ENGINEERING APPARATUS AND ENGINEERING METHOD

Abstract

To enable a decrease in the efficiency of engineering work to be suppressed.SOLUTION: An engineering device 10 comprises: a first display control unit 101 for causing a display device 50 to display a first setting screen which can be set with addable functions addable to target devices addable with predetermined functions among a plurality of devices for monitoring or controlling apparatuses installed in a facility, and the number of target devices added with the functions; a first acceptance unit 102 for accepting a setup instruction for setting, via the first setting screen, the functions that are added to the target device and the number of target devices to which the functions are added; a first generation unit 103 for generating, on the basis of the accepted setup instruction, as many as the number of target devices, setting data including data to be set into the target device added with the functions, for realizing the functions; and a first registration unit 104 for registering the generated setting data in a holding unit 105.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an engineering apparatus and an engineering method for performing various settings on devices that constitute a facility monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an engineering device that creates setting data for operating a plurality of devices (e.g., a primary device and a secondary device) that monitor or control equipment installed in a facility (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The engineering device creates setting data for each device, and constructs a facility monitoring system by having each device download (receive) the created setting data. Each device operates based on the setting data downloaded from the engineering device, and monitors or controls other devices other than itself, or one or more pieces of equipment installed in the facility.

[0003] For example, a facility monitoring system includes an integrated controller, a primary device installed at the same hierarchical level as the integrated controller, a secondary device connected under the primary device, and equipment connected under the secondary device. The integrated controller monitors the state of the primary device by operating based on setting data downloaded from the engineering equipment. The primary device monitors or controls the secondary device under the primary device by operating based on setting data downloaded from the engineering equipment. The secondary device monitors or controls the equipment under the secondary device by operating based on setting data downloaded from the engineering equipment.

[0004] When constructing a facility monitoring system, the engineering device operates in an engineering mode and, for example, displays a setting screen on the display device. The setting screen is a screen for creating and checking setting data, and has items (cells) that indicate the setting data. Then, an administrator or the like performs engineering work by creating setting data using the setting screen. Then, the engineering device stores data that compiles the setting data obtained by the engineering work of the administrator or the like in a single storage unit (database) as engineering data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-160909 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, there are various types of devices, such as integrated controllers, primary devices, and secondary devices. In engineering work by an administrator or the like, when creating configuration data to be set for these devices, there are cases where the administrator wants to create the configuration data after specifying the number of devices in advance. In this regard, it is possible to add improvements to conventional engineering devices, including the engineering device of Patent Document 1, so that the number of devices for which configuration data is to be created can be specified.

[0007] However, some of these devices can have certain functions added to them. In such cases, the number of devices for which configuration data can be created may be limited in relation to the functions added to the devices, making it difficult to simply specify the number of devices for which configuration data can be created.

[0008] For example, functions that can be added to the integrated controller include "single," "master," "slave," and "redundancy." Of these, "single" is a function for operating the integrated controller alone (one unit).

[0009] "Master" is a function for making the integrated controller operate as a master device, and "slave" is a function for making the integrated controller operate as a slave device. In terms of the master and slave relationship, the master device is the device that is the main operator, and the slave device is an auxiliary device that operates according to the instructions of the master device when the processing power of the master device alone is insufficient. Also, "redundancy" is a function for making the integrated controller operate redundantly (for example, in a duplicated form).

[0010] For devices with these functions added, an upper limit on the number of devices may be set according to the function. For example, when the integrated controller operates as a "single", the upper limit on the number of devices is one, and when it operates in "dual", the upper limit on the number of devices is two. Also, when the integrated controller operates as a "master", the upper limit on the number of devices is one, and when it operates in "dual", the upper limit on the number of devices is two. Additionally, the primary device can also operate in "redundancy".

[0011] In this way, the number of devices for which configuration data can be created may be limited in relation to the functions added to the devices. Therefore, if the number of devices is simply specified, the above-mentioned constraints may not be taken into consideration, and configuration data may be created for a number of devices that exceeds the constraint, resulting in an unnecessary increase in the volume of engineering data. In such cases, the administrator or the like must review the created configuration data and delete the created configuration data that exceeds the constraint, which may lead to a decrease in the efficiency of engineering work.

[0012] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an engineering device capable of suppressing a decrease in efficiency of engineering work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The engineering device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a first display control unit that causes a display device to display a first setting screen on which a function that can be added and the number of target devices to which the function has been added can be set for a target device, which is a device to which a predetermined function can be added, among a plurality of devices for monitoring or controlling equipment installed within a facility; a first reception unit that receives a setting instruction for setting the function to be added to the target device and the number of target devices to which the function has been added via the first setting screen displayed on the display device by the first display control unit; a first generation unit that generates setting data including data for realizing the function, which is set for the target devices to which the function has been added, based on the setting instruction received by the first reception unit, for the number of the target devices; and a first registration unit that registers the setting data generated by the first generation unit in a storage unit. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, since it is configured as described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in efficiency of engineering work. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a facility monitoring system including an engineering device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an engineering device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the engineering device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first setting screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a message box in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first setting screen on which the numbers of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 are displayed for each function in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for creating setting data in a conventional engineering device. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an engineering device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the engineering device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a second setting screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a number display screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an engineering device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the engineering device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a third setting screen in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a facility monitoring system 1000 including an engineering device 10 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the facility monitoring system 1000 includes the engineering device 10, an integrated controller 20, a primary device 30, and a secondary device 40. The engineering device 10, the integrated controller 20, the primary device 30, and the secondary device 40 are connected via a router 15 and a network NW.

[0017] 1, the facility monitoring system 1000 is provided with one integrated controller 20, one primary device 30, and three secondary devices 40, but the numbers of the integrated controller 20, the primary devices 30, and the secondary devices 40 are not limited to this. Also, the integrated controller 20 is not an essential component and may be omitted. Also, the secondary device 40 is connected to a device to be controlled or monitored, but the display of this device is omitted in FIG. 1.

[0018] The engineering device 10 performs engineering processing including the creation of the setting data described above, and constructs the facility monitoring system 1000. The setting data is, for example, setting data for the integrated controller 20 for the integrated controller 20 to monitor the state of the primary device 30, setting data for the primary device 30 for the primary device 30 to monitor or control the subordinate secondary device 40, and setting data for the secondary device 40 for the secondary device 40 to monitor or control the subordinate equipment. The engineering device 10 also stores data that combines the setting data for the integrated controller 20, the setting data for the primary device 30, and the setting data for the secondary device 40 as engineering data in a storage unit 105 (see FIG. 2).

[0019] The integrated controller 20 downloads setting data corresponding to itself from the engineering data held by the engineering device 10, and operates based on the downloaded setting data to monitor the state of the primary device 30. The integrated controller 20 displays information indicating the state of the primary device 30 on a display device (not shown), such as a display, so that an administrator or the like can grasp the state of the primary device 30. The integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30 are connected to the engineering device 10 via a router 15, and are installed at the same hierarchical level of the network NW.

[0020] The primary device 30 downloads configuration data corresponding to itself from the engineering data held by the engineering device 10, and monitors or controls the secondary devices 40 under its control by operating based on the downloaded configuration data.

[0021] The secondary device 40 downloads setting data corresponding to itself from the engineering data held by the engineering device 10, and operates based on the downloaded setting data to monitor or control the equipment under its control. The equipment is installed in a facility and is composed of, for example, a sensor, a thermometer, a motor, a damper, or a power meter.

[0022] 1, the network NW constituting the main part of the facility monitoring system 1000 is configured with two hierarchical layers: an upper layer including the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30, and a lower layer including the secondary device 40. Note that, although an example in which the network NW is configured with two layers, each layer including one or more devices, is described here, the network NW is not limited to this, and may be configured with three or more layers, each layer including one or more devices.

[0023] Next, a configuration example of the engineering device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] 2, the engineering device 10 includes a first display control unit 101, a first receiving unit 102, a first generating unit 103, a first registration unit 104, and a retaining unit 105. The engineering device 10 is also connected to a display device 50 such as a display.

[0025] The first display control unit 101 causes a first setting screen to be displayed on the display device 50. The first setting screen is a screen on which a function to be added to a target device, which is a device to which a predetermined function can be added among a plurality of devices for monitoring or controlling equipment installed in a facility, and the number of target devices to which the function is added can be set.

[0026] Specifically, the target devices to which a predetermined function can be added are assumed to be the integrated controller 20 (first device) and the primary device 30 (second device) here. In this case, the fact that the target devices are the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30 is set in advance in the engineering device 10 by, for example, an administrator.

[0027] At this time, the first display control unit 101 causes the display device 50 to display, as a first setting screen, a screen including a first setting area in which functions that can be added to the integrated controller 20 and the number of integrated controllers 20 to which the functions have been added can be set, and a second setting area in which functions that can be added to the primary device 30 and the number of primary devices 30 to which the functions have been added can be set. An example of the first setting screen in this case will be described later.

[0028] In this case, the predetermined function that can be added to the target device is, for example, any one of "single", "master", "slave", and "redundancy".

[0029] For example, "single" is a function for operating the target device alone (one unit). "Master" is a function for operating the target device as a master device, and "slave" is a function for operating the target device as a slave device. Also, "redundancy" is a function for operating the target device in a redundant (e.g. duplicated) manner.

[0030] The first receiving unit 102 receives a setting instruction via a first setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the first display control unit 101 to set the function to be added to the target device and the number of target devices to which the function is added.

[0031] The first generating unit 103 generates setting data to be set for the target devices to which a predetermined function has been added, for the number of target devices, based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving unit 102. Note that the setting data generated here includes at least data for realizing the function added to the target device.

[0032] The first registration unit 104 registers the setting data generated by the first generation unit 103 in the holding unit 105 .

[0033] The storage unit 105 stores various types of information used by the engineering device 10. For example, the storage unit 105 stores engineering data including the setting data registered by the first registration unit 104.

[0034] The storage unit 105 is configured, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory, etc. In addition, although the case where the storage unit 105 is provided inside the engineering device 10 is shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 105 may be provided outside the engineering device 10.

[0035] In addition, the functions of the first display control unit 101, the first receiving unit 102, the first generation unit 103, and the first registration unit 104 are realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) provided in the engineering device 10 executing a predetermined program expanded in a memory (not shown).

[0036] Next, an operation example of the engineering device 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3. In the following description, it is assumed that the target devices to which a predetermined function can be added are the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30.

[0037] First, the first display control section 101 causes the display device 50 to display the first setting screen in response to an instruction from the administrator or the like (step ST301).

[0038] At this time, the first display control unit 101 causes the display device 50 to display, as a first setting screen, a screen including a first setting area in which functions that can be added to the integrated controller 20 and the number of integrated controllers 20 to which the functions have been added can be set, and a second setting area in which functions that can be added to the primary device 30 and the number of primary devices 30 to which the functions have been added can be set.

[0039] An example of the first setting screen is shown in Fig. 4. The first setting screen is a screen for issuing setting instructions for setting functions that can be added to target devices and the number of target devices to which the functions are added.

[0040] The types and uses of the target devices (the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30) are displayed on the left side of the screen in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, a device whose type name begins with "BH" indicates an integrated controller 20, and a device whose type name begins with "WJ" indicates a primary device 30.

[0041] Here, the information on the type and use of the target device is set in advance in the engineering device 10 by, for example, an administrator. Then, when the first setting screen is called up by the administrator, the information on the type and use of the target device that is set in advance is displayed on the first setting screen.

[0042] Also, the "Number of existing devices" field displayed to the right of the purpose indicates the number of target devices whose setting data is registered in the storage unit 105. In the example of Fig. 4, since there are no target devices whose setting data is registered in the storage unit 105, all devices are displayed as "0".

[0043] To the right of "Number of existing devices" is displayed a column for "Number of registered devices." In the column for "Number of registered devices" are displayed a first setting area 401 in which functions that can be added to the integrated controller 20 and the number of integrated controllers 20 to which the functions have been added can be set, and a second setting area 402 in which functions that can be added to the primary device 30 and the number of primary devices 30 to which the functions have been added can be set.

[0044] The information on the item names (e.g., "Total" and "Details") displayed in the "Number of Existing Devices" column and the "Number of Registered Devices" column is set in advance in the engineering device 10 by, for example, an administrator. When the first setting screen is called up by the administrator, information on each item name set in advance is displayed on the first setting screen.

[0045] Next, the first receiving unit 102 receives a setting instruction to set the function to be added to the target devices to which a specified function can be added and the number of target devices to which the function has been added via the first setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the first display control unit 101 (step ST302).

[0046] The setting instruction is given, for example, as follows: For example, when the administrator or the like wants to set the number of integrated controllers 20 with the "master" function to one, duplicate this integrated controller 20, and set the number of integrated controllers 20 with the "slave" function to one, he or she enters the number "1" in the "master" field in the first setting area 401, turns on the "duplicate" checkbox to the left of it, and enters the number "1" in the "slave" field, as shown in FIG.

[0047] In addition, when the number of primary devices 30 used as "advanced controllers", the number of primary devices 30 used as "heat source controllers", the number of primary devices 30 used as "dual controllers", and the number of primary devices 30 used as "DGPs" are each set to one, and the number of primary devices 30 used as "general controllers" is set to three, the administrator, etc., inputs "1" into the number columns for "advanced controllers", "heat source controllers", "DGPs", and "dual controllers" in the second setting area 402, as shown in FIG. 4, and inputs "3" into the number column for "general controllers". Also, the administrator checks the "dual" checkbox for "dual controllers". It is advisable to require that the "dual" checkbox be checked for the primary devices 30 used as "dual controllers".

[0048] Thereafter, the administrator or the like presses the execution icon 4031 displayed in the operation area 403 on the right edge of the screen. As a result, the administrator or the like issues a setting instruction to the integrated controller 20 and a setting instruction to the primary device 30. The setting instruction issued by the administrator or the like is then accepted by the first accepting unit 102.

[0049] Next, the first generating unit 103 generates setting data to be set for the target devices to which a predetermined function has been added, based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving unit 102, for the number of the target devices (step ST303).

[0050] 4, since a duplex function is added to the integrated controller 20 to which the master function has been added, the first generating unit 103 generates setting data for two integrated controllers 20 to which the master function has been added (for example, one for an active system and one for a standby system). Also, the first generating unit 103 generates setting data for one integrated controller 20 to which the slave function has been added. The setting data generated here includes at least data for implementing the function added to the integrated controller 20.

[0051] Moreover, the first generating unit 103 generates setting data for two primary devices 30 (duplication controllers) to which a duplication function has been added, and generates setting data for each of the remaining primary devices 30.

[0052] The first generating unit 103 generates the setting data with an initial value. For example, the first generating unit 103 generates the setting data with a value of "0" for data related to a numerical value. The first generating unit 103 generates the setting data with a value other than a numerical value (e.g., a device name) with a predetermined initial value. When generating setting data for two or more devices, the first generating unit 103 generates the setting data while incrementing the initial value according to a predetermined rule.

[0053] Here, the first generating unit 103 does not need to generate all the setting data to be set in each device, but only needs to generate the minimum setting data required as the setting data to be registered in the holding unit 105. Here, the minimum setting data includes, for example, at least data for realizing the functions added to the target device, and also includes other data that is essential as the data to be registered in the holding unit 105, such as the identification information (device ID), name, address, etc. of each device.

[0054] Next, the first registration unit 104 registers the setting data generated by the first generation unit 103 in the holding unit 105 (step ST304).

[0055] When the administrator or the like presses the execution icon 4031, the first display control unit 101 may cause the display device 50 to display a message box showing a message notifying the administrator or the like of the approximate capacity of the setting data that will actually be generated, as shown in Fig. 5. Then, the first receiving unit 102 may receive the setting instruction when the administrator or the like presses the "Yes" button in the message box of Fig. 5. This allows the administrator or the like to know the approximate capacity of the setting data that will actually be generated when the setting instruction is given, before giving the setting instruction.

[0056] The approximate capacity of the setting data is calculated, for example, by a calculation unit (not shown) included in the engineering device 10. For example, the calculation unit stores the capacity (reference capacity) of the setting data to be set for one target device and a coefficient for each function to be multiplied by the reference capacity. Then, based on the setting instruction accepted by the first acceptance unit 102, the calculation unit multiplies the reference capacity by the number of devices and further multiplies it by a coefficient according to the function to calculate the approximate capacity of the setting data.

[0057] The first display control unit 101 may display the above message directly on the first setting screen shown in FIG. 4, instead of in a message box as shown in FIG.

[0058] In addition, the first display control unit 101 may display the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 to which a specified function has been added and whose setting data has been registered in the storage unit 105 by the first registration unit 104 on the first setting screen for each specified function.

[0059] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the first display control unit 101 causes a "Total" field within a "Number of Existing Devices" field on the first setting screen to display "3", which is the total number of integrated controllers 20 whose setting data are registered in the storage unit 105. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the first display control unit 101 causes a "Details" field within a "Number of Existing Devices" field on the first setting screen to display "Master: 2, Slave: 1" as the number of integrated controllers 20 for each function.

[0060] 6, the first display control unit 101 causes a "Total" field within the "Number of Existing Devices" field on the first setting screen to display "2", the total number of primary devices 30 (duplex controllers) whose setting data are registered in the storage unit 105. Also, as shown in FIG 6, the first display control unit 101 causes a "Details" field within the "Number of Existing Devices" field on the first setting screen to display "System A: 1, System B: 1" as the number of each function of the primary devices 30 (duplex controllers).

[0061] In addition, when the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 to which a specified function has been added and whose setting data has been registered in the storage unit 105 by the first registration unit 104 reaches a predetermined upper limit value in relation to the function, the first display control unit 101 may make it impossible to set the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 to which the function can be added on the first setting screen.

[0062] For example, when the integrated controller 20 is provided with the "single" function, the upper limit on the number of units is 1, and when the "duplex" function is further added, the upper limit on the number of units is 2. When the integrated controller 20 is provided with the "master" function, the upper limit on the number of units is 1, and when the "duplex" function is further added, the upper limit on the number of units is 2.

[0063] In the example shown in Fig. 6, two integrated controllers 20 with the "master" function have already been registered, reaching the upper limit. In addition, since an integrated controller 20 with the "master" function has been registered, an integrated controller 20 with the "single" function cannot be additionally registered. Therefore, the first display control unit 101 may make it impossible to select the "single" column and the "duplex" check box to the left of it, and the "master" column and the "duplex" check box to the left of it in the first setting area 401, as shown in Fig. 6, thereby making it impossible to set a greater number of controllers.

[0064] After carrying out the above process, the administrator etc. creates missing setting data that has not been generated by first generating unit 103 and is to be set in each device, and edits (corrects, etc.) the setting data generated by first generating unit 103, and registers these data in holding unit 105. In this way, the administrator etc. completes the creation of the setting data to be set in each device.

[0065] In this way, when creating setting data to be set for the integrated controller 20 and the primary devices 30, the engineering device 10 makes it possible to specify the number of devices taking into consideration the functions to be added to the integrated controller 20 and the primary devices 30. Therefore, the engineering device 10 eliminates the risk of creating setting data for a number of devices that exceeds a function-based constraint, and eliminates the need to take measures such as deleting setting data created in excess of the constraint. This allows the engineering device 10 to suppress a decrease in efficiency of engineering work by an administrator or the like.

[0066] Furthermore, the engineering device 10 improves the efficiency of engineering work compared to the conventional method in the following respects.

[0067] For example, in a conventional engineering device, when creating setting data to be set for the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30, a setting screen such as that shown in FIG.

[0068] On this setting screen, all devices present in the network, including the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30, are displayed in a tree structure on the left side of the screen. The secondary device 40 can be expanded under the primary device 30 by pressing the "+" button displayed to the left of the icon of the primary device 30.

[0069] In addition, a list screen for each device is displayed in the center of the screen, and an operation area and a property display area are displayed on the right side of the screen. In Fig. 7, the list screen for the primary device 30 is displayed in the center of the screen.

[0070] For example, when creating setting data for an arbitrary primary device 30, the administrator selects the primary device 30 for which setting data is to be created from the list screen in the center of the screen, and calls up a setting data creation screen on a separate screen. The administrator then creates the setting data via the called-up creation screen. The administrator repeats this task for the number of primary devices 30 to be created. The administrator also performs the same task for the integrated controller 20.

[0071] As described above, in the conventional engineering device, the configurations of the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30 are significantly different, so that the screens for creating the setting data are also different. Therefore, even when creating setting data for a plurality of devices at once, for example, the user must frequently switch the screen displayed on the display device 50 while working, which is one of the factors that reduces the efficiency of the engineering work.

[0072] In this regard, in the engineering device 10 according to the first embodiment, the administrator or the like can issue instructions to set additional functions and the number of devices to the integrated controller 20 and instructions to set additional functions and the number of devices to the primary devices 30 via the same screen (first setting screen). Therefore, the administrator or the like is no longer required to perform operations such as frequently switching screens as in the conventional method, and the efficiency of engineering work is improved compared to the conventional method.

[0073] In particular, the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30 belong to the same layer within the network NW, and do not require complicated connection settings or the like within the network NW, and can exist in a parallel relationship, so to speak.

[0074] It is convenient for the administrator etc. if the above setting instructions can be given to two devices having such a relationship via the same screen. In this regard, in the engineering device 10 according to the first embodiment, setting instructions for the additional functions and the number of devices for the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30 can be given via the same screen. Therefore, in this respect as well, the efficiency of engineering work is improved compared to the conventional case.

[0075] In the above description, the case where there are two types of target devices (the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30) has been exemplified, but the target devices are not limited to this, and may be only one type (for example, the integrated controller 20). Even in this case, for the one type of target devices, the setting instruction for the additional functions and the number of devices can be given via the same screen.

[0076] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the engineering device 10 includes a first display control unit 101 that causes the display device 50 to display a first setting screen in which a function that can be added and the number of target devices to which the function is added can be set for a target device that is a device to which a predetermined function can be added among a plurality of devices for monitoring or controlling equipment installed in a facility, a first reception unit 102 that receives a setting instruction for setting a function to be added to the target device and the number of target devices to which the function is added via the first setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the first display control unit 101, a first generation unit 103 that generates setting data including data for realizing the function, which is set for the target device to which the function is added, based on the setting instruction received by the first reception unit 102, for the number of target devices, and a first registration unit 104 that registers the setting data generated by the first generation unit 103 in the holding unit 105. As a result, the engineering device 10 is free from the risk of creating setting data for a number of devices exceeding the constraints according to the functions, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in efficiency of engineering work by an administrator or the like.

[0077] The target devices to which a predetermined function can be added include an integrated controller 20 (first device) belonging to a certain layer of the network NW having a hierarchical structure, and a primary device 30 (second device) belonging to the same layer as the integrated controller 20 and under the supervision of the integrated controller 20, and the first display control unit 101 causes the display device 50 to display, as a first setting screen, a screen including a first setting area 401 in which functions that can be added to the integrated controller 20 and the number of integrated controllers 20 to which the functions have been added can be set, and a second setting area 402 in which functions that can be added to the primary device 30 and the number of primary devices 30 to which the functions have been added can be set. This allows the administrator, etc., to issue setting instructions for the integrated controller 20 of the added functions and the number of devices and setting instructions for the primary devices 30 of the added functions and the number of devices via the same screen, improving the efficiency of engineering work compared to the conventional art.

[0078] Furthermore, the first display control unit 101 causes the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 to which a predetermined function has been added and for which the first registration unit 104 has registered setting data in the storage unit 105 to be displayed on the first setting screen for each predetermined function. This allows the administrator or the like to easily grasp how many integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 for which setting data has been registered in the storage unit 105 for each function.

[0079] Furthermore, when the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 to which a predetermined function has been added and whose setting data has been registered in the holding unit 105 by the first registration unit 104 reaches a predetermined upper limit in relation to the function, the first display control unit 101 makes it impossible to set the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 to which the function can be added, on the first setting screen. This enables the engineering device 10 to prevent the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 from being set beyond the predetermined upper limit in relation to the function.

[0080] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, an example was described in which an instruction to set the additional functions and the number of devices to the integrated controller 20 and an instruction to set the additional functions and the number of devices to the primary devices 30 are given via the same screen. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which an instruction to set the number of devices to the secondary devices 40 is given.

[0081] The secondary device 40 is a device connected to the primary device 30, and belongs to a lower hierarchical level in the network NW than the hierarchical level to which the primary device 30 belongs. The secondary device 40 is connected in a daisy chain manner to one of two connection ports (1CH and 2CH) of the primary device 30. The two connection ports of the primary device 30 may have different communication types (communication methods), and the secondary device 40 that can be connected may be determined by the communication type.

[0082] In this way, it is necessary to consider which primary device 30 the secondary device 40 should be connected under, or which connection port of the primary device 30 the secondary device 40 should be connected to and by what communication type. For this reason, in the engineering device, the instruction to set the number of secondary devices 40 is made via a second setting screen, which is a screen different from the first setting screen described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the instruction to set the number of secondary devices 40 is made mainly through this second setting screen.

[0083] 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an engineering device 10b according to embodiment 2. The engineering device 10b according to embodiment 2 further includes a second display control unit 121, a second receiving unit 122, a second generating unit 123, and a second registering unit 124 in addition to the components of the engineering device 10 according to embodiment 1. Since the other components of the engineering device 10b are similar to those of the engineering device 10 according to embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] The second display control unit 121 causes the display device 50 to display a second setting screen. The second setting screen is a screen including a display area that displays at least a part of the setting data set for the primary device 30 (second device), and a third setting area in which the number of secondary devices 40 (third devices) that belong to a lower hierarchy than the hierarchy to which the primary device 30 belongs and are connected to the primary device 30 can be set. When there are multiple communication types, the second setting screen also allows the setting of the communication type between the secondary device 40 and the primary device 30. An example of the second setting screen in this case will be described later.

[0085] The second receiving unit 122 receives a setting instruction to set the number of secondary devices 40 and the type of communication between the secondary devices 40 and the primary device 30 via a second setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the second display control unit 121.

[0086] The second generating unit 123 generates setting data to be set for the secondary devices 40 on the basis of the setting instruction received by the second receiving unit 122, the number of which is equal to the number of secondary devices 40.

[0087] The second registration unit 124 registers the setting data generated by the second generation unit 123 in the holding unit 105 .

[0088] In the above description, the second display control unit 121 has been described as an example in which there are multiple communication types, but in the case where there is only one communication type, the second display control unit 121 may display, as the second setting screen, a screen including the above-mentioned display area and a third setting area in which the number of secondary devices 40 can be set. In this case, the second reception unit 122 may receive a setting instruction to set only the number of secondary devices 40 via the second setting screen.

[0089] Next, an operation example of the engineering device 10b according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 8 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. In the following, an example in which a plurality of communication types exist (BACnet communication and Modbus communication) will be described.

[0090] First, the second display control section 121 causes the display device 50 to display the second setting screen in response to an instruction from the administrator or the like (step ST901).

[0091] An example of the second setting screen is shown in Fig. 10. The second setting screen is a screen for issuing setting instructions for setting the number of secondary devices 40 and the type of communication between the secondary devices 40 and the primary device 30.

[0092] 10, a display area 1001 is provided on the left side of the screen for displaying at least a portion of the setting data set for the primary device 30. In the example of FIG. 10, the UD code, name, and type of the primary device 30 are displayed in the display area 1001. Note that this information about the primary device 30 is displayed based on the setting data for each primary device 30 registered in the storage unit 105.

[0093] A third setting area 1002 is provided on the right side from the center of the screen in Fig. 10. In the third setting area 1002, the number of secondary devices 40 and the type of communication between the secondary devices 40 and the primary device 30 are set.

[0094] The "Number of secondary devices" in the third setting area 1002 indicates the number of secondary devices 40 connected to each primary device 30. The "Total" column indicates the total number of secondary devices 40 connected to each primary device 30, with the numbers of secondary devices 40 connected to each of the two connection ports of each primary device 30 being displayed in the "CH1" and "CH2" columns.

[0095] For example, a total of three secondary devices 40 are connected to a primary device 30 named "Controller 001," with all three of those devices connected to "CH1," and no secondary devices 40 connected to "CH2."

[0096] It also shows that a total of six secondary devices 40 are connected to a primary device 30 named "Controller 002," of which four are connected to "CH1" and the remaining two are connected to "CH2."

[0097] “Lower communication” in the third setting area 1002 indicates the type of communication between the primary device 30 and the secondary device 40. The type of communication is determined for each of the two connection ports of the primary device 30.

[0098] For example, a primary device 30 named "Controller 002" uses BACnet communication at the "CH1" connection port and Modbus communication at the "CH2" connection port, while a primary device 30 named "Controller 004" uses BACnet communication at both the "CH1" and "CH2" connection ports.

[0099] The secondary devices 40 that can be connected to each connection port are determined according to the communication type. Therefore, the communication type of each connection port needs to be set in advance by an administrator or the like before setting the number of secondary devices 40.

[0100] The "Secondary Device" in the third setting area 1002 is a field for setting which of the two connection ports of the primary device 30 the secondary device 40 for which new setting data is to be created should be connected to. The administrator or the like checks the check box for the connection port to which the administrator or the like wants to connect.

[0101] The operation area in the third setting area 1002 is an area for setting the type, communication type, and number of secondary devices 40 for which new setting data is to be created with the primary device 30. Also displayed in the operation area is an execution icon 10021 for issuing an instruction to set the number of secondary devices 40, etc.

[0102] In step ST901, after the second setting screen is displayed on the display device 50, the second receiving unit 122 receives a setting instruction to set the number of secondary devices 40 and the type of communication between the secondary devices 40 and the primary device 30 via the second setting screen (step ST902).

[0103] The setting instruction is given, for example, as follows: For example, in the operation area, the administrator etc. selects "BACnet" as the type of communication with the primary device 30 for the secondary device 40 for which new setting data is to be created, selects the type of secondary device 40, and enters "5" in the number field. In addition, in the "Secondary device" field in the third setting area 1002, the administrator etc. checks a check box indicating the connection port of the primary device 30 to which the newly created secondary device 40 will be connected.

[0104] After that, the administrator or the like presses the execution icon 10021 displayed in the operation area. As a result, the administrator or the like issues a setting instruction to set the number of secondary devices 40 and the type of communication between the secondary devices 40 and the primary device 30. The setting instruction issued by the administrator or the like is then accepted by the second accepting unit 122.

[0105] Next, the second generating unit 123 generates setting data to be set for the secondary devices 40, the number of which is equal to the number of secondary devices 40, based on the setting instruction received by the second receiving unit 122 (step ST903).

[0106] 10, setting data is generated for five secondary devices 40 where the check boxes are checked. As a result, the number of "CH1" units for the primary device 30 whose UD code is "100011" is changed from 3 to 8. Similarly, the number of "CH1" units for the primary device 30 whose UD code is "100019" is also changed from 3 to 8.

[0107] Next, the second registration unit 124 registers the setting data generated by the second generation unit 123 in the holding unit 105 (step ST904).

[0108] In this way, it is necessary to consider which primary device 30 the secondary device 40 is to be connected to, or which connection port of the primary device 30 the secondary device 40 is to be connected to and by what communication type. Therefore, the engineering device 10b provides a second setting screen that is a screen different from the first setting screen, and displays a display area 1001 that displays at least a part of the setting data set for the primary device 30, and a third setting area 1002 that sets the number of secondary devices 40 and the communication type of the secondary device 40 with the primary device 30. This allows the administrator or the like to set the number and communication type of the secondary devices 40 to be connected to the primary device 30 while referring to the setting data set for the primary device 30, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0109] In addition, administrators, etc. can efficiently create setting data for all devices that make up the network NW by using two screens: the first setting screen described in embodiment 1 and the second editing screen described in this embodiment 2.

[0110] After the setting data for the secondary device 40 is registered in step ST904, the second display control section 121 may cause the display device 50 to display a device count display screen as shown in FIG.

[0111] The number display screen shown in Fig. 11 is a screen displaying the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 whose setting data have been registered in the holding unit 105 by the first registration unit 104, and the number of secondary devices 40 whose setting data have been registered in the holding unit 105 by the second registration unit 124. In the example of Fig. 11, it is displayed that the number of integrated controllers 20, the number of primary devices 30, and the number of secondary devices 40 whose setting data have been registered in the holding unit 105 are three, eight, and 65, respectively.

[0112] Furthermore, the number display screen may display a more detailed breakdown of the number of devices, as shown in Fig. 11. In the example of Fig. 11, the number of devices by type is displayed in the upper center of the number display screen. Also, the lower center of the number display screen displays a breakdown of the types of secondary devices 40, the type of which is "WJ-1201", selected by an administrator or the like in the upper center of the screen.

[0113] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the engineering device 10b includes: a second display control unit 121 that causes the display device 50 to display a second setting screen including a display area 1001 that displays at least a portion of the setting data that has been set for the primary device 30 (second device); and a third setting area 1002 in which the number of secondary devices 40 (third devices) that belong to a lower hierarchy than the hierarchy to which the primary device 30 belongs and that are connected to the primary device 30 can be set; a second reception unit 122 that receives a setting instruction for setting the number of secondary devices 40 via the second setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the second display control unit 121; a second generation unit 123 that generates setting data to be set for the secondary devices 40, the number of which corresponds to the number of secondary devices 40, based on the setting instruction received by the second reception unit 122; and a second registration unit 124 that registers the setting data generated by the second generation unit 123 in the holding unit 105. As a result, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the engineering device 10b can also create setting data after specifying the number of secondary devices 40.

[0114] Furthermore, in the conventional engineering device, when creating setting data to be set for the secondary device 40, the setting screen as shown in FIG. 7 described in the first embodiment is displayed on the display device 50.

[0115] For example, when creating setting data for an arbitrary secondary device 40, the administrator selects the secondary device 40 for which the setting data is to be created from the list screen in the center of the screen in Fig. 7, and calls up a setting data creation screen on a separate screen. The administrator then creates the setting data via the called-up creation screen. The administrator repeats this task for the number of secondary devices 40 to be created.

[0116] In particular, since there are a large number of secondary devices 40, when creating configuration data, the screen displayed on the display device 50 must be changed frequently, which is very time-consuming for the administrator and is one of the factors that reduces the efficiency of engineering work.

[0117] In this regard, in the engineering device 10b according to the second embodiment, the administrator or the like can check the setting data for the primary device 30 and instruct the setting data for the number of secondary devices 40 via the same screen (second setting screen). Therefore, the administrator or the like is no longer required to frequently switch screens as in the conventional case, and the efficiency of engineering work is improved compared to the conventional case.

[0118] Furthermore, the second display control unit 121 causes the display device 50 to display a number display screen that displays the number of integrated controllers 20 and primary devices 30 whose setting data have been registered in the storage unit 105 by the first registration unit 104, and the number of secondary devices 40 whose setting data have been registered in the storage unit 105 by the second registration unit 124. This allows the administrator or the like to easily grasp the number of devices whose setting data have been registered in the storage unit 105.

[0119] Embodiment 3 In the first and second embodiments, examples have been described in which setting data to be set for the integrated controller 20, the primary device 30, and the secondary device 40 is created by specifying the number of devices. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which setting data already registered in the retaining unit 105 is copied.

[0120] 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an engineering device 10c according to embodiment 3. The engineering device 10c according to embodiment 3 further includes a third display control unit 131, a third receiving unit 132, a third generating unit 133, and a third registering unit 134 in addition to the engineering device 10b according to embodiment 2. The other configurations of the engineering device 10c are similar to those of the engineering device 10b according to embodiment 2, and therefore the same reference numerals are used and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] The third display control unit 131 causes the display device 50 to display a third setting screen. The third setting screen is a screen including a display area displaying at least a part of the setting data for the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30 registered in the storage unit 105 by the first registration unit 104 and at least a part of the setting data for the secondary device 40 registered in the storage unit 105 by the second registration unit 124, and a copy setting area in which the number of copies can be set when copying each of the setting data at least a part of which is displayed in the display area. An example of the configuration of the third setting screen in this case will be described later.

[0122] The third reception unit 132 receives a setting instruction to set the number of copies to be made when copying each setting data displayed in the display area via the third setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the third display control unit 131.

[0123] Based on the setting instruction accepted by the third accepting unit 132, the third generating unit 133 copies each piece of setting data displayed in the display area by the number of copies of the respective piece of setting data.

[0124] The third registration unit 134 registers the setting data copied by the third generation unit 133 in the holding unit 105 .

[0125] Next, an example of the operation of the engineering device 10c according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG.

[0126] First, the third display control section 131 causes the display device 50 to display the third setting screen (step ST1301).

[0127] An example of the third setting screen is shown in Fig. 14. The third setting screen is a screen for issuing a setting instruction to set the number of copies of setting data registered in the storage unit 105 for the integrated controller 20, the primary device 30, and the secondary device 40.

[0128] 14, a display area 1401 is provided on the left side of the screen for displaying at least a portion of the setting data set for the integrated controller 20, the primary device 30, and the secondary device 40. In the example of FIG. 14, the type, UD code, LD code, name, etc. of each device are displayed in the display area 1401 as at least a portion of the setting data set for each device. Note that this information displayed in the display area 1401 is displayed based on the setting data for each device registered in the storage unit 105.

[0129] In addition, for duplicated devices, only the setting data of one of the devices (for example, the active device) is displayed in the display area 1401. In the display area 1401, for duplicated devices, the check box in the "Duplex" column is checked.

[0130] A copy setting area 1402 is provided on the right side of the screen in Fig. 14. In the copy setting area 1402, the number of copies of the setting data and the like are set.

[0131] The "Parent Device" and "Connection CH" columns in copy setting area 1402 can only be used to input data for the secondary device 40. When copying setting data for the secondary device 40, the administrator, etc. inputs in the "Parent Device" column which of the multiple primary devices 30 the copy will be created under. Furthermore, when creating the copy, the administrator, etc. inputs in the "Connection CH" column which of the two connection ports (CH1 or CH2) of the primary device 30 that is the parent device the copy will be created for.

[0132] The number of copies of the setting data to be copied for the device displayed in the display area 1401 is input into the "number" field in the copy setting area 1402. The administrator or the like inputs the number of copies of the setting data in the "number" field of the device to which the administrator or the like wishes to copy the setting data.

[0133] Furthermore, the “Subordinate Device” field in the copy setting area 1402 allows input only for the primary device 30. When copying setting data for the primary device 30, the administrator or the like checks a check box if he or she also wants to copy setting data for the secondary device 40 connected under the primary device 30.

[0134] In addition, the operation area in the copy setting area 1402 displays an execution icon 14021 for instructing settings such as the number of copies of the setting data.

[0135] Next, the third reception unit 132 receives a setting instruction to set the number of copies to be made when copying each setting data displayed in the display area via the third setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the third display control unit 131 (step ST1302).

[0136] The setting instruction is given, for example, as follows: For example, the administrator or the like inputs the number of copies in the "number" field for the devices to which the setting data is to be copied in the copy setting area 1402. Note that in the example of Fig. 14, the primary device 30 with the UD code "100013" is duplicated, so even if 1 is input in the "number", copying will actually be performed for two devices.

[0137] Furthermore, when copying setting data for the primary device 30, the administrator or the like sets whether or not to also copy setting data for the secondary device 40 connected under the primary device 30 by turning a check box on or off. Furthermore, when copying setting data for the secondary device 40, the administrator or the like sets the primary device 30 to be connected and its connection port.

[0138] After that, the administrator or the like presses the execution icon 14021 displayed in the operation area. In response to this, the administrator or the like issues a setting instruction to set the number of copies of the setting data set in each device, etc. Then, the setting instruction issued by the administrator or the like is accepted by the third accepting unit 132.

[0139] Next, the third generating unit 133 copies each piece of setting data displayed in the display area by the number of copies of each piece of setting data based on the setting instruction accepted by the third accepting unit 132 (step ST1303). Note that for setting data for which the number of copies is set to "0", the third generating unit 133 does not copy the setting data.

[0140] Next, the third registration unit 134 registers the setting data copied by the third generation unit 133 in the holding unit 105 (step ST1304).

[0141] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the engineering device 10c includes a display area 1401 that displays at least a portion of the setting data for the integrated controller 20 and the primary device 30 that is registered in the storage unit 105 by the first registration unit 104, and at least a portion of the setting data for the secondary device 40 that is registered in the storage unit 105 by the second registration unit 124, and a copy setting area 1402 that allows the user to set the number of copies to be made when copying each piece of setting data at least a portion of which is displayed in the display area. The engineering device 10c includes a third display control unit 131 that displays a third setting screen on the display device 50, a third reception unit 132 that receives a setting instruction for setting the number of copies of each piece of setting data displayed in the display area via the third setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the third display control unit 131, a third generation unit 133 that copies each piece of setting data displayed in the display area by the number of copies of the setting data based on the setting instruction received by the third reception unit 132, and a third registration unit 134 that registers the setting data copied by the third generation unit 133 in the holding unit 105. Thus, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the engineering device 10c can easily copy the setting data set in each device after setting the number of copies.

[0142] Furthermore, the copy setting area 1402 includes an area for setting whether or not to copy setting data for a secondary device 40 connected to the primary device 30 when copying setting data for the primary device 30, and the third reception unit 132 accepts a setting instruction for setting whether or not to copy setting data for a secondary device 40 connected to the primary device 30 when copying setting data for the primary device 30, via a third setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the third display control unit 131. This allows the administrator, etc., to copy setting data for a secondary device 40 connected to the primary device 30 as necessary when copying setting data for the primary device 30, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0143] Furthermore, the copy setting area 1402 includes an area for setting which of the multiple primary devices 30 the copy should be created under when copying setting data for the secondary device 40 in the case where there are multiple primary devices 30, and the third reception unit 132 receives a setting instruction for setting which of the multiple primary devices 30 the copy should be created under when copying setting data for the secondary device 40, via a third setting screen displayed on the display device 50 by the third display control unit 131. This allows the administrator or the like to easily set the copy destination of the setting data for the secondary device 40, improving work efficiency.

[0144] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the embodiments may be freely combined, any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10, 10b, 10c Engineering Equipment 15 Router 20 Integrated Controller 30 Primary Devices 40 Secondary Devices 50 Display device 101 First display control unit 102 First Reception Section 103 1st generation part 104 First Registration Section 105 Holding part 121 Second display control unit 122 Second Reception Section 123 Second generation part 124 Second Registration Section 131 Third display control unit 132 Third Reception Section 133 Third generation part 134 Third Registration Section 401 First Setting Area 402 Second Setting Area 403 Operation area 1000 Facility Monitoring System 1001 Display area 1002 Third Setting Area 1401 Display area 1402 Copy setting area 4031 Run Icon 10021 Run icon 14021 Run Icon NW Network

Claims

1. a first display control unit that causes a display device to display a first setting screen on which a function that can be added and the number of target devices to which the function is added can be set for a target device that is a device to which a predetermined function can be added among a plurality of devices for monitoring or controlling equipment installed in the facility; a first reception unit that receives, via a first setting screen displayed on the display device by the first display control unit, a setting instruction for setting a function to be added to the target device and a number of target devices to which the function is added; a first generating unit configured to generate setting data including data for implementing the function, the setting data being configured for the target device to which the function has been added, based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving unit, the setting data including data for implementing the function, the setting data being configured for the target device to which the function has been added, the setting data being generated for the number of the target devices; a first registration unit that registers the setting data generated by the first generation unit in a storage unit; Engineering equipment with.

2. The target device is A network system including a first device belonging to a certain layer of a hierarchical network, and a second device belonging to the same layer as the first device and being monitored by the first device, The first display control unit displays, as the first setting screen, a first setting area in which a function that can be added to the first device and the number of first devices to which the function is added can be set; a screen including a second setting area in which a function that can be added to the second device and the number of second devices to which the function is added can be set, on the display device; 2. The engineering device according to claim 1.

3. a second display control unit that causes the display device to display a second setting screen including a display area that displays at least a part of setting data that is set for the second device, and a third setting area in which the number of third devices that belong to a lower hierarchy than the hierarchy to which the second device belongs and that are to be connected to the second device can be set; a second reception unit that receives a setting instruction to set the number of the third devices via a second setting screen displayed on the display device by the second display control unit; a second generating unit configured to generate setting data to be set for the third devices based on the setting instruction received by the second receiving unit, the number of the setting data being equal to the number of the third devices; a second registration unit that registers the setting data generated by the second generation unit in the storage unit; 3. The engineering device according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. The second display control unit is the number of the first devices and the second devices whose setting data are registered in the holding unit by the first registration unit; a number display screen on the display device, the number of the third devices whose setting data has been registered in the storage unit by the second registration unit being displayed; 4. The engineering device according to claim 3.

5. at least a part of setting data for the first device and the second device, the setting data being registered in the storage unit by the first registration unit; a display area for displaying at least a part of the setting data for the third device, the setting data being registered in the storage unit by the second registration unit; a copy setting area in which the number of copies of each setting data, at least a part of which is displayed in the display area, can be set; and a third display control unit that causes the display device to display a third setting screen including the copy setting area. a third reception unit that receives, via a third setting screen displayed on the display device by the third display control unit, a setting instruction for setting a number of copies to be made when copying each of the setting data at least a part of which is displayed in the display area; a third generating unit that copies each piece of setting data at least a part of which is displayed in the display area based on the setting instruction received by the third receiving unit, by a number of copies of the each piece of setting data; a third registration unit that registers the setting data copied by the third generation unit in the retention unit; 5. The engineering device according to claim 3, further comprising:

6. The copy setting area includes: The setting data includes an area for setting whether or not to copy setting data for the third device connected to the second device when copying the setting data for the second device, The third reception unit receives, via a third setting screen displayed on the display device by the third display control unit, a setting instruction for setting whether or not to also copy setting data for the third device connected to the second device when copying setting data for the second device.

6. The engineering device according to claim 5.

7. The copy setting area includes: When a plurality of second devices exist, an area is included for setting under which of the plurality of second devices the copy is to be created when copying the setting data for the third device, The third reception unit receives, via a third setting screen displayed on the display device by the third display control unit, a setting instruction for setting under which device among a plurality of second devices the copy is to be created when copying setting data for the third device.

7. The engineering device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The first display control unit is The number of the target devices to which the function has been added and for which the setting data has been registered in the storage unit by the first registration unit is displayed on a first setting screen for each of the functions. An engineering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first display control unit is When the number of the target devices to which the function has been added and for which the setting data has been registered in the storage unit by the first registration unit has reached a predetermined upper limit value in relation to the function, The number of devices to which the function can be added cannot be set on the first setting screen.

9. An engineering device according to claim 1, wherein the engineering device comprises:

10. An engineering method using an engineering device, comprising: A step in which the first display control unit causes the display device to display a first setting screen on which the addable functions and the number of target devices to which the functions are added can be set for target devices that are devices to which a predetermined function can be added among a plurality of devices for monitoring or controlling equipment installed in the facility; a first reception unit receiving, via a first setting screen displayed on the display device by the first display control unit, a setting instruction for setting a function to be added to the target device and the number of target devices to which the function is added; a first generating unit generating setting data, the setting data including data for realizing the function, for the target devices to which the function has been added based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving unit, the setting data including data for realizing the function, the setting data being set for the target devices to which the function has been added, the number of the target devices being the same; A first registration unit registers the setting data generated by the first generation unit in a holding unit; The engineering method has the following features:

Images