Simulation Equipment

Abstract

To shorten work time of simulation by a user to prevent omission of confirmation.SOLUTION: A PC (1) includes: a display control unit (111) for displaying a created screen on a display unit (12), which is created as a display screen displayed on a programmable display unit (2) and includes one or more objects; and an execution unit (113) for automatically executing a simulation for causing the display control unit (111) to execute control for displaying actions of the one or more objects on the display unit (12) according to a definition file defining the actions of the one or more objects.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a display screen debugging device that includes a coverage screen creation means and a simulation execution means. The coverage screen creation means creates setting item list data from screen setting data. The setting data in the coverage screen data and the setting item list data are associated with each other for each item. The simulation execution means executes a simulation based on the setting data in the input coverage screen data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-155158 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the display screen debugging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a user manually inputs multiple setting items to execute a simulation for each of the multiple setting items, the user's work time increases. One aspect of the present invention aims to shorten the user's work time for simulation and to prevent oversight of confirmation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display control unit that causes a created screen, which is created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device, to be displayed on the display unit and includes one or more objects, and an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation that causes the display control unit to execute control to display the behavior of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines the behavior of the one or more objects.

[0006] The simulation device automatically simulates the behavior of one or more objects. This eliminates the need for the user to perform operations to simulate the behavior of one or more objects, thereby reducing the time required for the user to perform the simulation and preventing oversights in checking the behavior of one or more objects.

[0007] The simulation device may further include a memory unit that stores a screen file including the creation screen, in which setting information regarding the operation of one or more objects is set for the one or more objects, and a creation unit that automatically creates the definition file by reading the setting information from the screen file stored in the memory unit.

[0008] Since the definition file is automatically created from the screen file including the creation screen, the user does not need to create the definition file, and the work time required for the user to create the definition file can be reduced.

[0009] The execution unit may automatically execute the simulation by causing the display control unit to execute control to display the operations of the one or more objects on the display unit of the programmable display device according to the definition file. A simulation can be automatically executed using a programmable display device.

[0010] The definition file may include information on abnormal values ​​outside a predetermined numerical range corresponding to the behavior of the one or more objects, and the execution unit may cause the display control unit to perform control to display on the display unit the behavior of the object corresponding to the abnormal value information.

[0011] When the behavior of an object corresponding to abnormal value information outside a preset numerical range is displayed on the display unit, the user can check whether the object is performing any unexpected abnormal behavior.

[0012] The memory unit may store a first edit screen file before editing and a second edit screen file after editing as the screen files, the creation unit may automatically create the definition file as a difference definition file that defines the behavior of the one or more objects in which the setting information of the second edit screen file differs from the setting information of the first edit screen file, and the execution unit may automatically execute the simulation only for the behavior of the one or more objects defined in the difference definition file.

[0013] A simulation is executed only for the operation of one or more objects that correspond to setting information that has changed due to editing of the screen file from before editing. This reduces the execution time of the simulation, thereby shortening the time required for the user to perform the simulation.

[0014] The display unit may include a first display unit of the simulation device and a second display unit of the programmable display, and the simulation device may include a memory unit that stores a first screen file including a first creation screen as the creation screen, and the execution unit may automatically execute the simulation by causing the display control unit to perform the following controls: control to cause the first display unit to display operations of the one or more objects included in the first creation screen in accordance with the definition file; and control to cause the second display unit to display operations of the one or more objects included in a second creation screen as the creation screen, which is included in a second screen file having a file format different from that of the first screen file, in accordance with the definition file.

[0015] In the task of checking whether there is a difference between the behavior of one or more objects included in the first creation screen and the behavior of one or more objects included in the second creation screen, the display of the object behavior can be automated, allowing the user to easily check the object behavior simply by comparing the display on the first display unit with the display on the second display unit.

[0016] The execution unit may cause the display control unit to execute control to display the object for which the simulation is being performed in an emphasized manner compared to other objects on the display unit.

[0017] Since the object for which a simulation is being performed is highlighted on the display unit, the user can recognize the object for which a simulation is currently being performed and can easily check the operation of the object.

[0018] The definition file may include information on the start time of the simulation corresponding to the operation of the object, or information on the execution interval of the simulation corresponding to the operation of each of the multiple objects, and the execution unit may automatically execute the simulation in accordance with the start time information or the execution interval information included in the definition file.

[0019] The simulation of the object's operation is automatically performed according to the simulation start time information or execution interval information contained in the definition file. This eliminates the need for the user to rewrite and check device values ​​each time, thereby reducing the time required for work. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for a user to perform a simulation and to prevent oversights in checking. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a PC according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a creation screen displayed on a display unit of the PC shown in FIG. 1 and setting information set for an object included in the creation screen. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a definition file that defines the behavior of one or more objects. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a simulation of one or more objects executed by a control unit of the PC shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a definition file by a creation unit included in a control unit of the PC shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] This is the setting information referenced by the creation unit in the process of step S5 shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a creation screen according to a second embodiment of the present invention, setting information set for an object included in the creation screen, and a definition file. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC, a programmable display device, and a PLC according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]This is a diagram showing an example of the connection state among a PC shown in FIG. 8, a programmable display, and a PLC. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC and a programmable display according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing a state where a camera is connected to the PC shown in FIG. 10.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] 〔Embodiment 1〕 The configuration of a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as "PC") 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the PC 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] <Configuration of PC1> As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 1 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a storage unit 14, and an interface unit 15. The PC 1 functions as a simulation device that executes the simulation of the operations of one or more objects included in the creation screen displayed by the programmable display 2.

[0024] The control unit 11 controls each part of the PC 1. The control unit 11 includes a display control unit 111, a creation unit 112, and an execution unit 113. The creation unit 112 will be described in a modification example below. The display unit 12 is a monitor that displays the processing content on the PC 1.

[0025] The operation unit 13 is, for example, a keyboard for the user to input data or a mouse for the user to perform operations. The storage unit 14 stores the processing content on the PC 1 and also stores a screen file including one or more creation screens created by the user. The interface unit 15 is a communication unit for the PC 1 to communicate with the programmable display 2 and the PLC (programmable logic controller) 3 shown in FIG. 8, and can communicate with the control unit 21 of the programmable display 2 shown in FIG. 8.

[0026] <Processing of PC1> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a creation screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the PC1 shown in FIG. 1 and setting information set for an object included in the creation screen. Reference numerals 101 and 102 in FIG. 2 are the creation screens P1 and P2 included in the screen file created by the user using the PC1, respectively. Reference numeral 103 in FIG. 2 is the setting information I1 set for one or more objects included in the creation screens P1 and P2.

[0027] The user creates, using the PC1, a screen file that includes one or more creation screens and in which setting information regarding the operation of an object included in the creation screen is set for one or more objects. The storage unit 14 stores the screen file created by the user. The creation screens P1 and P2 are included in the screen file stored in the storage unit 14 and are created as display screens to be displayed on the display unit 22 of the programmable display 2 shown in FIG. 8. The display control unit 111 causes the creation screens P1 and P2 to be displayed on the display unit 12.

[0028] As shown by reference numeral 101 in FIG. 2, the creation screen P1 includes objects B1 to B3. The object B1 is an object indicating a bit switch for switching bits of an address on the device memory of the PLC3, the object B2 is an object indicating a lamp, and the object B3 is an object indicating a state change switch. Also, as shown by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 2, the creation screen P2 includes objects B4 and B5. The object B4 is an object indicating a graph, and the object B5 is an object indicating a numeric display.

[0029] As shown by reference numeral 103 in FIG. 2, the setting information I1 is set with the screen number, part ID, object function, address, and value associated therewith. That is, the setting information I1 includes these pieces of information. The setting information I1 is set in the screen file stored in the storage unit 14 and is set regarding the operation of one or more objects. Each item set in the setting information I1 will be described below.

[0030] The screen number is a number set for each creation screen to identify one or more creation screens. The part ID is an ID set for each object to identify one or more objects. The object function column indicates the operation details of each object. The address is the address in the device memory of PLC3 where the operation details of each object are stored. The value column indicates a numerical value that is preset corresponding to the operation of each object.

[0031] In addition, as shown by reference numeral 103 in Fig. 2, a plurality of actions may be set for one object. For example, "switch" and "lamp" are set as actions for object B1. The value of the setting information I1 is set in one-to-one correspondence with the action of the object.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a definition file that defines the behavior of one or more objects. A user uses PC1 to create a definition file for checking whether one or more objects are operating correctly. The storage unit 14 stores the definition file created by the user. As shown in FIG. 3, the definition file D1 has a start time, a screen number, a part ID, an object function, an address, a value, and an abnormal value set in association with each other. That is, the definition file D1 includes these pieces of information. Each item set in the definition file D1 will be described below.

[0033] The start time is the start time of a simulation corresponding to the movement of an object when a simulation is executed by the execution unit 113 according to the definition file D1. The screen number, part ID, function, address, and value of the object in the definition file D1 are the same as those in the setting information I1. The abnormal value is an abnormal value outside a numerical range that is preset corresponding to the movement of one or more objects.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a simulation of one or more objects executed by the control unit 11 of the PC 1 shown in Fig. 1. The execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit 111 executes control to display the actions of one or more objects on the display unit 12 in accordance with the definition file D1 stored in the storage unit 14. At this time, the display control unit 111 displays the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit 12.

[0035] 4, the display unit 12 displays a screen S1 of an HMI simulator that reproduces the functions of the programmable display device 2, a screen S2 of a PLC simulator that reproduces the functions of the PLC 3, and a screen S3 that shows the states of related devices 4 and the like. The HMI simulator and the PLC simulator are executed by the execution unit 113. A creation screen P1 is displayed on the screen S1. The processing contents by the PLC simulator are displayed on the screen S2. The states of the HMI simulator and the devices 4 and the like that are related to the PLC simulator are displayed on the screen S3.

[0036] The execution unit 113 reads out information on the start time of a simulation corresponding to the motion of an object from the definition file D1, and automatically executes the simulation according to the information on the start time, whereby the motion of each object is displayed on the display unit 12 in order according to the start time of the simulation.

[0037] At this time, the execution unit 113 reads out the function of each object from the definition file D1, and causes the display control unit 111 to execute control to display the operation of the function on the display unit 12. Note that the definition file D1 may include information on the execution interval of a simulation corresponding to the operation of each of the multiple objects, and in this case, the execution unit 113 executes the simulation according to the information on the execution interval included in the definition file D1.

[0038] In this way, the simulation of the object's operation is automatically performed according to the information on the start time of the simulation contained in the definition file D1. This eliminates the need for the user to rewrite and check the device values ​​each time, thereby reducing the work time.

[0039] Furthermore, the execution unit 113 causes the display control unit 111 to execute control for displaying the object undergoing simulation in a more emphasized manner than other objects on the display unit 12. In this case, for example, if a simulation of the behavior of object B3 is being executed, object B3 is displayed in a more emphasized manner than the other objects B1 and B2.

[0040] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, object B3 may be displayed surrounded by a frame or pointed to by a hand icon. Also, the color of the icon of object B3 may be changed or the icon of object B3 may blink. This allows the user to recognize the object for which a simulation is currently being performed, and allows the user to easily check the operation of the object.

[0041] Furthermore, the execution unit 113 causes the display control unit 111 to execute control for displaying, on the display unit 12, the behavior of an object corresponding to the abnormal value information included in the definition file D1. In this way, when the behavior of an object corresponding to the abnormal value information outside a preset numerical range is displayed on the display unit 12, the user can check whether the object will perform an unexpected abnormal behavior.

[0042] As a result, a simulation of the behavior of one or more objects is automatically executed on the PC 1. This eliminates the need for the user to perform operations to simulate the behavior of one or more objects, thereby reducing the time required for the user to perform the simulation and preventing oversights in checking the behavior of one or more objects.

[0043] <Modification> Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating the definition file D1 by the creation unit 112 included in the control unit 11 of the PC1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 shows setting information I2 referenced by the creation unit 112 in the process of step S5 shown in Fig. 5. In this modification, the creation unit 112 may automatically create the definition file D1. Note that, when the user creates the definition file D1 as described above, the control unit 11 does not need to include the creation unit 112.

[0044] First, the creation unit 112 sequentially refers to one or more created screens included in a screen file stored in the storage unit 14 in accordance with detailed settings of a simulation executed by the execution unit 113 (S1). The detailed settings of the simulation are stored in the storage unit 14. The detailed settings of the simulation include settings for the execution interval of a simulation related to the operation of each object, the range of the screen, and the selection of the type of object.

[0045] Then, the creation unit 112 adds the setting of switching the creation screen to the definition file D1 (S2). The creation unit 112 can set the time of switching the creation screen in the definition file D1, for example, by setting the start time and the screen number in association with each other in the definition file D1.

[0046] Next, creation unit 112 searches for one or more objects while referring to the creation screens in order and the detailed settings of the simulation (S3). In step S3, creation unit 112 determines whether the object to be searched for is a target object previously selected in the detailed settings of the simulation (S4). The target object is an object that is the target of the simulation executed by execution unit 113. When creation unit 112 determines that the object to be searched for is not a target object (NO in S4), it proceeds to step S3 and moves on to searching for the next object to be searched for.

[0047] When the creation unit 112 determines that the object to be searched is a target object (YES in S4), it reads the properties of the target object according to the classification of the target object and creates a definition file D1 (S5). At this time, the creation unit 112 reads out the target properties set for the object included in the creation screen from the screen file, from the setting information I2. In the setting information I2, the target parts as the target objects, the classification, and the target properties as the properties of the target objects are set in association with each other. The abnormal value information described above is also automatically generated and included in the definition file D1 based on the setting information I2.

[0048] Next, creation unit 112 determines whether or not the search has been completed for all objects included in the creation screen (S6). When creation unit 112 determines that the search has not been completed for all objects included in the creation screen (NO in S6), it proceeds to step S3.

[0049] When the creation unit 112 determines that the search has been completed for all objects included in the creation screen (YES in S6), the process proceeds to step S7. In this case, the creation unit 112 determines whether the creation screen targeted in steps S2 to S6 is the final creation screen among the one or more creation screens included in the screen file (S7).

[0050] If the creation unit 112 determines in steps S2 to S6 that the target creation screen is not the final creation screen (NO in S7), the process proceeds to step S1. If the creation unit 112 determines in steps S2 to S6 that the target creation screen is the final creation screen (YES in S7), the process of creating the definition file D1 ends.

[0051] As described above, the creation unit 112 automatically creates the definition file D1 by reading the target property of the object from the screen file stored in the storage unit 14 with reference to the setting information I2. At this time, the user can use the PC1 to check the definition file D1 automatically created by the creation unit 112 and edit it as necessary. As the definition file D1 is automatically created from the screen file including the creation screen, the user does not need to create the definition file D1, and the work time required for the user to create the definition file D1 can be reduced.

[0052] In addition, when a user manually performs a simulation using the PC 1, the creation unit 112 can refer to the execution contents of the simulation by the user and automatically create the definition file D1 from the execution contents. The creation unit 112 stores the created definition file D1 in the storage unit 14.

[0053] Furthermore, when the execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation, it may stop the simulation by setting a stop point or trace the simulation. Also, while the execution unit 113 is executing a simulation, it may be possible for the user to manually add simulation contents using the PC1. In this case, the creation unit 112 adds the simulation contents added by the user to the definition file D1. The execution unit 113 also executes the simulation added to the definition file D1.

[0054] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a creation screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention, setting information set for an object included in the creation screen, and a definition file. In Fig. 7, reference numeral 201 indicates a creation screen P1, reference numeral 202 indicates setting information I3, and reference numeral 203 indicates a difference definition file D2.

[0055] A case will be described in which the user edits the screen file so as to change the position of object B1 on the creation screen P1 and the address of object B3 on the device memory of PLC3. In this case, the screen file before editing is called the first edit screen file, and the screen file after editing is called the second edit screen file. The storage unit 14 stores the first edit screen file and the second edit screen file as the screen files.

[0056] At this time, as shown in the portion surrounded by the dotted line of reference numeral 202 in Fig. 7, among the values ​​related to object B1 in the setting information I3, the value indicating the position is changed, and the address in the device memory of object B3 is changed. The creation unit 112 automatically creates, as a difference definition file D2, a definition file that defines the behavior of one or more objects in which the setting information I3 of the second editing screen file differs from the setting information I3 of the first editing screen file. Furthermore, the execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation only for the behavior of one or more objects defined in the difference definition file D2.

[0057] In this way, a simulation is performed only for the behavior of one or more objects corresponding to the setting information I3 that has changed due to editing of the screen file, which reduces the time required to perform the simulation, thereby reducing the time required for the user to perform the simulation.

[0058] [Embodiment 3] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same functions as those described in the first and second embodiments, and the explanations thereof will not be repeated. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC1, a programmable display device 2, and a PLC3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the connection state of the PC1, the programmable display device 2, and the PLC3 shown in FIG. 8. The PC1 is connected to the programmable display device 2 and the PLC3.

[0059] <Programmable display 2> The programmable display device 2 includes a control unit 21, a display unit 22, a touch panel 23, a user memory 24, and an interface unit 25. The programmable display device 2 is connected to a PC 1 and a PLC 3. The programmable display device 2 is a dedicated computer that realizes operation functions and display functions unique to the programmable display device by displaying a creation screen for operation and display, and is used as an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device.

[0060] The control unit 21 specifies an operation for displaying the state of the device 4 connected to the PLC 3 and an operation for controlling the state of the device 4 in response to an operation on the touch panel 23. The control unit 21 controls each unit of the programmable display device 2. The display unit 22 displays a screen created by a user and the state of the device 4. The user memory 24 stores screen files created by a user. The interface unit 25 is a communication unit that enables the programmable display device 2 to communicate with the PC 1 and the PLC 3.

[0061] The PLC 3 is a control device that reads out the state of the device 4 at every predetermined scan time according to a sequence program created by the user and gives control instructions to the device 4. The device 4 is one or more devices that are controlled by the PLC 3 or that output detection values ​​of sensors, etc.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 9, the display unit 12 of the PC 1 displays a screen C1 of the HMI control software that controls the programmable display device 2, a screen C2 of the PLC control software that controls the PLC 3, and a screen S3 showing the status of related devices 4 and the like. The HMI control software and the PLC control software are executed by the execution unit 113. The creation screen P1 is displayed on the screen C1. The processing contents by the PLC control software are displayed on the screen C2. The status of the devices 4 and the like related to the HMI control software and the PLC control software are displayed on the screen S3.

[0063] The execution unit 113 executes the HMI control software to cause the display control unit 111 to execute control for displaying the creation screen P1 on the display unit 22 of the programmable display device 2. The display control unit 111 issues an instruction to the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 to display the creation screen P1 on the display unit 22. As a result, the creation screen P1 is displayed on the display unit 22 in addition to the screen C1 of the display unit 12. Furthermore, the execution unit 113 controls the PLC 3 by executing the PLC control software.

[0064] The execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit 111 executes control to display the operations of one or more objects on the display unit 22 in accordance with the definition file D1 stored in the storage unit 14. Thus, the simulation can be executed automatically using the programmable display device 2. The display control unit 111 issues an instruction to the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 to display the operations of one or more objects on the display unit 22, and issues an instruction to change the device value of the PLC 3. As a result, the operations of the one or more objects are displayed on the screen C1 of the display unit 12 and the display unit 22.

[0065] As a result, the PC 1 can execute a simulation of the operation of one or more objects while controlling the programmable display device 2 and the PLC 3. This allows the PC 1 to execute a simulation of the operation of one or more objects in a state close to the actual operation of the one or more objects.

[0066] [Embodiment 4] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanations thereof will not be repeated. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC 1 and a programmable display device 2 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a camera 5 is connected to the PC 1 shown in Fig. 10.

[0067] In the fourth embodiment, the screen file after conversion is called the first screen file, and the screen file before conversion is called the second screen file. The storage unit 14 of the PC 1 stores the first screen file, and the user memory 24 of the programmable display device 2 stores the second screen file. The user uses the PC 1 to convert the second screen file that is compatible with an old model or a programmable display device 2 made by another company, thereby creating a first screen file that is compatible with the latest model of the programmable display device 2 made by the same company. As a result, the second screen file has a file format different from that of the first screen file.

[0068] 10, the display unit 12 of the PC 1 displays a screen S1 of the HMI simulator, a screen SC1 of the PLC simulator, and a screen S3 showing the states of related devices 4, etc. The HMI simulator and the PLC simulator are executed by the execution unit 113.

[0069] The screen S1 displays the created screen P1 included in the first screen file. The screen SC1 displays the processing contents by the PLC simulator. The screen S3 displays the status of the HMI simulator and the device 4 related to the PLC simulator.

[0070] The execution unit 113 executes the HMI control software to cause the display control unit 111 to control the display unit 22 of the programmable display device 2 to display the created screen P1 included in the second screen file. At the same time, the execution unit 113 executes the HMI control software to cause the display control unit 111 to control the display unit 12 to display the created screen P1 included in the first screen file on the screen S1.

[0071] The display control unit 111 instructs the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 to display the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file on the display unit 22. The display control unit 111 also displays the creation screen P1 included in the first screen file on the screen S1 of the display unit 12. As a result, the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file is displayed on the display unit 22, and the creation screen P1 included in the first screen file is displayed on the screen S1 of the display unit 12.

[0072] The execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit 111 executes control to display on the display unit 22 the actions of one or more objects included in the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file, according to the definition file D1 stored in the storage unit 14. The display control unit 111 issues an instruction to the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 to display on the display unit 22 the actions of one or more objects included in the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file. As a result, the actions of one or more objects included in the creation screen P1 included in the second screen file are displayed on the display unit 22.

[0073] At the same time, the execution unit 113 automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit 111 executes control to display on the display unit 12 the actions of one or more objects included in the creation screen P1 included in the first screen file, according to the definition file D1 stored in the storage unit 14. The display control unit 111 displays the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit 12. As a result, the actions of the one or more objects in the first screen file are displayed on the display unit 12.

[0074] Furthermore, the execution unit 113 executes control of the creation screen P1 displayed on the screen S1 of the display unit 12 and the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 22 in response to screen switching and user operations on the touch panel 23 using the HMI control software. The execution unit 113 executes reading and writing of device values ​​by communicating with the function of the PLC3 reproduced by the PLC simulator using the HMI control software. Thus, the creation screen P1 displayed on the screen S1 of the display unit 12 and the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 22 are simulated by the execution unit 113 in approximate synchronization with each other.

[0075] This allows the user to automate the display of the object's actions when checking whether there is a difference between the actions of one or more objects included in the first creation screen and the actions of one or more objects included in the second creation screen. This allows the user to easily check the object's actions by simply comparing the display on display unit 12 with the display on display unit 22.

[0076] 11, a camera 5 may be connected to the PC 1 to capture an image of the display unit 22 of the programmable display device 2. In this case, the camera 5 outputs the captured image of the display unit 22 to the control unit 11 of the PC 1. The execution unit 113 executes image processing to compare the creation screen P1 of the image of the display unit 22 output from the camera 5 with the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 12.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 may capture the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 22 and output the captured creation screen P1 to the control unit 11 of the PC 1. In this case, the execution unit 113 executes image processing to compare the creation screen P1 of the display unit 22 output from the control unit 21 of the programmable display device 2 with the creation screen P1 displayed on the display unit 12.

[0078] As a result, the execution unit 113 judges whether the movements of one or more objects in the first screen file are accurate. When the execution unit 113 judges that the movements of one or more objects in the first screen file are not accurate, the execution unit 113 controls a notification unit (not shown) to notify the user of the content indicating that the movements of one or more objects are not accurate. The notification unit notifies the user of the content indicating that the movements of one or more objects are not accurate. The notification unit is an audio output unit such as a speaker that is provided in the PC 1 and outputs audio.

[0079] Furthermore, when the execution unit 113 determines that the actions of one or more objects in the first screen file are not accurate, the execution unit 113 may cause the display control unit 111 to display an icon, highlight, or the like.

[0080] In this way, the determination as to whether the actions of one or more objects in the first screen file are correct or not is automatically executed by the execution unit 113. Therefore, the user does not need to check whether the actions of one or more objects in the first screen file are correct or not, and the time required for the user to check can be reduced.

[0081] [Software implementation example] The functions of PC1 can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as PC1, and a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of PC1 (particularly each unit included in control unit 11).

[0082] In this case, the PC1 is equipped with a computer having one or more control devices (e.g., processors) and one or more storage devices (e.g., memories) as hardware for executing the above programs. The above programs are executed by the control devices and storage devices, thereby realizing the functions described in the above embodiments.

[0083] The above program may be recorded in one or more non-transitory computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the PC 1. In the latter case, the above program may be provided to the PC 1 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0084] In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0085] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may be operated by the control device or may be operated by another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0086] 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 different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 PC (simulation device) 2 Programmable Display 12 Display section (1st display section) 22 Display section (second display section) 14 Storage section 111 Display control unit 112 Creation Department 113 Executive Department B1~B5 Objects D1 definition file D2 Difference Definition File I1~I3 setting information P1, P2 creation screen

Claims

1. a display control unit that displays on the display unit a created screen including one or more objects, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device; an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit executes control to display the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines actions of the one or more objects; The simulation device is characterized in that the execution unit automatically executes the simulation by causing the display control unit to control the display unit of the programmable display device to display the operation of the one or more objects in accordance with the definition file.

2. a storage unit that stores a screen file including the creation screen, the screen file having setting information related to the operation of the one or more objects set in the one or more objects; 2. The simulation device according to claim 1, further comprising a creating unit that automatically creates the definition file by reading out the setting information from the screen file stored in the storage unit.

3. the definition file includes information on abnormal values ​​outside a predetermined numerical range corresponding to the actions of the one or more objects; 3. The simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit causes the display control unit to execute control for displaying, on the display unit, an action of the object corresponding to the information on the abnormal value.

4. A display control unit that displays a created screen including one or more objects on a display unit, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device; an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation to cause the display control unit to execute control for displaying the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines actions of the one or more objects; a storage unit that stores a screen file including the creation screen, the screen file having setting information related to the operation of the one or more objects set in the one or more objects; a creation unit that automatically creates the definition file by reading out the setting information from the screen file stored in the storage unit, the storage unit stores, as the screen file, a first edited screen file before editing and a second edited screen file after editing; the creation unit automatically creates, as a difference definition file, the definition file that defines operations of the one or more objects in which the setting information of the second editing screen file is different from the setting information of the first editing screen file; The simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit automatically executes the simulation only for the operations of the one or more objects defined in the difference definition file.

5. A display control unit that displays a created screen including one or more objects on a display unit, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device; an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit executes control to display the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines actions of the one or more objects, As the display unit, a first display unit of the simulation device and a second display unit of the programmable display device are provided, the simulation device includes a storage unit configured to store a first screen file including a first created screen as the created screen, The execution unit is Control for displaying, on the first display unit, actions of the one or more objects included in the first creation screen in accordance with the definition file; a second screen file having a file format different from that of the first screen file, in accordance with the definition file; and a control unit for causing the second display unit to display the operations of the one or more objects included in a second creation screen as the creation screen, the second creation screen being included in the second screen file having a file format different from that of the first screen file, in accordance with the definition file.

6. The simulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the execution unit causes the display control unit to execute control to display the object for which the simulation is being performed in an emphasized manner compared to other objects on the display unit.

7. the definition file includes information on a start time of the simulation corresponding to an action of the object, or information on an execution interval of the simulation corresponding to each action of the plurality of objects, 7. The simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit automatically executes the simulation in accordance with the information on the start time or the information on the execution interval included in the definition file.

8. A display control unit that displays a created screen including one or more objects on a display unit, the created screen being created as a display screen to be displayed on a programmable display device; an execution unit that automatically executes a simulation in which the display control unit executes control to display the actions of the one or more objects on the display unit in accordance with a definition file that defines actions of the one or more objects; the definition file includes information on a start time of the simulation corresponding to an action of the object, or information on an execution interval of the simulation corresponding to each action of the plurality of objects, The simulation device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit automatically executes the simulation in accordance with the start time information or the execution interval information contained in the definition file.

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