JP2004362258A - Programmable indicator and programmable indicator system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a programmable indicator and programmable indicator system excellent in operability and working efficiency, in which the attribute of a pattern and object displayed on a screen can be easily changed to change screen data. <P>SOLUTION: This indicator system comprises a nonvolatile storage means for storing the screen data and a program for executing various pieces of processing in the programmable indicator; a volatile storage means for writing and storing the screen data and program stored in the nonvolatile storage means; a means for writing the screen data and program stored in the nonvolatile storage means to the volatile storage means and setting then in an operable state; a means for inputting data for changing the attribute of the screen data; a means for changing the attribute of the screen data to change the screen data; and a means for displaying the operating state of equipment based on the screen data read from the nonvolatile storage means and stored in the volatile storage means or the changed screen data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a programmable display, and more particularly to a programmable display and a programmable display system that can change attributes of graphics and objects to be displayed on a screen without using drawing software.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a control system or the like, in order to control a target system, a programmable logic controller (hereinafter, abbreviated as PLC) and a programmable display connected to the PLC via a serial cable or the like are used. Is used.
[0003]
In many cases, the programmable display is arranged near the target system, acquires the device status of the target system and the status of the PLC from the PLC, and displays them on a display built in the programmable display. Further, the programmable display includes input means such as a touch panel arranged on a screen of the display, and transmits a control instruction to the PLC to the PLC in accordance with an operation on the touch panel by an operator, and changes a state of the device. Control.
[0004]
Incidentally, the above-described programmable display device is a device used under an FA environment, that is, under bad conditions such as temperature, vibration, humidity, and noise, and is a built-in device that needs to have environmental resistance. Therefore, resources such as expensive CPUs, memories, and hard disks used in consumer personal computers cannot be used as they are.
[0005]
Since there is no embedded CPU with a memory protection function, a form of loading and executing data on a volatile memory cannot be adopted from the viewpoint of reliability. The execution method is adopted.
[0006]
For example, a conventional programmable display uses a volatile memory such as a DRAM or an SRAM when temporarily storing data, but uses a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM when storing screen data or the like. are doing. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-184198 A (Page 16, FIG. 1)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional programmable display device, it is not possible to directly edit the screen data executed on the nonvolatile memory because it is necessary to guarantee the original data of the screen data.
[0009]
In such a conventional programmable display device, when changing attributes included in screen data displayed on the programmable display device, these attributes are changed by display screen setting software operating on a personal computer. After that, it is necessary to download the screen data whose attribute has been changed from the display screen setting software to the programmable display device and write it to the nonvolatile memory.
[0010]
That is, in order to change the screen data, attributes in objects such as figures such as rectangles / circles / polygons and numerical value display / ASCII display / touch switch / alarm display, for example, position / color / size / associated PLC When changing devices, etc., first change these attributes using the display screen setting software that runs on a personal computer, and then download the screen data with the changed attributes to a programmable display and write it to nonvolatile memory. Must.
[0011]
For this reason, in the case of a conventional programmable display, a personal computer must be brought to the site and the screen data of the programmable display cannot be changed without using the display screen setting software that exists therein, and the display screen setting software cannot be used. The user cannot change the screen data, it takes time to transfer the screen data from the personal computer to the programmable display, and it takes an enormous amount of time to change and adjust the screen data. It greatly impaired the user's usability.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a programmable display device and a programmable display system with excellent operability and work efficiency that can easily change the attributes of graphics and objects to be displayed on a screen and change screen data. It is aimed at.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a programmable display according to the present invention is a programmable display for displaying an operation state of an externally connected device on a screen using screen data having an attribute. Non-volatile storage means for storing a system program for executing the various processes, and volatile storage means for writing the screen data and the system program stored in the non-volatile storage means and storing the screen data and the system program Boot means for reading out the screen data and the system program stored in the non-volatile storage means, writing the system program in the volatile storage means, and setting an operable state; and attributes of the screen data stored in the volatile storage means Input means for inputting data to be changed, and a volatile memory device based on the input data. Attribute changing means for changing the screen data by changing the attribute of the screen data stored in the memory, and based on the screen data or the changed screen data read from the non-volatile storage means and stored in the volatile storage means. Display means for displaying the operation status of the device.
[0014]
According to the present invention, by providing the above-described configuration, when changing the attribute attached to the screen data and changing the screen data, the attribute is changed on the programmable display to change the screen data. Is possible. Therefore, it is possible to change the screen data by changing the attribute on the programmable display itself without using a dedicated screen data setting unit for creating or editing the screen data.
[0015]
This makes it possible to change the screen data on the programmable display without having to bring the screen data setting means, for example, a personal computer equipped with drawing software, etc. to the site where the programmable display is used and connecting it to the programmable display. Therefore, a programmable display device with excellent operability is realized.
[0016]
Usually, when screen data is changed by a screen data setting means, for example, a personal computer equipped with drawing software, it takes time to transfer screen data from the screen data setting means to the programmable display. However, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to transfer the changed screen data from the screen data setting means to the programmable display, so that the adjustment time required for changing the screen data at the site where the programmable display is used can be reduced, and the screen can be reduced. A programmable display with excellent work efficiency when changing data is realized.
[0017]
Also, since a screen data setting means, for example, a personal computer equipped with drawing software and an operator who is not familiar with the use of the drawing software can change the screen data, a programmable display device with excellent operability is realized. You.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0019]
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a programmable display system 10 according to the present embodiment. The programmable display system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a programmable display 11 and a personal computer 19.
[0020]
The programmable display 11 has a nonvolatile memory 13 as a nonvolatile storage unit, a volatile memory 12 as a volatile storage unit, and a display unit 29 for performing a predetermined screen display based on screen data. The non-volatile memory 13 is a memory for storing the screen data 14 downloaded from the display screen setting software 20 and the OS which is a system program for controlling the processing of the programmable display 11. Also, as will be described later, the screen data 15 whose attribute has been changed in the volatile memory 12 is stored as new positive screen data 14. The nonvolatile memory 13 can store a history of changes and updates of the screen data 14.
[0021]
The volatile memory 12 boots the screen data 14 from the non-volatile memory 13 when the power of the programmable display 11 is turned on, that is, the screen data and the system program stored in the non-volatile storage unit are written and operable. This is a memory for storing as screen data 15.
[0022]
Here, the screen data 14 includes an attribute 24 as a part of the data. The attribute 22 is included as a part of the screen data 15 obtained by expanding the screen data 14. The screen data 15 including the attribute 22 has the same contents as the screen data 14 unless a change operation is performed.
[0023]
Further, the programmable display 11 reads the screen data 14 and the system program stored in the non-volatile memory 13 and writes them in the volatile memory 12 when the power of the programmable display 11 is turned on, and sets the operable state. Boot means 17 is provided.
[0024]
Further, the programmable display 11 includes an input unit 27 and an attribute changing unit 16. The input means 27 is for inputting data for changing the attribute 22 of each figure and object in the screen data 15 written in the volatile memory 12. The attribute changing means 16 changes the screen data by changing the attribute 22 of each figure and object in the screen data 15 written in the volatile memory 12 based on the data input by the input means 27.
[0025]
In addition, the screen display 15 including the attribute 22 changed by the attribute changing unit 16 is read as necessary to the programmable display 11 and written into the nonvolatile memory 13 as the screen data 14. Means 18 are provided.
[0026]
Also, a personal computer 19 is connected to the programmable display 11, and the personal computer 19 is equipped with display screen setting software 20 which is screen data setting means operating on the personal computer. The display screen setting software 20 is display screen setting software for creating screen data 21 for display of the programmable display 11.
[0027]
In the screen data 21 created by the display screen setting software 20, graphics such as rectangles / circles / polygons and objects such as numerical display / ASCII display / touch switch / alarm display are associated with their positions / colors / sizes / associations. And the attribute 23 of the PLC device or the like.
[0028]
In addition, the display screen setting software 20 includes a screen data download unit 28, a screen data upload unit 26, and a screen data editing unit 25. The screen data download unit 28 downloads the created or edited screen data to the nonvolatile memory 13 of the programmable display 11. The screen data upload unit 26 reads out the screen data 14 stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 and transfers the screen data 14 to the personal computer 19. The screen data editing means 25 edits the screen data 21 transferred from the nonvolatile memory 13 of the programmable display 11 and stored in the personal computer 19.
[0029]
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are diagrams showing examples of elements constituting graphics and objects which are data included in screen data. The images displayed on the programmable display 11 all belong to figures or objects. A figure is a fixed part for drawing a line / ellipse / polygon / character or the like. An object is a drawing component having an input / output function that can be linked with a control device such as a PLC. It should be noted that a figure may be included in an element constituting the object.
[0030]
Examples of elements constituting the figure include straight lines, continuous straight lines, rectangles, polygons, circles, arcs, fans, scales, bitmap data, fills, CAD data, and the like. Examples of the elements that constitute the object include numerical display, numerical input, character display, character input, data list, clock display, comment display, alarm history, alarm list, parts display, lamp, panel meter, graph (polyline) / Trend / bar / statistics / dispersion), level meter, touch switch, etc.
[0031]
4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of attributes of figures and objects. For example, when the element constituting the figure is a “straight line or continuous straight line”, attributes relating to these include line type, line width, line color, position (start point, end point) and the like. Further, as the attribute values of the line type, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0032]
If the elements constituting the figure are “rectangles”, attributes relating to these include line type, line width, line color, position (start point, end point), pattern type, pattern color, pattern background color, etc. .
[0033]
When the element constituting the figure is a “polygon”, attributes relating to these include line type, line width, line color, position (each vertex), pattern type, pattern color, pattern background color, and the like. .
[0034]
When the element constituting the figure is a "circle", attributes relating to these include line type, line width, line color, position (center, radius), pattern type, pattern color, pattern background color, and the like. .
[0035]
If the element making up the figure is an "arc or fan", the attributes related to these are line type, line width, line color, position (center, radius, angle), pattern type, pattern color, pattern background color And so on.
[0036]
When the element constituting the figure is a “scale”, attributes relating to these include a line type, a line width, a line color, a position, a direction (vertical and horizontal), the number of scales, and the like.
[0037]
If the element that makes up the figure is “text”, attributes related to these include size, text color, text decoration, position, direction (vertical, horizontal), line spacing, alignment (left, middle, right), etc. can give.
[0038]
If the elements that make up the figure are “bitmaps”, their attributes include size and position.
[0039]
When the elements constituting the figure are “CAD data”, the attributes relating to these include size, position, and the like.
[0040]
7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating examples of object attributes. For example, when the object is “numeric input / display”, the attributes related to these objects include PLC device, frame color, plate color, numeric color, blink (with / without), reverse display (with / without), alignment (Left / middle / right), display size, number of display digits, number of decimal places, position, etc.
[0041]
When the object is “character input / display”, the attributes relating to these are: PLC device, frame color, plate color, character color, blink (yes / no), reverse display (yes / no), display size, Character attributes and the like are given.
[0042]
When the object is a “data list”, the attributes related to these are ruled line color, frame color, plate color, character color, number of display lines, reverse display (with or without), number of display columns, display interval, sort (Number order, ascending order, descending order) and the like.
[0043]
If the object is “clock display”, the attributes relating to these are display color, frame color, plate color, format (ex.yy.mm.dd), display size, reverse display (yes / no), position And the like.
[0044]
When the object is a "comment", the attributes relating to these include a PLC device, a frame color, a display size, blink (with or without), alignment (left / middle / right), a display character attribute, and the like.
[0045]
When the object is an “alarm history / alarm list”, the attributes relating to these are: PLC device, frame color, display size, display item, alignment (left / middle / right), display format, sort (oldest, oldest) New order), position, etc.
[0046]
When the object is “component display”, the attributes relating to these include a PLC device, a component type, a component number, a component color, a blink (with or without), a position, and the like.
[0047]
When the object is a "lamp", the attributes relating to these include a PLC device, a graphic attribute, a character attribute, and the like.
[0048]
When the object is a “panel meter”, the attributes relating to these include a PLC device, a graphic attribute, a character attribute, a meter type, a display direction, an upper limit value / a lower limit value, and the like.
[0049]
When the object is a “graph”, the attributes relating to these include the rough type, the graphic attribute, the PLC device, the width / interval, the number / points, the upper limit / lower limit, and the like.
[0050]
When the object is “level”, the attributes relating to these include a PLC device, a boundary color, a level color, a pattern, a background color, an upper limit / lower limit, and a display direction (up / down).
[0051]
When the object is a “touch switch”, attributes relating to these include display switching factors, graphic attributes, operation settings, and the like.
[0052]
FIGS. 9A to 9E are diagrams illustrating an operation example of the programmable display 11 according to the present embodiment. 3A to 3E are diagrams in which the screen states of the programmable display 11 are arranged in chronological order.
[0053]
The attributes of the graph object of the operating programmable display 11 include, for example, graphic attributes such as line type, line width, line color, and position, scale, axis name, graph type, and the like.
[0054]
As the attribute changing unit 16 and the input unit 27 when changing the attribute of the graph object of the programmable display 11, for example, a utility incorporated in the programmable display 11 can be considered. For example, the creator of the display screen of the programmable display 11 or the operator at the site using the programmable display 11 can use the utility activation touch switch 36 while the screen 31 as shown in FIG. 9A is displayed. By pressing, the utility can be activated, and a screen 32 in which the attribute changing utility is activated as shown in FIG. 9B is displayed.
[0055]
Then, after starting the utility, when a graphic or object whose attribute is to be changed is selected by pressing the touch panel, an attribute change screen displaying a list of attributes of the selected graphic or object is displayed as shown in FIG. 9C. 33 is displayed.
[0056]
On the attribute change screen 33, the screen data of the screen 31 shown in FIG. 9A can be changed by changing the attribute value portion of the graphic or the object. For example, by inputting the attribute data to be changed using the software keyboard displayed on the attribute change screen 33, the screen data can be changed as shown in a screen 35 shown in FIG.
[0057]
Here, the attribute value displayed on the screen 33 in FIG. 9C is changed from a solid line to a dotted line as shown in a screen 34 in FIG. 9D, and the line width is changed to 0.75 pt. To 2 pt. Thereby, the screen data can be changed so as to perform the display as shown in the screen 35 shown in FIG.
[0058]
If the user wants to use the screen data changed by using the utility as the positive data as described above, the user presses a save button 38 as shown in a screen 35 in FIG. Can be stored in a non-volatile memory to be positive data.
[0059]
Next, the operation of the programmable display 11 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the programmable display system 10 according to the present embodiment, that is, an operation flow of the programmable display 11 and the display screen setting software 20 operating on the personal computer 19. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG.
[0060]
First, a screen data designer of the programmable display 11 creates screen data 21 with the display screen setting software 20 operating on the personal computer 19 (S11). The screen data 21 includes an attribute 23 as a part of the data.
[0061]
Next, the created screen data 21 is written into the non-volatile memory 13 on the programmable display 11 using the screen data download means 28 of the display screen setting software 20 (S12). Here, the screen data 21 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 as the screen data 14. The attribute 23 is stored as the attribute 24.
[0062]
Next, when the operator using the programmable display 11 turns on the power of the programmable display 11 (S13), the screen data 14 in the nonvolatile memory 13 is stored in the volatile memory 13 together with the OS as the system program by the boot means 17. The data is developed as screen data 15 in the memory 12, that is, written in the volatile memory 12, and set to an operable state (S14). The attribute 24 is developed as the attribute 22.
[0063]
Then, when it becomes necessary to change the screen data of the programmable display 11, it is first determined whether to change the screen data (S15). If the screen data is to be changed (S15 affirmative), the attribute 22 of the screen data 15 on the volatile memory 12 is changed using the attribute changing means 16 such as the utility described above (S16). Thereby, the screen data 15 can be changed, and the screen displayed on the programmable display 11 can be changed.
[0064]
Here, it is determined whether it is necessary to save the changed screen data 15 (S17). If it is not necessary to save the changed screen data 15 (No at S17), the process of changing the screen data 15 in the programmable display 11 ends.
[0065]
If it is necessary to save the changed screen data 15 (Yes at S17), the changed screen data 15 is stored as positive data in the nonvolatile memory 13 (S18).
[0066]
Here, since the original screen data 14 created by the screen data designer and downloaded to the nonvolatile memory 13 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 13, it is guaranteed that the original screen data 14 will not be changed without permission. However, when it is necessary to save the screen data 15 obtained by changing the screen data 14 as positive data, the changed screen data 15 in the volatile memory 12 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 by the changed screen data writing means 18. By overwriting and copying the screen data 14, the screen data 15 can be stored as positive data in the nonvolatile memory 13.
[0067]
Since the screen data is usually created by the display screen setting software in the personal computer 19, normally, the screen data that is regarded as correct on the personal computer 19 is managed. However, if, for example, an urgent change of the screen data is necessary and it is determined that the change will be applied in the future, the screen data 15 is stored as positive data in the nonvolatile memory 13 as described above. be able to.
[0068]
On the other hand, the change of the screen data performed on the programmable display 11 is a temporary screen change, and when it is determined that the change need not be reflected at the next use such as after resetting the power supply, the change is performed. Screen data need not be saved. For example, referring to FIG. 9E, the changed screen data 15 is not stored by the changed screen data writing unit 18 unless the save button 38 is pressed on the screen 35.
[0069]
If the screen data is not changed in the programmable display 11 (No in S15), the process proceeds to S19 without performing the screen data change processing in the programmable display 11.
[0070]
As described above, the processing regarding the screen data change in the programmable display 11 is completed.
[0071]
Next, it is determined whether it is necessary to edit the screen data 14 (S19). If the screen data 14 needs to be edited (S19: Yes), the screen data uploading unit 26 uploads the screen data 14 to the personal computer 19 and stores it as new screen data 21 (S20). Then, the screen data creator edits the screen data 21 by using the screen data editing means 25 of the display screen setting software 20 (S21). The edited screen data 21 is updated and stored in the display screen setting software 20.
[0072]
On the other hand, when it is not necessary to edit the screen data 14 (No at S19), the process proceeds to S22 without performing the editing process of the screen data 14.
[0073]
When ending the operation of the programmable display 11, when the operator turns off the power of the programmable display 11 (S22), the data 15 of the volatile memory 12 is erased and only the data 14 of the nonvolatile memory 13 is erased. Is stored (S23).
[0074]
As described above, in the programmable display system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the attribute associated with the screen data is changed to change the screen data, the attribute is changed only by the programmable display 11. It is possible to change the screen data. Therefore, the screen data can be changed by changing the attribute on the programmable display itself without using the display screen setting software 20 which is a dedicated screen data setting unit for creating or editing the screen data. is there.
[0075]
As a result, even when a personal computer 19 or the like equipped with the display screen setting software 20 is brought to the site where the programmable display 11 is used and is not connected to the programmable display 11, the screen data can be changed in the programmable display 11. Therefore, the programmable display 11 excellent in operability is realized.
[0076]
Normally, when screen data is changed by a personal computer equipped with the display screen setting software 20, it takes time to transfer screen data from the screen data setting means to the programmable display. However, according to the programmable display 11, since the screen data can be changed by the programmable display 11 itself, it is necessary to transfer the changed screen data from the personal computer 19 equipped with the display screen setting software 20 to the programmable display. There is no. As a result, the adjustment time required for changing the screen data at the site where the programmable display 11 is used can be reduced, and the programmable display 11 excellent in work efficiency when changing the screen data is realized.
[0077]
Further, since the PC 19 equipped with the display screen setting software 20 and an operator who is not familiar with the use of the display screen setting software 20 can change the screen data, the programmable display device 11 having excellent operability is realized. Have been.
[0078]
Since the programmable display system 10 includes the above-described programmable display 11, the screen data can be changed in both the programmable display 11 and the display screen setting software 20, and the operability and work efficiency are excellent. The programmable display system 10 is realized.
[0079]
Further, even if a failure or the like occurs in the personal computer 19 on which the display screen setting software 20 is installed, the screen data can be changed in the programmable display 11, so that the highly reliable programmable display system 10 is realized. .
[0080]
Embodiment 2 FIG.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the programmable display 61 according to the present embodiment. The programmable display system 60 according to the present embodiment includes a programmable display 61 and a personal computer 69.
[0081]
The programmable display 61 includes a nonvolatile memory 63 as a nonvolatile storage unit, a volatile memory 62 as a volatile storage unit, and a display unit 84 for performing a predetermined screen display based on screen data. The non-volatile memory 63 is a memory for storing the screen data 64 downloaded from the display screen setting software 70 and the OS which is a system program for controlling the processing of the programmable display 61. Further, as will be described later, the screen data 65 whose attribute has been changed in the volatile memory 62 is stored as new positive screen data 64. The non-volatile memory 63 can store a history of changes and updates of the screen data 64.
[0082]
The volatile memory 62 boots the screen data 64 from the non-volatile memory 63 when the power of the programmable display 61 is turned on, that is, the screen data and system program stored in the non-volatile storage means are written and operable. This is a memory for storing as screen data 65.
[0083]
Here, the screen data 64 includes an attribute 74 as a part of the data. Further, the screen data 64 is accompanied by a script 80 for changing the attributes of figures and objects.
[0084]
The screen data 65 includes an attribute 72 as a part of the screen data 65 obtained by developing the screen data 64. Further, the screen data 65 is accompanied by a script 81 for changing the attributes of figures and objects. The screen data 65 including the attribute 74 has the same contents as the screen data 64 unless a change operation is performed.
[0085]
The programmable display 61 reads the screen data 64 and the system program stored in the non-volatile memory 63 and writes them in the volatile memory 62 when the power of the programmable display 61 is turned on, so that the programmable display 61 is set to an operable state. Boot means 67 is provided.
[0086]
In addition, the programmable display 61 includes an attribute changing unit 66 that changes an attribute 72 of each figure and object which is data in the screen data 65 read into the volatile memory 62. Further, the programmable display 61 reads out the screen data 65 including the attribute 72 changed by the attribute changing unit 66 as necessary and writes the screen data 65 to the nonvolatile memory 63 as the screen data 64. 68.
[0087]
Further, the programmable display device 61 includes a script execution unit 82 that reads the script 81 line by line and executes the script 81 line by line. The script executing means 82 executes the script processing as described in the script 81 in response to the generation of the trigger 83. For example, when a process for changing the attribute of the screen data is described in the script 81, the attribute changing unit 66 changes the content of the attribute 72 of the screen data 65.
[0088]
The programmable display 61 includes a drawing unit 75 that combines the screen data 65 with the data of the device to be monitored and referenced by the programmable display 61 and transfers the screen image to the display volatile memory 76. I do.
[0089]
On the other hand, a personal computer 69 is connected to the programmable display 61, and the personal computer 69 is equipped with display screen setting software 70 that operates on the personal computer. The display screen setting software 70 is display screen setting software for creating screen data 71 for display of the programmable display 61.
[0090]
In the screen data 71 created by the display screen setting software 70, graphics such as rectangles / circles / polygons and objects such as numerical value display / ASCII display / touch switch / alarm display are associated with their position / color / size / association. Along with the attribute 73 of the PLC device or the like. The screen data is accompanied by a script 79 for changing the attributes of figures and objects.
[0091]
The display screen setting software 70 includes a screen data download unit 92, a screen data upload unit 93, and a screen data editing unit 91. The screen data download unit 92 downloads the created or edited screen data to the nonvolatile memory 63 of the programmable display 61. The screen data upload unit 93 reads the screen data 64 stored in the nonvolatile memory 63 and transfers the screen data 64 to the personal computer 69. The screen data editing means 91 edits the screen data 71 transferred from the nonvolatile memory 63 of the programmable display 61 and stored in the personal computer 69.
[0092]
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a PLC 77 as a control device is connected as an external device to the programmable display 61. Inside the PLC 77, there is a monitored device 78 to which the programmable display 61 refers and sets.
[0093]
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams showing examples of elements constituting a figure and an object. The images displayed on the programmable display 61 all belong to figures or objects. A figure is a fixed part for drawing a line / ellipse / polygon / character or the like. An object is a drawing component having an input / output function that can be linked with a control device such as a PLC. It should be noted that a figure may be included in an element constituting the object.
[0094]
Examples of elements constituting the figure include straight lines, continuous straight lines, rectangles, polygons, circles, arcs, fans, scales, bitmap data, fills, CAD data, and the like. Examples of the elements that constitute the object include numerical display, numerical input, character display, character input, data list, clock display, comment display, alarm history, alarm list, parts display, lamp, panel meter, graph (polyline) / Trend / bar / statistics / dispersion), level meter, touch switch, etc.
[0095]
In addition, for the attributes related to these elements, the description described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 will be referred to, and detailed description will be omitted here.
[0096]
FIGS. 14A to 14C are diagrams illustrating an operation example of the programmable display 61 according to the present embodiment, and are diagrams illustrating a state where numerical displays 94, 95, and 96 are displayed on the screen 91. FIG. It is. Here, the numerical displays 94, 95, and 96 are numerical display objects for numerically displaying the value of the monitored device 78 on the programmable display.
[0097]
In the programmable display 61, the screen actually displayed on the programmable display 61 can be dynamically changed by changing the attributes of figures and objects by the script 81 when the trigger condition is satisfied.
[0098]
For example, if the condition of the trigger 1 is satisfied while the screen 91 is displayed in FIG. 14A, as shown in a screen 92 shown in FIG. 14B, the numerical members (Num) of the argument objects are arranged in descending order. The positions of the objects, that is, the positions of the numerical displays 94, 95, and 96 are changed and displayed.
[0099]
When the condition of the trigger 2 is satisfied in a state where the screen 91 is displayed in FIG. 14A, only the enlarged display of the numerical value display 94 is performed as shown in a screen 93 in FIG. Is not displayed on the display screen.
[0100]
FIG. 15 shows an example of a script for changing the screen 91 of FIG. 14A as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C. Here, the script is a language type program, for example, a C language-like program as shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a method (member name) of designating the attributes of a figure and an object in a script, using a numerical display as an example.
[0101]
In the example of the script shown in FIG. 15, when the trigger 1 is established, that is, when the bit device M0 is turned on, the data is rearranged in descending order of the numerical display value according to the contents of the script. Here, the function “Order (NumObj94, NumObj95, NumObj96)” changes the position member (struct Pos) of each object in descending order of the numerical value member (Num) of the object of the argument. With this script, the screen 91 shown in FIG. 14A can be dynamically changed to the screen 92 shown in FIG. 14B.
[0102]
Further, when the trigger 2 is established, that is, when the bit device M1 is turned on, only the enlarged display of the numerical display 94 is performed as shown in FIG. 14C, and the other numerical displays are deleted from the display screen. With this script, the screen 91 shown in FIG. 14A can be dynamically changed to the screen 93 shown in FIG.
[0103]
Also, the trigger 83 is always / bit ON / bit OFF / bit rising / bit falling / bit changing / period start / bit ON period start / bit OFF period start / touch switch ON / touch switch Any case can be selected, such as when OFF / before numerical value / character string input starts / when numerical value / character string value changes / alarm / event occurrence / list selection.
[0104]
FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams showing the configuration of screen data. The screen data is composed of a header part and each object data for screen display. Screen data is binary data. Each object data includes an object data size, an object ID for uniquely identifying the object data, and each attribute value.
[0105]
In the script shown in FIG. 15, when the trigger 2 is established, that is, when the bit device M1 is turned on, the size attribute value of the object data is changed to the size attribute value of the object data as shown in FIG. By rewriting and changing the data at the corresponding address (address 114H in FIG. 17B), only the numerical display specific to the screen data can be enlarged. Here, the reason why the numerical value display is enlarged is that the drawing means 75 reads the screen data 65 after the size attribute of the object data is changed by the script as described above, and then the screen data 65 and the monitor target device 78 are read. Is to be written to the display volatile memory.
[0106]
When hiding a specific object, the object data can be deleted from the screen data for each object data by deleting the data of the corresponding object and putting the subsequent data in front.
[0107]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the programmable display 61 according to the present embodiment, that is, an operation flow of the programmable display 61 and the display screen setting software 70 operating on the personal computer 69. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG.
[0108]
First, the screen data designer of the programmable display 61 creates screen data 71 with the display screen setting software 70 operating on the personal computer 69 (S101). The screen data 71 includes an attribute 73 as a part of the data. Further, the screen data 71 is accompanied by a script 79 for changing the attributes of figures and objects.
[0109]
Next, the created screen data 71 is written into the non-volatile memory 63 on the programmable display 61 using the screen data download means 92 of the display screen setting software 70 (S102). Here, the screen data 71 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 63 as the screen data 64. The attribute 73 is stored as an attribute 74, and the script 79 is stored as a script 80.
[0110]
Next, when the operator of the programmable display 61 turns on the power of the programmable display 61 (S103), the screen data 64 in the non-volatile memory 63 is converted by the boot means 67 into the volatile memory 62 together with the script 80 and the OS. Is developed as screen data 65, that is, written in the volatile memory 62, and set to an operable state (S104). The attribute 64 is expanded as the attribute 65, and the script 80 is expanded as the script 81.
[0111]
Next, the drawing means 75 starts communication with the PLC 77 (S105), and the operator activates the utility, sets the offline mode, and monitors whether or not the communication ends (S106).
[0112]
If the communication with the PLC 77 has not been completed (No at S106), the drawing unit 75 acquires the value of the monitored device 78 (S107). The script execution unit 82 constantly monitors whether the value of the monitored device 78 acquired by the drawing unit 75 matches the trigger 83 by comparing the two. Then, it is determined whether the trigger 83 is satisfied or not, that is, whether the script start condition is satisfied or not (S108).
[0113]
Here, when the trigger 83 is satisfied, that is, when the script start condition is satisfied (Yes at S108), the script execution unit 82 reads one line of the script 81 (S109).
[0114]
Next, the script execution means 82 interprets the contents of one line of the read script (S110).
[0115]
Next, the script execution unit 82 changes the attribute 72 of the screen data 65 in the volatile memory 62 by changing the data at the corresponding address in the volatile memory 62 based on the contents of the script 81 as described above (S111). ).
[0116]
After the execution of one line of the script is completed, the script execution unit 82 checks whether the script is described in the next line, and checks whether the reading up to the last line of the script is completed (S112). ).
[0117]
Here, when the script is described in the next line, that is, when the reading to the last line of the script is not completed in the script execution unit 82 (No in S112), the reading to the last line of the script is completed. The processes of S109, S110, and S111 described above are repeatedly executed.
[0118]
If the script is not described in the next line, that is, if the script execution unit 82 has finished reading up to the last line of the script (Yes at S112), the script execution unit 82 ends the processing.
[0119]
Then, the acquired value of the monitored device 78 and the screen data 65 are combined and written into the display volatile memory 76, whereby a predetermined screen is displayed on the display means 84 of the programmable display 61 (S113). Returns to S106.
[0120]
When the communication with the PLC 77 ends (Yes at S106) and the power of the programmable display 61 is turned off (S114), the data in the volatile memory 62 is deleted (S115).
[0121]
In the above description, the processing flow in the programmable display 61 has been described centering on the change of the attribute 72 of the screen data 65 by the script execution means 82. However, similar to the case of the above-described programmable display 11, the changed screen is changed. The data 65 can also be stored in the nonvolatile memory 63. Furthermore, the screen data stored in the nonvolatile memory 63 can be uploaded to the display screen setting software 70 and edited.
[0122]
As described above, in the programmable display system 60 according to the present embodiment, when the attribute associated with the screen data is changed to change the screen data, the attribute is changed only by the programmable display 61. It is possible to change the screen data. Therefore, without using the display screen setting software 70 which is a dedicated screen data setting unit for creating or editing screen data, it is possible to change the screen data by changing the attribute on the programmable display itself. is there.
[0123]
As a result, even when a personal computer 69 or the like equipped with the display screen setting software 70 is brought to the site where the programmable display 61 is used and is not connected to the programmable display 61, the screen data can be changed on the programmable display 61. Therefore, the programmable display 61 excellent in operability is realized.
[0124]
Normally, when screen data is changed by a personal computer having the display screen setting software 70, it takes time to transfer screen data from the screen data setting means to the programmable display. However, according to the programmable display 61, since the screen data can be changed by the programmable display 61 itself, there is no need to transfer the changed screen data from the personal computer 69 equipped with the display screen setting software 70 to the programmable display. . As a result, the adjustment time required for changing the screen data at the site where the programmable display 61 is used can be reduced, and the programmable display 61 excellent in work efficiency when changing the screen data is realized.
[0125]
In addition, a personal computer 69 equipped with the display screen setting software 70 and an operator who is not familiar with how to use the display screen setting software 70 can change the screen data, thereby realizing the programmable display 61 with excellent operability. Have been.
[0126]
Further, in the programmable display device 61, since screen data is changed using a script, it is possible to realize display processing more than the standard function provided by the display screen setting software 70. That is, the operator can dynamically change the attributes of the graphic and the object by using the script, and thus can perform fine customization.
[0127]
Further, in the conventional programmable display, it is necessary to separately create screen data even for similar screens, so that the storage of the screen data consumes a huge amount of memory of the programmable display. As a result, there is a problem that, unlike a personal computer, in a programmable display device in which a large amount of memory cannot be mounted, as the screen data increases, the mounted memory is pressed.
[0128]
However, in the programmable display 61, such a problem is solved by performing a fine attribute change using a script.
[0129]
Since the programmable display system 10 includes the above-described programmable display 11, the screen data can be changed in both the programmable display 11 and the display screen setting software 20, and the operability and work efficiency are excellent. The programmable display system 10 is realized.
[0130]
Further, even if a failure or the like occurs in the personal computer 19 on which the display screen setting software 20 is installed, the screen data can be changed in the programmable display 11, so that the highly reliable programmable display system 10 is realized. .
[0131]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, without using a dedicated screen data setting unit for creating or editing screen data, the attribute associated with the screen data is changed on the programmable display to change the screen data. It is possible to make changes. This eliminates the need to transport screen data setting means, for example, a personal computer equipped with drawing software, etc. to the site where the programmable display is used, and to connect the programmable display. Further, even an operator who is not familiar with using the drawing software or the like can easily change the screen data. Further, the adjustment time required for changing the screen data can be reduced. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a programmable display excellent in operability and work efficiency when changing screen data.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal structure of a programmable display according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of elements constituting a graphic which is data included in screen data.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of elements constituting an object which is data included in screen data.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of attributes of a graphic and an object which are data included in screen data.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of attributes of a graphic and an object which are data included in screen data.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of attribute values of a line type.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute of an object.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute of an object.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the programmable display according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow in the programmable display system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a programmable display according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of elements constituting a graphic which is data included in screen data.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of elements constituting an object which is data included in screen data.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the programmable display according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a script.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a method (member name) of designating attributes of a graphic and an object in a script by using a numerical display as an example.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of screen data.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the programmable display system according to the first embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 programmable display system, 11 programmable display, 12 volatile memory, 13 nonvolatile memory, 14 screen data, 15 screen data, 16 attribute changing means, 17 boot means, 18 changed screen data writing means, 19 personal computer, 20 display Screen setting software, 21 screen data, 22 attributes, 23 attributes, 24 attributes, 25 screen data setting means, 26 screen data upload means, 27 input means, 28 screen data download means, 29 display means.

Claims (13)

A programmable display device for displaying the operation status of an externally connected device on a screen using screen data having an attribute,
Non-volatile storage means for storing the screen data and a system program for performing various processes in the programmable display,
Screen data and a system program stored in the non-volatile storage means are written, and volatile storage means for storing the screen data and the system program;
Boot means for reading out the screen data and the system program stored in the non-volatile storage means, writing them in the volatile storage means, and setting them in an operable state;
Input means for inputting data for changing the attribute of the screen data stored in the volatile storage means,
Attribute changing means for changing the attribute of the screen data stored in the volatile storage means based on the input data to change the screen data,
Display means for displaying an operation status of the device based on screen data read from the nonvolatile storage means and stored in the volatile storage means or the changed screen data. display. 2. The programmable display according to claim 1, wherein said nonvolatile storage means is a rewritable read-only storage means. 3. The programmable display device according to claim 1, further comprising an interface unit that reads the changed screen data from the volatile storage unit and writes the changed screen data to the nonvolatile storage unit. The programmable display device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs the changed screen data stored in the nonvolatile storage unit to the outside. The programmable display device according to claim 1, further comprising a script execution unit configured to change an attribute of the screen data by using a script. The programmable display device according to claim 1, wherein the nonvolatile storage unit stores a history of changes in the screen data. Screen data setting means for creating or editing screen data having an attribute; and a programmable device connected to the screen data setting means for reading the screen data from the screen data setting means and displaying on a screen the operating status of an externally connected device. A programmable display system comprising a display and
The screen data setting unit includes a storage unit that stores the created or edited screen data,
The programmable display,
Non-volatile storage means for storing the screen data and a system program for performing various processes in the programmable display,
Screen data and a system program stored in the non-volatile storage means are written, and volatile storage means for storing the screen data and the system program;
Boot means for reading out the screen data and the system program stored in the non-volatile storage means, writing them in the volatile storage means, and setting them in an operable state;
Input means for inputting data for changing the attribute of the screen data stored in the volatile storage means,
Attribute changing means for changing the attribute of the screen data stored in the volatile storage means based on the input data to change the screen data,
Display means for displaying an operation status of the device based on screen data read from the nonvolatile storage means and stored in the volatile storage means or the changed screen data. Indicator system. 8. The programmable display system according to claim 7, wherein said nonvolatile storage means is a rewritable read-only storage means. 9. The programmable display system according to claim 7, wherein the programmable display includes an interface unit that reads the changed screen data from the volatile storage unit and writes the changed screen data to the nonvolatile storage unit. 10. The programmable display according to claim 7, further comprising an output unit that outputs the changed screen data stored in the nonvolatile storage unit to the outside. Instrument system. The programmable display system according to claim 10, wherein the screen data setting unit includes a screen data upload unit that uploads the changed screen data output from the nonvolatile storage unit. The programmable display system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the programmable display includes script execution means for changing an attribute of the screen data by a script. The programmable display system according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the nonvolatile storage unit stores a history of the change of the screen data.

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