Information creation device, operation program creation device, programs for information creation device and operation program creation device, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention reduces the workload required to create information to link a simulation function of a 3D CAD device and a simulator of an operation program. In response to a simulation operation by a PLC simulator (3), a PC (4) creates apparatus information about apparatuses for a 3D CAD device (1) to perform a simulation of the operation of apparatuses connected to a PLC. The PC (4) comprises an acquisition unit (411) that acquires first specifying information that specifies apparatuses for the 3D CAD device (1), a sorting unit (412) that sorts the first specifying information into categories established by attribute on the basis of the attributes of the apparatuses included in the first specifying information, and an allocation unit (413) that allocates second specifying information that is inputted by a user and specifies apparatuses for a ladder program to the sorted first specifying information. The first specifying information includes apparatus names that are unique to the apparatuses, and the second specifying information includes devices that identify the apparatuses for the ladder program.

Description

Information creation device, operation program creation device, their programs and recording media

[0001] The present invention relates to an information creating device or the like that creates information for linking a simulator such as a ladder program with the simulation function of a three-dimensional CAD device.

[0002] In order to verify interference between components of a complex device such as a manufacturing device and the transport of workpieces by the device, for example, the device is simulated using a 3D CAD device. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a simulation program for 3D CAD simulation is used to operate each component based on CAD data based on an operation program written in a programming language such as ladder logic. However, the above-mentioned conventional technology requires a simulation program.

[0003] In response to this, a general-purpose OPC server that mediates communication between multiple control devices, multiple application programs, etc. is used to link the simulation function of a 3D CAD device with a simulator of an operation program. For example, Patent Document 2 describes that a simulator of a CAD system simulates the operation of a manufacturing device controlled by a PLC based on data received from the PLC via the OPC server.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-226603 Japanese Patent No. 7189383

[0005] To link the simulation function of the 3D CAD device with the operating program simulator, the OPC server must be able to relay communication between the 3D CAD device and the operating program simulator. Therefore, the OPC server must associate each device that makes up the device simulated by the 3D CAD device with the device (I / O number) of the operating program.

[0006] The OPC server can read information about each device from a 3D CAD device. However, the devices corresponding to the devices are manually entered. Therefore, when multiple devices need to be entered, the input process is extremely time-consuming. Therefore, it is difficult to utilize the simulation function of the 3D CAD device in conjunction with the operating program simulator.

[0007] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to reduce the workload required to create information for linking the simulation function of a three-dimensional CAD device with a simulator of an operation program.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention provides an information creation device that creates equipment information related to equipment so that a three-dimensional CAD device can simulate the operation of equipment connected to a control device in accordance with the simulation operation of a simulator that simulates an operation program for operating the control device in a predetermined procedure, and that includes an acquisition unit that acquires first identification information that identifies the equipment in the three-dimensional CAD device, a sorting unit that sorts the acquired first identification information into categories established according to the attributes of the equipment contained in the acquired first identification information, and an allocation unit that identifies the equipment in the operation program and assigns second identification information input by a user to the sorted first identification information, wherein the first identification information includes an equipment name unique to the equipment, and the second identification information includes identification information that identifies the operation of the equipment in the operation program.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, one embodiment of the present invention provides an information creation device that creates correspondence information for correlating first identification information that identifies the equipment in the 3D CAD device with second identification information that is different from the first identification information and identifies the operation of the equipment in the operation program, so that the 3D CAD device can simulate the operation of an equipment connected to the control device in accordance with the simulation operation by a simulator that simulates an operation program for operating the control device in a predetermined procedure.The information creation device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires the first identification information that is not correlated with the second identification information from a management device that manages the correspondence between the first identification information and the second identification information; and a notification unit that creates a correspondence relationship that correlates the second identification information that is pre-assigned to each of the acquired first identification information with unique information that is related to the second identification information and is unique to the equipment and is included in the first identification information, and notifies the management device of the correspondence relationship.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, an operation program creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an operation program creation device that creates an operation program for operating a control device in a predetermined procedure, and includes: an arrangement unit that, by referring to sequence information in which a compound name including an equipment name specific to an equipment to be simulated by a 3D CAD device connected to the control device and an operation name representing the operation of the equipment is described in the operation order of the equipment, and command correspondence information that associates the compound name with the instructions corresponding to the equipment name, arranges the instructions that constitute the operation program and correspond to the equipment names in the operation order; and an allocation unit that, by referring to equipment information that specifies the correspondence between the equipment name and identification information that identifies the operation of the equipment, assigns the identification information to the arranged instructions.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the workload required to create information for linking the simulation function of a three-dimensional CAD device with a simulator of an operation program.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a simulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the correspondence table in an incomplete state provided in an OPC server in the simulation system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the correspondence table in a completed state. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing sorting information sorted by a sorting unit provided in a PC in the simulation system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing device information in which devices are assigned to the sorting information by user input. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for creating the device information by the PC and the correspondence table by the OPC server. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the concept of creating the device information by the PC, creating the correspondence table by the OPC server, and simulation by the simulation system. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for creating a ladder program by another PC in the simulation system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the simulation operation of a chuck executed by a simulator of the 3D CAD device. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the simulation by the simulation system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of simulating a ladder program executed by the PLC simulator in the simulation.

[0013] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0014] <Outline of Simulation System 100> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a simulation system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0015] 1 , the simulation system 100 includes a 3D CAD device 1, an OPC server 2 (management device), a PLC simulator 3, a PC 4 (information creation device), and a PC 5 (operation program creation device). The PCs 4 and 5 are personal computers, and although not shown, each includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an auxiliary storage device (such as a hard disk drive or SSD), a display device, an input device, a communication device, and the like. Note that, in this embodiment, the PCs 4 and 5 are provided separately according to their functions, but the functions of the PCs 4 and 5 may be integrated into a single PC.

[0016] In the following description, for convenience, the "three-dimensional CAD device 1" will be simply referred to as the "CAD device 1."

[0017] In the simulation system 100, the PLC simulator 3 simulates an operation program for operating the control device in a predetermined procedure. In the simulation system 100, a CAD simulator 12 provided in the CAD device 1 simulates the operation of a device connected to the control device in accordance with the simulation operation of the PLC simulator 3. In the simulation system 100, the PC 4 creates device information for the CAD simulator 12 to perform a simulation. In the simulation system 100, the OPC server 2 manages a correspondence table T for linking the PLC simulator 3 and the CAD simulator 12. The device information will be described in detail later.

[0018] The control device may be, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC monitors and controls the devices that make up the main components of the manufacturing equipment. The PLC reads the status of the devices and issues control instructions to the devices at predetermined scan times, following a control procedure defined in a sequence program (operation program) such as a ladder program.

[0019] In the following explanation, an example in which a ladder program is used as the operation program will be described.

[0020] Devices are connected to the PLC and operate. The devices include operating devices, input devices, and output devices. Operating devices are devices that operate with ON / OFF signals, such as cylinders. Operating devices are also devices that can perform complex operations using dedicated controllers, and are devices that operate under the control of a servo amplifier (controller), such as servo motors. Multiple servo motors are used in devices that require multi-axis control, such as robot arms, X-Y tables, and conveyance devices.

[0021] Input devices are devices that output input signals to the PLC, such as push button switches and sensors, while output devices are devices that receive output signals from the PLC, such as lamps, solenoid valves and general-purpose motors.

[0022] <Configuration of CAD Device 1> The CAD device 1 is a computer device that designs, in three dimensions, devices such as manufacturing devices including the above-mentioned equipment. The CAD device 1 exhibits its CAD functions by installing an application program for realizing the CAD functions in a general-purpose computer. The CAD functions also include a simulation function possessed by a CAD simulator 12, which will be described later. The CAD device 1 has a storage device 11, a CAD simulator 12, an input device 13, and a display device 14.

[0023] The storage device 11 stores three-dimensional data and additional information. The three-dimensional data and additional information are included in design data created by a design unit (not shown) included in the CAD device 1. The design data is created by the design unit of the CAD device 1, but may also be created by another CAD device.

[0024] In the CAD device 1, the movable and fixed parts of each piece of equipment that makes up the device are treated as elements. Three-dimensional data is data that represents the shape of each element in three dimensions. Additional information is various information about each element. Additional information includes the element number, element name, element type, and element signal name. The element number is a unique identification number that identifies the element. The element name is a unique name given to the element. The element type can be set for elements that have multiple types. For example, if the element is a cylinder, the corresponding type can be set from multiple types (air, solenoid, etc.), such as an air cylinder or a solenoid cylinder. The element signal name is the name of the signal that operates the element and can be set as a name that represents the operation.

[0025] The CAD simulator 12 performs a simulation of operating the movable parts of the elements. The CAD simulator 12 transitions to a simulation preparation state when a target device to be simulated is selected in response to an input operation by a user via the input device 13. In the preparation state, the CAD simulator 12 acquires the element number from the OPC server 2 as information for operating the elements of the target device, and then displays on the display device 14 the state in which the element having the element number is operated based on the three-dimensional data.

[0026] <Configuration of PLC Simulator 3> The PLC simulator 3 checks the operation of the ladder program not in the PLC to which the above-mentioned devices are connected, but by using a simulation function that virtually operates the ladder program. For example, if the ladder program describes the operation of a device that outputs when a switch is turned on and stops the output when the switch is turned off, the PLC simulator 3 simulates the above operation on the ladder program.

[0027] The PLC simulator 3 performs the simulation function by installing an application program for realizing the above-mentioned simulation function in a general-purpose computer. The PLC simulator 3 has a storage device 31, a communication unit 32, and an execution unit 33.

[0028] The storage device 31 stores a ladder program to be simulated. This ladder program is a program for simulation and is different from the ladder program that is actually installed in the PLC. For example, additional functions of a device, such as stopping the operation of a device by operating an emergency stop button, may not be included in the simulation by the CAD simulator 12 (described later). For this reason, even if additional devices such as the above-mentioned emergency stop button are connected to the PLC, they are not included in the ladder program to be simulated.

[0029] The communication unit 32 communicates with the OPC server 2 and the PC 5 .

[0030] The execution unit 33 executes the simulation function of the ladder program. The execution unit 33 changes the operating state of each element expressed in the ladder program. For example, the execution unit 33 turns an element such as a motor ON (start) or OFF (stop) in the ladder program. Furthermore, the execution unit 33 turns an element that moves forward and backward, such as a cylinder, ON (forward) and OFF (reverse) in the ladder program.

[0031] The execution unit 33 outputs a device corresponding to ON and OFF of an element in the ladder program. The execution unit 33 causes the communication unit 32 to transmit the output device to the OPC server 2.

[0032] Here, a device is composed of a combination of a device symbol and a device number. Device names are expressed, for example, as X for an input relay, Y for an output relay, M for an internal relay, T for a timer, and D for a data register. Devices include bit devices (X, Y, M, etc.) that handle bit data (0, 1), and word devices (D, etc.) that handle numerical values. Device symbols may differ depending on the manufacturer that produces the PLC. A device is assigned to each operation of the equipment. For example, different devices are assigned to the forward and backward movement of the cylinder mentioned above.

[0033] <Configuration of OPC Server 2> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the incomplete correspondence table T. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the completed correspondence table T provided in the OPC server 2.

[0034] The OPC server 2 has a function of relaying communication between application programs independently of the platform. The OPC server 2 uses this function to link the simulation functions of the PLC simulator 3 and the CAD simulator 12. The OPC server 2 achieves this linking function by having an application program for realizing the linking function installed on a general-purpose computer. The OPC server 2 has a storage device 21, a communication unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0035] The storage device 31 stores a correspondence table T. As shown in Fig. 3, the correspondence table T associates the above-mentioned element numbers, element names, element types, and element signal names with corresponding devices in a tabular format. The corresponding devices correspond to the above-mentioned devices.

[0036] The communication unit 22 communicates with the CAD device 1 and the PC 4 .

[0037] The control unit 23 includes a capture unit 231 , a read / write unit 232 , and an intermediary unit 233 in order to control the OPC server 2 .

[0038] The import unit 231 acquires and imports the above-mentioned element numbers, element names, element types, and element signal names that constitute table T from the CAD device 1. The import unit 231 writes the acquired element numbers, element names, element types, and element signal names so that they are placed in predetermined positions in table T. As shown in Fig. 2, in a state in which element numbers, element names, element types, and element signal names have been written in correspondence table T, corresponding devices that cannot be acquired from the CAD device 1 are left blank without being written.

[0039] In response to a request from the PC 4 (described later), the reading and writing unit 232 reads out element names, element types, and element signal names from the correspondence table T. The reading and writing unit 232 also writes devices notified by the PC 4 as corresponding devices in the correspondence table T. Specifically, the reading and writing unit 232 writes devices corresponding to element names that match the equipment names notified by the PC 4 based on the correspondence relationship between the devices and equipment names.

[0040] The mediation unit 233 mediates communication between the PLC simulator 3 and the CAD simulator 12. Specifically, the mediation unit 233 refers to the correspondence table T, acquires an element number corresponding to a corresponding device that matches the device transmitted from the PLC simulator 3, and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the element number to the CAD device 1.

[0041] <Configuration of PC 4> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing sorting information IG sorted by the sorting unit 412 provided in the PC 4. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing device information IE in which devices are assigned to the sorting information IG by user input.

[0042] The PC 4 creates the above-mentioned device information and correspondence information. The device information is information about the device and includes a correspondence between first identification information and second identification information. The first identification information includes a device name (unique information) specific to the device as information for identifying the device. The second identification information is information related to the first identification information and includes a device (identification information) as information for identifying (specifying) the operation of the device in the ladder program. The device information is used by the PC 5, which will be described later, to create a ladder program. The device information is also used as correspondence information for writing a device corresponding to an element name in the correspondence table T of the OPC server 2.

[0043] The PC 4 includes an information creation unit 41 , a storage device 42 , an input device 43 , a display device 14 , and a communication unit 45 .

[0044] The information creation unit 41 has an acquisition unit 411, a classification unit 412, and an allocation unit 413 in order to create device information. The information creation unit 41 has a notification unit 414 in order to complete the correspondence table T of the OPC server 2. The information creation unit 41 has an export unit 415 in order to provide the device information to the PC 5.

[0045] The acquiring unit 411 acquires the first identification information from the correspondence table T ( FIG. 2 ) in which no corresponding device information is written, of the OPC server 2. The acquiring unit 411 acquires at least an element name corresponding to a device name, an element type, and an element signal name as the first identification information.

[0046] The sorting unit 412 sorts the acquired first identification information into categories based on the attributes of the devices included in the acquired first identification information. Specifically, the sorting unit 412 sorts the first identification information based on the element type, for example, using the element type as an attribute.

[0047] The sorting unit 4 creates sorting information IG by sorting the first identification information into groups of solenoids and servomotors based on the element types, for example, as shown in Fig. 4. In the sorting information IG, the sorting unit 4 treats element names as device names and element signal names as operation names that represent the operation of the device.

[0048] The allocation unit 413 allocates devices as second identification information input by the user via the input device 43 to equipment names and operation names as first identification information in the sorting information IG. The allocation unit 413 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen (not shown) for the user to input devices on the display device 44, and allocates the devices input via the screen to equipment names and operation names. By allocating in this manner, the allocation unit 413 creates, for example, the device information IE shown in FIG. 5.

[0049] The notification unit 414 creates a correspondence relationship in which the device previously assigned for each piece of first identification information is associated with the device name included in the first identification information, based on the device information created by the allocation unit 413. The correspondence relationship created by the correspondence unit 414 is transmitted to the OPC server 2 by the communication unit 45, thereby notifying the OPC server 2 of the correspondence relationship.

[0050] The storage device 42 stores the device information created by the allocation unit 413. The communication unit 45 communicates with the OPC server 2 and the PC 5.

[0051] The export unit 415 exports the device information stored in the storage device 42 to the PC 5. The export unit 415 converts the device information into a CSV (Comma Separated Values) format and exports it.

[0052] <Configuration of PC 5> The PC 5 is configured as an operation program creation device that creates an operation program. The PC 5 includes a ladder program creation unit 51, a storage device 52, an input device 53, a display device 54, and a communication unit 55 to create a ladder program as an operation program.

[0053] The input device 53 accepts user operations such as instructions to create a ladder program and instructions to write the created ladder program to the PLC simulator 3. The display device 54 displays a screen for accepting the above operations.

[0054] The storage device 52 stores device information acquired by an import unit 511 (described later). The storage device 52 stores ladder programs created by the ladder program creation unit 51. The storage device 52 stores command reference information and sequence information acquired from the outside via the communication unit 55.

[0055] The command correspondence information is information that predefines the correspondence between sequence names and commands expressed in mnemonic format. The sequence name is a compound name that combines the device name and the above-mentioned operation name that represents the device operation. An example of a compound name is a name such as "cylinder forward." The sequence information is information that describes the sequence names in the order in which the devices operate under the control of the PLC.

[0056] The ladder program creation unit 51 has an import unit 511, a placement unit 512, and an allocation unit 513 in order to create a ladder program.

[0057] The import unit 511 imports the device information in CSV format exported from the PC 4 .

[0058] The arrangement unit 512 associates the instructions included in the instruction comparison information with the sequence information using the sequence names included in the instruction comparison information and the sequence information, and analyzes the operation order of the devices having the sequence names specified in the sequence information. Based on the analysis, the arrangement unit 512 converts the instructions into ladder symbols that make up a ladder program (ladder diagram), and arranges them in the ladder diagram in order of step number.

[0059] The placement unit 512 compares the device names included in the sequence name with the device names included in the device information. As a result of the comparison, the placement unit 512 does not place instructions for sequence names (composite names) that include device names that do not match the device names included in the device information. The sequence name includes the device names of all devices connected to the PLC.

[0060] The allocation unit 513 refers to the equipment information and allocates devices to the instructions arranged in the ladder diagram. Specifically, the allocation unit 513 associates the equipment names included in the equipment information with the compound names included in the sequence information, and allocates the devices in the equipment information to the instructions identified by the association. The allocation unit 513 stores the ladder program with the allocated devices in the storage device 52.

[0061] The ladder program creation unit 51 may be configured to include the execution unit 33 as a function of the PLC simulator 3. In this case, the storage device 31 of the PLC simulator 3 is integrated into the storage device 52 of the PC 5. This allows the PC 5 to also have the functions of the PLC simulator 3.

[0062] <Creation of Device Information by PC 4> Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for creating device information by the PC 4 and the correspondence table T by the OPC server 2. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the concept of creating device information by the PC 4, creating the correspondence table T by the OPC server 2, and simulation by the simulation system 100.

[0063] 6, first, the acquiring unit 411 acquires element names, element types, and element signal names from the correspondence table T in a state where no corresponding devices are written, as shown in FIG. 2 (step S1). The acquiring unit 411 requests the OPC server 2 to read out the element names, element types, and element signal names. In response to the request, the reading / writing unit 232 of the OPC server 2 reads out the element names, element types, and element signal names from the correspondence table T, and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit these element names, element types, and element signal names to the PC 4.

[0064] Next, the sorting unit 412 sorts the acquired element names and element signal names based on the element types (step S2). As shown in Fig. 7, the sorting unit 412 sorts the element names as device names and the element signal names as operation names.

[0065] 2, when the import unit 231 of the OPC server 2 imports the element numbers, element names, element types, and element signal names from the CAD device 1 and writes them into the correspondence table T, the element types are not sorted or grouped together. In contrast, the sorting unit 412 sorts the device names and operation names into groups for each element type, that is, solenoid and servo motor, as shown in FIG.

[0066] Next, the allocation unit 413 creates device information by allocating the device input by the user to each element name (step S3).Then, the notification unit 414 creates a correspondence relationship that associates the device with the device name based on the device information created by the allocation unit 413, and notifies the OPC server 2 of the correspondence relationship (step S4).

[0067] Furthermore, when the OPC server 2 receives the correspondence relationship, the read / write unit 232 of the control unit 23 associates the device with the element name in the correspondence table T to complete the correspondence table T (step S5). Specifically, the read / write unit 232 writes the device in the correspondence relationship as the corresponding device for the element name in the correspondence table T that matches the device name in the correspondence relationship, thereby completing the correspondence table T as shown in FIG.

[0068] <Creation of Ladder Program by PC 5> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for creating a ladder program by PC 5.

[0069] 8, first, the arrangement unit 512 reads out sequence names in the order of device operation from the sequence information stored in the storage device 52 (step S11). Next, the arrangement unit 512 refers to the command correspondence information stored in the storage device 52 to identify commands corresponding to the sequence names, and arranges the commands in the order of device operation (step S12).

[0070] When placing instructions, the placement unit 512 compares the device names included in the sequence names with the device names included in the device information. If the sequence names included in the instruction comparison information were created for a ladder program that runs on a PLC, they may not include the device names of devices that are the target of simulation by the CAD simulator 12. Therefore, if the comparison results in a device name that does not match the device name included in the device information, the placement unit 512 does not place instructions for sequence names that include the mismatched device names. This makes it possible to exclude instructions for devices that are not the target of simulation by the CAD simulator 12 from the ladder program.

[0071] Next, the allocation unit 513 refers to the device information stored in the storage device 52 and identifies a device corresponding to the device name included in the read sequence name (step S13).The allocation unit 513 then allocates the identified device to the arranged command (step S14).Furthermore, the allocation unit 513 determines whether or not devices have been associated with commands for all sequence names (step S15).

[0072] If the allocation unit 513 determines in step S15 that devices have been associated with the commands for all sequence names (YES), it ends the ladder program creation process and saves the created ladder program in the storage device 52. If the allocation unit 513 determines in step S15 that devices have not been associated with the commands for all sequence names (NO), it returns the process to step S11.

[0073] In this way, a ladder program for a simulation is created. The ladder program creating unit 51 stores the created ladder program in the storage device 52.

[0074] Furthermore, the ladder program creation unit 51 reads out the ladder program from the storage device 52 and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the ladder program to the PLC simulator 3. The PLC simulator 3 writes the received ladder program into the storage device 31.

[0075] <Simulation by Simulation System 100> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the simulation operation of the chuck 10 executed by the CAD simulator 12. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the simulation by the simulation system 100. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the simulation operation of the ladder program executed by the PLC simulator 3 in the simulation.

[0076] Here, an example of simulating the operation of the chuck shown in Fig. 9 will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, the chuck 10 includes a drive unit 111, an opening / closing unit 112, and a pair of fingers 113 and 114. The drive unit 111 is a solenoid cylinder that drives a piston by a solenoid. The opening / closing unit 112 converts the linear movement of the piston into movement that opens and closes the fingers 113 and 114. The fingers 113 and 114 open and close due to the drive force of the opening / closing unit 112.

[0077] 10, first, the execution unit 33 of the PLC simulator 3 starts and executes a ladder program (step S21). The execution unit 33 outputs a device in conjunction with the execution of the ladder program (step S22). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when executing a ladder program that describes an operation in which a cylinder moves forward when a switch is turned on, the execution unit 33 outputs Y10 as a device representing the forward movement of the cylinder.

[0078] 7, in the OPC server 2, the mediation unit 233 of the control unit 23 refers to the correspondence table T and outputs the element number corresponding to the device Y10 (step S23). The output element number is transmitted to the CAD device 1 by the communication unit 22.

[0079] When the CAD device 1 receives the element number, the CAD simulator 12 operates the cylinder A1, which is the element corresponding to the received element number (step S24), and ends the process. The CAD simulator 12 issues a command to move the cylinder A1 forward in relation to the operation of the cylinder A1, generates a moving image of the cylinder A1 being moved using three-dimensional data based on the command, and displays the moving image on the display device 14. Specifically, as shown on the left side of FIG. 9 , the chuck 10 starts in a state in which the fingers 113 and 114 are open, and as a result, the cylinder (cylinder A1) of the drive unit 111 moves forward, causing the fingers 113 and 114 to close and grip the workpiece 20, as shown on the right side of FIG. 9 .

[0080] In the above example, a single action is simulated. However, it is also possible to continuously simulate a series of multiple actions. When simulating a series of multiple actions, it is also possible to simulate each action intermittently.

[0081] <Effects> In the simulation system 100 of this embodiment, the PC 4 includes an acquisition unit 411, a sorting unit 412, and an allocation unit 413. The acquisition unit 411 acquires first identification information that identifies equipment in the CAD device 1. The sorting unit 412 sorts the acquired first identification information into categories established according to the attributes of the equipment based on the attributes of the equipment included in the acquired first identification information. The allocation unit 413 identifies the equipment in a ladder program as an operation program, and assigns second identification information input by the user to the sorted first identification information. The first identification information includes an equipment name unique to the equipment. If the control device is a PLC, the second identification information includes a device as identification information that identifies the operation of the equipment in the ladder program.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the first identification information (device name) is classified based on the device's attributes. This makes it easier for the user to identify the device based on the attributes when inputting the second identification information so that the assigning unit 413 can assign the second identification information to the first identification information. This allows the input of the second identification information to be performed efficiently. Furthermore, by using the device name as the first identification information and the identification information as the second identification information, device information for creating an operation program can be created. This reduces the workload required to create information for linking the simulation function of the 3D CAD device with the operation program simulator.

[0083] In the simulation system 100 of this embodiment, the PC 4 includes an acquisition unit 411 and a notification unit 414. The acquisition unit 411 acquires first identification information that is not associated with second identification information from a management device (OPC server 2) that manages the associations between first identification information and second identification information as an association table T. The notification unit 414 creates a correspondence relationship that associates the second identification information, which is pre-assigned to each acquired piece of first identification information, with device-specific information (e.g., device name) that is related to the second identification information and included in the first identification information, and notifies the management device of the correspondence relationship.

[0084] As described above, the first identification information is not sorted by element type in the correspondence table T. This makes it difficult for the user to associate the second identification information with the first identification information for each element type in the correspondence table T, which makes the task time-consuming.

[0085] In contrast, in the above configuration, by having the acquisition unit 411 acquire the first identification information in the information creation device, the task of associating the first identification information with the second identification information in the management device can be omitted. Furthermore, compared to the task of associating the first identification information with the second identification information in the management device, the first identification information and the second identification information can be associated in a format that is easier to work with. For example, in a state in which the first identification information is sorted by element type as described above, the association task can be performed for each element type.

[0086] This significantly improves the efficiency of the association process. The management device can associate the second identification information with the first identification information based on the device information of the association relationship notified by the information creating device.

[0087] In the simulation system 100 of this embodiment, the PC 5 includes a placement unit 512 and an allocation unit 513. The placement unit 512 references equipment information, sequence information, and instruction comparison information to place instructions corresponding to equipment names that constitute the ladder program in operation order. The equipment information specifies the correspondence between equipment names specific to the equipment that is the subject of simulation by a 3D CAD device connected to the control device and identification information. The sequence information describes compound names including equipment names and operation names that represent equipment operations in the order of equipment operation. The instruction comparison information associates the compound names with instructions corresponding to the equipment names. The allocation unit 513 references the equipment information to allocate identification information to the placed instructions.

[0088] Typically, the ladder program actually implemented in the PLC differs from the configuration of the device that is the target of simulation by the CAD device 1. Therefore, the ladder program that runs in the PLC differs from the ladder program that runs in the PLC simulator 3. For example, an emergency stop button connected to the PLC may not be the target of simulation by the CAD simulator 12. For this reason, it has been necessary to modify the ladder program that runs in the PLC so that it is compatible with simulation by the CAD simulator 12. However, such modifications are not only extremely time-consuming but also prone to errors.

[0089] In contrast to this, with the above configuration, the CAD device 1 can automatically generate an operation program corresponding to the equipment to be simulated, based on the equipment information.

[0090] The placement unit 512 of the PC 5 compares the device names included in the composite name with the device names included in the device information, and does not place instructions for composite names that include device names that do not match the device names included in the device information. The composite name here includes the device names of all devices connected to the PLC.

[0091] According to the above configuration, a ladder program can be created based on a compound name that includes a device name that matches a device name included in the device information, which enables the CAD simulator 12 to create a ladder program that corresponds to the device to be simulated.

[0092] [Example of Software Implementation] The functions of the CAD device 1, OPC server 2, PLC simulator 3, and PCs 4 and 5 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by programs (information creation program, operation program creation program, etc.) that cause a computer to function as the devices. These programs cause a computer to function as each control block of the devices (particularly the CAD simulator 12, control unit 23, execution unit 33, information creation unit 41, and ladder program creation unit 51).

[0093] In this case, the device includes, as hardware for executing the program, a computer having at least one control unit (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (storage devices 11, 21, 31, 42, and 52). By executing the program using this control unit and storage device, each function described in the above embodiment is realized.

[0094] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0095] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0096] Furthermore, each process described in the above embodiment may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate in the control unit or in another device (for example, an edge computer, a cloud server, etc.).

[0097] [Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0098] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 3D CAD device 2 OPC server (management device) 3 PLC simulator (simulator) 4 PC (information creation device) 5 PC (operation program creation device) 12 CAD simulator 411 Acquisition unit 412 Sorting unit 413 Allocation unit 414 Notification unit 512 Placement unit 513 Allocation unit T Correspondence table (correspondence information)

Claims

1. An information creation device that creates equipment information related to an equipment connected to a control device in response to a simulation operation by a simulator that simulates an operation program for operating the control device in a predetermined procedure, the information creation device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires first identification information that identifies the equipment in the 3D CAD device; a sorting unit that sorts the acquired first identification information into categories established according to attributes of the equipment based on the attributes contained in the acquired first identification information; and an allocation unit that identifies the equipment in the operation program and assigns second identification information input by a user to the sorted first identification information, wherein the first identification information includes an equipment name unique to the equipment, and the second identification information includes identification information that identifies the operation of the equipment in the operation program.

2. An information creation program for causing a computer to function as the information creation device according to claim 1, said information creation program causing a computer to function as each part of said information creation device.

3. A computer-readable recording medium having the information creation program according to claim 2 recorded thereon.

4. An information creation device that creates correspondence information for matching first identification information that identifies the equipment in the three-dimensional CAD device with second identification information that is different from the first identification information and identifies the operation of the equipment in the operation program, in order for the three-dimensional CAD device to simulate the operation of the equipment connected to the control device in accordance with the simulation operation by a simulator that simulates the operation of an operation program for operating the control device in a predetermined procedure, the information creation device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the first identification information that is not matched with the second identification information from a management device that manages the association between the first identification information and the second identification information; and a notification unit that creates a correspondence relationship that matches the second identification information that is pre-assigned to each of the acquired first identification information with unique information unique to the equipment that is related to the second identification information and included in the first identification information, and notifies the management device of the correspondence relationship.

5. An information creation program for causing a computer to function as the information creation device according to claim 4, said information creation program causing a computer to function as each part of said information creation device.

6. A computer-readable recording medium having the information creation program according to claim 5 recorded thereon.

7. An operation program creation device that creates an operation program for operating a control device in a predetermined procedure, comprising: an arrangement unit that, by referring to sequence information in which a compound name including an equipment name specific to an equipment to be simulated by a 3D CAD device connected to the control device and an operation name representing the operation of the equipment is described in the operation order of the equipment, and command correspondence information that associates the compound name with an instruction corresponding to the equipment name, arranges instructions that constitute the operation program and correspond to the equipment names in the operation order; and an allocation unit that, by referring to equipment information that specifies the correspondence between the equipment name and identification information that identifies the operation of the equipment, assigns the identification information to the arranged instructions.

8. An operating program creation device as described in claim 7, wherein the composite name includes the equipment names for all of the equipment connected to the control device, and the placement unit compares the equipment names included in the composite name with the equipment names included in the equipment information, and does not place the instructions for the composite name including the equipment name that does not match the equipment name included in the equipment information.

9. An operation program creation program for causing a computer to function as the operation program creation device according to claim 7 or 8, the operation program creation program causing a computer to function as each part of the operation program creation device.

10. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the operation program creation program according to claim 9.

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