Control controller, setting method and setting program

Abstract

To efficiently implement engineering of an automation system.SOLUTION: A control controller comprises: a reception section for receiving a designation of identification information indicating a number identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of apparatuses or a number identifying a cable connecting the relay device with the control controller; a retrieval section for retrieving input / output information corresponding to the designated identification information from an instrumentation database correspondingly recording the identification information and input / output information of the plurality of apparatuses connected to the relay device; and a setting section for setting the retrieved input / output information to an input / output module of the control controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller, a setting method, and a setting program. [Background technology]

[0002] By introducing automation systems into plants, the processes for manufacturing various products are automated. When carrying out projects related to such automation systems, engineering work such as design, construction, and inspection is carried out based on design information received from customers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-046438 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventionally, it has not been possible to efficiently carry out engineering of an automation system.

[0005] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a controller, a setting method, and a setting program that enable efficient engineering of an automation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control controller according to one aspect has a reception unit that receives designation of identification information indicating a number that identifies a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number that identifies a cable that connects the relay device and the control controller, a search unit that searches for input / output information corresponding to the designated identification information from an instrumentation database that records the identification information in association with input / output information (e.g., IO information) of multiple devices connected to the relay device, and a setting unit that sets the searched input / output information in an input / output module (e.g., an IO module) of the control controller.

[0007] In one aspect, the setting method includes a computer that receives designation of identification information indicating a number that identifies a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number that identifies a cable connecting the relay device and a computer, searches for input / output information corresponding to the designated identification information from an instrumentation database that records the identification information in association with input / output information of multiple devices connected to the relay device, and sets the searched input / output information in an input / output module of a control controller.

[0008] A setting program according to one aspect accepts specification of identification information indicating a number identifying a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number identifying a cable connecting the relay device and a computer, searches for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records the identification information in association with input / output information of multiple devices connected to the relay device, and causes a computer to execute a process of setting the searched input / output information in an input / output module of the computer. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one embodiment, engineering of an automation system can be efficiently performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of an instrumentation database. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of P&ID data. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a DCN according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by a DCN according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of design information received from a customer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the controller, the setting method, and the setting program disclosed in the present application with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Each embodiment can be appropriately combined within a range that does not cause inconsistency.

[0012] (Embodiment) Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of design information received from a customer. As shown in Fig. 7, for example, design information 10 includes an instrumentation database 11, process flow diagram information 12, control function and safety function requirement specifications 13, operation philosophy, procedure, and alarm management requirements 14, and physical plant configuration 15. The instrumentation database 11 includes cable information 11a, instrument information 11b, and plant hierarchy 11c. The process flow diagram information 12 includes a P&ID (Piping & Instrumentation Diagram) 12a.

[0013] Conventionally, when engineering is carried out based on design information 10, there is work that is performed manually by an operator. For example, an operator refers to an instrumentation database 11 and sets IO (Input Output) for multiple controllers (hereinafter referred to as DCN: Distributed Control Node) that constitute an automation system, and constructs control loops for function blocks connected to the IO.

[0014] As described above, conventionally, when engineering is carried out based on the design information 10, the DCN settings are manually performed by an operator, and an automation system project cannot be carried out efficiently.

[0015] Furthermore, whenever a change occurs in the design information 10, the worker must refer to the instrumentation database 11 and reconfigure multiple DCNs, which places a heavy burden on the worker. The present embodiment will be described below.

[0016] (Overall composition) An example of a system configuration according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the system configuration according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, this system has a plant 1, an instrumentation database 50, P&ID data 60, a configuration management device 70, an authentication device 80, and DCNs 100a, 100b, and 100c. Although not shown in the figure, this system may further have another DCN other than the DCNs 100a to 100c (for example, it may further have a DCN 100d). The configuration management device 70 and the authentication device 80 may be realized by a single device.

[0017] The configuration management device 70, the authentication device 80, and the DCNs 100a to 100c are connected to one another via a control network 90. ​​The configuration management device 70 is connected to an instrumentation database 50 and P&ID data 60.

[0018] Plant 1 is a production facility for petroleum / petrochemicals, gas, iron / non-ferrous metals, chemicals, electricity, food and pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0019] A plurality of devices 2 are provided at various locations in the plant 1. The devices 2 are connected to field devices such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, pH sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, valves, pumps, and motors in the plant 1. The devices 2 are also connected to junction boxes 4a, 4b, and 4c.

[0020] A function block 3 is constructed in a DCN and controls a device 2. For example, a series of operations in which a function block 3 acquires information from a device 2 and controls another device 2 based on the acquired information is called a control loop.

[0021] The junction boxes 4a to 4c are connected to the DCNs 100a to 100c by multi-core home run cables 5a, 5b, and 5c, respectively. Although not shown, the plant 1 may further include junction boxes other than the junction boxes 4a to 4c. The junction boxes 4a to 4c are an example of a "relay device." For example, if the device 2 has a communication function, the device 2 may be connected to a relay device 4d having a communication function such as a network switch. In this case, the relay device 4d is connected to the DCN 100d by a communication cable 5d.

[0022] The junction boxes 4a to 4c connect electric cables and the like to the device 2. In the following description, the junction boxes 4a to 4c are referred to as "junction boxes 4" as appropriate. A junction box number (hereinafter, JB number) is set to the junction box 4 to identify the junction box. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the JB number of the junction box 4a is "JB-001." The JB number of the junction box 4b is "JB-002." The JB number of the junction box 4c is "JB-003."

[0023] The home run cables 5a to 5c are appropriately referred to as "home run cables 5." A home run cable number (HR cable number) that identifies the home run cable 5 is set to the home run cable 5.

[0024] The instrumentation database 50 associates JB numbers, HR cable numbers, and IO information. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the instrumentation database. As shown in Fig. 2, the instrumentation database has item numbers, JB numbers, JB terminal numbers, HR cable numbers, cable core numbers, IO information, DCN setting information, control parameters, and alarm thresholds.

[0025] The item number is a number that identifies a record in the instrumentation database 50. Note that the item number does not necessarily have to be included in the instrumentation database 50.

[0026] The JB number is a number that identifies the junction box 4. The JB terminal number indicates the terminal number connected to the device 2, among the terminal numbers on the device 2 side of the junction box 4. For example, the JB terminal number "1 / 2" indicates numbers 1 and 2.

[0027] The HR cable number is a number that identifies the home run cable 5. The cable core number indicates the core number of the cable used to connect the terminal on the DCN side of the junction box 4 to the terminal of the IO module of the DCN. For example, the cable core number "1 / 2" indicates the number 1 and the number 2.

[0028] The IO information includes a tag name, an IO type, a signal type, a measurement range, an industrial unit, etc. For example, the tag name is the tag name (Device Tag Name) of the device 2. The IO type is set to one of "AI (Analog Input)", "AO (Analog Output)", "DI (Digital Input)", and "DO (Digital Output)".

[0029] The signal type is a type of signal, and is set to, for example, "4-20mA" or "24VDC (Volts Direct Current)". The measurement range indicates a range that can be measured by the device 2. For example, the measurement range is set to, for example, "0 to 300". The industrial unit is set to, for example, "T / hr", "%, "PSIG", or other industrial unit.

[0030] The DCN setting information is setting information of the DCN connected to the junction box 4, and is notified from the DCNs 100a to 100c as described later. For example, the DCN setting information includes "DCN Assignment", "IO Channel Assignment", "Control System Tag", and "Function Block Type".

[0031] In DCN Assignment, the identification information of the DCN that assigned the corresponding JB number is set. In IO Channel Assignment, the channel number assigned to the IO module of the DCN is set. In Control System Tag, the tag name of the function block 3 related to the control loop constructed in the DCN is set. In Function Block Type, the type name of the function block 3.

[0032] The control parameters are various parameters set in the function block 3. The alarm threshold is a threshold that the function block 3 refers to when outputting an alarm. For example, the function block 3 outputs an alarm when a value output from the device 2 exceeds the threshold.

[0033] For example, the DCNs 100a to 100c can use the instrumentation database 50 to identify IO information corresponding to a JB number (or an HR cable number).

[0034] The P&ID data 60 is data that graphically represents various elements such as field devices in a plant 1, devices 2 connected to the field devices, function blocks 3, and piping.

[0035] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the P&ID data. For convenience, some of the devices, some of the function blocks, and some of the piping included in the P&ID data 60 will be described. The above-mentioned junction box 4 is connected to a plurality of devices 2.

[0036] The heat exchanger 61 is connected to pipes p1, p2, etc. For example, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is sent to the heat exchanger 61 through the pipe p1. The heat exchanger 61 adds heat to the LNG to return it to gas. The heat exchanger 61 supplies the gas using the pipe p2.

[0037] A sensor se1 for measuring the flow rate of LNG is installed in the pipe p1. Valves v1 and v2 for adjusting the flow rate of LNG are installed in the pipe p1. The sensor se1 is connected to a device 2-1. The valve v1 is connected to devices 2-2 and 2-3. The valve v2 is connected to devices 2-4 and 2-5.

[0038] The function blocks 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 are constructed within the DCN. The function block 3-1 is connected to the devices 2-1 and 2-3, and the function block 3-2. The function block 3-2 is connected to the function block 3-3. For example, the function block 3-1 acquires a measurement value of the flow rate of the pipe p1 from the device 2-1, and outputs control information for the valve v1 to the device 2-3 according to the measurement value. The device 2-3 adjusts the opening and closing of the valve v1 based on the control information. The flow rate of the pipe p1 is controlled by the function block 3-1 executing such processing. The series of processes in which the function block 3-1 acquires information from the device 2-1 and controls the device 2-3 based on the acquired information is the control loop.

[0039] For example, by using the P&ID data 60, the DCNs 100a to 100c can identify the connection relationship between the device 2 and the function block 3 and the control loop.

[0040] The configuration management device 70 manages the configuration of the system shown in Fig. 2. For example, the configuration management device 70 holds information set in the DCNs 100a to 100c connected to the control network 90. ​​In response to a request from the DCNs 100a to 100c, the configuration management device 70 transmits information related to the instrumentation database 50 and the P&ID data 60 to the DCNs 100a to 100c. Note that the DCNs 100a to 100c may directly access the instrumentation database 50 and the P&ID data 60 to acquire the information.

[0041] When a DCN is connected to the control network 90, the authentication device 80 authenticates the connected DCN. When the authentication device 80 receives an authentication request from a DCN, if the DCN that made the authentication request is a DCN that is to be permitted for connection, the authentication device 80 notifies the DCN of permission for connection. For example, it is assumed that information for identifying the DCN is set in the authentication request.

[0042] The DCNs 100a to 100c are connected to devices 2 via home run cables 5 and junction boxes 4, and perform data collection, monitoring, control command transmission, process optimization, etc. In the following description, the DCNs 100a to 100c are collectively referred to as "DCN 100."

[0043] The DCN100 in this embodiment accepts the JB number setting from an operator, and when connected to the control network 90, searches for IO information corresponding to the JB number based on the instrumentation database 50 and the JB number, and sets the searched IO information in the IO module of the DCN100.

[0044] When the IO information setting is completed, the DCN 100 searches for a control loop related to the device 2 having the tag name of the set IO information based on the P&ID data 60, and constructs a control loop within the DCN 100 by associating the tag name related to the control loop with the function block 3. When the DCN 100 constructs the control loop, it sets, in the function block 3, control parameters and alarm thresholds corresponding to the tag name of the function block 3 related to the control loop from the instrumentation database 50.

[0045] As described above, an operator simply sets the JB number for the DCN100, and the IO information is automatically set in the IO module and the control loop is automatically constructed, eliminating the burden of engineering that operators previously performed manually.

[0046] (Functional configuration) Next, a configuration example of the DCN 100 included in the system shown in Fig. 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the DCN according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the DCN 100 has an IO module 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, a control unit 150, and a communication unit 160. Note that the functional units of the DCN 100 are not limited to those shown in the figure, and the DCN 100 may have other functional units.

[0047] The IO module 110 has a plurality of channels for connecting to a home run cable 5 or the like. For example, the DCN 100 controls the device 2 of the plant 1 via the IO module 110. The DCN 100 also executes data communication with the configuration management device 70 and the authentication device 80 via the communication unit 160. The communication unit 160 may access the instrumentation database 50 and the P&ID data 60.

[0048] The input unit 120 inputs various information to the control unit 150 of the DCN 100. The input unit 120 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. An operator operates the input unit 120 to input a JB number or an HR cable number.

[0049] The worker checks in advance the relationship between the DCN 100 to be worked on and the junction box 4 to be connected to this DCN 100 (which JB number the JB should be connected to the DCN 100) by referring to the instrumentation database 50. Since the JB number and the HR cable number are entered in the instrumentation database 50, once the JB number is determined, the HR cable number is also determined.

[0050] The display unit 130 displays information output from the control unit 150 of the DCN 100 .

[0051] The storage unit 140 stores an IO information table 141, control loop information 142, and DCN setting information 143. The storage unit 140 is realized by a memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0052] The IO information table 141 holds IO information searched for from the instrumentation database 50 by the control unit 150. The IO information registered in the IO information table 141 is set in the IO module 110 by the control unit 150.

[0053] The control loop information 142 and the DCN setting information 143 are information generated based on the IO information registered in the IO information table 141 and the search results of the P&ID data 60, etc.

[0054] The control unit 150 is a processing unit that controls the entire DCN 100, and is realized by, for example, a processor. This control unit 150 has a reception unit 151, an authentication request unit 152, a search unit 153, a first setting unit 154, a construction unit 155, and a second setting unit 156. The first setting unit 154 and the second setting unit 156 are examples of a "setting unit".

[0055] The reception unit 151 receives the designation of a JB number or an HR cable number from the input unit 120. In this embodiment, a case where a designation of a JB number is received from the input unit 120 will be described, but the same process may be performed by receiving an HR cable number instead of the JB number. This is because, as described above, once the JB number is determined, the HR cable number is determined.

[0056] The reception unit 151 outputs the specified JB number to the search unit 153. In the following description, the specified JB number is referred to as a "specified JB number."

[0057] When the communication unit 160 of the DCN 100 is connected to the control network 90 in a hardware manner, the authentication request unit 152 validates the port number used for the authentication request among multiple port numbers that recognize the program used for communication, and invalidates other port numbers that are not used for the authentication request. The port number used for the authentication request is the port number used when the DCN 100 communicates with the authentication device 80.

[0058] The authentication request unit 152 makes an authentication request to the authentication device 80. For example, the authentication request unit 152 sets identification information for identifying the DCN 100 in the authentication request. When the authentication request unit 152 receives a notification of connection permission from the authentication device 80, it sets all necessary port numbers, among the multiple port numbers that have been disabled, to valid. It is assumed that the necessary port numbers have been set in advance by this setting program.

[0059] When the search unit 153 acquires the designated JB number from the reception unit 151 and receives a notification of connection permission from the authentication device 80, the search unit 153 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70. The search unit 153 searches for records in the instrumentation database 50 in which the same JB number as the designated JB number is set.

[0060] For example, when "JB-001" is specified as the specified JB number, the records with item numbers (1) to (4) in Fig. 2 are hit. The search unit 153 acquires IO information included in the hit record from the instrumentation database 50. The search unit 153 registers the acquired IO information in the IO information table 141.

[0061] The first setting unit 154 sets the multiple pieces of IO information stored in the IO information table 141 to each IO point (input / output channel) of the IO module 110. For example, the first setting unit 154 sets one piece of IO information to one IO point.

[0062] When the first setting unit 154 sets the IO information in each IO point (input / output channel) of the IO module 110, the first setting unit 154 registers the channel number (IO Channel Assignment) assigned to the DCN in the DCN setting information 143.

[0063] In addition, when the number of IO information stored in the IO information table 141 exceeds the number that can be set to the IO points of the IO module, the first setting unit 154 sets only the amount of IO information that can be set to the IO points, and requests the configuration management device 70 to set the remaining IO information that could not be set.

[0064] When the configuration management device 70 receives a request from the DCN 100 to configure the remaining IO information that could not be configured, it searches for other DCNs that have the same JB number as the DCN 100 that made the request, notifies the searched DCN of the IO information for which the request was accepted, and requests the DCN to configure the IO module.

[0065] When the setting of the IO information by the first setting unit 154 is completed, the construction unit 155 identifies the tag name of the device 2 included in the IO information set in the IO module 110. In the following description, the tag name of the device 2 included in the IO information set in the IO module 110 is referred to as the "set tag name."

[0066] The construction unit 155 accesses the P&ID data 60 via the configuration management device 70, and searches for a control loop having the same tag name of the device 2 as the set tag name, based on the set tag name and the P&ID data 60. For example, if the set tag name is the tag name of the device 2-1 described in Fig. 3, the control loop is the control loop of the device 2-1, the function block 3-1, and the device 2-3.

[0067] The construction unit 155 generates control loop information 142 in which the tag names of the devices 2 included in the searched control loop, the tag names of the function blocks 3, the IO types (AI, AO, DI, DO) of the devices 2 included in the control loop, the Function Block Types (PID, DC, etc.) of the function blocks included in the control loop, and the like are associated with each other, and registers the information in the storage unit 140. For example, a function block whose Function Block Type is "PID" is a function block that performs control (PID control) to calculate and adjust a control signal based on the difference (error) between the current state of the controlled object and the target state. A function block whose Function Block Type is "DC" is a function block that handles digital signals (DI, DO) that control a motor or the like.

[0068] The second setting unit 156 identifies the tag name of the function block included in the control loop based on the control loop information 142 generated by the construction unit 155. The second setting unit 156 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70, acquires the control parameters and alarm thresholds corresponding to the tag name of the identified function block, and sets them in the corresponding function block 3.

[0069] Furthermore, the second setting unit 156 specifies the relationship between the channel number assigned to the DCN (IO Channel Assignment), the tag name of the function block, and the Function Block Type based on the control loop information 142 generated by the construction unit 155, and registers it in the DCN setting information 143. The second setting unit 156 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70, and registers the relationship between the specified JB number and the DCN setting information 143 in the instrumentation database 50.

[0070] When the information in the instrumentation database 50 is updated and the worker wishes to change the JB number set in the DCN 100, the worker operates the input unit 120 to input the JB number again to the DCN 100. When the function units 151 to 156 included in the control unit 150 receive a new designated JB number from the input unit 120, they initialize the IO information table 141, the control loop information 142, and the DCN setting information 143, and execute the above process again. As a result, IO information corresponding to the new designated JB number is searched, and the searched IO information is set to each IO point of the IO module 110. In addition, the control loop information 142 and the DCN setting information 143 corresponding to the new designated JB number are also generated again.

[0071] When connected to a dynamic process simulation, the DCN 100 executes a function test on the function block 3 and outputs a test report.

[0072] (Processing flow) Next, the flow of processing by the DCN 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the DCN of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the receiving unit 151 of the DCN 100 receives an input of a JB number from the input unit 120 (step S101).

[0073] When connected to the control network, the authentication request unit 152 of the DCN 100 invalidates, among the multiple port numbers, port numbers other than the port number used for the authentication request (step S102). The authentication request unit 152 transmits an authentication request to the authentication device 80 (step S103). When the authentication request unit 152 receives a notification of connection permission from the authentication device 80, it sets all necessary port numbers to valid (step S104).

[0074] The search unit 153 of the DCN 100 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70, searches for IO information corresponding to the JB number, and registers the searched IO information in the IO information table 141 (step S105).

[0075] The first setting unit 154 of the DCN 100 sets the multiple pieces of IO information registered in the IO information table 141 to each IO point of the IO module 110 (step S106). If the number of pieces of IO information registered in the IO information table 141 exceeds the number that can be set, the first setting unit 154 executes a setting request for the IO information that could not be set to the configuration management device (step S107).

[0076] The first setting unit 154 generates the DCN setting information 143 based on the result of allocating the IO information to each IO point of the IO module 110 (step S108).

[0077] The construction unit 155 of the DCN 100 identifies the tag name (set tag name) of the device 2 included in the IO information set in the IO module 110 (step S109). The construction unit 155 accesses the P&ID data 60 via the configuration management device 70, searches for a control loop having the tag name of the device 2 that is the same as the set tag name, and generates the control loop information 142 (step S110).

[0078] The second setting unit 156 of the DCN 100 identifies the tag name of the function block 3 included in the control loop based on the control loop information 142 (step S111). The second setting unit 152 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70, and acquires the control parameters and alarm thresholds corresponding to the tag name of the identified function block 3 (step S112).

[0079] The second setting unit 156 sets the acquired control parameters and alarm thresholds in the function block (step S113). The second setting unit 156 identifies the relationship between the channel number assigned to the DCN 100, the tag name of the function block 3, and the Function Block Type based on the control loop information 142, and registers it in the DCN setting information 143 (step S114).

[0080] When the DCN 100 is connected to the dynamic process simulation, it executes a functional test and outputs a test report (step S115).

[0081] The second setting unit 156 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70, and registers the relationship between the designated JB number and the DCN setting information 143 in the instrumentation database 50 (step S116).

[0082] (effect) Next, the effects of the DCN 100 according to this embodiment will be described. When the DCN 100 receives a specified JB number (or HR cable number), it accesses the instrumentation database 50, searches for IO information corresponding to the specified JB number, and sets the searched IO information in the IO module. This allows an operator to simply set the JB number in the DCN 100, and the IO information is automatically set in the IO module, eliminating the burden of engineering that the operator previously performed manually.

[0083] When the DCN 100 is connected to the control network 90, it disables all ports other than the port number for which it makes an authentication request, makes an authentication request for connection to the authentication device 80, and enables the disabled port number if the connection is permitted by the authentication device 80. This allows only authenticated DCNs to connect to the control network 90, thereby increasing the security level.

[0084] The DCN 100 constructs a control loop based on the retrieved IO information and the P&ID data 60. This allows an operator to create a basic control loop simply by setting a JB number for the DCN 100.

[0085] When the number of retrieved IO information items exceeds the number that can be set in the IO module, the DCN 100 executes a setting request for the excess amount of IO information items to the configuration management device 70. This makes it possible to efficiently allocate the settings of IO information items.

[0086] The DCN 100 records the IO information set in the IO module 110 as DCN setting information 143, and sets it in the instrumentation database 50. This makes it possible to automatically set the allocation of IO information automatically set on the DCN side in the instrumentation database 50.

[0087] (Hardware) Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the DCN 100 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the example of the hardware configuration. As shown in Fig. 6, the DCN 100 has a communication device 6a, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 6b, a memory 6c, a processor 6d, and an IO device 6e. Moreover, each part shown in Fig. 6 is connected to each other by a bus or the like.

[0088] The communication device 6a communicates with the configuration management device 70, the authentication device 80, other servers, and field devices having communication functions. The IO device 6e is an IO module or the like, and is connected to the home run cable 5. The HDD 6b stores programs and DBs that operate the functions shown in FIG.

[0089] The processor 6d reads out a program that executes the same processes as the respective processing units shown in Fig. 4 from the HDD 6b or the like and loads it in the memory 6c, thereby operating a process that executes the respective functions described in Fig. 4 or the like. For example, this process executes the same functions as the respective processing units of the DCN 100. Specifically, the processor 6d executes a process that executes the same processes as the reception unit 151, the authentication request unit 152, the search unit 153, the first setting unit 154, the construction unit 155, the second setting unit 156, and the like.

[0090] In this way, the DCN 100 operates as a DCN that executes the setting method by reading and executing the program. The DCN 100 can also realize the same functions as the above-mentioned embodiment by reading the above-mentioned program from a recording medium using a medium reading device and executing the read-out program. Note that the program in this other embodiment is not limited to being executed by the DCN 100. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where another computer or server executes a program, or a case where these execute a program in cooperation with each other.

[0091] This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. This program can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk (MO), or a digital versatile disk (DVD), and can be executed by being read out from the recording medium by a computer.

[0092] (others) Some examples of combinations of the disclosed technical features are set out below.

[0093] (1) in the control controller, a reception unit that receives designation of identification information indicating a number that identifies a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number that identifies a cable that connects the relay device and the control controller; a search unit that searches an instrumentation database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of devices connected to a relay device in association with each other, for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information; a setting unit that sets the searched input / output information in an input / output module of the controller; A control controller having a control.

[0094] (2) The control controller described in (1) further has an authentication request unit that, when connected to a control network for accessing the instrumentation database, disables all ports other than the port number for which an authentication request is made, makes an authentication request regarding the connection to an authentication device, and, when the connection is permitted by the authentication device, executes a process of enabling the disabled port number.

[0095] (3) a construction unit that, based on information defining a connection relationship between the plurality of devices installed in a plant and the function blocks connected to the plurality of devices and the input / output information searched by the search unit, identifies a function block connected to a device corresponding to the input / output information, and constructs a control loop in which the devices and the function blocks correspond to each other; The controller according to (1) or (2), wherein the setting unit sets a control parameter and an alarm threshold value in a functional block.

[0096] (4) The control controller according to (1), (2) or (3), wherein the setting unit further executes a process of requesting a system management device to set input / output information for a number of devices exceeding the upper limit number when the number of devices corresponding to the input / output information exceeds the upper limit number set in the input / output module.

[0097] (5) A control controller described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the setting unit, when setting the input / output information in the input / output module, records the relationship between the channel of the control controller and the input / output information as setting information, and further executes a process of setting the setting information in the instrumentation database.

[0098] (6) the reception unit receives designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a junction box connected to a plurality of devices used in plant operation or a number for identifying a cable connecting the junction box and the controller; The search unit searches an instrumentation database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of devices connected to a junction box in association with each other, for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information; The setting unit sets the searched input / output information in an input / output module of the controller. The controller according to (1).

[0099] (7) The computer: accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer; Searching for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of devices connected to the relay device in association with each other; The retrieved input / output information is set in an input / output module of the computer. The setting method to perform the action.

[0100] (8) To the computer: accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer; Searching for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of devices connected to the relay device in association with each other; The retrieved input / output information is set in an input / output module of the computer. A configuration program that executes the process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Plant 2 equipment 3. Functional Blocks 100 DCN 110 IO Module 120 Input section 130 Display section 140 Storage section 141 IO Information Table 142 Control Loop Information 143 DCN setting information 150 Control section 151 Reception 152 Authentication Request Section 153 Search Department 154 First Setting Section 155 Construction Department 156 Second Setting Section 160 Communications Department

Claims

1. In the controller, a reception unit that receives designation of identification information indicating a number that identifies a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number that identifies a cable that connects the relay device and the controller; a search unit that searches an instrumentation database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of devices connected to a relay device in association with each other, for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information; a setting unit that sets the searched input / output information in an input / output module of the controller; A control controller having a control.

2. The control controller according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication request unit that, when connected to a control network for accessing the instrumentation database, disables all ports other than the port number for which an authentication request is made, makes an authentication request regarding the connection to an authentication device, and, when the connection is permitted by the authentication device, executes a process of enabling the disabled port number.

3. a construction unit that, based on information defining a connection relationship between the plurality of devices installed in a plant and the function blocks connected to the plurality of devices and on the input / output information searched by the search unit, identifies a function block connected to a device corresponding to the input / output information, and constructs a control loop in which the devices and the function blocks are associated with each other, The controller according to claim 1 , wherein the setting unit sets a control parameter and an alarm threshold value in a function block.

4. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit further executes a process of requesting a system management device to set input / output information for a number of devices exceeding the upper limit number when the number of devices corresponding to the input / output information exceeds the upper limit number set in the input / output module.

5. The control controller according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit, when setting the input / output information in the input / output module, further executes a process of recording a relationship between the channel of the control controller and the input / output information as setting information and setting the setting information in the instrumentation database.

6. The computer accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer; Searching for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records identification information and input / output information of a plurality of devices connected to the relay device in association with each other; The retrieved input / output information is set in an input / output module of the computer. The setting method to perform the action.

7. On the computer, accepting designation of identification information indicating a number for identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of devices or a number for identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer; Searching for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records the identification information in association with input / output information of a plurality of devices connected to the relay device; The retrieved input / output information is set in an input / output module of the computer. A configuration program that executes the process.

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