Simulation device, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a simulation device, information processing method, and computer program that can reduce the man-hours required for the testing process in the development of monitoring and control systems, while also improving accuracy. [Solution] In a monitoring and control system including a controller capable of data communication with multiple devices and a monitoring and control device that monitors and controls the status of the devices, the simulation device 30 connected to the controller via a network includes a storage unit 32 that stores dedicated definition information for one or more communication protocols that the controller can use for data communication with multiple devices, a transmission type selection unit 313 that accepts the selection of a communication protocol to be tested from among one or more communication protocols, and a transmission processing unit 315 that transmits and receives signals with the controller using the communication protocol based on the dedicated definition information corresponding to the selected communication protocol.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a simulation device, an information processing method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] A monitoring control system for monitoring a plurality of devices includes, for example, a plurality of controllers that control the plurality of devices, and a central control device that performs overall monitoring control of the system via the plurality of controllers. For example, in a large building facility, there are various devices such as power facilities and air conditioning facilities, and a monitoring control system for collectively managing and controlling these plurality of devices has been introduced. The monitoring control system is connected to the above-described plurality of devices via a controller, outputs a control signal to the devices, and receives a signal indicating the operating state from the devices.

[0003] As a communication protocol used for communication between the monitoring control system and the devices to be controlled, it is desirable for the monitoring control system to support various communication standards such as FL-net, Modbus, BACnet MS / TP, and LonWorks. The more communication protocols that the monitoring control system can support, the more properties to which the monitoring control system can be applied, and thus more customers can be acquired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, when modifying the software of a monitoring and control system to ensure the quality of the services provided, it is necessary to test whether compatibility is maintained with each of the supported communication protocols in order to confirm that there is no impact on communication between the multiple devices controlled by the monitoring and control system.

[0006] During this test, it is necessary to prepare a separate slave device for each of the multiple communication protocols supported by the monitoring and control system. In other words, as the number of communication protocols supported by the monitoring and control system increases, the number of slave devices that need to be prepared also increases, and the setup of the prepared slave devices will require more steps and time.

[0007] Furthermore, because the setup of the sub-units is done manually, unintended settings may be introduced during the setup process, potentially leading to unexpected behavior during testing. The more units that need to be set up, the higher the probability of unintended settings being introduced, and if unexpected behavior occurs, it will require even more effort to investigate the cause. In addition, since the testers are not fixed, the test evaluation criteria may vary depending on the worker conducting the test, resulting in inconsistencies in quality.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention have been made in view of the above circumstances, and aim to provide a simulation device, an information processing method, and a computer program that can reduce the man-hours required for the testing process in the software development of a monitoring and control system, while also improving accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The simulation apparatus according to the embodiment is a simulation apparatus connected to a controller of a monitoring and control system which includes a controller capable of data communication with a plurality of devices and a monitoring and control device that monitors and controls the status of the devices via the controller, and comprises a storage unit that stores dedicated definition information for one or more communication protocols that the controller can use for data communication with a plurality of devices, a selection unit that accepts the selection of a communication protocol to be tested from among the one or more communication protocols that the controller can use for data communication with devices, and a transmission processing unit that transmits and receives signals with the controller using the communication protocol based on the dedicated definition information corresponding to the selected communication protocol. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a monitoring and control system to which a simulation device according to the embodiment is connected. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a simulation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the simulation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the simulation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation screen of the simulator run by the simulation device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration of a monitoring and control system to which a simulation device according to an embodiment is connected. The monitoring and control system is applied to facilities such as buildings. The monitoring and control system includes a controller 20 capable of data communication with multiple devices, and a monitoring and control device that monitors and controls the status of the devices via the controller 20. In Figure 1, the multiple nodes 21 connected to the controller 20 are, for example, equipment that controls the status of facilities such as power receiving and transforming equipment, air conditioning equipment, and sensors, and equipment such as measuring instruments that measure the status inside and outside the facility. The monitoring and control device 10 and the multiple controllers 20 are connected via a network NW1, such as a wired LAN, and are able to communicate data with each other. A predetermined communication protocol, such as BACnet / IP, is used for data communication between the monitoring and control device 10 and the multiple controllers 20 via the network NW1.

[0013] The monitoring and control device 10 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), and transmits control information based on user operations via an input device to multiple controllers 20 to control node 21. The monitoring and control device 10 also outputs information necessary for monitoring node 21, received from the controllers 20, to the user via an output device.

[0014] The controller 20 is connected to the monitoring and control device 10 via network NW1, and is also connected to multiple nodes 21 via network NW2, and controls the nodes 21 based on control information received from the monitoring and control device 10. The controller 20 also acquires information such as the settings of the nodes 21 based on requests from the monitoring and control device 10 and transmits it to the monitoring and control device 10.

[0015] Here, each of the multiple controllers 20 in the monitoring and control system is pre-configured to use one of several supported communication protocols for data communication with one or more nodes 21 connected via the network NW2. For example, in Figure 1, controller 20a is pre-configured to use FL-net as the communication protocol for data communication via the network NW2a. Multiple nodes 21a that use FL-net for data communication are connected to controller 20a. On the other hand, controller 20b is pre-configured to use BACnet MS / TP as the communication protocol for data communication via the network NW2b. Multiple nodes 21b that use BACnet MS / TP for data communication are connected to controller 20b. In other words, the configuration of the network NW2 can be selected appropriately depending on the communication protocol used for data communication between the controllers 20 and the nodes 21, and the connection configuration between the controllers 20 and the nodes 21.

[0016] Furthermore, the communication protocols that the controller 20 can support are not limited to the FL-net and BACnet MS / TP mentioned above, but may also be standard communication protocols such as Modbus and LonWorks, or even proprietary communication protocols of the manufacturer of the connected node 21.

[0017] Note that the configuration of the monitoring and control system shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and the configuration of the monitoring and control device 10, controller 20, and node 21 is not limited to this. For example, the monitoring and control device 10 of the monitoring and control system may be divided into multiple terminals depending on the application. Also, the monitoring and control system may have multiple controllers 20 that communicate data with the node 21 using the same communication protocol.

[0018] Next, the configuration of the simulation apparatus 30 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0019] The simulation device 30 simulates the operations of each node 21 that is a monitoring and control target of the monitoring and control system. Specifically, the simulation device 30 can utilize all communication protocols that the controller 20 can handle in data communication with the controller 20, and uses the selected communication protocol for the test target to transmit and receive signals with the controller 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the simulation device 30 is connected to the controller 20 of the monitoring and control system via the network NW2.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of the simulation device according to the embodiment. The simulation device 30 is, for example, a PC, and includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, an output unit 34, and a communication unit 35.

[0021] The input unit 33 acquires various information supplied from the outside of the simulation device 30. The input unit 33 includes, for example, a user interface such as a mouse or a keyboard for inputting various information (for example, change information such as numerical values of various settings of the simulation device 30 and information indicating an operation by the user (operation information)) operated by the user of the simulation device 30, and various sensors such as a microphone and a touch panel.

[0022] The output unit 34 outputs, for example, visual or auditory information presented to the user of the simulation device 30. The output unit 34 may include, for example, a monitor for visually supplying information to the user of the simulation device 30. Further, the output unit 34 may include voice output means for aurally supplying information to the user of the simulation device 30 such as a speaker.

[0023] The communication unit 35 transmits the information received from the outside to the components within the simulation device 30, and transmits the information received from the components within the simulation device 30 to the outside. The communication unit 35 can be communicably connected to the controller 20 via the network NW2.

[0024] In this embodiment, the communication unit 35 can utilize multiple communication protocols supported by the controller 20 for data communication with the controller 20 via the network NW2. The communication unit 35 communicates with the controller 20 using a communication protocol specified by the user, for example, via the input unit 33. That is, the communication unit 35 may have one or more communication interfaces that support multiple communication protocols available for data communication with the controller 20.

[0025] The storage unit 32 includes, for example, a main memory unit and an auxiliary memory unit. The main memory unit may include, for example, ROM (read-only memory) and RAM (random-access memory). ROM is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data, and can store data and various setting values ​​used by the control unit 31 in performing various processes. RAM can be used as a so-called work area to temporarily store data when the control unit 31 performs various processes. In this embodiment, the main memory unit is, for example, RAM and is used as memory.

[0026] The auxiliary storage unit is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium for the computer, with the control unit 31 at its core. Examples of auxiliary storage units include EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disk drive), or SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit can store data used by the control unit 31 for various processing tasks, data generated by processing in the control unit 31, or various setting values.

[0027] In this embodiment, the storage unit 32 stores a definition file 321, a dedicated definition file 322, and test scenario information 323.

[0028] Definition file 321 is a file that contains definition information for each of the multiple communication protocols available for data communication with the controller 20. Here, definition information refers to information used to identify the type of communication protocol.

[0029] The dedicated definition file 322 is a file that contains dedicated definition information for each of the multiple communication protocols that can be used for data communication with the controller 20. Here, dedicated definition information includes information on the rules such as the communication cycle and communication procedure specified in the communication protocol, and for each of the multiple communication protocols that can be used for data communication with the controller 20, information such as the number and type of signals that each of the one or more nodes 21 that perform data communication using the communication protocol transmits and receives with the controller 20.

[0030] The test scenario information 323 is information that includes one or more scenarios used in testing data communication with the controller 20. Here, a scenario is information that defines the processing of node 21, including conditional branching and time specifications when sending and receiving signals, which is set for each node 21. An example of a scenario is that a particular node 21 sends an ON signal for N seconds and then sends an OFF signal after N seconds have elapsed. Alternatively, an example of a scenario is that when a particular signal is turned ON, the corresponding other signal is turned ON.

[0031] The control unit 31 is typically a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but may also include a processor such as a microcontroller, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The control unit 31 can realize various functions of the simulation device 30 by executing programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the memory unit 32.

[0032] In this embodiment, the control unit 31 executes the simulator by running the computer program of the simulator software stored in the storage unit 32. Specifically, by executing the simulator, the control unit 31 functions as a simulator startup unit 311, a screen startup unit 312, a transmission type selection unit 313, a screen processing reception unit 314, and a transmission processing unit 315.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the simulation device according to this embodiment. The simulator startup unit 311 starts the simulator software. The simulator startup unit 311 starts the simulator based on an operation from the user, for example, via the input unit 33, instructing the user to start the simulator.

[0034] The screen activation unit 312 activates the simulator's operation screen. The screen activation unit 312 displays various operation screens that accept user operations on the simulator via the output unit 34. The simulator's operation screen includes a selection screen that accepts the selection of the communication protocol to be tested for data communication with the controller 20, an input screen that accepts the selection of the type of signal to be sent to the controller 20 and the input of setting values, and a display screen that displays the signal received from the controller 20.

[0035] The transmission type selection unit 313 accepts the selection of the communication protocol to be tested from among one or more communication protocols that the controller 20 can use for data communication with the device. The transmission type selection unit 313 refers to the definition file 321 and accepts the selection of the type of communication protocol to be used for data communication with the controller 20.

[0036] The screen processing reception unit 314, based on dedicated definition information, receives the selection of one or more devices that communicate with the controller 20 using the selected communication protocol, and the setting of signals corresponding to the selected devices, via the operation screen on the simulator. In addition, the screen processing reception unit 314 can accept the user's selection of a scenario by referring to the test scenario information 323.

[0037] The transmission processing unit 315 transmits and receives signals to and from the controller 20 via the network NW2 using a communication protocol selected by the user. As shown in Figure 3, the transmission processing unit 315 has transmission processing units 315a to 315d for each communication protocol that the controller 20 can support. When the user selects a communication protocol to be tested, the transmission processing unit 315 activates the transmission processing unit corresponding to that communication protocol and performs processing.

[0038] For example, if FL-net is selected as the communication protocol to be tested, the transmission processing unit 315 starts the FL-net transmission processing unit 315a. The FL-net transmission processing unit 315a refers to the dedicated definition file 322 and reads the dedicated definition information corresponding to FL-net. The FL-net transmission processing unit 315a transmits the signals set by the user to the controller 20 via the network NW2 using FL-net. The FL-net transmission processing unit 315a also outputs the information received from the controller 20 via data communication using FL-net in a format that can be recognized by the user.

[0039] The above describes the operation of the transmission processing unit 315 as an example when the selected communication protocol is FL-net, but the same applies when other communication protocols are selected as the target of the test. For example, if BACnet MS / TP is selected as the communication protocol to be tested, the transmission processing unit 315 will activate the BACnet MS / TP transmission processing unit 315b shown in Figure 3 and perform the same processing. Also, Figure 3 shows a simplified representation of the transmission processing unit 315, and the transmission processing unit 315 has a transmission processing unit that supports all of the multiple communication protocols that the controller 20 can handle.

[0040] Next, the operation of the simulation device 30 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0041] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the simulation device according to the embodiment. Below, as an example of the operation of the simulation device 30, the operation when a test signal is transmitted from the simulation device 30 to the controller 20 will be described.

[0042] First, as a preliminary step, the user configures the controller 20, which is connected to the simulation device 30, to communicate data with the simulation device 30 using the communication protocol under test.

[0043] The simulator startup unit 311 of the simulation device 30 starts the simulator in response to, for example, the power of the simulation device 30 being turned on, and begins the following processes.

[0044] The screen activation unit 312 activates the simulator's operation screen (step S1). The screen activation unit 312 activates a selection screen that allows the user to select the communication protocol to be tested for data communication with the controller 20.

[0045] The transmission type selection unit 313 accepts the user's selection of the communication protocol to be tested (step S2). The transmission type selection unit 313, for example, refers to the definition file 321 and displays a list of communication protocols that the controller 20 can support on the launched selection screen, and accepts the user's selection of the communication protocol to be tested. Once the transmission type selection unit 313 accepts the user's selection, it notifies the transmission processing unit 315 of the definition information in the definition file 321 corresponding to the communication protocol selected by the user.

[0046] The transmission processing unit 315 reads a dedicated definition corresponding to the selected communication protocol (step S3). The transmission processing unit 315 activates a transmission processing unit corresponding to the communication protocol identified in the notified definition information. The activated transmission processing unit refers to the dedicated definition file 322 and reads the dedicated definition information for the selected communication protocol.

[0047] The screen processing reception unit 314 waits for user input (step S4). First, the transmission processing unit reads the dedicated definition information, and then the screen activation unit 312 activates an input screen corresponding to the selected communication protocol.

[0048] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation screen of the simulator executed by the simulation device according to the embodiment. The screen activation unit 312 activates, for example, the input screen 40 shown in Figure 5, and the screen processing reception unit 314 waits for the user's selection on that screen.

[0049] The input screen 40 is a screen that accepts the selection of the type of signal to be sent to the controller 20 and the input of setting values. The input screen 40 includes a pull-down menu 41 for selecting a node, a tab 42 for selecting the signal type, a display 43 for setting the signal, a button 44 for executing the transmission of the set signal, a pull-down menu 45 for selecting a scenario, and a button 46 for executing the selected scenario.

[0050] The pull-down menu 41 displays one or more nodes 21 that utilize the selected communication protocol, and which the user wants to simulate the operation of in the simulator. For example, by operating the pull-down menu 41, the user can view a list of one or more nodes 21 that utilize the selected communication protocol and select one of the displayed nodes 21.

[0051] Tab 42 displays the signal type corresponding to the node 21 selected in the pull-down menu 41, and divides the screen according to the signal type. For example, the user can operate the screen corresponding to the selected signal type by selecting one of the signal types displayed in Tab 42. In Figure 4, Tab 42 displays tabs for digital, analog, and integrated as configurable signal types, but the types and number of these tabs may change depending on the selected node 21.

[0052] Display 43 shows the current value of the signal held by the node 21 selected in the pull-down menu 41. The user can set the signal status by manipulating Display 43. In the example shown in Figure 4, since a digital signal is selected in tab 42, ON / OFF information is displayed as the current value of the signal, and the user can switch the signal ON / OFF by clicking on the current value. For example, if an analog signal is selected in tab 42, a numerical value will be displayed in Display 43 as the current value of the signal, and the user can set the displayed numerical value of the signal. Note that in Figure 4, 20 signals numbered NO.1 to 20 are displayed in Display 43, but the number of signals may change depending on the selected node 21.

[0053] Button 44 is used to send the signals configured in the pull-down menu 41, tab 42, and display 43. For example, when a user clicks button 44, the signals configured in tab 42 and display 43 are sent to the controller 20 as signals originating from node 21 selected in the pull-down menu 41.

[0054] The pull-down menu 45 displays one or more scenarios corresponding to the node 21 selected in the pull-down menu 41, allowing the user to choose which scenario to execute. For example, by manipulating the pull-down menu 45, the user can view a list of scenarios corresponding to the selected node 21 and select one of the displayed scenarios.

[0055] Button 46 is used to execute the scenario selected in the pull-down menu 45. For example, when a user clicks button 46, information identifying the node 21 selected in the pull-down menu 41 and a signal corresponding to that node 21 are sent to the controller 20 according to the selected scenario.

[0056] Note that the input screen 40 shown in Figure 5 is just one example of a screen that accepts the selection of the type of signal to be sent to the controller 20 and the input of setting values, and the layout and display format of the input screen 40 are not limited to this. For example, the pull-down menu 41 may display something that identifies the node 21, such as the device name, rather than the number of the selected node 21. Also, the input screen 40 may not be divided into separate screens for each signal type using tabs 42, but may instead display all signal types on a single screen.

[0057] The transmission processing unit 315 transmits a signal set by the user to the controller 20 (step S5). The screen processing reception unit 314 inputs operation information indicating the user's operation on the input screen 40 to the transmission processing unit 315, for example, when button 44 or button 46 on the input screen 40 is clicked. For example, when button 44 on the input screen 40 is clicked, the screen processing reception unit 314 inputs operation information including the selected node 21 and the set value of the configured signal to the transmission processing unit 315. On the other hand, for example, when button 46 on the input screen 40 is clicked, the screen processing reception unit 314 obtains information on the scenario selected by the user by referring to the test scenario information 323, and inputs operation information including the selected node 21 and the obtained scenario information to the transmission processing unit 315. The transmission processing unit of the transmission processing unit 315 corresponding to the selected communication protocol transmits a signal to the controller 20 using the selected communication protocol based on the input operation information.

[0058] Subsequently, the control unit 31 receives a termination instruction (step S6). The control unit 31 determines that it has received a termination instruction, for example, when a specific area on the operation screen is clicked. If it determines that it has received a termination instruction (step S6: YES), the control unit 31 terminates the above operations. On the other hand, if it determines that it has not received a termination instruction (step S6: NO), the control unit 31 returns to step S4 and repeats the operations of steps S4 to S6.

[0059] The simulation device 30 according to the embodiment operates as described above, transmitting test signals to the controller 20 using the communication protocol under test. The user can check the status of the signals transmitted from the simulation device 30 to the controller 20 using the monitoring and control device 10, and can confirm whether data communication between the simulation device 30 and the controller 20 using the communication protocol under test is being performed normally.

[0060] The screen processing reception unit 314 may also be able to receive an operation to switch the communication protocol to be tested at any timing, such as between steps S3 and S4 or between steps S5 and S6, in the flowchart shown in Figure 4. If the control unit 31 receives an operation to switch the communication protocol to be tested, for example, it returns to step S2 and accepts the selection of the communication protocol to be tested.

[0061] Furthermore, while the above describes the operation when the simulation device 30 transmits a test signal to the controller 20, the simulation device 30 is equally capable of receiving a test signal transmitted from the controller 20.

[0062] For example, the user operates the controller 20 to send a test signal for a specific node 21 to the simulation device 30 using the communication protocol under test. Upon receiving the signal, the simulation device 30 displays the type of node 21 included in the received signal, the signal type, setting values, etc., on the simulator's display screen. By checking the display screen of the simulation device 30, the user can confirm the status of the signal sent from the controller 20 to the simulation device 30 and verify whether data communication between the simulation device 30 and the controller 20 using the communication protocol under test is functioning correctly.

[0063] Next, the effects of the simulation device 30 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0064] For example, when modifying the software of a monitoring and control system, it is necessary to perform tests to confirm compatibility with multiple communication protocols used by the controller 20 of the monitoring and control system for data communication. In such tests, the user must prepare at least one controller 20 connected to a monitoring and control terminal in the test environment, and prepare multiple nodes 21 corresponding to each of the multiple communication protocols that the controller 20 can support. After setting up the nodes 21, the user must test whether data communication can be performed normally between the controller 20 and the nodes 21.

[0065] As a result, the more communication protocols the controller 20 can support, the more nodes 21 are required for testing, and the more setup and other steps are involved. Furthermore, since the setup of nodes 21 is often done manually, the more setups required, the higher the possibility of unintended settings being introduced, and the higher the possibility of test results showing unintended behavior.

[0066] In contrast, with the simulation device 30 according to the embodiment, only the simulation device 30 needs to be connected to the controller 20 in the test environment, reducing the need to prepare and set up a large number of nodes 21. Furthermore, if the number of communication protocols that the controller 20 can support increases, definition information and dedicated definition information corresponding to those communication protocols can be set in advance. Therefore, the simulation device 30 according to the embodiment can reduce the man-hours required for the testing process in the development of a monitoring and control system, while also improving accuracy.

[0067] Furthermore, the simulation device 30 according to this embodiment can perform the process of sending and receiving signals defined in a scenario with the controller 20 based on a scenario stored in the test scenario information 323 of the storage unit 32.

[0068] For example, the criteria for judging test results may vary depending on the user conducting the test, which can lead to variations in quality. The simulation device 30 according to this embodiment is configured to allow the setting of scenarios, enabling the execution of operations defined in the scenarios between the simulation device 30 and the controller 20. The user conducting the test only needs to confirm whether the data transmission and reception were performed according to the scenario. Therefore, by using the simulation device 30 according to this embodiment, variations in quality due to the tester can be suppressed.

[0069] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred while stored on an electronic device, or it may be transferred while not stored on an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while stored on a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0070] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10...Monitoring and control device, 20...Controller, 21...Node, 30...Simulation device, 31...Control unit, 32...Storage unit, 33...Input unit, 34...Output unit, 35...Communication unit, 311...Simulator startup unit, 312...Screen startup unit, 313...Transmission type selection unit, 314...Screen processing reception unit, 315...Transmission processing unit, 321...Definition file, 322...Dedicated definition file, 323...Test scenario information

Claims

1. A simulation device connected to a controller, comprising a controller capable of data communication with multiple devices and a monitoring and control device that monitors and controls the status of the devices via the controller, The controller includes a storage unit that stores dedicated definition information for one or more communication protocols that can be used for data communication with multiple devices, The controller includes a selection unit that accepts the selection of one or more communication protocols available for data communication with the device, and a selection unit that accepts the selection of a communication protocol to be tested from among these protocols. A simulation device comprising: a transmission processing unit that transmits and receives signals with the controller using the selected communication protocol based on the dedicated definition information corresponding to the selected communication protocol.

2. The dedicated definition information further includes, for each of the one or more communication protocols that the controller can use for data communication with the multiple devices, information on the signals that each of the one or more devices that perform data communication using the said communication protocol transmits and receives between the controller and the controller. The system further includes a receiving unit that receives the selection of one or more of the devices that communicate with the controller using a selected communication protocol based on the dedicated definition information, and the setting of a signal corresponding to the selected device. The simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission processing unit transmits a signal set in the receiving unit to the controller using a selected communication protocol.

3. The memory unit further stores test scenario information, which includes multiple scenarios defining the signal transmission and reception processes to be set for each of the multiple devices. The receiving unit further receives the selection of the scenario to be executed from among the multiple scenarios corresponding to the selected device. The simulation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission processing unit transmits and receives signals with the controller based on the selected scenario.

4. An information processing method performed by a computer connected to a controller, comprising a monitoring and control system including a controller capable of data communication with multiple devices and a monitoring and control device that monitors and controls the status of the devices via the controller, The controller accepts the selection of one or more communication protocols available for data communication with the device, and the communication protocol to be tested. The storage unit retrieves dedicated definition information corresponding to the selected communication protocol. An information processing method that, based on the acquired dedicated definition information, transmits and receives signals with the controller using a selected communication protocol.

5. A computer program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method described in claim 4.

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