Diagnosis system and diagnosis method for distributed control system

Abstract

To reduce development costs by automating the soundness diagnosis of a distributed control system.SOLUTION: The diagnosis system diagnoses soundness of a diagnosis target including at least a part of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system. An analog command value is set to an analog device for inputting an analog test signal to a diagnostic object, and an analog measurement value in the diagnostic object is acquired. By comparing the analog command value and the analog measurement value, the soundness of the diagnosis target is diagnosed. The analog device and the analog command value setting unit can communicate with each other in a common library format.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a diagnostic system and method for a distributed control system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as a control system that handles relatively large-scale control objects such as plant facilities, a so-called distributed control system (DCS) is known, in which control is performed by multiple control modules that work together to provide control for each of the components of the control object and each of the functions to be realized (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-199658 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When developing control modules to be included in multiple distributed control systems, as in Patent Document 1, it is common to create a small-scale configuration consisting of some of the control modules and connect measuring instruments such as signal generators and current / voltage meters to that configuration to verify its operation. Development based on a configuration consisting of a combination of such control modules tends to increase costs and time due to the wide variety of control module combinations. In particular, since the total production volume of systems that control plant equipment is small, whether or not development costs can be reduced by streamlining such development processes has a significant impact on the market competitiveness of the product.

[0005] For example, automation using RPA (Robotic Process Automation) technology has been verified for operational verification during the development stage of control systems. However, there is a wide variety of CPU module types, system configurations, operation screens based on control logic, and data acquisition locations used in distributed control systems. Therefore, when verifying a combination of control modules, automation is only possible for combinations with the same or similar configurations, and the current situation is that sufficient efficiency is not being achieved.

[0006] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a diagnostic system and diagnostic method for a distributed control system that can effectively reduce development costs by automating the health diagnosis of a distributed control system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, an analog device for inputting an analog test signal to the object to be diagnosed; an analog command value setting unit for setting an analog command value of the analog test signal for the analog device; a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value input to the object to be diagnosed; Equipped with The analog device and the analog command value setting unit can communicate with each other using a common library format.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, an analog device for measuring an analog test signal output from the object to be diagnosed; an analog measurement value acquisition unit for acquiring an analog measurement value measured by the analog device for the analog test signal output from the diagnosis target based on an analog command value; a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value; Equipped with The analog device and the measurement value acquisition unit can communicate with each other in a common library format.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, a diagnostic method for a distributed control system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A diagnostic method for a distributed control system, which diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a part of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, applying an analog test signal to the object to be diagnosed; setting an analog command value of the analog test signal for the analog device; a step of diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value input to the object to be diagnosed; Equipped with The operation of the analog device and the setting of the analog command value are performed in communication with each other in a common library format.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a diagnostic method for a distributed control system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A diagnostic method for a distributed control system, which diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a part of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, measuring an analog test signal output from the diagnostic object; acquiring an analog measurement value measured by the analog device for the analog test signal output from the diagnostic object based on an analog command value; a step of diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value and the analog measurement value; Equipped with The operation of the analog device and the acquisition of the analog measurement values ​​communicate with each other in a common library format. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a diagnostic system and a diagnostic method for a distributed control system that can effectively reduce development costs by automating the health diagnosis of a distributed control system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a diagnostic system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the diagnostic system 1 of FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an analog input test performed by a diagnostic system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an analog output test performed by a diagnostic system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a digital input test performed by a diagnostic system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a digital output test performed by a diagnostic system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the configurations described as the embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a diagnostic system 1 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the diagnostic system 1 of FIG.

[0015] The diagnostic system 1 handles a distributed control system 2 (DCS) for controlling plant equipment (not shown) as the diagnostic target. The distributed control system 2 is a system for controlling the plant equipment by acquiring data from the plant equipment (not shown) that is the control target, performing arithmetic processing on the data according to the control content, and transmitting control signals based on the arithmetic processing results.

[0016] The distributed control system 2 includes a plurality of control modules 4, an MPS 6, an EMS 8, an OPS 10, and an ACS 12. These components can cooperate to control plant equipment by communicating with each other via a communication network 14. Each of these components of the distributed control system 2 is configured by an electronic computing device such as a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0017] Each control module 4 is provided for each component device to be controlled and each function to be realized, and includes at least one IO module 16 and an IO adapter 18. The IO module 16 is an input / output interface for inputting and outputting various data required for the arithmetic processing in the control module 4 to and from the plant equipment to be controlled. Since the arithmetic processing of the control module 4 generally requires input of multiple types of data, the control module 4 has a number of IO modules 16 corresponding to the types of input data. The IO adapter 18 is also an input / output interface for inputting and outputting various data required between the MPS 6, which is a higher-level control device, and other control modules 4. In other words, the IO adapter 18 functions as an interface when the control module 4 communicates with other components in the distributed control system 2.

[0018] The MPS 6 is a higher-level control unit that comprehensively controls multiple control modules 4 and performs arithmetic processing based on various data exchanged with each control module 4. The MPS 6 is designed in an object-oriented manner, and includes, for example, classes representing the control logic itself and its internal state, classes controlling input and output from fields, and classes for user control via the OPS 10 and screen display. The classes for user control via the OPS 10 and screen display typically have a method for user control via the OPS 10 and a method for screen display, but these may also be designed to implement the diagnostic method described below as polymorphism (i.e., a configuration may be adopted in which the user can input and output information required for the diagnostic device 100's calculations via the OPS 10). In this case, it is preferable to refactor the entire massive control program of the MPS 6 as needed to perform an orderly class design.

[0019] The OPS 10 is a terminal that can be operated and monitored by an operator, and can communicate with the MPS 6 via a communication network 14. It is configured to directly operate part of the calculation processing in the MPS 6 and to detect errors or alarms that exist in the processing logic of the MPS 6 by monitoring the information handled in the calculation processing carried out by the MPS 6. The ACS 12 is configured to file and save information about part of the process data of the calculation processing sent from the MPS 6 and errors or alarms detected by the OPS 10.

[0020] The diagnostic system 1 targets the distributed control system 2 having the above configuration as a diagnostic target, and includes a diagnostic device 100 as a computing device for implementing a diagnostic method described below. The diagnostic device 100 is also configured by an electronic computing device such as a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0021] In the following explanation, the diagnostic device 100 will be described as treating one specific control module 4 among the multiple control modules 4 included in the distributed control system 2 as the diagnostic target, but other control modules 4 or any combination of multiple control modules 4 can also be used as the diagnostic target in the same way.

[0022] The diagnostic device 100 is configured to be able to perform an analog input / output test for diagnosing the health of the analog input / output of the control module 4, and a digital input / output test for diagnosing the health of the digital input / output of the control module 4. The diagnostic system 1 includes a current source 104a and a current measuring device 104b as analog devices that cooperate with the diagnostic device 100 in the analog input / output test. The diagnostic system 1 also includes a digital data input device 116a and a digital data measuring device 116b as digital devices that cooperate with the diagnostic device 100 in the digital input / output test.

[0023] These analog and digital devices are connected to the distributed control system 2, which is the target of diagnosis, and the diagnostic device 100 in a library format that allows communication between them regardless of the physical interface (e.g., RS-232C, GP-IB, LAN, USB, etc.). This library format can use, for example, VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) or ROS2 that can be used in C# or C++. In this embodiment, since diagnostic device 100 is connected in a library format, security measures such as password authentication may be implemented to ensure security from the outside.

[0024] The current source 104a is an analog device for supplying an analog current to be input to the control module 4 in an analog input test. The current value of the analog current output from the current source 104a can be set based on an analog command value transmitted from an analog command value setting unit 106. The current source 104a is connected to an analog input interface AI of the control module 4, thereby allowing the current source 104a to input an analog current to the control module 4. The analog current input to the control module 4 can be measured in the control module 4 and stored in the AI ​​memory 108a.

[0025] The current measuring device 104b is an analog device (e.g., a digital multimeter) for measuring an analog current, which is an analog test signal output from the control module 4, in an analog output test. The current measuring device 104b is connected to the analog output interface AO of the control module 4 to measure the analog current output from the control module 4. The current value output from the control module 4 can be set based on an output command value stored in advance in the AO memory 108b.

[0026] The analog command value setting unit 106 is configured to set a command value (analog command value) relating to the analog current output by the current source 104a in an analog input test.

[0027] The analog measurement value acquisition unit 107 is configured to acquire an analog measurement value of the analog current output from the control module 4 in an analog output test.

[0028] In the diagnostic device 100, the analog command value setting unit 106 and the analog measurement value acquiring unit 107 are constructed in a library format common to the analog devices described above. That is, library formats such as VISA and ROS, which are de facto standards for measuring instruments such as analog devices, are extended and applied to the communication network 14. As a result, the diagnostic device 100 can unify a series of operations required for diagnosing the health of the object to be diagnosed with communication with the analog device, which is a measuring instrument, regardless of the type or configuration of the object to be diagnosed, and can efficiently perform a health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed through automated measurement.

[0029] The digital data input device 116a is a digital device for inputting predetermined digital data as a digital test signal to the control module 4 in a digital input test. The digital data input by the digital data input device 116a can be set based on a digital command value transmitted from the digital command value setting unit 112. The digital data input device 116a is connected to the digital input interface DI of the control module 4, thereby enabling digital data to be input from the digital data input device 116a to the control module 4. The digital data input to the control module 4 can be measured in the control module 4 and stored in the DI memory 108c.

[0030] The digital data measuring device 116b is a digital device for measuring digital data, which is a digital test signal output from the control module 4, in a digital output test. The digital data measuring device 116b is connected to the digital output interface DO of the control module 4, thereby measuring the digital data output from the control module 4. The digital data output from the control module 4 can be set based on an output command value stored in advance in the DO memory 108d.

[0031] The digital command value setting unit 112 is configured to set a command value (digital command value) related to the digital test signal output by the digital data input device 116a in a digital input test.

[0032] The digital measurement value acquiring unit 114 is configured to acquire the digital measurement value measured by the digital data measuring device 116b in the digital output test.

[0033] In the diagnostic device 100, the digital command value setting unit 112 and the digital measurement value acquiring unit 114 are constructed in a library format common to the digital devices described above. That is, library formats such as VISA and ROS, which are de facto standards for measuring instruments such as digital devices, are extended and applied to the communication network 14. As a result, the diagnostic device 100 can unify a series of operations required for diagnosing the health of the object to be diagnosed with communication with an analog device, which is a measuring instrument, regardless of the type or configuration of the object to be diagnosed, and can efficiently perform a health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed through automated measurement.

[0034] The memory 108 is configured to store various data related to the arithmetic processing of the diagnostic system 1. In this embodiment, the memory 108 has multiple storage areas corresponding to the types of data. Specifically, the memory 108 includes an AI memory 108a for storing data related to analog input to the control module 4 that is the diagnosis target, an AO memory 108b for storing data related to analog output from the control module 4, a DI memory 108c for storing data related to digital input to the control module 4, and a DO memory 108d for storing data related to digital output from the control module 4.

[0035] The diagnosing unit 110 is configured to diagnose the control module 4 to be diagnosed. Specifically, in an analog input test, the soundness of the analog input characteristics of the control module 4 is diagnosed by comparing an analog command value set by the analog command value setting unit 106 with a measurement value measured by the control module 4 and stored in the AI ​​memory 108a. In an analog output test, the soundness of the analog output characteristics of the control module 4 is diagnosed by comparing an output command value of an analog current output from the control module 4 stored in the AO memory 108b with a measurement value of the analog current acquired by the analog measurement value acquiring unit 107. In a digital input test, the soundness of the digital input characteristics of the control module 4 is diagnosed by comparing a digital command value set by the digital command value setting unit 112 with a measurement value measured by the control module 4 and stored in the DI memory 108c. In addition, in the digital output test, the soundness of the digital output characteristics of the control module 4 is diagnosed by comparing the output command value of the digital data output from the control module 4 stored in the DO memory 108d with the measurement value of the digital data acquired by the digital measurement value acquisition unit 114. The diagnosis result by the diagnosing unit 110 is output as appropriate by an output device (not shown).

[0036] Next, a specific description will be given of the diagnostic method performed by the diagnostic system 1 having the above configuration. The diagnostic method has a plurality of test items according to the diagnostic items of the diagnostic target, and here, an analog input test for diagnosing the soundness of the analog input of the diagnostic target, an analog output test for diagnosing the soundness of the analog output of the diagnostic target, a digital input test for diagnosing the soundness of the digital input of the diagnostic target, and a digital output test for diagnosing the soundness of the digital output of the diagnostic target will be described in order.

[0037] An analog input test performed by the diagnostic system 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the analog input test performed by the diagnostic system 1 according to one embodiment. In the analog input test, a predetermined analog current is input as an analog test signal to the control module 4 to be diagnosed, and the test is performed to diagnose whether the analog current can be properly measured in the control module 4.

[0038] First, the analog command value setting unit 106 sets an analog command value, which is a setting value of an analog test signal, to the current source 104a, which is an analog device that outputs an analog test signal to the control module 4 (step S100). The analog command value set in step S100 is a setting value of the analog current output from the current source 104a.

[0039] The analog command value set in step S100 is transmitted to the current source 104a, which is a corresponding analog device, and is also stored in the memory 108 (step S101). By receiving the analog command value transmitted from the analog command value setting unit 106, the current source 104a outputs a current having a value corresponding to the analog command value to the control module 4. Furthermore, in step S101, the analog command value is stored in the memory 108, and thus the diagnosing unit 110 can access the memory 108 as described below to appropriately acquire the analog command value.

[0040] Next, the analog current output from the current source 104a is input to the control module 4, and an analog measurement value of the actual analog current detected by the control module 4 is obtained (step S102), and the analog measurement value is stored in the AI ​​memory 108a (step S103).

[0041] Next, the diagnosing unit 110 reads out the analog command value stored in step S101 and the analog measurement value stored in step S103 from the memory 108 (step S104), and compares them to diagnose the soundness of the analog input characteristics of the control module 4 (step S105). In step S105, the soundness is diagnosed based on whether the analog command value and the analog measurement value match. This diagnosis is performed, for example, based on whether the difference between the two is equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable error. As a result, if the analog command value and the analog measurement value match (step S105: YES), the diagnosing unit 110 performs a normal diagnosis (step S106). On the other hand, if the analog command value and the analog measurement value do not match (step S105: NO), the diagnosing unit 110 performs an abnormality diagnosis (step S107). The diagnosis results obtained in step S106 or S107 are output as appropriate via an output interface (not shown) (step S108).

[0042] In this way, the analog input test inputs an analog current from the current source 104a, which is an analog device, to the control module 4, and verifies the consistency between the analog command value to the current source 104 and the analog measurement value in the control module 4, thereby automatically diagnosing the health of the analog input function of the control module 4. In particular, setting the analog command value for the analog device and acquiring the analog measurement value of the diagnosis target are performed using a library format such as VISA or ROS, which is used for communication with analog devices, which are measurement devices. As a result, regardless of the type or configuration of the control modules that make up the diagnosis target, the series of operations required for health diagnosis of the diagnosis target can be performed centrally with communication with the analog device, which is measurement device, and efficient health diagnosis of the diagnosis target can be performed through automated measurement.

[0043] An analog output test performed by the diagnostic system 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the analog output test performed by the diagnostic system 1 according to one embodiment. In the analog output test, a predetermined analog current is output as an analog test signal from the control module 4 to be diagnosed, and the test is performed to diagnose whether the analog current can be properly measured by the current measuring device 104b, which is an analog device.

[0044] First, a command value (analog command value) relating to the analog current to be output from the control module 4 is set in the AO memory 108b (step S200).

[0045] The analog command value set in step S200 is read by the control module 4, and an analog current corresponding to the analog command value is output from the control module 4 and stored in the AO memory 108b (step S201). In step S201, the analog command value corresponding to the analog current output from the control module 4 is stored in the AO memory 108b, and the diagnostic unit 110 can access the AO memory 108b as described below to appropriately acquire the analog command value.

[0046] Next, the analog measurement value acquiring unit 107 acquires an analog measurement value of the current measuring device 104b for the analog current output from the control module 4 (step S202). The analog current output from the control module 4 via the analog output interface AO is input to the current measuring device 104b, whereby the analog current is measured. The measurement result of the analog current by the current measuring device 104b is transmitted to the diagnostic device 100 and stored in the memory 108 (step S203).

[0047] Next, the diagnosing unit 110 reads out the analog command value stored in step S201 and the analog measurement value stored in step S203 from the memory 108 (step S204) and compares them to diagnose the soundness of the analog output characteristics of the control module 4 (step S205). In step S205, the soundness is diagnosed based on whether the analog command value and the analog measurement value match. This diagnosis is performed, for example, based on whether the difference between the two is equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable error. As a result, if the analog command value and the analog measurement value match (step S205: YES), the diagnosing unit 110 performs a normal diagnosis (step S206). On the other hand, if the analog command value and the analog measurement value do not match (step S205: NO), the diagnosing unit 110 performs an abnormality diagnosis (step S207). The diagnosis results obtained in step S206 or S207 are output as appropriate via an output interface (not shown) (step S208).

[0048] In this way, the analog output test verifies the consistency between the analog current command value output from the control module 4 and the measurement value of the current measuring device 104b, thereby automatically diagnosing the health of the analog output function of the control module 4. In particular, setting the analog command value for the object to be diagnosed and acquiring the analog measurement value of the analog device are performed using a library format such as VISA or ROS, which is used for communication with analog devices that are measurement devices. As a result, regardless of the type or configuration of the control modules that make up the object to be diagnosed, the series of operations required for diagnosing the health of the object to be diagnosed can be performed in a unified manner with communication with the analog device that is measurement device, and efficient health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed can be performed through automated measurement.

[0049] A digital input test performed by the diagnostic system 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the digital input test performed by the diagnostic system 1 according to one embodiment. In the digital input test, predetermined digital data is input as a digital test signal to the control module 4 to be diagnosed, and the test is performed to diagnose whether the digital data can be properly measured in the control module 4.

[0050] First, the digital command value setting unit 112 sets a digital command value, which is an output setting value of the digital data, which is a digital test signal, to the digital data input device 116a, which is a digital device that outputs a digital test signal to the control module 4 (step S300). The digital command value set in step S300 is a setting value of the digital data output from the digital data input device 116b.

[0051] The digital command value set in step S300 is transmitted to the digital data input device 116a, which is the corresponding digital device, and is also stored in the memory 108 (step S301). By receiving the digital command value transmitted from the digital command value setting unit 112, the digital data input device 116a outputs digital data of a value corresponding to the digital command value to the control module 4. Furthermore, in step S301, the digital command value is stored in the memory 108, and as will be described later, the diagnosis unit 110 can access the memory 108 to appropriately acquire the digital command value.

[0052] Next, the digital data output from the digital data input device 116a is input to the control module 4, and the digital measurement value of the actual digital data detected by the control module 4 is acquired (step S302), and the digital measurement value is stored in the DI memory 108c (step S303).

[0053] Next, the diagnosing unit 110 reads from the memory 108 the digital command value stored in step S301 and the digital measurement value stored in step S303 (step S304) and compares them to diagnose the health of the control module 4 (step S305). In step S305, the health of the digital input characteristics is diagnosed based on whether the digital command value and the digital measurement value match. This diagnosis is performed, for example, based on whether the number of errors determined by comparing the two is equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable value. If the digital command value and the digital measurement value match (step S305: YES), the diagnosing unit 110 performs a normal diagnosis (step S306). On the other hand, if the digital command value and the digital measurement value do not match (step S305: NO), the diagnosing unit 110 performs an abnormality diagnosis (step S307). The diagnosis results obtained in step S306 or S307 are output as appropriate via an output interface (not shown) (step S308).

[0054] In this way, in the digital input test, digital data is input to the control module 4 from the digital data measurement device 116a, which is a digital device, and the consistency between the digital command values ​​to the digital data input device 116a and the digital measurement values ​​in the control module 4 is verified, thereby automatically diagnosing the health of the digital input function of the control module 4. In particular, the setting of digital command values ​​to the digital data input device 116a and the acquisition of digital measurement values ​​in the diagnosis target can also be communicated using a library format common to each configuration that cooperates with the above-mentioned analog devices. This allows the series of operations required for health diagnosis of the digital input of the diagnosis target to be performed centrally, and automated measurement allows for efficient health diagnosis of the diagnosis target.

[0055] A digital output test performed by the diagnostic system 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a digital output test performed by the diagnostic system 1 according to one embodiment. In the digital output test, predetermined digital data is output as a digital test signal from the control module 4 to be diagnosed, and the test is performed to diagnose whether the digital data can be properly measured by the digital data input device 116b, which is a digital device.

[0056] First, a command value (digital command value) relating to the digital data to be output from the control module 4 is set in the DO memory 108d (step S400). The digital command value set in step S400 is a setting value for the digital data to be output from the control module 4.

[0057] The digital command value set in step S400 is read by the control module 4, and digital data corresponding to the digital command value is output from the control module 4 and stored in the DO memory 108d (step S401). In step S401, the digital command value corresponding to the digital data output from the control module 4 is stored in the DO memory 108d, and the diagnosis unit 110 can access the DO memory 108d as described below to appropriately acquire the digital command value.

[0058] Next, the digital measurement value acquiring unit 114 acquires the digital measurement value in the digital data input device 116b for the digital data output from the control module 4 (step S402). The digital data output from the control module 4 via the digital output interface DO is input to the digital data input device 116b, thereby measuring the digital data. The measurement result of the digital data in the digital data input device 116b is transmitted to the diagnostic device 100 and stored in the memory 108 (step S403).

[0059] Next, the diagnosing unit 110 reads out from the memory 108 the digital command value stored in step S401 and the digital measurement value stored in step S403 (step S404), and compares them to diagnose the soundness of the digital output characteristics of the control module 4 (step S405). In step S405, the soundness is diagnosed based on whether the digital command value and the digital measurement value match. This diagnosis is performed, for example, based on whether the number of errors determined by comparing the two is equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable value. If the digital command value and the digital measurement value match (step S405: YES), the diagnosing unit 110 performs a normal diagnosis (step S406). On the other hand, if the digital command value and the digital measurement value do not match (step S405: NO), the diagnosing unit 110 performs an abnormality diagnosis (step S407). The diagnosis results obtained in step S406 or S407 are output as appropriate via an output interface (not shown) (step S408).

[0060] In this way, the digital output test verifies the consistency between the command values ​​of the digital data output from the control module 4 and the measured values ​​of the digital data measurement device 116b, thereby automatically diagnosing the health of the digital output function of the control module 4. In particular, the setting of digital command values ​​for the object to be diagnosed and the acquisition of digital measured values ​​in the digital device can also be communicated using a library format common to each configuration that cooperates with the analog device described above. This allows the series of operations required for health diagnosis of the digital output of the object to be diagnosed to be performed in a unified manner, and automated measurement allows for efficient health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed.

[0061] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a single control module 4 is treated as the diagnostic target, but at least some of the multiple control modules 4 included in the distributed control system 2 can be treated as diagnostic targets. For example, in a distributed control system that controls a plant, a control module 4 is provided for each piece of equipment that constitutes the plant, and these control modules 4 work together to control the plant. Therefore, the analog input / output or digital input / output functions of all or some of the multiple control modules 4 included in these control modules 4 may be verified using the diagnostic method described above, thereby automatically evaluating the performance of the cooperating control modules.

[0062] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0063] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0064] (1) A diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to one aspect includes: A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, an analog device for inputting an analog test signal to the object to be diagnosed; an analog command value setting unit for setting an analog command value of the analog test signal for the analog device; a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value input to the object to be diagnosed; Equipped with The analog device and the analog command value setting unit can communicate with each other using a common library format.

[0065] According to the above aspect (1), by comparing an analog command value relating to an analog test signal input from an analog device to a diagnostic object with an analog measurement value, which is a measurement value of the analog test signal in the diagnostic object, diagnostics of the analog input of the diagnostic object can be automated. In particular, setting of analog command values ​​for the analog device and acquisition of analog measurement values ​​in the diagnostic object are performed using a library format such as VISA or ROS, which is used for communication with analog devices that are measurement equipment. As a result, regardless of the type or configuration of the control modules that make up the diagnostic object, a series of operations required for diagnostics of the diagnostic object can be performed in a unified manner with communication with the analog device that is measurement equipment, and diagnostics of the diagnostic object can be efficiently performed through automated measurement.

[0066] (2) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (1), The analog device is a current source capable of outputting a current to the diagnostic object as the analog test signal.

[0067] According to the above aspect (2), a current source capable of outputting a current to the object to be diagnosed is used as the analog device used for diagnosing the soundness. As a result, by comparing an analog command value for the current source with an analog measurement value of the current measured in the object to be diagnosed, the soundness of the analog input of the object to be diagnosed can be appropriately diagnosed.

[0068] (3) A diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to one aspect includes: A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, an analog device for measuring an analog test signal output from the object to be diagnosed; an analog measurement value acquisition unit for acquiring an analog measurement value measured by the analog device for the analog test signal output from the diagnosis target based on an analog command value; a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value; Equipped with The analog device and the analog measurement value acquisition unit can communicate with each other in a common library format.

[0069] According to the above aspect (3), by comparing an analog command value related to an analog test signal output from the object to be diagnosed with an analog measurement value, which is a measurement value of the analog test signal in the analog device, it is possible to automate the diagnosis of the health of the analog output of the object to be diagnosed. In particular, the setting of the analog command value for the object to be diagnosed and the acquisition of the analog measurement value in the analog device are performed using a library format such as VISA or ROS, which is used for communication with the analog device, which is a measuring device. As a result, regardless of the type or configuration of the control module that constitutes the object to be diagnosed, the series of operations required for the health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed can be unified with communication with the analog device, which is a measuring device, and the automated measurement can efficiently perform the health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed.

[0070] (4) In another embodiment, in the above embodiment (3), The analog device is a current measuring device capable of measuring a current output from the diagnostic object.

[0071] According to the above aspect (4), a current measuring device capable of measuring the current output from the object to be diagnosed is used as the analog device used for diagnosing the soundness. As a result, by comparing the analog command value for the object to be diagnosed with the analog measurement value of the current measured by the analog device, the soundness of the analog output of the object to be diagnosed can be appropriately diagnosed.

[0072] (5) A diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to one aspect includes: A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, a digital device for inputting a digital test signal to the object to be diagnosed; a digital command value setting unit for setting a digital command value of the digital test signal for the digital device; a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the digital command value with the digital measurement value input to the object to be diagnosed; Equipped with The digital device and the digital command value setting unit can communicate with each other using a common library format.

[0073] According to the above aspect (5), by comparing digital command values ​​related to digital test signals input from a digital device to a diagnosis target with digital measurement values, which are measurements of the digital test signals in the diagnosis target, it is possible to automate the diagnosis of the digital input of the diagnosis target, regardless of the type or configuration of the control modules constituting the diagnosis target. In particular, the setting of digital command values ​​for the digital device and the acquisition of digital measurement values ​​in the diagnosis target can also be communicated using a library format common to each component cooperating with the above-mentioned analog device. This allows the series of operations required for the diagnosis of the digital input of the diagnosis target to be performed in a unified manner, and efficient diagnosis of the diagnosis target can be performed efficiently through automated measurement.

[0074] (6) A diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to one aspect includes: A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, a digital device for measuring a digital test signal output from the object to be diagnosed; a digital measurement value acquisition unit for acquiring a digital measurement value measured by the digital device for the digital test signal output from the diagnosis target based on a digital command value; a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the digital command value with the digital measurement value; Equipped with The digital device and the digital measurement value acquisition unit can communicate with each other in a common library format.

[0075] According to the above aspect (6), by comparing the digital command values ​​related to the digital test signal output from the diagnosis target with the digital measurement values ​​measured by the digital device, it is possible to automate the diagnosis of the digital output of the diagnosis target, regardless of the type or configuration of the control modules that make up the diagnosis target. In particular, the setting of the digital command values ​​for the diagnosis target and the acquisition of the digital measurement values ​​in the digital device can also be communicated with each component that cooperates with the above-mentioned analog device using a common library format. This allows the series of operations required for the diagnosis of the digital output of the diagnosis target to be performed in a unified manner, and efficient diagnosis of the diagnosis target can be performed efficiently through automated measurement.

[0076] (7) In another embodiment, in any one of the above (1) to (6), The library format is VISA or ROS.

[0077] According to the above aspect (7), by using a library format such as VISA or ROS, which is the de facto standard for communication with measuring instruments, the series of operations required for health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed are unified with communication with the analog device, which is the measuring instrument, thereby realizing automated measurement that can efficiently diagnose the health of the object to be diagnosed, regardless of the type or configuration of the control module that constitutes the object to be diagnosed.

[0078] (8) A diagnostic method for a distributed control system according to one aspect includes: A diagnostic method for a distributed control system, which diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a part of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, applying an analog test signal to the object to be diagnosed; setting an analog command value of the analog test signal for the analog device; a step of diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value input to the object to be diagnosed; Equipped with The operation of the analog device and the setting of the analog command value are performed in communication with each other in a common library format.

[0079] According to the above aspect (8), by comparing an analog command value relating to an analog test signal input from an analog device to the object to be diagnosed with an analog measurement value, which is a measurement value of the analog test signal in the object to be diagnosed, the diagnosis of the soundness of the analog input of the object to be diagnosed can be automated. In particular, the setting of analog command values ​​for the analog device and the acquisition of analog measurement values ​​in the object to be diagnosed are performed using a library format such as VISA or ROS, which is used for communication with analog devices that are measurement devices. As a result, regardless of the type or configuration of the control modules that make up the object to be diagnosed, a series of operations required for the soundness diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed can be performed in a unified manner with communication with the analog device that is measurement device, and the soundness diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed can be efficiently performed through automated measurement.

[0080] (9) A diagnostic method for a distributed control system according to one aspect includes: A diagnostic method for a distributed control system, which diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a part of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, measuring an analog test signal output from the diagnostic object; acquiring an analog measurement value measured by the analog device for the analog test signal output from the diagnostic object based on an analog command value; a step of diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value and the analog measurement value; Equipped with The operation of the analog device and the acquisition of the analog measurement values ​​communicate with each other in a common library format.

[0081] According to the above aspect (9), by comparing an analog command value related to an analog test signal output from the object to be diagnosed with an analog measurement value, which is a measurement value of the analog test signal in the analog device, it is possible to automate the diagnosis of the health of the analog output of the object to be diagnosed. In particular, the setting of the analog command value for the object to be diagnosed and the acquisition of the analog measurement value in the analog device are performed using a library format such as VISA or ROS, which is used for communication with the analog device, which is a measuring device. As a result, regardless of the type or configuration of the control module that constitutes the object to be diagnosed, a series of operations required for the health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed can be performed in a unified manner with communication with the analog device, which is a measuring device, and the automated measurement can efficiently perform the health diagnosis of the object to be diagnosed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Diagnostic System 2. Distributed Control System 4 Control Module 14. Communication Networks 16 IO Modules 18 IO adapters 100 Diagnostic equipment 104a Current Source (Analog Device) 104b Current measuring device (analog device) 106 Analog command value setting unit 107 Analog measurement value acquisition unit 108 memory 110 Diagnostic Department 112 Digital command value setting unit 114 Digital measurement value acquisition unit 116a Digital data input devices (digital devices) 116b Digital data measurement device (digital device)

Claims

1. A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, an analog device for inputting an analog test signal to the object to be diagnosed; an analog command value setting unit for setting an analog command value of the analog test signal for the analog device; a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value input to the object to be diagnosed; Equipped with A diagnostic system for a distributed control system, wherein the analog device and the analog command value setting unit are capable of communicating with each other in a common library format.

2. 2. The diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to claim 1, wherein the analog device is a current source capable of outputting a current to the object to be diagnosed as the analog test signal.

3. A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, an analog device for measuring an analog test signal output from the object to be diagnosed; an analog measurement value acquisition unit for acquiring an analog measurement value measured by the analog device for the analog test signal output from the diagnosis target based on an analog command value; a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value; Equipped with A diagnostic system for a distributed control system, wherein the analog device and the analog measurement value acquisition unit are capable of communicating with each other using a common library format.

4. 4. The diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to claim 3, wherein the analog device is a current measuring device capable of measuring a current output from the object to be diagnosed.

5. A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, a digital device for inputting a digital test signal to the object to be diagnosed; a digital command value setting unit for setting a digital command value of the digital test signal for the digital device; a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the digital command value with the digital measurement value input to the object to be diagnosed; Equipped with A diagnostic system for a distributed control system, wherein the digital device and the digital command value setting unit are capable of communicating with each other using a common library format.

6. A diagnostic system for a distributed control system that diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a portion of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, a digital device for measuring a digital test signal output from the object to be diagnosed; a digital measurement value acquisition unit for acquiring a digital measurement value measured by the digital device for the digital test signal output from the diagnosis target based on a digital command value; a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the digital command value with the digital measurement value; Equipped with A diagnostic system for a distributed control system, wherein the digital device and the digital measurement value acquisition unit are capable of communicating with each other using a common library format.

7. 4. The diagnostic system for a distributed control system according to claim 1, wherein the library format is VISA or ROS.

8. A diagnostic method for a distributed control system, which diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a part of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, applying an analog test signal to the object to be diagnosed; setting an analog command value of the analog test signal for the analog device; a step of diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value with the analog measurement value input to the object to be diagnosed; Equipped with A diagnostic method for a distributed control system, wherein the operation of the analog device and the setting of the analog command value are performed by communicating with each other in a common library format.

9. A diagnostic method for a distributed control system, which diagnoses the health of a diagnostic object including at least a part of a plurality of control modules included in the distributed control system, measuring an analog test signal output from the diagnostic object; acquiring an analog measurement value measured by the analog device for the analog test signal output from the diagnostic object based on an analog command value; a step of diagnosing the soundness of the object to be diagnosed by comparing the analog command value and the analog measurement value; Equipped with A diagnostic method for a distributed control system, wherein the operation of the analog device and the acquisition of the analog measurement value are performed in communication with each other in the form of a common library.

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