Information processing system, method, and program

Abstract

The information processing system (100) includes a remote unit (2) that controls a target device, and a master station (3) that manages the remote unit (2). The remote unit (2) includes a buffer memory (25) that contains information about the device, and a fixed-period transmission function unit (23) that allocates information about the device, which is included in a specific address of the buffer memory (25), to a fixed address of cyclic data for cyclic transmission that transmits data stored in a predetermined fixed address at a fixed period, and transmits the information to the master station (3) at a fixed period.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), which are mainly used to control equipment in factories, are often divided into a remote unit that directly controls the equipment, and a master station that manages and operates the remote unit. In particular, by placing a remote unit in a remote factory and connecting it to the master station via a communication network, the equipment in the remote factory can be controlled from the master station.

[0003] There are two types of communication methods between the master station and the remote unit: cyclic transmission, which communicates at a fixed cycle, and transient transmission, which communicates whenever necessary. In cyclic transmission, cyclic data for transmission is transmitted and received between the master station and the remote unit at a fixed cycle. The contents, data size, and data format of the cyclic data to be written to each address are predetermined by the product specifications of the master station and the remote unit. For this reason, for example, if the remote unit wants to periodically monitor a specific address in a buffer memory that contains the operating state, error history, status information, and the like of a device to be controlled, the data can be read and written to a fixed address that is predetermined as an address for storing the corresponding data, as long as the data conforms to the cyclic data specifications. However, data that does not conform to the cyclic data specifications cannot be read or written because the corresponding data is not included in the cyclic data. In addition, cyclic transmission has good accessibility because it automatically communicates at a fixed cycle, but response performance deteriorates when the number of data points to be transmitted and received increases.

[0004] Therefore, when cyclic transmission is difficult, it is possible to periodically monitor a specific address in the buffer memory of the remote unit using transient transmission. However, transient transmission requires creating a control program that specifies the address, data size, etc. for each data to be read or written. This requires labor hours for the user to create the control program. In addition, if the control program is long, it becomes complicated, making it difficult for the user to read the control program. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for communicating information such as data and status managed by a specific PLC without the intervention of a user program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-301886 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, data to be transmitted is generated from a plurality of types of original data groups in accordance with a set copy method each time. Therefore, in order to generate data to be transmitted, it is necessary to set a copy method in advance in order to obtain necessary data from a plurality of types of data groups. However, when the number of data points to be added to the data to be transmitted is changed, the copy method must be set again each time, which makes the user's work complicated. In addition, when a large number of data points are added to the data to be transmitted, the user needs to work a lot of man-hours to set the copy method.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an information processing system, method, and program that can easily access a specific buffer memory of a remote unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the information processing system according to the present disclosure includes a remote unit that controls a target device, and a master station that manages the remote unit. The remote unit includes a buffer memory that includes information about the device; Between the remote unit and the master station, Data stored in a predetermined fixed address is transmitted periodically. For The device includes a fixed-period transmission function unit that allocates device-related data contained in a specific address of the buffer memory to a fixed address of cyclic data for cyclic transmission and transmits the data to the master station at a fixed period. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing system that can easily access a specific buffer memory of a remote unit by allocating only an arbitrary address of the buffer memory to the address of cyclic data for cyclic transmission. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a remote unit according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a master station according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a data transmission / reception method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a table of setting parameters according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a control program according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]Flowchart of setting parameter determination process according to the first embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart of control program setting process according to the first embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart of transmission process at the time of request according to the first embodiment [Figure 11] Flowchart of transmission process at the time of response according to the first embodiment [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a table showing setting parameters according to the second embodiment; [Figure 13] Flowchart of setting parameter determination process according to the second embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts.

[0012] The information processing system 100 is a system in which an arbitrary address of the buffer memory of a remote unit that is directly responsible for controlling the device is assigned to an address of cyclic data for cyclic transmission, thereby enabling a master station that is responsible for managing and operating the remote unit to easily access a specific buffer memory of the remote unit.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an overview of an information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 1 for creating various programs and data, a remote unit 2 for controlling the devices, and a master station 3 for managing and operating the remote unit 2. The remote unit 2 and the master station 3 are PLCs. The remote unit 2 includes n PLCs, namely a first remote unit 2a, a second remote unit 2b, . . . an n-th remote unit 2n, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The first remote unit 2a, the second remote unit 2b, . . . the n-th remote unit 2n are collectively referred to as remote units 2.

[0014] The information processing device 1 is a device that operates an engineering tool that generates various parameters and programs used in controlling the remote unit 2 and the master station 3. The information processing device 1 uses the engineering tool to create a control program 321 used in transient transmission, which is irregular communication between the remote unit 2 and the master station 3 described later, and setting parameters 121 for performing cyclic transmission, which is periodic communication. The information processing device 1 also includes a display unit 13 described later, and can present the results of processing executed between the remote unit 2 and the master station 3 to a user.

[0015] The information processing device 1 is connected to a master station 3, and is connected to a remote unit 2 via the master station 3. The remote unit 2 controls a target device in response to an instruction signal from the master station 3. The master station 3 accesses a specific buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 by using a control program 321 and setting parameters 121 created by the information processing device 1. In addition, the master station 3 transmits various data received from the information processing device 1 to the remote unit 2.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100. The information processing device 1 includes an operation input unit 11 that accepts user input, an information storage unit 12 that stores various programs and data, a display unit 13 that displays various data, a communication processing unit 14 that communicates with the master station 3, and a processing unit 15 that executes various programs.

[0017] The operation input unit 11 accepts various data and instructions input by a user. The information storage unit 12 stores a control program 321 for performing communication between the remote unit 2 and the master station 3 (described later) and an engineering tool for creating setting parameters 121, various data accepted by the operation input unit 11, etc. The display unit 13 displays the control program 321, the engineering tool for creating the setting parameters 121, various data accepted by the operation input unit 11, etc. The display unit 13 also displays the results of processing executed between the remote unit 2 and the master station 3.

[0018] The communication processing unit 14 communicates various data with the master station 3. The processing unit 15 executes various processes in response to instructions from a user received by the operation input unit 11. In addition, the processing unit 15 executes an engineering tool stored in the information storage unit 12 to create a control program 321 and setting parameters 121.

[0019] The remote unit 2 includes a remote communication unit 21 that communicates with the master station 3, a parameter setting unit 22 that sets a setting parameter 121, a fixed-period transmission function unit 23 that performs cyclic transmission, an irregular transmission function unit 24 that performs transient transmission, a buffer memory 25 that includes information on the device to be controlled, and a unit information management unit 26 that manages the information on the remote unit 2 stored in the buffer memory 25. The remote communication unit 21 connects to the master station 3 and communicates various data. When the remote unit 2 is the first remote unit 2a, the second remote unit 2b is connected. The parameter setting unit 22 assigns an address of cyclic data to an address of the buffer memory 25 that is the target of cyclic transmission according to the setting parameter 121. The setting parameter 121 is acquired from the information processing device 1 via the master station 3. The setting parameter 121 will be described in detail later.

[0020] The fixed-period transmission function unit 23 performs cyclic transmission to transmit and receive cyclic data for transmission with the master station 3 at fixed periods, and reads or writes data from and to each address of the buffer memory 25. The non-periodic transmission function unit 24 performs transient transmission with the master station 3 at non-periodic periods, and reads or writes data from and to any address of the buffer memory 25.

[0021] The buffer memory 25 stores the operation state, error history, status information, etc. of the controlled device. The buffer memory 25 also stores the internal state, status information, etc. of the remote unit 2. The unit information management unit 26 manages various information such as the internal state, status information, etc. of the remote unit 2 stored in the buffer memory 25. In detail, the unit information management unit 26 receives the operation state, error history, status information, etc. of the controlled device as needed and stores it in the buffer memory 25. The unit information management unit 26 also receives various information such as the internal state, status information, etc. of the remote unit 2 as needed and stores it in the buffer memory 25.

[0022] The master station 3 includes a communication processing unit 31 that communicates with the information processing device 1, a CPU unit 32 that executes various processes, and a master unit 33 that communicates with the remote unit 2. The communication processing unit 31 communicates various data with the information processing device 1. The communication processing unit 31 acquires setting parameters 121, a control program 321, various data, etc. stored in the information storage unit 12 from the information processing device 1. In addition, the communication processing unit 31 transmits various data, etc. to the information processing device 1 as a result of processing with the remote unit 2.

[0023] The CPU unit 32 executes various processes to be executed in the master station 3. The CPU unit 32 also executes a control program 321 acquired by the communication processing unit 31 from the information storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1. As a result, the CPU unit 32 executes transient communication with the remote unit 2 by an aperiodic transmission function unit 332 of the master unit 33. The master unit 33 includes a fixed-period transmission function unit 331 that executes cyclic transmission, an aperiodic transmission function unit 332 that executes transient transmission, and a master communication unit 333 that communicates with the remote unit 2.

[0024] The fixed-period transmission function unit 331 performs cyclic transmission to transmit and receive cyclic data for transmission at fixed intervals with the remote unit 2. As a result, the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 reads or writes data from a fixed address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2, which is determined in advance by the product specifications of the master station 3 and the remote unit 2. The non-periodic transmission function unit 332 performs transient transmission at non-periodic intervals with the remote unit 2 in accordance with the control program 321, and reads or writes data from any address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2, which is set in the control program 321. The master communication unit 333 connects to the remote unit 2 and communicates various data.

[0025] The functions executed by the information processing device 1, the remote unit 2, and the master station 3 described above are functions realized by software. An example of a hardware configuration for executing a software program that realizes each function is shown in Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1.

[0026] The information processing device 1 includes a storage device 401 that stores various programs and various data, a communication device 402 for communicating with the master station 3, an input device 403 for receiving input of various data, a display device 404 for displaying various data, a display controller 405 for generating display data to be displayed on the display device 404, a memory 406 for expanding various programs, and a processor 407 for executing various programs. The storage device 401, the communication device 402, the input device 403, the display controller 405, the memory 406, and the processor 407 are connected to each other via a data bus 408.

[0027] The storage device 401 stores various programs executed by the processor 407, and display data such as images and characters to be displayed on the display device 404. The storage device 401 can be configured using a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 401 also functions as the information storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG.

[0028] The communication device 402 is a device capable of transmitting and receiving various data and the control program 321 to and from the master station 3. The communication device 402 can be configured using various ports capable of transmitting and receiving data between devices, such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, an IEEE1394 port, etc. The communication device 402 functions as the communication processing unit 14 of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG.

[0029] The input device 403 is an input unit for a user to input various data and instructions. The input device 403 can be configured using, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input device 403 functions as the operation input unit 11 of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 2. The display device 404 displays various data input by the user from the operation input unit 11 of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 2 and various screens displayed according to instructions from the processing unit 15.

[0030] The display device 404 can be configured using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) monitor, or the like. The display controller 405 is a controller that outputs a video signal to the display device 404 to display display data including characters and images. The display controller 405 can be configured using, for example, a video signal output device such as a video card, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a graphics board. The display device 404 and the display controller 405 function as the display unit 13 of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] The memory 406 is a device for expanding the various programs stored in the storage device 401. The memory 406 can be configured using, for example, a storage element and a storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory, such as a flash memory. The processor 407 reads out the various programs stored in the storage device 401, expands them in the memory 406, and executes them. The processor 407 can be configured using, for example, a processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU).

[0032] 4 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the remote unit 2. Here, the first remote unit 2a among the remote units 2 will be described as an example. The first remote unit 2a includes a communication device 411 connected to the master station 3 and the second remote unit 2b, a storage device 412 that stores various programs and various data, a memory 413 for expanding the various programs, and a processor 414 that executes the various programs. The communication device 411, the storage device 412, the memory 413, and the processor 414 are mutually connected via a data bus 415.

[0033] The communication device 411 is a device that can be connected to the master station 3 and the second remote unit 2b and can transmit and receive various data. The first remote unit 2a may be located in the same factory as the master station 3 and the second remote unit 2b, or may be located in a factory in a remote location away from the master station 3 and the second remote unit 2b. For this reason, the communication device 411 is preferably a device that can be connected not only to communication within the same factory, but also to the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like, which allows communication with remote locations. The communication device 411 can be configured using various ports that allow data to be transmitted and received between devices, such as a wired or wireless LAN port, a USB port, and an IEEE1394 port. The communication device 411 functions as the remote communication unit 21 of the remote unit 2 shown in FIG. 2.

[0034] The storage device 412 is a device that stores various data and various programs. The storage device 412 can be configured using a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage device 412 is a device that functions as the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 shown in FIG.

[0035] The memory 413 is a device for expanding various programs stored in the storage device 412. The memory 413 can be configured using a storage element and a storage medium, for example, a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM or a flash memory.

[0036] The processor 414 reads out various programs stored in the storage device 412, develops them in the memory 413, and executes them. The processor 414 can be configured using a processing device such as a CPU, an MPU, or the like.

[0037] 5 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the master station 3. The master station 3 includes a communication device 421 connected to the information processing device 1 and the remote unit 2, a storage device 422 for storing various programs and various data, a memory 423 for expanding the various programs, and a processor 424 for executing the various programs. The communication device 421, the storage device 422, the memory 423, and the processor 424 are connected to each other via a data bus 425.

[0038] The communication device 421 is a device that can be connected to the information processing device 1 and the remote unit 2 and can transmit and receive various data. The master station 3 may be located in the same factory as the information processing device 1 and the remote unit 2, or may be located in a factory in a remote location away from the information processing device 1 and the remote unit 2. For this reason, the communication device 421 is preferably a device that can be connected to the Internet, WAN, etc., which allows communication not only within the same factory but also with remote locations. The communication device 421 can be configured using various ports that allow data to be transmitted and received between devices, such as a wired or wireless LAN port, a USB port, and an IEEE1394 port. The communication device 421 functions as the communication processing unit 31 of the master station 3 and the master communication unit 333 of the master unit 33 shown in FIG. 2.

[0039] The storage device 422 is a device that stores various data and various programs. The storage device 422 can be configured using a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory 423 is a device for expanding the various programs stored in the storage device 412. The memory 423 can be configured using a storage element and a storage medium such as a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM or a flash memory.

[0040] The processor 424 reads out various programs stored in the storage device 412, develops them in the memory 423, and executes them. The processor 424 can be configured using a processing device such as a CPU or an MPU.

[0041] Next, a method of transmitting and receiving data between the remote unit 2 and the master station 3 in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. The master station 3 shown in Fig. 6 executes cyclic transmission and transient transmission to the first remote unit 2a and the second remote unit 2b. In cyclic transmission, the master station 3 reads or writes data at a fixed cycle from a predetermined fixed address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2. In transient transmission, the master station 3 irregularly reads or writes data from an address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 set in the control program 321. First, transient transmission, which is irregular transmission, will be described.

[0042] Here, addresses 3020H and 2000H of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a are targets of non-periodic transmission. In this case, the user uses an engineering tool in the information processing device 1 to create a control program 321 in which a processing command and the address of the buffer memory 25 to be processed are set. The control program 321 is created for each remote unit 2 to be a target of non-periodic transmission. In the control program 321 shown in FIG. 6, for example, a processing command that is an instruction word for executing the target processing, "request", the address "3020H" of the buffer memory 25 to be processed, and control data "xx●" for writing are set. When the master station 3 executes the control program 321, the master station 3 writes the control data "xx●" for writing to the address 3020H of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a.

[0043] In addition, for example, a processing command "response" and an address "2000H" of the buffer memory 25 to be processed are set in the control program 321. When the master station 3 executes the control program 321, the master station 3 reads out the data "EFG" stored in the address "2000H" of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a.

[0044] Next, cyclic transmission, which is a fixed-period transmission, will be described. In cyclic transmission, data is transmitted by transmitting and receiving cyclic data for transmission between the remote unit 2 and the master station 3. The data to be stored in each address of the cyclic data is predetermined by the product specifications of the remote unit 2 and the master station 3. Therefore, the master station 3 cannot acquire data of an arbitrary address of the buffer memory 25 at a fixed period as it is. Therefore, in the first embodiment, an arbitrary address of the buffer memory 25 is assigned to the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission. This makes it possible to read out data of each buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a and the second remote unit 2b at a fixed period without using the control program 321.

[0045] First, a procedure will be described in which the master station 3 reads data from an arbitrary address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2. For example, in Fig. 6, in each of the buffer memories 25 of the first remote unit 2a and the second remote unit 2b, the address 1000H from which the master station 3 reads data periodically is indicated by a dotted line frame. The fixed-period transmission function unit 23 of the first remote unit 2a assigns the address "1000H" of the buffer memory 25 to the address "RWr10" of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission.

[0046] The allocation by the fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 is performed based on the relationship between the address and the allocation destination set in the setting parameters 121 held by the parameter setting unit 22 of the first remote unit 2a shown in Fig. 2. The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 of the first remote unit 2a sets the data "ABC" at the address "1000H" of the buffer memory 25 as the data of the allocated address "RWr10". The master station 3 acquires the data "ABC" of the buffer memory 25 set at the address "RWr10" of the cyclic data by the fixed-cycle transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33.

[0047] Similarly, the fixed-period transmission function unit 23 of the second remote unit 2b assigns the address "1000H" of the buffer memory 25 to the address "RWr20" of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission. The fixed-period transmission function unit 23 of the second remote unit 2b sets the data "HIJ" of the buffer memory 25 as the data of the assigned address "RWr20". The master station 3 acquires the data "HIJ" of the buffer memory 25 set to the address "RWr20" of the cyclic data by the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33.

[0048] Next, a procedure will be described in which the master station 3 reads data from an arbitrary address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2. For example, in Fig. 6, among the buffer memories 25 of the first remote unit 2a and the second remote unit 2b, address 1020H to which the master station 3 periodically writes data is indicated by a dashed line frame.

[0049] First, when the master station 3 writes the control data "○×" to the first remote unit 2a, the master station 3 writes the control data "○×" into the cyclic data for transmission by the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33, and transmits it to the first remote unit 2a. At this time, the address of the cyclic data for transmission into which the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 writes the control data "○×" is an address determined in advance by the product specifications of the remote unit 2 and the master station 3. Therefore, the master station 3 does not care which address of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a is assigned to the address of the cyclic data for transmission into which the control data "○×" is written.

[0050] When the fixed-period transmission function unit 23 of the first remote unit 2a receives the cyclic data from the master station 3, it stores the data of each address of the cyclic data in the buffer memory 25. The address of the buffer memory 25 at which the data of each address of the cyclic data is stored is determined in advance by the product specifications of the remote unit 2 and the master station 3. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the assigned address of the buffer memory 25 is "1020H". The first remote unit 2a writes the control data "○×" transmitted from the master station 3 to the address "1020H" of the buffer memory 25.

[0051] Similarly, when the master station 3 writes the control data "x●" to the second remote unit 2b, the master station 3 writes the control data "x●" into the cyclic data for transmission by the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33, and transmits it to the first remote unit 2a. The address of the cyclic data for transmission into which the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 writes the control data "x●" is an address determined in advance by the product specifications of the remote unit 2 and the master station 3. Therefore, the master station 3 is not aware of which address in the buffer memory 25 of the second remote unit 2b is assigned to the address of the cyclic data for transmission into which the control data "x●" has been written.

[0052] When the fixed-period transmission function unit 23 of the second remote unit 2b receives the cyclic data from the master station 3, it stores the data of each address of the cyclic data in the buffer memory 25. The address in the buffer memory 25 at which the data of each address of the cyclic data is stored is determined in advance by the product specifications of the remote unit 2 and the master station 3. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the assigned address of the buffer memory 25 is "1020H". The second remote unit 2b writes the control data "×●" transmitted from the master station 3 to the address "1020H" of the buffer memory 25.

[0053] As a result, the master station 3 can write data to a predetermined address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 and read data from any address in the buffer memory 25 at a fixed cycle. The address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 and the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission are assigned by executing an engineering tool in the information processing device 1. The result of the assignment by the engineering tool is stored as a setting parameter 121 in the information storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 2. The setting parameter 121 is transmitted from the processing unit 15 of the information processing device 1 to the remote unit 2 via the master station 3. The remote unit 2 holds the received setting parameter 121 in the parameter setting unit 22. The fixed cycle transmission function unit 23 of the remote unit 2 assigns the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 and the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission in accordance with the address and assignment destination set in the setting parameter 121.

[0054] 7A shows a table of the setting parameters 121. The setting parameters 121 associate and organize the model name of the remote unit 2 from which the fixed-cycle transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 included in the master station 3 reads data, one address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2, and one allocation destination which is the address of cyclic data for cyclic transmission. For example, the model name is set to "first remote unit," the address is set to "1000H," and the allocation destination is set to "RWr10."

[0055] 7B shows the configuration of the control program 321. The control program 321 is written in the form of a ladder diagram. The control program 321 includes a command, which is an instruction for processing, an address, which is an object for executing the command, and control data for writing. For example, a command "request", an address "3020H", and control data for writing "xx●" are set. When the CPU unit 32 of the master station 3 executes the control program 321, the master station 3 writes the control data for writing "xx●" to address 3020H of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a by the non-periodic transmission function unit 332 of the master unit 33.

[0056] The control program 321 and the setting parameters 121 shown in FIG. 7A are set by the user executing an engineering tool on the information processing device 1. A method for setting the setting parameters 121 and the control program 321 by the engineering tool will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a setting parameter determination process for setting the setting parameters 121. The setting parameter determination process is included in the engineering tool as a setting parameter determination process program. For example, when the user selects an icon of an engineering tool arranged on the screen of the display unit 13 shown in FIG. 2 by the operation input unit 11, the information processing device 1 causes the processor 407 shown in FIG. 3 to read the setting parameter determination process program stored in the storage device 401 into the memory 406 and execute it.

[0057] A user inputs, from the operation input unit 11, the model name of the remote unit 2 to be assigned to cyclic data for cyclic transmission and an address of an arbitrary buffer memory 25 (step S101). The processing unit 15 of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 2 determines the address of the cyclic data to be assigned (step S102). The processing unit 15 associates the model name, the address of the arbitrary buffer memory 25, and the address of the cyclic data to be assigned, and stores them in the information storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 as the setting parameters 121 shown in Fig. 7A (step S103).

[0058] The processing unit 15 determines whether or not the allocation of all the necessary data to the cyclic data has been completed (step S104). For example, a message for confirming whether the allocation of all the necessary data to the cyclic data has been completed and a confirmation button of YES or NO are displayed on the display unit 13 of the information processing device 1 and presented to the user. If the user presses the YES button, the processing unit 15 terminates the setting parameter determination process assuming that the allocation of all the necessary data to the cyclic data has been completed (step S104; YES). On the other hand, if the user presses the NO button, the processing unit 15 returns to step S101 assuming that the allocation of all the necessary data to the cyclic data has not been completed (step S104; NO), and executes the processes from step S101 onward.

[0059] Next, the setting of the control program 321 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control program setting process for setting the control program 321. The control program setting process is included in the engineering tool as a control program setting process program. For example, when the user selects an icon of an engineering tool arranged on the screen of the display unit 13 shown in Fig. 2 by the operation input unit 11, the information processing device 1 causes the processor 407 shown in Fig. 3 to read the control program setting process program stored in the storage device 401 into the memory 406 and execute it.

[0060] A user inputs, from the operation input unit 11, a command for processing to be executed by the remote unit 2, an address of an arbitrary buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 that is the target of processing of the command, and control data for writing (step S201). The processing unit 15 of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 2 converts the command, the address of the buffer memory 25, and the control data for writing into a ladder diagram. The processing unit 15 stores the ladder diagram as a control program 321 in the information storage unit 12 (step S202).

[0061] The processing unit 15 judges whether or not the setting of all data required for the control program 321 has been completed (step S203). For example, a message for confirming whether or not the setting of all data required for the control program 321 has been completed and confirmation buttons for YES and NO are displayed on the display unit 13 of the information processing device 1, and presented to the user. If the user presses the YES button, the processing unit 15 terminates the control program setting process assuming that the setting of all data required for the control program 321 has been completed (step S203; YES). On the other hand, if the user presses the NO button, the processing unit 15 returns to step S201 assuming that the setting of all data required for the control program 321 has not been completed (step S203; NO), and executes the processes from step S201 onward.

[0062] Next, the transmission process at the time of request will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. The transmission process at the time of request controls the operation of the information processing device 1, the remote unit 2, and the master station 3 as a transmission processing program. For example, at the timing when the remote unit 2 and the master station 3 control the target device, the information processing device 1 causes the processor 407 shown in Fig. 3 to read the transmission processing program stored in the storage device 401 to the memory 406 and execute it. Also, the remote unit 2 causes the processor 414 shown in Fig. 4 to read the transmission processing program stored in the storage device 412 to the memory 413 and execute it. The master station 3 causes the processor 424 shown in Fig. 5 to read the transmission processing program stored in the storage device 422 to the memory 423 and execute it.

[0063] The parameter setting unit 22 of the remote unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 reads the setting parameters 121 acquired from the information processing device 1 via the master station 3 (step S301). The CPU unit 32 of the master station 3 shown in FIG. 2 determines whether or not to start cyclic transmission (step S302). If cyclic transmission is not to be started (step S302; NO), the CPU unit 32 repeats step S302. If cyclic transmission is to be started (step S302; YES), the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 shown in FIG. 2 transmits cyclic data in which control data has been written to the remote unit 2 via the master communication unit 333 (step S303).

[0064] 6 in a dashed line frame to an address of the cyclic data that is predetermined by the product specifications of the remote unit 2 and the master station 3. The fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 transmits the cyclic data to the remote unit 2 via the master communication unit 333.

[0065] The remote communication unit 21 of the remote unit 2 shown in Fig. 2 receives the cyclic data (step S304). The fixed-period transmission function unit 23 of the remote unit 2 shown in Fig. 2 extracts control data from the cyclic data received in step S304 (step S305).

[0066] The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 writes the control data to an address in the buffer memory 25 that is predetermined by the product specifications of the remote unit 2 (step S306). The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 notifies the master station 3 via the remote communication unit 21 that the control data has been written to the buffer memory 25 (step S307). The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 included in the master station 3 passes the processing result of the remote unit 2 to the CPU unit 32. The CPU unit 32 transmits the processing result of the remote unit 2 to the information processing device 1 via the communication processing unit 31 shown in FIG. 2 (step S308).

[0067] The processing unit 15 of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 2 receives the processing result (step S309). The processing unit 15 causes the display unit 13 of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 2 to display the processing result (step S310). In detail, the processing unit 15 associates the address of the cyclic data, the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2, and the control data, and displays them on the display unit 13. This allows the user to check the control data written to the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2.

[0068] The CPU unit 32 of the master station 3 shown in FIG. 2 judges whether or not to execute transient transmission (step S311). If the transient transmission is not to be executed (step S311; NO), the CPU unit 32 moves to step S314. If the transient transmission is to be executed (step S311; YES), the CPU unit 32 acquires the command set in the control program 321, the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2, and the control data for writing. For example, the CPU unit 32 acquires the command "request", the address "3020H", and the control data for writing "xx●" of the control program 321 shown in FIG. 6. The CPU unit 32 causes the non-periodic transmission function unit 332 of the master unit 33 shown in FIG. 2 to transmit the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 and the control data for writing to the remote unit 2 as the command "request", that is, the write process (step S312).

[0069] 2 receives the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 and the control data for writing from the master station 3 via the remote communication unit 21. The non-periodic transmission function unit 24 writes the control data to the received address of the buffer memory 25 (step S313).

[0070] The CPU unit 32 of the master station 3 determines whether or not an end instruction has been received (step S314). If an end instruction has not been received (step S314; NO), the CPU unit 32 returns to step S303 and executes steps S303 and after. If an end instruction has been received (step S314; YES), the CPU unit 32 instructs the information processing device 1 and the remote unit 2 to end (step S315). The CPU unit 32 ends the transmission processing program.

[0071] Next, the transmission process at the time of response will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. The transmission process at the time of request controls the operation of the information processing device 1, the remote unit 2, and the master station 3 as a transmission processing program. For example, at the timing when the remote unit 2 and the master station 3 control the target device, the information processing device 1 makes the processor 407 shown in Fig. 3 read the transmission processing program stored in the storage device 401 into the memory 406 and execute it. Also, the remote unit 2 makes the processor 414 shown in Fig. 4 read the transmission processing program stored in the storage device 412 into the memory 413 and execute it. The master station 3 makes the processor 424 shown in Fig. 5 read the transmission processing program stored in the storage device 422 into the memory 423 and execute it.

[0072] The parameter setting unit 22 of the remote unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 reads the setting parameters 121 acquired from the information processing device 1 via the master station 3 (step S401). The CPU unit 32 of the master station 3 shown in FIG. 2 judges whether or not to start cyclic transmission (step S402). If the cyclic transmission is not to be started (step S402; NO), the CPU unit 32 repeats step S402. If the cyclic transmission is to be started (step S402; YES), the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 shown in FIG. 2 transmits the address of the allocation destination of the cyclic data to the remote unit 2 via the master communication unit 333 (step S403). For example, the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 transmits the address "RWr10" of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission, which is indicated by a dotted-line frame in FIG. 6, to the first remote unit 2a.

[0073] The remote communication unit 21 of the remote unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 receives an address of the allocation destination of the cyclic data (step S404). The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 of the remote unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 acquires an address of the buffer memory 25 (step S405). In detail, the fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 passes the address of the allocation destination of the cyclic data received in step S404 to the parameter setting unit 22. The parameter setting unit 22 acquires the address of the buffer memory 25 corresponding to the address of the allocation destination of the cyclic data from the setting parameters 121. The parameter setting unit 22 passes the acquired address of the buffer memory 25 to the fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23. For example, if the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission is "RWr10", the address corresponds to the address "1000H" of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a, as shown in the table of the setting parameters 121 in FIG. 7A. The parameter setting unit 22 passes the address "1000H" of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a to the fixed-cycle transmission function unit .

[0074] The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 acquires the data stored in the address of the buffer memory 25 acquired in step S405 (step S406). For example, as shown in Fig. 6, data "ABC" is stored in the address "1000H" of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a. The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 acquires the data "ABC".

[0075] The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 associates the data acquired from the buffer memory 25 in step S406 with the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission, and transmits the data to the master station 3 (step S407). In detail, the fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 inquires of the parameter setting unit 22 about the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission that is set in the address of the buffer memory 25 from which the data was acquired in step S406. The parameter setting unit 22 finds the address of the cyclic data that corresponds to the address of the target buffer memory 25 from the setting parameters 121. The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 associates the address of the cyclic data found by the parameter setting unit 22 with the data acquired from the buffer memory 25, and transmits the data to the master station 3.

[0076] For example, if the address of the buffer memory 25 of the first remote unit 2a is "1000H", then the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission, "RWr10", corresponds to this address, as shown in the table of the setting parameters 121 in Fig. 7A. The fixed-cycle transmission function unit 23 transmits the data "ABC" of the buffer memory 25 to the master station 3 in association with the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission, "RWr10".

[0077] The fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 included in the master station 3 extracts data in the buffer memory 25 from the data received from the remote unit 2 (step S408). For example, the fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 extracts data "ABC" in the buffer memory 25 from the data received from the remote unit 2. The fixed-period transmission function unit 331 of the master unit 33 passes the extracted data in the buffer memory 25 to the CPU unit 32. The CPU unit 32 transmits the data in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 to the information processing device 1 via the communication processing unit 31 shown in FIG. 2 (step S409).

[0078] The processing unit 15 of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 2 receives the data in the buffer memory 25 from the master station 3 (step S410). The processing unit 15 causes the display unit 13 of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 2 to display the data in the buffer memory 25 (step S411). This allows the user to check the data at any address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2.

[0079] The CPU unit 32 of the master station 3 shown in Fig. 2 judges whether or not to execute transient transmission (step S412). When transient transmission is to be executed (step S412; YES), the CPU unit 32 acquires a command set in the control program 321 and an address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2. For example, the CPU unit 32 acquires the command "response" and the address "2000H" of the control program 321 shown in Fig. 6. The CPU unit 32 causes the non-periodic transmission function unit 332 of the master unit 33 shown in Fig. 2 to transmit the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 to the remote unit 2 as the command "response", that is, the read process (step S413).

[0080] 2 receives the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 from the master station 3 via the remote communication unit 21. The non-periodic transmission function unit 24 reads the data at the received address of the buffer memory 25 and transmits it to the master station 3 (step S414). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the data "EFG" stored at address "2000H" of the buffer memory 25 is read and transmitted to the master station 3.

[0081] The non-periodic transmission function unit 332 of the master unit 33 included in the CPU unit 32 receives the data in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 (step S415). The CPU unit 32 of the master station 3 determines whether or not an end instruction has been given (step S416). If an end instruction has not been given (step S416; NO), the CPU unit 32 returns to step S403 and executes steps S403 and after. If an end instruction has been given (step S416; YES), the CPU unit 32 instructs the information processing device 1 and the remote unit 2 to end (step S417). The CPU unit 32 ends the transmission processing program.

[0082] As described above, according to the first embodiment, by assigning only an arbitrary address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 to the address of cyclic data for cyclic transmission, the master station 3 responsible for managing and operating the remote unit 2 can easily access a specific buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2.

[0083] (Embodiment 2) In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the setting parameters 121 correspond to the model name of the remote unit 2 from which the master station 3 reads data, the address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2, and the allocation destination which is the address of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission. However, the setting parameters 121 are not limited to this. For example, a table of setting parameters 121A according to embodiment 2 is shown in FIG.

[0084] The setting parameters 121A associate and organize the model name of the remote unit 2 from which the master station 3 reads data, the top address of the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 to be read, the size of the data to be read, and the address allocation destination of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission. For example, in the top row of Fig. 12, the model name is set to "First Remote Unit", the top address of the buffer memory 25 to be read is set to "1000H", the size of the data to be read is set to "3 words", and the allocation destination is set to "RWr10". This means that data of a size of "3 words" from the address "1000H" of the buffer memory 25 is allocated to the allocation destination "RWr10".

[0085] The setting parameters 121A are set by a user executing an engineering tool on the information processing device 1. A method for setting the setting parameters 121A using the engineering tool will be described below with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

[0086] 13. The setting parameter determination process is included in the engineering tool as a setting parameter determination process program. For example, when a user selects an icon of an engineering tool arranged on the screen of the display unit 13 shown in FIG. 2 by the operation input unit 11, the information processing device 1 causes the processor 407 shown in FIG. 3 to read the setting parameter determination process program stored in the storage device 401 into the memory 406 and execute it.

[0087] A user inputs, from the operation input unit 11, the model name of the remote unit 2 to be assigned to the cyclic data for cyclic transmission, the top address of an arbitrary buffer memory 25, and the size of the data to be acquired (step S501). The processing unit 15 of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 2 determines the address of the cyclic data to be assigned (step S502). The processing unit 15 associates the model name, the top address of the arbitrary buffer memory 25, the data size, and the address of the cyclic data to be assigned, and stores them in the information storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 as the setting parameters 121A shown in Fig. 12 (step S503).

[0088] The processing unit 15 determines whether or not the allocation of all the necessary data to the cyclic data has been completed (step S504). For example, a message for confirming whether the allocation of all the necessary data to the cyclic data has been completed and a confirmation button of YES or NO are displayed on the display unit 13 of the information processing device 1 and presented to the user. If the user presses the YES button, the processing unit 15 terminates the setting parameter determination process assuming that the allocation of all the necessary data to the cyclic data has been completed (step S504; YES). If the user presses the NO button, the processing unit 15 returns to step S501 assuming that the allocation of all the necessary data to the cyclic data has not been completed (step S504; NO), and executes the processes from step S501 onward.

[0089] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the setting parameter 121A can set the size of data to be acquired from the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2. This makes it possible to specify a continuous area of ​​the buffer memory 25 at once.

[0090] (Variation 1) In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the setting parameters 121, 121A and the control program 321 are set by a user using an engineering tool executed in the information processing device 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting parameters 121, 121A and the control program 321 created in an external server may be used. In addition, a specific address and an allocation destination of the buffer memory 25 included in the setting parameters 121, 121A may be set from the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2.

[0091] (Variation 2) In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the information processing device 1 is provided with the display unit 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 13 may be a display device separate from the information processing device 1. In this case, a terminal for transmitting display data from the information processing device 1 to the separate display device corresponds to the display unit 13.

[0092] (Variation 3) In the above-mentioned first embodiment, any address in the buffer memory 25 of the remote unit 2 to be allocated to the cyclic data for transmission does not have to be a consecutive address. Therefore, it is possible to assign non-consecutive addresses in the buffer memory 25 to the addresses of the cyclic data for cyclic transmission. Therefore, it is possible to obtain data in non-consecutive areas of the buffer memory 25.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information processing system 100 can be realized as a dedicated system. However, it can be realized using a normal computer system without using a dedicated system. For example, a program for realizing each function in the above-mentioned information processing system 100 may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory) and distributed, and the program may be installed in a computer to configure a computer capable of realizing each of the above-mentioned functions. In addition, when each function is realized by sharing between an OS (Operating System) and an application, or by cooperation between an OS and an application, only the application may be stored in the recording medium.

[0094] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The present disclosure can be suitably used in an information processing system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Information processing device, 2 Remote unit, 2a First remote unit, 2b Second remote unit, 2n nth remote unit, 3 Master station, 11 Operation input unit, 12 Information storage unit, 13 Display unit, 14, 31 Communication processing unit, 15 Processing unit, 21 Remote communication unit, 22 Parameter setting unit, 23, 331 Fixed-period transmission function unit, 24, 332 Non-periodic transmission function unit, 25 Buffer memory, 26 Unit information management unit, 32 CPU unit, 33 Master unit, 100 Information processing system, 121, 121A Setting parameters, 321 Control program, 333 Master communication unit, 401, 412, 422 Storage device, 402, 411, 421 Communication device, 403 Input device, 404 Display device, 405 Display controller, 406, 413, 423 Memory, 407, 414, 424 Processor, 408, 415, 425 Data bus, 1000H, 1020H, 3020H addresses.

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a remote unit for controlling a target device and a master station for managing the remote unit, The aforementioned remote unit is A buffer memory containing information about the aforementioned device, The system includes a periodic transmission function unit that periodically transmits cyclic data for cyclic transmission between the remote unit and the master station, which is stored at a predetermined fixed address, by assigning data related to the device, contained at a specific address in the buffer memory, to the fixed address, and transmitting it to the master station at regular intervals. Information processing system.

2. The remote unit further includes a parameter setting unit that holds setting parameters, which are set by assigning data at a specific address in the buffer memory to a fixed address in the cyclic data. The periodic transmission function unit assigns the data relating to the device, contained in a specific address in the buffer memory, to a fixed address of the cyclic data based on the setting parameters. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned configuration parameters are set by an external server, an engineering tool running on an external device, or the buffer memory. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The allocation of the cyclic data to a fixed address involves allocating a predetermined size of data from a specific address in the buffer memory to a destination, or allocating one specific address in the buffer memory to one destination. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The information processing device further includes a display unit that displays a specific address of the buffer memory, the data at the specific address of the buffer memory, and the address of the allocated cyclic data for cyclic transmission. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The master station reads data from a specific address in the buffer memory of the remote unit, which has been assigned an address for cyclic data for cyclic transmission at regular intervals. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A method that an information processing system can perform, For cyclic transmission of cyclic data stored at predetermined fixed addresses, data containing information about a device included at a specific address in a buffer memory is assigned to the fixed address and transmitted at regular intervals. method.

8. On the computer, A process for cyclic transmission of cyclic data, which is used to transmit data stored at a predetermined fixed address at regular intervals, by allocating data related to a device contained at a specific address in a buffer memory to the fixed address and transmitting it at regular intervals. A program to execute.

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