PLC system

Abstract

To provide a technique for displaying a change history of setting values and image data, etc., in association with time when a change instruction history is stored in a plurality of storage devices.SOLUTION: A PLC system comprises a PLC, an arithmetic processing unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit. The storage unit stores PLC program data, image data, and time chart data. The arithmetic processing unit comprises: a history management unit which stores a first change history as a change history of setting values accepted through a network connected by the communication unit and used for control of a target device, in the storage unit; a communication execution unit which acquires a second change history as a change history accepted via an operation panel and stored in the operation panel storage unit; and an image creation unit which creates list display image data for listing at least any of the first change history and the second change history, a PLC program, an image, and a time chart in association with time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to PLC systems. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology for facilitating analysis of the cause of a problem that occurs in a device controlled by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for displaying image data and device values ​​in association with time, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-13526 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, during operation of the device, an instruction to change a set value may be received from an operator. In order to analyze the cause of a problem, it may be possible to display the history of changes to the set value and image data, etc., in association with time. In addition to a form in which the instruction to change the set value is received by an operation panel attached to the device, it may also be possible to receive the instruction to change the set value remotely using an information processing device capable of communicating with the device. In addition, the storage device that stores the history of the change instruction received by the operation panel may be different from the storage device that stores the history of the change instruction received by the information processing device. In this way, when there are multiple forms for receiving an instruction to change the set value and the history of the change instruction is stored in multiple storage devices, there is a demand for a technology that displays the history of changes to the set value and image data, etc., in association with time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a PLC system is provided. The PLC system includes a PLC, an arithmetic processing unit, a storage unit, and a device acceptance unit, the PLC executes a PLC program to control a target device, the storage unit stores PLC program data in which the PLC program is associated with a time when the PLC program is executed, image data of the target device, the image data being an image of the target device in which an image including the target device is associated with a time when the image was captured, and time chart data in which a time axis of a time chart of the PLC program is associated with a time when the PLC program is executed, the device acceptance unit provides operation screen data for displaying an operation screen, and accepts at least one of a setting value used to control the target device and an instruction for a display mode of the operation screen, and the target device: The target device includes at least one operation panel that accepts operations for the target device, and the arithmetic processing unit includes a history management unit that causes the storage unit to store a first change history, which is a change history of at least one of the change of the setting value and the change of the display mode of the operation screen accepted by the device acceptance unit, a communication execution unit that displays the operation screen and acquires the second change history stored in an operation panel storage unit that stores a second change history, which is a change history of at least one of the change of the setting value and the change of the display mode of the operation screen accepted through the operation panel, and an image creation unit that creates list display image data for displaying at least one of (i) the first change history and the second change history, (ii) the PLC program, (iii) the image, and (iv) the time chart in a list in association with time. According to this embodiment, even if the change history is stored in a storage unit different from each other, that is, the storage unit and the operation storage unit, the list display image data can be created. (2) The PLC system of the above aspect may further include a communication unit that performs communication through a network, and the device reception unit may provide the operation screen data to a display input device that is communicatively connected to the network. According to this aspect, the PLC system can display the operation screen on the display input device that is connected to the network. (3) In the PLC system of the above embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit may further include a device setting unit that sets the reception device that receives the change of the setting value to either the operation panel or a display input device to which the operation screen data is provided, and the image creation unit may issue a history creation request to the communication execution unit, and when the device setting unit has set the reception device to the display input device, the communication execution unit may request the history management unit to transfer the first change history and transfer the received first change history to the image creation unit, and when the device setting unit has set the reception device to the operation panel, the communication execution unit may request the operation panel to transfer the second change history and transfer the received second change history to the image creation unit. According to this embodiment, when the reception device is set to either the operation panel or the display input device, the image creation unit can collect the first change history or the second change history by issuing a history creation request to the communication execution unit. (4) In the PLC system of the above embodiment, the first change history and the second change history are data in which the time at which an operation for the target device is accepted is associated with the accepted setting value, the image creation unit issues a history creation request to the communication execution unit, the communication execution unit, upon receiving the history creation request, requests the history management unit to transfer the first change history and requests the operation panel to transfer the second change history, and transfers the received first change history and the second change history to the image creation unit, the image creation unit rearranges the setting value included in the first change history and the setting value included in the second change history in chronological order according to the associated times, respectively, to create an integrated change history, and creates the list display image data so that the integrated change history is displayed. According to this embodiment, even if the change history is stored in both the storage unit and the operation panel storage unit, the image creation unit can collect both the first change history and the second change history by issuing a history creation request to the communication execution unit. (5) In the PLC system of the above embodiment, the first change history and the second change history are data in which the time at which an operation for the target device is accepted is associated with the accepted setting value, the target device includes a plurality of the operation panels, and when the image creation unit creates the list display image data, it issues a history creation request to the communication execution unit, and when the communication execution unit receives the history creation request, it requests each of the plurality of operation panels to transfer the second change history, and receives a plurality of the second change histories transferred from each of the plurality of operation panels, the image creation unit creates an integrated change history by rearranging the setting values ​​included in each of the plurality of second change histories in chronological order according to the time associated with each of them, and creates the list display image data so that the integrated change history is displayed. According to this embodiment, even when the change history is stored in the operation panel memory unit of each of the plurality of operation panels, the image creation unit can collect a plurality of second change histories by issuing a history creation request to the communication execution unit. (6) In the PLC system of the above aspect, the image creation unit may create the list display image data when it receives at least one of an abnormality signal generated in the target device and a preset trigger signal. According to this aspect, when an abnormality signal or a trigger signal occurs, the list display image data can be created without requiring an operation by an operator. (7) In the PLC system of the above embodiment, the operation panel may have an operation panel operation screen and an operation button, and the second change history may include operations on the operation panel operation screen and operations on the operation button. According to this embodiment, the second change history includes setting values ​​changed by operations on the operation button as well as operations on the operation panel operation screen, so that the amount of information required for analyzing the cause of an abnormal signal can be increased. (8) In the PLC system of the above aspect, when the communication execution unit receives a backup request that is a request for transferring backup data of the target device stored in the operation panel, the communication execution unit may request the operation panel to transfer the backup data. According to this aspect, the backup data stored in the operation panel can be obtained from a location remote from the operation panel. The present disclosure can be realized in various forms, and in addition to the PLC system described above, can be realized in the form of, for example, a display method or a display program for a list display image. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus control system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the device control system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a list display image. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for creating list display image data. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for creating list display image data according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A. First embodiment: A1. Equipment control system configuration: Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the device control system 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the device control system 1.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 1, the equipment control system 1 includes a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) system 2, an operation panel 50, a PC 70 as a display input device, a HUB 81, and a camera 82. The PLC system 2 includes an analysis device 10 and a control device 30. The equipment control system 1 controls a target equipment 100, and collects and analyzes various data during operation of the target equipment 100. The target equipment 100 is a device capable of numerical control. The target equipment 100 is, for example, a machine tool such as a machining center or a cutting machine. The target equipment 100 is equipped with an operation panel 50.

[0010] The target device 100 includes an NC (numerical control) device 101 that is numerically controlled, such as a servo motor. The NC device 101 included in the target device 100 operates according to a control signal transmitted from a later-described numerical calculation unit 32 (FIG. 2) included in the control device 30. The target device 100 also includes a peripheral device 102 including a sensor other than the NC device 101. The peripheral device 102 included in the target device 100 operates according to a control signal from a later-described PLC 34 (FIG. 2) included in the control device 30, and outputs an output signal output from a sensor included in the peripheral device 102.

[0011] The pendant 50 receives setting values ​​from an operator via a reception unit 56 described later. The control device 30 and the pendant 50 are communicatively connected by a LAN (Local Area Network). The pendant 50 and the NC device 101 are communicatively connected by a communication line. The NC device 101 and the control device 30 are communicatively connected by a communication line. A control signal output from the control device 30 is input to the NC device 101 through the communication line. The NC device 101 includes a memory (not shown) that stores an NC program. The peripheral device 102 and the control device 30 are communicatively connected by a communication line. Signals between the control device 30 and the peripheral device 102 are exchanged through the communication line.

[0012] The operation panel 50 has a reception unit 56. The reception unit 56 has a display unit 56a and an operation unit 56b as an operation panel operation screen. The display unit 56a is specifically a touch panel, and displays the operating status of the target device 100 and receives changes to setting values ​​used to control the target device 100 from the operator. The operation unit 56b has a plurality of operation buttons, and receives changes to setting values ​​used to control the target device 100 from the operator.

[0013] The analysis device 10 is connected to the control device 30 via a bus. The analysis device 10 collects and analyzes various data during operation of the target device 100. A camera 82 is communicatively connected to the analysis device 10. The camera 82 captures an image of the target device 100 and transmits the captured image data to the analysis device 10. The analysis device 10 and the operation panel 50 are communicatively connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network). Specifically, LAN cables connecting the analysis device 10 and the operation panel 50 are connected to the HUB 81. Note that the connection between the analysis device 10 and the operation panel 50 is not limited to a LAN cable. The analysis device 10 and the operation panel 50 may communicate with each other via wireless communication.

[0014] The PC 70 has a PC main body 71 and a display unit 72. The display unit 72 is connected to the PC main body 71 by a cable and displays an image according to an image signal output from the PC main body 71. The PC 70 and the analysis device 10 are connected to be able to communicate with each other via the Internet INT. Specifically, the HUB 81 is connected to the Internet INT via a router (not shown). As will be described later, the display unit 72 of the PC 70 can display an operation screen 72a equivalent to the operation screen 56c (FIG. 2) displayed on the display unit 56a. This allows an operator to operate the target device 100 at a remote location away from the factory where the target device 100 is installed by operating the PC 70. Note that operating the PC 70 specifically means operating input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard (not shown) that are provided in the PC 70.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 30 includes a numerical calculation unit 32, a PLC 34, and a communication unit 36. The numerical calculation unit 32 has a processor and a memory (not shown). The numerical calculation unit 32 controls the NC device 101 of the target device 100 according to an NC program (not shown) stored in the NC device 101, and issues an operation request to the PLC 34. The PLC 34 has a processor and a memory (not shown). The PLC 34 controls the target device 100 using the operation request issued by the numerical calculation unit 32 and a ladder program 34a as a PLC program stored in the memory of the PLC 34.

[0016] The communication unit 36 ​​includes an interface for bus communication with the communication unit 16 of the analysis device 10, and an interface for communication using a LAN. Specifically, the communication using a LAN is communication via Ethernet. The communication unit 36 ​​converts the data format according to the type of communication and communicates according to commands from the numerical calculation unit 32 and the PLC 34.

[0017] The analysis device 10 has a calculation processing unit 12, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 16. The calculation processing unit 12 is specifically a processor, and performs various functions by executing programs stored in advance in the storage unit 14. The calculation processing unit 12 has an image creation unit 12a, which is a functional unit, a communication execution unit 12b, a history management unit 12c, a device setting unit 12d, and a device reception unit 12e.

[0018] Specifically, the storage unit 14 is a memory such as a RAM or a ROM. The storage unit 14 stores a ladder program 34a, ladder data 14b as PLC program data, time chart data 14c, image data 14d, and an operation log 14e as a first change history.

[0019] The arithmetic processing unit 12 creates ladder data 14b in which the ladder program 34a is associated with the time when the ladder program 34a is executed by the PLC 34, and stores the data in the storage unit 14. The arithmetic processing unit 12 creates time chart data 14c in which the time axis of the time chart of the ladder program 34a is associated with the time when the PLC 34 executed the ladder program 34a, and stores the data in the storage unit 14. The time chart is a chart showing the transition over time of the on / off state of each node constituting the ladder circuit represented by the ladder program. In other words, the horizontal axis of the time chart is the time axis, and the vertical axis of the time chart shows either the on state or the off state of each node. The arithmetic processing unit 12 stores image data 14d transmitted from the camera 82 in which an image including the target device 100 captured by the camera 82 is associated with the time when the target device 100 was captured.

[0020] The operation log 14e is a change history of at least one of the changes in the setting values ​​accepted by the device accepting unit 12e and the changes in the display mode of the operation screen 72a. In this embodiment, the operation log 14e includes both the change history of the changes in the setting values ​​accepted by the device accepting unit 12e and the changes in the display mode of the operation screen 72a. Note that, as another embodiment, the operation log 14e may also include a change history of either the changes in the setting values ​​accepted by the device accepting unit 12e or the changes in the display mode of the operation screen 72a.

[0021] The device accepting unit 12e provides operation screen data for displaying the operation screen 72a, and accepts at least one of a setting value used to control the target device 100 and an instruction for the display mode of the operation screen 72a. In this embodiment, the device accepting unit 12e accepts both a setting value used to control the target device 100 and an instruction for the display mode of the operation screen 72a. In another embodiment, the device accepting unit 12e may accept either a setting value used to control the target device 100 or an instruction for the display mode of the operation screen 72a.

[0022] The device reception unit 12e provides operation screen data to the PC 70. The PC 70 displays the operation screen 72a using the operation screen data. The operation screen 72a is displayed, in detail, using a web browser. The operator uses an input device of the PC 70 to select, for example, a desired GUI (graphical user interface) displayed on the displayed operation screen 72a, and inputs a setting value. The device reception unit 12e accepts the input setting value as a setting value used for controlling the target device 100. The operator also changes the display mode of the operation screen 72a. Specifically, when the operation screen 72a is composed of multiple pages, the operator uses the input device of the PC 70 to select a page that the operator desires to display. The device reception unit 12e provides operation screen data of the operation screen 72a of the selected page.

[0023] The calculation processing unit 12 creates an operation log 14e in which the time when the device reception unit 12e receives an operation is associated with the content of the received operation, and stores the operation log 14e in the storage unit 14. As described above, in this embodiment, the operation received by the device reception unit 12e specifically includes an operation for changing a set value and an operation for changing the display mode of the operation screen 72a. In another embodiment, the operation log 14e includes a change history of the change of the set value received by the device reception unit 12e, but may not include a change history of the change of the display mode of the operation screen 72a. The calculation processing unit 12 specifically stores the ladder data 14b, the time chart data 14c, the image data 14d, and the operation log 14e in a ring buffer.

[0024] The communication unit 16 includes an interface for bus communication with the communication unit 36 ​​of the control device 30, and an interface for communication using a LAN. Then, the communication unit 16 converts the data format according to the type of communication according to an instruction from the arithmetic processing unit 12 and communicates.

[0025] The operation panel 50 has, in addition to the reception unit 56, an arithmetic processing unit 52, a storage unit 54 as an operation panel storage unit, and a communication unit 58. The storage unit 54 is specifically a memory such as a RAM or a ROM. The storage unit 54 stores an operation log 54a as a second change history. The operation log 54a is a change history received via the operation panel 50 that receives operations on the target device 100.

[0026] The calculation processing unit 52 is specifically a processor, and performs various functions by executing a program stored in advance in the storage unit 54. The calculation processing unit 12 has an operation communication execution unit 52a and an operation history management unit 52b, which are functional units. When the calculation processing unit 52 receives a change in a setting value via the operation panel 50, it creates an operation log 54a that associates the time when the operation on the target device 100 was received with the received setting value, and stores the created operation log 54a in the storage unit 54. In the following description, the operation log 14e and the operation log 54a are collectively referred to simply as "operation logs".

[0027] As described above, the PC 70 has the PC main body 71 and the display unit 72. The PC main body 71 includes a CPU, a storage unit, and a communication unit 73, which are not shown. The CPU executes a program stored in the storage unit. The communication unit 73 includes an interface for communication using the Internet INT, and communicates with the analysis device 10 and the like via the Internet INT.

[0028] A2. Overview of cycle recorder functions: FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the list display image IM10. The analysis device 10 has a cycle recorder function. The cycle recorder function is a function that, when a trouble occurs in the target device 100, displays the list display image IM10 illustrated in FIG. 3 as a trigger of the occurrence of the trouble. The list display image IM10 is an image that displays a list of an image IM12 captured by the camera 82, a time chart image IM14, an operation log image IM16, and a ladder circuit image IM18 in association with time. By viewing the list display image IM10, an operator can efficiently analyze the cause of the trouble.

[0029] 3, for the sake of convenience, a list display image IM10 is shown on the display unit 72. In addition to this display form, the cycle recorder function has a function of displaying one of the captured image IM12, the time chart image IM14, the operation log image IM16, and the ladder circuit image IM18 on the display unit 72 using list image data. In other words, the list image data is data that enables the captured image IM12, the time chart image IM14, the operation log image IM16, and the ladder circuit image IM18 to be displayed in association with time.

[0030] The captured image IM12 is an image including the target device 100 captured by the camera 82. An image including the target device 100 is specifically an image captured inside the target device 100 or an image captured around the target device 100. The captured image IM12 is, for example, an image captured showing the movement of a mobile device provided in the target device 100 or the movement of an operator around the target device 100.

[0031] The time chart image IM14 is an image in which the time axis corresponds to the time when the ladder program 34a is executed. The time chart image IM14 displays a time cursor IM20 for receiving the designation of the time that the operator desires to display. The operation log image IM16 is an image consisting of a plurality of rows in which a plurality of items including the items of "operation date and time" and "operation content" are displayed in one row and arranged according to the value of the "operation date and time". A row included in the operation log image IM16 is also called an operation row. The "operation date and time" is the time when an instruction to change the set value or change the display mode is received. In this specification, the time refers to a time including a date. The "operation content" indicates the changed set value and the change content. For example, if the changed set value is the rotation speed, the "operation content" displays the changed set value as the rotation speed and the value of the rotation speed as the change content. For example, if the changed set value is a switch, information identifying the switch to be changed and the on / off state of the switch are displayed. The ladder circuit image IM18 is an image of a ladder circuit represented by the ladder program 34a.

[0032] The captured image IM12, the time chart image IM14, the operation log image IM16, and the ladder circuit image IM18 are associated with time. The operator specifies a desired time to be displayed, for example, with the time cursor IM20. When a time is specified, an image captured at the specified time is displayed as the captured image IM12. Also, when a time is specified, at least an operation row whose operation date and time corresponds to the specified time, or an operation row whose operation date and time corresponds to a time close to the specified time is displayed as the operation log image IM16. Also, when a time is specified, a ladder circuit including a ladder circuit row executed at the specified time is displayed as the ladder circuit image IM18.

[0033] 2, in the device control system 1, an operation log 14e received via the PC 70 is stored in the memory unit 14 of the analysis device 10. An operation log 54a received via the display unit 56a of the operation panel 50 is stored in the memory unit 54 of the operation panel 50. Therefore, in the process for creating data of the index display image IM10 performed by the calculation processing unit 12, a device is implemented to enable the creation of data of the index display image IM10 regardless of whether the operation log is stored in the analysis device 10 or in the operation panel 50.

[0034] As described above, the analysis device 10 accepts operations on the operation screen 72a displayed on the display unit 72 of the PC 70 connected to the network as changes to the setting values ​​used to control the target device 100. Specific examples of the setting values ​​include the rotation speed, the movement speed, and the start and stop of the coolant. The history management unit 12c stores the accepted setting values ​​in the storage unit 14 in association with the time of acceptance. The accepted setting values ​​are transferred to the control device 30.

[0035] The operation panel 50 accepts operations on an operation screen 56c displayed on the display unit 56a as changes to setting values ​​used for controlling the target device 100. The operation history management unit 52b stores the setting values ​​accepted via the operation screen 56c in the storage unit 54 in association with the time of acceptance.

[0036] In this embodiment, the reception device that receives changes to the setting values ​​is set alternatively to either the operation panel 50 or the PC 70. The device setting unit 12d displays a selection screen on the display unit 72 that allows the operator to select either the operation panel 50 or the PC 70 as the reception device. Then, the selected one of the operation panel 50 and the PC 70 is set as the reception device.

[0037] A3.Cycle Recorder Function Details: FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for creating list display image data used to display the list display image IM10. In this embodiment, a case where a sequence is started with the occurrence of an abnormal signal as a trigger will be described as an example. In addition to the case where a sequence is started with the occurrence of an abnormal signal as a trigger, a sequence may be started with the occurrence of a preset trigger signal. The preset trigger signal is a trigger signal set by an operator. For example, the operator sets the switching of a desired relay included in a ladder circuit from OFF to ON as a trigger signal.

[0038] When an abnormality occurs in the target device 100, the operation panel 50 transmits an abnormality signal to the control device 30. When the control device 30 receives the abnormality signal, it transmits it to the analysis device 10. Note that the abnormality signal is, for example, a signal detected by a sensor included in the peripheral device 102, specifically a so-called light curtain sensor, or a signal output when a monitored current value becomes an abnormal value.

[0039] When the image creation unit 12a receives the abnormality signal, it issues a request to create an operation log 14e as a history creation request to the communication execution unit 12b (message M1). Upon receiving the request to create the operation log 14e, the communication execution unit 12b inquires of the device setting unit 12d as to whether the receiving device is the operation panel 50 or the PC 70 (message M3). Upon receiving the inquiry, the device setting unit 12d responds to the communication execution unit 12b by informing it of whether the receiving device is the operation panel 50 or the PC 70 (message M5).

[0040] When the receiving device indicated by the response from the device setting unit 12d is the PC 70, the communication execution unit 12b requests the history management unit 12c to transfer the operation log 14e (message M7). When the history management unit 12c receives the request to transfer the operation log 14e, the history management unit 12c creates display data of the operation log 14e in a display data format using the operation log 14e stored in the storage unit 14, and stores the created display data of the operation log 14e in the storage unit 14. In this embodiment, the display data format is specifically CSV. The display data of the operation log 14e is data in which each setting value included in the operation log 14e is arranged in chronological order according to the time when the setting was performed. Thereafter, the history management unit 12c reports the creation completion to the communication execution unit 12b (message M9).

[0041] The communication execution unit 12b delivers the operation log 14e received from the history management unit 12c to the image creation unit 12a. Specifically, when the communication execution unit 12b receives a creation completion report from the history management unit 12c, it reports the creation completion to the image creation unit 12a (message M11). When the image creation unit 12a receives the creation completion report from the communication execution unit 12b, it creates list display image data in step S13. Furthermore, the image creation unit 12a acquires the ladder program 34a stored in the memory of the PLC 34, and stores it in the storage unit 14 as backup data. Similarly, in steps S31 and S45 described later, the image creation unit 12a acquires the ladder program 34a, and stores it in the storage unit 14 as backup data.

[0042] On the other hand, if the receiving device indicated in the response from the device setting unit 12d is the operation panel 50, the communication execution unit 12b requests the operation communication execution unit 52a of the operation panel 50 to transfer the operation log 54a (message M21). Upon receiving the request to transfer the operation log 54a, the operation communication execution unit 52a requests the operation history management unit 52b to transfer the operation log 54a (message M23). Upon receiving the request to transfer the operation log 54a, the operation history management unit 52b creates display data for the operation log 54a using the operation log 54a stored in the storage unit 54, and stores the created display data for the operation log 54a in the storage unit 54. Thereafter, the operation history management unit 52b reports completion of creation to the operation communication execution unit 52a (message M25).

[0043] Upon receiving the creation completion report from the operation communication execution unit 52a, the operation communication execution unit 52a transfers the display data of the created operation log 54a to the communication execution unit 12b (message M27). In this embodiment, the transfer is performed by FTP transfer. The communication execution unit 12b stores the transferred display data of the operation log 54a in the storage unit 14. The communication execution unit 12b passes the operation log 54a received from the operation panel 50 to the image creation unit 12a. Specifically, the communication execution unit 12b stores the display data of the operation log 54a in the storage unit 14, and then reports the receipt completion to the image creation unit 12a (message M29). Upon receiving the receipt completion report from the communication execution unit 12b, the image creation unit 12a creates list display image data (step S31). In detail, the image creation unit 12a reads the display data of the operation log 54a from the first storage area of ​​the storage unit 14 in which the communication execution unit 12b has stored the transferred display data of the operation log 54a, and creates list display image data by using the working storage area of ​​the storage unit 14 in which the data has been stored. Then, the image creation unit 12a stores the created list display image data in a second storage area of ​​the storage unit 14 that is different from the first storage area of ​​the storage unit 14.

[0044] The list display image data is data associated with a time. The oldest time of the list display image data, that is, the start time, is set in advance. Specifically, the time when the abnormal signal was received is used as a base point, and a setting of how many minutes before the base point is set as the start time is received from the operator, and the list display image data is created according to the received setting value.

[0045] The list display image data created in step S13 or step S31 is transferred to the PC 70. The PC 70 uses the transferred list display image data to display a list display image IM10 on the display unit 72. As shown in Fig. 3, the list display image IM10 is an image in which a captured image IM12, a time chart image IM14, an operation log image IM16, and a ladder circuit image IM18 are associated with time. The operator can view each image at a desired time by moving a time cursor IM20.

[0046] If a response to a request such as message M9 or M25 is not received within a predetermined time, a second request, a so-called retry, is performed. If the retry fails a predetermined number of times, this sequence is stopped. Since each data such as ladder data 14b for creating the list display image data is stored in the storage unit 14 or the storage unit 54, the list display image data can be created by a method other than this sequence. Also, for example, if the operation log 54a is not acquired from the operation panel 50, the list display image IM10 is displayed. However, in this case, a predetermined image, for example, a gray image, is displayed as the operation log image IM16. Specifically, if the communication execution unit 12b is unable to acquire the operation log 54a, the communication execution unit 12b reports to the image creation unit 12a that the operation log 54a cannot be acquired. When the image creation unit 12a receives the report that the operation log 54a cannot be acquired, the image creation unit 12a creates list display image data in which the operation log image IM16 is a predetermined image. This allows the list display image IM10 to be displayed even if the operation log 54a is not acquired.

[0047] According to the first embodiment described above, the calculation processing unit 12 has a history management unit 12c, a communication execution unit 12b, and an image creation unit 12a. The history management unit 12c stores an operation log 14e, which is a change history of the change of the setting value received via the PC 70 and the change of the display mode of the operation screen 72a, in the storage unit 14. The operation history management unit 52b stores an operation log 54a, which is a change history of the setting value received via the operation panel 50, in the storage unit 54. The communication execution unit 12b acquires the operation log 54a by requesting the operation communication execution unit 52a to transfer the operation log 54a. Then, the image creation unit 12a creates the list display image data using at least one of the operation log 14e and the operation log 54a. Therefore, even if the operation log is stored in different storage units, the storage unit 14 and the storage unit 54, the list display image data can be created.

[0048] Also, the device reception unit 12e provides operation screen data to the PC 70 that is communicably connected to the Internet INT. This allows the analysis device 10 to display the operation screen 72a on the PC 70. Also, when the communication execution unit 12b receives a history creation request, if the device setting unit 12d sets the reception device to the PC 70, it requests the history management unit 12c to transfer the operation log 14e, and if the device setting unit 12d sets the reception device to the operation panel 50, it requests the operation panel 50 to transfer the operation log 54a. Then, the communication execution unit 12b transfers either the received operation log 14e or the operation log 54a to the image creation unit 12a. Therefore, when the reception device is set to either the operation panel 50 or the PC 70, the image creation unit 12a can collect the operation log by issuing a history creation request to the communication execution unit 12b.

[0049] Furthermore, the image creation unit 12a creates list display image data in response to an abnormal signal or a trigger signal generated in the target device 100. Therefore, when a trouble occurs or a desired trigger signal occurs, the list display image data can be created without requiring an operation by an operator.

[0050] B. Second embodiment: 5 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for creating list display image data according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, it is possible to accept the operation of the setting value from either the operation panel 50 or the PC 70. The same configurations, messages, and steps as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate. Also, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a case in which a sequence is started in response to the occurrence of an abnormal signal will be described as an example.

[0051] 5, when the image creation unit 12a receives an abnormality signal, it issues a request to create an operation log 14e as a history creation request to the communication execution unit 12b (message M1). The communication execution unit 12b requests the history management unit 12c to transfer the operation log 14e (message M7). When the history management unit 12c receives the request to transfer the operation log 14e, it creates display data for the operation log 14e and then reports the completion of creation to the communication execution unit 12b (message M9).

[0052] The communication execution unit 12b requests the operation communication execution unit 52a of the operation panel 50 to transfer the operation log 54a (message M21). Upon receiving the request to transfer the operation log 54a, the operation communication execution unit 52a requests the operation history management unit 52b to transfer the operation log 54a (message M23). Upon receiving the request to transfer the operation log 54a, the operation history management unit 52b uses the operation log 54a stored in the storage unit 54 to create display data for the operation log 54a, and then reports the completion of creation to the operation communication execution unit 52a (message M25). Upon receiving the creation completion report from the operation communication execution unit 52a, the operation communication execution unit 52a transfers the created display data for the operation log 54a to the communication execution unit 12b (message M27).

[0053] The order of message M7 and message M21 is not limited to the above. Message M21 may be sent before message M7, or message M21 and message M7 may be sent at the same time.

[0054] After receiving the creation completion report from the history management unit 12c and the transfer of the display data of the operation log 54a from the operation communication execution unit 52a, the communication execution unit 12b reports the completion to the image creation unit 12a (message M41). Upon receiving the completion report, the image creation unit 12a, in step S43, rearranges the setting values ​​included in the display data of the operation log 14e and the setting values ​​included in the display data of the operation log 54a in chronological order according to the times associated with each other to create an integrated change history. The integrated change history is data in a display data format similar to the display data of the operation log 14e. In step S45, the image creation unit 12a creates list display image data using the integrated change history. As in the first embodiment, the list display image data created in step S45 is transferred to the PC 70. The PC 70 uses the transferred list display image data to display the list display image IM10 on the display unit 72.

[0055] According to the second embodiment described above, when the communication execution unit 12b receives a history creation request, it requests the operation panel 50 to transfer the operation log 54a, and requests the history management unit 12c to deliver the operation log 14e. Then, it delivers the received operation log 54a and operation log 14e to the image creation unit 12a. Therefore, even if the operation log is stored in both the storage unit 14 and the storage unit 54, the image creation unit 12a can collect the operation log by issuing a history creation request to the communication execution unit 12b.

[0056] C. Other embodiments: (C1. Another embodiment 1) In this embodiment, the device control system 1 is different from the first embodiment in that it has a plurality of operation panels 50. The same configurations, messages, and steps as those in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0057] In this embodiment, the operation log 54a is stored in the storage unit 54 of each of the multiple operation panels 50. The communication execution unit 12b then requests the operation communication execution unit 52a of each of the multiple operation panels 50 to transfer the operation log 54a, similar to the message M21 shown in FIG. 5. Then, when the transfer of the display data of the operation log 54a from the operation communication execution unit 52a of each of the multiple operation panels 50 is completed, the communication execution unit 12b rearranges the setting values ​​included in the display data of the multiple operation logs 54a in chronological order according to the time when the settings were made, similar to step S43 shown in FIG. 5, to create an integrated change history. According to this embodiment, even when multiple operation panels 50 are provided, all operations can be displayed in a list in the operation log image IM16 of the list display image IM10. Note that information identifying the operation panel 50 that accepted the operation is added to the operation row of the operation log image IM16.

[0058] (C2. Another embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the calculation processing unit 52 of the operation panel 50 stores in the storage unit 54 not only the change in the setting value received via the operation screen 56c, but also the change in the setting value received via the operation unit 56b. Then, when the operation history management unit 52b receives a request to transfer the operation log 54a, it uses the operation log 54a stored in the storage unit 54 to create display data for the operation log 54a including the change in the setting value received via the operation screen 56c and the change in the setting value received via the operation unit 56b. According to this embodiment, the operation log image IM16 of the list display image IM10 also displays the setting value received via the operation unit 56b. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of information required to analyze the cause of the occurrence of an abnormal signal.

[0059] (C3. Other embodiment 3) In this embodiment, the pendant 50 has a backup function. The backup function is a function of storing backup data including at least data similar to the ladder data 14b in the storage unit 54 and providing the stored backup data. Specifically, the calculation processing unit 52 stores ladder data in which the ladder program 34a executed by the PLC 34 is associated with the time when the PLC 34 executed the ladder program 34 in the storage unit 54. Then, when an instruction for backup output is received on the screen displayed on the display unit 56a, the ladder data is output to a storage medium communicably connected to the pendant 50. Specifically, the storage medium is a USB memory or the like. The backup data may include display image data of the display image displayed on the display unit 56a in addition to the ladder data. Specifically, the display image data is data associated with the time when the screen showing the operating status and the operation screen 56c displayed on the display unit 56a are displayed.

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the device reception unit 12e receives a backup request received via the PC 70 through the network to which the communication unit 16 is connected, the communication execution unit 12b requests the operation communication execution unit 52a of the operation panel 50 to transfer the backup data, similar to the message M21 in FIG. 4. The backup request is a transfer request for the backup data of the target device 100 stored in the operation panel 50. Then, when the operation communication execution unit 52a receives the request for backup data transfer, it transfers the backup data stored in the storage unit 54 to the communication execution unit 12b. When the backup data is transferred, the communication execution unit 12b transfers the backup data to the PC 70. According to this embodiment, an operator using the PC 70 can view the backup data stored in the operation panel 50 at a remote location. Note that the device reception unit 12e does not necessarily receive a backup request when a backup request is made from the PC 70. As shown in (C7) described later, there is also a form in which a display input device is connected to the analysis device 10. In this embodiment, when a backup request is made from a display input device connected to the analysis device 10, the device receiving unit 12e causes the communication execution unit 12b to obtain the backup data from the operation panel 50 and transfer it to the display input device connected to the analysis device 10, in the same manner as described above.

[0061] (C4) In the above first embodiment, the PC 70 is exemplified as a display input device connected to a network, but the display input device is not limited to the PC 70. As the display input device, for example, other information terminal devices such as a tablet or a smartphone can be used.

[0062] (C5) In the first embodiment, when the operation communication execution unit 52a receives a creation completion report from the operation history management unit 52b, the operation communication execution unit 52a transfers the display data of the created operation log 54a to the communication execution unit 12b. As another embodiment, the operation communication execution unit 52a may transfer the display data of the operation log 54a to the communication execution unit 12b when the load on the operation communication execution unit 52a is equal to or less than a predetermined capacity. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in communication failures due to the transfer of the display data of the operation log 54a. In addition, when the calculation processing unit 52 receives a setting value via the reception unit 56, for example, the calculation processing unit 52 may suspend the transfer of the display data of the operation log 54a. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the processing load of the calculation processing unit 52.

[0063] (C6) In the first embodiment, the ladder program 34a is given as an example of the PLC program. The PLC program is not limited to the ladder program 34a, and may be, for example, a program written in the SFC language.

[0064] (C7) In the above embodiment, the device reception unit 12e of the analysis device 10 provides operation screen data for displaying the operation screen 72a to the PC 70 that can communicate through the Internet INT, and receives a setting value used to control the target device 100 and an instruction to change the display mode of the operation screen 72a. In another embodiment, the device reception unit 12e may provide operation screen data to a display input device connected to the analysis device 10, and receive a setting value used to control the target device 100 and an instruction to change the display mode of the operation screen 72a. Specifically, the display input device includes a display and an input device. The analysis device 10 includes a connector to which a video cable that transmits a video signal is connected, and a connector to which an input device such as a mouse or keyboard is connected. The display and the input device may be connected to the analysis device 10, and the operation screen data may be provided to a display device directly connected to the analysis device 10 without going through the Internet INT. The display input device is not limited to a form composed of a display and an input device, and may be a touch panel or the like.

[0065] (C8) In the above first embodiment, the image creation unit 12a issues a request to create an operation log 14e as a history creation request to the communication execution unit 12b in a message M1 in response to the occurrence of an abnormal signal. The time when the message M1 is issued is not limited to the case where it is triggered by the occurrence of an abnormal signal or a trigger signal. The request to create an operation log 14e as a history creation request may be issued to the communication execution unit 12b at all times while the target device 100 is in operation. In other words, a form in which list display image data is created at all times while the target device 100 is in operation may be used.

[0066] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1...equipment control system, 2...PLC system, 10...analysis device, 12...arithmetic processing unit, 12a...image creation unit, 12b...communication execution unit, 12c...history management unit, 12d...device setting unit, 14...storage unit, 34a...ladder program, 14b...ladder data, 14c...time chart data, 14d...image data, 14e...operation log, 16...communication unit, 30...control device, 32...numerical calculation unit, 34...PLC, 36...communication unit, 50...operation panel, 52...arithmetic processing unit, 52a...operation communication execution unit, 52b...operation history Management unit, 54...storage unit, 54a...operation log, 56...reception unit, 56a...display unit, 56b...operation unit, 56c, 72a...operation screen, 58...communication unit, 70...PC, 71...PC main body, 72...display unit, 73...communication unit, 81...HUB, 82...camera, 100...target device, 101...NC device, 102...peripheral device, IM10...list display image, IM12...captured image, IM14...time chart image, IM16...operation log image, IM18...ladder circuit image, IM20...time cursor, INT...Internet

Claims

1. 1. A PLC system comprising: A PLC and A calculation processing unit; A storage unit; A device reception unit, The PLC executes a program for the PLC to control a target device; The storage unit is PLC program data in which the PLC program and a time when the PLC program is executed are associated with each other; Image data of the target device, the image including the target device being associated with a time when the image was captured; and storing time chart data in which a time axis of a time chart of the PLC program and a time at which the PLC program is executed are associated with each other; the device receiving unit provides operation screen data for displaying an operation screen, and performs at least one of receiving a setting value used to control the target device and receiving an instruction for a display mode of the operation screen; the target device includes at least one operation panel that accepts operations for the target device; The arithmetic processing unit is a history management unit that stores in the storage unit a first change history that is a change history of at least one of the change in the setting value and the change in the display mode of the operation screen that are accepted by the device acceptance unit; a communication execution unit that displays the operation screen and acquires a second change history stored in an operation panel storage unit that stores a second change history, the second change history being a change history of at least one of a change in the setting value accepted via the operation panel and a change in a display mode of the operation screen; A PLC system having (i) at least one of the first change history and the second change history, (ii) the program for the PLC, (iii) the image, and (iv) an image creation unit that creates list display image data for displaying the time chart in a list in correspondence with time.

2. 2. The PLC system of claim 1, A communication unit for performing communication through a network is further provided, The device reception unit provides the operation screen data to a display input device communicably connected to the network.

3. 2. The PLC system of claim 1, the arithmetic processing unit further includes a device setting unit that sets an acceptance device that accepts changes to the setting value to either the operation panel or a display input device to which the operation screen data is provided, The image creation unit issues a history creation request to the communication execution unit, a PLC system in which, when the communication execution unit receives the history creation request, if the device setting unit has set the reception device as the display input device, it requests the history management unit to transfer the first change history and transfers the received first change history to the image creation unit, and, if the device setting unit has set the reception device as the operation panel, it requests the operation panel to transfer the second change history and transfers the received second change history to the image creation unit.

4. 2. The PLC system of claim 1, the first change history and the second change history are data in which a time at which an operation for the target device was accepted is associated with the accepted setting value, The image creation unit issues a history creation request to the communication execution unit, when receiving the history creation request, the communication execution unit requests the history management unit to transfer the first change history and requests the operation panel to transfer the second change history, and transfers the received first change history and the second change history to the image creation unit; The image creation unit creates an integrated change history by chronologically rearranging the setting values ​​included in the first change history and the setting values ​​included in the second change history according to the times associated with each of them, and creates the list display image data so that the integrated change history is displayed.

5. 2. The PLC system of claim 1, the first change history and the second change history are data in which a time at which an operation for the target device was accepted is associated with the accepted setting value, The target device includes a plurality of the operation panels, When creating the list display image data, the image creation unit issues a history creation request to the communication execution unit; When the communication execution unit receives the history creation request, the communication execution unit requests each of the plurality of operation panels to transfer the second change history, and receives a plurality of the second change histories transferred from each of the plurality of operation panels; The image creation unit creates an integrated change history by chronologically rearranging the setting values ​​included in each of the multiple second change histories according to the time associated with each of them, and creates the list display image data so that the integrated change history is displayed.

6. 6. A PLC system according to claim 1, The image creation unit creates the list display image data when it receives at least one of an abnormality signal generated in the target device and a preset trigger signal.

7. 6. A PLC system according to claim 1, The operation panel has an operation panel operation screen and an operation button, The second change history includes operations on the operation panel operation screen and operations on the operation buttons.

8. 2. The PLC system of claim 1, A PLC system in which, when the communication execution unit receives a backup request that is a backup request received by the device receiving unit and is a request to transfer backup data of the target device stored in the operation panel, the communication execution unit requests the operation panel to transfer the backup data.

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