Communication system, communication method, program, and communication device

Abstract

A communication system (1) is provided with a PC (10) and an HMI (20). A PC (10) is provided with: a first communication unit that communicates with an HMI (20); and a first communication control unit that transmits an emphasis display signal to the HMI (20) via the first communication unit. An HMI (20) is provided with: a display screen (200); a second communication unit that communicates with the PC (10); and a display control unit that, when the second communication unit receives the emphasis display signal, causes the display screen (200) to display an emphasis display screen that emphasizes that communication with the PC (10) is possible.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There is a demand for technology that allows easy configuration of FA (Factory Automation) equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and displays (HMIs) from connected devices such as PCs (Personal Computers) and tablet terminals.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables communication between a PC and a PLC through broadcast communication on an Ethernet (registered trademark) network without performing settings related to registration of IP addresses, thereby enabling easy settings of the PLC from the PC.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-267720 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technology of Patent Document 1 requires that the PLC and the PC be connected to the same Ethernet network. In addition, since broadcast communication is performed during setting, it is necessary that no devices other than the PC and PLC be connected.

[0006] A large number of FA devices can be deployed at production sites. Furthermore, not all deployed FA devices are necessarily connected to the same network. Therefore, to configure a PLC using the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to confirm that the PLC and PC being configured are connected to the same network, and also to confirm that other FA devices are not connected to the same network. This verification in an environment with a large number of FA devices requires checking physical wiring and network settings, which is a significant workload.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system and the like that can easily confirm the connection status to a network.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the communication system according to the present invention comprises a first communication device and a second communication device.

[0009] The first communication device includes:

[0010] a first communication unit that communicates with the second communication device; and a first communication control unit that transmits an emphasis display signal to the second communication device via the first communication unit.

[0011] The second communication device includes:

[0012] Display unit;

[0013] a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication device; and a display control unit that, when the second communication unit receives the emphasis display signal, causes the display unit to display an emphasis display screen that emphasizes that communication with the first communication device is possible.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the connection status to the network can be easily confirmed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on each HMI according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on each HMI according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an HMI according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a PC and an HMI according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of HMI settings performed by the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Below, with reference to the attached Figure 1 In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0024] (Implementation Method)

[0025] While referring to Figure 1The communication system according to the embodiment will now be described. Communication system 1 includes a PC 10 and multiple HMIs 20. The PC 10 and HMIs 20 are communicatively connected via a network NT. Each HMI 20 includes a touch screen 200. As will be described in detail later, communication system 1 allows a user to easily confirm whether each HMI 20 is connected to the network NT. Furthermore, by touching the touch screen 200 of an HMI 20, the user can easily select the HMI 20 to be set, thereby easily configuring the HMI 20 to be set without changing the wiring of other HMIs 20. Communication system 1 is an example of a communication system according to the present invention.

[0026] The network NT is a network capable of communication via broadcast communication. For example, the network NT is constructed using Ethernet. The PC 10 and each HMI 20 communicate via broadcast communication via the network NT. Therefore, signals transmitted by the PC 10 are transmitted to all HMIs 20, and signals transmitted by each HMI 20 are transmitted to the PC 10 and all other HMIs 20. The network NT is an example of a network according to the present invention.

[0027] The PC 10 is a PC used by a user to set up the HMI 20. The PC is, for example, a FA PC and has an engineering tool program installed. The functional configuration of the PC 10 will be described later. The PC 10 is an example of the first communication device according to the present invention.

[0028] HMI 20 is, for example, a programmable display installed at a production site. As described above, HMI 20 includes touch screen 200. Touch screen 200 of HMI 20 displays a screen and receives input operations from the user through touch operations. The functional structure of HMI 20 will be described later. HMI 20 is an example of the second communication device according to the present invention.

[0029] While referring to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The following briefly describes the confirmation of the network connection status and the setting of the HMI 20 by the communication system 1. First, when the user operates the PC 10 and performs the operation for setting the HMI 20, the touch screen 200 of each HMI 20 displays Figure 2 This screen is a highlight display screen that emphasizes that communication with the PC 10 is possible. The highlight display screen is preferably displayed in a manner that makes it easy for the user to focus on it, such as by setting the background color to red and displaying characters in large sizes.

[0030] By checking the highlighted display screen, the user can recognize that each HMI 20 displaying the highlighted display screen is able to communicate with the PC 10. In other words, the user can recognize that each HMI 20 is connected to the same network as the PC 10. Furthermore, if there is an HMI 20 that is not connected to the network NT, the highlighted display screen is not displayed on that HMI 20. Therefore, for an HMI 20 that does not display the highlighted display screen, the user can recognize that it is not connected to the same network as the PC 10.

[0031] As described above, according to the communication system 1 , the user can easily check the network connection status of each HMI 20 by checking the highlighted display screen displayed on the touch screen 200 of each HMI 20 .

[0032] The highlighted display screen also displays that the HMI 20 to be set can be selected by touch operation. When the user touches the touch screen 200 of the HMI 20 to be set according to the highlighted display screen, the screen displayed on the touch screen 200 of each HMI 20 changes to Figure 3 Hereinafter, the HMI 20 that has been touched, that is, the HMI 20 that becomes the setting target, is referred to as HMI 20a, and the HMI 20 that has not been touched, that is, the HMI 20 that is not the setting target, is referred to as HMI 20b. Figure 3 and the following Figure 7 When there is no need to distinguish between them, they are simply referred to as HMI 20.

[0033] The touch screen 200 of the HMI 20a displays a screen indicating that the HMI 20a has been selected as the target for setting and that settings are currently being performed. The touch screen 200 of each HMI 20b displays a screen indicating that communication is currently disconnected and will be restored after a predetermined period of time. Details will be described later, but after a user touch operation, the HMI 20b disconnects communication for a predetermined period of time. During this disconnection period, the HMI 20a registers the PC 10 with itself. This registration requires that only the PC 10 and the HMI 20a communicate via broadcast communication, necessitating the disconnection of HMI 20b's communication. After registration, the PC 10 transmits the setting data to the network NT via broadcast communication, and only the HMI 20a, which has registered the PC 10, performs settings on the HMI 20a itself based on the setting data.

[0034] As described above, since the HMI 20 not being selected, i.e., HMI 20b, automatically disconnects communication for a predetermined period of time, it is possible to achieve broadcast communication between only the PC 10 and HMI 20a without requiring physical layer-related operations such as powering off HMI 20b itself or unplugging the communication cable connected to HMI 20b. Therefore, according to the communication system 1, HMI 20a can be easily configured without requiring physical layer-related operations.

[0035] While referring to Figure 4 Next, the functional configuration of the PC 10 will be described. The PC 10 includes a first communication unit 101 , a first communication control unit 102 , and a setting unit 103 .

[0036] The first communication unit 101 is connected to the network NT and communicates with each HMI 20 by broadcast communication. The first communication unit 101 is realized by, for example, an Ethernet card. The first communication unit 101 is an example of the first communication means according to the present invention.

[0037] First communication control unit 102 controls first communication unit 101. First communication control unit 102 specifically has the following functions. Hereinafter, the fact that first communication control unit 102 controls first communication unit 101 to perform communication will be simply referred to as "first communication control unit 102 performs communication." First communication control unit 102 is an example of the first communication control unit according to the present invention.

[0038] When a user operates an input device (not shown) to start setting the HMI 20 , the first communication control unit 102 transmits a highlight display signal instructing display of a highlight display screen to each HMI 20 via the network NT by broadcast communication.

[0039] As will be described in detail later, when the first communication unit 101 receives a disconnection request signal transmitted by the HMI 20a, the first communication control unit 102 transmits a confirmation signal to the HMI 20a via broadcast communication via the network NT, confirming that communication with the HMI 20a that transmitted the disconnection request signal is possible. Furthermore, this confirmation signal must be transmitted while all HMIs 20b have disconnected their communications. Therefore, the first communication control unit 102 preferably transmits the confirmation signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first communication unit 101 received the disconnection request signal. The "predetermined time" is sufficient time from the time all HMIs 20b receive the disconnection request signal until communication is disconnected.

[0040] When the first communication unit 101 receives a response to the confirmation signal from the HMI 20a, the first communication control unit 102 transmits a registration request signal to the HMI 20a via broadcast communication, requesting the registration of the PC 10. This communication must also be performed while all HMIs 20b are disconnected from communication. The registration request signal includes at least information identifying the PC 10. Examples of information identifying the PC 10 include the PC 10's MAC (Media Access Control) address and IP (Internet Protocol) address.

[0041] After transmitting the registration request signal, the first communication control unit 102 transmits the configuration data for configuring the HMI 20a to each HMI 20 via broadcast communication. This communication can also be performed when the HMI 20b resumes communication. This is because only the HMI 20a that has registered the PC 10 configures itself based on the configuration data. The configuration data is created by the configuration unit 103, described below.

[0042] After sending the setting data, the first communication control unit 102 transmits a cancellation request signal to each HMI 20 via broadcast communication, requesting that the HMI 20a cancel the registration of the PC 10. This communication may also be performed when the HMI 20b resumes communication. This is because each HMI 20b has not yet registered the PC 10, and therefore the cancellation request signal is ignored.

[0043] When a user operates an input device (not shown) to perform an operation related to the setting of the HMI 20 a , the setting unit 103 creates setting data based on the operation.

[0044] While referring to Figure 5 Next, the functional configuration of the HMI 20 will be described. The HMI 20 includes a touch screen 200 , a second communication unit 201 , a second communication control unit 202 , a display control unit 203 , and a setting unit 204 .

[0045] The touch screen 200 has the function of displaying a screen and receiving touch operations from the user. The touch screen 200 displays the screen under the control of the display control unit 203. In particular, the touch screen 200 outputs a signal indicating a selection operation, when the user selects the HMI 20 by touching the touch screen 200 while the highlighted display screen is displayed, to the second communication control unit 202 and the display control unit 203. Specifically, the touch screen 200 receives the user's selection operation and outputs a signal indicating the received selection operation to the second communication control unit 202 and the display control unit 203. The touch screen 200 is an example of a display unit and an input unit according to the present invention.

[0046] The second communication unit 201 is connected to the network NT and communicates with the PC 10 and other HMIs 20 by broadcast communication. The second communication unit 201 is realized by, for example, an Ethernet card. The second communication unit 201 is an example of the second communication means according to the present invention.

[0047] The second communication control unit 202 controls the second communication unit 201. The second communication control unit 202 specifically has the following functions. Hereinafter, the fact that the second communication control unit 202 controls the second communication unit 201 to perform communication will be simply referred to as "the second communication control unit 202 performs communication." The second communication control unit 202 is an example of the second communication control unit according to the present invention.

[0048] When the second communication control unit 202 receives the emphasis display signal from the PC 10 , the second communication control unit 202 transmits a signal instructing the display of the emphasis display screen to the display control unit 203 .

[0049] Upon receiving a signal indicating a selection operation from the touch screen 200, the second communication control unit 202 transmits a disconnection request signal to the PC 10 and the other HMI 20 via broadcast communication. The "other HMI 20" is an HMI 20 that is not the subject of the selection operation and is therefore HMI 20b. Furthermore, the HMI 20 that transmits the disconnection request signal is the HMI 20 that is the subject of the selection operation and is therefore HMI 20a.

[0050] When the second communication unit 201 receives the confirmation signal from the PC 10, the second communication control unit 202 transmits a response to the confirmation signal to the PC 10 through broadcast communication. This response needs to be made while the communication of all HMIs 20b is disconnected.

[0051] When the second communication unit 201 receives the registration request signal from the PC 10 , the second communication control unit 202 transfers the registration request signal to the setting unit 204 .

[0052] When the second communication unit 201 receives the setting data from the PC 10 , the second communication control unit 202 transfers the setting data to the setting unit 204 .

[0053] When the second communication unit 201 receives the release request signal from the PC 10 , the second communication control unit 202 transfers the release request signal to the setting unit 204 .

[0054] When the second communication unit 201 receives a disconnection request signal transmitted by the HMI 20a, the second communication control unit 202 disconnects the communication with the network NT. For example, the second communication control unit 202 disconnects the communication with the network NT by not transmitting any signals from the second communication unit 201 and ignoring all signals received by the second communication unit 201. Alternatively, the second communication control unit 202 may disconnect the communication with the network NT by cutting off the power supply to the second communication unit 201. The second communication control unit 202 resumes the communication with the network NT after a predetermined period of time has passed since the disconnection.

[0055] The “predetermined time” is a sufficient time from when the HMI 20a transmits the disconnection request signal to when the PC 10 is registered. The second communication control unit 202 outputs a signal indicating the disconnection and restoration of communication to the display control unit 203.

[0056] The display control unit 203 controls the touch screen 200 to display a screen on the touch screen 200. The display control unit 203 particularly has the following functions: The display control unit 203 is an example of a display control unit according to the present invention.

[0057] When the display control unit 203 receives a signal from the second communication control unit 202 to instruct the display of the emphasis display screen, the display control unit 203 displays the following information: Figure 2 The highlighted display is shown.

[0058] When the display control unit 203 receives a signal indicating a selection operation from the touch screen 200, the display Figure 3 The screen shown shows that the HMI 20a is selected and is being set.

[0059] When the display control unit 203 receives a signal indicating that the communication has been disconnected from the second communication control unit 202, the display control unit 203 displays Figure 3 The screen shown shows that the HMI 20b is in a communication disconnection state and the communication is restored after a certain period of time.

[0060] When receiving a signal indicating that communication has been restored from the second communication control unit 202 , the display control unit 203 displays a screen indicating that communication has been restored.

[0061] When receiving the registration request signal from the PC 10 via the second communication control unit 202 , the setting unit 204 temporarily registers the PC 10 based on the information identifying the PC 10 included in the registration request signal.

[0062] When receiving setting data from the PC 10 via the second communication control unit 202 , the setting unit 204 sets the HMI 20 itself based on the setting data.

[0063] When receiving a release request signal from the PC 10 via the second communication control unit 202 , the setting unit 204 releases the registration of the temporarily registered PC 10 .

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 6 An example of the hardware configuration of the PC 10 and the HMI 20 will be described.

[0065] The PC 10 and the HMI 20 include a processor 1001 , a memory 1002 , an interface 1003 , and a secondary storage device 1004 , which are interconnected via a bus 1000 .

[0066] The processor 1001 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and realizes the functions of the PC 10 and the HMI 20 by reading an operating program stored in the secondary storage device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executing the program.

[0067] The memory 1002 is a main storage device composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 1002 stores the operating program read by the processor 1001 from the secondary storage device 1004. The memory 1002 also functions as a working memory when the processor 1001 executes the operating program.

[0068] The interface 1003 is, for example, an I / O (Input / Output) interface such as a serial port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or a network interface.

[0069] The secondary storage device 1004 is, for example, a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores an operating program executed by the processor 1001 .

[0070] Next, refer to Figure 7 An example of the flow of setting the HMI 20 by the communication system 1 will be described. Figure 7 The process shown is performed after the user operates the input device (not shown) of the PC 10 to start the setting of the HMI 20. Figure 7 In the following description, description of screen displays other than the emphasis display screen is omitted.

[0071] The first communication control unit 102 of the PC 10 transmits a highlight display signal to each HMI 20 via broadcast communication in response to a user operation (step T1 ).

[0072] The display control unit 203 of each HMI 20 that has received the emphasis display signal causes the touch screen 200 to display the emphasis display screen (step T2).

[0073] The user performs a touch operation of touching the highlighted display screen displayed on the touch screen 200 of the HMI 20a serving as the HMI 20 to be set (step T3).

[0074] The second communication control unit 202 of the HMI 20a transmits a disconnection request signal to the PC 10 and each HMI 20b by broadcast communication (step T4).

[0075] The second communication control unit 202 of each HMI 20b that has received the disconnection request signal disconnects communication with the network NT (step T5).

[0076] Upon receiving the disconnection request signal, the first communication control unit 102 of the PC 10 transmits a confirmation signal to the HMI 20a via broadcast communication (step T6). At this point, all communications with the HMI 20b have been disconnected, so even with the broadcast communication, the confirmation signal is only transmitted to the HMI 20a. The same applies to other communications during the period when the HMI 20b's communication is disconnected.

[0077] The second communication control unit 202 of the HMI 20a which has received the confirmation signal transmits a response to the PC 10 by broadcast communication (step T7).

[0078] The first communication control unit 102 of the PC 10 that has received the response transmits a registration request signal to the HMI 20a by broadcast communication (step T8).

[0079] The setting unit 204 of the HMI 20a, which has received the registration request signal, temporarily registers the PC 10 (step T9).

[0080] The second communication control unit 202 of the HMI 20b resumes the communication disconnected in step T5 (step T10). Note that this step may be performed at any timing as long as it is performed after the HMI 20a receives the registration request signal in step T8.

[0081] After step T8, the PC 10 transmits the setting data to each HMI 20 via broadcast communication (step T11). When this step is performed after step T10, the setting data is transmitted not only to HMI 20a but also to HMI 20b. However, since only HMI 20a, which registered with the PC 10 in step T9, performs the setting based on the setting data, there is no problem. The same applies to step T13, described later.

[0082] The setting unit 204 of the HMI 20a that has received the setting data sets the HMI 20a itself based on the setting data (step T12).

[0083] After step T11 , the PC 10 transmits a release request signal to each HMI 20 through broadcast communication (step T13 ).

[0084] The setting unit 204 of the HMI 20a, which has received the release request signal, releases the registration of the PC 10 temporarily registered in step T9 (step T14).

[0085] The communication system 1 according to the embodiment has been described above. According to the communication system 1, a user can easily check the network connection status of each HMI 20 by checking the highlighted display screen displayed on the touch screen 200 of each HMI 20. Furthermore, according to the communication system 1, HMIs 20b not selected as settings are disconnected from communication. Therefore, even though only broadcast communication is required between the PC 10 and the HMI 20a, the user can easily configure the HMI 20a without having to perform any operations related to the physical layer.

[0086] (Variation)

[0087] In the embodiment, HMI 20 is exemplified as the FA device to be set. However, the device is not limited to HMI 20, and any FA device capable of displaying a highlight display screen can be applied to the communication system 1. For example, a PLC having a display unit can also be applied to the communication system 1.

[0088] In the embodiment, the HMI 20 is set by the PC 10 , but the setting is not limited to the PC 10 , and the HMI 20 may be set by a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0089] In the embodiment, a plurality of HMIs 20 are provided, but there may be only one HMI 20. In this case as well, the network connection status of the HMI 20 can be checked by checking whether or not the screen is highlighted.

[0090] exist Figure 6In the illustrated hardware configuration, the PC 10 and the HMI 20 include a secondary storage device 1004. However, the present invention is not limited thereto; the secondary storage device 1004 may be provided externally to the PC 10 and the HMI 20, and connected to the secondary storage device 1004 via the interface 1003. In this configuration, removable media such as a USB flash drive or a memory card may also be used as the secondary storage device 1004.

[0091] Alternatively, you can replace Figure 6 The hardware structure shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a dedicated circuit using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., to form the PC 10 and the HMI 20. Figure 6 In the hardware configuration shown, part of the functions of the PC 10 and the HMI 20 may be realized by, for example, a dedicated circuit connected to the interface 1003 .

[0092] Programs used in the PC 10 and HMI 20 can be stored and distributed on computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), USB flash drives, memory cards, and HDDs. Furthermore, by installing these programs on a specific or general-purpose computer, the computer can function as the PC 10 and HMI 20.

[0093] Alternatively, the program may be stored in a storage device of another server on the Internet and downloaded from the server.

[0094] The present invention is capable of various embodiments and variations without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is not defined by the embodiments but by the claims. Furthermore, any variations implemented within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0095] Description of the label

[0096] 1 Communication system, 10 PC, 20, 20a, 20b HMI, 101 First communication unit, 102 First communication control unit, 103 Setting unit, 200 Touch screen, 201 Second communication unit, 202 Second communication control unit, 203 Display control unit, 204 Setting unit, 1000 Bus, 1001 Processor, 1002 Memory, 1003 Interface, 1004 Secondary storage device, NT network.

Claims

1. A communication system comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, The first communication device includes: a first communication unit that communicates with the second communication device; and a first communication control unit that transmits an emphasis display signal to the second communication device via the first communication unit, The second communication device includes: Display unit; a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication device; and The display control unit causes the display unit to display a highlight display screen that emphasizes that communication with the first communication device is possible, when the second communication unit receives the highlight display signal.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein having a plurality of said second communication devices, The first communication device and each second communication device are connected to a network capable of communicating via broadcast communication. The first communication unit communicates with each of the second communication devices via the network by the broadcast communication. The second communication unit communicates with the first communication device and other second communication devices via the network by the broadcast communication. Each of the second communication devices further comprises: an input unit that receives a selection operation performed by a user; and A second communication control unit, which sends a disconnection request signal to the network through the second communication unit when the input unit receives the selection operation, and disconnects the communication with the network performed by the second communication unit when the second communication unit receives the disconnection request signal sent by other second communication devices.

3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein: The first communication control unit further transmits a confirmation signal to the network via the first communication unit when the first communication unit receives the disconnection request signal. The confirmation signal is a signal confirming that communication with the second communication device that sent the disconnection request signal is possible.

4. The communication system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The second communication control unit further resumes communication with the network when a certain time has passed since the communication with the network was disconnected.

5. A communication method, wherein: The first communication device sends an emphasis display signal to the second communication device. The second communication device receives the emphasis display signal, In response to receipt of the emphasis display signal, the second communication device causes a display unit to display an emphasis display screen that emphasizes that communication with the first communication device is possible.

6. A program for causing a second communication device that communicates with a first communication device and has a display unit to execute the following processing: receiving a highlight display signal from the first communication device; and The display process causes the display unit to display a highlight display screen that emphasizes that communication with the first communication device is possible, based on reception of the highlight display signal.

7. A communication device comprising: Display unit; a communication unit that communicates with an external device; as well as The display control unit causes the display unit to display a highlight display screen that emphasizes that communication with the external device is possible, when the communication unit receives the highlight display signal from the external device.

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