System construction support device, system construction support method, and non-transitory storage medium

A system construction support device includes a storage unit, an operation receiving unit, a setting unit, and an arrangement control unit. The storage unit stores a system configuration file having a base area including a plurality of objects hierarchized, the plurality of objects each being design information on an instrument of a factory automation system. The setting unit sets identification information for at least one of the plurality of objects on the basis of the user operation received by the operation receiving unit. The arrangement control unit moves the object for which the identification information has been set by the setting unit, to a different location within the system configuration file or to an external file, and places a dummy object at an original location of the object moved to the different location, the dummy object including the identification information set for the object moved and information on a destination of the object moved.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on PCT filing PCT/JP2018/010077, filed Mar. 14, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a system construction support device, a system construction support method, and a system construction support program used for developing a factory automation (FA) system.

BACKGROUND

An FA system is configured by a plurality of instruments connected to one another. In designing an FA system, a system configuration file including a plurality of objects, i.e. design information on instruments of the FA system, is created. In constructing an FA system, in some case, the end user of the FA system orders a plurality of external companies to develop part of the FA system for parallel development.

Conventionally, the end user of an FA system creates a system configuration file on a supplier-by-supplier basis, and places an order, using the system configuration file for each supplier. Therefore, as the number of suppliers increases, the number of man-hours for managing system configuration files increases.

A method for managing documents in a supply chain is disclosed in Patent Literature 1. The technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 determines whether to allow a user to read or write document segments on the basis of an access right associated with a user who has accessed electronic document data including a plurality of document segments.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

For the technique described in Patent Literature 1, document segments of a plurality of different users can be included in one piece of electronic document data. In such a case, a security sheet in which a user ID is associated with an access right set for each document segment is stored in the database separately from the electronic document data. When this technique is applied to the design of an FA system, a file including a plurality of objects and a security sheet in which a supplier is associated with an access right set for each object are separately stored in the database.

Unfortunately, the system configuration file and the security sheet may fail to be associated with each other due to, for example, the deletion of the security sheet from the database or the movement of the system configuration file or the security sheet to a different location in the database. The failure to establish the association between the system configuration file and the security sheet makes it impossible to grasp the relationship between suppliers and objects in the system configuration file.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to obtain a system construction support device capable of generating a system configuration file in which the relationship between suppliers and objects can be grasped without using a security sheet.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above-described problem and achieve the object, a system construction support device of the present invention comprises a storage unit, an operation receiving unit, a setting unit, and an arrangement control unit. The storage unit stores a system configuration file having a base area including a plurality of objects hierarchized, the plurality of objects each being design information on an instrument of a factory automation system. The operation receiving unit receives a user operation. The setting unit sets identification information for at least one of the plurality of objects on a basis of the user operation received by the operation receiving unit. The arrangement control unit moves the object for which the identification information has been set by the setting unit, to a different location within the system configuration file or to an external file, and places a dummy object at an original location of the object moved to the different location, the dummy object including the identification information set for the object moved and information on a destination of the object moved.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The system construction support device, the system construction support method, and the system construction support program according to the present invention can achieve the effect of generating the system configuration file in which the relationship between the suppliers and the objects can be grasped.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a system construction support device, a system construction support method, and a system construction support program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a system construction support device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The system construction support device1illustrated inFIG. 1assists a user in constructing a factory automation (FA) system. The FA system is a system for automating the production process. The FA system includes a plurality of instruments connected to one another. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the system construction support device1includes a storage unit10, an input unit11, a display unit12, a communication unit13, and a control unit20.

The storage unit10stores one or more system configuration files30. The system configuration file30has a base area including a plurality of objects hierarchized. An object is design information on an instrument of the FA system. Design information includes information indicating content of design specifications of an instrument of the FA system. The user orders one or more external companies to develop at least part of the FA system. Hereinafter, an external company that receives the order for the development is referred to as a supplier. The above-described user is not limited to the end user of the FA system, and may be an employee of a company fully entrusted by the end user with the construction of the FA system, for example. The user who browses the system configuration file30may be an employee of a supplier or the like.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration file according to the first embodiment. A base area31of the system configuration file30illustrated inFIG. 2includes hierarchically structured objects331,332, and333. The object331is placed in the highest layer of the hierarchical structure, and the objects332and333are placed in the layer immediately below the object331. Hereinafter, the plurality of objects331,332, and333may be collectively referred to as the object(s)33.

The input unit11includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. Note that the input unit11may include a touch panel formed on the display unit12. The display unit12is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, or the like. The display screen of the display unit12is controlled by the control unit20. The communication unit13is connected to a communication network by wire or wirelessly, and can exchange information with another device via the communication network.

The control unit20displays the plurality of hierarchically structured objects33on the display unit12on the basis of the system configuration file30stored in the storage unit10. The control unit20also sets identification information for at least some of the plurality of objects33on the basis of an operation on the input unit11. Identification information is information for identifying a supplier.

Further, the control unit20executes change processing for changing a part of the system configuration file30on the basis of the setting of identification information for the object33. Specifically, the control unit20moves the object33for which identification information has been set, to a different location in the system configuration file30, and places a dummy object at an original location from which the object33moved to the different location. The dummy object includes the identification information set for the moved object33, and information on a destination to which the object33moved. The dummy object is an object different from the object33and does not include design information on the FA system.

A description will be made as to change processing on the system configuration file30where identification information has been set for the objects332and333illustrated inFIG. 2.FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating the system configuration file illustrated inFIG. 2partially changed by the control unit according to the first embodiment.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the object332for which identification information has been set is moved to an external area32outside the base area31within the system configuration file30. The object333for which identification information has been set is moved to the layer immediately below the original location of the object333in the hierarchical structure of the base area31.

In addition, a dummy object341including the identification information set for the object332and information on the destination of the object332is placed at the original location of the object332. Placed at the original location of the object333is a dummy object342including the identification information set for the moved object333and information on the destination of the object333. Information on the destination of the object33is information indicating the location of the moved object33in the system configuration file30. Hereinafter, the dummy objects341and342may be collectively referred to as the dummy object(s)34.

After changing a part of the system configuration file30in that manner, the control unit20stores the changed system configuration file30in the storage unit10. Because the changed system configuration file30having suppliers and objects33associated with each other is a single file, design information on the FA system can be easily managed. In addition, the dummy object34is placed in the changed system configuration file30. Because the dummy object34includes the identification information set for the moved object33and information on the destination of the object33, the dummy object34can be used to display, on the display unit12, design information related to the selected supplier in the system configuration file30.

For example, when identification information is input or selected by an operation on the input unit11, the control unit20permits access to the object33at the destination on the basis of on the destination information included in the dummy object34including the identification information that matches the input or selected identification information. The control unit20reads, from the storage unit10, the object33to which access has been permitted, and displays the read object33on the display unit12. Consequently, the object33related to the supplier identified by the input of identification information to the input unit11or the selection of identification information via the input unit11can be displayed on the display unit12.

In the example described above, the control unit20moves the object332for which identification information has been set, to the external area32within the system configuration file30. However, the control unit20can transfer the object332for which identification information has been set, to an external file different from the system configuration file30. Also in this case, the changed system configuration file30has suppliers and objects33associated with each other. Using that single system configuration file30makes it possible to grasp the relationship between suppliers and objects.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the control unit20of the system construction support device1will be described in more detail. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the control unit20includes an operation receiving unit21, a display control unit22, an editing unit23, a setting unit24, an arrangement control unit25, an access control unit26, an encryption unit27, and an output unit28.

The operation receiving unit21receives a user operation performed via the input unit11. The operation receiving unit21can also receive a user operation provided by an external device via the communication unit13. The display control unit22controls a display screen displayed on the display unit12or the display unit of an external device.

The editing unit23performs editing processing on information indicating the system configuration of the FA system on the basis of a user operation received by the operation receiving unit21. The editing unit23also generates the system configuration file30on the basis of information indicating the system configuration subjected to editing processing, and stores the generated system configuration file30in the storage unit10.

The setting unit24sets identification information for each of the plurality of objects33on the basis of a user operation received by the operation receiving unit21. For example, when an operation for setting identification information on a supplier for the object33is received by the operation receiving unit21, the setting unit24can set the set identification information on the supplier for the object33.

The arrangement control unit25moves the object33for which identification information has been set by the setting unit24, to a different location within the system configuration file30or to an external file. A different location within the system configuration file30is, for example, a different location in the hierarchical structure inside the base area31, or a location outside the base area31and within the system configuration file30. The above-described external file is newly created by the arrangement control unit25every time the object33is moved or on a supplier-by-supplier basis. Further, the arrangement control unit25places, at the original location of the object33that moved to a different location, the dummy object34including the identification information set for the moved object33and information on the destination of the moved object33.

When identification information is input or selected through the operation receiving unit21, the access control unit26permits access to the object33at the destination on the basis of the destination information included in the dummy object34including the identification information that matches the identification information input or selected through the operation receiving unit21.

The encryption unit27can encrypt the external area32of the system configuration file30, using different encryption keys for different suppliers. In a case where the external area32is provided for each supplier, the encryption unit27can use different encryption keys for different suppliers to encrypt the corresponding external area32. Consequently, for example, even in a case where it is difficult to encrypt each object33in the base area31, the external area32to which the object33has been moved from the base area31is encrypted, thereby facilitating encryption on a supplier-by-supplier basis. In addition, in a case where an external file is generated by the arrangement control unit25, the encryption unit27can encrypt the external file generated by the arrangement control unit25, using different encryption keys for different suppliers. Consequently, for example, even in a case where it is difficult to encrypt each object33in the base area31, encryption for each supplier can be easily performed as the external file to which the object33has been moved from the base area31is encrypted. Performing the encryption on a file-by-file basis further facilitates the encryption for each supplier. Note that the encryption unit27can also encrypt the base area31, using a single key common to the suppliers.

The output unit28can output the system configuration file30stored in the storage unit10, from the communication unit13to an external device via the communication network (not illustrated). The output unit28can also write the system configuration file30to a recording medium (not illustrated).

Here, processing in the system construction support device1will be described with reference to generation processing, change processing, and displaying processing on a system configuration file of the FA system illustrated inFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of an FA system according to the first embodiment. The FA system40illustrated inFIG. 4includes a first instrument41and a second instrument42. The first instrument41includes components that are a power supply circuit, central processing units (CPUs), an input circuit, and an output circuit. The second instrument42includes components that are a programmable logic controller (PLC) and sensors. The components of the first instrument41and the components of the second instrument42can also be referred to as instruments. Note that the FA system40may be referred to as “system X1”.

First, generation processing on the system configuration file30by the control unit20of the system construction support device1will be described.FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating an example of generation processing and change processing on a system configuration file according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the display control unit22of the control unit20displays a system configuration editing screen on the display unit12(step S10). The editing unit23of the control unit20determines whether the system configuration has been edited (step S11). When the operation receiving unit21receives an operation of inputting or changing the configuration of the FA system40, the editing unit23determines that the system configuration has been edited.

When determining that the system configuration has been edited (step S11: Yes), the editing unit23updates information on the system configuration (step S12). When determining that the system configuration has not been edited (step S11: No), or after step S12, the editing unit23determines whether the editing of the system configuration has been completed (step S13).

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration editing screen according to the first embodiment. The system configuration editing screen50illustrated inFIG. 6includes an edit area51and an edit end button52. The edit area51displays the configuration of the FA system40that is to be edited. The edit area51includes a first area53and a second area54. The first area53displays the first instrument41and the second instrument42that constitute the FA system40. The second area54displays the configuration of the devices included in the FA system40. In the first area53, in addition to the first instrument41and the second instrument42, the components of each of the first instrument41and the second instrument42can be displayed.

In step S13illustrated inFIG. 5, the editing unit23determines that the editing of the system configuration has been completed when an operation on the edit end button52is received by the operation receiving unit21. When determining that the editing of the system configuration has not been completed (step S13: No), the editing unit23shifts the processing to step S11. When determining that the editing of the system configuration has been completed (step S13: Yes), the editing unit23generates the system configuration file30on the basis of information on the system configuration updated by the editing unit23(step S14).

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration file of the FA system illustrated inFIG. 4. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the system configuration file30of the FA system40illustrated inFIG. 4is a file in which a plurality of objects331to3312, i.e. design information on the FA system40, is hierarchically described. Hereinafter, the plurality of objects331to3312may be collectively referred to as the object(s)33.

The object331is design information on the FA system40. The object332is design information on the first instrument41. The object333is design information on the second instrument42. The objects334to338are design information on the power supply circuit, the two CPUs, the input circuit, and the output circuit constituting the first instrument41. The objects339to3312are design information on the PLC and the three sensors all of which constitute the second instrument42. In the example illustrated inFIG. 7, the object331of system X1is placed in the uppermost layer, and the object332of the first instrument41and the object333of the second instrument42are placed in the layer immediately below the object331of system X1. The objects334to338of the components of the first instrument41are placed in the layer immediately below the object332of the first instrument41, and the objects339to3312of the components of the second instrument42are placed in the layer immediately below the object333of the second instrument42.

Note that the object332may include the design information on the power supply circuit, the two CPUs, the input circuit, and the output circuit all of which constitute the first instrument41, in which case the objects334to338are not provided in the system configuration file30. Similarly, the object333may include the design information on the PLC and the three sensors all of which constitute the second instrument42, in which case the objects339to3312are not provided in the system configuration file30.

As discussed above, the system configuration file30is configured by hierarchizing the plurality of objects33that are the design information on the FA system40. The system configuration file30is an extensible markup language (XML) file, but may be a file in a format other than XML.

Let us now return toFIG. 5to continue the explanation of the control unit20. After step S14, the display control unit22displays, on the display unit12, an identification information setting screen for setting identification information for one or more objects33of the system configuration file30, on the basis of the system configuration file30stored in the storage unit10(step S15).

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating an example of an identification information setting screen according to the first embodiment. On the identification information setting screen60illustrated inFIG. 8, information identifying the object33, identification information on a supplier, and information indicating whether encryption is to be performed are associated with one another. In the example illustrated inFIG. 8, each of “system X1”, “first instrument”, and “second instrument” is included in the identification information setting screen60as information identifying the object33. “System X1” is information indicating the name of the FA system40. Each of “first instrument” and “second instrument” is information indicating the name of an instrument of the FA system40.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 8, each of “company A” and “company B” is included in the identification information setting screen60as identification information on a supplier. On the identification information setting screen60, “company A” is associated with “first instrument”, and “company B” is associated with “second instrument”. Similarly, “no setting” is associated with “system X1”. “No setting” is information indicating that identification information on a supplier has not been set. “Company A” and “company B” are information that identifies suppliers, e.g. information indicating the names of supplier companies or information indicating identifiers unique to supplier companies.

Information indicating whether encryption is to be performed is “no encryption” or “encryption”. “No encryption” is set for the object33that is not to be encrypted, and “encryption” is set for the object33that is to be encrypted. In the example illustrated inFIG. 8, “encryption” is associated with “first instrument” and “second instrument”, and “no encryption” is associated with “system X1”.

When identification information on a supplier is received by the operation receiving unit21, the setting unit24adds the identification information on the supplier received by the operation receiving unit21, to the identification information setting screen60. When the identification information setting screen60is in the initial state, supplier identification information that is “no setting” is associated with each object33.

Although only information that identifies each of the objects331,332, and333is displayed on the identification information setting screen60illustrated inFIG. 8, the display control unit22can also display information that identifies each of the objects334to3312in which case the setting unit24can associate identification information on a supplier with each of the objects334to3312.

Let us now return toFIG. 5to continue the explanation of the control unit20. After step S15, the setting unit24determines whether an operation of setting identification information for the object33has been performed (step S16). When a setting end button61on the identification information setting screen60illustrated inFIG. 8is pressed with the identification information setting screen60including identification information on a supplier, the setting unit24determines that a setting operation has been performed.

When determining that no setting operation has been performed (step S16: No), the setting unit24repeats step S16. When determining that a setting operation has been performed (step S16: Yes), the setting unit24sets identification information for the object33on the basis of the supplier identification information set on the identification information setting screen60(step S17). The setting unit24associates the supplier identification information set on the identification information setting screen60with the object33, and stores information on the associated supplier identification information and object33in the storage unit10, thereby setting identification information for the object33.

In a case where the identification information setting screen60is in the state illustrated inFIG. 8, the setting unit24associates the identification information “company A” with the object332of the first instrument41and associates the identification information “company B” with the object333of the second instrument42. In a case where the supplier identification information set on the identification information setting screen60is information indicating the name of the supplier company, the setting unit24can associate information indicating the identifier unique to the supplier company, with the object33. That is, the identification information associated with the object33may not be the identification information itself set on the identification information setting screen60.

In a case where the object33having a supplier set is set to be encrypted, the setting unit24stores, in the storage unit10, the object33in association with an encryption setting. For example, in a case where the identification information setting screen60is in the state illustrated inFIG. 8, the setting unit24stores the object332of the first instrument41and the object333of the second instrument42in the storage unit10, each of the object332and the object333being associated with information indicating that encryption is to be performed.

Let us now return toFIG. 5to continue the explanation of the control unit20. After step S17, the arrangement control unit25executes change processing for generating the system configuration file30including the dummy object34(step S18).FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an example of change processing on a system configuration file by the arrangement control unit according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the arrangement control unit25selects the object33for which identification information has been set (step S20), and moves the selected object33to a different location within the system configuration file30(step S21). Then, the arrangement control unit25places the dummy object34at the original location of the moved object33(step S22).

Next, the arrangement control unit25determines whether there is an unprocessed object33(step S23). In step S23, the arrangement control unit25determines that there is an unprocessed object33when, of the objects33for which identification information has been set, an object33that has not been selected in step S20exists.

When determining that there is an unprocessed object33(step S23: Yes), the arrangement control unit25shifts the processing to step S20. When determining that there is no unprocessed object33(step S23: No), the arrangement control unit25ends the processing illustrated inFIG. 9.

FIGS. 10 and 11are diagrams illustrating examples of system configuration files in which the arrangement of objects is changed by the arrangement control unit according to the first embodiment.FIG. 10is an example of the system configuration file30in which the object33for which identification information has been set is placed outside the base area31by the arrangement control unit25when the identification information setting screen60is in a state illustrated inFIG. 8.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 10, the object332is moved to an external area321outside the base area31in the system configuration file30, and the object333is moved to an external area322outside the base area31in the system configuration file30. The objects334to338are moved to the external area321such that the objects334to338are located in the layer below the object332. The objects339to3312are moved to the external area322such that the objects339to3312are located in the layer below the object333. Hereinafter, the external areas321and322may be collectively referred to as the external area(s)32.

In addition, the dummy object341is placed at the original location of the object332, and the dummy object342is placed at the original location of the object333. The dummy object341includes the identification information “company A” set for the object332and information on the destination of the object332, and the dummy object342includes the identification information “company B” set for the moved object333and information on the destination of the object333.

As discussed above, the objects332and333for which identification information has been set by the setting unit24and the objects334to3312located in layers below the objects332and333can be moved to the external areas321and322outside the base area31by the arrangement control unit25. In the example described above, the arrangement control unit25provides the external area32for each supplier, but the arrangement control unit25can also provide the external area32for each object33or provide the external area32common to a plurality of suppliers.

Note that the objects332,333, and334to3312for which identification information has been set by the setting unit24can also be moved to an external file for each supplier outside the system configuration file30by the arrangement control unit25. In this case, the arrangement control unit25newly generates an external file for each supplier.

FIG. 11is an example of the system configuration file30in which the object33for which identification information has been set is placed inside the base area31by the arrangement control unit25when the identification information setting screen60is in a state illustrated inFIG. 8.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 11, the object332is moved to the layer immediately below the layer of the original location of the object332in the base area31, and the object333is moved to the layer immediately below the layer of the original location of the object333in the base area31. The objects334to338are moved to different locations within the base area31such that the objects334to338are located in the layer below the object332. The objects339to3312are moved to different locations within the base area31such that the objects339to3312are located in the layer below the object333.

As discussed above, the objects332and333for which identification information has been set by the setting unit24and the objects334to3312located in layers below the objects332and333can be moved to different locations within the base area31by arrangement control unit25.

In the example described above, the arrangement control unit25moves the object33for which identification information has been set, to the layer immediately below the layer of the original location, but the destination may be a layer other than the layer immediately below the layer of the original location. That is, the arrangement control unit25can also move the object33for which identification information has been set, to a hierarchy other than the hierarchy including the layer of the original location that is the highest layer. Also in this case, the arrangement control unit25moves the object33located in a layer below the object33for which identification information has been set.

The arrangement control unit25can automatically determine whether to move each object33for which identification information has been set, to a different location within the base area31, to the external area32outside the base area31, or to an external file. The arrangement control unit25can also determine the destination of the object33on an object-by-object basis.

For example, the arrangement control unit25can determine the destination of the object33on the basis of whether the object33is set to be encrypted. The arrangement control unit25determines that the destination of the object33set to be encrypted is the external area32or an external file, and the destination of the object33that is not set to be encrypted is a different location within the base area31.

On the basis of the destination information set by a user operation received by the operation receiving unit21, the arrangement control unit25can also determine whether to move each object33for which identification information has been set, to a different location within the base area31, to the external area32outside the base area31, or to an external file. The destination information described above includes, for example, information identifying the object33and information identifying the destination of the object33.

As discussed above, in the single system configuration file30, identification information on a supplier is set for the object33so that the supplier and the object33are linked to each other. Therefore, information of each supplier can be grasped in the single system configuration file30.

Next, an example of display processing on the system configuration file30by the control unit20of the system construction support device1will be described.FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating an example of display processing on a system configuration file according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the display control unit22of the control unit20displays an identification information selection screen on the display unit12(step S30). The identification information selection screen is a screen for selecting identification information held by the dummy object34in the system configuration file30. The display control unit22determines whether one or more pieces of identification information have been selected from among the plurality of pieces of identification information included in the identification information selection screen (step S31). When determining that identification information has not been selected (step S31: No), the display control unit22repeats step S31.

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating an example of an identification information selection screen according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 13, the identification information selection screen70is a screen including a list of identification information held by the dummy object34in the system configuration file30, and checkboxes71and72for selecting identification information. In the example illustrated inFIG. 13, “company A” and “company B” are pieces of identification information. The user can select “company A” by checking the checkbox71, and can select “company B” by checking the checkbox72. Note that the identification information selection screen70is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 13as long as identification information can be selected.

In step S31illustrated inFIG. 12, when it is determined that identification information has been selected (step S31: Yes), the access control unit26permits access to the reference object33referred to by the dummy object34that holds the selected identification information (step S32). The object33referred to by the dummy object34is the object33identified by the destination information included in the dummy object34. For example, assume that the identification information selected on the identification information selection screen70is “company A” and the system configuration file30is in the state illustrated inFIG. 10 or 11. In this case, the destination referred to by the dummy object341is the object332, and the destination referred to by the dummy object342is the object333.

Next, the display control unit22displays, on the display unit12, the object33for which identification information has not been set and the object33to which access has been permitted (step S33). For example, assume that the identification information selected on the identification information selection screen70is “company A” and the system configuration file30is in the state illustrated inFIG. 10 or 11. In this case, the display control unit22displays, on the display unit12, the object331for which identification information has not been set and the objects332and334to338to which access has been permitted.

As described above, the system construction support device1does not display the object33for which identification information other than the identification information selected on the identification information selection screen70has been set. Therefore, only the necessary objects33can be displayed on a supplier-by-supplier basis, and the supplier does not need to be aware of design information of other suppliers.

Note that step S33is not limited to displaying the object33on the display unit12, and can display the object33on the display unit of a supplier terminal device connected via the communication network. The supplier terminal device is the above-described external device, and may be referred to as a supplier terminal hereinafter.

For example, assume that identification information is selected on the identification information selection screen70by operating the supplier terminal accessing the system construction support device1via the communication network. In this case, the display control unit22transmits, from the communication unit13to the supplier terminal via the communication network, display information including the object33for which identification information has not been set and the object33to which access has been permitted. On the basis of the display information acquired from the system construction support device1, the control unit of the supplier terminal displays, on the display unit of the supplier terminal, the object33for which identification information has not been set and the object33to which access has been permitted. Consequently, an employee of the supplier can check only the necessary objects33.

Next, another example of display processing on the system configuration file30by the control unit20of the system construction support device1will be described.FIG. 14is a flowchart illustrating another example of display processing on a system configuration file according to the first embodiment, andFIG. 15is a diagram illustrating an example of an identification information input screen according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the display control unit22displays an identification information input screen on the display unit12(step S40). The access control unit26determines whether identification information has been input on the identification information input screen (step S41). When determining that identification information has not been input (step S41: No), the access control unit26repeats step S41.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the identification information input screen80is a screen including an entry field81for inputting identification information. In the example illustrated inFIG. 15, “company A” is input as identification information in the entry field81.

When determining that identification information has been input (step S41: Yes), the access control unit26compares the input identification information with the identification information held by the dummy object34(step S42). The access control unit26determines whether the input identification information matches the identification information held by the dummy object34(step S43). When determining that the input identification information does not match the identification information held by the dummy object34(step S43: No), the access control unit26shifts the processing to step S40.

When determining that the input identification information matches the identification information held by the dummy object34(step S43: Yes), the access control unit26permits access to the object33referred to by the dummy object34holding the identification information that matches the input identification information (step S44). The display control unit22displays the object33for which identification information has not been set and the object33to which access has been permitted, as in step S33(step S45).

As described above, the system construction support device1does not display the object33for which identification information other than the identification information input on the identification information input screen80has been set. For example, when the identification information input on the identification information input screen80is “company A”, the object33for which identification information of company B has been set is not displayed. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the design information which the supplier described in the system configuration file30, from leaking to other competitors.

Further, similarly to step S33, step S45is not limited to displaying the object33on the display unit12, and can display the object33on the display unit of a supplier terminal connected via the communication network. In this case, it is necessary to input identification information at the supplier terminal.

Next, an example of a process of sending the system configuration file30from the system construction support device1to a supplier company will be described.FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating an example of transmission processing on a system configuration file according to the first embodiment, andFIG. 17is a diagram illustrating transmission of a system configuration file according to the first embodiment. The processing illustrated inFIG. 16is repeatedly executed by the control unit20.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the output unit28of the control unit20determines whether there is an instruction to output the system configuration file30(step S50). When the output unit28determines that there is an instruction to output the system configuration file30(step S50: Yes), the encryption unit27determines whether the object33of the supplier that has issued the output instruction is set to be encrypted (step S51).

In step S51, the encryption unit27determines that the object33associated with an encryption setting by the setting unit24is the object33set to be encrypted. For example, in a case where encryption/no encryption is set as illustrated in the identification information setting screen60ofFIG. 8, the encryption unit27determines that the object332of the first instrument41and the object333of the second instrument42are the objects33set to be encrypted.

When determining that there is an encryption setting (step S51: Yes), the object33set to be encrypted is encrypted by the encryption unit27(step S52). The encryption is performed using different encryption keys for different suppliers. In a case where the destination of the object33set to be encrypted is the external area32or an external file, the encryption unit27can encrypt the entire external area32or external file having the object33. Consequently, if there is a plurality of objects33moved to the external area32or an external file, the plurality of objects33can be collectively encrypted. In a case where the external area32or an external file is provided for each supplier, the external area32or external file of a supplier is encrypted using the encryption key unique to that supplier.

After step S52is completed by the encryption unit27, the output unit28outputs, from the communication unit13to the terminal device via the communication network, the system configuration file30with the encrypted object33, external area32, or external file (step S53). When it is determined that there is no encryption setting (step S51: No), the output unit28reads the system configuration file30from the storage unit10and outputs the read system configuration file30from the communication unit13to the terminal device via the communication network in step S53. After step S53or when it is determined that there is no instruction to output the system configuration file30(step S50: No), the control unit20ends the processing illustrated inFIG. 16.

In the above-described example, the encryption unit27performs encryption processing in the transmission processing for the system configuration file30, but may perform encryption processing in the above-described change processing for the system configuration file30.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 17, the system configuration file30is transmitted from the system construction support device1to a terminal device2of company A and a terminal device3of company B via a communication network4. Note that the system configuration file30can be recorded on a recording medium and sent to company A and company B. In a case where an external file is generated (not illustrated), a system configuration file group including the external file and the system configuration file30is sent to company A and company B.

Because identification information is set in the system configuration file30as described above, the user can send the system configuration file30common to all destinations without having to create different system configuration files30for different transmission destinations. For example, on the basis of information on the destination included in the dummy object34having the identification information that matches the identification information “company A”, company A can confirm the object33for which company A received an order among the objects33included in the system configuration file30.

Further, at least one of the object33, the external area32, and the external file of a supplier can be encrypted using the encryption key unique to the supplier. Therefore, the supplier can keep the design information secret from other suppliers.

In step S51, instead of determining whether the object33of the supplier that has issued the output instruction is set to be encrypted, the encryption unit27can determine whether the object33of a supplier other than the supplier that has issued the output instruction is set to be encrypted. In this case, using the encryption key unique to the supplier other than the supplier that has issued the output instruction, the encryption unit27encrypts the object33of the other supplier set to be encrypted than the supplier that has issued the output instruction.

For example, in a case where the identification information setting screen60is set as illustrated inFIG. 8and the supplier that has issued the output instruction is company B, the encryption unit27determines that the object332of the first instrument41is the object33set to be encrypted, and encrypts the object332. Consequently, the system configuration file30with the encrypted object33of the supplier other than the supplier that has issued the output instruction is transmitted to the terminal device of the supplier that has issued the output instruction. This also allows the supplier to keep the design information secret from other suppliers.

Next, an example of a process of combining the system configuration files30edited by suppliers in the system construction support device1will be described.FIG. 18is a flowchart illustrating an example of combining processing on system configuration files according to the first embodiment, andFIG. 19is a diagram illustrating an example of how the system configuration files edited by suppliers are combined in the system construction support device according to the first embodiment. The processing illustrated inFIG. 18is repeatedly executed.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the arrangement control unit25of the system construction support device1determines whether the system configuration files30to be combined have been input (step S60). In the example illustrated inFIG. 19, the system configuration file30A edited by company A is input to the system construction support device1, and the system configuration file30B edited by company B is input to the system construction support device1. Here, the system configuration file30edited by company A is referred to as the system configuration file30A, and the system configuration file30edited by company B is referred to as the system configuration file30B for easy understanding.

When it is determined that the system configuration files30to be combined have been input (step S60: Yes), the arrangement control unit25determines whether identification information has been input (step S61). In the example illustrated inFIG. 19, identification information of company B is input to the system construction support device1.

When determining that identification information has not been input (step S61: No), the arrangement control unit25repeats step S61until identification information is input. When determining that identification information has been input (step S61: Yes), the arrangement control unit25acquires the object33referred to by the dummy object34holding the input identification information, and updates the base system configuration file30on the basis of the acquired object33(step S62). In the example illustrated inFIG. 19, a system configuration file30C, which is the system configuration file30obtained by combining the system configuration file30A, the system configuration file30B, and the identification information on company B, is generated.

FIG. 20is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the system configuration files edited by suppliers and the system configuration file obtained by combining the edited system configuration files according to the first embodiment. In the example illustrated inFIG. 20, the system configuration file30that does not include the objects334to3312is sent to companies A and B from the system construction support device1, and the system configuration file30is edited by companies A and B. Company A adds the object334to the system configuration file30to generate the system configuration file30A, and company B adds the object339to the system configuration file30to generate the system configuration file30B. In a case where an external file is generated, an updated system configuration file group is generated by combining system configuration file groups including the external file and the system configuration file30.

InFIG. 20, because the arrangement control unit25of the system construction support device1acquires identification information on company B, the arrangement control unit25takes the system configuration file30A acquired from company A as a base, and combines this base system configuration file30A with the system configuration file30B. Specifically, the arrangement control unit25detects the object33that is referred to by the dummy object34holding the identification information “company B”. In the example illustrated inFIG. 20, the object33that is referred to by the dummy object342holding the identification information “company B” is the object333.

The arrangement control unit25replaces the object333of the system configuration file30A with the object333of the system configuration file30B. Specifically, because the object339is located in the layer below the object333of the system configuration file30B, the object333of the system configuration file30A is replaced with the object333of the system configuration file30B having the object339located in the layer below the object333. Because the identification information held by the dummy object341is “company B”, the objects332and334of the system configuration file30B are not replaced.

Therefore, the object333of the system configuration file30A is replaced with the objects333and339of the system configuration file30B, whereby the system configuration file30C is generated. As discussed above, the arrangement control unit25of the system construction support device1can combine the system configuration files30edited by suppliers on the basis of identification information.

In a case where identification information is acquired from each of company A and company B, the arrangement control unit25can combine the two system configuration files30, using either the identification information on company A or the identification information on company B. In a case where there are three or more suppliers, the arrangement control unit25can combine three or more system configuration files30, using identification information on two or more suppliers other than the supplier that has edited the base system configuration file30.

Here, a hardware configuration of the system construction support device1according to the first embodiment will be described.FIG. 21is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the system construction support device according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 21, the system construction support device1includes a processor101, a memory102, an input device103, a display104, and a communication device105. The processor101, the memory102, the input device103, the display104, and the communication device105can exchange data with one another via a bus106. The storage unit10of the system construction support device1is implemented by the memory102. The memory102includes a recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded. The input unit11of the system construction support device1is implemented by the input device103. The display unit12of the system construction support device1is implemented by the display104. The communication unit13of the system construction support device1is implemented by the communication device105.

The processor101reads and executes a program stored in the memory102to execute the above-mentioned functions of the operation receiving unit21, the display control unit22, the editing unit23, the setting unit24, the arrangement control unit25, the access control unit26, the encryption unit27, and the output unit28. The processor101is an example of a processing circuitry, and includes one or more of a CPU, a digital signal processer (DSP), and a system large scale integration (LSI). Examples of the memory102include a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disc, a compact disc, a mini disc, a digital versatile disc (DVD), and the like. Examples of the non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM, registered trademark), and the like.

As described above, the system construction support device1according to the first embodiment includes the storage unit10, the operation receiving unit21, the setting unit24, and the arrangement control unit25. The storage unit10stores the system configuration file30having the base area31including a plurality of objects33hierarchized, the plurality of objects33each being design information on an instrument of an FA system. The operation receiving unit21receives a user operation. The setting unit24sets identification information for at least one of the plurality of objects33on the basis of the user operation received by the operation receiving unit21. The arrangement control unit25moves the object33for which the identification information has been set by the setting unit24, to a different location in the system configuration file30, and places the dummy object34at an original location of the object33moved to the different location, the dummy object34including the identification information set for the object33moved and information on a destination of the object33. Consequently, it is possible to generate the system configuration file30in which the relationship between suppliers and objects can be grasped. In addition, because the object33is moved to a different location within the system configuration file30, the relationship between suppliers and objects can be grasped and easily managed by the system configuration file30which is a single file including all the objects33of the FA system. In this case, because no files other than the single system configuration file30are necessary, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the system configuration file and the security sheet become dissociated from each other, which may occur in the conventional art.

The arrangement control unit25moves the object33for which the identification information has been set, to a different location in the hierarchical structure of the base area31. Consequently, the object33can be moved using the existing base area31, and the process of separately providing another area is unnecessary.

The arrangement control unit25moves the object33for which the identification information has been set, to the external area32located outside the base area31and within the system configuration file30. Consequently, the object33can be moved without complicating the hierarchical structure in the base area31.

The system construction support device1includes the access control unit26that permits, when identification information is input or selected through the operation receiving unit21, access to the object33at the destination on the basis of information on the destination included in the dummy object34including identification information that matches the identification information input or selected through the operation receiving unit21. This allows the supplier to keep the design information secret from other suppliers.

The system construction support device1includes the encryption unit27that encrypts at least one of the external area32and the external file. This allows the supplier to keep the design information secret from other suppliers. The external area32is an example of an area including the object moved.

The configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiment indicate examples of the contents of the present invention. The configurations can be combined with another well-known technique, and some of the configurations can be omitted or changed in a range not departing from the gist of the present invention.

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