input form according to the fourth embodiment.

[0041] Fig.32 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0042] Fig.33 This is a diagram showing a first example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the fifth embodiment.

[0043] Fig.34 This is a diagram showing a second example of a screen presented by the presenting unit according to the fifth embodiment.

[0044] Fig.35 This is a diagram for explaining the sharing of triggers involved in Implementation Example 6.

[0045] Fig.36 This is a diagram showing the functional structure of the network unit 24 involved in the sixth embodiment.

[0046] Fig.37 It is a diagram for explaining a log recording unit according to a modification example.

[0047] Fig.38This is a diagram showing an example of trigger information involved in Implementation Example 7.

[0048] Fig.39 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger sharing information involved in Implementation Example 7.

[0049] Fig.40 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger information involved in Implementation Example 8.

[0050] Fig.41 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger setting information involved in Implementation Example 8.

[0051] Fig.42 This is a diagram showing an example of trigger information involved in Implementation Example 9.

[0052] Fig.43 This is the first figure for explaining the remaining number of relay times involved in Implementation Example 9.

[0053] Fig.44 FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining the remaining number of relay times according to the ninth embodiment.

[0054] Fig.45 This is a diagram for explaining the provision of auxiliary information involved in embodiment 10.

[0055] Fig.46 This is a diagram showing the relationship between control data and log data involved in implementation mode 11.

[0056] Fig.47 It is a diagram for explaining the merging of objects involved in the modification example.

[0057] Fig.48 It is a diagram showing an object involved in a modification example.

[0058] Fig.49 It is a diagram showing a table presented by a presenting unit according to a modification.

[0059] Fig.50 It is a diagram for explaining the PLC involved in the modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Hereinafter, a log data analysis support system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0061] Implementation method 1.

[0062] The log data analysis support system 100 according to the present embodiment is a system for supporting the analysis of log data performed by a user. Figure 1 As shown, the system comprises: an auxiliary device 10, which assists analysis by prompting a user with information related to log data recorded when controlling a device; a PLC 20, which controls controlled devices 31, 32; and log recording devices 41, 42, which are connected to the PLC 20 via an industrial network 400. The log data analysis auxiliary system 100 is equivalent to an example of a log recording system in which a plurality of log recording devices share a trigger.

[0063] 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 executes application software called an engineering design tool, thereby providing the user with a function of creating, editing, and writing a control program executed by the central processing unit 21. In addition, the engineering design tool provides the user with a function for easily analyzing log data stored in a plurality of log recording devices in a dispersed manner.

[0064] 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 log recording unit 23 that logs data, and a network unit 24 that is connected to an industrial network 400. The network unit 24 is connected to the log recording devices 41 and 42 via the industrial network 400. The PLC 20 is an example of a programmable controller.

[0065] The central processing unit 21, the input / output unit 22, the log recording unit 23, and the network unit 24 are connected to each other via the PLC bus 200 to send and receive signals. The PLC 20 is a functional block-type control device in which the central processing unit 21, the input / output unit 22, the log recording unit 23, and the network unit 24 are installed in a basic unit (not shown).

[0066] The central processing unit 21 executes a control program represented by a ladder diagram program, and controls the controlled devices 31 and 32 via the input-output unit 22. In detail, the central processing unit 21 generates an action instruction for the controlled device 32 as a log recording device based on the input of the sensing result from the controlled device 31 as a sensor, and outputs it to the controlled device 32. Here, the action of the controlled device 32 executed by the action instruction can be an action different from the log recording, or it can be a log recording. The central processing unit 21 controls multiple devices including the controlled devices 31 and 32, and these multiple devices work together, thereby, for example, performing the transportation, processing and inspection of workpieces in the production line.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The log recording unit 23 is a component of the PLC 20, and logs the control data related to the control of the device implemented by the PLC 20. The log recording unit 23 may have the same function as the input / output unit 22, and logs the control data input and output between the device connected to the log recording unit 23 itself. In addition, the log recording unit 23 may also have the same function as the network unit 24, and log the control data sent and received via the industrial network. In addition, the log recording unit 23 may not be connected to the external device of the PLC 20, but logs the data shared with the central processing unit 21 via the PLC bus 200.

[0069] The network unit 24 has a network interface circuit for connecting to the log recording devices 41 and 42, and communicates with the central processing unit via the PLC bus 200, thereby relaying the communication between the log recording devices 41 and 42 and the central processing unit 21. The log recording devices 41 and 42, like the controlled devices 31 and 32, may be devices that become the control objects of the central processing unit 21, or may be other PLCs that control the devices in cooperation with the PLC 20.

[0070] In addition, Figure 1 , various components are shown as 1 or 2, but are not limited thereto. Specifically, the input / output unit 22, the log recording unit 23, and the network unit 24 may be plural, respectively. In addition, multiple central processing units 21 may also be connected to the PLC bus 200 for collaboration. The number of devices connected to the input / output unit 22 may be 1 or more than 2. The number of devices connected to the network unit 24 via the industrial network 400 may be 1 or more than 2.

[0071] The log recording unit 23, the controlled device 32, and the log recording devices 41 and 42 among the components related to the PLC 20 have the function of recording the control data in a log. Specifically, the controlled device 32 records the data transmitted between the input / output unit 22 or the data changed in the internal processing of the controlled device 32. In addition, the log recording devices 41 and 42 record the data transmitted via the industrial network 400 or the data used in the internal processing of the log recording devices 41 and 42, respectively.

[0072] In the following, the log recording unit 23, the controlled device 32, and the log recording devices 41 and 42 having a log recording function are sometimes not distinguished from each other and are marked as a log recording device 50. The log recording performed by the log recording device 50 refers to the control of the device, and the history of the control data processed by the log recording device 50 is recorded. The control data is, for example, data stored in an address pre-set as a log recording object in a memory possessed by the log recording device 50. The history of the control data is created by sequentially appending the values ​​read from the address in a pre-set cycle and writing them to the storage area for log recording, so it represents the transition of the value. The length of the period during which the control data is repeatedly read is predetermined.

[0073] Here, an overview of the log recording performed by the plurality of log recording devices 50 is described using Figure 2 Provide explanation. Figure 2 The log recording devices 51, 52, and 53 shown are examples of the log recording device 50. That is, the log recording devices 51, 52, and 53 are equivalent to Figure 1 The logging unit 23, the controlled device 32, and any one of the logging devices 41, 42 shown.

[0074] like Figure 2As shown, if the log recording device 52 detects a trigger indicating the start of log recording, the detected trigger is shared with the log recording devices 51 and 53. The log recording devices 51 to 53 that share the trigger respectively start the generation of log data 511, 521, and 531 at approximately the same time. The log data 511, 521, and 531 can be generated based on the log recording started by the detection or reception of the trigger, respectively, or can be generated using the data that is always logged in the ring buffer regardless of the presence or absence of the trigger, using the data before the detection or reception of the trigger. If the control data is logged over a log recording period of a predetermined length to complete the generation of the log data 511, 521, and 531, the log recording devices 51 to 53 respectively generate and save the log recording period information 512, 522, and 532 indicating the log recording period spent on the generation of the log data 511, 521, and 531. In addition, the following description will focus on an example in which the log recording period information 512 , 522 , and 532 is generated immediately after the log data 511 , 521 , and 531 are generated, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be changed arbitrarily.

[0075] Before providing the log data 511, 521, 531, the log recording devices 51, 52, 53 provide the log 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 the log recording periods corresponding to the log data 511, 521, 531 stored in the log recording devices 51 to 53 to the user at a glance, thereby making it easy for the user to understand the log recording periods corresponding to the respective log data 511, 521, 531.

[0076] As described above, the log recording device 50 for notifying the log recording period, the auxiliary device 10 for displaying the log recording period, and the central processing unit 21 for relaying the communication between the log recording device 50 and the auxiliary device 10 are respectively composed of hardware elements for functioning as a computer. Figure 3 As shown, the FA device 60 corresponding to the log recording device 50, the auxiliary device 10, and the central processing unit 21 respectively 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.

[0077] The processor 61 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (MicroProcessing Unit) as a processing circuit. The processor 61 executes the program P1 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 63, thereby realizing various functions and performing the processing described later. 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 log recording device 50 is equivalent to firmware. In addition, the processor 61 of the central processing unit 21 executes a control program based on the program P1.

[0078] 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 of ​​the processor 61.

[0079] 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 in the processing of 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 and integrated with the input unit 64.

[0082] 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 data represented by the signal to the processor 61. In addition, the communication unit 66 sends a signal representing data output from the processor 61 to the external device. Figure 31 is representatively shown as one communication unit 66, but the FA device 60 may include a plurality of communication units 66. For example, the FA device 60 as the central processing unit 21 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.

[0083] Next, the functional configurations of the logging device 50 , the central processing unit 21 , and the support device 10 that are achieved by the cooperative operation of the above-described hardware configurations will be described in order.

[0084] The log recording device 50 is as follows Figure 4 As shown, it 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 to enable the log recording device 50 itself to spontaneously detect the trigger; a log recording unit 560, which generates log data; and a response unit 570, which responds to a request from the auxiliary device 10.

[0085] 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 logging device 50. The storage unit 530 stores trigger setting information 501 about triggers preset in the logging device 50 and control data 502 used by the logging device 50.

[0086] The trigger setting information 501 is information indicating conditions for detecting a trigger by the log 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 log recording device 50. The trigger setting information 501 is received from the outside in advance by the log recording device 50 and stored in the storage unit 530. The trigger setting information 501 may be received by a user operating the input unit 64 of the log recording device 50, or may be transmitted by the user operating the auxiliary device 10 via the central processing unit 21 and the communication unit 66 of the log recording device 50.

[0087] The content of the control data 502 changes with the control of the device by the PLC 20. The control data 502 is, for example, any of input data such as a sensing result used in the control, intermediate data generated in the process of processing the input value, and control output data such as an action command to the controlled device 32 generated based on 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 loop transmission between multiple devices constituting the control system.

[0088] The trigger transceiver 540 is mainly implemented by the coordinated action of the processor 61 and the communication unit 66 of the log recording device 50. When the trigger transceiver 540 receives a trigger signal from an external device, it determines whether to output the trigger represented by the received trigger signal to the log recording unit 560 based on the trigger setting information 501. In addition, when the trigger is output from the trigger detection unit 550, the trigger transceiver 540 determines whether to send the trigger signal representing the trigger to the external device based on the trigger setting information 501. Here, the external device is equivalent to the central processing unit 21 as described later, but may also include other log recording devices 50.

[0089] The trigger detection unit 550 is mainly implemented by the processor 61 of the log 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, the trigger detection is notified to the trigger transceiver unit 540 and the log recording unit 560. The condition for detecting the trigger may be that the value of the control data exceeds a threshold, or that an action instruction indicating the execution of the log recording is received from the central processing unit 21, or other conditions.

[0090] The log recording unit 560 is mainly implemented by the processor 61 of the log recording device 50. When a trigger is input from any of the trigger transceiver unit 540 and the trigger detection unit 550, the log recording unit 560 periodically reads the control data 502 of the preset log recording object and writes it to the storage unit 530 as log data 503. In addition, the log recording unit 560 creates log recording period information 504 indicating the log recording period during which the control data 502 is read to generate the log data 503, and writes it to the storage unit 530.

[0091] Log data 503 is created each time an input is triggered, so Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of log data 503 can be stored in the storage unit 530. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 5 , a file name is assigned to each log data 503, and each log data 503 is data that associates the date and time when the control data is read with the value of the control data read from the address in the storage unit 530. The log data 503 may be a history of values ​​read from a single address, or may be a log data record. Figure 5 As shown in "01.BIN" of FIG. 1 , this is a history of the values ​​read from multiple addresses.

[0092] The log recording period information 504 is information that indicates the file name of each log data 503, the start date and time of the log recording period, and the end date and time of the log recording period in association with each other. The start date and time of the log recording period information 504 is the date and time of the first recorded value contained in the log data 503, and the end date and time is the date and time of the last recorded value contained in the log data 503. The content of the log recording period information 504 is added to the value of the log data 503 each time the log data 503 is generated. Figure 5 Update the record of 1 row in.

[0093] 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 log recording device 50. The response unit 570 responds to the request of the auxiliary device 10 and reads the log recording period information 504 from the storage unit 530, and provides the log recording period information 504 to the auxiliary device 10. In addition, the response unit 570 responds to the request of the auxiliary device 10 and reads the log data 503 from the storage unit 530, and provides the log data 503 to the auxiliary device 10.

[0094] The central processing unit 21 is as follows Figure 6 As shown, it 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 the trigger signal received from the log recording device 50 to other log recording devices 50; and a trigger detection unit 215 for causing the central processing unit 21 to detect the trigger spontaneously. 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.

[0095] 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. In the storage unit 213, trigger sharing information 2131 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 are stored. The trigger sharing information 2131 is information indicating the conditions for detecting the trigger by the central processing unit 21 and indicating the sharing target of the trigger. The sharing target of the trigger is the log recording device 50 set to receive the trigger from the outside, and is determined by referring to the trigger setting information 501 of each log recording device 50 as described later. The content of the control data 2132 changes from time to time as the device is controlled by the central processing unit 21.

[0096] 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 log recording device 50 via the bus communication unit 212, it sends the trigger signal to the sharing target specified by the trigger sharing information 2131. In addition, when the trigger relay unit 214 receives a trigger from the trigger detection unit 215, it sends the trigger signal indicating the trigger to the sharing target indicated by the trigger sharing information 2131.

[0097] 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 , an example is shown in which a trigger detected by any log recording device 50 is shared by other log recording devices 50, but a trigger detected by the central processing unit 21 is also shared by the log recording devices 50. In addition, the trigger detection unit 215 may be omitted and the central processing unit 21 may be configured.

[0098] Auxiliary device 10 such as Figure 7 As shown, it has: a prompting unit 110, which prompts the user with information related to the log 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.

[0099] The presentation unit 110 is mainly realized by the cooperative operation 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 and the central processing unit 21 and each log recording device 50 is established, and an offline display unit 112 that displays information in an offline state where the connection is disconnected.

[0100] The online display unit 111 is as follows Figure 8 As shown, based on the log recording period information 504 obtained from each log recording device 50 via the communication unit 140, the log recording period of each log recording device 50 is displayed at a glance on the screen 113. In detail, the online display unit 111 displays the objects corresponding to the log recording period represented by the log recording period information 504 of each log recording device 50 on a surface defined by a first axis corresponding to the list of log recording devices 50 and a second axis corresponding to time. Figure 8In the example, a rectangular ribbon icon is displayed as an object representing the log recording period in a shaded state. The position of the object on the first axis shows the device ID (Identifier) ​​for identifying the log recording device 50 that performed the log recording during the log recording period, and the width of the object on the second axis shows the range of the log recording period. Figure 8 In the figure, the number equal to the number of each log recording device 50 is represented as the device ID. In addition, the device ID can be any information that can identify the log recording device 50, for example, it can 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.

[0101] In the above-mentioned screen 113, if Fig. 9 As shown, if two objects 71 are pressed by the user or selected by an operation such as clicking, the selection of the log recording period corresponding to the object 71 is received by the receiving unit 120. Then, the communication unit 140 sends a request to the log recording device 50 to obtain the log data corresponding to the log recording period that is the selected object. Fig. 9 In the example, for the log recording unit 23, a request is made for log data 503 generated by log recording during the log recording period from 12:00 to 13:00, and for the controlled device 32, a request is made for log data 503 generated by log recording during the log recording period from after 12:00 to before 13:00.

[0102] The offline display unit 112 displays information related to the log data 503 imported into the support device 10. Fig. 9 The log data obtained from the log recording device 50 by the selection shown in the figure is recorded in the corresponding log recording period. Fig.10 The display during the log recording period by the offline display unit 112 is realized in the same manner as the display during the log recording period by the online display unit 111. That is, the offline display unit 112 displays the objects corresponding to the imported log data within a plane defined by the vertical axis corresponding to the list of log recording devices 50 and the horizontal axis corresponding to the time.

[0103] exist Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 1 , if the button 72 is selected while the user has further selected an object, the offline display unit 112 is displayed as follows: Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 5 , the detailed contents of the log data 503 corresponding to the selected object are displayed. Fig.11In the example of , three graphs showing transitions of values ​​included in the log data 503 are displayed using a common time axis.

[0104] Back to Figure 7 The 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 log recording period information 504 and the log data 503 obtained from the log recording device 50 are stored in the storage unit 130, and the storage unit 130 provides these log recording period information 504 and log data 503 in response to the request of the prompting unit 110.

[0105] The communication unit 140 is mainly implemented by the cooperation of the processor 61 and the communication unit 66 of the auxiliary device 10. The communication unit 140 obtains the log recording period information 504 from the log recording device 50 and provides it to the presentation unit 110 and the storage unit 130. In addition, the communication unit 140 obtains the log data 503 corresponding to the log recording period that becomes the selected object received by the receiving unit 120 from the log recording device 50, and provides the obtained log data 503 to the presentation unit 110 and the storage unit 130.

[0106] Next, regarding the flow of processing executed in the log data analysis support system 100, Figures 12 to 18 Provide explanation.

[0107] exist Fig.12 , the process of preparing for sharing triggering when the log data analysis auxiliary system is started is shown. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the log recording device 50 refers to the trigger setting information 501 stored in the storage unit 530 of the log recording device 50 itself (step S11). The trigger setting information 501 is as follows: Fig.13 As shown in the example, the trigger detection condition, the presence or absence of transmission when the trigger is detected, and the presence or absence of log recording when the trigger is received are shown.

[0108] Next, the log recording device 50 determines whether the trigger setting information 501 referred to in step S11 specifies that the trigger should be sent and received (step S12). Specifically, if the log recording device 50 specifies that at least one of sending when the trigger is detected and logging should be performed when the trigger is received, the determination in step S12 is affirmed.

[0109] When the determination of step S12 is affirmed (step S12; Yes), the log 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 stipulated that neither the sending nor the receiving of the trigger is performed, the log recording device 50 does not output the trigger setting information 501.

[0110] The central processing unit 21 obtains the trigger setting information 501 provided by each log recording device 50 (step S14), and updates the trigger sharing information 2131 (step S15). Fig.14 As shown, the log 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 to perform the log recording process. Thus, the trigger sharing information 2131 indicates the log recording device 50 that can be the source of the trigger signal and the log recording device 50 that can be the sharing target of the trigger signal.

[0111] Here, the central processing unit 21 can make the log recording device 50 inquire about the model or type of the log recording device 50 respectively, and confirm whether the model or type of the log recording device 50 has the function related to the sharing of the trigger or the sending and receiving of the trigger signal. In addition, when the trigger setting information 501 is provided from the log recording device 50 of the model or type that does not have the above function, the central processing unit 21 can output an error indicating that the trigger setting information 501 is set incorrectly.

[0112] exist Fig.15 The process of sharing the trigger signal issued by the log recording device 51 is shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the log 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 log 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 log recording device 51 repeats step S21 and subsequent processing to monitor whether a trigger signal is received and whether a trigger is detected.

[0113] If it is determined in step S22 that a trigger is detected (step S22; Yes), the log 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). If it is determined that it is specified that a trigger signal should be sent (step S23; Yes), the log recording device 51 sends a trigger signal to the central processing unit 21 (step S24).

[0114] In the case where it is determined in step S21 that a trigger signal is received (step S21; Yes), the log recording device 51 determines whether it is specified in the trigger setting information 501 that a trigger signal should be received and log recording processing should be performed (step S25). In the case where it is determined that it is specified that a trigger signal should be received and log recording processing should be performed (step S25; Yes), and in the case where it is determined in step S23 that there is no provision that a trigger signal should be sent (step S23; No), and after the end of step S24, the log recording device 51 performs log recording processing in accordance with the trigger setting information 501 (step S26). Thus, log data 503 is generated. Moreover, the log recording device 51 generates log recording period information 504 indicating the log recording period of the log data 503 generated by step S26 (step S27). Specifically, the log recording device 51 generates a record indicating the log recording period and appends it to the log recording period information 504.

[0115] When it is determined in step S25 that there is no regulation that the log recording process should be executed by receiving a trigger signal (step S25; No), the log recording device 51 does not execute log recording.

[0116] 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 signal is sent to the log recording device 50 that performs log recording processing for which the trigger sharing information 2131 indicates that the trigger signal is received. Fig.15 In FIG. 1 , as the log recording device 50 to which the trigger signal from the central processing unit 21 is sent, the log recording device 52 is representatively shown.

[0117] If the log 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 log recording device 51. When it is specified that the log recording processing should be performed by receiving the trigger signal, the log recording processing is performed (step S29) and the log recording period information 504 is generated (step S210). Thus, the log recording devices 51 and 52 generate the log data 503 and the log recording period information 504 in a linked manner.

[0118] In addition, when the log recording device 52 does not specify in the trigger setting information 501 that it should receive a trigger signal and perform a log recording process, it is not necessary to perform a log recording process. Here, the central processing unit 21 sends a trigger signal to the log recording device 50 that receives a trigger signal and performs a log recording process, but Fig.12 In the startup process shown, after the trigger setting information 501 of the log recording device 52 is reflected in the trigger sharing information 2131, if the trigger setting information 501 of the log recording device 52 is changed, the log recording device 52 that is the shared target of the trigger signal does not perform log recording even if it receives the trigger signal.

[0119] In addition, Fig.15 , the log recording device 52 executes steps S29 and S210, but the execution steps of the log recording device 52 are representative steps in the processing sequence executed in the same manner as the log recording device 51. That is, the log recording device 52 executes the same steps S21 to S27 as the log recording device 51. In addition, the log recording devices 51 and 52 may be any of the plurality of log recording devices 50.

[0120] exist Fig.16 The process 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). When it is determined that no trigger is detected (step S31; No), the central processing unit 21 repeats the determination to monitor the presence or absence of the trigger. On the other hand, when it is determined that a trigger is detected (step S31; Yes), the central processing unit 21 sends a trigger signal in accordance with the trigger sharing information 2131 (step S32). Furthermore, the log recording device 50 receives the trigger signal sent in step S32, and when it is specified in the trigger setting information 501 that a log recording process should be performed by receiving a trigger signal, the log recording process is performed (step S33), and the log recording period information 504 is generated (step S34).

[0121] exist Fig.174 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 of step S41 and subsequent steps. Thus, the central processing unit 21 monitors whether a trigger signal is received and whether a trigger is detected.

[0122] 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 log recording device 50 (step S43) according to the trigger sharing information 2131. Then, the central processing unit 21 repeats the processing in step S41 and thereafter.

[0123] As per Fig.17 As is known, 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 log recording device 50. In other words, when multiple triggers occur substantially at the same time, the central processing unit 21 only shares the initial trigger with the log recording device 50, and does not share other triggers with the log recording device 50.

[0124] exist Fig.18 5 shows the process of providing the generated log data 503 and log recording period information 504 to the auxiliary device 10. Fig.18 As shown, the auxiliary device 10 requests the transmission of log recording period information 504 to each log 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 log data analysis in an engineering design tool. In addition, the request for log recording period information 504 may include the designation of a time to be displayed on the screen 113. The designated time may be a specific time 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 log recording period information 504 indicating the log recording period overlapping with the time within the range of the 7 hours.

[0125] Specifically, at 17:00, the auxiliary device Figure 8The time range from 10:00 to 17:00 is specified, thereby requesting the recording of log recording period information 504 indicating the log recording period included in the time range, and the recording of log recording period information 504 indicating a log recording period that partially overlaps with the time range. Here, the log recording period included in the time range refers to a period that includes both the start time and the end time in the time range. In addition, a log recording period that partially overlaps with the time range refers to a period in which one of the start time and the end time is included in the time range, and the other is not included in the time range. Figure 8 In the time range from 10:00 to 17:00 illustrated in FIG, if there is a record of the log recording period information 504 indicating a log recording period with a start time of 9:30 and an end time of 10:30, this record is also requested.

[0126] If the request from the auxiliary device 10 is received, the log recording device 50 responds to the request and sends the log recording period information 504 (step S52). In detail, the response unit 570 of the log recording device 50 receives the inquiry from the auxiliary device 10, and when the log recording period represented by the log recording period information 504 includes the specified time, a part or all of the log recording period information 504 is provided to the auxiliary device 10 as a response to the inquiry. Here, when multiple records of the log recording period information 504 include the specified time, the multiple records may also be provided. In addition, the communication unit 140 of the auxiliary device 10 obtains the log recording period information 504 (step S53).

[0127] Next, the presentation unit 110 of the support device 10 presents the log recording period indicated by the log recording period information 504 acquired in step S53 to the user (step S54). Figure 8 The screen 113 shown is displayed.

[0128] Next, the receiving unit 120 of the auxiliary device 10 receives the user's selection of any log recording period among the prompted log recording periods (step S55). Here, the selection of the log recording period substantially refers to the selection of a combination of the log recording device 50 and the log recording period of the log recording performed by the log recording device 50. Then, the auxiliary device 10 requests the log recording device 50 that has performed the log recording during the log recording period to provide the log data 503 corresponding to the selected log recording period.

[0129] The log recording device 50 receiving the request transmits the requested log data 503 to the support device 10 (step S56). Thus, the communication unit 140 of the support device 10 acquires the log data 503 generated in the designated log recording period through the log recording device 50 designated by the user (step S57).

[0130] Next, the support device 10 determines whether the user has input an instruction to start offline analysis (step S58). If it is determined that an instruction has been input (step S58; Yes), the prompting unit 110 of the support device 10 prompts the log recording period for the acquired log data 503 (step S59). Fig.10 The screen 113 shown in the example is displayed in the same display format as before the log data 503 is obtained. Furthermore, the support device 10 displays the detailed content of the log data 503 according to the user's instruction (step S510), thereby supporting the analysis of the log data 503 performed by the user. Fig.11 The illustrated screen 113 is displayed. If it is determined in step S58 that no instruction has been input (step S58; No), the support device 10 repeats the determination in step S58 and waits for input of an instruction.

[0131] As described above, in the log data analysis support system 100, a plurality of log recording devices 50 are linked to perform log recording processing by sharing a trigger. Here, in the analysis of log data, log data 503 is generated simultaneously by a plurality of log recording devices 50, and there is a demand to set these log data 503 as the analysis object. Specifically, Fig.19 As shown, in order to verify the actions of multiple devices at the time of abnormality, it is preferred to analyze multiple log data 503. However, without a shared trigger, it is necessary to set the trigger in advance for multiple log recording devices 50 in a log recording linkage manner, which is generally difficult.

[0132] Specifically, when the number of log 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 log recording devices, simply setting the same information in each log recording device 50 in sequence takes a lot of work and the operation becomes cumbersome. In addition, when multiple log recording devices 50 are connected across a network, there may be an operation to change the settings of the network in order to make these log recording devices 50 work together. In addition, when different persons in charge set information for each log recording device 50 constituting the log data analysis auxiliary system 100, it is difficult to modify the information set for the log recording device 50.

[0133] On the other hand, in the log data analysis support system 100 according to the present embodiment, by making the log recording devices 50 share triggers, log recording in overlapping log recording periods can be easily realized.

[0134] Furthermore, before acquiring the log data 503 stored in a plurality of log recording devices 50 in a distributed manner, the support device 10 acquires the log recording period information 504 from each log recording device 50 , and displays to the user a list of which log recording device 50 the log data 503 generated during which log recording period is stored.

[0135] In the case where only the log data 503 is read from the log recording device 50, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, the user needs to check the log data 503 stored in each log recording device 50 one by one and find the desired log data 503, which results in a cumbersome operation.

[0136] In contrast, according to the log data analysis support system 100 involved in the present embodiment, the log recording period is displayed at a glance as described above, so that the user can confirm the outline of the log data 503 and sort the log data 503 required for analysis by visually recognizing only one screen 113. In particular, in the analysis of the log data 503, the log data 503 generated at a specific time or a specific time range is often set as an object, so the log recording period is prompted to become effective for each log recording device 50. Therefore, the preparation work for the analysis of the log data can be reduced.

[0137] In addition, the sharing range of the trigger signal in the log data analysis support system 100 is determined by the trigger setting information 501 preset in the log recording device 50. In detail, the presence or absence of the transmission of the trigger signal by the log recording device 50 that detects the trigger is determined by the trigger setting information 501 of the log recording device 50. Moreover, the transmission target of the trigger signal is determined by the trigger setting information 501 of other log recording devices 50. That is, the log recording device 50 having the trigger setting information 501 that specifies the execution of the log recording process upon receiving the trigger signal is used as the transmission target, and the trigger signal is relayed through the central processing unit 21.

[0138] In addition, the trigger setting information 501 has been described as an example that specifies both the presence or absence of trigger signal transmission and the presence or absence of trigger signal reception, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The trigger setting information 501 may specify one of the presence or absence of trigger signal transmission and the presence or absence of trigger signal reception.

[0139] When the trigger setting information 501 specifies whether or not a trigger signal is sent, but does not specify whether or not a trigger signal is received, the trigger signal sent from any log recording device 50 is broadcast to all other log recording devices 50. When the trigger setting information 501 specifies whether or not a trigger signal is received, but does not specify whether or not a trigger signal is sent, all log recording devices 50 that detect a trigger send a trigger signal, and the central processing unit 21 relays the trigger signal with the log recording device 50 that specifies receiving the trigger signal as the target.

[0140] The log recording device 50 that receives the trigger signal is equivalent to an example of a log recording device having a function of logging control data related to the control of the device, and the log recording device 50 that sends the trigger signal is equivalent to an example of a detection device that logs data different from the object of the log recording involved in the log recording device if a trigger is detected. The way in which the trigger setting information 501 specifies whether a trigger signal is sent is equivalent to the following example, that is, according to whether the trigger signal is sent to the log recording device via the central processing unit through the detection device according to the sending setting information, it is determined whether the trigger setting information 501 is received by the detection device as the sending setting information, and the log recording device logs the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection device. In addition, the way in which the trigger setting information 501 specifies whether a trigger signal is received is equivalent to the following example, that is, according to the content of the receiving setting information, it is determined whether the trigger setting information 501 is received by the log recording device as the receiving setting information, and the log recording device logs the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection device.

[0141] Furthermore, an example in which the trigger setting information 501 set in each log 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 the presence or absence of the sending authority and the receiving authority of the trigger signal performed by each log recording device 50 can be directly pre-set for the central processing unit 21. The setting of the trigger sharing information 2131 can be achieved by the central processing unit 21 receiving the user operation to the input unit 64 of the central processing unit 21, or by receiving the user operation to the auxiliary device 10 through the communication unit 66 of the central processing unit 21. Furthermore, the log recording devices 50 that detect the trigger can all send the trigger signal to the central processing unit 21, and the central processing unit 21 can relay the trigger signal to other log recording devices 50 that have the receiving authority when the log recording device 50 that sends the trigger signal has the sending authority. The trigger sharing information 2131 is equivalent to an example of the relay setting information received by the central processing unit.

[0142] In addition, before acquiring the log data 503, the auxiliary device 10 arranges and displays an object corresponding to the log recording period on a surface defined by the first axis corresponding to the list of the log recording device 50 and the second axis corresponding to the time. In addition, the auxiliary device 10 arranges the same object for the acquired log data 503 and prompts the log recording period. By arranging the objects as described above, the user can easily identify the log recording device 50 storing each log data 503 and the log recording period in which the log data 503 is generated.

[0143] In addition, the auxiliary device 10 receives a selection of two or more log recording periods, and when two log data 503 are obtained, the transition of the values ​​respectively represented by the log data 503 is displayed as the detailed contents of the two log data 503. Fig.11 As shown, the log data 503 is displayed on a common time axis. Thus, efficient analysis of the log data 503 by the user can be achieved. In addition, the selected log recording period can be 1 or more than 2. The log data corresponding to the log recording period can be 1 or more than 2.

[0144] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , if the central processing unit 21 receives a trigger signal, it does not perform other trigger-related processing 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 sent out from a plurality of log 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 relaying. Thus, it is possible to avoid bandwidth pressure caused by relaying many trigger signals.

[0145] In particular, when a certain abnormality occurs and is set as a trigger in a plurality of log recording devices 50, when the abnormality occurs once, the trigger can be detected simultaneously in the plurality of log recording devices 50. In the above case, even if triggers other than the initial trigger are discarded as unnecessary triggers, the plurality of log recording devices 50 will perform log recording processing in conjunction with the initial trigger.

[0146] In addition, Fig.17In the example, until the relay processing of one trigger signal executed in the central processing unit 21 is completed, the relay of other trigger signals is not executed. In other words, the end time 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 when the relay processing executed in the central processing unit 21 is completed. Here, the end time of the interruption period can be changed to other arbitrary timing.

[0147] For example, the end time of the interruption period may be the timing when the relayed trigger signal reaches the log recording device 50 as the sending target. Specifically, the timing may be the timing when the relayed trigger signal reaches at least one log recording device 50 as the sending target, or the timing when the relayed trigger signal reaches all the sending targets. The log 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.

[0148] In addition, the end time of the interruption period may be the timing when the log recording performed by the log recording device 50 receiving the relayed trigger signal is completed. Specifically, the timing may be the timing when the log recording performed by at least one log recording device 50 receiving the trigger signal is completed, or the timing when the log recording performed by all log recording devices 50 receiving the trigger signal is completed. The log recording device 50 sends a completion signal indicating the completion of the log recording to the central processing unit 21, and the central processing unit 21 ends the interruption period based on the completion signal.

[0149] In addition, the length of the interruption period can be set in advance, for example, to 5 minutes or 10 minutes. If the length of the interruption period is longer, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of congestion such as the trigger signal loop in a large-scale log data analysis support system 100 including many devices. The length of the interruption period is at least longer than the period from the completion of the relay processing performed by the central processing unit 21 of the trigger signal initially received at a timing other than the interruption period.

[0150] In addition, an example of generating log 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 can 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 is identification information for distinguishing the value whose transition is recorded as log data 503 from other values. For example, the address of the control data can be a device in a PLC, or a "variable" or "label" processed by a programming language such as FBD (Function Block Diagram) language.

[0151] Implementation method 2.

[0152] Next, regarding the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as those in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example in which a trigger only indicates the start of log recording is described, but focusing on the trigger, a case in which the analysis of the log data 503 implemented by the user is further assisted is considered. Next, regarding the trigger, a method for further assisting the user is described.

[0153] In this embodiment, trigger information related to the trigger is given to the trigger signal and the log data. Fig. 22 As shown, when the determination of step S23 is affirmative (step S23; Yes), the log recording device 51 sends the trigger information to the central processing unit 21 in the trigger signal (step S61). Fig.23 As shown, the shared information indicating the sharing destination of the trigger and the trigger ID for identifying the trigger are included.

[0154] The trigger ID is determined based on, for example, identification information of a device that detects a 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 shown in the example, in the trigger setting information 501, it is stipulated that a trigger signal is sent when a trigger is detected. Fig.24 The upper part of the diagram shows that the shared 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 shows that the sharing targets when the second trigger is detected are all devices.

[0155] PLC 20 Fig.25As shown, the central processing unit 21 and the central processing unit 21a may manage the log recording device 51 and the central processing unit 21a may manage the log recording device 52 which is different from the log recording device 51. Fig.24 The first trigger shown in Fig.25 As indicated by the solid arrow, the logging device 51 that has detected the trigger is shared with other logging devices 51 managed by the central processing unit 21, and is not shared with the logging device 52. Specifically, the central processing unit 21 limits the destination of the trigger signal to the logging device 51.

[0156] In addition, if the log recording device 51 detects Fig.24 The second trigger shown in Fig.25 As shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 5 , the trigger is shared by all the log recording devices 51 and 52. As described above, the sharing range of the trigger can be controlled by the setting content of the trigger setting information 501.

[0157] Back to Fig. 22 After step S61, the log recording device 51 performs log recording processing (step S26), generates log recording period information 504, and also assigns the trigger information assigned to the trigger signal in step S61 to the log recording period information 504 (step S62). Specifically, the trigger information is associated and saved in the record added to the log recording period information 504.

[0158] 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 shared target specified by the trigger sharing information 2131 is different from the shared target indicated by the shared information of the trigger information, it is possible to pre-set any one of the shared targets as a priority, or to limit the sending target repeatedly designated as a shared target to send the trigger signal. In addition, since the shared target is specified by the trigger information, the selection of the shared target involved in the trigger sharing information 2131 can be omitted. That is, the central processing unit 21 can relay the trigger signal based on the trigger information instead of storing the trigger sharing information 2131.

[0159] After executing step S29, the log recording device 52 that receives the trigger signal and the trigger information from the central processing unit 21 generates log recording period information 504 and assigns the received trigger information to the log recording period information 504 (step S64). Regarding step S29, whether to execute it may be determined according to the content of the trigger setting information 501 of the log recording device 52, or all log recording devices 52 that are shared targets and to which the trigger signal arrives may execute it regardless of the trigger setting information 501.

[0160] exist Fig.26 , the flow of the auxiliary device 10 obtaining the log recording period information 504 and the trigger information is shown. Specifically, if the auxiliary device 10 requests the log recording period information 504, the log recording device 50 sends the log recording period information 504 and the trigger information attached to the log recording period information 504 (step S65). If the auxiliary device 10 obtains the log recording period information 504 and the trigger information (step S66), it prompts the user with the log recording period and the trigger information (step S67).

[0161] 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 of the trigger occurrence is displayed overlapping the objects corresponding to each log recording period, and the trigger ID of the trigger is displayed. As a result, the user can easily understand that the log data corresponding to the two objects 722 are both generated by a trigger having a trigger ID of "TRIG001", and on the other hand, object 723, which has the same time range as object 722, is generated by a trigger having a different trigger ID of "TRIG302". In addition, the common trigger ID is displayed for log data 503 recorded by a shared trigger, so that it can be seen from Fig. 27 Screen 113 makes it easy to identify the triggered sharing scope.

[0162] In addition, Fig. 27 The timing of the trigger occurrence can also be indicated by the trigger information. Fig.23 The trigger occurrence timing is indicated based on the shared information and trigger ID shown.

[0163] In addition, the trigger occurrence timing can be determined by a method for generating log data 503 based on the trigger in the log recording device 50. For example, when the log recording device 50 reads out the control data and generates the log data 503 just after the trigger occurs or the trigger signal is received, the start time of the log recording period is equivalent to the trigger occurrence timing. Regardless of the presence or absence of the trigger, the log recording device 50 always reads out the control data and temporarily stores it in the ring buffer. Using the ring buffer, when the log data 503 is generated starting from the control data read a certain time before the trigger occurs or the trigger signal is received, the time after the certain time has passed from the start time of the log recording period is equivalent to the trigger occurrence timing. The method for generating the log data 503 can be stored in the auxiliary device 10 in advance, or it can be obtained by the auxiliary device inquiring the log recording device 50 as needed.

[0164] If the generation method cannot be determined, the support device 10 may display an arbitrary timing during the log recording period as the trigger occurrence time, or may display only the trigger ID corresponding to the log recording period instead of the trigger occurrence time. Fig. 27 Instead of displaying the line corresponding to the time when the trigger occurred, the trigger ID is displayed.

[0165] As described above, the trigger information including the shared information and the trigger ID can be used to further assist the user. In addition, the sharing range of the trigger signal can be flexibly controlled using the trigger information. In addition, one of the shared information and the trigger ID can be omitted from the trigger information. In addition, an example of assigning the trigger information to the trigger signal is described, but the trigger information can also be embedded in the trigger signal to transmit the trigger signal representing the trigger information.

[0166] Implementation method 3.

[0167] Next, regarding Implementation 3, the differences from Implementation 1 are mainly described. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as Implementation 1. The difference between this implementation and Implementation 1 is that the occurrence history of other events different from log data 503 is prompted to the user together with the log recording period.

[0168] The auxiliary device 10 according to this embodiment is as follows: Fig.28As 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 a device by the PLC 20, such as the detection of an abnormality, the occurrence of an error, and other phenomena that are pre-specified as events. The source of event information is arbitrary. Specifically, event information can be provided from the central processing unit 21, can be provided from the log recording device 50, or can be provided from other devices. In addition, when an event occurs, the user can directly input the event information into the receiving unit 120.

[0169] The prompting unit 110 is as follows: Fig.29 As shown in the example, the event information is referenced from the storage unit 130, and a triangular object 731 indicating the occurrence time of the event is displayed. In addition, when the object 731 is selected by the user, the presentation unit 110 displays an area 732 for displaying the details of the event.

[0170] As described above, the support device 10 displays the log recording period and the time of the event. Thus, the user can easily sort the log data 503 generated before and after the occurrence of the event.

[0171] Implementation method 4.

[0172] Next, regarding Implementation 4, the explanation will be centered on the differences from Implementation 1 described above. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for structures that are the same or equivalent to Implementation 1 described above. In Implementation 1 described above, the user confirms the log recording period of each log recording device 50 and must select the log data 503 to be obtained. However, sometimes the log data 503 to be obtained depends on the control data contained in the log data 503. In the case described above, obtaining a large amount of log data 503 and finding the control data will put pressure on the line and take time. Therefore, the following describes a method for investigating the control data contained in the log data 503 to a certain extent before obtaining the log data 503.

[0173] In this embodiment, if Fig.30 As shown, after step S54, the support device 10 receives the designation of the condition of the control data to be retrieved from the log data 503 (step S71). Fig.31 The input form of the conditions shown is displayed, and the receiving unit 120 receives the input of the conditions specified by the user.

[0174] Next, the auxiliary device 10 notifies the log recording device 50 of the condition of step S71 (step S72), and the log recording device 50 searches for control data that matches the condition from the log data 503 (step S73). Furthermore, the log recording device 50 sends search result information indicating the search result to the auxiliary device 10 (step S74). When the control data that matches 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 matches the condition is not found, the search result indicates that the control data is not found.

[0175] Furthermore, the support device 10 presents the search result information received from the log recording device 50 to the user (step S75). Fig.32 As shown, the presentation unit 110 displays an object indicating the log recording period and an object 741 indicating the recording date and time of the found control data.

[0176] As described above, before the auxiliary device 10 obtains the log data, the log recording device 50 searches for control data satisfying the condition specified by the user from the log data 503, and the search result is presented by the presentation unit 110. Thus, when the log data 503 including the control data satisfying the specific condition becomes the analysis target, a large amount of log data 503 and log data 503 with a large size are not sent to the auxiliary device 10, and the user can easily search for such control data.

[0177] Implementation method 5.

[0178] Next, regarding Implementation 5, the differences from Implementation 1 are mainly described. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as Implementation 1. The difference between this implementation and Implementation 1 is that the user can mark the log recording period information 504 and the log data 503 at any time.

[0179] The receiving unit 120 involved in this embodiment is as follows Fig.33 As shown in FIG. 1 , if a user marks a mark 751 on a surface including an object indicating a log recording period, the time corresponding to the mark is calculated and stored in the storage unit 130 together with the mark ID. Fig.34 As shown, on the screen 113 showing the details of two or more log data 503 , the time calculated as described above is shown for the transition of the value of each log data 503 .

[0180] As described above, if the user can add marks, it can facilitate the user's analysis of log data 503. Specifically, when studying the transition of each of a plurality of control data in detail, the user can easily observe the change of control data around the timing by specifying a common timing to focus on.

[0181] Implementation method 6.

[0182] Next, regarding Embodiment 6, the explanation will be centered 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 sharing method of the trigger is different in the log recording device 50 managed by the PLC 20 and the log recording device 50 connected to the PLC 20 via the industrial network 400.

[0183] In this embodiment, if Fig.35 As shown, in the PLC 20 and the controlled device 32, the trigger is shared by using the shared information, and the sharing range of the trigger is determined according to the shared information. In addition, in the industrial network 400, the trigger is shared by adding the trigger information.

[0184] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the central processing unit 21 is mainly used 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 trigger signals 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 FIG. 1 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 a central processing unit 21. Figure 3 The hardware structure of the FA device shown.

[0185] 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.

[0186] For example, when the network unit 24 receives a trigger signal from the PLC bus 200, the trigger information is assigned to the trigger signal, and the trigger signal is sent to the log recording devices 41 and 42 on the industrial network 400. In addition, when the network unit 24 receives a trigger signal from the log recording device 41, the trigger information assigned to the trigger signal is used to send the trigger signal to the unit connected via the log recording device 42 and the PLC bus 200.

[0187] Here, the network unit 24 performs the same operation as described above when it has the function of detecting the trigger. Fig.17 Therefore, the network unit 24, like the central processing unit 21, sets an interruption period from the moment 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.

[0188] In the above, the method described above has the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment 2. In addition, when the method for determining the shared range of the trigger signal on the PLC bus 200 and the method for determining the shared range of the trigger signal on the industrial network 400 are common, the network unit 24 may also have the same relay-related functions as the central processing unit 21.

[0189] In addition, the log recording unit 23 of the PLC 20 may be configured to omit the function of receiving a trigger. Fig.37 As shown, the log recording unit 23 may include a trigger sending unit 540 a instead of the trigger transceiver 540 , and transmits a trigger signal when a trigger is detected. The central processing unit 21 broadcasts the trigger signal to the log recording devices 41 and 42 via the industrial network 400 .

[0190] Implementation method 7.

[0191] Next, regarding Embodiment 7, the differences from Embodiment 2 are mainly described. 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 source of the trigger and the source and 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.

[0192] The trigger information involved in this implementation is as follows: Fig.38As shown, the source of the trigger, the source of the trigger signal, and the destination of the trigger signal are shown as shared information. The source of the trigger is 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 log recording device 50 that detects the trigger and generates the trigger signal. However, the "sending source" in the trigger information is rewritten to represent the device that transmits the trigger signal between the log recording device 50 and the central processing unit 21. Fig.38 In the example of FIG. 4 , trigger information of a stage is illustrated which is generated by detecting a trigger by the log recording device 41 , transmitted via the network unit 24 , and received by the central processing unit 21 .

[0193] The central processing unit 21 determines the transmission destination of the trigger signal based on the trigger information and the preset trigger sharing information 2131. Fig.39 The trigger sharing information 2131 as illustrated. The trigger sharing information 2131 indicates the device as the distribution source for transmitting the trigger signal as the distribution source condition, and indicates the device as the transmission source for transmitting the trigger signal as the transmission source condition. When the distribution source indicated by the trigger information matches the distribution 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 the trigger signal to the transmission destination indicated by the trigger information.

[0194] The trigger signal transmitted by the central processing unit 21 may or may not be provided with trigger information. The log recording device 50 receiving the trigger signal from the central processing unit 21 records the control data in a log.

[0195] As described above, the sharing range of the trigger signal is determined by the source, source, and destination indicated by the trigger information received by the central processing unit 21. This makes it possible to flexibly control the sharing range of the trigger signal.

[0196] Furthermore, the example in which the trigger signal is relayed when both the source 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 transmission destination indicated by the trigger information.

[0197] In addition, the trigger information may be information indicating any one or two of the distribution source, the transmission source, and the transmission destination. Fig.38The sharing range of the trigger signal is determined by the trigger information after any one or two of the distribution source, transmission source and transmission target are omitted. When the transmission target is omitted, the central processing unit 21 can send a trigger signal to all connected log recording devices 50 when one of the conditions related to the distribution source and the transmission source is met, or when both are met.

[0198] This embodiment is equivalent to the following example, namely, whether the log recording device logs the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection device, according to the presence or absence of a trigger signal sent to the log recording device by the central processing unit according to the content of the relay setting information and the content of the first trigger information assigned by the detection device to the trigger signal sent from the detection device.

[0199] In addition, the trigger sharing information 2131 indicating the release source condition is equivalent to an example of relay setting information, which indicates whether the trigger signal should be sent to the log recording device when the first trigger information assigned to the trigger signal indicates the detection device as the release source. The trigger sharing information 2131 indicating the transmission source condition is equivalent to an example of relay setting information, which indicates whether the trigger signal should be sent to the log recording device when the first trigger information assigned to the trigger signal indicates the transmission source device.

[0200] Implementation method 8.

[0201] Next, regarding the eighth embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment are mainly described. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as those in the second embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment 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 log recording device 50 that receives the trigger signal determines whether to perform log recording based on the trigger information. This trigger information is equivalent to an example of the second trigger information.

[0202] The trigger information involved in this implementation is as follows: Fig.40 As shown, the source of the trigger, the source of the trigger signal, and the destination of the trigger signal are shown as shared information. The trigger information is assigned to the trigger signal by the log recording device 50 that detects the trigger and generates the trigger signal. However, the "source" in the trigger information is rewritten by the device that relays the trigger signal to represent the device. Fig.40In the example, the trigger information is generated by the log recording device 41 detecting the trigger and relayed by the central processing unit 21. In addition, the trigger information may be generated by the central processing unit 21 and assigned to the trigger signal instead of being assigned to the trigger signal received by the central processing unit 21. In the case where the central processing unit 21 generates the trigger information and assigns it, if it is difficult to identify the distribution source, the device that sent the trigger signal to the central processing unit 21 may be shown as the distribution source in the shared information.

[0203] The log recording device 50 that receives the trigger signal from the central processing unit 21 determines whether to perform log recording based on the trigger information and the trigger setting information 501. Fig.41 The trigger setting information 501 is as shown in the example. The trigger setting information 501 shows the distribution source condition for executing log recording and the transmission source condition for executing log recording. The log recording device 50 performs log recording when the distribution source indicated by the trigger information matches the distribution source condition specified in the trigger setting information 501, the transmission source indicated by the trigger information matches the transmission source condition specified in the trigger setting information 501, and the transmission destination indicated by the trigger information is the log recording device 50 itself. In addition, the log recording device 50 does not perform log recording when the trigger information indicates a transmission destination different from the log recording device 50.

[0204] As described above, the presence or absence of log recording by the log recording device is determined based on the source, source, and destination indicated by the trigger information. This makes it possible to flexibly control the substantial sharing range of the trigger signal for executing log recording.

[0205] In addition, the log recording device 50 may perform log recording when any one of the first condition of the distribution source condition, the second condition of the transmission source condition, and the third condition that the transmission destination is the log recording device 50 itself is satisfied, or when any combination of two of them is satisfied. In addition, the trigger information may be information indicating any one or two of the distribution source, the transmission source, and the transmission destination.

[0206] This embodiment is equivalent to the following example, namely, whether to log the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection device is determined based on at least one of the content of the receiving setting information received by the log recording device and the content of the second trigger information assigned to the trigger signal sent from the central processing unit that receives the trigger signal to the log recording device.

[0207] In addition, the trigger setting information 501 indicating the release source condition is equivalent to an example of the reception setting information, which indicates whether the control data should be logged when the second trigger information assigned to the received trigger signal indicates the detection device as the release source. The trigger setting information 501 indicating the transmission source condition is equivalent to an example of the reception setting information, which indicates whether the control data should be logged when the second trigger information assigned to the received trigger signal indicates the transmission source device.

[0208] Implementation method 9.

[0209] Next, regarding Implementation 9, the differences from Implementation 2 are mainly described. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as Implementation 2. The difference between this implementation and Implementation 2 is that the sharing range of the trigger signal is determined by setting an upper limit value of the number of relay times.

[0210] The shared information involved in this implementation is as follows: Fig.42 As shown, the remaining number of relays of the trigger signal is shown. The initial value of the remaining number of relays is set by the log recording device 50 that detects the trigger. The initial value can be preset when the log recording device 50 leaves the factory, or it can be set arbitrarily by the user. The initial value can 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. 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.

[0211] Here, the relay in which the number of remaining relays is reduced may be a relay performed by a device such as the central processing unit 21, the input / output unit 22, the network unit 24, and the log recording device 50. However, in a large-scale control system including many networks, if the number of remaining relays is reduced in a relay such as a relay via a network, the range of the network through which the trigger signal is propagated will be limited, which is effective in avoiding the pressure on the line caused by the loop of the trigger signal. The following is an example of reducing the number of remaining relays when a trigger signal is relayed from one network to another network.

[0212] 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 remaining relay count. Here, the PLC system is a system including a PLC and FA devices connected to the PLC via a signal line other than a network. Figure 1In the example, the PLC 20 and the controlled devices 31 and 32 constitute a PLC system, and the log recording devices 41 and 42 connected to the PLC 20 via the industrial network 400 are respectively located outside the PLC system including the PLC 20. Figure 1 In the figure, these correspond to the various units constituting the PLC 20 and the various controlled devices 31 and 32.

[0213] 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 through the communication lines, and the arrows represent the transmission of the trigger signal and the trigger information. The number in the circular mark near the arrow refers to the remaining number of relays of the trigger information corresponding to the arrow.

[0214] If in Fig.44 When the log recording device 54 represented by the block with a thick line detects a trigger, the log 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 log recording device 54. Moreover, after the relay device 81 of the PLC system 801 decreases the remaining relay times to 3 times, it 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 of 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 log recording device connected to the PLC system 801 via the network NW1 receives the trigger signal and starts log recording.

[0215] Furthermore, 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 log 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.

[0216] In addition, if Fig.44As shown, the log recording device 55 that receives the trigger signal from the PLC system 806 via the network NW4, because the trigger information with the remaining relay count of 2 is transmitted in the network NW4 as described above, the trigger information with the remaining relay count of 2 is also received. That is, when the trigger information is transmitted again to the network to which the trigger information has been transmitted, the remaining relay count does not change.

[0217] 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 relay device constituting the PLC system 806 decrements the remaining relay count of the trigger information received by the PLC system 806 to zero, the trigger information is not transmitted 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.

[0218] 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 can be transmitted via multiple networks, the trigger signal loop can be reliably avoided.

[0219] 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.

[0220] Implementation method 10.

[0221] 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 structures as those in Embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the log recording device 50 stores log data in an external device.

[0222] The log recording device 50 according to this embodiment is as follows: Fig.45As shown, the log data is not saved inside, but stored in an external storage device. The storage device can be a server on the network, or a recording medium such as a memory card. Moreover, if the log recording device 50 is requested for log recording period information 504 from the auxiliary device 10 (step S51), the log recording device 50 sends the log recording period information 504 and auxiliary information for assisting in the acquisition of log data (step S81). The auxiliary information is, for example, the address of the storage device on the network, the address of the log data in the memory of the storage device, the information for decrypting the encrypted log data, or the authentication information for accessing the storage device.

[0223] After step S55, the support device 10 uses the support information to read the log data from the storage device. In other words, the storage device sends the log data to the support device 10 (step S82).

[0224] As described above, the log data stored outside the log recording device 50 is provided to the auxiliary device 10 using auxiliary information, which also has the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In particular, considering that the log recording unit 23 constituting the PLC 20 is mostly an embedded device, 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 log data 503, so it is expected that the file can be quickly obtained.

[0225] Implementation method 11.

[0226] Next, regarding embodiment 11, the difference from the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is mainly described. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent structures as the above-mentioned embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the log recording device 50 obtains control data from an external sending device and generates log data of the control data.

[0227] like Fig.46 As shown, the log recording unit 23 as an example of the log recording device 50 receives control data from the sending unit 25 constituting the PLC 20 via the PLC bus 200 and performs log recording, thereby generating and storing log data. In detail, if the log recording unit 23 detects a trigger or receives a trigger, it requests the sending unit 25 to provide the control data processed by the sending unit 25, thereby periodically obtaining the control data and recording it.

[0228] As described above, even in the case where the log recording device 50 performs log recording of external control data, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above are achieved.

[0229] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

[0230] For example, the prompting unit 110 Fig.47 As shown, the log recording periods adjacent in the time direction can be merged to display one object.

[0231] In addition, the prompting unit 110 can display the log recording period in a different display method than the above-mentioned bar graph. For example, the object prompted by the prompting unit 110 is not limited to a strip-shaped icon, but can also be Fig.48 In addition, the prompting unit 110 may obtain the log data 503 by Fig.49 The display of the table shown will prompt the user during logging.

[0232] In addition, the control data may be read from a cyclic memory that synchronizes data through a plurality of devices when controlling the device, or may be other data. The log data 503 may be data in which index information indicating the order of the time series is associated with the value instead of associating the date and time with the value.

[0233] In addition, the example of creating the log recording period information 504 and the log data 503 at the same time has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the log recording device 50 may generate the log recording period information 504 in response to the request for the log recording period information 504 by referring to the log data 503. In addition, the log recording device 50 may also create the log recording period information 504 at a certain period, at a timing when the processing load of the log 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.

[0234] In addition, since the size of the log data 503 is generally large, the log data 503 is often stored in a non-volatile memory with a slow access speed and a large capacity. In contrast, the log recording period information 504 may be fixed in a cache that can be accessed at high speed or temporarily stored in response to a request from the auxiliary device 10.

[0235] In addition, PLC 20 Fig.50 As shown, multiple log recording devices 41, 42, 41a, 42a can be connected via different industrial networks 400, 400a. As described above, if triggers can be shared via multiple networks, it will be easy to make log recording linkage by multiple log recording devices 50 in a complex network structured in a factory.

[0236] In addition, the example of sharing the trigger by a plurality of log recording devices 50 including the external log recording device 50 of the PLC 20 is described, but the plurality of log recording devices 50 constituting the PLC 20 can also share the trigger. That is, one PLC 20 can function as a log recording system. In addition, the example of sharing the trigger by a plurality of log recording devices 50 is described as the center, but the log data auxiliary system can also be constituted by a single log recording device 50, and the log recording period information is provided to the auxiliary device 10 from the log recording device 50.

[0237] Furthermore, although the example in which the log recording period information 504 includes a record corresponding to each log data 503 has been described, the log recording period information 504 may be information corresponding to each log data 503 corresponding to the above record.

[0238] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. For example, the seventh embodiment in which the sharing range of the trigger signal is controlled based on the transmission source indicated by the sharing information of the trigger information and the ninth embodiment in which the sharing range of the trigger signal is controlled based on the remaining number of relay times may be combined.

[0239] The functions of the log recording device 50 , the central processing unit 21 , and the support device 10 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by dedicated hardware, or can be realized by a general computer system.

[0240] 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 the program P1 may be installed in a computer to configure a device that executes the above-mentioned processing.

[0241] Alternatively, the program P1 may be stored in a storage 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.

[0242] Furthermore, the above-described processing can also be realized by starting and executing the program P1 while transferring it via a network represented by the Internet.

[0243] Furthermore, the above-described processing can also be realized by causing all or part of the program P1 to be executed on a server device, and causing a computer to execute the program P1 while transmitting and receiving information related to the processing via a communication network.

[0244] Furthermore, when the above functions are implemented by sharing the functions with the OS or by cooperative operation of the OS and the application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored in a medium and distributed, or may be downloaded to a computer.

[0245] In addition, the means for realizing the functions of the log recording device 50, the central processing unit 21, and the support device 10 are not limited to software, and a part or all of them may be realized by dedicated hardware or circuits.

[0246] The present invention can realize 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 do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is not shown by the embodiments, but by the claims. Moreover, various variations implemented within the scope of the claims and the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are regarded as being within the scope of the present invention.

[0247] Industrial Applicability

[0248] The present invention is applied to the analysis of log data recorded in the FA system.

[0249] Description of the label

[0250] 10 auxiliary device, 20 PLC, 21, 21a central processing unit, 22 input and output unit, 23 log recording unit, 24, 24a network unit, 25 transmission unit, 31, 32 controlled device, 41, 41a, 42, 42a, 50-55 log 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 log 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 log data, 504, 512, 522, 532 log recording period information, 530 storage unit, 540 trigger transceiver unit, 540a trigger sending unit, 550 trigger detection unit, 560 log 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 logging system, comprising: a log recording device having a function of recording control data related to the control of the device in a log; a detection device that, if a trigger is detected, logs data different from the object of logging involved in the logging device; as well as A central processing unit of a programmable controller, which is connected to the log recording device and the detection device, In this logging system, whether the logging means logs the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection means, is based on whether or not a trigger signal indicating the trigger generated by the detection device according to the transmission setting information received by the detection device is sent to the log recording device via the central processing unit, The trigger signal to the log recording device is sent by the central processing unit according to at least one of the contents of the relay setting information received by the central processing unit and the contents of the first trigger information assigned by the detection device in response to the trigger signal sent from the detection device, or, The trigger signal is determined based on at least one of the content of the reception setting information received by the log recording device and the content of the second trigger information added to the trigger signal and sent from the central processing unit that has received the trigger signal to the log recording device.

2. The logging system according to claim 1, wherein: The first trigger information indicates the detection device that detects the trigger as the source of the trigger. The relay setting information indicates whether the trigger signal should be transmitted to the log recording device when the first trigger information added to the trigger signal indicates the detection device as the source of issuance. The log recording device logs the control data when receiving the trigger signal.

3. The logging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first trigger information indicates a transmission source device that is a transmission source of the trigger signal. The relay setting information indicates whether the trigger signal should be transmitted to the log recording device when the first trigger information added to the trigger signal indicates the transmission source device. The log recording device logs the control data when receiving the trigger signal.

4. The logging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first trigger information indicates a sending destination of the trigger signal. The central processing unit transmits the trigger signal to a transmission destination indicated by the first trigger information added to the trigger signal. The log recording device logs the control data when receiving the trigger signal.

5. The logging system according to claim 1, wherein: The second trigger information indicates the detection device that detected the trigger as the source of the trigger. The reception setting information indicates whether the control data should be logged when the second trigger information added to the received trigger signal indicates the detection device as an issuance source.

6. The logging system according to claim 1 or 5, wherein: The second trigger information indicates a transmission source device that is a transmission source of the trigger signal. The reception setting information indicates whether the control data should be logged when the second trigger information added to the received trigger signal indicates the transmission source device.

7. A logging system according to claim 1, 5 or 6, wherein: The second trigger information indicates a sending destination of the trigger signal. The log recording device logs the control data when the second trigger information assigned to the received trigger signal indicates the log recording device as a sending target, and does not log the control data when the second trigger information indicates a sending target different from the log recording device.

8. The logging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The detection device and the log recording device are respectively units constituting the programmable controller.

9. The logging system according to claim 8, wherein: It also has a sending unit for sending the control data, The log recording device has a function of recording the control data transmitted from the transmission unit in a log.

10. A logging method, which is performed by a logging system, the logging system having: a log recording device having a function of recording control data related to the control of the device in a log; a detection device for detecting the trigger; as well as A central processing unit of a programmable controller, which is connected to the log recording device and the detection device, In this logging method, According to whether or not a trigger signal indicating the trigger generated by the detection device according to the transmission setting information received by the detection device is transmitted to the log recording device via the central processing unit, The trigger signal to the log recording device is sent by the central processing unit according to at least one of the contents of the relay setting information received by the central processing unit and the contents of the first trigger information given by the detection device in response to the trigger signal sent from the detection device, or, Based on at least one of the content of the reception setting information received by the log recording device and the content of the second trigger information added to the trigger signal and sent from the central processing unit that has received the trigger signal to the log recording device, It is determined whether the logging device logs the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection device.

11. A program for causing a logging device having a function of logging control data related to control of a device; a detection device for detecting the trigger; as well as The central processing unit of the programmable controller connected to the log recording device and the detection device executes the sending of a trigger signal representing the trigger generated by the detection device according to the sending setting information received by the detection device to the log recording device via the central processing unit. The trigger signal to the log recording device is sent by the central processing unit according to at least one of the contents of the relay setting information received by the central processing unit and the contents of the first trigger information given by the detection device in response to the trigger signal sent from the detection device, or, Whether the log recording device logs the control data based on the trigger detected by the detection device is determined based on at least one of the content of the receiving setting information received by the log recording device and the content of the second trigger information assigned to the trigger signal sent from the central processing unit that receives the trigger signal to the log recording device.

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