Collaboration system, collaboration method, collaboration program, and collaboration assistance program

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to improve the degree of freedom of selection of functions that can be realized in a manufacturing device that is operated by a PLC. This cooperation system (1) is provided with: a controlled device (4); a PLC (3) that controls a first operation of the controlled device; and an information processing device (6) linked with the PLC. The PLC is provided with: a PLC control unit (33); and a PLC storage unit (32) that stores a plurality of first device values for controlling the first operation and a plurality of second device values for controlling the second operation of the information processing device. The plurality of first device values include one or more first command values for executing a first operation, and the plurality of second device values include one or more second command values for executing a second operation. The information processing device is provided with: a device value acquisition unit (631) that acquires a second device value at predetermined time intervals; a determination unit (632) that determines whether or not the second command value has been changed; and an operation control unit (633) that controls a second operation corresponding to the changed second command value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a collaboration system, collaboration method, collaboration program, and collaboration assistance program. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of FA (Factory Automation), a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a controller that controls the actions of controlled equipment such as conveying or inspection equipment in industrial manufacturing facilities (i.e., the actions of the manufacturing facility itself). The PLC controls the actions of various controlled devices based on input signals from input devices (e.g., sensors) connected to the PLC by executing user-created control programs (e.g., ladder diagram programs).

[0003] However, complex functions such as image processing cannot be implemented by a PLC alone. In such cases, dedicated units (dedicated controllers) are selected and expanded within the PLC, corresponding to the functions required by the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the PLC controls the operation of the dedicated units by turning triggers on / off, thereby realizing the image processing function. Thus, during the operation of the manufacturing apparatus, when multiple functions that cannot be implemented by a PLC alone are required, each function requires a dedicated unit.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents:

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-189481. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] Because PLC specifications vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, users of manufacturing equipment may specify the manufacturer of the PLC used in their equipment. However, since the functions corresponding to dedicated units also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, it is difficult to achieve the required functions if dedicated units compatible with multiple manufacturers are not available. Furthermore, when multiple functions are encapsulated in a dedicated unit, an expensive dedicated unit is required to implement only a portion of those functions. Thus, in manufacturing equipment where the actions of the controlled equipment are controlled by a PLC, the selectable functions are limited, and the freedom of choice is small.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to increase the freedom of choice in selecting functions that can be implemented in a manufacturing device whose actions are controlled by a PLC.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] A collaborative system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus; a PLC controlling a first action of the controlled device; and an information processing device connected to and linked with the PLC via a communication network line. The PLC comprises: a PLC control unit controlling the first action; and a PLC storage unit storing a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling a second action of the information processing device. The plurality of first device values ​​includes executing the first action. The information processing apparatus comprises: a device value acquisition unit that acquires the second device values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit at predetermined time intervals; a determination unit that, after acquiring the second device values, determines whether the second instruction value included in the acquired second device values ​​has been changed; and an action control unit that, when the second instruction value has been changed, controls the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value in the second action.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a collaborative method executed by a collaborative system comprising: a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus; a PLC controlling a first action of the controlled device; and an information processing device connected to and linked with the PLC via a communication network line. The PLC includes: a PLC control unit controlling the first action; and a PLC storage unit storing a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling a second action of the information processing device. The plurality of first device values ​​includes one or more first actions for executing the first action. The instruction value, wherein a plurality of the second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​for executing the second action, the cooperation method includes: a device value acquisition step, wherein the second device value containing the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit is acquired at predetermined time intervals; an instruction value determination step, wherein after acquiring the second device value, it is determined whether the second instruction value contained in the acquired second device value has changed; and an action control step, wherein when the second instruction value has changed, the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value in the second action is controlled.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, a collaborative program is executed by an information processing device connected via a communication network to and linked with a PLC that controls a first action of a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus. The PLC includes a PLC storage unit storing a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling a second action of the information processing device. Each of the second device values ​​includes one or more second instruction values ​​for executing the second action. The information processing device includes a processor that performs the following processes: an acquisition process, in which the second device values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit are acquired at predetermined time intervals; an instruction value determination process, in which, after acquiring the second device value, it is determined whether the second instruction value contained in the acquired second device value has changed; and a second action control process, in which, if the second instruction value has changed, the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value is controlled.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a collaborative assistance program is executed by a PLC. The PLC controls a first action of a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus and is connected to an information processing device via a communication network line, and is linked with the information processing device. The PLC comprises: a PLC control unit that controls the first action; and a PLC storage unit that stores a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling a second action of the information processing device. The plurality of first device values ​​include one or more first instruction values ​​for executing the first action, and the plurality of second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​for executing the second action. The PLC control unit performs the following processes: a second instruction value change process, in which the second instruction value corresponding to the second action is changed to cause the information processing device to execute the second action; and a first instruction value change process, in which the first instruction value corresponding to the instruction is changed according to an instruction from the information processing device that has already executed the second action.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, the freedom of selection of functions that can be implemented in a manufacturing apparatus whose actions are controlled by a PLC is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the collaborative system of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The functional block diagram of the PLC in the collaborative system.

[0019] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example of the general structure of the PLC's storage unit.

[0020] Figure 4 It shows the storage in Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of information stored in the PLC's storage unit.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The functional block diagram of the touch panel terminal of the collaborative system.

[0022] Figure 6 It shows the storage in Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the TP storage unit of a touch panel terminal.

[0023] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on the TP (Touch Panel) operation unit of a touch panel terminal.

[0024] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 The functional block diagram of the implementation method of the information processing device of the collaborative system.

[0025] Figure 9 It shows the storage in Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the PC storage unit of an information processing device.

[0026] Figure 10 It shows the storage in Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating another example of information from the PC storage unit.

[0027] Figure 11 It is shown in Figure 1 A schematic diagram outlining the relationships between various elements in a collaborative system.

[0028] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing device.

[0029] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 1 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the actions between elements in a collaborative system. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following describes embodiments of the collaborative system (hereinafter referred to as "the System"), the collaborative method (hereinafter referred to as "the Method"), the collaborative program (hereinafter referred to as "the Collaborative Program"), and the collaborative auxiliary program (hereinafter referred to as "the Auxiliary Program") of the present invention. In the following description, appropriate reference will be made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts and elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0031] This invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus equipped with controlled equipment whose actions are controlled by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). By linking the PLC with a PC (Personal Computer), functions that cannot be achieved by the PLC and the controlled equipment alone can be realized via the PC. Furthermore, this invention integrates a UI (User Interface) function into a touch panel terminal of the manufacturing apparatus, connecting the PLC to the touch panel terminal. This allows the operation of the touch panel terminal to execute actions of the PC via the PLC and change the PC's parameter values. The PC is an example of an information processing device.

[0032] ●Collaboration System●

[0033] ●Structure of a collaborative system

[0034] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an implementation of the system.

[0035] This system 1 links the PLC 3 of the manufacturing apparatus 2 with the information processing device 6, thereby enabling the information processing device 6 to realize various functions required in the manufacturing apparatus 2. Furthermore, this system 1 integrates UI functionality into the touch panel terminal 5 of the manufacturing apparatus 2.

[0036] The PLC3 is connected to the touch panel terminal 5, thereby enabling the operation of the touch panel terminal 5 to execute actions of the information processing device 6 via the PLC3 and to change parameter values ​​for the actions of the information processing device 6. This system 1 includes a manufacturing apparatus 2, an information processing device 6, and multiple external devices 7a, 7b, ... In the following description, unless otherwise specified, external devices 7a, 7b, ... are collectively referred to as external devices 7.

[0037] Manufacturing apparatus 2 is, for example, an industrial manufacturing apparatus used to manufacture items in a factory automation (FA) field. Manufacturing apparatus 2 includes a PLC 3, multiple controlled devices 4a, 4b, ... and a touch panel terminal 5. In the following description, when the controlled devices 4a, 4b, ... are not specifically distinguished individually, the controlled devices 4a, 4b, ... are collectively referred to as controlled devices 4.

[0038] ● PLC Structure

[0039] Figure 2 This is a function block diagram of PLC3.

[0040] For ease of explanation, the diagram also uses dashed lines to represent manufacturing device 2, controlled equipment 4, touch panel terminal 5, information processing device 6, and external equipment 7.

[0041] The PLC3 controls the operation of the controlled device 4 and the information processing device 6 according to a control program (e.g., a ladder diagram program). The PLC3 is, for example, a known PLC. The PLC3 includes a PLC communication unit 31, a PLC storage unit 32, and a PLC control unit 33.

[0042] It should be noted that, in this invention, the control program executed in PLC3 can be any control program executed in a general PLC, and is not limited to ladder diagram programs.

[0043] The PLC communication unit 31 communicates with input devices (not shown, hereinafter the same), controlled devices 4, touch panel terminals 5, and information processing devices 6, for example, via communication network lines (e.g., LAN (Local Area Network) cables, signal lines, etc.). "Input devices" are devices installed in the manufacturing apparatus 2, connected to the PLC communication unit 31, and inputting signals to the PLC 3 (e.g., sensors that detect the operation of the controlled device 4, such as infrared sensors, pressure sensors, photoelectric sensors, temperature sensors, etc.). The PLC communication unit 31 includes: a first PLC communication unit 311, which is connected to the touch panel terminal 5 and the information processing device 6; and a second PLC communication unit 312, which is connected to both the input devices and the controlled devices 4. The first PLC communication unit 311 is, for example, a known communication interface equipped with a LAN connector, etc. The second PLC communication unit 312 is, for example, a known I / O terminal.

[0044] The PLC storage unit 32 stores information required for the operation of the PLC3 (e.g., control programs and various device values). The PLC storage unit 32 is, for example, an information storage medium such as flash memory.

[0045] It should be noted that, in this invention, the control program can also be stored in the ROM (Read Only Memory) 33c described later.

[0046] "Device value" is information related to the operation of devices (e.g., input devices, controlled devices 4) and apparatuses (e.g., information processing apparatus 6) connected to PLC3. Device value includes multiple first device values ​​and multiple second device values.

[0047] The "first device value" is information used to control the operation of the controlled device 4. The first device value includes multiple first parameter values ​​and multiple first instruction values. The first device value is stored (saved) for example in addresses within the first device region "D1" described later. The operation of the controlled device 4 is an example of the first operation in this invention.

[0048] "First parameter value" is, for example, information representing the value of a parameter used to control the operation of the controlled device 4 (e.g., the current / voltage supplied to the controlled device 4, the rotational speed of the actuator, the moving distance of the conveyed body (workpiece), the amount of light from the light source, etc.).

[0049] The "first instruction value" is a value that indicates the function of the controlled device 4 as a so-called flag (e.g., execution flag, branch flag, completion flag, etc.). (e.g., "1" / "0" corresponding to the on / off state of the execution flag, and "0" to "n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1)" corresponding to the branch flag). That is, the first instruction value contains information indicating the value of executing the action of the controlled device 4 (e.g., the value corresponding to the on / off state of the execution flag, the action executed after a branch, etc.). The action of the controlled device 4 also includes the action of stopping the currently operating controlled device 4. Here, when the "executed action" is an action related to illumination, for example, "1" is a value corresponding to the maximum light intensity, "2" is a value corresponding to the intermediate light intensity, "3" is a value corresponding to the minimum light intensity, and "0" is a value corresponding to light intensity "0 (off)". Thus, in this embodiment, the controlled device 4 can execute multiple different actions, and each first instruction value corresponds to a different action of the non-controlled device 4.

[0050] The "second device value" is information used to control the operation of the information processing device 6. The second device value contains multiple second parameter values ​​and multiple second instruction values. The second device value is stored (saved) for example in addresses within the second device area "D2" described later.

[0051] "Second parameter value" refers to information indicating the value of parameters (e.g., image processing parameters, decision processing parameters, etc.) used to control the actions of the information processing device 6 (and external device 7) (e.g., the actions of the action program described later). The action of the information processing device 6 is an example of the second action in this invention.

[0052] The "operation of the information processing device 6" includes not only the actions performed in the hardware of the information processing device 6 by executing an action program, but also the actions performed by the external device 7 by executing an action program (e.g., actions such as taking an image with a camera, taking external sound with a microphone, and displaying an image on the PC display unit 64 described later). In other words, the operation of the information processing device 6 includes not only the actions performed within the information processing device 6, but also the actions performed by the external device 7 as part of the operation of the information processing device 6. That is, the second operation in this invention may also include the operation of the external device 7. Here, an example of the former is, for example, the information processing device 6 performing information processing (e.g., image processing) to obtain another information from one piece of information through computation. An example of the latter is, for example, the operation of obtaining certain information by controlling the operation of the external device 7 (e.g., taking an image using a shooting device). Therefore, the second parameter value may include information representing the value of parameters used to control the operation of the external device 7 (e.g., parameters for shooting processing such as the camera's viewing angle and resolution). Thus, in this invention, the information used to control the operation of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 can become the second parameter value. The operation of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 also includes actions to stop the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 that are currently in operation.

[0053] The "second instruction value" is a value indicating that the information processing device 6 performs its function as a so-called flag (e.g., execution flag, branch flag, completion flag, etc.). (For example, "1" / "0" corresponding to the on / off state of the execution flag, and "0" to "n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1)" corresponding to the branch flag). That is, the second instruction value contains information indicating the actions performed by the information processing device 6 (e.g., values ​​corresponding to the on / off state of the execution flag, actions performed after a branch, etc.), in other words, it contains information indicating the values ​​that cause the information processing device 6 to execute an action program. Here, the "executed action" corresponds to an action displayed on a screen; for example, "1" corresponds to the display of the original image, "2" corresponds to the display of the setting screen, and "3" corresponds to the display of the automatic driving screen. Thus, in this embodiment, the information processing device 6 can execute multiple different actions, and the second instruction value corresponds to each action of the information processing device 6 (the action program described later).

[0054] It should be noted that, in this invention, the device values ​​are not limited to the first device value and the second device value. That is, for example, the device values ​​may also include information representing the respective states (e.g., whether there is an action, whether there is an abnormality, etc.) of the input device, the controlled device 4, and the information processing device 6, values ​​input from the input device and the controlled device 4 (e.g., measured values, coordinates of the current position, etc.), and a first device value group and a second device value group corresponding to each action condition (e.g., workpiece size, etc.) of the information processing device 6. The "first device value group" is, for example, a set of first parameter values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple workpiece sizes. The "second device value group" is, for example, a set of second parameter values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple workpiece sizes.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a summary of the information stored in the PLC storage unit 32.

[0056] For ease of explanation, the diagram also uses dashed lines to represent other elements related to the information stored in the PLC storage unit 32.

[0057] In this diagram, the largest box, indicated by a dashed line, represents the area within the memory constituting the PLC storage unit 32. "D1" represents the area storing the first device value (first device value area), "D2" represents the area storing the second device value (second device area), and "D3" represents the area storing other values ​​(e.g., a group of second device values) (third device area). As described below, the PLC control unit 33 changes the device values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit 32 according to the control program. The touch panel terminal 5 acquires the parameter values ​​of the first and second device value areas respectively, and instructs them to change as needed. The information processing device 6 acquires the device value of the second device value area and instructs the change of the flag values ​​(first instruction value, second instruction value) as needed.

[0058] It should be noted that, in this invention, the information stored in the PLC storage unit 32 can be stored in a manner that enables the execution of the method described later, and may not be explicitly divided into such categories. Figure 3 The large area shown is used for storage.

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of information stored in the PLC storage unit 32.

[0060] "Address information" refers to the inherent location information of each address assigned to the address within the PLC storage unit 32. This diagram illustrates the association of address information with device values ​​and its storage in the PLC storage unit 32. (PLC control unit 33 - see reference) Figure 2 For example, by using address information and referring to the PLC storage unit 32, it is possible to read the device value associated with the address information and stored in the PLC storage unit 32.

[0061] The diagram illustrates that the device value (first parameter value) corresponding to address information "A01" is "X01", the device value (first instruction value) corresponding to address information "A10" is "Y10", the device value (second parameter value) corresponding to address information "A21" is "X21", and the device value (second instruction value) corresponding to address information "A24" is "Y24".

[0062] The accompanying drawings, which are mainly referenced in this invention, are revisited here. Figure 2 .

[0063] Thus, in this invention, the PLC storage unit 32 stores not only the first device value, which is also stored in conventional PLCs, but also a second device value for controlling the operation of the information processing device 6 (and the external device 7). As a result, as described below, the PLC 3 can execute (control) the operation of the information processing device 6 (and the external device 7) and obtain the result simply by changing the second instruction value. Furthermore, the PLC control 33 can dynamically change the parameters of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 by changing part or all of the second device value according to the control program.

[0064] The PLC control unit 33 controls the overall operation of the PLC 3 according to the control program, and also controls the operation of the controlled device 4 and the information processing device 6 (and external device 7). The PLC control unit 33 is composed, for example, of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 33a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33b that functions as the operating area of ​​the CPU 33a, and a ROM 33c that stores various information / programs. The PLC control unit 33 includes a PLC modification unit 331.

[0065] In the PLC control unit 33, the control program performs actions, and the control program cooperates with the hardware resources of the PLC 3 to help realize the various actions including those described later in this method. That is, for example, by having the processor (CPU 33a) of the PLC control unit 33 execute the control program, the control program enables the processor to function as the PLC modification unit 331, assisting in the linkage (cooperation) between the controlled device 4 and the information processing device 6, thereby enabling the processor to perform a part of the processing of this method. In other words, this auxiliary program is embedded in the control program, and the control program also functions as this auxiliary program.

[0066] The PLC modification unit 331 changes the first device value or the second device value based on information from external sources (e.g., instructions from the touch panel terminal 5 and the information processing device 6, the result of the operation of the controlled device 4, the result of the operation of the information processing device 6, etc.) and the operation of the control program. Specific operations of the PLC modification unit 331 are described later.

[0067] ●Structure of controlled equipment

[0068] Controlled device 4 is a device (e.g., a servo motor, light source, solenoid valve, etc.) installed on manufacturing apparatus 2 and controlled by PLC 3 (PLC control unit 33). The PLC control unit 33 controls the operation of controlled device 4 according to the first parameter value and the first instruction value.

[0069] ●Structure of the touch panel terminal

[0070] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram of the touch panel terminal 5.

[0071] For ease of explanation, the diagram also uses dashed lines to represent manufacturing device 2, PLC 3, touch panel terminal 5, information processing device 6, and external equipment 7.

[0072] The touch panel terminal 5 displays the operation screen P (refer to) for PLC3, controlled equipment 4, and information processing device 6. Figure 7 (The same applies below), and accepts operations from users of this system 1. The touch panel terminal 5 is, for example, a touch panel PC with display function, operation (input) function and information processing function. The touch panel terminal 5 includes a TP communication unit 51, a TP storage unit 52, a TP control unit 53 and a TP display operation unit 54.

[0073] The TP communication unit 51 communicates with the information processing device 6, for example, via a communication network line (e.g., a LAN cable). The TP communication unit 51 may have a communication interface, such as a LAN connector.

[0074] The TP storage unit 52 stores information required for the operation of the touch panel terminal 5 (e.g., device values ​​obtained from the PLC storage unit 32). The TP storage unit 52 is, for example, an information storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), RAM, or flash memory.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the TP storage unit 52.

[0076] "Item ID" is the unique identification information assigned to each parameter corresponding to each device value. "PLC address information" is the address-specific location information stored in the PLC storage unit 32 for each device value. This diagram illustrates the association and storage of item ID, PLC address information, and device value in the TP storage unit 52. TP control unit 53 (see reference) Figure 4 For example, by using the project ID and referring to the TP storage unit 52, it is possible to read the device value and PLC address information associated with the project ID and stored in the TP storage unit 52.

[0077] The diagram illustrates that the PLC address information corresponding to the project ID "B01" is "A01", and the device value (first parameter value) is "X01".

[0078] The accompanying drawings, which are mainly referenced in this invention, are revisited here. Figure 5 .

[0079] The TP control unit 53 controls the overall operation of the touch panel terminal 5. The TP control unit 53 may consist of, for example, a CPU 53a, a RAM 53b that functions as the operating area of ​​the CPU 53a, and a ROM 53c that stores various information / programs. The TP control unit 53 includes a TP acquisition unit 531, a TP change instruction unit 532, and a TP display control unit 533.

[0080] The TP acquisition unit 531 acquires the device values ​​(first parameter value and second parameter value) stored in the PLC storage unit 32. The specific operation of the TP acquisition unit 531 is described later.

[0081] The TP change instruction unit 532 instructs changes to the device values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit 32 and the TP storage unit 52 based on the user's operation on the device values ​​displayed on the TP display operation unit 54. The specific operation of the TP change instruction unit 532 is described later.

[0082] The TP display control unit 533 displays the operation screen P on the TP display operation unit 54 according to the preset display mode. The specific operation of the TP display control unit 533 is described later.

[0083] The TP display operation unit 54 displays an operation screen P to the user and handles user operations. The TP display operation unit 54 is, for example, a known touch panel. The TP display operation unit 54 is an example of the TP display unit in this invention.

[0084] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of information displayed on the TP display operation unit 54.

[0085] The diagram shows two execution operation areas P1 and one change operation area P2 displayed on the operation screen P. The execution operation area P1 displays icons for performing action A ("Execute Action A") and for performing action B ("Execute Action B"). The change operation area P2 displays the device values ​​(e.g., the second parameter value) used for action A.

[0086] The accompanying drawings, which are mainly referenced in this invention, are revisited here. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 .

[0087] In the operation screen P, for example, if the user operates the "Execute Action A" icon, the TP change instruction unit 532 instructs the PLC3 (PLC change unit 331) to change the corresponding first instruction value or second instruction value according to the operated execution operation area P1. That is, for example, the TP change instruction unit 532 generates a signal indicating a change in the first instruction value or second instruction value and sends this signal to the PLC3. As a result, the operation of the controlled device 4 or the information processing device 6 is executed. Furthermore, for example, if the user performs an operation to change the second parameter value displayed in the change operation area P2, the TP change instruction unit 532 instructs the PLC3 (PLC change unit 331) to change the corresponding second parameter value according to the operation. That is, for example, the TP change instruction unit 532 generates a signal indicating a change in the second parameter value and sends this signal to the PLC3. As a result, the second parameter value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 is changed.

[0088] "Operation screen P" is the screen on the TP display operation unit 54 that handles user operations. Operation screen P may include, for example, an operation execution area P1 and an operation change area P2.

[0089] The "Execution Operation Area P1" is an area displaying icons (e.g., operation buttons) that, when operated by the user, initiate the operation of the controlled device 4 and the information processing device 6. The execution operation area P1 is assigned a first instruction value and / or a second instruction value that changes according to the user's operation. Therefore, if the user operates the execution operation area P1, the TP change instruction unit 532 can...

[0090] PLC3 indicates the change of the second instruction value corresponding to this operation.

[0091] "Change Operation Area P2" is an area that displays device values ​​to the user so that the user can change the device values ​​(first parameter value, second parameter value) and accepts the user's operations. Each device value displayed in Change Operation Area P2 is assigned a first parameter or a second parameter that changes according to the user's operation. Therefore, if the user changes the device value displayed in Change Operation Area P2, the TP Change Instruction Unit 532 can instruct the PLC3 to change the device value corresponding to that change.

[0092] It should be noted that, in this invention, the information displayed on the TP display operation unit 54 is not limited to... Figure 7 The example shown is as follows. That is, for example, the TP display operation unit 54 may display only one execution operation area P1 on one operation screen P, or it may display "3" or more execution operation areas P1. If the latter, the second device value acquired by the TP acquisition unit 531 may include multiple second instruction values ​​that change in accordance with the user operation of each execution operation area P1. Alternatively, for example, the TP display operation unit 54 may also display multiple tags on one operation screen P, and display the changed operation area P2 assigned to each tag by the controlled device 4, information processing device 6, or external device 7.

[0093] ●Structure of information processing device

[0094] Figure 8 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the information processing device 6.

[0095] For ease of explanation, the diagram also uses dashed lines to represent manufacturing device 2, PLC 3, controlled equipment 4, touch panel terminal 5, and external equipment 7.

[0096] The information processing device 6 executes prescribed actions by linking with the PLC 3 and external devices 7. The information processing device 6 is, for example, an industrial PC capable of performing various information processing tasks through general-purpose program code. The information processing device 6 includes a PC communication unit 61, a PC storage unit 62, a PC control unit 63, a PC display unit 64, and a PC operation unit 65.

[0097] The PC communication unit 61 communicates with the PLC3 and external device 7, for example, via a communication network line (e.g., a LAN cable, a USB cable, etc.). The PC communication unit 61 has a known communication interface, for example, equipped with a LAN connector and a USB connector. The information processing device 6 is connected to the PLC3 via the communication network line.

[0098] It should be noted that, in this invention, the PC communication unit 61 can also communicate with other computers via other communication network lines. Other communication network lines include information communication networks such as the Internet, mobile communication networks, LANs, WANs (Wide Area Networks), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0099] The PC storage unit 62 stores information required for the operation of the information processing device 6 (second device value, this cooperation program, various operation programs, first correspondence information C1, second correspondence information C2, etc.). The PC storage unit 62 is, for example, an information storage medium such as an HDD, SSD, RAM, or flash memory. The PC storage unit 62 is an example of the storage unit in this invention.

[0100] An "action program" is a program corresponding to an action performed by the information processing device 6. The action program includes: a self-action program, such as an image processing program that controls the actions (information processing) of the information processing device 6 itself; and an external action program, such as an instruction program that instructs the external device 7 to perform actions, that controls the actions of the external device 7 connected to the information processing device 6. The PC storage unit 62 stores the action programs corresponding to each of the multiple actions. By executing the action program by the information processing device 6 (PC control unit 63), the action corresponding to the action program is performed.

[0101] "First Correspondence Information C1" is information indicating the correspondence between each action of the controlled device 4 and the contents of each instruction from the PC action instruction unit 634 described later.

[0102] The "content of the instruction" refers to information (i.e., PLC address information) that stores the address of the device value to be changed in order for PLC 3 to execute the action of the controlled device 4, and information representing that device value. Here, the "information representing the address" includes not only PLC address information storing the first instruction value corresponding to the action of the controlled device 4, but also PLC address information storing the device value that is changed (e.g., the second device value) in order to change the first instruction value. The "device value that is changed in order to change the first instruction value" is, for example, the device value that becomes the trigger used by PLC change unit 331 to change the first instruction value. That is, for example, when the second instruction value that becomes the trigger has been changed, PLC change unit 331 changes the first instruction value according to the changed second instruction value.

[0103] It should be noted that, in this invention, the instruction content may also include information indicating a second parameter value used to restore an abnormal second parameter value to a normal value, and the address storing that second parameter value. In this case, even if the second parameter value contains an abnormal value, the information processing device 6 can determine whether the second parameter value is normal or abnormal and return (write) the normal value to the PLC3. That is, the information processing device 6 can independently impose its own parameter value restrictions, independent of the PLC3's control program. In this case, it is not necessary to restrict the parameter value in the PLC3.

[0104] "Second Correspondence Information C2" is information that represents the correspondence between each second instruction value and each action procedure.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information (first correspondence information C1) stored in the PC storage unit 62. The "Action ID" is unique identification information specific to each first action. This diagram shows the association and storage of the Action ID, PLC address information, and device value in the PC storage unit 62. The PC action instruction unit 634, described later, can, for example, read the address and device value for executing the action corresponding to the instruction from multiple actions (first actions) by using the Action ID and referring to the first correspondence information C1.

[0106] The diagram illustrates that the PLC address information corresponding to the action ID "OP1" is "A99", and the device value (e.g., the second instruction value) is "1".

[0107] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of another piece of information (second correspondence information C2) stored in the PC storage unit 62. The "second instruction value" is a device value (e.g., the value of a flag "1") that becomes a trigger for executing the corresponding action program in the information processing device 6. "Action program"

[0108] The "ID" is unique identification information for each action program. This diagram shows that the PLC address information, the second instruction value, and the process ID are associated and stored in the PC storage unit 62. For example, the PC control unit 63 can select and execute the action program corresponding to the second instruction value from multiple action programs by using the PLC address information and the second instruction value corresponding to the PLC address information, and referring to the second correspondence information C2.

[0109] The diagram illustrates that when the second instruction value corresponding to the PLC address information "A24" is "Y24", the selected action program is "P01".

[0110] The accompanying drawings, which are mainly referenced in this invention, are revisited here. Figure 8 .

[0111] The PC control unit 63 controls the overall operation of the information processing device 6 and executes a part of the processing of this method by executing this cooperative program. The PC control unit 63 is composed, for example, of a CPU 63a, a RAM 63b that functions as the operating area of ​​the CPU 63a, and a ROM 63c that stores various information / programs. The CPU 63a is an example of the processor in this invention. The PC control unit 63 includes a PC acquisition unit 631, a PC determination unit 632, a PC operation control unit 633, and a PC operation instruction unit 634.

[0112] In the PC control unit 63, this cooperative program operates, cooperating with the hardware resources of the information processing device 6 to implement a part of the processing described later in this method. That is, for example, by having the processor (CPU 63a) of the PC control unit 63 execute this cooperative program, the cooperative program enables the processor to perform the functions of the PC acquisition unit 631, the PC determination unit 632, the PC action control unit 633, and the PC action instruction unit 634, and enables the processor to perform a part of the processing of this method.

[0113] The PC acquisition unit 631 acquires the second device value, which includes the second instruction value, stored in the PLC storage unit 32 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., a fixed interval of several tens of milliseconds). The PC acquisition unit 631 is an example of an acquisition unit in this invention. Specific operation of the PC acquisition unit 631 will be described later.

[0114] After acquiring the second device value using the PC acquisition unit 631, the PC determination unit 632 determines whether the second instruction value contained in the acquired second device value has changed. The PC determination unit 632 is an example of a determination unit in this invention. Specific operation of the PC determination unit 632 will be described later.

[0115] After acquiring two device values ​​using the PC acquisition unit 631, the PC motion control unit 633 controls the action corresponding to the second instruction value (i.e., executes the action program) based on the second instruction value contained in the second device value. The PC motion control unit 633 is an example of a motion control unit in this invention. Specific operations of the PC motion control unit 633 are described later.

[0116] Based on the results of the actions of the information processing device 6 and / or the external device 7, the PC action instruction unit 634 instructs the PLC 3 to execute the action (first action) of the controlled device 4. The PC action instruction unit 634 is an example of an action instruction unit in this invention. The specific operation of the PC action instruction unit 634 is described later.

[0117] The PC display unit 64 displays predetermined information (e.g., captured images) to the user based on actions executed by the PC motion control unit 633. The PC display unit 64 is, for example, a monitor device such as a liquid crystal display. The PC display unit 64 is, for example, positioned in the manufacturing apparatus 2 at a location that the user can visually view.

[0118] The PC operation unit 65 accepts user operations on the information processing device 6. The PC operation unit 65 is, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard or mouse.

[0119] It should be noted that, in this invention, the PC display unit 64 and the PC operation unit 65 may also be composed of a touch panel.

[0120] Furthermore, in this invention, the first correspondence information C1 and the second correspondence information C2 can also be stored in the ROM 63c. In this case, the ROM 63c also functions as a storage unit in this invention.

[0121] Furthermore, in this invention, the collaborative program can also be stored in ROM63c.

[0122] ●Structure of external devices

[0123] External device 7 is a device connected to information processing device 6, whose actions are controlled by information processing device 6 through the execution of an action program (e.g., a digital camera capable of capturing video and still images, a microphone capable of picking up sound, etc.). External device 7 is connected to information processing device 6, for example, via a communication cable (e.g., a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable). The operation of external device 7 is controlled by information processing device 6 (action program). In this embodiment, the operation of external device 7 is executed as part of the operation of information processing device 6. External device 7 generates external information as needed and sends the generated external information to information processing device 6. External device 7 is, for example, installed in manufacturing apparatus 2.

[0124] "External information" refers to information generated by external device 7. For example, when external device 7 is a sensor, external information is information that displays the sensor's detection results. External information includes not only information representing physical quantities, but also information acquired by an image sensor, such as captured images.

[0125] ● Actions of the collaborative system

[0126] Next, the operation of System 1 will be described as follows. In the following description, please refer to the relevant references. Figures 1 to 10 .

[0127] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram showing the general relationship between the various elements constituting this system 1 (manufacturing device 2, PLC 3, controlled equipment 4, touch panel terminal 5, information processing device 6, and external equipment 7).

[0128] In the operation of this system 1, the reference information is the device value stored in PLC3 (PLC storage unit 32). PLC3 controls the operation of controlled device 4 by repeatedly scanning the control program (i.e., executing the control program) and changing the first instruction value, thereby causing the controlled device 4 corresponding to the first device value to perform the action corresponding to the first device value. Similarly, PLC3 controls the operation of information processing device 6 by changing the second instruction value, thereby causing information processing device 6 to perform the action corresponding to the second device value. In addition, PLC3 changes the device value stored in PLC storage unit 32 according to the instructions from information processing device 6. Controlled device 4 operates according to the signal from PLC3. The end of the operation of controlled device 4 is notified to PLC3 by controlled device 4 or the input device (sensor) corresponding to controlled device 4. Touch panel terminal 5 obtains the device value from PLC3 at predetermined times (e.g., when the operation screen P is updated, or at predetermined time intervals), and displays the obtained device value to the user. Additionally, the touch panel terminal 5, based on user operations, instructs changes to device values ​​stored in the PLC3, or instructs the PLC3 to perform various actions. The information processing unit 6 retrieves device values ​​from the PLC3 at predetermined time intervals and, based on changes to the second instruction value, executes the action (action program) corresponding to that second device value. At this time, the information processing unit 6 controls the operation of the external device 7 as needed. The external device 7 sends the result of the action and / or external information to the information processing unit 6 as needed. After the action is completed, the information processing unit 6 sends the result of the action to the PLC3 as needed. At this time, the information processing unit 6 instructs changes to device values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit 32 as needed.

[0129] ● PLC Actions

[0130] In the operation of System 1, the PLC control unit 33 repeatedly scans the control program and evaluates the device values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit 32. When the first instruction value in the device values ​​has changed, the PLC control unit 33 scans the program corresponding to the first instruction value and causes the controlled device 4 to operate according to the program. That is, for example, the PLC control unit 33 sends a signal instructing the controlled device 4 corresponding to the changed first instruction value to perform an action, thereby causing the controlled device 4 to operate. In this way, the PLC control unit 33 controls the operation of the controlled device 4 according to the first instruction value. The first instruction value is changed by the PLC modification unit 331, for example, based on the execution of the control program, signals from input devices (e.g., sensors), notifications from the controlled device 4, or change instructions from the touch panel terminal 5 or the information processing device 6. On the other hand, when the second instruction value in the device values ​​has changed, the changed second instruction value is obtained by the information processing device 6, and the information processing device 6 executes the action corresponding to the second instruction value. At this time, the PLC control unit 33 continues to repeatedly scan the control program. The second instruction value is changed by the PLC modification unit 331, for example, based on the execution of the control program or an instruction from the touch panel terminal 5. When the result of the action is received from the information processing device 6, the PLC modification unit 331 changes the first instruction value and / or the second instruction value according to the result.

[0131] In this structure, the PLC storage unit 32 stores not only the first device value of the controlled device 4, but also the second device values ​​of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7. Therefore, the first and second device values ​​can be changed by the PLC control unit 33 (PLC modification unit 331). Furthermore, the first and second device values ​​can be dynamically changed to the first and second device value groups corresponding to each action condition based on changes in the action conditions (e.g., workpiece size). As a result, the information processing device 6 can be used as a dedicated reading device (an execution device for the action program). Additionally, the PLC storage unit 32 stores the second instruction value for executing the action of the information processing device 6. Therefore, the PLC 3 can execute (control) the action of the information processing device 6 (and the external device 7) simply by changing the second instruction value through the control program. In this way, by having the PLC control unit 33 execute the control program (this auxiliary program), the PLC 3 functions as the brain of the controlled device 4, the information processing device 6, and the external device 7, achieving linkage between them.

[0132] ●The operation of the controlled equipment

[0133] In the operation of this system 1, the controlled device 4 does not operate independently, but operates based on signals from the PLC 3. The operation of the controlled device 4 (first operation) includes, for example, turning the lighting on / off, switching the lighting, conveying the workpiece, adsorbing / releasing the workpiece, and turning the exhaust air on / off. Upon completion of the operation of the controlled device 4, the PLC control unit 33 is notified.

[0134] ● Operation of the touch panel terminal

[0135] In the operation of this system 1, the TP acquisition unit 531 acquires (reads) the data stored in the system at a predetermined time.

[0136] The PLC storage unit 32 stores the device values. Next, the TP display control unit 533 displays the operation screen P on the TP display operation unit 54. When the user operates the operation screen P displayed on the TP display operation unit 54, the TP control unit 53 determines the operation content. When the operation content is a change instruction for the operation screen P, the TP display control unit 533 displays the operation screen P corresponding to the user's operation on the TP display operation unit 54. When the operation content is a change operation to change the device value in the operation area P2, the TP change instruction unit 532 changes the device value corresponding to the operation stored in the TP storage unit 52, and generates a signal indicating the change of the device value (first parameter value, second parameter value) corresponding to the operation, and sends the generated signal to the PLC control unit 33. Based on this signal, the device value (first parameter value, second parameter value) is changed by the PLC change unit 331 for subsequent actions (first action, second action). When the operation involves executing the action execution instruction in operation area P1, the TP change instruction unit 532 generates a signal indicating a change in the device values ​​(first instruction value, second instruction value) corresponding to the operation content, and sends the generated signal to the PLC control unit 33. The device values ​​(first instruction value, second instruction value) are changed by the PLC change unit 331, and then the actions (first action, second action) of the controlled device 4 or information processing device 6 (and external device 7) are executed.

[0137] It should be noted that, in this invention, the TP display control unit 533 can also update and display the device values ​​continuously acquired by the TP acquisition unit 531 on the TP operation display unit, while the TP storage unit 52 only temporarily (before the update) stores the device values. In this case, the TP change indication unit 532 can also generate a signal without changing the device values ​​stored in the TP storage unit 52.

[0138] In this structure, the touch panel terminal 5 acquires device values ​​at predetermined times and displays these values ​​in the change operation area P2 as needed, thereby accepting device value change operations performed by the user. These device values ​​include not only the first parameter value of the controlled device 4 but also the second parameter values ​​of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7. Therefore, the user can change the second parameter value by operating the TP display operation unit 54 without operating the PC operation unit 65. Similarly, the user can change the first parameter value of the controlled device 4 by operating the TP display operation unit 54. Therefore, the user can change the first parameter without operating the dedicated input device of the controlled device 4 by operating the TP display operation unit 54. Furthermore, the touch panel terminal 5 accepts user instructions for the operation execution of the manufacturing apparatus 2, the controlled device 4, the information processing device 6, and the external device 7 by displaying the execution operation area P1 on the TP display operation unit 54. Therefore, the user can instruct the manufacturing apparatus 2, the controlled device 4, the information processing device 6, and the external device 7 to perform actions simply by selecting the execution operation area P1 displayed on the TP display operation unit 54. Thus, in this system 1, the UI function for changing parameter values ​​and giving action execution instructions to the manufacturing device 2, the controlled equipment 4, the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 is integrated into the touch panel terminal 5 (TP display operation unit 54).

[0139] ● Operation of external devices

[0140] In the operation of this system 1, the external device 7 does not operate independently, but is linked to the operation of the information processing device 6. The operating conditions and set values ​​of the external device 7 are stored as second parameter values ​​in the PLC storage unit 32 and the PC storage unit 62. The external device 7 sends the information generated during its operation to the information processing device 6.

[0141] ● Operation of information processing devices

[0142] Next, the operation of the information processing device 6 (part of this method) will be explained as follows.

[0143] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 6.

[0144] During the operation of System 1, the PC acquisition unit 631 acquires (reads) the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 at predetermined time intervals (S1: Device value acquisition step / processing). The acquired second device value is stored (overwritten) in the PC storage unit 62. At this time, if the second parameter value is changed before or after storage, the change in the second parameter value is also reflected in the information processing device 6.

[0145] Next, the PC determination unit 632 determines whether the second instruction value contained in the acquired second device value has been changed (S2: instruction value determination step / process).

[0146] If the second instruction value is not changed (S2 is "No"), the operation of the information processing device 6 returns to processing S1.

[0147] On the other hand, when the second instruction value has changed (S2 "Yes"), the PC motion control unit 633 selects an action program based on the second instruction value (S3: Action program selection step / process). Specifically, for example, the PC motion control unit 633 uses the second instruction value and the PLC address information corresponding to the second instruction value, and refers to the second correspondence information C2 stored in the PC storage unit 62 to determine the action program ID corresponding to the second instruction value. Then, the PC motion control unit 633 selects the action program corresponding to the determined action program ID. In other words, the PC motion control unit 633 selects the action program corresponding to the second instruction value from multiple action programs based on the second instruction value and the second correspondence information C2 contained in the acquired second device value.

[0148] Next, the PC motion control unit 633 controls the operation of the information processing device 6 by executing the selected motion program (S4: Motion control step / processing). At this time, the information processing device 6 performs an action according to the selected motion program among multiple motion programs. That is, the PC motion control unit 633 controls the action of the information processing device 6 corresponding to the selected motion program. At this time, the information processing device 6 performs an action according to the second parameter value stored in the PC storage unit 62.

[0149] Next, the PC determination unit 632 determines whether it is necessary to instruct the external device 7 to perform an action in the executed action program (S5: Action Instruction Determination Step / Process).

[0150] When it is necessary to instruct the external device 7 to perform an action (S5 "Yes"), the PC motion control unit 633 controls the action of the external device 7 (S6: External device action control step / process). Specifically, for example, the PC motion control unit 633 generates a control signal instructing the external device 7 to perform an action and sends the generated control signal to the external device 7. In this way, the PC motion control unit 633 controls the action of the external device 7 through the action program. In other words, the PC motion control unit 633 controls the action of the external device 7 as part of the action of the information processing device 6 (i.e., the second action). That is, the second action includes the action of the external device 7. At this time, the external device 7 performs an action based on the second parameter value stored in the PC storage unit 62 (acquired by the PC acquisition unit 631). The second parameter is acquired by the external device 7, for example, via a control signal. When information generated during the action is available, the external device 7 sends this information to the information processing device 6.

[0151] On the other hand, when there is no need to instruct the external device 7 to perform an action (S5 "No"), the operation of the information processing device 6 enters the processing S7 described later.

[0152] Next, the PC determination unit 632 determines the result of the operation of the information processing device 6 and whether it is necessary to instruct the controlled device 4 to perform an operation (S7). That is, for example, the PC determination unit 632 determines whether it is necessary to instruct the controlled device 4 to perform an operation in the operation procedure.

[0153] When it is necessary to instruct the controlled device 4 to perform an action (S7 "Yes"), the PC action instruction unit 634 instructs the PLC 3 to perform the action of the controlled device 4 (S8: Action instruction step / processing). In this embodiment, the PC action instruction unit 634 does not directly instruct the change of the first instruction value, but instructs the change of the second instruction value, and uses the change of the second instruction value as a trigger to cause the PLC modification unit 331 (control program) to change the first instruction value. That is, the PC action instruction unit 634 indirectly instructs the change of the first instruction value. Specifically, for example, the PC action instruction unit 634 uses the action ID corresponding to the action of the controlled device 4, refers to the first correspondence information C1, and obtains the PLC address information and the second instruction value that are stored for changing the first instruction value. Then, the PC action instruction unit 634 generates a signal indicating the change of the second instruction value based on the obtained PLC address information and the second instruction value, and sends the generated signal to the PLC control unit 33. The PLC modification unit 331 changes the corresponding second instruction value based on the signal. Next, the PLC modification unit 331 (control program) executes the action of the controlled device 4 corresponding to the first instruction value according to the modified second instruction value. As a result, the PLC control unit 33 controls the action of the controlled device 4 corresponding to the modified first instruction value. In this way, by indirectly indicating the change of the first instruction value through the PC action instruction unit 634, this method can include safety-related processes such as interlock release processing between the execution instruction processing of the controlled device 4's action and the execution processing of the controlled device 4's action.

[0154] It should be noted that, in this invention, the PC action instruction unit 634 can also directly indicate the change of the first instruction value. That is, for example, the PC action control unit 633 can also generate a signal indicating the change of the first instruction value corresponding to the controlled device 4, and send the generated signal to the PLC control unit 33. In this case, the first correspondence information C1 stores PLC address information, which stores the first instruction value corresponding to the action of the controlled device 4.

[0155] On the other hand, when it is not necessary to instruct the controlled device 4 to perform an action (S7 "No"), the action of the information processing device 6 enters the processing S9 described later.

[0156] Next, the PC motion control unit 633 determines whether the motion procedure has ended (S9).

[0157] When the action procedure has ended (S9 "Yes"), the PC control unit 63 sends the result of the action to the PLC control unit 33 (S10). Specifically, for example, the PC control unit 63 generates a signal containing the result of the action and sends the generated signal to the PLC control unit 33. This signal contains an instruction to change the device value corresponding to the end of the action (e.g., an instruction to determine the restoration of the changed second device value in process S2) and a device value indicating the result of the action as needed (e.g., a value indicating a certain determination result, an instruction to execute the action of the controlled device 4, etc.).

[0158] On the other hand, if the action procedure has not ended (S9 "No"), the action of the information processing device 6 returns to the processing S5.

[0159] In this way, the information processing device 6 acquires the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 at predetermined time intervals, selects / executes the action program corresponding to the modified second instruction value, and sends the result to the PLC 3. Additionally, the information processing device 6 controls the operation of the external device 7 corresponding to the action program and receives its result. In this structure, the PLC 3, by simply changing the device value (second instruction value) using the control program, can control the operations of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 in the same way as the controlled device 4. As a result, the PLC 3 can perform complex action / information processing (e.g., image processing execution, switching between multiple image processing operations, execution of multiple different decision processing operations, anomaly detection and notification, email sending, etc.) that cannot be performed by the PLC 3 and the controlled device 4, through the operations of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7. That is, in this system 1, the PLC 3 can realize functions that can be executed in the PC, i.e., the information processing device 6, by changing the second instruction value.

[0160] Furthermore, the information processing device 6 acquires the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 at predetermined time intervals and changes the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 as needed. In this structure, there is no need to distinguish between the write area and the read area in the data register storage area of ​​the PLC storage unit 32, and the two areas can be shared.

[0161] Furthermore, by including information input from the input device connected to the PLC3 in the information (second device value) acquired by the information processing device 6, the information processing device 6 is able to acquire this information at predetermined time intervals, generate charts of manufacturing data, and display the generated charts on the PC display unit 64.

[0162] Furthermore, the information processing device 6 is connected to the PLC 3 via a known communication interface, namely the PC communication unit 61. Therefore, the information processing device 6 can be easily connected to PLCs from different manufacturers. Thus, in any manufacturing facility equipped with any PLC, various functions can be easily added by connecting the information processing device 6.

[0163] Furthermore, the information processing device 6 can control the operation of the controlled device 4 by sending a control signal indicating a change in the value of the first instruction to the PLC 3 during the operation of the action program. As a result, the information processing device 6 can coordinate with the controlled device 4 and the external device 7 to perform more complex actions.

[0164] Furthermore, the specifications of the PC constituting the information processing device 6 can be freely selected based on the number of functions performed by the information processing device 6 and the processing load of each process.

[0165] In this way, by connecting the information processing device 6 to the PLC 3 and storing the second device value required for the operation of the information processing device 6 in the PLC storage unit 32, the degree of freedom in selecting functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing apparatus 2 controlled by the PLC 3 is increased. Furthermore, by connecting the external device 7 to the information processing device 6 and storing the second device value required for the operation of the external device 7 in the PLC storage unit 32, the operation of the external device 7 is executed as part of the operation of the information processing device 6, thereby further increasing the degree of freedom in selecting functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing apparatus 2 controlled by the PLC 3.

[0166] It should be noted that, in this invention, the operation of the information processing device 6 is not limited to... Figure 12 The process is shown below.

[0167] ●The actions between the various elements that make up this system

[0168] Next, an example of the actions (i.e., the method) between the various elements constituting this system 1 (manufacturing device 2, PLC 3, controlled equipment 4, touch panel terminal 5, information processing device 6, and external equipment 7) will be described below.

[0169] In the following description, it is assumed that the controlled device 4a is a servo controller for a servo motor, and the controlled device 4b is a light source. External devices 7a and 7b are imaging devices that generate images by photographing the manufacturing apparatus 2 or related items described later. An example of a process in which the PLC 3, controlled devices 4a and 4b, the information processing device 6, and external devices 7a and 7b are linked by the user operating the execution operation area P1 displayed on the TP display operation unit 54.

[0170] "Related items" are items related to manufacturing apparatus 2. Related items include, for example, components constituting manufacturing apparatus 2, workpieces processed in manufacturing apparatus 2, and controlled equipment 4.

[0171] Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the actions between the elements in System 1.

[0172] As described above, in the operation of System 1, the PC acquisition unit 631 of the information processing device 6 acquires the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 at predetermined time intervals (S601: Device value acquisition step / processing). At this time, the PC determination unit 632 determines whether the second instruction value has changed each time the second device value is acquired (S602: Instruction value determination step / processing). When the second instruction value has changed, the PC motion control unit 633 selects and executes an action program according to the changed second instruction value (S603: Action execution step / processing). As a result, the information processing device 6 performs actions according to the action program. In this example, the action program sequentially includes the action instruction of the external device 7a, the action instruction of the controlled device 4b, the action instruction of the external device 7b, and the execution of image processing.

[0173] When the user operates the operation screen P displayed on the TP display operation unit 54, the TP control unit 53 determines the operation content corresponding to the operated operation area P1 (in this example, the operation instruction of the controlled device 4a) (S501). Next, the TP change instruction unit 532 sends a signal indicating a change in the device value (first instruction value) corresponding to the operation content to...

[0174] PLC3(S502).

[0175] The PLC modification unit 331 changes the first instruction value to the target of modification based on the received signal (instruction content) (S301: First instruction value modification step / process). Next, the PLC control unit 33 sends a signal indicating the action to be performed to the controlled device 4a corresponding to the modified first instruction value (S302) based on the modified first instruction value and the control program, and executes the action of the controlled device 4a.

[0176] The controlled device 4a performs an action based on the received signal (S401: for example, the platform moves). When the action of the controlled device 4a has ended, the controlled device 4a or the input device that detects the action of the controlled device 4a (e.g., a photoelectric sensor) sends a signal indicating the end of the action.

[0177] PLC3(S402).

[0178] The PLC modification unit 331 modifies the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 according to the received signal (S303: Second instruction value modification step / process). Here, the modification of the second instruction value in processing S303 is based on the operation of the TP operation display unit 54 in processing S501. In other words, in this example, the operation of the TP operation display unit 54 in processing S501 includes an indirect indication of the modification of the second instruction value, and the PLC modification unit 331 modifies the second instruction value according to the operation of the TP operation display unit 54 in processing S501. Next, the second device value containing the modified second instruction value is acquired by the PC acquisition unit 631 at a predetermined time (S604: Device value acquisition step / process). Then, the PC determination unit 632 determines that the second instruction value has been modified (S605: Instruction value determination step / process), and the PC motion control unit 633 executes the action program according to the modified second instruction value (S606: Execution action step / process). As a result, the information processing device 6 operates according to the action program. In this example, the action procedure includes action (shooting) instructions for external devices 7a and 7b.

[0179] The PC motion control unit 633 sends a signal instructing the external device 7a to perform an action to the external device 7a (S607). The external device 7a takes a picture of the subject (e.g., a workpiece) based on the received signal (S701) and sends the captured image to the information processing device 6 (S702).

[0180] When the information processing device 6 receives the captured image, the PC action instruction unit 634 determines the action content to be instructed for the controlled device 4b according to the action program, and sends a signal indicating a change in the second device value to the PLC3 according to the first correspondence information C1 (S608: Device value change instruction step / processing). In other words, the PC action instruction unit 634 instructs the PLC3 to execute the action of the controlled device 4 based on the results of the actions of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7a. The captured image is stored in the PC storage unit 62. At this time, the information processing device 6 enters standby mode until it acquires the device value indicating that the action of the controlled device 4b has been completed.

[0181] It should be noted that the information processing device 6 can also standby until a predetermined time has elapsed, instead of acquiring the device value indicating that the action has been completed.

[0182] The PLC modification unit 331 changes the second instruction value to the target of modification based on the received signal, and then changes the first instruction value based on the change of the second instruction value (S304: First instruction value modification step / processing). Next, the PLC control unit 33 sends a signal indicating the execution action to the controlled device 4b corresponding to the modified first instruction value (S305).

[0183] The controlled device 4b performs an action based on the received signal (S403: for example, turning on the lighting). When the action of the controlled device 4b is completed, the controlled device 4b or the input device that detects the action of the controlled device 4b (e.g., a photoelectric sensor) sends a signal indicating the end of the action to...

[0184] PLC3(S404).

[0185] The PLC control unit 33 changes the device value (second instruction value) that notifies the controlled device 4b of the end of its operation based on the received signal (S306: Second instruction value change step / processing). Next, the second device value, including the changed device value, is acquired by the PC acquisition unit 631 at a predetermined time (S608: Device value acquisition step / processing). Then, the PC determination unit 632 determines that the second instruction value has changed (S610: Instruction value determination step / processing), and the PC motion control unit 633 sends a signal instructing the external device 7b to perform an operation based on the changed second instruction value (S611: Action execution step / processing). The external device 7b takes a picture of the subject (e.g., a workpiece) according to the control signal (S703) and sends the captured image to the information processing device 6 (S704).

[0186] When the information processing device 6 receives the captured image, the PC motion control unit 633 executes information processing (e.g., image processing, etc.) using the two captured images (i.e., external information) according to the motion program (S612: motion execution step / processing). At this time, the device value (second device value) stored in the PLC storage unit 32 is executed by reflecting some or all of the various parameter values ​​(e.g., binarization threshold, perspective projection transformation matrix, etc.) used in the information processing. After that, the motion program ends. Then, the PC motion instruction unit 634 sends a signal notifying the end of the motion to...

[0187] PLC3 (S613).

[0188] The PLC modification unit 331 changes the device value indicating the end of a series of actions based on the received signal (S307). The modified device value is acquired by the TP acquisition unit 531 at a predetermined time (S503), and the TP display control unit 533 displays the end of the action on the operation screen P (S504).

[0189] It should be noted that, in this invention, the operation of system 1 is not limited to... Figure 13The actions shown are as follows. That is, for example, in this system 1, only the touch panel terminal 5, PLC 3, and information processing device 6 may be linked (e.g., sending emails, taking screenshots, etc.). Alternatively, for example, in this system 1, only the touch panel terminal 5, PLC 3, information processing device 6, and external device 7 may be linked (e.g., acquiring captured images, switching displayed images, etc.). Furthermore, for example, in this system 1, the information processing device 6 may not instruct an indirect change to the first instruction value during or at the end of the action.

[0190] Furthermore, in this invention, the information processing device 6 (PC control unit 63) can continue to execute other action programs after executing a certain action program.

[0191] Furthermore, in this invention, the information processing device 6 can also end the action program before processing S608, and send a signal indicating the end to the PLC 3 during processing S608. Moreover, the PC motion control unit 633 can also select an action program based on the second instruction value that has been changed by processing S609 after obtaining the second instruction value, and execute the selected action program.

[0192] ●Summary

[0193] According to the embodiment described above, the system 1 includes a PLC 3, a controlled device 4, and an information processing device 6. The PLC 3 includes a PLC control unit 33 and a PLC storage unit 32. The PLC storage unit 32 stores multiple first device values ​​for controlling the operation of the controlled device 4 and multiple second device values ​​for controlling the operation of the information processing device 6. The information processing device 6 includes a PC acquisition unit 631, a PC determination unit 632, and a PC operation control unit 633. The PC acquisition unit 631 acquires the second device values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit 32 at predetermined time intervals. After acquiring the second device value, the PC determination unit 632 determines whether a second instruction value contained in the acquired second device value has changed. After acquiring the second device value, the PC operation control unit 633 controls the operation of the information processing device 6 to perform an action (second action) corresponding to the second instruction value contained in the acquired second device value. According to this structure, the information processing device 6 can automatically identify changes in the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 and automatically execute the action (second action) corresponding to the second instruction value. As a result, in this system 1, any function that the information processing device 6 can perform can be implemented through the control of the PLC 3, and can be added to the manufacturing device 2. That is, the freedom of choice in selecting functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing device 2, whose actions are controlled by the PLC 3, is improved.

[0194] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the information processing device 6 includes a PC action instruction unit 634, which instructs the PLC 3 to execute the action of the controlled device 4 based on the result of the action of the information processing device 6. The PLC modification unit 331 changes the first instruction value corresponding to the action of the controlled device 4 based on the instruction from the PC action instruction unit 634. According to this structure, the information processing device 6 can link its own action to execute all actions (actions of the controlled device 4) that can be executed by the PLC 3. That is, this system 1 can link the controlled device 4 with the information processing device 6 and execute more complex actions. As a result, the options for functions that can be implemented in the information processing device 6 are increased. Therefore, the freedom of selection for functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing device 2 whose actions are controlled by the PLC 3 is further improved.

[0195] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the information processing device 6 can execute multiple different actions. Each of the multiple second instruction values ​​corresponds to a different action of the information processing device 6. The PLC control unit 33 changes the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 according to the action corresponding to the first instruction value. Based on this structure, the system 1 enables the information processing device 6 and the controlled device 4 to interact and execute more complex actions. As a result, the options for functions that can be implemented in the information processing device 6 are further increased. Therefore, the freedom of selection for functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing device 2 whose actions are controlled by the PLC 3 is further enhanced.

[0196] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the plurality of first device values ​​include a plurality of first instruction values, each first instruction value corresponding to a specific action of the controlled device 4. The information processing device 6 includes a PC storage unit 62. The PC storage unit 62 stores first correspondence information C1 representing the correspondence between the actions of the controlled device 4 and the contents of each instruction. The PC action instruction unit 634 instructs the PLC 3 to execute the action of the controlled device 4 based on the result of the action of the information processing device 6 and the first correspondence information C1. According to this structure, the information processing device 6 can select and execute the action of the controlled device 4 simply by storing the first correspondence information.

[0197] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the plurality of second device values ​​include a plurality of second instruction values, each second instruction value corresponding to an action of the information processing device 6 (and the external device 7). The PC storage unit 62 stores the action program corresponding to each of the plurality of actions, and the second correspondence information C2 indicating the correspondence between each second instruction value and each action program. The PC motion control unit 633 controls the operation of the information processing device 6 by selecting the action program corresponding to the second instruction value from the plurality of action programs based on the modified second instruction value and the second correspondence information C2, and executing the selected action program. According to this structure, the information processing device 6 can select and execute a plurality of action programs based on the plurality of second instruction values ​​respectively. In this case, by storing the action program corresponding to the expected function in the PC storage unit 62, this function can be implemented in the manufacturing device 2 whose operation is controlled by the PLC 3.

[0198] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the system 1 includes an external device 7 connected to the information processing device 6. The PC motion control unit 633 controls the operation of the external device 7 as an action (second action) corresponding to the second instruction value. With this structure, the information processing device 6 can perform more complex actions using the external device 7. Additionally, by controlling the operation of the external device 7 corresponding to the intended function, this function can be implemented in the manufacturing apparatus 2 whose operations are controlled by the PLC 3.

[0199] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the PC motion control unit 633 uses external information (e.g., captured images) obtained from the external device 7 (e.g., an imaging device) to perform actions such as image processing as actions corresponding to the second instruction value. According to this structure, the degree of freedom in the functions that can be implemented in the information processing device 6 is further enhanced. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing device 2 whose actions are controlled by the PLC 3 is further enhanced.

[0200] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the plurality of second device values ​​include parameter values ​​for the operation of the external device 7. Based on this structure, the parameter values ​​for the operation of the external device 7 can be changed by the control program of the PLC 3.

[0201] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the system 1 includes a touch panel terminal 5, which is connected to the PLC 3 and accepts user operations. The touch panel terminal 5 includes a TP acquisition unit 531, a TP display operation unit 54, and a TP change instruction unit 532. The TP acquisition unit 531 acquires a second device value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 at a predetermined time. The TP display operation unit 54 displays the acquired second device value. The TP change instruction unit 532 instructs the user to change the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 based on the user's operation on the second device value displayed on the TP display operation unit 54. The PLC change unit 331 changes the second device value corresponding to the instruction based on the command from the TP change instruction unit 532. With this structure, the user can confirm the parameter values ​​of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 by displaying the second device value on the TP display operation unit 54, and can easily change the parameter values ​​by changing the second device value. In this way, the user can dynamically change the parameter values ​​of the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 by operating the TP display operation unit 54 of the touch panel terminal 5 without operating the PC operation unit 65 of the information processing device 6.

[0202] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the TP display operation unit 54 displays an execution operation area P1 for user operation to initiate the operation of the information processing device 6. The TP change instruction unit 532, based on the user's operation on the execution operation area P1 displayed on the TP display operation unit 54, instructs a change to the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit 32. The PLC change unit 331, based on the instruction from the TP change instruction unit 532, changes the second instruction value corresponding to the instruction. With this structure, the user can instruct the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 to perform actions simply by selecting the execution operation area P1 of the operation screen P displayed on the TP display operation unit 54. Thus, in this system 1, the UI for parameter value change operations and action instructions for the information processing device 6 and the external device 7 is integrated into the touch panel terminal 5 (TP display operation unit 54).

[0203] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described above, the information processing device 6 is composed of a PC equipped with a CPU 63a, which functions as a PC acquisition unit 631, a PC determination unit 632, and a PC operation control unit 633. With this structure, the specifications of the PC constituting the information processing device 6 can be freely selected based on the number of functions performed by the information processing device 6 and the processing load of each process.

[0204] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described above, the method executed by this system 1 includes a device value acquisition step, an instruction value determination step, and an action control step. Based on this structure, in this system 1, the information processing device 6 can automatically identify changes in the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 and automatically execute the action corresponding to the second instruction value (the second action). As a result, in this system 1, if a function can be implemented by the information processing device 6, any function can be implemented through the control of the PLC 3, and can be added to the manufacturing device 2. That is, it is possible to achieve any function through the control of the PLC 3.

[0205] The freedom of choice in selecting functions implemented in the manufacturing device 2 that controls actions using PLC3 is improved.

[0206] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the cooperative program executed by the information processing device 6 causes the CPU 63a to perform device value acquisition processing, instruction value determination processing, and motion control processing. Based on this structure, in this system 1, the information processing device 6 can automatically identify changes in the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit 32 and automatically execute the action corresponding to the second instruction value (the second action). As a result, in this system 1, if a function can be implemented by the information processing device 6, any function can be implemented through the control of the PLC 3, and can be added to the manufacturing device 2. That is, the freedom of selection for functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing device 2, whose actions are controlled by the PLC 3, is increased.

[0207] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the auxiliary program executed by PLC3 causes PLC control unit 33 to perform the second instruction value change processing and the first instruction value change processing. Based on this structure, in this system 1, the controlled device 4 and the information processing device 6 can be linked via PLC3. As a result, in this system 1, if a function can be performed by the information processing device 6, any function can be implemented through the control of PLC3, and can be added to the manufacturing device 2. That is, the freedom of selection for functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing device 2, whose operations are controlled by PLC3, is increased.

[0208] ●Other Implementation Methods●

[0209] It should be noted that in this invention, the system 1 may not include the touch panel terminal 5. In this case, an input device for inputting device values ​​is required (for example, if it is a second device value, it is the PC operation unit 65, etc.), but if the function can be implemented in the information processing device 6, any function can be implemented under the control of the PLC 3.

[0210] Furthermore, in this invention, the system 1 may not include the external device 7. Even in this case, if a function can be implemented in the information processing device 6, then any function can be implemented under the control of the PLC 3, and it can be added to the manufacturing device 2.

[0211] Furthermore, in this invention, the number of external devices 7 in the system 1 is not limited to multiple, but can also be "1".

[0212] Furthermore, in this invention, the number of PLC3s included in the manufacturing apparatus 2 is not limited to "1". That is, for example, the manufacturing apparatus 2 may include multiple PLC3s. In this case, the manufacturers of each PLC3 may be the same or different.

[0213] Furthermore, in this invention, the number of controlled devices 4 included in the manufacturing apparatus 2 is not limited to multiple, but may be "1".

[0214] Furthermore, in this invention, the controlled device 4 is any device that can be controlled by a general PLC, and is not limited to the description in this embodiment.

[0215] Furthermore, in this invention, the external device 7 is any device that is connected to a PC and can be controlled by an action program that operates via the PC, and is not limited to a digital camera. That is, for example, the external device 7 can also be a sensor that acquires sensor information about the manufacturing apparatus 2 or related items (e.g., robotic arms, workpieces, etc.) associated with the manufacturing apparatus 2.

[0216] Furthermore, in this invention, the touch panel terminal 5 is not limited to a touch panel PC, as long as it has a touch panel and a processor that at least functions as a TP acquisition unit 531 and a TP change instruction unit 532.

[0217] Furthermore, in this invention, the PC control unit 63 only needs to function as at least the PC acquisition unit 631, the PC determination unit 632, and the PC motion control unit 633; ​​it is not necessary for it to function as the PC motion instruction unit 634. That is, for example, the PC control unit 63 may simply send the motion result to the PLC3 without changing the first instruction value. In this structure, the operation of the information processing device 6 is also controlled by the PLC3, increasing the freedom of choice in selecting functions that can be implemented in the manufacturing device 2 whose operations are controlled by the PLC3.

[0218] Furthermore, in this invention, the system 1 may also include multiple information processing devices 6.

[0219] Furthermore, in this invention, the collaborative program and the collaborative auxiliary program may also be stored in an installable or executable file format on a non-temporary storage medium (e.g., CD (Compact Disk), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc.) and provided to the PLC3 and the information processing device 6 via a device capable of acquiring (reading) these programs.

[0220] ● Embodiments of the Invention ●

[0221] Next, referring to the terms and reference numerals described in each embodiment, embodiments of the present invention as understood from the above-described embodiments are described below.

[0222] A first embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system (e.g., collaborative system 1) comprising: a controlled device (e.g., controlled device 4) equipped in a manufacturing apparatus (e.g., manufacturing apparatus 2); a PLC (e.g., PLC 3) controlling a first action of the controlled device; and an information processing device (e.g., information processing device 6) connected to and linked with the PLC via a communication network line, wherein the PLC comprises: a PLC control unit (e.g., PLC control unit 33) controlling the first action; and a PLC storage unit (e.g., PLC storage unit 32) storing a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling a second action of the information processing device. The plurality of first device values ​​include one or more first instruction values ​​for executing the first action, and the plurality of second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​for executing the second action. The information processing apparatus includes: a device value acquisition unit (e.g., PC acquisition unit 631) that acquires the second device values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit at predetermined time intervals; a determination unit (e.g., PC determination unit 632) that, after acquiring the second device value, determines whether the second instruction value included in the acquired second device value has changed; and an action control unit (e.g., PC action control unit 633) that, when the second instruction value has changed, controls the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value in the second action.

[0223] According to this structure, the freedom to select functions that can be implemented in a manufacturing device whose actions are controlled by a PLC is increased.

[0224] The second embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the first embodiment, wherein the information processing device includes an action instruction unit (e.g., a PC action instruction unit 634), the action instruction unit instructs the PLC to execute the first action of the controlled device according to the result of the second action, and the PLC control unit changes the first instruction value corresponding to the first action stored in the PLC storage unit according to the instruction from the action instruction unit.

[0225] Based on this structure, the information processing device is linked with the controlled equipment, enabling the system to perform more complex actions. As a result, the options for functions that can be implemented in this system increase.

[0226] The third embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the second embodiment, wherein the information processing device is capable of executing a plurality of different second actions, the plurality of second device values ​​include a plurality of second instruction values, each of the plurality of second instruction values ​​corresponds to a plurality of the second actions, and the PLC control unit changes one of the plurality of second instruction values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit according to the result of the first action corresponding to the instruction.

[0227] Based on this structure, the options for the functions that can be implemented in this system are further increased.

[0228] The fourth embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the second embodiment, wherein the controlled device is capable of performing a plurality of different first actions, the plurality of first device values ​​include a plurality of first instruction values, each first instruction value corresponds to each first action, the information processing device includes a storage unit (e.g., a PC storage unit 62), the storage unit stores first correspondence information (e.g., first correspondence information C1) representing the correspondence between the contents of each first action and each instruction, and the action instruction unit instructs the PLC to perform the first action of the controlled device based on the result of the second action and the first correspondence information.

[0229] Based on this structure, the number of functional options that can be implemented in this system can be further increased by linking controlled devices with information processing devices.

[0230] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the first embodiment, wherein the information processing device is capable of executing a plurality of different second actions, the plurality of second device values ​​include a plurality of second instruction values, each second instruction value corresponds to each second action, the information processing device includes a storage unit that stores an action program corresponding to each second action and second correspondence information (e.g., second correspondence information C2) indicating the correspondence between each second instruction value and each action program, and the action control unit selects the action program corresponding to the second instruction value from the plurality of action programs according to the modified second instruction value and the second correspondence information, and controls the second action by executing the selected action program.

[0231] According to this structure, the information processing device can select and execute multiple action programs based on each of the second instruction values.

[0232] The sixth embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the first embodiment, which has an external device (e.g., external device 7) that is different from the controlled device, wherein the motion control unit controls the motion of the external device as the second motion.

[0233] According to this structure, by controlling the actions of external devices corresponding to the expected functions, the expected functions can be realized in a manufacturing device whose actions are controlled by a PLC.

[0234] The seventh embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the first embodiment, which has an external device different from the controlled device, wherein the motion control unit performs the second action using external information obtained from the external device.

[0235] According to this structure, the freedom to choose the functions that can be implemented in an information processing device is further enhanced.

[0236] The eighth embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the sixth or seventh embodiment, wherein the plurality of the second device values ​​include parameter values ​​for the operation of the external device.

[0237] According to this structure, the parameter values ​​for the operation of external devices can be changed by the PLC control program.

[0238] The ninth embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, comprising a touch panel terminal (e.g., touch panel terminal 5) connected to the PLC and accepting user operations. The touch panel terminal includes: a TP acquisition unit (e.g., TP acquisition unit 531) that acquires the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit; a TP display unit (e.g., TP display operation unit 54) that displays the acquired second device value; and a TP change instruction unit (e.g., TP change instruction unit 532) that, based on the user's operation on the second device value displayed on the TP display unit, instructs a change to the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit. The PLC control unit, based on the instruction from the TP change instruction unit, changes the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit corresponding to the instruction.

[0239] According to this structure, users can change the parameter values ​​of the information processing device and external devices by operating the TP display operation unit of the touch panel terminal without operating the information processing device.

[0240] The tenth embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the ninth embodiment, wherein the TP display unit displays an operation area (e.g., an execution operation area P1, a change operation area P2) operated by the user to change the second instruction value; the TP change instruction unit instructs the change of the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit according to the user's operation on the operation area displayed on the TP display unit; and the PLC control unit changes the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit corresponding to the instruction according to the instruction from the TP change instruction unit.

[0241] According to this structure, the UI used for parameter value changes and action instructions for information processing devices and external devices is integrated into the touch panel terminal.

[0242] The 11th embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative system according to the first embodiment, wherein the information processing device is composed of a computer equipped with a processor (e.g., CPU 63a), which functions as the device value acquisition unit, the determination unit, and the motion control unit.

[0243] Based on this structure, the specifications of the PC that constitutes the information processing device can be freely selected.

[0244] A 12th embodiment of the present invention is a collaborative method executed by a collaborative system comprising: a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus; a PLC controlling a first action of the controlled device; and an information processing device connected to and linked with the PLC via a communication network line. The PLC includes: a PLC control unit controlling the first action; and a PLC storage unit storing a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling a second action of the information processing device. The plurality of first device values ​​include one or more first instruction values ​​for executing the first action, and the plurality of second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​for executing the second action. The collaborative method includes: a device value acquisition step (e.g., device value acquisition step S1), in which the second device values ​​containing the second instruction values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit are acquired at predetermined time intervals; and an instruction value determination step (e.g., instruction value determination step S2).

[0245] S2), in which, after obtaining the second device value, it is determined whether the second instruction value contained in the obtained second device value has been changed; and an action control step (e.g., action control step: S4), in which, when the second instruction value has been changed, the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value in the second action is controlled.

[0246] According to this structure, the freedom to select functions that can be implemented in a manufacturing device whose actions are controlled by a PLC is increased.

[0247] The 13th embodiment of the present invention is a cooperative program (e.g., this program) executed by an information processing device connected via a communication network line to and linked with a PLC that controls a first action of a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus. The PLC includes a PLC storage unit storing a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling a second action of the information processing device. The plurality of second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​for executing the second action. The information processing device includes a processor (e.g., CPU63). a) The processor performs the following processes: an acquisition process (e.g., device value acquisition step: S1), in which the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit is acquired at predetermined time intervals; an instruction value determination process (e.g., instruction value determination step: S2), in which, after acquiring the second device value, it is determined whether the second instruction value contained in the acquired second device value has changed; and an action control process (e.g., action control step: S4), in which, when the second instruction value has changed, the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value is controlled in the second action.

[0248] According to this structure, the freedom to select functions that can be implemented in a manufacturing device whose actions are controlled by a PLC is increased.

[0249] The 14th embodiment of the present invention is an auxiliary program (e.g., this auxiliary program) executed by a PLC. The PLC controls a first action of a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus and is connected to and linked with an information processing device via a communication network line. The PLC includes: a PLC control unit that controls the first action; and a PLC storage unit that stores a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling a second action of the information processing device. The plurality of first device values ​​include one or more first instructions for executing the first action. The multiple second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​that execute the second action, causing the PLC control unit to perform the following processes: a second instruction value change process (e.g., second instruction value change step: S303), in which the second instruction value corresponding to the second action is changed so that the information processing device executes the second action; and a first instruction value change process (e.g., first instruction value change steps: S301, S304), in which the first instruction value corresponding to the instruction is changed according to the instruction from the information processing device that has executed the second action.

[0250] According to this structure, the freedom to select functions that can be implemented in a manufacturing device whose actions are controlled by a PLC is increased.

[0251] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0252] 1: Collaboration System

[0253] 2: Manufacturing equipment

[0254] 3: PLC

[0255] 32: PLC Storage Section

[0256] 33: PLC Control Unit

[0257] 4: Controlled equipment

[0258] 5: Touch panel terminal

[0259] 531: TP Acquisition Department

[0260] 532:TP Change Instruction Department

[0261] 54: TP Display Operation Unit (TP Display Unit)

[0262] 6: Information processing device

[0263] 62: PC Storage Department (Storage Department)

[0264] 631: PC Acquisition Department (Device Value Acquisition Department)

[0265] 632: PC Judgment Department (Judgment Department)

[0266] 633: PC Motion Control Unit (Motion Control Unit)

[0267] 634: PC Action Instruction Unit (Action Instruction Unit)

[0268] C1: First Correspondence Information

[0269] C2: Second Correspondence Information

[0270] P1: Execution area (operation area)

Claims

1. A collaborative system, which has: Controlled equipment, which is installed in a manufacturing facility; PLC, which controls the first action of the controlled device; and An information processing device is connected to the PLC via a communication network line and operates in conjunction with the PLC. in, The PLC has the following features: The PLC control unit controls the first action; and The PLC storage unit stores multiple first device values ​​for controlling the first operation and multiple second device values ​​for controlling the second operation of the information processing device. The plurality of said first device values ​​include one or more first instruction values ​​that perform said first action. The plurality of said second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​that perform said second action. The information processing device includes: The device value acquisition unit acquires the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit at predetermined time intervals; The determination unit, after acquiring the second device value, determines whether the second instruction value contained in the acquired second device value has been changed; and The motion control unit controls the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value in the second action when the second instruction value has been changed.

2. The collaborative system according to claim 1, wherein, The information processing device includes an action instruction unit, which, based on the result of the second action, instructs the PLC to execute the first action of the controlled equipment. The PLC control unit changes the first instruction value, which corresponds to the first action, stored in the PLC storage unit according to the instruction from the action instruction unit.

3. The collaborative system according to claim 2, wherein, The information processing device is capable of performing multiple different second actions. The plurality of the second device values ​​include the plurality of the second instruction values. Each of the multiple second instruction values ​​corresponds to each of the multiple second actions. The PLC control unit changes one of the multiple second instruction values ​​stored in the PLC storage unit according to the result of the first action corresponding to the instruction.

4. The collaborative system according to claim 2, wherein, The controlled device is capable of performing multiple different first actions. The plurality of the first device values ​​include the plurality of the first instruction values. Each of the first instruction values ​​corresponds to each of the first actions. The information processing device includes a storage unit that stores first correspondence information representing the correspondence between the contents of each of the first actions and each of the instructions. The action instruction unit instructs the PLC to execute the first action of the controlled device based on the correspondence information between the result of the second action and the first action.

5. The collaborative system according to claim 1, wherein, The information processing device is capable of performing multiple different second actions. The plurality of the second device values ​​include the plurality of the second instruction values. Each of the second instruction values ​​corresponds to each of the second actions. The information processing device includes a storage unit that stores an action program corresponding to each of the second actions, and second correspondence information indicating the correspondence between each of the second instruction values ​​and each of the action programs. The motion control unit selects the motion program corresponding to the second instruction value from among the multiple motion programs based on the modified second instruction value and the second correspondence information. The second action is controlled by executing the selected action procedure.

6. The collaborative system according to claim 1, wherein, The collaborative system has external devices connected to the information processing device. The motion control unit controls the action of the external device as the second action.

7. The collaborative system according to claim 1, wherein, The collaborative system has external devices connected to the information processing device. The motion control unit uses external information obtained from the external device to execute the second action.

8. The collaborative system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein, The plurality of the second device values ​​include parameter values ​​for the operation of the external device.

9. The collaborative system according to claim 1, wherein, The collaborative system has a touch panel terminal, which is connected to the PLC and handles user operations. The touch panel terminal has the following features: The TP acquisition unit acquires the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit; The TP display unit displays the acquired values ​​of the second device; as well as The TP change instruction unit, based on the user's operation on the second device value displayed on the TP display unit, instructs changes to the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit. The PLC control unit changes the second device value corresponding to the instruction stored in the PLC storage unit according to the instruction from the TP change instruction unit.

10. The collaborative system according to claim 9, wherein, The TP display unit shows the operation area operated by the user to change the value of the second instruction. The TP change instruction unit instructs the user to change the second instruction value stored in the PLC storage unit based on the user's operation on the operation area displayed on the TP display unit. The PLC control unit changes the second instruction value, which corresponds to the instruction, stored in the PLC storage unit according to the instruction from the TP change instruction unit.

11. The collaborative system according to claim 1, wherein, The information processing device is composed of a computer equipped with a processor, which functions as the device value acquisition unit, the determination unit, and the action control unit.

12. A collaboration method executed by a collaboration system, said collaboration system having: Controlled equipment, which is installed in a manufacturing facility; PLC, which controls the first action of the controlled device; and An information processing device is connected to the PLC via a communication network line and operates in conjunction with the PLC. in, The PLC has the following features: The PLC control unit controls the first action; and The PLC storage unit stores multiple first device values ​​for controlling the first operation and multiple second device values ​​for controlling the second operation of the information processing device. The plurality of said first device values ​​include one or more first instruction values ​​that perform said first action. The plurality of said second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​that perform said second action. The collaboration method includes: The device value acquisition step involves acquiring the second device value, which includes the second instruction value, stored in the PLC storage unit at predetermined time intervals. The instruction value determination step involves determining whether the second instruction value contained in the obtained second device value has been changed after obtaining the second device value. as well as An action control step, in which, when the second instruction value has been changed, controls the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value in the second action.

13. A collaborative program executed by an information processing device, the information processing device being connected via a communication network line to a PLC that controls a first action of a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus, and being linked with the PLC, wherein... The PLC includes a PLC storage unit, which stores a plurality of first device values ​​for controlling the first action and a plurality of second device values ​​for controlling the second action of the information processing device. The plurality of said second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​that perform said second action. The information processing device includes a processor. The processor performs the following processing: Device value acquisition process, in which the second device value stored in the PLC storage unit is acquired at predetermined time intervals; The instruction value determination process involves determining whether the second instruction value contained in the obtained second device value has been changed after obtaining the second device value. as well as The motion control process, in which, when the second instruction value has been changed, controls the second action corresponding to the changed second instruction value in the second action.

14. A collaborative auxiliary program executed by a PLC, the PLC controlling a first action of a controlled device equipped in a manufacturing apparatus, and connected to an information processing device via a communication network line, and linked with the information processing device, wherein... The PLC has the following features: The PLC control unit controls the first action; and The PLC storage unit stores multiple first device values ​​for controlling the first operation and multiple second device values ​​for controlling the second operation of the information processing device. The plurality of said first device values ​​include one or more first instruction values ​​that perform said first action. The plurality of said second device values ​​include one or more second instruction values ​​that perform said second action. The PLC control unit shall perform the following processing: The second instruction value change process involves changing the second instruction value corresponding to the second action to cause the information processing device to execute the second action. as well as The first instruction value change process involves changing the first instruction value corresponding to the instruction based on the instruction from the information processing device that has performed the second action.

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