Control controller, configuration method, and configuration program

Abstract

To efficiently implement engineering of an automation system.SOLUTION: A control controller comprises: a reception section for receiving a designation of identification information indicating a number identifying a relay device connected to a plurality of apparatuses or a number identifying a cable connecting the relay device with the control controller; a retrieval section for retrieving input / output information corresponding to the designated identification information from an instrumentation database correspondingly recording the identification information and input / output information of the plurality of apparatuses connected to the relay device; and a setting section for setting the retrieved input / output information to an input / output module of the control controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control controller, a setting method, and a setting program.

Background Art

[0002] By introducing an automation system to a plant, the processes for manufacturing various products are automated. When carrying out a project related to such an automation system, engineering such as design, construction, and inspection is performed based on the design information received from the customer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventionally, the engineering of the automation system has not been able to be efficiently carried out.

[0005] One aspect aims to provide a control controller, a setting method, and a setting program capable of efficiently carrying out the engineering of the automation system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control controller on one side includes a receiving unit that receives the specification of identification information indicating a number that identifies a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number that identifies a cable connecting the relay device and the control controller; a searching unit that searches for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records the identification information in association with input / output information (e.g., I / O information) of multiple devices connected to the relay device; and a setting unit that sets the retrieved input / output information in the input / output module (e.g., I / O module) of the control controller.

[0007] One setting method involves receiving a number that identifies a relay device connected to multiple devices, or a number that identifies the cable connecting the relay device to the computer. The computer then retrieves the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records the identification information in association with the input / output information of multiple devices connected to the relay device, and sets the retrieved input / output information in the input / output module of the control controller.

[0008] One of the configuration programs accepts the specification of identification information, which indicates a number that identifies a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number that identifies a cable connecting the relay device and the computer. The program then searches for the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information in an instrumentation database that records the correspondence between the identification information and the input / output information of multiple devices connected to the relay device, and causes the computer to execute a process to set the retrieved input / output information in the computer's input / output module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment, the engineering of an automation system can be carried out efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the system configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 2]This figure shows an example of the data structure of an instrumentation database. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the data structure of P&ID data. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of DCN according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the processing flow of DCN in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of design information received from a customer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the control controller, setting method, and setting program disclosed in this application. However, this embodiment does not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate within a non-contradictory range.

[0012] (Embodiment) Figure 7 shows an example of design information received from a customer. As shown in Figure 7, for example, the design information 10 includes an instrumentation database 11, process flow diagram information 12, control function and safety function requirements specifications 13, operation philosophy, procedures, and alarm management requirements 14, and physical plant configuration 15. The instrumentation database 11 includes gable information 11a, instrument information 11b, and plant hierarchy 11c. The process flow diagram information 12 includes a P&ID (Piping & Instrumentation Diagram) 12a.

[0013] Conventionally, when engineering is carried out based on design information 10, there are tasks that are manually performed by workers. For example, the worker refers to the instrumentation database 11 and performs IO (Input Output) settings and constructs control loops for functional blocks connected to the IO for a plurality of control controllers (hereinafter, DCN: Distributed Control Node) that make up the automation system.

[0014] As described above, conventionally, when engineering is carried out based on design information 10, the worker manually performs the DCN settings, and the automation system project cannot be efficiently carried out.

[0015] Also, when a change occurs in the design information 10, the worker refers to the instrumentation database 11 each time and reconfigures a plurality of DCNs, which increases the burden on the worker. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described.

[0016] (Overall Configuration) An example of the system configuration according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the system configuration according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, this system includes a plant 1, an instrumentation database 50, P&ID data 60, a configuration management device 70, an authentication device 80, and DCNs 100a, 100b, 100c. Although not shown, this system may further include other DCNs other than DCNs 100a to 100c (for example, it may further include DCN 100d). The configuration management device 70 and the authentication device 80 may be realized by a single device.

[0017] The configuration management device 70, the authentication device 80, and the DCNs 100a to 100c are interconnected by a control network 90. The configuration management device 70 is connected to the instrumentation database 50 and the P&ID data 60.

[0018] The plant 1 is production equipment such as oil, petrochemical, gas, iron and non-ferrous metals, chemicals, electric power, food and medicine.

[0019] A plurality of devices 2 are provided at various locations of the plant 1. The device 2 is connected to field devices such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, pH sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, valves, pumps, motors, etc. within the plant 1. Further, the device 2 is connected to junction boxes (Junction Box) 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0020] The function block 3 is constructed within the DCN and controls the device 2. For example, a series of processes in which the function block 3 obtains information from a certain device 2 and controls other devices 2 based on the obtained information is called a control loop.

[0021] The junction boxes 4a to 4c are respectively connected to the DCNs 100a to 100c by multi-core home run cables 5a, 5b, 5c. Although not shown in the figure, the plant 1 may further include junction boxes other than the junction boxes 4a to 4c. The junction boxes 4a to 4c are an example of a "relay device". For example, if the device 2 has a communication function, the device 2 may be connected to a relay device 4d having a communication function such as a network switch. In this case, the relay device 4d is connected to the DCN 100d by a communication cable 5d.

[0022] The junction boxes 4a to 4c connect electrical cables and the like to the device 2. In the following description, the junction boxes 4a to 4c are appropriately referred to as "junction box 4". A junction box number (hereinafter referred to as JB number) for identifying the junction box is set in the junction box 4. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the JB number of the junction box 4a is "JB-001". The JB number of the junction box 4b is "JB-002". The JB number of the junction box 4c is "JB-003".

[0023] Note that home run cables 5a to 5c will be referred to as "home run cable 5" as appropriate. Home run cable 5 will be assigned a home run cable number (HR cable number) to identify it.

[0024] The instrumentation database 50 associates JB numbers, HR cable numbers, and IO information. Figure 2 shows an example of the data structure of the instrumentation database. As shown in Figure 2, the instrumentation database includes item number, JB number, JB terminal number, HR cable number, cable core number, IO information, DCN setting information, control parameters, and alarm thresholds.

[0025] The item number is a number that identifies the record in the instrumentation database 50. Note that the item number does not necessarily have to be included in the instrumentation database 50.

[0026] The JB number is a number that identifies Junction Box 4. The JB terminal number indicates the terminal number on the equipment 2 side of Junction Box 4 that is connected to equipment 2. For example, the JB terminal number "1 / 2" indicates terminals 1 and 2.

[0027] The HR cable number is the number that identifies Home Run Cable 5. The cable core number indicates the core number of the cable used to connect the DCN-side terminal of Junction Box 4 to the terminal of the DCN IO module. For example, cable core number "1 / 2" indicates cores 1 and 2.

[0028] IO information includes the tag name, IO type, signal type, measurement range, industrial units, etc. For example, the tag name is the device tag name of device 2. The IO type can be set to one of the following: "AI (Analog Input)", "AO (Analog Output)", "DI (Digital Input)", or "DO (Digital Output)".

[0029] The signal type is the type of signal, and can be set to "4-20mA", "24VDC (Volts Direct Current)", etc. The measurement range indicates the range that can be measured by device 2. For example, the measurement range can be set to "0-300", etc. Industrial units can be set to industrial units such as "T / hr", "%", "PSIG", etc.

[0030] DCN configuration information is the configuration information for the DCN connected to junction box 4, and is notified from DCN100a~100c as described later. For example, DCN configuration information includes "DCN Assignment", "IO Channel Assignment", "Control System Tag", and "Function Block Type".

[0031] The DCN Assignment field contains the identification information of the DCN to which the corresponding JB number was assigned. The IO Channel Assignment field contains the channel number assigned to the DCN's IO module. The Control System Tag field contains the tag name of the function block 3 related to the control loop built in the DCN. The Function Block Type field contains the type name of the function block 3.

[0032] Control parameters are various parameters set in the function block 3. The alarm threshold is the threshold that the function block 3 refers to when it outputs an alarm. For example, the function block 3 outputs an alarm when the value output from device 2 exceeds the threshold.

[0033] For example, DCN100a~100c can identify I / O information corresponding to the JB number (or HR cable number) by using the instrumentation database 50.

[0034] P&ID data 60 is data that graphically represents various elements within Plant 1, such as field equipment, equipment connected to field equipment 2, functional blocks 3, and piping.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of P&ID data. For convenience, this section provides a description of some of the equipment, some of the functional blocks, and some of the piping included in the P&ID data 60. The junction box 4 mentioned above is connected to multiple pieces of equipment 2.

[0036] The heat exchanger 61 is connected to pipes p1, p2, etc. For example, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is sent to the heat exchanger 61 via pipe p1. The heat exchanger 61 converts the LNG back into gas by adding heat to it. The heat exchanger 61 is supplied with gas using pipe p2.

[0037] A sensor se1 for measuring the LNG flow rate is installed in piping p1. Valves v1 and v2 for regulating the LNG flow rate are installed in piping p1. Sensor se1 is connected to equipment 2-1. Valve v1 is connected to equipment 2-2 and 2-3. Valve v2 is connected to equipment 2-4 and 2-5.

[0038] Functional blocks 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 are built within DCN. Functional block 3-1 is connected to devices 2-1 and 2-3 and functional block 3-2. Functional block 3-2 is connected to functional block 3-3. For example, functional block 3-1 obtains a measured flow rate of pipe p1 from device 2-1 and outputs control information for valve v1 to device 2-3 according to the measured value. Device 2-3 adjusts the opening and closing of valve v1 based on the control information. The flow rate of pipe p1 is controlled by the execution of this process by functional block 3-1. The series of processes by which functional block 3-1 obtains information from device 2-1 and controls device 2-3 based on the obtained information constitutes a control loop.

[0039] For example, DCN100a~100c can use P&ID data 60 to identify the connection relationship between device 2 and functional block 3, as well as the control loop.

[0040] The configuration management device 70 manages the system configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, the configuration management device 70 holds information set in DCN100a to 100c connected to the control network 90. ​​In response to requests from DCN100a to 100c, the configuration management device 70 transmits information regarding the instrumentation database 50 and P&ID data 60 to DCN100a to 100c. Alternatively, DCN100a to 100c may directly access the instrumentation database 50 and P&ID data 60 to obtain information.

[0041] The authentication device 80 authenticates a DCN when it is connected to the control network 90. ​​When the authentication device 80 receives an authentication request from a DCN, if the DCN making the authentication request is a DCN that is eligible for connection permission, it notifies the DCN that connection is permitted. For example, the authentication request may contain information that identifies the DCN.

[0042] DCN100a~100c are connected to equipment 2 via home run cable 5 and junction box 4 to perform data acquisition, monitoring, transmission of control commands, process optimization, etc. In the following description, DCN100a~100c will be collectively referred to as "DCN100".

[0043] In this embodiment, the DCN100 receives a JB number setting from a worker and, upon connecting to the control network 90, searches for I / O information corresponding to the JB number based on the instrumentation database 50 and the JB number, and sets the retrieved I / O information in the I / O module of the DCN100.

[0044] Once the I / O information is configured, the DCN100 searches for a control loop associated with the device 2 that has the configured I / O information tag name based on the P&ID data 60, and constructs the control loop within the DCN100 by associating the tag name associated with the control loop with the function block 3. After constructing the control loop, the DCN100 sets the control parameters and alarm thresholds corresponding to the tag name of the function block 3 related to the control loop from the instrumentation database 50 to the function block 3.

[0045] As described above, by simply setting the JB number for the DCN100, the I / O information is automatically set in the I / O module and the control loop is automatically constructed, eliminating the burden of manual engineering work that workers previously had to do.

[0046] (Functional Configuration) Next, an example configuration of the DCN100 included in the system shown in Figure 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the DCN according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the DCN100 has an IO module 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, a control unit 150, and a communication unit 160. Note that the functional units of the DCN100 are not limited to those shown, and may have other functional units.

[0047] The IO module 110 has multiple channels for connecting to the home run cable 5, etc. For example, DCN100 controls equipment 2 of plant 1 via the IO module 110. DCN100 also performs data communication with the configuration management device 70 and the authentication device 80 via the communication unit 160. The communication unit 160 may also access the instrumentation database 50 and P&ID data 60.

[0048] The input unit 120 inputs various information to the control unit 150 of the DCN100. The input unit 120 can be a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc. The worker operates the input unit 120 to input the JB number or HR cable number.

[0049] Furthermore, the workers must confirm in advance the relationship between the DCN100 to be worked on and the junction box 4 connected to it (which JB number of JB to connect to DCN100) by referring to the instrumentation database 50. The instrumentation database 50 contains both JB numbers and HR cable numbers, so once the JB number is determined, the HR cable number can also be determined.

[0050] The display unit 130 displays information output from the control unit 150 of the DCN100.

[0051] The memory unit 140 stores the I / O information table 141, control loop information 142, and DCN setting information 143. The memory unit 140 is implemented by memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0052] The IO information table 141 holds the IO information retrieved from the instrumentation database 50 by the control unit 150. The IO information registered in the IO information table 141 is set in the IO module 110 by the control unit 150.

[0053] The control loop information 142 and DCN setting information 143 are generated from the IO information registered in the IO information table 141 and the search results of the P&ID data 60, etc.

[0054] The control unit 150 is a processing unit that oversees the entire DCN100 and is implemented by, for example, a processor. This control unit 150 includes a reception unit 151, an authentication request unit 152, a search unit 153, a first setting unit 154, a construction unit 155, and a second setting unit 156. The first setting unit 154 and the second setting unit 156 are examples of "setting units".

[0055] The reception unit 151 receives the JB number or HR cable number from the input unit 120. In this embodiment, the case where the JB number is received from the input unit 120 is described, but the same processing may be performed by receiving the HR cable number instead of the JB number. This is because, as described above, once the JB number is determined, the HR cable number is also determined.

[0056] The reception unit 151 outputs the specified JB number to the search unit 153. In the following explanation, the specified JB number will be referred to as the "specified JB number".

[0057] The authentication request unit 152, when the communication unit 160 of DCN100 is hardware-connected to the control network 90, enables the port number used for authentication requests from among multiple port numbers used to recognize the program used for communication, and disables the other port numbers not used for authentication requests. The port number used for authentication requests is the port number used by DCN100 when communicating with the authentication device 80.

[0058] The authentication request unit 152 makes an authentication request to the authentication device 80. For example, the authentication request unit 152 sets identification information to identify DCN100 in the authentication request. If the authentication request unit 152 receives a notification of connection permission from the authentication device 80, it sets all necessary port numbers from among the multiple port numbers that were previously disabled to be enabled. The necessary port numbers are assumed to have been set in advance by this configuration program.

[0059] The search unit 153 obtains the designated JB number from the reception unit 151 and, upon receiving notification of connection permission from the authentication device 80, accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70. The search unit 153 searches the instrumentation database 50 for records that have the same JB number as the designated JB number.

[0060] For example, if "JB-001" is specified as the designated JB number, records numbered (1) to (4) in Figure 2 will be found. The search unit 153 retrieves the IO information contained in the found records from the instrumentation database 50. The search unit 153 registers the retrieved IO information in the IO information table 141.

[0061] The first setting unit 154 sets multiple I / O information stored in the I / O information table 141 to each I / O point (input / output channel) of the I / O module 110. For example, the first setting unit 154 sets one I / O information to one I / O point.

[0062] When the first setting unit 154 sets the IO information for each IO point (input / output channel) of the IO module 110, it registers the channel number (IO Channel Assignment) assigned to the DCN in the DCN setting information 143.

[0063] Furthermore, if the number of I / O information entries stored in the I / O information table 141 exceeds the number that can be set for the I / O points of the I / O module, the first setting unit 154 sets the I / O information for the number that can be set for the I / O points, and requests the configuration management device 70 to set the remaining I / O information that could not be set.

[0064] When the configuration management device 70 receives a request from DCN100 to configure the remaining I / O information that could not be configured, it searches for other DCNs with the same JB number as the requesting DCN100, notifies the found DCNs of the requested I / O information, and requests them to configure the I / O modules.

[0065] When the configuration of IO information by the first setting unit 154 is complete, the configuration unit 155 identifies the tag name of device 2 included in the IO information configured in the IO module 110. In the following description, the tag name of device 2 included in the IO information configured in the IO module 110 will be referred to as the "configuration tag name".

[0066] The configuration unit 155 accesses the P&ID data 60 via the configuration management device 70 and searches for a control loop with the same tag name for device 2 as the configuration tag name, based on the configuration tag name and the P&ID data 60. For example, if the configuration tag name is the tag name for device 2-1 as described in Figure 3, the control loop will be the control loop for device 2-1, functional block 3-1, and device 2-3.

[0067] The construction unit 155 generates control loop information 142 that associates the tag names of the devices 2 included in the searched control loop, the tag names of the function blocks 3, the IO types of the devices 2 included in the control loop (AI, AO, DI, DO), and the Function Block Type of the function blocks included in the control loop (PID, DC, other), and registers it in the storage unit 140. For example, a function block whose Function Block Type is "PID" is a function block that performs control (PID control) that calculates and adjusts the control signal based on the difference (error) between the current state of the controlled object and the target state. A function block whose Function Block Type is "DC" is a function block that handles digital signals (DI, DO) that control motors, etc.

[0068] The second setting unit 156 identifies the tag names of the functional blocks included in the control loop based on the control loop information 142 generated in the construction unit 155. The second setting unit 156 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70, obtains the control parameters and alarm thresholds corresponding to the identified functional block tag names, and sets them in the corresponding functional block 3.

[0069] Furthermore, the second setting unit 156 identifies the relationship between the channel number assigned to the DCN (IO Channel Assignment), the tag name of the function block, and the Function Block Type based on the control loop information 142 generated by the construction unit 155, and registers this relationship in the DCN setting information 143. The second setting unit 156 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70 and registers the relationship between the designated JB number and the DCN setting information 143 in the instrumentation database 50.

[0070] If the operator wishes to update the information in the instrumentation database 50 and change the JB number set in DCN100, they operate the input unit 120 to re-enter the JB number into DCN100. When each functional unit 151 to 156 included in the control unit 150 receives a new designated JB number from the input unit 120, it initializes the IO information table 141, control loop information 142, and DCN setting information 143, and then executes the above process again. As a result, the IO information corresponding to the new designated JB number is searched, and the searched IO information is set to each IO point of the IO module 110. In addition, the control loop information 142 and DCN setting information 143 corresponding to the new designated JB number are also regenerated.

[0071] Furthermore, when connected to dynamic process simulation, the DCN100 performs functional tests on functional block 3 and outputs a test report.

[0072] (Process flow) Next, the processing flow of DCN100 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of DCN in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the reception unit 151 of DCN100 receives the input of the JB number from the input unit 120 (step S101).

[0073] When DCN100 is connected to the control network, the authentication request unit 152 disables all port numbers except the one used for the authentication request (step S102). The authentication request unit 152 sends an authentication request to the authentication device 80 (step S103). When the authentication request unit 152 receives a notification of connection permission from the authentication device 80, it sets all necessary port numbers to be enabled (step S104).

[0074] The search unit 153 of DCN100 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70, searches for IO information corresponding to the JB number, and registers the retrieved IO information in the IO information table 141 (step S105).

[0075] The first setting unit 154 of the DCN100 sets the multiple I / O information registered in the I / O information table 141 to each I / O point of the I / O module 110 (step S106). If the number of I / O information registered in the I / O information table 141 exceeds the number that can be set, the first setting unit 154 sends a request to the configuration management device to set the I / O information that could not be set (step S107).

[0076] The first setting unit 154 generates DCN setting information 143 based on the result of assigning I / O information to each I / O point of the I / O module 110 (step S108).

[0077] The DCN100's configuration unit 155 identifies the tag name (configured tag name) of device 2 included in the IO information set in the IO module 110 (step S109). The configuration unit 155 accesses the P&ID data 60 via the configuration management device 70, searches for a control loop with the same tag name as the configured tag name of device 2, and generates control loop information 142 (step S110).

[0078] The second setting unit 156 of the DCN100 identifies the tag name of the functional block 3 included in the control loop based on the control loop information 142 (step S111). The second setting unit 152 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70 and obtains the control parameters and alarm thresholds corresponding to the identified tag name of the functional block 3 (step S112).

[0079] The second setting unit 156 sets the acquired control parameters and alarm thresholds in the function block (step S113). Based on the control loop information 142, the second setting unit 156 identifies the relationship between the channel number assigned to DCN100, the tag name of the function block 3, and the Function Block Type, and registers this in the DCN setting information 143 (step S114).

[0080] When connected to dynamic process simulation, the DCN100 performs functional tests and outputs a test report (step S115).

[0081] The second setting unit 156 accesses the instrumentation database 50 via the configuration management device 70 and registers the relationship between the designated JB number and the DCN setting information 143 in the instrumentation database 50 (step S116).

[0082] (effect) Next, the effects of the DCN100 according to this embodiment will be described. When the DCN100 receives a JB number (or HR cable number), it accesses the instrumentation database 50 to search for IO information corresponding to the specified JB number and sets the retrieved IO information in the IO module. As a result, the worker only needs to set the JB number for the DCN100, and the IO information will be automatically set in the IO module, eliminating the burden of manual engineering work that the worker previously had to do.

[0083] When DCN100 connects to the control network 90, it disables all port numbers except those used for authentication requests, sends an authentication request to the authentication device 80, and re-enables the disabled port numbers if the authentication device 80 permits the connection. This allows only authenticated DCNs to connect to the control network 90, thereby increasing the security level.

[0084] The DCN100 constructs a control loop based on the retrieved I / O information and P&ID data 60. This allows operators to generate a basic control loop simply by setting the JB number for the DCN100.

[0085] If the number of I / O information entries found by the DCN100 exceeds the number that can be set on the I / O module, the DCN100 will send a request to the configuration management device 70 to set up the excess I / O information. This allows for the efficient distribution of I / O information settings.

[0086] DCN100 records the I / O information set in the I / O module 110 as DCN setting information 143 and sets it in the instrumentation database 50. This allows the allocation of I / O information automatically set on the DCN side to be automatically set in the instrumentation database 50.

[0087] (Hardware) Next, we will describe an example of the hardware configuration of the DCN100. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration. As shown in Figure 6, the DCN100 has a communication device 6a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 6b, memory 6c, a processor 6d, and an I / O device 6e. Furthermore, each of the parts shown in Figure 6 is interconnected by a bus or the like.

[0088] The communication device 6a communicates with the configuration management device 70, the authentication device 80, other servers, and field devices with communication capabilities. The I / O device 6e is an I / O module, to which the home run cable 5 is connected. The HDD 6b stores the programs and databases that operate the functions shown in Figure 4.

[0089] The processor 6d operates the processes that perform the functions described in Figure 4 by reading programs that perform the same processing as each processing unit shown in Figure 4 from the HDD 6b or the like and loading them into memory 6c. For example, this process performs the same functions as each processing unit in DCN100. Specifically, the processor 6d executes processes that perform the same processing as the reception unit 151, authentication request unit 152, search unit 153, first setting unit 154, construction unit 155, second setting unit 156, etc.

[0090] Thus, DCN100 operates as a DCN that executes the setting method by reading and executing a program. Furthermore, DCN100 can also achieve the same functionality as the embodiment described above by reading the program from the recording medium using a media reader and executing the read program. Note that the program referred to in this other embodiment is not limited to being executed by DCN100. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied when another computer or server executes the program, or when they collaborate to execute the program.

[0091] This program can be distributed via networks such as the Internet. Furthermore, this program can be recorded on computer-readable storage media such as hard disks, flexible disks (FDs), CD-ROMs, MO (Magneto-Optical disks), and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and executed by reading the program from these media using a computer.

[0092] (others) Some examples of the combinations of technical features that will be disclosed are listed below.

[0093] (1) A control controller includes a receiving unit that receives the designation of identification information indicating a number that identifies a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number that identifies a cable connecting the relay device and the control controller, A search unit retrieves input / output information corresponding to a specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records identification information in association with input / output information of multiple devices connected to the relay device. A setting unit sets the retrieved input / output information to the input / output module of the control controller. A control controller that has a control controller.

[0094] (2) The control controller according to (1), further comprising an authentication request unit that, when connected to a control network for accessing the instrumentation database, disables all port numbers except those for which an authentication request is made, makes an authentication request to an authentication device for connection, and, if the connection is permitted by the authentication device, performs a process to enable the disabled port numbers.

[0095] (3) The system further includes a construction unit that, based on information defining the connection relationships between the plurality of devices installed in the plant and the functional blocks connected to the plurality of devices, and input / output information retrieved by the search unit, identifies the functional blocks connected to the devices corresponding to the input / output information, and constructs a control loop that associates the devices with the functional blocks. The setting unit is a control controller according to (1) or (2) that sets control parameters and alarm thresholds in a functional block.

[0096] (4) The control controller according to (1), (2), or (3), wherein the setting unit further executes a process to request the system management device to set input / output information for the number of devices exceeding the upper limit set in the input / output module when the number of devices corresponding to the input / output information exceeds the upper limit.

[0097] (5) The control controller according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the setting unit further executes a process to record the relationship between the channel of the control controller and the input / output information as setting information when the input / output information is set in the input / output module, and to set the setting information in the instrumentation database.

[0098] (6) The reception unit receives the designation of identification information indicating a number that identifies a junction box connected to a plurality of pieces of equipment used in the operation of the plant, or a number that identifies a cable connecting the junction box and the control controller. The search unit searches for the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information from an instrumentation database that records the association between identification information and input / output information of multiple devices connected to the junction box. The setting unit sets the retrieved input / output information into the input / output module of the control controller. (1) The control controller described above.

[0099] (7) The computer The system accepts the designation of identification information that indicates a number identifying a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer. From an instrumentation database that records identification information in association with input / output information of multiple devices connected to the relay device, the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information is searched. The retrieved input / output information is set in the input / output module of the computer. How to configure the process to run.

[0100] (8) Computers, The system accepts the designation of identification information that indicates a number identifying a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer. From an instrumentation database that records identification information in association with input / output information of multiple devices connected to the relay device, the input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information is searched. The retrieved input / output information is set in the input / output module of the computer. A configuration program that initiates a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Plant 2 equipment 3 Functional Blocks 100 DCN 110 IO Module 120 Input section 130 Display section 140 Storage section 141 IO Information Table 142 Control Loop Information 143 DCN Configuration Information 150 Control Unit 151 Reception Department 152 Authentication Request Section 153 Search Section 154 First Setting Section 155 Construction Department 156 Second Setting Section 160 Communications Department

Claims

1. In a control controller, A receiving unit that receives the designation of identification information indicating a number that identifies a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number that identifies a cable connecting the relay device and the control controller, An authentication request unit, when connected to a control network for accessing an instrumentation database that records identification information and input / output information of multiple devices connected to a relay device in association with each other, disables all port numbers except those used for authentication requests, makes an authentication request to an authentication device, and, if the connection is permitted by the authentication device, performs a process to re-enable the disabled port numbers. A search unit searches the instrumentation database for input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information, A setting unit sets the retrieved input / output information to the input / output module of the control controller. A control controller that has a control controller.

2. The system further includes a construction unit that, based on information defining the connection relationships between the multiple devices installed in the plant and the functional blocks connected to those multiple devices, and input / output information retrieved by the search unit, identifies the functional blocks connected to the devices corresponding to the input / output information, and constructs a control loop that associates the devices with the functional blocks. The control controller according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets control parameters and alarm thresholds to functional blocks.

3. The control controller according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit further executes a process to request the system management device to set input / output information for the number of devices exceeding the upper limit set in the input / output module when the number of devices corresponding to the input / output information exceeds the upper limit.

4. The control controller according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit further records the relationship between the channel of the control controller and the input / output information as setting information when the input / output information is set in the input / output module, and sets the setting information in the instrumentation database.

5. Computers The system accepts the designation of identification information that indicates a number identifying a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer. When connected to a control network for accessing an instrumentation database that records identification information in association with input / output information of multiple devices connected to a relay device, the system disables all port numbers except those used for authentication requests, sends an authentication request to the authentication device, and, if the authentication device permits the connection, it re-enables the disabled port numbers. The input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information is retrieved from the instrumentation database. The retrieved input / output information is set in the input / output module of the computer. How to configure the process to run.

6. On the computer, The system accepts the designation of identification information that indicates a number identifying a relay device connected to multiple devices or a number identifying a cable connecting the relay device and the computer. When connected to a control network for accessing an instrumentation database that records identification information in association with input / output information of multiple devices connected to a relay device, the system disables all port numbers except those used for authentication requests, sends an authentication request to the authentication device, and, if the authentication device permits the connection, it re-enables the disabled port numbers. The input / output information corresponding to the specified identification information is retrieved from the instrumentation database. The retrieved input / output information is set in the input / output module of the computer. A configuration program that initiates a process.

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