Display program, client device, network system, and display control method

Abstract

A program causes an auxiliary terminal (10) connected via a network to a PLC (23) having the function of a server unit (231) for distributing information, to function as a client unit (11) that receives information indicating the operating state of the PLC (23) from the server unit (231), a display control unit (13), a UI unit (14), and a reception unit (15) that receives information indicating the operating state of the PLC (23) from the server unit (231). The present invention is provided with a display control unit (13) for displaying, on a display unit (141), an image indicating an operation state using an icon corresponding to a PLC (23), a UI unit (14) for receiving an operation on the icon, and a reception unit (15) for receiving, from the PLC (23), an execution program (233) executed by the PLC (23) and a log (234) of execution data used when the execution program (233) is executed when the operation is received by the UI unit (14). The display control unit (13) causes the execution program (233) and the log (234) received by the reception unit (15) to be displayed on a display unit (141).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display program, a client device, a network system and a display control method. Background Art

[0002] In factory automation (FA) sites, systems are being built that connect FA devices from various manufacturers via networks. In these networks, the development of universal communication standards that are independent of FA devices or their manufacturers is gaining popularity. One example of such a communication standard is OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 states that after a process on a production line is completed, a process control system connected to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) via OPC UA is used to control the process.

[0004] The trigger bit set to ON in the PLC is detected and data is read from the PLC. In addition, data is recorded and retrieved between the process control system and the database.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-245435 Summary of the Invention

[0006] As represented by preventive maintenance and post-maintenance, users sometimes check the operation history of PLC. In the technology of Patent Document 1, when users check the data obtained from PLC, they are required to be familiar with database processing in order to read the data from the database.

[0007] Furthermore, the process control system described in Patent Document 1 can retrieve specific data from the PLC's stored data and record it in a database. However, the data sought by the user performing verification operations may not necessarily be recorded in the database. Consequently, the user must use a separate tool to access the PLC and utilize diagnostic or monitoring functions for the PLC, placing a heavy workload on verifying the PLC's operational history.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and its object is to reduce the workload for verifying the operation history of the PLC.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the display program of the present invention enables a computer connected to a programmable controller via a network to function as a client unit, a display control unit, a user interface unit, and a receiving unit. The programmable controller has the function of a server that encrypts and distributes information that complies with a predetermined information model. The client unit receives information representing the operating status of the programmable controller from the server. The display control unit displays an image representing the operating status using an icon corresponding to the programmable controller on the display unit. The user interface unit receives operations on the icons. When the user interface unit receives the operation, the receiving unit receives an execution program executed by the programmable controller and a log of execution data used when executing the execution program from the programmable controller. The display control unit displays the execution program and log received by the receiving unit on the display unit.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the user interface unit receives operations on icons, the receiving unit receives the log of executed programs and execution data from the programmable controller, and the display control unit displays the executed programs and log on the display unit. Therefore, users do not need to be familiar with database processing and can visually confirm the log of executed programs and execution data. This reduces the workload of verifying the PLC's operational history. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a network system according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the FA device according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an auxiliary terminal and a PLC according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a first example of information distributed from the server device according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a second example of information distributed from the server device according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a third example of information distributed from the server device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the log of the execution program and execution data involved in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8This is a diagram showing an example of a configuration diagram of a network system displayed by a UI unit according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a first example of operations performed in the UI unit according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of details related to one server device displayed by the UI unit according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a second example of operations performed in the UI unit according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of an execution program and a log displayed by the UI unit according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing a third example of the operation performed in the UI unit according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a first example of a file according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a second example of a file according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing the display control process according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the structure of an auxiliary terminal according to a modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Implementation Method

[0031] The network system 100 according to this embodiment is as follows Figure 1 The diagram shows a system that uses an auxiliary terminal 10 to assist a user in verifying the operation history of a PLC 23. Network system 100 is constructed as part of a control system that controls equipment in a factory using a network 30. This control system implements, for example, manufacturing lines, processing lines, inspection lines, and other processing steps.

[0032] Network system 100 includes communication devices 21 and 22, corresponding to a control device that controls an instrument or a controlled device that is a controlled object, respectively; a programmable logic controller (PLC) 23, corresponding to a control device; and an auxiliary terminal 10 connected to communication devices 21 and 22 and PLC 23 via a network 30. Network 30 is an industrial network, typically a field network.

[0033] The control system that controls the equipment may also include equipment and devices not shown. For example, the communication device 21, which corresponds to the controlled device, may be controlled by the control device (not shown), and the communication device 22 and PLC 23, which correspond to the control device, may control the equipment (not shown). Network system 100 can be said to be a control system that extracts the servers that provide information via network 30 and the clients that receive that information.

[0034] The communication devices 21, 22, and PLC 23 function as servers. Hereinafter, the communication devices 21, 22, and PLC 23 may not be distinguished and may be referred to as the server device 20. The auxiliary terminal 10 functions as a client device that acquires information from the server device 20. Furthermore, the auxiliary terminal 10 functions as a user interface terminal that assists the user in verifying the operation history of the PLC 23 by providing the user with information acquired from the server device 20 and thereby providing the user with information related to the operation history of the PLC 23. The auxiliary terminal 10 may be any PC, such as an industrial PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, or may be a dedicated user interface device in an FA system, such as a programmable display.

[0035] The server device 20 and the auxiliary terminal 10 are each composed of hardware elements for functioning as a computer. Figure 2 As shown, the FA device 40, which corresponds to the server device 20 and the auxiliary terminal 10, respectively, includes a processor 41, a main storage unit 42, an auxiliary storage unit 43, an input unit 44, an output unit 45, and a communication unit 46. The main storage unit 42, the auxiliary storage unit 43, the input unit 44, the output unit 45, and the communication unit 46 are connected to the processor 41 via an internal bus 47.

[0036] The processor 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) as a processing circuit. The processor 41 implements various functions and performs the processing described below by executing a program P1 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 43. The program P1 in the auxiliary terminal 10 corresponds to a so-called engineering design tool and is an example of a display program that enables the auxiliary terminal 10 to function as described below.

[0037] The main storage unit 42 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). The program P1 is loaded from the auxiliary storage unit 43 to the main storage unit 42. The main storage unit 42 is used as a work area for the processor 41.

[0038] The auxiliary storage unit 43 includes a non-volatile memory represented by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). In addition to storing the program P1, the auxiliary storage unit 43 also stores various data used by the processor 41. The auxiliary storage unit 43 supplies the data used by the processor 41 to the processor 41 in accordance with the instructions of the processor 41. In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 43 stores data supplied from the processor 41. In addition, in addition to storing the program P1, the auxiliary storage unit 43 of the PLC 23 also stores an execution program for executing control processing. The execution program is a program created using a high-level language such as a ladder diagram or C language, and is executed by the processor 41 of the PLC 23.

[0039] The input unit 44 includes input devices such as hardware switches, input keys, a keyboard, and a pointing device. The input unit 44 acquires information input by a user of the FA device 40 and notifies the processor 41 of the acquired information.

[0040] The output unit 45 includes output devices such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), and speakers. The output unit 45 presents various information to the user in accordance with instructions from the processor 41. The output unit 45 of the auxiliary terminal 10 includes a display device such as an LCD, functioning as part of a graphical user interface (GUI). Alternatively, the auxiliary terminal 10 may include a display device corresponding to the output unit 45 and a pointing device corresponding to the input unit 44, forming a touch screen.

[0041] The communication unit 46 includes a communication interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 46 receives a signal from the outside and outputs the data represented by the signal to the processor 41. In addition, the communication unit 46 transmits a signal representing the data output from the processor 41 to the external device.

[0042] Through the cooperative action of the above hardware structure, the server device 20 and the auxiliary terminal 10 play various functions. Figure 3As shown, the communication device 21 includes a server unit 211 that distributes information using a predetermined communication standard. Similarly, the communication device 22 includes a server unit 221, and the PLC 23 includes a server unit 231. These server units 211, 221, and 231 are primarily implemented through the coordinated operation of the processor 41 and the communication unit 46. As the aforementioned communication standard, the server units 211, 221, and 231 each distribute information in a format that complies with the OPC UA standard. The PLC 23 is an example of a programmable controller with server functionality, which encrypts and distributes information that complies with a predetermined information model.

[0043] OPC UA is a communication standard used to communicate factory automation (FA) equipment information to external devices via industrial networks. OPC UA encrypts and distributes information conforming to a predetermined information model, independent of the server or client operating system (OS). Therefore, it is a standard widely adopted by FA equipment. Information encryption in OPC UA is performed using public-key cryptography, based on application authentication using certificates.

[0044] The information model in OPC UA recursively expresses the structure of information by allowing other nodes to refer to nodes such as objects, variables representing object status values, and methods representing object behaviors. For example, an information model containing a variable node indicating the presence or absence of an error in server device 20 is predefined and shared between servers 211, 221, and 231 and the client 11 described later. Furthermore, by distributing the status value of this node from server device 20 in response to a request from client device 11, user U1 of auxiliary terminal 10, which has client device 11, can understand the operating status of server device 20.

[0045] When the server device 20 provides information via OPC UA, a status code indicating whether the information has any problem is added to the information and provided to the client unit 11 . The user U1 of the auxiliary terminal 10 can refer to the status code to determine whether any abnormality has occurred in the server device 20 .

[0046] Figures 4-6 An example of information provided from the server device 20 is shown respectively. Figure 4As shown, the information is information that is associated with the server providing the information, the node ID (Identifier) ​​for identifying the node in the predetermined information model, the display name of the node, the value of the node, the data type of the value, the source timestamp, the server timestamp assigned by the server device 20, and the status code. Figure 5 In the example, the value of the node becomes "ERROR", indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the server device 20. Figure 6 In the example, the status code becomes “Error”, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the server device 20.

[0047] Here, the abnormality indicated by the information provided by the server device 20 as indicating the occurrence of an abnormality is an event detected by the server device 20 that meets predetermined conditions, and generally refers to an operating state of the server device 20 that falls outside the range of normal operating conditions assumed by the administrator of the server device 20. Examples of such abnormalities include memory abnormalities, temperature abnormalities, and communication abnormalities.

[0048] return Figure 3 The PLC 23 includes a storage unit 232 that stores an execution program 233 and a log 234. The storage unit 232 is primarily implemented through the coordinated operation of at least one of the PLC 23's main storage unit 42 and auxiliary storage unit 43, the processor 41, and the communication unit 46. The storage unit 232 stores a log 234 of execution programs 233 that have been or are currently being executed by the PLC 23, as well as execution data used during the execution of the execution program 233. Logging of execution data is achieved, for example, by periodically overwriting the execution data values ​​in a ring buffer. Furthermore, the storage unit 232 transmits the execution program 233 and log 234 to the auxiliary terminal 10 in response to a request from the auxiliary terminal 10.

[0049] Figure 7 A simple example of executing program 233 and log 234 is shown. Figure 7 As shown, when the execution program 233 is a ladder diagram program, the log 234 is log data showing the transition of the value of the execution data by associating the value of the device or label corresponding to the execution data used in the ladder diagram program with the time when the device or label assumes the value.

[0050] return Figure 3The auxiliary terminal 10 includes: a client unit 11, which receives information from the server device 20; a parsing unit 12, which parses the information received by the client unit 11; a display control unit 13, which generates an image based on the parsing result obtained by the parsing unit 12 and displays it on the display unit 141 of the UI unit 14; a UI (User Interface) unit 14, which presents the image to the user U1 and receives information input by the user U1; a receiving unit 15, which receives an execution program 233 and a log 234 from the PLC 23 according to a specific operation performed by the user U1; and an output unit 16, which outputs a file 161 representing the image generated by the display control unit 13.

[0051] The client unit 11 is mainly realized by the cooperation of the processor 41 and the communication unit 46 of the auxiliary terminal 10. When the client unit 11 establishes communication with the server units 211, 221, and 231 in accordance with OPC UA, it periodically receives data from the server units 211, 221, and 231. Figures 5-7 The information is as shown in the example. The period is, for example, 1 second or 1 minute. The information periodically received by the client unit 11 may be information indicating the operating status of the server device 20. The client unit 11 is an example of a client unit that receives information indicating the operating status of the programmable controller from the server.

[0052] The analyzing unit 12 is mainly implemented by the processor 41 of the support terminal 10. The analyzing unit 12 analyzes the information received from the client unit 11, determines the operating status of each server device 20, and notifies the display control unit 13 of the determination result.

[0053] The display control unit 13 is mainly implemented by the processor 41 of the support terminal 10. The display control unit 13 generates an image represented by an icon corresponding to each server device 20 based on the operating status of the server device 20 determined by the analysis unit 12, and displays the image on the display unit 141 of the UI unit 14. Figure 8 An example of an image displayed on display unit 141 is shown. This image shows the configuration of network system 100 including a plurality of server devices 20. Alternatively, this image may show the connection relationship of server devices 20 by connecting icons corresponding to server devices 20 with lines. This icon is an example of a device icon corresponding to a server device.

[0054] exist Figure 8In the figure, icons 51, 52, and 53 for "Master Station 1," "Master Station 2," and "Master Station 3," corresponding to communication devices 21 and 22, and PLC 23, respectively, are connected by lines to icon 54 for "Local Station 1" corresponding to auxiliary terminal 10. Furthermore, a mark 55 indicating that an abnormality has occurred in communication with communication device 22 is displayed on the line connecting "Master Station 2" and "Local Station 1," and a mark 56 indicating that an abnormality has occurred in PLC 23 is displayed superimposed on the "Master Station 3" icon. Mark 55 corresponds to an abnormality indicated by a status code, and mark 56 corresponds to an abnormality in PLC 23, which is notified as a node value. The display control unit 13 is an example of a display control unit that displays an image representing the operating status using icons corresponding to the programmable controller on a display unit.

[0055] return Figure 3 The UI unit 14 is mainly realized by the cooperative action of the input unit 44 and the output unit 45 of the auxiliary terminal 10. The UI unit 14 has a display unit 141 realized by the output unit 45, and uses the image displayed on the display unit 141 to obtain information input by the user U1. For example, the UI unit 14 Figure 9 As shown, an operation of selecting the item "Display Details" is received from the submenu 61 displayed by placing the cursor on the icon 51 and clicking the right button of the mouse. The UI unit 14 that has received the operation notifies the display control unit 13 of the fact that the operation has been received, and the display control unit 13 displays the history of information received from the server device 20 corresponding to the selected icon 51 as shown in FIG. Figure 10 The display unit 141 is displayed as shown in the example.

[0056] In addition, the UI section 14 is as follows Figure 11 As shown, an operation selecting the "Start Monitoring" item is received from submenu 62 displayed by placing the cursor over icon 53 and then clicking the right mouse button. Upon receiving this operation, UI unit 14 notifies receiving unit 15 of the receipt of the operation. The "Start Monitoring" item can be omitted from the submenu of server devices 20 that have not experienced an abnormality, and can also be omitted from the submenus of server devices 20 other than PLC 23 that can provide execution program 233 and log 234. UI unit 14 serves as an example of a user interface unit that receives operations on icons.

[0057] return Figure 3 The receiving unit 15 is mainly realized by the cooperation of the processor 41 and the communication unit 46. If the UI unit 14 receives the "start monitoring" operation, the receiving unit 15 requests the server device 20 corresponding to the selected icon to send the execution program 233 and the log 234, and receives the execution program 233 and the log 234. Figure 11In the illustrated case, the receiving unit 15 receives the execution program 233 and the log 234 stored in the storage unit 232 of the PLC 23. The receiving unit 15 is an example of a receiving unit that receives the execution program executed by the programmable controller and the log of execution data used when executing the execution program from the programmable controller when an operation is received by the user interface unit.

[0058] return Figure 3 The receiving unit 15 provides the received execution program 233 and log 234 to the display control unit 13 , and the display control unit 13 generates a monitoring image for the user U1 to observe the execution program 233 and log 234 and displays the image on the display unit 141 . Figure 12 An example of the monitoring image is shown in FIG. Figure 12 In the example, a monitoring image and a progress bar 63 representing a ladder diagram of the execution program 233 are displayed. In the ladder diagram, the value of the execution data corresponding to the time specified in the progress bar 63 is shown at the contact. Specifically, by adding shading to the contact "M1", it is shown that the device value of the contact is "1", and by leaving the contact "M3" blank instead of adding shading, it is shown that the device value of the contact is zero. However, the expression of the value of the execution data in the execution program 233 is not limited to Figure 12 Examples can be changed arbitrarily.

[0059] In addition, Figure 12 In the ladder diagram, the execution data for "M1000," "M1001," and "M1002" are labeled "Power Supply Abnormal," "Temperature Abnormal," and "Servo Abnormal," respectively, indicating whether a specific abnormality has occurred. By observing the changes in the values ​​of this execution data, user U1 can verify the PLC 23's operational history and investigate the cause of abnormalities in the control system. The display control unit 13 is an example of a display control unit that displays the execution program and log received by the receiving unit on the display unit.

[0060] By moving the cursor with Figure 12 The monitoring images shown are overlapped, click the right button of the mouse, and Figure 13 The submenu 64 is displayed as shown. If the item "output image file" is selected from the submenu 64, the UI unit 14 notifies the output unit 16 of the fact that the operation has been received. Figure 8 The submenu 64 is similarly displayed in the illustrated image, and when an operation is performed to select the item “output image file”, the UI unit 14 notifies the output unit 16 of the receipt of the operation.

[0061] return Figure 3The output unit 16 is mainly realized by the cooperation of the processor 41, the auxiliary storage unit 43 and the communication unit 46 of the auxiliary terminal 10. If the output unit 16 receives a notification related to the monitoring image from the UI unit 14, it will Figure 14 As shown, the output unit 161 represents the monitoring image. Figure 8 For image-related notifications, Figure 15 As shown, a file 161 representing the structure of the network system 100 is output. The output destination of file 161 can be the auxiliary storage unit 43 of the auxiliary terminal 10, a storage device external to the auxiliary terminal 10, or a recording medium such as a memory card inserted into the auxiliary terminal 10. File 161 is used, for example, when user U1 in charge of verification work transfers verification results to others. Output unit 16 is an example of an output unit that outputs a file representing an image.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 16 The following describes the display control process executed by the auxiliary terminal 10. The display control process corresponds to an example of a display control method executed by the auxiliary terminal 10 as a client device.

[0063] In the display control process, the client unit 11 obtains information from each server device 20 (step S1), and the display control unit 13 displays an image corresponding to a network configuration diagram showing the operating status of each server device 20. Figure 8 The display is performed as shown (step S2).

[0064] Next, the UI unit 14 of the auxiliary terminal 10 determines whether an arbitrary server device 20 is selected in the network configuration diagram and an operation of confirming details is performed (step S3). Here, the operation of confirming details corresponds to Figure 9 The operation of selecting the item "Display Details" is shown. If it is determined that the operation of confirming the details has not been performed (step S3; No), the process executed by the auxiliary terminal 10 proceeds to step S5.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation to confirm details has been performed (step S3; Yes), the history of information received from the selected server device 20 is displayed as detailed information (step S4). Figure 10 As shown, a list of messages received in the past is displayed in table format.

[0066] Next, the UI unit 14 of the auxiliary terminal 10 determines whether an arbitrary server device 20 is selected in the network configuration diagram and an operation to start the program monitor is performed (step S5). Here, the operation to start the program monitor corresponds to Figure 11The operation of selecting the item "Start Monitoring" is shown. If it is determined that the activation operation of the program monitor has not been performed (step S5; No), the processing executed by the support terminal 10 proceeds to step S7.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined that the program monitor startup operation has been performed (step S5; Yes), the display unit 141 displays the execution program 233 and the execution data log 234 on the program monitor (step S6). Figure 12 The image shown shows that the log 234 is applied to the execution program 233.

[0068] Next, the UI unit 14 of the auxiliary terminal 10 determines whether a file output operation is performed in the network configuration diagram or in the program monitor displayed in step S6 (step S7). Here, the file output operation corresponds to Figure 13 The operation of selecting the item "output image file" is shown. When it is determined that the file output operation has not been performed (step S7; No), the auxiliary terminal 10 repeatedly executes the processing from step S1 onwards.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined that the file output operation has been performed (step S7; Yes), the output unit 16 outputs the image file 161 indicating that the file output operation has been performed (step S8). The auxiliary terminal 10 then repeats the processing from step S1 onwards.

[0070] As described above, according to the support terminal 10 of this embodiment, the UI unit 14 receives an operation on an icon, the receiving unit 15 receives the execution program 233 and the execution data log 234 from the PLC 23, and the display control unit 13 displays the execution program 233 and the execution data log 234 on the display unit 141. Therefore, the user U1 does not need to be familiar with database processing and can visually confirm the execution program 233 and the execution data log 234. This reduces the workload of verifying the operation history of the PLC 23.

[0071] In addition, it is known that on the OPC UA client side, Figure 10 While the illustrated examples provide tools for operators to verify received information in tabular or textual form, these tools offer limited overview and require time to verify their contents. In contrast, the auxiliary terminal 10 of this embodiment uses icons to indicate the operating status of the server device 20 within the network system 100 and receives operations performed by user U1 using a pointing device. Providing this GUI to user U1 significantly reduces the workload on user U1.

[0072] In addition, the information received by the client unit 11 from the server units 211, 221, and 231 indicates whether there is an abnormality in the server device 20 as the operating status of the server device 20, and the display control unit 13 displays the abnormality as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the icon corresponding to the server device 20 is displayed on the display unit 141 along with the marks 55 and 56 indicating the occurrence of an abnormality. This allows the user U1 to easily identify the location of the abnormality in the network system 100. Furthermore, the method of indicating the presence or absence of an abnormality in the server device 20 is not limited to simply adding a mark to the icon. For example, the icon for a server device 20 that has an abnormality may be different from the icon for a server device 20 that has not. The icon can be displayed in a manner corresponding to the presence or absence of an abnormality.

[0073] In addition, an example has been described in which user U1 verifies the operation history of PLC 23 based on the execution data log 234 stored in the storage unit 232 of PLC 23. This log 234 may also include log data that is always recorded regardless of the presence or absence of an abnormality, and log data recorded before and after the time when an abnormality is detected in PLC 23.

[0074] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

[0075] For example, the example in which the communication between the server units 211, 221, and 231 and the client unit 11 complies with OPC UA is described. However, this communication can also comply with other communication standards. However, it is preferred to comply with a communication standard with features equivalent to or similar to OPC UA. Examples of such features include: security features including encryption; information transmission conforming to a predetermined information model, which facilitates information interpretation between devices with different operating systems, models, and manufacturers; and the ability to implement server or client functions independently of the operating system, model, or manufacturer of the communicating devices.

[0076] In addition, the display control unit 13 creates Figure 12 In the case of the program monitor as illustrated, an image may be generated by applying the execution data at the time of occurrence of the exception in the information received by the client unit 11 to the execution program 233, and the image may be initially displayed on the display unit 141. This allows the user U1 to easily check the transition of the execution data before and after the occurrence of the exception.

[0077] In addition, the auxiliary terminal 10 is described as including the display unit 141, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 17As shown, the user U1 operates the UI device 10a based on information provided from the UI device 10a different from the auxiliary terminal 10, and the UI unit 14 communicates with the UI device 10a, thereby functioning as an interface unit between the auxiliary terminal 10 and the user U1. Figure 17 In the example of FIG, the UI unit 14 is implemented by the communication unit 46 of the auxiliary terminal 10, and the display control unit 13 causes the display unit 141 of the UI device 10a to display an image.

[0078] The operating status of the server device 20 is described as indicating the presence or absence of an abnormality, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The operating status of the server device 20 may also indicate which of a plurality of predetermined operating modes the server device 20 is in.

[0079] The functions of the support terminal 10 and the PLC 23 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by dedicated hardware, or can be realized by a general computer system.

[0080] For example, the program P1 can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or MO (Magneto-Optical Disk) and distributed, and the program P1 can be installed in a computer to form a device that executes the above-mentioned processing.

[0081] Alternatively, the program P1 may be stored in advance 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, for example.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Furthermore, the above-described processing can also be realized by executing all or part of the program P1 on a server device and executing the program P1 while transmitting and receiving information related to the processing via a communication network.

[0084] Furthermore, when the above functions are realized by sharing the responsibility of the OS (Operating System) or by cooperation between the OS and application programs, only the parts other than the OS may be stored in a medium and distributed, or may be downloaded to a computer.

[0085] Furthermore, the means for realizing the functions of the support terminal 10 and the PLC 23 are not limited to software, and a part or all of them may be realized by dedicated hardware or circuits.

[0086] 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 their equivalents are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0087] Industrial Applicability

[0088] The present invention is suitable for verifying the operation history of a PLC in a FA field.

[0089] Description of the label

[0090] 100 Network system, 10 Auxiliary terminal, 10a UI device, 11 Client unit, 12 Analysis unit, 13 Display control unit, 14 UI unit, 141 Display unit, 15 Receiving unit, 16 Output unit, 161 File, 20 Server device, 21, 22 Communication device, 211, 221, 231 Server unit, 23 PLC, 232 Storage unit, 233 Execution program, 234 Log, 30 Network, 40 FA device, 41 Processor, 42 Main storage unit, 43 Auxiliary storage unit, 44 Input unit, 45 Output unit, 46 Communication unit, 47 Internal bus, 51-54 Icons, 55, 56 Marks, 61, 62, 64 Submenus, 63 Progress bar, P1 Program, U1 User

Claims

1. A display program that causes a computer connected to a programmable controller via a network to function as a client unit, a display control unit, a user interface unit, and a receiving unit, wherein the programmable controller has a server function that encrypts and distributes information conforming to a predetermined information model. The client unit receives the information indicating the operating status of the programmable controller from the server, The display control unit displays an image representing the operating state using an icon corresponding to the programmable controller on the display unit. The user interface unit receives an operation on the icon, The receiving unit receives, when the user interface unit receives the operation, from the programmable controller a log of an execution program executed by the programmable controller and execution data used when executing the execution program. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the execution program and the log received by the receiving unit.

2. The display program according to claim 1, wherein The operating status indicates whether there is any abnormality in the programmable controller. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the icon corresponding to the presence or absence of the abnormality.

3. The display program according to claim 2, wherein: The client unit receives the information indicating the occurrence of the abnormality in association with a time. The log received by the receiving unit shows the transition of the execution data. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the execution data at a time associated with the occurrence of the abnormality together with the execution program.

4. The display program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The computer is connected to a plurality of server devices including the programmable controller and having the server function via the network. The image displayed on the display unit represents the structure of the network using device icons corresponding to the respective server devices.

5. The display program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The computer is further caused to function as an output unit that outputs a file representing the image.

6. A client device connected to a programmable controller via a network, the programmable controller having a server function for encrypting and distributing information conforming to a predetermined information model, The client device has: a client unit that receives the information indicating the operating status of the programmable controller from the server; a display control unit configured to display an image representing the operating state using an icon corresponding to the programmable controller on a display unit; A user interface unit for receiving an operation on the icon; as well as a receiving unit that receives, when the user interface unit receives the operation, from the programmable controller an execution program executed by the programmable controller and a log of execution data used when executing the execution program; The display control unit causes the display unit to display the execution program and the log received by the receiving unit.

7. A network system comprising: The client device according to claim 6; and The programmable controller is connected to the client device via the network.

8. A display control method executed by a client device connected to a programmable controller via a network, the programmable controller having a server function for encrypting and distributing information conforming to a predetermined information model. The display control method includes: The client unit receives the information indicating the operating status of the programmable controller from the server, The display control unit displays an image representing the operating state using an icon corresponding to the programmable controller on the display unit, The user interface unit receives an operation on the icon, The receiving unit receives, when the user interface unit receives the operation, from the programmable controller an execution program executed by the programmable controller and a log of execution data used when executing the execution program. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the execution program and the log received by the receiving unit.

Images