Control device

Abstract

To provide processing and a function required for data coordination.SOLUTION: A control device includes: a first communication interface for communicating with one or more servers which provide services; a second communication interface for communicating with a field device; one or more connectors each of which transmits / receives data according to a data format determined for each server by utilizing the first communication interface; one or more applications each of which executes processing based on data which are available in the control device; and a data model which relates one or more connectors to one or more applications. A first definition for generating data to be transmitted to a server from data, which are available in the control device, and a second definition for processing data received from the server can be set in the data model.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device capable of communicating with one or more servers. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, proposals have been made for data spaces that enable data sharing across borders and organizations. To realize such data spaces, there is a demand for data collection and utilization in production sites and other places.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-102668 (Patent Document 1) discloses a management system for quality control of manufacturing equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-102668 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The control device and the control system require processes and functions necessary for data linkage. The present invention provides the processes and functions necessary for data linkage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication interface for communicating with one or more servers that provide services, a second communication interface for communicating with field devices, one or more connectors that use the first communication interface to send and receive data according to a data format defined for each server, one or more applications that perform processing based on data available in the control device, and a data model that associates the one or more connectors and the one or more applications. In the data model, a first definition for generating data to be sent to the server from the data available in the control device and a second definition for processing data received from the server can be set.

[0007] According to this configuration, specific data can be transmitted from the control device to the server in accordance with the first definition, and specific processing can be performed on the data received from the server in accordance with the second definition, thereby realizing data linkage between the field device and the server.

[0008] The data model may include an asset management shell. This configuration allows a data model that complies with standards to be configured, thereby enhancing versatility and applicability.

[0009] The first definition may include a correspondence between a property indicating an element included in the data format and data to be set in the property. With this configuration, data conforming to a predetermined data format to be transmitted to a server can be easily generated.

[0010] The second definition may include a specification of a method for processing data received from the server. This configuration makes it possible to easily generate predetermined data from data received from the server.

[0011] The data model may further be capable of setting a third definition for defining a correspondence relationship between a target that reflects the processing result according to the second definition and the field device that is the target. With this configuration, even if the configuration of the field device changes, it can be accommodated by changing the third definition, thereby realizing a highly versatile software configuration.

[0012] The one or more connectors may be selected from multiple types of connectors prepared in advance and installed according to one or more servers. With this configuration, the necessary connectors can be freely set according to the servers with which the control device cooperates.

[0013] The control device may further include a time-series database that stores predetermined data. One or more applications may be able to use any data stored in the time-series database. This configuration enables data linkage using time-series data rather than instantaneous data.

[0014] In the control device, the one or more connectors and the one or more applications may perform the following processes: generate data conforming to a predetermined data format based on at least a portion of data acquired from the field devices in accordance with the data model, and transmit the generated data to a server; and generate a command by performing a predetermined process using the data received from the server, and transmit the generated command to a specific device among the field devices according to the received data. With this configuration, the server can process the data acquired from the field devices and feed back the results to the field devices.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a control system for controlling production equipment. The control system includes a control device, a support device connectable to the control device, and a download server that provides software installable on the control device. The control device includes a first communication interface for communicating with one or more servers providing services, a second communication interface for communicating with field devices, and one or more processors for executing the installed programs. The download server has one or more first programs responsible for data communication according to a protocol designated for each server type, one or more second programs for implementing processing based on data acquired from the field devices, and one or more third programs for implementing processing based on data acquired from the server. The support device installs a specified program from the download server into the control device in accordance with a user operation. During execution of the installed program, the second program and the third program can exchange data with any of the one or more first programs.

[0016] According to this configuration, one or more first programs corresponding to the protocol specified for each type of server can be installed at will, and any second and third programs can be installed regardless of the type of first program installed, making it easy to realize processing or functions for data linkage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the processes and functions required for data linkage are provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a control system according to the present embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a download server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a control system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the application of a control system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data stored in the time series database of the control device shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the data format transmitted by the control device shown in FIG. 5 to the cyber space. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the asset management shell included in the data model of the control device shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a download server according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the application of a control system according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram showing a modification example of a control system according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram showing still another modification example of a control system according to this embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] [[ID=第36]] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0020] <A. Overall Configuration Example of the Control System> First, an overall configuration example of a control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 1, the control system 1 includes a control device 100, a cyberspace 200, a field device 300, and a download server 400. A support device 500 may be connectable to the control device 100. The control system 1 has a function of controlling, for example, production equipment (such as a production line).

[0022] The control device 100 cooperates with a cyberspace 200 via a higher-level network 2. The control device 100 is connected to field devices 300 via one or more field networks 4. The field networks 4 may employ an industrial communication protocol. Examples of industrial communication protocols include EtherCAT (registered trademark), EtherNet / IP (registered trademark), DeviceNet (registered trademark), and CompoNet (registered trademark).

[0023] The control device 100 may be connected to a download server 400 via a local network 6 or a higher-level network 2.

[0024] The control device 100 executes control operations in accordance with a user program prepared in advance. The control operations may include sequence control, robot control, etc. The control operations include a process of issuing commands to the field devices 300 and a process of collecting data from the field devices 300.

[0025] The control device 100 includes functions for realizing various data links with the field devices 300 and the cyberspace 200. Details of the functions for realizing data links will be described later.

[0026] The cyberspace 200, for example, collects data output or generated by the control device 100 and the field device 300 and executes various processes. The cyberspace 200 can be configured, for example, using computing resources on the cloud. The cyberspace 200 includes one or more servers that provide services. In this specification, the term "server" includes not only an independent hardware configuration but also a logical configuration using computing resources on the cloud. The servers on the cyberspace 200 may include, for example, a data space 210, a data warehouse 220, and a virtual design environment 230.

[0027] The data space 210 provides a data infrastructure that can utilize a wide range of data. Examples of the data space 210 include Ouranos Ecosystem, Catena-X, and GAIA-X.

[0028] The data warehouse 220 stores various data in time series. The time series data stored by the data warehouse 220 may be used for, for example, carbon footprint management. The time series data stored by the data warehouse 220 may be input to AI (Artificial Intelligence) to perform various analyses and inferences. The data warehouse 220 may also be implemented as a DSF (Data Security Fabric) to prevent data leaks and data breaches without sacrificing flexibility in data utilization. The data warehouse 220 may be linked to a data lake.

[0029] The virtual design environment 230 reproduces the state of the production line in a virtual space based on data collected from the field devices 300 and the like (for example, a technology called Digital Twin). The virtual design environment 230 may include an environment that simulates the operation of the production line and the like based on the collected data.

[0030] In this way, the cyberspace 200 realizes various uses of data collected from the field devices 300 and the like.

[0031] The field devices 300 include devices that are directly connected to the equipment or machinery that is the target of control calculations by the control device 100, and devices that constitute at least a part of the equipment or machinery that is the target of control calculations by the control device 100.

[0032] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the field device 300 includes an input / output device 310, a robot controller 320, a safety controller 330, a vision sensor 340, and a temperature regulator 350.

[0033] The input / output device 310 collects data indicating values detected by the sensor 312 and transmits the collected data to the control device 100. The input / output device 310 receives commands from the control device 100 and provides an electrical signal to the actuator 314 based on the received command. The input / output device 310 may only have either a function of collecting data indicating values detected by the sensor 312 or a function of providing an electrical signal to the actuator 314.

[0034] The robot controller 320 drives the robot 322 according to commands from the control device 100 or according to a robot program stored in the robot controller 320. The robot controller 320 transmits data indicating the state of the robot 322 to the control device 100. The robot 322 may include a vertical articulated robot or a horizontal articulated robot.

[0035] The safety controller 330 executes safety control in accordance with IEC 61508 and the like. For example, when the safety controller 330 detects the occurrence of a failure or fault based on a signal from the safety device 332, it issues a command to the safety device 332 to take measures to prevent danger caused by the detected failure or fault. The safety device 332 includes a safety input device and a safety output device.

[0036] The vision sensor 340 performs various image processing operations based on the images captured by the camera 342, and transmits data including the results of the image processing to the control device 100. The vision sensor 340 changes image processing parameters and the like in accordance with commands from the control device 100.

[0037] The temperature regulator 350 performs PID control so that the detected value of a temperature sensor (not shown) matches a target value. The temperature regulator 350 transmits data including PID control state values (control value, command value, deviation, etc.) to the control device 100. The temperature regulator 350 changes the PID control parameters, etc., in accordance with commands from the control device 100.

[0038] For ease of explanation, an example in which only one device of each type exists as the field device 300 is shown, but the field device 300 may include multiple devices of the same type. Furthermore, the control system 1 does not need to include all of the devices included in the field device 300. The field device 300 is not limited to the devices shown in FIG. 1 and may include any device that functions as the field device 300.

[0039] The download server 400 stores applications and the like necessary for the control device 100 to cooperate with the cyber space 200. The download server 400 provides software that can be installed on the control device 100. For example, the download server 400 provides necessary applications to the control device 100 according to user operations and the like. The control device 100 installs and executes the downloaded applications.

[0040] The support device 500 executes processes such as the development of user programs executed on the control device 100, debugging in the control device 100, and online monitoring of the control device 100. The support device 500 can also download a specified program among the programs (software) possessed by the download server 400 to the control device 100 according to user operations.

[0041] <B. Hardware Configuration Example> Next, a hardware configuration example of the main devices of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0042] (b1: Hardware Configuration Example of Control Device 100) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the control device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the control device 100 includes one or more processors 102 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a memory 104, a storage 120, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller 106, a memory card interface 108, an upper network controller 112, and a field network controller 114.

[0043] The processor 102 reads out the program stored in the storage 120, expands it in the memory 104, and executes it, thereby realizing necessary processing in the control device 100.

[0044] The memory 104 is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0045] The storage 120 is a non-volatile memory such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The storage 120 stores a system program 122 and a user program 124. The system program 122 includes computer-readable instructions for executing basic processing of the control device 100. The user program 124 includes computer-readable instructions necessary for control calculations. The storage 120 also stores a data linkage program 126, which will be described later.

[0046] The USB controller 106 exchanges data with the support device 500 and the like in accordance with the USB standard.

[0047] The memory card interface 108 is configured to allow a memory card 110 to be attached / detached. The memory card interface 108 writes data to the memory card 110 and reads data from the memory card 110.

[0048] The upper network controller 112 exchanges data with the cyberspace 200 via the upper network 2. In other words, the upper network controller 112 corresponds to a first communication interface for communicating with one or more servers (cyberspace 200) that provide services.

[0049] The field network controller 114 exchanges data with the field devices 300 connected via the field network 4. That is, the field network controller 114 corresponds to a second communication interface for communicating with the field devices 300.

[0050] 2 shows an example in which the necessary processing is realized by the processor executing a program, but some or all of the functions handled by the processor may be replaced by hardwired circuits (for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array)). Also, an SoC (System on Chip) incorporating a processor may be employed.

[0051] In this specification, the term "processor" encompasses processors in the narrow sense, such as CPUs and GPUs, as well as hardwired circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs, DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips.

[0052] (b2: Cyberspace 200 hardware configuration example) Cyberspace 200 can be realized, for example, by using cloud computing resources. Since the implementation of cloud computing resources is well known, a detailed description will not be given here.

[0053] (b3: Example of hardware configuration for field device 300) The hardware configuration of each device included in the field device 300 is publicly known, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0054] (b4: Example of hardware configuration of download server 400) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of download server 400 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, download server 400 includes one or more processors 402, a memory 404, a storage 410, and a network controller 406.

[0055] The processor 402 reads out the program stored in the storage 410, expands it in the memory 404, and executes it. The memory 404 is a volatile memory such as DRAM and SRAM.

[0056] The storage 410 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk and a flash memory. The storage 410 stores the system program 412 and the download program group 414.

[0057] The network controller 406 exchanges data with the control device 100 and the like.

[0058] (b5: Hardware configuration example of the support device 500) The support device 500 is configured using, for example, a general-purpose personal computer. Since the configuration of a general-purpose personal computer is well-known, detailed description will not be given.

[0059] Software necessary to configure the support device 500 may be installed in the personal computer. The access from the support device 500 to the control device 100 may be realized by the installed software or by a general-purpose browser.

[0060] <C. Software configuration example> Next, a software configuration example of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a software configuration example of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the control device 100 cooperates with the data space 210 of the cyber space 200.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, the control device 100 includes a PLC engine 130, one or more connectors 140, and one or more applications 150A, 150B, 150C (hereinafter also referred to as "application 150").

[0063] The PLC engine 130 is a processing execution unit that executes control calculations in accordance with a user program. The PLC engine 130 includes a memory area for temporarily storing data collected from the field devices 300, instructions to be given to the field devices 300, and internal data used in the control calculations.

[0064] The connectors 140 correspond to the first program and are software components for accessing the cyberspace 200 (data space 210). Each connector 140 includes computer-readable instructions for transferring data to and from the cyberspace 200. The connectors 140 are responsible for data communication in accordance with a protocol specified for each type of server on the cyberspace 200.

[0065] The access protocols and data formats differ depending on the data spaces 210 present in the cyberspace 200. In the control system 1 according to this embodiment, the download server 400 stores one or more connectors 440. Each connector 440 corresponds to a data space 210 with which it is linked.

[0066] In this way, each of the connectors 140 uses the first communication interface (host network controller 112) to send and receive data in accordance with the data format defined for each server on the cyberspace 200.

[0067] A required connector 440 can be installed in the control device 100 from the download server 400 according to a user operation (for example, provided via the support device 500) or according to predetermined design information. If the control device 100 accesses multiple data spaces 210, multiple connectors 440 (connectors 140) may be installed. In the control device 100, one or more connectors 140 are selectively installed from multiple types of connectors 440 prepared in advance according to one or more servers on the cyberspace 200.

[0068] In this way, by providing one or more connectors 440 corresponding to the data space 210, the user can link the control device 100 and the data space 210 without being aware of the specifications (e.g., protocols, data formats, etc.) that depend on the data space 210 to be linked.

[0069] Each of the applications 150 includes computer readable instructions for performing various operations based on data available in the control device 100. Each of the applications 150 can cooperate with connectors 140 and other applications 150.

[0070] The applications 150 may include, for example, an application for executing processes related to information analysis, an application for executing processes for design support, and an application for control improvement.

[0071] The processing related to information analysis may include, for example, a process for inferring causal relationships, a process for detecting anomalies for predictive maintenance, and a process for calculating a carbon footprint. The processing for design support may include, for example, a process for realizing a digital twin. The processing for control improvement may include, for example, a process for optimizing a recipe and a process for idling stop.

[0072] In this way, the application 150 includes a program (second program) for implementing processing based on data acquired from the field device 300. The application 150 also includes a program (third program) for implementing processing based on data acquired from a server in the cyberspace 200. During execution of the installed programs, the application 150 (second program and third program) can exchange data with any of the one or more connectors 140 (first programs) (see FIG. 10 described below).

[0073] Of the one or more applications 450 stored in the download server 400, any application 450 may be installed in the control device 100.

[0074] The control system 1 may include a mechanism for managing licenses of the connector 140 and the application 150 installed in the control device 100. For example, the control device 100 may include a management application for determining whether there is a license for using the installed connector 140 and application 150.

[0075] The control device 100 includes a data model 160 that associates one or more connectors 140 and one or more applications 150. The data model 160 defines the relationship between the connector 140 and the application 150, and the relationship between the applications 150. The data model 160 may define a data format and a data interface.

[0076] When the connector 140 or the application 150 is installed in the control device 100, the data model 160 may be updated according to the meta-information included in the connector 140 or the application 150. The data model 160 may be updated according to a user operation or according to predetermined design information.

[0077] The data model 160 may be constructed according to, for example, an Asset Administration Shell, which is a standard specification of the data model. That is, the data model 160 may include the Asset Administration Shell.

[0078] <D. Application Example> Next, an application example of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0079] 5 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the application example shown in FIG. 5, the control device 100 calculates a carbon footprint based on data collected from the field device 300 and transmits the calculated carbon footprint to the cyberspace 200 (data space 210). The cyberspace 200 executes an analysis process based on the received carbon footprint. The control device 100 makes control improvements based on the analysis results from the cyberspace 200 or instructions from the cyberspace 200.

[0080] In addition to the connector 140, the control device 100 includes an application 150-1 for data collection, an application 150-2 for information analysis, and an application 150-3 for control improvement.

[0081] The application 150-1 sequentially stores data collected from the field device 300 in the time-series database 170.

[0082] 5, one or more connectors 140 and one or more applications 150 installed in the control device 100 generate data conforming to a predetermined data format 180 based on at least a portion of the data acquired from the field device 300, and execute a process of transmitting the generated data to a server in cyberspace 200. Furthermore, one or more connectors 140 and one or more applications 150 installed in the control device 100 execute a predetermined process using data received from the server in cyberspace 200 to generate a command, and execute a process of transmitting the generated command to a specific device among the field devices 300 that corresponds to the received data. These processes are executed in accordance with a data model 160, as will be described later.

[0083] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of data stored in time series database 170 of control device 100 shown in Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 6, time series database 170 stores values (data) indicated by one or more predetermined variables together with timestamps.

[0084] The data stored in the time-series database 170 can be set arbitrarily. The data stored in the time-series database 170 may be specified using an address in memory. The period in which data is stored can be set arbitrarily. The period in which data is stored may differ for each data (variable).

[0085] The application 150-1 may store the data collected from the field device 300 directly in the time series database 170, or may convert the data into different units before storing it in the time series database 170. The application 150-1 may also calculate some meaningful data from multiple pieces of data collected from the field device 300 and store the calculated data in the time series database 170.

[0086] One or more applications 150 installed on the control device 100 can use any data stored in the time-series database 170 .

[0087] 5, application 150-2 analyzes data stored in time series database 170. In the example application shown in FIG. 5, application 150-2 calculates a carbon footprint based on one or more pieces of data stored in time series database 170.

[0088] The carbon footprint calculated by application 150-2 is output in a predetermined data format 180. According to a data interface model 182, data conforming to data format 180 is passed to connector 140.

[0089] The connector 140 transmits data conforming to the data format 180 to the cyberspace 200 (dataspace 210).

[0090] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a data format 180 that the control device 100 shown in FIG. 5 transmits to the cyberspace 200. Referring to FIG. 7, the data format 180 includes a product carbon footprint 1802 and a carbon footprint 1804.

[0091] Product carbon footprint 1802 includes information for identifying the product whose carbon footprint is to be calculated. More specifically, product carbon footprint 1802 includes a product ID, a version number, a product description, the product's name, and comments.

[0092] Carbon footprint 1804 indicates information related to the calculation of the carbon footprint. More specifically, carbon footprint 1804 includes the reporting unit, unit production amount, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, emissions related to land use, emissions associated with land use changes, other emissions, biogenic carbon content, the start date and time of the reporting period, and the end date and time of the reporting period.

[0093] Note that data conforming to the data format 180 may be written in accordance with JSON (JavaScript Object Notation).

[0094] 5, the data space 210 performs analytical processing based on the received data (including the carbon footprint). The analytical processing performed by the data space 210 may include processing for improving control.

[0095] The connector 140 receives analysis results and / or instructions for improving control from the cyberspace 200. The data received by the connector 140 from the cyberspace 200 is output according to a data format 184.

[0096] Application 150-3 generates commands such as an idling stop command based on the data received by connector 140. For example, application 150-3 determines the time period or conditions under which the operation of the device is to be stopped. The commands generated by application 150-3 may include commands to change various parameters.

[0097] As mentioned above, the data model 160 may be constructed according to an asset management shell.

[0098] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the asset management shell 190 included in the data model 160 of the control device 100 shown in FIG.

[0099] The asset management shell 190 (data model 160) defines processes such as collecting data from the field devices 300, exchanging data with the cyberspace 200, and sending data (commands) to the field devices 300. The assets managed by the asset management shell 190 shown in FIG. 8 include one or more connectors 140 and one or more applications 150 installed in the control device 100. The assets managed by the asset management shell 190 may include the field devices 300 and the cyberspace 200. In other words, in this specification, the term "asset" encompasses hardware and software that are directly or indirectly involved in the data handled by the asset management shell 190.

[0100] The asset management shell 190 includes, for example, a header 192 and one or more submodels 194, 196, and 198.

[0101] The header 192 includes identification information 1921 of the asset targeted by the asset management shell 190 and identification information 1922 of the asset management shell 190. The header 192 may include one or more basic properties.

[0102] Each sub-model defines the relationships between assets. For example, in the asset management shell 190 (data model 160), a first definition can be set to generate data to be sent to a server on the cyberspace 200 from data available in the control device 100. Also, in the asset management shell 190 (data model 160), a second definition can be set to process data received from the server on the cyberspace 200.

[0103] 8, submodel 194 defines information related to connector 140. Submodel 196 defines control information. Submodel 198 defines configuration information. In this example, submodel 194 includes a first definition. Submodel 196 includes a second definition.

[0104] The submodel 194 defines the type of the data format 180 (see FIG. 7) and the data (variables) corresponding to each element. Specifically, each property of the submodel 194 may be each element (e.g., reporting unit, unit production volume, etc.) included in the data format 180. Each property is associated with corresponding data (variables). The submodel 194 (first definition) includes a correspondence between a property indicating an element included in the data format 180 and data to be set for that property. By defining such a correspondence between the property and data, data conforming to the data format 180 can be passed to the connector 140.

[0105] The submodel 194 defines a data interface. Specifically, each property of the submodel 194 may be a parameter name (e.g., a destination address or a connection number) required to pass data to the connector 140. Each property is associated with corresponding data (parameter value). By defining such a correspondence between the property and the data, data can be transmitted to the cyberspace 200 via the connector 140, and data can be received from the cyberspace 200.

[0106] The submodel 196 defines a method for calculating a carbon footprint, etc. Specifically, the properties of the submodel 196 correspond to at least some of the elements of the data format 180 (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels). The properties are associated with methods or functions for calculating values to be stored in the corresponding elements. The associated methods or functions may be called to calculate values to be stored in the elements using specified arguments, etc. The submodel 196 (second definition) includes a specification of how to process data received from a server in cyberspace 200. By defining such correspondences between properties and data (methods or functions), values required for reporting carbon footprints can be calculated from data collected from the field device 300.

[0107] The submodel 196 also defines control improvements to be performed based on analysis results or commands from the cyberspace 200. Specifically, properties of the submodel 196 correspond to at least some elements of the data format 184 of the data received from the cyberspace 200. The properties are associated with methods or functions to be executed based on the corresponding elements. The associated methods or functions are invoked to calculate commands to be given to the field device 300 based on specific values of the data format 184.

[0108] The sub-model 198 defines the configuration of each device included in the field device 300. The sub-model 198 may define a correspondence between a target that reflects a processing result (a calculated command) according to the control improvement defined in the sub-model 194 and the field device 300 that is the target.

[0109] More specifically, the property of the submodel 198 may be a variable (or abstracted identification information) (for example, a variable Motor) indicating at least some of the devices included in the field device 300. The property of the submodel 198 is associated with the address of the corresponding device (for example, an address assigned to the target device in the field network 4). By defining such a correspondence between the property and data (such as an address), it is possible to identify an actual device for a specified abstract device.

[0110] In addition to the above-described property and data associations, submodels according to the purpose are defined in the asset management shell 190. In each submodel, any property is defined.

[0111] <E.ダウンロードサーバ400> Next, download server 400 of control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0112] 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of download server 400 according to the present embodiment. As described above, download server 400 stores one or more connectors 440 and one or more applications 450. In response to a download request, download server 400 downloads the requested program (connector 440 or application 450).

[0113] The downloaded program (connector 440 or application 450) may include metadata, which may include information necessary to build the data model defined by the asset management shell 190 shown in FIG.

[0114] When the program is downloaded from the download server 400, the asset management shell 190 may add a sub-model or add properties or the like to an existing sub-model based on the metadata attached to the downloaded program.

[0115] By attaching metadata to the program, a data model for using the downloaded program can be prepared (or automatically) constructed.

[0116] <F. Multiple connectors 140> Next, a configuration example in which a plurality of connectors 140 are installed will be described.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another application example of the control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the control device 100 cooperates with the cyber space 200-1 and the cyber space 200-2.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 10, the necessary connectors 140 are installed in the control device 100 according to the number of cyber spaces to be coordinated. In the control device 100, each of the applications 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D can cooperate with both the cyber space 200-1 and the cyber space 200-2. [[ID=第十九]]

[0119] [[ID=二十二]]

[0120] [[ID=二十六]]

[0121] <G. Modification example> ​​In the above description, an example of a configuration in which the control device 100 has a function for executing control calculations and a function required for data utilization is shown, but these functions may be separated.

[0122] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 11, control system 1A differs from control system 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that first control device 100-1 and second control device 100-2 are provided instead of control device 100.

[0123] More specifically, the first control device 100-1 has a PLC engine 130 (see FIG. 4) and is mainly responsible for control calculations. The second control device 100-2 has one or more connectors 140 and one or more applications 150 (see FIG. 4) and is mainly responsible for data linkage with the cyberspace 200.

[0124] The first control device 100-1 and the second control device 100-2 are electrically connected via an internal bus 8.

[0125] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing yet another modified example of control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 12, control system 1B differs from control system 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that first control device 100-1 and second control device 100-2 are provided instead of control device 100.

[0126] 11, the first control device 100-1 is mainly in charge of control calculations, and the second control device 100-2 is mainly in charge of data linkage with the cyberspace 200.

[0127] The first control device 100-1 and the second control device 100-2 are electrically connected via a local network 10. The download server 400 may be electrically connected to the second control device 100-2 via the local network 10.

[0128] Not limited to the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 1, 9, and 10, any device configuration may be adopted. Also, the number of devices is not limited, and a control system including any number of devices can be configured. Therefore, in this specification, the term "control device" includes not only a configuration consisting of a single device but also a configuration in which a plurality of devices cooperate.

[0129] <H. Supplementary Note> The present embodiment as described above includes the following technical ideas.

[0130] [Configuration 1] A control device (100), a first communication interface (112) for communicating with one or more servers (210, 220, 230) that provide services, a second communication interface (114) for communicating with a field device (300), one or more connectors (140) that transmit and receive data according to a data format (180) defined for each server using the first communication interface, one or more applications (150) that execute processing based on data available in the control device, and a data model (160) that associates the one or more connectors and the one or more applications, wherein in the data model, a first definition (194) for generating data to be transmitted from the data available in the control device to the server and a second definition (196) for processing data received from the server are settable, a control device.

[0131] [Configuration 2] The data model includes an asset management shell (190), the control device according to Configuration 1.

[0132] [Configuration 3] 3. The control device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first definition includes a correspondence between a property indicating an element included in the data format and data to be set in the property.

[0133] [Configuration 4] 4. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second definition includes a specification of a method for processing data received from the server.

[0134] [Configuration 5] A control device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the data model is further capable of setting a third definition (198) for specifying a correspondence between a target that reflects the processing result according to the second definition and the field device that is the target.

[0135] [Configuration 6] The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the one or more connectors are selectively installed according to the one or more servers from among a plurality of types of connectors (440) prepared in advance.

[0136] [Configuration 7] Further comprising a time series database (170) for storing predetermined data; 7. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the one or more applications can use any data stored in the time-series database.

[0137] [Configuration 8] The one or more connectors and the one or more applications, according to the data model: generating data in a predetermined data format based on at least a portion of the data acquired from the field device, and transmitting the generated data to the server; A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, which generates a command by executing a predetermined process using data received from the server, and transmits the generated command to a specific device among the field devices according to the received data.

[0138] [Configuration 9] A control system (1) for controlling production equipment, A control device (100); a support device (500) connectable to the control device; A download server (400) that provides software that can be installed in the control device, The control device a first communication interface (112) for communicating with one or more servers (210, 220, 230) providing the service; a second communication interface (114) for communicating with the field device (300); one or more processors (102) for executing installed programs; The download server one or more first programs (140; 440) in charge of data communication according to a protocol designated for each type of server; one or more second programs (150; 450) for implementing processing based on data acquired from the field devices; and one or more third programs (150; 450) for implementing processing based on the data acquired from the server; the support device installs a designated program from among the programs stored in the download server into the control device in accordance with a user operation; A control system wherein, during execution of the installed programs, the second program and the third program are capable of exchanging data with any of the one or more first programs.

[0139] <I. Advantages> According to the present embodiment, one or more connectors corresponding to a server (data space, data warehouse, virtual design environment, etc.) on the cyber space 200 can be easily installed in the control device, and an application for realizing the processes and functions necessary for data linkage can be arbitrarily selected and installed. Since data can be freely exchanged between the one or more connectors and the one or more applications, the target processes and functions can be easily realized while maintaining high extensibility.

[0140] By using the pre-prepared connectors and applications, the target processes and functions can be realized in a shorter time and at a lower cost.

[0141] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Signs

[0142] 1,1A,1B Control system, 2 Upper network, 4 Field network, 6,10 Local network, 8 Internal bus, 100 Control device, 100-1 First control device, 100-2 Second control device, 102,402 Processor, 104,404 Memory, 106 USB controller, 108 Memory card interface, 110 Memory card, 112 Upper network controller, 114 Field network controller, 120,410 Storage, 122,412 System program, 124 User program, 126 Data linkage program, 130 PLC engine, 140,440 Connector, 150,150A,150B,150C,150D,450 Application, 160 Data model, 170 Time series database, 180,184 Data format, 182 Data interface model, 190 Asset management shell, 192 Header, 194, 196, 198 Submodel, 200 Cyberspace, 210 Dataspace, 220 Data warehouse, 230 Virtual design environment, 300 Field device, 310 Input / output device, 312 Sensor, 314 Actuator, 320 Robot controller, 322 Robot, 330 Safety controller, 332 Safety device, 340 Vision sensor, 342 Camera, 350 Temperature controller, 400 Download server, 406 Network controller, 414 Download program group, 500 Support device, 1802 Product carbon footprint, 1804 Carbon footprint, 1921, 1922 Identification information.

Claims

1. A control device, a first communication interface for communicating with one or more servers providing the service; a second communication interface for communicating with the field device; one or more connectors that use the first communication interface to send and receive data in accordance with a data format defined for each server; one or more applications that perform operations based on data available on the controller; a data model relating the one or more connectors and the one or more applications; A control device in which, in the data model, a first definition for generating data to be sent to the server from data available in the control device and a second definition for processing data received from the server can be set.

2. The control device of claim 1 , wherein the data model includes an asset management shell.

3. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first definition includes a correspondence between a property indicating an element included in the data format and data to be set in the property.

4. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second definition includes a specification of a method for processing data received from the server.

5. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the data model is further capable of setting a third definition for specifying a correspondence between a target that reflects the processing result according to the second definition and the field device that is the target.

6. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more connectors are selectively installed from among a plurality of types of connectors prepared in advance according to the one or more servers.

7. further comprising a time series database for storing predetermined data; The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more applications can use any data stored in the time-series database.

8. The one or more connectors and the one or more applications, according to the data model: generating data in a predetermined data format based on at least a portion of the data acquired from the field device, and transmitting the generated data to the server; A control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, which generates a command by performing a predetermined process using data received from the server, and transmits the generated command to a specific device among the field devices corresponding to the received data.

Images