System configuration proposal device and system configuration proposal method

Abstract

To reduce the burden on a user when building a new system configuration for realizing what the user wants to do.SOLUTION: An input unit (21) receives selection by a user, of a case. A comparison unit (23) compares an existing system configuration of the user including a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) with a system configuration corresponding to the selected case. A display unit (22) proposes, on the basis of the comparison result, a new system configuration, including devices required for realizing the case, to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system configuration proposing device and a system configuration proposing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of factory automation (FA), various types of devices that share the work process are controlled. In order to link various controllers, remote I / O, and manufacturing devices used for work in a certain area such as a factory facility, industrial network systems, also called field networks, are constructed to connect these devices.

[0003] A typical industrial network system uses a master-slave network consisting of various slave devices and a master device. The slave devices are devices that control the equipment installed in the factory or collect data. The master device is a device called a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), for example, that centrally manages these slaves.

[0004] Conventionally, a technology for supporting a user of an industrial network system has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a design support device for a network system consisting of a master device and a plurality of slave devices, the design support device comprising: a design information storage means for storing design information including at least information on the slave devices and topology information in a network system designed by a user; an actual configuration information generating means for generating actual configuration information including at least information on the slave devices and topology information in the actual network system based on information collected by the master device from each slave device in the actual network system; a comparison means for comparing the design information with the actual configuration information; and an output means for generating a comparison screen showing the configuration of the designed network system and the configuration of the actual network system together with their similarities and differences based on a comparison result of the comparison means, and outputting the comparison screen to a display device.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a control system including a PLC and an information processing device, in which the PLC includes an interface unit that functions as an interface with an external device, and a CPU unit that controls the interface unit, the interface unit includes a relay element having a contact between an internal circuit and the external device, and a third storage unit that stores unit identification information that identifies the interface unit, and the CPU unit includes a first storage unit, a processor that counts the number of times the contact of the relay element is opened and closed, and stores opening and closing count information representing the number of times the contact is opened and closed in the first storage unit, and transmits the opening and closing count information stored in the first storage unit to the information processing device and transmits the unit identification information to the interface unit. a transmission unit that acquires information about the number of openings and closings from an interface unit and transmits it to the information processing device, the information processing device comprising: a second storage unit that stores PLC identification information that identifies the PLC, a program executed by the PLC, and a generation rule for proposal information that represents a proposal for arranging the interface unit; a receiving unit that receives the opening and closing count information and the unit identification information; a display unit; and a control unit that stores the opening and closing count information and the unit identification information received by the receiving unit in the second storage unit in association with the PLC identification information, analyzes the program to calculate a predicted value of the opening and closing count, generates the proposal information in accordance with the generation rule based on the calculated predicted value, and displays the generated proposal information on the display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-194631 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6732146 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, even if a user utilizes these conventional technologies, they cannot assist in designing a new system configuration that enables the user to realize what the user wants to do. Therefore, the burden on the user when constructing a new system configuration to realize what the user wants to do cannot be reduced.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to reduce the burden on a user when constructing a new system configuration to realize what the user wants to do. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a system configuration proposal device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an input unit that accepts a user's selection of a case, a comparison unit that compares the user's existing system configuration, including a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), with a system configuration corresponding to the selected case, and a proposal unit that proposes to the user a new system configuration, including equipment necessary to realize the case, based on the comparison result.

[0010] According to the above configuration, based on a comparison result between the user's existing system configuration including the PLC and a system configuration corresponding to a case selected by the user, a new system configuration including a device for realizing the case is proposed to the user. That is, a new system configuration making use of the user's existing system is proposed to the user as a system configuration capable of realizing the case. The user who receives such a proposal does not need to design a new system configuration for realizing the case by himself / herself. The user does not need to consider by himself / herself what device should be added to the user's existing system configuration to build a new system configuration for realizing the case. In this way, the system configuration proposal device can reduce the burden on the user when building a new system configuration for realizing what the user wants to do.

[0011] In one embodiment, the suggestion unit suggests to the user the device that is included in the system configuration corresponding to the case and that is not included in the existing system configuration.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to appropriately suggest to the user the devices necessary for realizing the case that the user wants to realize.

[0013] In one embodiment, the proposal unit displays the existing system configuration and the device required to realize the example on a screen in association with each other.

[0014] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the user can grasp the overall picture of a new system configuration that can realize the case that the user wants to realize.

[0015] In one embodiment, the suggestion unit visually distinguishes and displays each device included in the existing system configuration for realizing the example from the devices necessary for realizing the example.

[0016] According to the above-described configuration, the user can easily understand which devices should be added to realize the case.

[0017] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a system configuration proposal method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an input step of accepting a user's selection of a case, a comparison step of comparing the user's existing system configuration including a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) with a system configuration corresponding to the selected case, and a proposal step of proposing to the user a new system configuration including equipment necessary to realize the case based on the comparison result.

[0018] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when constructing a new system configuration to realize what the user wants to do. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on a user when constructing a new system configuration to realize what the user wants to do. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system configuration proposal device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a case DB. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes executed by the system configuration proposal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a display with three examples displayed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 shows a display showing a user's system configuration defined in a project file. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display showing devices necessary for a user to achieve what he or she wants to do. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display showing devices necessary for a user to achieve what he or she wants to do. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter, also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] §1 Examples of application First, an example of a situation in which the present invention is applied will be described. A system configuration proposing device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is used by a user to propose a system configuration including a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to the user. The user already owns an existing PLC system, and has something new he or she wants to do using some kind of PLC system. The system configuration proposing device 1 presents the user with examples that correspond to what the user wants to do.

[0023] When the system configuration proposal device 1 accepts a user's selection of a case example, it compares the user's existing system configuration with the system configuration corresponding to the accepted case example. Then, based on the comparison result, it proposes to the user a new system configuration including devices necessary to realize the case example. For example, it identifies devices that, when added to the user's existing system configuration, will result in a new system configuration that can realize the case example, and suggests to the user that such devices be added to the user's existing system configuration. In this way, a new system configuration that makes use of the user's existing system configuration is proposed to the user, thereby reducing the user's effort in building a new system configuration to realize what the user wants to do.

[0024] §2 Configuration Example The system configuration proposal device 1 according to the embodiment will be described in further detail with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system configuration proposal device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system configuration proposal device 1 is a device that proposes to a user a PLC system for realizing what the user wants to do. As shown in Fig. 1, the system configuration proposal device 1 includes a control unit 10, a display 12, an input device 11, and a recording device 13. The control unit 10 includes a display unit 22 (proposal unit), an input unit 21, and a comparison unit 23.

[0025] The control unit 10 comprehensively controls various processes in the system configuration proposal device 1. The input device 11 is a device, such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel, into which a user's operations are input to the system configuration proposal device 1. The display 12 is a device, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, that displays information on a screen. The recording device 13 is a device that stores various data (information) required for the system configuration proposal device 1 to execute processes. In this embodiment, a user database (user DB) 31 and a case database (case DB) 32 are formed in the recording device 13.

[0026] The input unit 21 accepts user operations input to the input device 11. The display unit 22 controls the display of information on the display 12. The comparison unit 23 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The user DB 31 stores a user's project file. The project file is a file that defines the configuration (system configuration) of a PLC system owned by the user. The project file includes information on each device included in the user's system configuration and a user program that operates each device. Devices include a PLC master (controller) and slaves. The project file includes information on the master and information on at least one slave controlled by the master.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the case DB 32. The case DB 32 stores information on various cases in the PLC system. A case is an example of what a user wants to do by using some kind of PLC system. Examples of cases include the following: -Monitoring power usage of equipment and facilities -Reduce the frequency of sudden line stops and cleaning times caused by dirt adhering to the sensor detection surface ·Avoiding screw troubles and space issues with low-voltage switchgear for three-connection induction motors -Detection of the presence or absence of a workpiece on the index table · Reduce wiring work with push-in plus terminal block type terminal relays - Continuous monitoring of deodorizing fan motors in scrubbers (steam gas treatment equipment) - Continuous monitoring of cooling water circulation pump bearings -Continuous monitoring of packing deterioration in homogenizer sliding parts -Reduces fiber unit selection work -Reduces false detection of electronic components in tight spaces inside equipment Prevents contamination of stick coffee (food and beverage products) when detecting its passage Stable detection of color marks (registration marks) with subtle color differences from the background (base).

[0029] In the example of FIG. 2, the case DB 32 stores information on case A, information on case B, and information on case C. Case A is actually "reducing the frequency of sudden line stops and cleaning times due to dirt adhering to the sensor detection surface." Case B is another case different from case A. Case C is another case different from cases A and B.

[0030] The case DB 32 stores a plurality of case IDs each representing a plurality of cases. In the example of Fig. 2, three case IDs each representing case A, case B, and case C are stored in the case DB 32. Case A, case B, and case C shown in Fig. 2 correspond to the case ID representing case A, the case ID representing case B, and the case ID representing case C, respectively.

[0031] The case DB 32 further stores, for each case, information on the system configuration required to realize the corresponding case in association with the case ID. In the example of Fig. 2, information on system configuration A1 and information on system configuration A2 are stored in the case DB 32 in association with the case ID of case A. Furthermore, information on system configuration B1 and information on system configuration B2 are stored in the case DB 32 in association with the case ID of case B. Furthermore, information on system configuration C1 is stored in the case DB 32 in association with the case ID of case C.

[0032] System configurations A1 and A2 are both system configurations required to realize case A. System configuration A1 includes master A and input unit X, and system configuration A2 includes master B and input unit X. Masters A and B are both masters required to realize case A. Masters A and B are masters with different performance, specifications, cost, etc., but they are both used to realize case A. Input unit X is a slave required to realize case A.

[0033] Each system configuration is the minimum configuration required to realize the corresponding case. For example, system configuration A1 corresponding to case A includes the minimum master A and input unit X required to realize case A. This means that case A can be realized by the minimum system configuration A1 including the master A and input unit X.

[0034] Case A, i.e., "reducing the frequency of sudden line stops and cleaning times due to dirt adhering to the sensor detection surface," is solved by using a certain photoelectric sensor in a PLC system. This photoelectric sensor is hereinafter referred to as photoelectric sensor X. Photoelectric sensor X has a connector with a specific shape. Photoelectric sensor X is also a device with a sensing function, and therefore needs to be connected to a slave with an input terminal. Therefore, in order to use photoelectric sensor X in some PLC system, a slave with a connector with a specific shape into which photoelectric sensor X can be inserted and an input terminal is required. Input unit X is a slave that satisfies this condition, and is therefore a type of slave necessary to realize case A.

[0035] System configurations B1 and B2 are both system configurations necessary to realize case B. System configuration B1 includes master X and slave X, and system configuration B2 includes master Y, slave Y, and slave Z. Masters X and Y are both masters necessary to realize case B. Masters X and Y are masters with different performance, specifications, cost, etc., but they are all masters necessary to realize case B. Slaves X, Y, and Z are all slaves necessary to realize case B. Slaves X, Y, and Z are slaves with different performance, specifications, cost, etc., but they are all slaves necessary to realize case B. Slaves Y and Z are slaves that can realize case B only when both are present.

[0036] System configuration C1 is a system configuration necessary to realize case C. System configuration C1 includes master Z and slave Z. Master Z is a slave necessary to realize case C. Slave Z is a slave necessary to realize case C.

[0037] §3 Control Example 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a series of processes executed by the system configuration proposal device 1. In the system configuration proposal device 1, the display unit 22 displays a plurality of case examples on the display 12 (step S1). Specifically, the display unit 22 reads out a plurality of case example IDs stored in the case example DB 32 and case example information associated with these case example IDs. Then, the display unit 22 displays the read out case example information in a list.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the display 12 on which three cases A to C are displayed. The display unit 22 displays the three cases A to C side by side on the screen of the display 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. It is assumed that case A, case B, and case C displayed in FIG. 4 are any of the cases listed above. For example, case A is a case of "reducing the frequency of sudden line stops and the number of cleanings due to dirt adhering to the sensor detection surface". Cases B and C are other cases. Although case A, case B, and case C are simplified and illustrated in FIG. 4 for convenience of explanation, text explaining the actual case is displayed on the actual screen as case information. For example, at the display position of case A, text explaining case A, "reducing the frequency of sudden line stops and the number of cleanings due to dirt adhering to the sensor detection surface", and an image or icon representing case A are displayed. The user visually recognizes these texts and images, and selects one of the cases corresponding to what the user wants to do.

[0039] Here, it is assumed that what the user wants to do is case A. The user operates the input device 11 to select case A displayed on the display 12. The input unit 21 detects this operation and thereby accepts the user's selection of case A (step S2). Next, the user operates the input device 11 to select a project file that corresponds to the configuration of the PLC system that the user currently owns. The input unit 21 detects this operation and thereby accepts the user's selection of the project file (step S3).

[0040] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the display 12 on which the user's existing system configuration defined in a project file is displayed. The input unit 21 notifies the display unit 22 that a project file has been selected. The display unit 22 reads out the selected project file from the user DB 31. The display unit 22 displays the user's existing system configuration defined in the read project file on the display 12 as shown in Fig. 5.

[0041] In the project file, a plurality of devices included in the user's system configuration are defined. In this example, the selected project file defines a master A, an input unit A, an input unit B, a servo driver, an image unit, a coupler unit A, and a coupler unit B. All of these are devices included in the system configuration defined in the project file. The master A is a PLC controller (control device). The input unit A, the input unit B, the servo driver, the image unit, the coupler unit A, and the coupler unit B are all PLC slaves controlled by the master A. The display unit 22 displays the master A and each slave on the display 12 in association with each other as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the master A is displayed at the relatively top position, and the input unit A, the input unit B, the servo driver, the image unit, the coupler unit A, and the coupler unit B are displayed below the master A in this order. The user can grasp the details of the system configuration defined in the selected project file by visually checking the screen shown in FIG. 5.

[0042] Next, the comparison unit 23 acquires a system configuration corresponding to the selected case A from the case DB 32 (step S5). The acquisition procedure is as follows. The display unit 22 notifies the comparison unit 23 of a case ID representing the selected case A. The comparison unit 23 acquires any system configuration stored in the case DB 32 in association with the notified case ID. Here, it is assumed that, of the system configurations A1 and A2 corresponding to case A, only the system configuration A1 is acquired.

[0043] The comparison unit 23 compares the existing system configuration with the acquired system configuration A1 (step S6). Specifically, the comparison unit 23 sequentially compares whether the master A and the input unit X included in the system configuration A1 match each other with each device, such as the input unit A, included in the existing system configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, the existing system configuration includes the master A. Therefore, the comparison unit 23 determines that the master A required to realize the case A is already included in the user's existing system configuration. In addition, each slave included in the existing system configuration is a slave different from the input unit X. Therefore, the comparison unit 23 determines that the input unit X required to realize the case A is not included in the user's existing system configuration. The comparison unit 23 notifies the display unit 22 of these determination results.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display 12 on which devices necessary for the user to realize what he or she wants to do are displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 22 displays on the display 12 an input unit X that is newly required to realize what the user wants to do (case A) (step S7). This proposes a new system configuration including the input unit X to the user. At this time, the display unit 22 associates the input unit X with the user's system configuration and displays them at once. In the example of FIG. 6, the display unit 22 displays the input unit X in a state where it is connected to the end slave in the user's system configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, the end slave is the coupler unit B. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 22 displays the input unit X on the display 12 so that it is connected to the coupler unit B and arranged downstream of the coupler unit B. Since the master A included in the system configuration A1 is already included in the existing system configuration, the display unit 22 does not propose the addition of the master A to the user and displays the existing master A as it is.

[0045] By visually checking the new system configuration with the input unit X added, as shown in Fig. 6, the user can grasp the overall picture of the new system configuration that can realize the case A that the user wants to achieve. Furthermore, the user can understand that the case A can be realized by adding the input unit X to the user's existing system configuration.

[0046] The display unit 22 displays the input unit X to be added to the user's existing system configuration so as to visually distinguish it from each device already included in the system configuration. In Fig. 6, the display unit 22 displays the input unit X in a different color from the display colors of the input unit A, etc. By visually checking the screen of the display 12 shown in Fig. 6, the user can easily understand that the device to be added to realize the case A is the input unit X.

[0047] The user can operate the input device 11 to select the displayed input unit X. When the input unit 21 detects this operation, it incorporates the selected input unit X into the user's existing system configuration. Specifically, it additionally saves the input unit X in the project file in the user DB 31.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the display 12 on which devices necessary for the user to realize what he or she wants to do are displayed. The display unit 22 may display on the display 12 an input unit X necessary for the user to realize what he or she wants to do, as shown in FIG. 6. In the example of FIG. 7, the display unit 22 displays the input unit X in a state in which it is added to another system different from the existing slave system in the user's system configuration. Specifically, the display unit 22 displays on the display 12 a branch unit connected directly under the master A and an input unit X connected to the branch unit. Furthermore, the display of the connection destination of the input unit X is changed so that the connection destination of the input unit A is changed from the master A to the branch unit. By visually checking the new system configuration in which the input unit X is added and displayed as shown in FIG. 7, the user understands that the case A can be realized by adding the branch unit and the input unit X to the user's existing system configuration.

[0049] In the example of FIG. 7, the display unit 22 displays the input unit X to be added to the user's existing system configuration in a visually distinct manner from each device already included in the system configuration. In FIG. 7, the display unit 22 makes the display color of the input unit X different from that of the input unit A, etc. The display color of the branching unit is the same as that of the input unit A, etc. However, the display unit 22 may also make the display color of the branching unit different from that of the input unit A, etc., as with the input unit X. By visually checking the screen of the display 12 shown in FIG. 7, the user can easily understand that the device to be added to realize case A is the input unit X.

[0050] (Major effects) According to this embodiment, the system configuration proposal device 1 proposes to the user a new system configuration for devices that realize what the user wants to do (i.e., case A) based on the user's existing system configuration. This makes it possible to make a proposal that makes use of the user's existing system configuration. The user who receives such a proposal does not need to design a new system configuration for realizing case A by himself / herself. The user also does not need to consider by himself / herself what devices should be added to the user's existing system configuration in order to build a new system configuration that realizes case A. In this way, the system configuration proposal device 1 can reduce the burden on the user when building a new system configuration for realizing what the user wants to do.

[0051] (Modification) When proposing a system including an additional input unit X to a user, the display section 22 may display the performance and specifications of the added input unit X together with the input unit X on the display 12.

[0052] The display unit 22 may further display the cost of an additional input unit X included in the system proposed to the user on the display 12 together with the input unit X. When the display unit 22 proposes a system including additional slaves to the user, it may display the total of the costs of the multiple slaves to be added on the display 12 together with the multiple slaves to be added.

[0053] When case A is selected, the comparison unit 23 may obtain a system configuration A2 corresponding to case A from the case DB 32. In this case, the comparison unit 23 compares the master A included in the system configuration of the user with the master B included in the system configuration A1 corresponding to case A. At this time, it is assumed that the performance of the master B is higher than that of the master A. Therefore, the comparison unit 23 specifies that the performance of the master B is higher than that of the master A. The comparison unit 23 further specifies that the input unit Y required to realize case A is not included in the existing system configuration of the user. The comparison unit 23 notifies the display unit 22 of these specification results.

[0054] Upon receiving this notification, the display unit 22 proposes both the master B and the input unit Y to the user by displaying both the master B and the input unit Y on the display 12. In response to this proposal, the user understands that if the existing master A is replaced with the new master B and the input unit Y is added, a PLC system that realizes the case A can be constructed.

[0055] When proposing both master B and input unit Y to the user, the display unit 22 may display the sum of the cost of master B and the cost of input unit Y together with master B and input unit Y on the display 12.

[0056] When a plurality of different system configurations correspond to the case selected by the user, the display unit 22 may display these system configurations at once. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, both the system configuration A1 and the system configuration A2 correspond to case A. That is, case A can be realized by either the system configuration A1 or the system configuration A2. Therefore, when the user selects case A, the display unit 22 may display the input unit X included in the system configuration A1 and the master B and the input unit Y included in the system configuration A2 at once on the display 12. This allows the user to have an opportunity to consider whether to select the input unit X or the master B and the unit Y. The user can appropriately select a more preferable device by considering various conditions such as the cost and performance of each unit, or the performance and cost of the master B.

[0057] When the user's existing system configuration does not include any equipment required to realize the selected case, the display unit 22 may propose a system configuration including a minimum number of equipment from among a plurality of system configurations corresponding to the selected case. For example, assume that the user selects case B. In this case, the comparison unit 23 can acquire system configuration B1 or B2 corresponding to case B from the case DB 32. The comparison unit 23 first acquires system configuration B1 and compares each equipment included in system configuration B1 with each equipment included in the user's existing system configuration. As a result, the comparison unit 23 identifies that neither the master X nor the slave X included in system configuration B1 is included in the existing system configuration.

[0058] Therefore, the comparison unit 23 next acquires the system configuration B2 from the case DB 32 and compares each device included in the system configuration B2 with each device included in the user's existing system configuration. As a result, the comparison unit 23 determines that none of the master X, slave Y, and slave Z included in the system configuration B2 is included in the existing system configuration.

[0059] Based on these identification results, the comparison unit 23 identifies that the user's existing system configuration does not include any of the devices necessary to realize the selected case B. Therefore, the comparison unit 23 notifies the display unit 22 of the system configuration B1, which includes the least number of devices, of the system configurations B1 and B2 corresponding to case B. In response to this notification, the display unit 22 proposes the master X and slave X included in the system configuration B1 to the user. This allows the user to select the minimum number of devices necessary to realize case B, making it possible to build a new system that realizes case B at the minimum cost.

[0060] After selecting case A, the user may input a control period required for the master included in the new system configuration that realizes case A. For example, one of 125 μs, 500 μs, or 2 ms is input. The input unit 21 accepts this input operation and notifies the comparison unit 23. The comparison unit 23 acquires a system configuration that corresponds to case A and includes a master that can operate with a control period equal to or shorter than the selected control period from the case DB 32. The display unit 22 proposes the acquired system configuration to the user. For example, it is assumed that the master B can operate with a control period equal to or shorter than 200 μs. Also, it is assumed that the user selects case A and inputs 500 μs. In this case, the comparison unit 23 acquires a system configuration A2 that includes the master B that can operate with a control period equal to or shorter than 500 μs and corresponds to case A from the case DB 32. The display unit 22 displays the master B and the input unit Y included in the system configuration A2 on the display 12. This allows the system configuration proposal device 1 to propose to the user the master B that satisfies the control period required by the user.

[0061] When proposing to the user a new system configuration including an additional input unit X, the display unit 22 can further suggest to the user the addition of a function block in the master A included in the system configuration. For example, the function block as a candidate to be added may be displayed on the display 12 together with the input unit X.

[0062] The user can operate the input device 11 to select a device (such as a servo, an inverter, or a robot) that the user wishes to use in the proposed system configuration. When the input unit 21 accepts this operation, the display unit 22 appropriately changes the system configuration to be proposed to the user in accordance with the user's selection. For example, when a servo is selected, the system configuration corresponding to the servo may be displayed on the display 12.

[0063] The system configuration proposal device 1 may further include a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with an external server. The communication unit may acquire a web page including cases A to C from the server. In this case, the display unit 22 displays the acquired web page on the display 12, thereby displaying cases A to C on the display 12. When case A is selected, for example, by a user through the displayed web page, the communication unit notifies the server that case A has been selected. Upon receiving this notification, the server transmits a case ID representing case A to the system configuration proposal device 1. The communication unit receives the transmitted case ID and outputs it to the comparison unit 23. The comparison unit 23 acquires system configuration A1 or system configuration A2 corresponding to the input case ID of case A from the case DB 32.

[0064] [Example of implementation] Each functional block of the system configuration proposal device 1 (particularly, the input unit 21, the display unit 22, and the comparison unit 23) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

[0065] In the latter case, the control device includes a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. The computer includes, for example, one or more processors, and a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of the present invention is achieved by having the processor read and execute the program from the recording medium in the computer.

[0066] The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).The recording medium may be a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like.

[0067] The computer may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program. The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). One aspect of the present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. New technical features can also be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. System configuration proposal device 10 Control section 11 Input Devices 12 Display 13. Recording Devices 21 Input section 22 Display section 23 Comparison section 31 User DB 32 Case DB

Claims

1. an input unit for accepting a user's selection of cases; A comparison unit that compares an existing system configuration of a user including a programmable logic controller (PLC) with a system configuration corresponding to the selected case; and a proposal unit that proposes to the user a new system configuration including devices necessary to realize the example based on a result of the comparison.

2. The system configuration proposal device according to claim 1 , wherein the proposal unit proposes to the user the device that is included in the system configuration corresponding to the example and is not included in the existing system configuration.

3. 3. The system configuration proposal device according to claim 1, wherein the proposal unit displays the existing system configuration and the device required to realize the example on a screen in association with each other.

4. The system configuration proposal device according to claim 3 , wherein the proposal unit visually distinguishes between each device included in the existing system configuration and the device required to realize the example.

5. an input step for accepting a user selection of cases; A comparison step of comparing an existing system configuration of a user including a programmable logic controller (PLC) with a system configuration corresponding to the selected case; and a proposing step of proposing to the user a new system configuration including devices necessary to realize the example based on a result of the comparison.

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