JP2005158026A - Field bus system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a field bus system having a start-up support means, or the like having the following functions: (1) automating apparatus recognition work applied up to a step of making it possible to perform on-demand communication; (2) clarifying the features (apparatus information on a vender name, or the like) of an apparatus connected to a network; (3) expressing the condition of a field apparatus clearly; (4) automating pre-work (assignment, equalization, or the like) being downloading engineering data applied up to a step of making it possible to perform the on-demand communication; (5) establishing graphical operation. <P>SOLUTION: The field bus system downloading the engineering data on the field apparatus connected to a field bus has a start-up support means automatically displaying information on the field apparatus connected to a segment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fieldbus system that downloads engineering data to a field device connected to a fieldbus.

  FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example in which a conventional fieldbus system for downloading engineering data to a field device is applied to a hierarchical process control system.

  A host device 1 is connected to the control bus 2. A field control station 3 connected to the control bus 2 communicates with the host device 1 and controls field devices connected to the field bus via the I / O bus 4.

  Two interface cards 51 and 52 are connected to the I / O bus 4. An interface card generally has a plurality of segments, and a field bus can be connected in units of segments. A segment is a physical group of devices connected to the fieldbus.

  Field buses 61 and 62 are connected to segments of the interface card 51, and field devices 71 and 72 are connected to the segments. Similarly, field buses 63 and 64 are connected to the segment of the interface card 52, and field devices 73 and 74 are connected to the segments.

  Reference numeral 8 denotes a general-purpose communication bus represented by Ethernet (registered trademark) to which the host device 1 is connected. An engineering station 9 generates engineering data for operating the field devices 71 to 74 and is connected to the control bus 2 and the general-purpose communication bus 8.

  In the engineering station 9, reference numeral 91 denotes a project database, which stores engineering data (including application programs) to be downloaded. 92 is a fieldbus builder for registering equipment, 93 is a drawing builder for creating a control loop, 94 is a detailed builder for setting block parameter values, and 95 is a display device for displaying information on field devices connected to the segment.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of engineering work. When a project is created in step S1, device registration is performed in the fieldbus builder 92 in step S2, and overwritten and saved in the project database 91 in step S3.

  In step S4, a control loop is created in the drawing builder 93. In step S5, block parameter values are set by the detailed builder 94. These data are overwritten and saved in the project database 91 in step S6.

  In the major flow of engineering work, all engineering data (configuration data) is created offline (in a state disconnected from the network), and all data is downloaded to the field device at start-up on site.

  When the engineering work is completed, a startup work for downloading the engineering data stored in the project database 91 to the field device is performed. Startup work includes pre-download work.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of startup work. In step S1, the actual machine connected to the segment is confirmed (vendor name, device type), and the software revision is recognized in step S2. These operations can be confirmed by communicating with field devices on the display device 95 of the engineering station.

  In step S3, the tag and address of the device are assigned, and in step S4, a class that determines the communication capability of the device is set. Furthermore, a loop check for confirming the connection state of the device, zero adjustment of the device, range adjustment, equalization, etc. are performed. This is the previous work, and when this work is completed, offline loading is executed in step S5.

  In offline loading, the device control is temporarily stopped and the engineering data is downloaded and then the operation is started. In step S6, the parameter adjustment of the device whose operation has started is executed, and a series of start-up operations are completed.

  The above-mentioned pre-operation is not particularly compulsory or automated, but is an essential operation for successfully completing the download. However, the work can often be missed.

  In offline loading, as described above, the control starts immediately after the download is completed. In some circumstances, a mechanism that can explicitly manage the start of device control may be desirable.

JP 2003-124937 A

  Prior work such as confirmation of the actual machine before downloading engineering data to the field device is clearly described in the manual describing the engineering procedure, and a tool (display device 95) for that purpose is also prepared.

However, these operations are directly performed manually by the user, and the procedure may differ depending on the situation.
(1) An error occurs during downloading due to neglecting the confirmation work.
(2) Since it is a manual operation, work leakage occurs and time is required for recovery.
(3) The status of the field device connected to the network (recognized / unrecognized, registered / unregistered, operating / not-operated, whether or not download is required, etc.) cannot be confirmed.
(4) There is no means for directly using the already adjusted block parameter value.
(5) There is no environment for automatically and explicitly performing the above operations.

Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a fieldbus system having a startup support means having the following functions.
(1) Automate device recognition work until on-demand communication becomes possible.
(2) Clarify the features (device information such as vendor name) of devices connected to the network.
(3) Specify the state of the field device.
(4) Automate pre-operations (assignment, equalization, etc.) for downloading engineering data until on-demand communication becomes possible.
(5) A graphical operation is possible.

In order to achieve such an object, the configuration of the present invention is as follows.
(1) In a fieldbus system that downloads engineering data to a field device connected to the fieldbus.
A fieldbus system comprising start-up support means for automatically displaying information on the field devices connected to a segment.

(2) The start-up support unit includes a process execution unit that automatically executes a process until on-demand communication is enabled for the field device connected to a segment (1) The fieldbus system described.

(3) The field bus system according to (1) or (2), wherein the start-up support means includes processing execution means for equalizing block parameters of the field devices connected to a segment. .

(4) The start-up support means includes a process execution means for automatically determining whether to use a value set in an actual device of the field device connected to a segment or a value of the engineering data. The fieldbus system according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized by comprising:

(5) The start-up support unit includes a process execution unit that executes at least one of a health check and calibration of the field device connected to the segment by the on-demand communication. (4) The fieldbus system according to any one of (4).

(6) The fieldbus system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the startup support means communicates with an engineering station that generates the engineering data.

(7) The fieldbus system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the fieldbus and the field device conform to a FOUNDATION fieldbus standard.

(8) The start-up support means includes parameter display setting means for performing display and setting of block parameters at an arbitrary timing during operation of the field device. Fieldbus system as described in

(9) The start-up support means includes alarm processing means for acquiring and displaying all alarms related to the field bus when the field device is operated. Any one of (1) to (7) Fieldbus system as described in

(10) The start-up support means includes display setting means for displaying whether or not the field device is an operation target device and a maintenance target device at the time of operation or maintenance of the field device. The fieldbus system according to any one of (1) to (7).

(11) The fieldbus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the start-up support means includes processing means for exchanging and re-engineering the field device during maintenance of the field device. system.

(12) The start-up support means includes a registration means for registering a newly connected device in a project database during maintenance of the field device, according to any one of (1) to (7) Fieldbus system.

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.
(1) A list of all field devices connected to the segment is automatically displayed, and recognition work mistakes can be prevented.
(2) It is possible to automatically realize a state in which on-demand communication can be performed for all field devices connected to the segment.
(3) All block parameters can be equalized. It is possible to automatically determine whether to use the value of the database or the value set in the actual machine.
(4) In a state where on-demand communication can be executed, device health check and calibration can be executed.

Further, by expanding and using the function of the startup support means during operation and maintenance of the field device, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the aspect of operation, the block parameter can be set.
(2) Alarms can be analyzed in the operational aspect.
(3) It is possible to display / set whether the device is an operation target device or a maintenance target device in the operation phase and the maintenance phase.
(4) In the maintenance phase, the equipment can be replaced without using the engineering function.
(5) In the maintenance phase, after the newly connected device is adjusted, it can be registered in the system.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a fieldbus system in which the present invention is applied to a hierarchical control system. The same elements as those of the conventional system described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the characteristic part of the present invention will be described.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a startup support means, which is connected to the control bus 2 and the general-purpose communication bus 8 to communicate with the engineering station 9 and the host device 1, and field devices 71 to 74 connected to the field buses 61 to 64. Communicate with.

  The start-up support means 100 of the present invention is used at the time of start-up of the fieldbus system, and its main purpose is to display the status of all devices connected to the segment. Then, the configuration of a single device is implemented by associating the engineered system configuration (device configuration) with the actual machine.

  In the startup support means 100, 101 is an OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) starting means. This means has a function of OLEizing the various functions of the fieldbus builder, which is a function for constructing a fieldbus system of an existing function, and starting it as necessary. With this function, the operation on the startup support means 100 side can be reflected in the engineering station 9 and various functions can be expanded.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes an event processing unit that accepts an operation on the screen of the startup support unit 100 and starts processing for a logical device or a real machine. Specifically, it is block parameter equalization processing.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes segment display means for displaying information on all field devices connected to the segment. The field device information includes basic information of device tag, node address and device revision information, and detailed information to be acquired / displayed as necessary.

A project data display unit 104 displays a system configuration (equipment configuration) constructed by offline engineering at the engineering station 9 in a tree format.
The display unit is an entire project managed by the process control system.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes an on-demand communication unit that recognizes a field device connected to a segment and automatically enters a state in which on-demand communication to the device can be performed. And all the information required for the display by a segment display means is acquired by communication. Also, the block parameter value is set in the device by communication.

  A database access unit 106 accesses the project database 91 constructed in the engineering station 9 managed by the process control system, acquires project data, and passes it to the project data display unit 104.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes processing execution means for executing the various processes described above in the startup support means 100.

  FIG. 2 shows an image diagram of the operation screen of the startup support means 100. The screen left side project information (logical device configuration) is displayed in a tree structure, and the screen right side is a portion displaying segment information (actual machine information).

  In the segment information display part on the right side of the screen, only basic information about the device is displayed by default, and detailed information can be displayed in a separate dialog if necessary. Further, the logical device and the real device are linked by superimposing the real device on the logical device on the left side of the screen by a drag and drop operation on this screen. This operation is reflected on the fieldbus builder 92 of the engineering station by the OLE activation unit 101.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed in the process in which device information is displayed on the segment information display unit 103. First, in step S1, all devices connected to the segment are recognized at regular intervals.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the node address of the recognized device is a temporary address, an address assignment that is automatically set to an appropriate effective address is executed in step S3.

  In step S4, application QUB-VCR (on-demand communication environment processing based on Foundation fieldbus standard) is set to enable on-demand communication with field devices.

  In this state, an environment in which on-demand communication, that is, exchange of devices via communication, specifically, reading and writing of each parameter (including block parameters) can be executed from the startup support means 100 side is realized. The processing from step S1 to S4 is repeated for the number of devices, and the processing executed in the process of displaying the device information ends.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for executing equalization of block parameters. This process is a typical process of the commissioning operation in the fieldbus system. First, in step S1, a so-called linking operation for connecting a logical device and a real device is executed.

  When the logical device and the real device are linked, the block parameter of the real device is uploaded in step S2. In step S3, a comparison is made with block parameters in the logical device database, and the result is displayed on the screen.

  The user confirms the displayed comparison screen and sets an equalization option in step S4. The equalization option is selection information that determines which parameter value of the logical device or the actual device is adopted. As the selection information, device units, block units, and individual parameters are prepared, and each has a default value.

  If there is no problem with the default value, the process jumps to step S6 to perform equalization, and if there is a problem, in step S5, the intention of selecting which value to use is selected by individual setting, and then equalization is performed in step S6. Execute.

  When the equalization is executed, the process proceeds to step S7, where each block transitions to the MAN mode (a mode in which control is not executed), and the series of parameter equalization processing ends.

  In the embodiment described above, the functions related to the essential items of the previous work prior to downloading have been described. However, various functions can be expanded by using the environment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an example of a function extension that can be realized will be described.

In the usage phase in operation, based on the device status display function of the present invention,
(1) Parameter display / setting function (2) By adding an alarm display function, a useful function during operation can be realized.

In the usage phase in maintenance, based on the device status display function of the present invention,
(3) Mode switching function (4) A useful function at the time of maintenance can be realized by adding a re-engineering function accompanying equipment replacement.

As an extension in further engineering,
(5) A device registration function can be added, and the convenience during engineering can be improved.

Additional functions (1) to (5) will be supplementarily described below with reference to the drawings.
(1) The parameter display / setting function can be easily realized by being in an on-demand communication enabled state. This is the use of the function of acquiring the parameter value of the device by equalizing the parameter in the present invention.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the block parameter equalization procedure, which is substantially the same as the procedure described in FIG. 4, but uses the screen for block parameter equalization in step S6. FIG. 6 shows a block parameter equalization screen, which has a function for selecting which parameter value of a logical device or an actual device is to be adopted. There is provided a parameter display setting means that can use this function at an arbitrary timing.

  The parameter value on the selected side can be corrected. When the logical side is selected, the parameter value on the logical side becomes the correction target. When the device side is selected, the parameter value on the device side becomes the correction target.

(2) Since the alarm display function can send an alarm when an application is downloaded to a device connected to the fieldbus by commissioning, the alarm is acquired by the upper-level startup support means 100 and interpreted. It is easy to add a function to display / display.

  FIG. 7 is an image diagram of an alarm acquisition and display function. From the historical message management provided in the host device 1, all the alarms related to the fieldbus are acquired by the startup support means 100, and information expressed in hexadecimal numbers such as error codes is interpreted depending on individual devices. The contents are displayed as an easy-to-understand character string. FIG. 8 is an example of an alarm display screen processed in this way.

(3) The mode switching function can be realized by rewriting certain parameters in order to safely stop the device for device replacement. This can be easily realized by being able to communicate on demand.

  In order to set a work restriction for an operator who uses this function, “operation possible” and “maintenance possible” can be set for each device. A device set to “operable” means that it is currently in operation and cannot be operated by a maintenance worker. Further, a device set to “maintenable” means that it is currently under maintenance, and the operator cannot operate it.

  Switching from “operation possible” to “maintenance possible” is performed by an operator, and switching from “maintenance possible” to “operation possible” is performed by a maintenance worker. It is carried out manually at the discretion of each worker. The engineer can perform any operation.

(4) The re-engineering function associated with the device replacement is easily realized by calling the device registration function already implemented as the function of the fieldbus builder 92 for the device in the provisional registration state by the OLE activation unit 101. It is possible. As a result, the device registration operation can be performed without any operation on the fieldbus builder side, and the online engineering operability can be improved.

  Replacement of equipment (both hardware and software) involves re-engineering. This re-engineering work can be automatically performed in the flow of equalization processing included in the startup support means 100. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a re-engineering processing procedure.

  If the flow of FIG. 9 is demonstrated, a work state will be set to "maintenance possible" with respect to apparatus for exchange at step S2. In step S3, the device is physically replaced. After the device is re-recognized in steps S4 and S5, the link operation with the logical device is performed. In step S6, equalization processing is executed, and re-engineering is automatically performed for the purpose of eliminating the difference.

  The maintenance worker can perform the re-engineering after the replacement without requesting the engineer to re-engineer after the replacement and without using the engineering function. However, if the maintenance worker does not have engineer authority, the engineer shall perform the work. Even in this case, the operation itself is the same operation.

(5) A new device registration function can be added as an extended function for further engineering, and convenience during engineering can be improved. The device displayed on the startup support means of the present invention is in a provisional registration state. That is, it is not registered in the project database 91 of the engineering station 9.

  A function for displaying information on a device newly connected to a segment already exists as a function of the startup support means 100, but the device is only in a provisional registration state. That is, it is not registered in the project database 91 of the engineering station 9. This function can register a device in a provisional registration state in the project database 91.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a new registration processing procedure. If the flow of this process is demonstrated, if the drag and drop to the segment of the logical apparatus of step S2 is performed, an apparatus automatic registration process will be performed at step S3 and a generation function will be performed at step S4.

  Further, the download function is executed in step S5, the block parameter equalization designation is activated in step S6, the parameter to be adopted is selected, and the offline load to the equipment provided in the step S7 engineering function is executed.

  This function can be registered in the project database 91 in the same equalization process flow without performing an operation of registering a newly connected device by the engineering function. This means that a maintenance worker who does not use the engineering function can perform new registration work. This function is allowed only for maintenance workers having engineer authority.

  In the embodiment described above, the startup support means 100 is shown as an independent component that communicates with other components via the control bus and the general-purpose communication bus. However, this function is formed in the engineering station 9 or the host device 1. It is also possible to take a configuration to do so.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the fieldbus system configuration when the present invention is applied to a hierarchical control system is shown. However, the present invention can be applied to a fieldbus system that does not have a hierarchical structure. Is possible.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the fieldbus system structure at the time of applying this invention to a hierarchical control system. It is an image figure of the operation screen of a startup support means. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the process in which apparatus information is displayed on a segment information display means. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which performs equalization of a block parameter. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of block parameter equalization. It is a block parameter equalization screen. It is an image figure of the acquisition and display function of an alarm. It is an alarm display screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of re-engineering. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of new registration. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example which applied the conventional fieldbus system to the hierarchical process control system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an engineering work. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of startup work.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host apparatus 2 Control bus 3 Field control station 4 I / O bus 51, 52 Interface card 61, 62, 63, 64 Field bus 71, 72, 73, 74 Field device 8 General-purpose communication bus 9 Engineering station 91 Project database 92 Field Bus builder 93 Drawing builder 94 Detailed builder 95 Display device 100 Startup support means 101 OLE activation means 102 Event processing means 103 Segment display means 104 Project data display means 105 Device recognition / on-demand communication means 106 Database access means 107 Processing execution means

Claims (12)

In fieldbus systems that download engineering data to field devices connected to the fieldbus,
A fieldbus system comprising start-up support means for automatically displaying information on the field devices connected to a segment.   The field according to claim 1, wherein the start-up support unit includes a process execution unit that automatically executes a process until on-demand communication is enabled for the field device connected to a segment. Bus system.   The fieldbus system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the startup support means includes a process execution means for performing equalization of block parameters of the field devices connected to the segment.   The start-up support means includes a process execution means for automatically determining which value to be used is an actual value of the field device connected to a segment or a value of the engineering data. The fieldbus system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein   5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the start-up support unit includes a process execution unit that executes at least one of a health check and calibration of the field device connected to the segment by the on-demand communication. The fieldbus system described in Crab.   6. The fieldbus system according to claim 1, wherein the startup support means communicates with an engineering station that generates the engineering data.   The fieldbus system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fieldbus and the field device conform to a FOUNDATION fieldbus standard.   8. The field bus according to claim 1, wherein the start-up support means includes parameter display setting means for performing display and setting of block parameters at an arbitrary timing during operation of the field device. system.   8. The fieldbus according to claim 1, wherein the start-up support means includes alarm processing means for acquiring and displaying all alarms related to the fieldbus during operation of the field device. system.   The start-up support means includes display setting means for displaying whether or not the field device is an operation target device and a maintenance target device at the time of operation or maintenance of the field device and switching setting. The fieldbus system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   The fieldbus system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the start-up support means includes processing means for replacing and re-engineering the field device during maintenance of the field device. The fieldbus system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the startup support means includes a registration means for registering a newly connected device in a project database during maintenance of the field device.