Patent Publication Number: US-2017357412-A1

Title: Data creating device, data creating method, and data creating program

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a data creating device, a data creating method, and a data creating program for creating data for displaying a screen on a programmable display (JIS B 3551: 2012). 
     BACKGROUND 
     A programmable controller (JIS B 3502: 2011, PLC) is used to control operation of an industrial machine. A programmable display is used to enable an operator to monitor data in the PLC. 
     The programmable display can store a plurality of pieces of screen data and switch between a plurality of screens for display. 
     In each piece of screen data, a device name for uniquely specifying a memory area in the PLC to be referred to and monitored through each screen and a device name for uniquely specifying a memory area in the PLC to which data input to each screen are transferred are described. Consequently, data to be monitored are displayed in each screen, and data input in each screen are transferred to the PLC. The device name is a name systematically assigned by a vendor of the PLC to each memory area. 
     The screen data for displaying the screen on the programmable display are created when a screen data creating program for the programmable display is executed on a computer. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-166865 
     Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-266171 
     Patent Literature 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-217573 
     SUMMARY 
     Technical Problem 
     The screen data for displaying the screen on the programmable display are sometimes created on the basis of image data created in a way different from the use of the screen data creating program for the programmable display. In this case, since the operator has to create the screen data from the beginning while watching an image that is based on the image data, the operator&#39;s workload is increased, and a human error might be caused by the operator. 
     Patent Literature 1 describes a method of generating a screen. Specifically, a graphical user interface screen is automatically generated on the basis of layout information created on a sheet of paper (refer to Abstract). An object in the screen data for use in the programmable display needs to include information for requesting data to be monitored from the PLC or information for transferring input data to the PLC. However, a component displayed in the graphical user interface screen generated using the technique described in Patent Literature 1 does not include information for requesting data to be monitored from the PLC or information for transferring input data to the PLC. Therefore, the graphical user interface screen generated using the technique described in Patent Literature 1 cannot be used in the programmable display. 
     Patent Literature 2 describes a plotting device that creates a control screen for display on the programmable display. Patent Literature 2 also describes an idea of displaying an attribute value of an object in an editable state (refer to Paragraphs 0052 to 0056). The attribute value described in Patent Literature 2 is an attribute value related to an image aspect of the object, examples of which include a shape, a position, a size, a color, and a fill setting. However, Patent Literature 2 does not describe an object including information for requesting data to be monitored from the PLC or information for transferring input data to the PLC. 
     Patent Literature 3 describes an information processing device that generates information for displaying a display screen on a display device. Patent Literature 3 describes a button, a text, an icon, and a background or the like as screen elements in the display screen (refer to Paragraph 0032). However, Patent Literature 3 does not describe an object including information for requesting data to be monitored from the PLC or information for transferring input data to the PLC. 
     The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to obtain a data creating device capable of reducing an operator&#39;s workload and suppressing a human error by the operator. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A data creating device according to the present invention includes a storage unit to store library data in which figures and character strings or figures and colors are correlated with objects for displaying data acquired from a control device or sending data to the control device. 
     A data creating device according to the present invention includes a recognition processing unit to recognize a figure and a character string, a character string, or a figure and a color drawn in one or more pieces of image data, and a screen data creation processing unit to search the library data using the figure and the character string, the character string, or the figure and the color recognized by the recognition processing unit to acquire an object correlated with the figure and the character string, the character string, or the figure and the color recognized by the recognition processing unit, and create one or more pieces of screen data in which the acquired object is arranged. 
     A data creating device according to the present invention includes a device name input processing unit to accept input of a device name to the object arranged in the one or more pieces of screen data, the device name uniquely specifying a memory area in the control device. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     The present invention can achieve an effect of reducing an operator&#39;s workload and suppressing a human error by the operator. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system including a data creating device according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a programmable display according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the data creating device according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of the data creating device according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a data creating process of the data creating device according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for a screen transition information input process according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating exemplary image data according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating exemplary screen data according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating exemplary image data according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a device name input dialogue box according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a plurality of pieces of image data according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a plurality of pieces of screen data according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen transition information input dialogue box according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating exemplary library data according to the first embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, a data creating device, a data creating method, and a data creating program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system including a data creating device according to a first embodiment. The control system  1  includes a PLC  2 , a device  3 , a programmable display  4 , the data creating device  5 , and a scanner  6 . The PLC  2 , the programmable display  4 , and the data creating device  5  are connected via a network N so as to be capable of communicating with one another. The PLC  2  is connected to the device  3  to control the operation of the device  3 , e.g., an industrial machine. 
     The programmable display  4  and the data creating device  5  may be directly connected to each other, instead of being connected via the network N. A unit for realizing the direct connection is exemplified by a universal serial bus (USB). 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the programmable display according to the first embodiment. The programmable display  4  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  41 , a random access memory (RAM)  42 , a storage unit  43 , a display unit  44 , an input unit  45 , and a communication interface  46 . 
     The CPU  41  executes a screen display processing program stored in the storage unit  43  while using the RAM  42  as a work area. Consequently, a screen display processing unit  41   a  is realized. The storage unit  43  stores project data  43   a  created and transferred by the data creating device  5 . The project data  43   a  include one or more pieces of screen data. 
     The display unit  44  displays characters and images. The input unit  45  accepts input from an operator. The communication interface  46  communicates with another device. 
     The programmable display  4  can display a screen based on the screen data in the project data  43   a.  In the screen data, a device name for uniquely specifying a memory area in the PLC  2  to be referred to and monitored through the screen is described. Consequently, data to be monitored are displayed in the screen. 
     The programmable display  4  needs to request data from the PLC  2  or send data to the PLC  2  using the device name for uniquely specifying each memory area in the PLC  2  when the programmable display  4  requests data to be monitored from the PLC  2  or sends data to the PLC  2 . The device name is a name systematically assigned by a vendor of the PLC  2  to each memory area. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the data creating device according to the first embodiment. The data creating device  5  according to the first embodiment is a computer. The data creating device  5  includes a CPU  51 , a RAM  52 , a read only memory (ROM)  53 , a storage unit  54 , an input unit  55 , a display unit  56 , a communication interface  57 , and a USB interface  58 . 
     The CPU  51  executes programs stored in the ROM  53  and the storage unit  54  while using the RAM  52  as a work area. The program stored in the ROM  53  is exemplified by a basic input/output system (BIOS) or a unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI). The program stored in the storage unit  54  is exemplified by an operating system program and a data editing program. The storage unit  54  is exemplified by a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). 
     The input unit  55  accepts operation input from the operator. The input unit  55  is exemplified by a keyboard or a mouse. The display unit  56  displays characters and images. The display unit  56  is exemplified by a liquid crystal display device. The communication interface  57  communicates with another device via the network N. The USB interface  58  is connected to the scanner  6  to receive image data scanned by the scanner  6 . 
       FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of the data creating device according to the first embodiment. The storage unit  54  stores library data  54   a  in which figures and character strings are correlated with objects. Each of the objects is an image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In a first row  54   a   1  of the library data  54   a,  a quadrilateral  54   a   11  and a character string “switch”  54   a   12  are correlated with an object  54   a   13 . The object  54   a   13  is a switch image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In a second row  54   a   2  of the library data  54   a,  a circle  54   a   21  and a character string “lamp”  54   a   22  are correlated with an object  54   a   23 . The object  54   a   23  is a lamp image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In a third row  54   a   3  of the library data  54   a,  a  FIG. 54 a     31  of bold “123” and a character string “numerical display”  54   a   32  are correlated with an object  54   a   33 . The object  54   a   33  is a numerical display image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In a fourth row  54   a   4  of the library data  54   a,  a  FIG. 54 a     41  of bold “ABC” and a character string “character string display”  54   a   42  are correlated with an object  54   a   43 . The object  54   a   43  is a character string display image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In a fifth row  54   a   5  of the library data  54   a,  a  FIG. 54 a     51  of an exclamation mark drawn in a triangle and a character string “alarm display”  54   a   52  are correlated with an object  54   a   53 . The object  54   a   53  is an alarm display image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     The CPU  51  executes a data creating program stored in the storage unit  54 . Consequently, an import processing unit  51   a,  a recognition processing unit  51   b,  a screen data creation processing unit  51   c,  a screen transition information input processing unit  51   d,  and a device name input processing unit  51   e  are realized. The import processing unit  51   a  imports one or more pieces of image data. The recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes a figure, a character string, or a figure and a color drawn in the one or more pieces of image data. The screen data creation processing unit  51   c  searches the library data  54   a  using the figure, the character string, or the figure and the color recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b  to acquire an object correlated with the figure, the character string, or the figure and the color recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b.  The screen data creation processing unit  51   c  then creates one or more pieces of screen data in which the acquired object is arranged. The screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  arranges a screen transition object in each of the pieces of screen data in response to the screen data creation processing unit  51   c  creating the pieces of screen data. The screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  then accepts input of screen transition information to the screen transition object in each of the pieces of screen data. The screen transition object indicates a piece of screen data that is reached as a transition destination when the screen transition object is selected. The device name input processing unit  51   e  accepts input of a device name to the object arranged in the one or more pieces of screen data. The device name uniquely specifies a memory area in the PLC  2 . 
     Next, the operation of the data creating device  5  will be described.  FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a data creating process of the data creating device according to the first embodiment. 
     First, the import processing unit  51   a  imports one or more pieces of image data in step S 100 . The import processing unit  51   a  can import image data by scanning a sheet of paper using the scanner  6 . The import processing unit  51   a  causes the storage unit  54  to store the imported image data. Alternatively, the import processing unit  51   a  can import image data by reading the image data stored in an external storage device. The external storage device is exemplified by an SD card (registered trademark). Still alternatively, the CPU  51  can execute a paint program or a presentation program to create image data, and the import processing unit  51   a  can import the created image data stored in the storage unit  54 . The presentation program is exemplified by Microsoft PowerPoint (registered trademark). The image data are exemplified by bitmap data, joint photographic experts group (JPEG) data, or PowerPoint (registered trademark) data. 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 102  whether a figure is drawn in the imported image data. When the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 102  that a figure is drawn in the imported image data (Yes), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 104 . 
     The recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 104  whether the number of pieces of imported image data is one. When the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 104  that the number of pieces of imported image data is one (Yes), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 106 . 
     In step S 106 , the recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes the figure drawn in the imported image data. A known figure recognition technique is utilized for the recognition of the figure. 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes a character string drawn in the imported image data in step S 108 . A known character string recognition technique is utilized for the recognition of the character string. 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  acquires positional information of the figure and the character string drawn in the imported image data in step S 110 . Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 136 . 
     Returning to step S 104 , when the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines that the number of pieces of imported image data is not one (No), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 112 . 
     In step S 112 , the recognition processing unit  51   b  extracts a single piece of image data. 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes the figure drawn in the imported image data in step S 114 . 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes a character string drawn in the imported image data in step S 116 . 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  acquires positional information of the figure and the character string drawn in the imported image data in step S 118 . 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 120  whether all the pieces of image data have been processed. When the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 120  that all the pieces of image data have been processed (Yes), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 136 . On the other hand, when the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 120  that not all the pieces of image data have been processed (No), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 112 . 
     Returning to step S 102 , when the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines that a figure is not drawn in the imported image data (No), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 122 . 
     The recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 122  whether the number of pieces of imported image data is one. When the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 122  that the number of pieces of imported image data is one (Yes), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 124 . 
     In step S 124 , the recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes a character string drawn in the imported image data. 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  acquires positional information of the character string drawn in the imported image data in step S 126 . Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 136 . 
     Returning to step S 122 , when the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines that the number of pieces of imported image data is not one (No), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 128 . 
     In step S 128 , the recognition processing unit  51   b  extracts a single piece of image data. 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes a character string drawn in the imported image data in step S 130 . 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  acquires positional information of the character string drawn in the imported image data in step S 132 . 
     Next, the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 134  whether all the pieces of image data have been processed. When the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 134  that all the pieces of image data have been processed (Yes), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 136 . On the other hand, when the recognition processing unit  51   b  determines in step S 134  that not all the pieces of image data have been processed (No), the recognition processing unit  51   b  advances the process to step S 128 . 
     Next, in step S 136 , the screen data creation processing unit  51   c  searches the library data  54   a  using the figure or the character string recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b,  acquires an object correlated with the figure or the character string recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b,  and creates screen data. The screen data creation processing unit  51   c  creates a single piece of screen data when the number of pieces of image data is one, and creates a plurality of pieces of screen data when the number of pieces of image data is more than one. 
     The screen data is exemplified by text data described using a description language. The description language is exemplified by a hyper text markup language (HTML). 
     Next, the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  determines in step S 138  whether the number of pieces of screen data is one. The screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  advances the process to step S 140  when the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  determines in step S 138  that the number of pieces of screen data is not one (No), and advances the process to step S 144  when the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  determines in step S 138  that the number of pieces of screen data is one (Yes). 
     Next, the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  arranges a screen transition object in each of the pieces of screen data in step S 140 . The screen transition object is an object for changing the display screen to another screen in response to being selected by a manipulator for the programmable display  4 . The screen transition object is selected, for example, by a touch on the screen transition object. 
     Next, the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  executes a subroutine for a screen transition information input process in step S 142 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating the subroutine for the screen transition information input process according to the first embodiment. 
     First, in step S 200 , the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  displays, on the display unit  56 , an image that is based on one of the plurality of pieces of screen data created by the screen data creation processing unit  51   c.    
     Next, the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  displays a screen transition information input dialogue box on the display unit  56 , and accepts input of screen transition information to the screen transition object in step S 202 . The screen transition information is information for uniquely specifying, in response to being selected by the operator, another image to which the display is changed. The screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  describes the input screen transition information in the screen transition object. 
     Next, the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  determines in step S 204  whether all the pieces of screen data have been processed. 
     When the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  determines in step S 204  that not all the pieces of screen data have been processed (No), the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  advances the process to step S 206 . 
     In step S 206 , the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  displays, on the display unit  56 , an image that is based on a piece of screen data indicated as a transition destination by the screen transition information input in step S 202 , and advances the process to step S 202 . 
     Returning to step S 204 , when the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  determines that all the pieces of screen data have been processed (Yes), the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  finishes the subroutine process for the screen transition information input. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , in step S 144 , the device name input processing unit  51   e  displays a device name input dialogue box on the display unit  56 , and accepts input of a device name for uniquely specifying a memory area in the PLC  2  to the object arranged in the one or more pieces of created screen data. The device name input processing unit  51   e  then finishes the process. 
     Next, the image data will be described with reference to specific examples. First, a case where the number of pieces of image data is one will be described. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating exemplary image data according to the first embodiment. In the upper part of the image data  61  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a circle  61   a,  a circle  61   b,  and a quadrilateral  61   c  are drawn. A character string “lamp” is drawn in the circle  61   a.  A character string “lamp” is drawn in the circle  61   b.  A character string “trend graph” is drawn in the quadrilateral  61   c.    
     In the lower part of the image data  61 , a quadrilateral  61   d,  a quadrilateral  61   e,  and a quadrilateral  61   f  are drawn. A character string “numerical input” is drawn in the quadrilateral  61   d.  A character string “switch” is drawn in the quadrilateral  61   e.  A character string “switch” is drawn in the quadrilateral  61   f.    
     The recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes the  FIG. 61 b    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 b   , the  FIG. 61 c    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 c   , the  FIG. 61 d    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 d   , the  FIG. 61 e    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 e   , and the  FIG. 61 f    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 f    drawn in the image data  61 . 
     The recognition processing unit  51   b  then searches the library data  54   a  using the  FIG. 61 b    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 b   , the  FIG. 61 c    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 c   , the  FIG. 61 d    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 d   , the  FIG. 61 e    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 e   , and the  FIG. 61 f    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 f    recognized, thereby acquiring a plurality of objects correlated with the  FIG. 61 b    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 b   , the  FIG. 61 c    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 c   , the  FIG. 61 d    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 d   , the  FIG. 61 e    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 e   , and the  FIG. 61 f    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 f    recognized. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating exemplary screen data according to the first embodiment. In order to facilitate the understanding, the screen data  71  are represented by a screen that is displayed using the description language, not by the description language itself. 
     In the upper part of the screen data  71 , an object  71   a  of a lamp image, an object  71   b  of a lamp image, and an object  71   c  of a trend graph image are drawn. In the lower part of the screen data  71 , an object  71   d  of a numerical input image, an object  71   e  of a switch image, and an object  71   f  of a switch image are drawn. 
     The screen data creation processing unit  51   c  arranges the objects acquired by the recognition processing unit  51   b  at positions recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b,  thereby creating the screen data  71 . 
     In a case where the quadrilaterals are correlated with the plurality of objects as illustrated in the image data  61 , the library data  54   a  need to include figure items, character string items, and object items. However, in a case where a single figure is correlated with a single object on a one-to-one basis, the library data  54   a  only need to include figure items and object items. 
     In a case where the number of pixels of the image data  61  and the number of pixels of the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4  are different from each other, the screen data creation processing unit  51   c  creates the screen data  71  having the same number of pixels as the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . For example, in a case where the image data  61  have 1280 pixels×960 pixels, and the number of pixels of the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4  is 640 pixels×480 pixels, the screen data creation processing unit  51   c  creates the screen data  71  having 640 pixels×480 pixels in which a smaller object with a quarter the size of each figure drawn in the image data  61  is arranged. 
     In a case where the image data  61  have 320 pixels× 240  pixels, and the number of pixels of the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4  is 640 pixels×480 pixels, the screen data creation processing unit  51   c  creates the screen data  71  having 640 pixels×480 pixels in which a larger object with four times the size of each figure drawn in the image data  61  is arranged. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating exemplary image data according to the first embodiment. In the upper part of the image data  81  illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a character string “lamp”  81   a,  a character string “lamp”  81   b,  and a character string “trend graph”  81   c  are drawn. In the lower part of the image data  81 , a character string “numerical input”  81   d,  a character string “switch”  81   e,  and a character string “switch”  81   f  are drawn. 
     The recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes the character strings  81   a,    81   b,    81   c,    81   d,    81   e,  and  81   f  drawn in the image data  81 , and searches the library data  54   a  using the recognized character strings  81   a,    81   b,    81   c ,  81   d,    81   e,  and  81   f,  thereby acquiring a plurality of objects correlated with the recognized character strings  81   a,    81   b ,  81   c,    81   d,    81   e,  and  81   f.    
     The screen data creation processing unit  51   c  arranges the objects acquired by the recognition processing unit  51   b  at positions recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b,  thereby creating the screen data  71 . 
     In a case where only the character strings are drawn as illustrated in the image data  81 , the library data  54   a  only need to include character string items and object items. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating the device name input dialogue box according to the first embodiment. The device name input processing unit  51   e  displays, on the display unit  56 , a screen that is based on the screen data  71  created by the screen data creation processing unit  51   c , and further displays the device name input dialogue box  91  on the display unit  56 . 
     The device name is represented by a combination of an alphabetical character and a four-digit number. The operator inputs an alphabetical character in an input field  91   a,  and inputs a four-digit number in an input field  91   b . The device name input processing unit  51   e  describes, in the object  71   a,  the device name input to the device name input dialogue box  91 . 
     The device name input processing unit  51   e  then sequentially displays the device name input dialogue boxes  91  for the objects  71   b,    71   c,    71   d,    71   e,  and  71   f,  and describes, in the object  71   a,  the device names input to the device name input dialogue boxes  91 . The creation of the screen data  71  is thus finished. The project data  43   a  including the created screen data  71  are transferred to the programmable display  4  as they are or after being compiled into a binary format. 
     Next, a case where the number of pieces of image data is more than one will be described with reference to specific examples.  FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a plurality of pieces of image data according to the first embodiment. 
     The recognition processing unit  51   b  recognizes the  FIG. 61 b    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 b   , the  FIG. 61 c    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 c   , the  FIG. 61 d    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 d   , the  FIG. 61 e    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 e   , and the  FIG. 61 f    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 f    drawn in the image data  61 . 
     The recognition processing unit  51   b  then searches the library data  54   a  using the  FIG. 61 b    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 b   , the  FIG. 61 c    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 c   , the  FIG. 61 d    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 d   , the  FIG. 61 e    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 e   , and the  FIG. 61 f    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 f    recognized, thereby acquiring the plurality of objects correlated with the  FIG. 61 b    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 b   , the  FIG. 61 c    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 c   , the  FIG. 61 d    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 d   , the  FIG. 61 e    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 e   , and the  FIG. 61 f    and the character string in the  FIG. 61 f    recognized. 
     The recognition processing unit  51   b  then sequentially executes, for pieces of image data  62  and  63 , a process similar to that for the image data  61 , and sequentially acquires objects correlated with figures and character strings drawn in the pieces of image data  62  and  63 . 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a plurality of pieces of screen data according to the first embodiment. In order to facilitate the understanding, each of pieces of screen data  71 ,  72 , and  73  is represented by a screen that is displayed using the description language, not by the description language itself. 
     The screen data creation processing unit  51   c  arranges the objects acquired by the recognition processing unit  51   b  at positions recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b,  thereby creating the pieces of screen data  71 ,  72 , and  73 . 
     Next, the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  arranges a screen transition object  71   g  in the screen data  71 , arranges a screen transition object  72   g  in the screen data  72 , and arranges a screen transition object  73   g  in the screen data  73 . 
     Suppose the operator wants to make sure that the display screen is changed to a screen that is based on the screen data  73  when a screen that is based on the screen data  71  is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 , and the screen transition object  71   g  is selected by the manipulator. In addition, suppose the operator wants to make sure that the display screen is changed to a screen that is based on the screen data  72  when the screen that is based on the screen data  73  is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 , and the screen transition object  73   g  is selected by the manipulator. In addition, suppose the operator wants to make sure that the display screen is changed to the screen that is based on the screen data  71  when the screen that is based on the screen data  72  is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 , and the screen transition object  72   g  is selected by the manipulator. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen transition information input dialogue box according to the first embodiment. The screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  displays the screen that is based on the screen data  71  on the display unit  56 , and displays the screen transition information input dialogue box  101  on the display unit  56 . 
     The operator inputs, in an input field  101   a,  a number “3” that is the screen transition information indicating the screen data  73  as the transition destination. The screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  describes, in the screen transition object  71   g,  the number “3” that is the screen transition information input to the input field  101   a.    
     Next, the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  displays, on the display unit  56 , the screen that is based on the screen data  73  indicated by the number “3”, i.e., the screen transition information, and displays the screen transition information input dialogue box  101  on the display unit  56 . 
     The operator inputs, in the input field  101   a,  a number “2” that is the screen transition information indicating the screen data  72  as the transition destination. The screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  describes, in the screen transition object  73   g,  the number “2” that is the screen transition information input to the input field  101   a.    
     Next, the screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  displays, on the display unit  56 , the screen that is based on the screen data  72  indicated by the number “2”, i.e., the screen transition information, and displays the screen transition information input dialogue box  101  on the display unit  56 . 
     The operator inputs, in the input field  101   a,  a number “1” that is the screen transition information indicating the screen data  71  as the transition destination. The screen transition information input processing unit  51   d  describes, in the screen transition object  72   g,  the number “1” that is the screen transition information input to the input field  101   a.  The creation of the pieces of screen data  71 ,  72 , and  73  is thus finished. The project data  43   a  including the created pieces of screen data  71 ,  72 , and  73  are transferred to the programmable display  4  as they are or after being compiled into a binary format. 
     In the above example, the figures and the character strings are correlated with the objects in the library data  54   a.  However, the library data  54   a  are not limited to this example. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating exemplary library data according to the first embodiment. In the library data  54   a  illustrated in  FIG. 14 , figures and colors are correlated with objects. In other words, the library data  54   a  include figure items, color items, and object items. 
     In the first row  54   a   1  of the library data  54   a , the quadrilateral  54   a   11  and a character string “yellow”  54   a   12  are correlated with the object  54   a   13 , namely, the switch image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In the second row  54   a   2  of the library data  54   a , the circle  54   a   21  and a character string “blue”  54   a   22  are correlated with the object  54   a   23 , namely, the lamp image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In the third row  54   a   3  of the library data  54   a , the  FIG. 54 a     31  of bold “123” and a character string “red”  54   a   32  are correlated with the object  54   a   33 , namely, the numerical display image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In the fourth row  54   a   4  of the library data  54   a , the  FIG. 54 a     41  of bold “ABC” and a character string “green”  54   a   42  are correlated with the object  54   a   43 , namely, the character string display image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In the fifth row  54   a   5  of the library data  54   a , the  FIG. 54 a     51  of the exclamation mark drawn in the triangle and a character string “purple”  54   a   52  are correlated with the object  54   a   53 , namely, the alarm display image for display in a screen that is displayed on the display unit  44  of the programmable display  4 . 
     In this case, image data do not include a character drawn in a figure, and only need to include a color applied in a figure. The recognition processing unit  51   d  recognizes the figure and the color applied in the figure. The screen data creation processing unit  51   c  searches the library data  54   a  using the figure and the color recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b , acquires an object correlated with the figure and the color recognized by the recognition processing unit  51   b,  and creates screen data. 
     As described above, the data creating device  5  creates the screen data  71  based on the image data  61  or  81 . 
     Consequently, the data creating device  5  can reduce the necessity for the operator to create the screen data from the beginning while watching an image that is based on the image data. As a result, the data creating device  5  can reduce the operator&#39;s workload and suppress a human error by the operator. 
     The data creating device  5  also creates the pieces of screen data  71 ,  72 , and  73  based on the pieces of image data  61 ,  62 , and  63 . The data creating device  5  then arranges the screen transition objects  71   g,    72   g,  and  73   g  in the pieces of screen data  71 ,  72 , and  73 , respectively. 
     Consequently, the data creating device  5  can create the plurality of pieces of screen data  71 ,  72 , and  73  including the items of screen transition information based on the plurality of pieces of image data  61 ,  62 , and  63 . As a result, the data creating device  5  can reduce the operator&#39;s workload and suppress a human error by the operator. 
     Furthermore, the data creating device  5  displays the image that is based on the screen data  73  when “3” indicating the transition destination screen is input to the screen transition object  71   g.  Subsequently, the data creating device  5  displays the image that is based on the screen data  72  when “2” indicating the transition destination screen is input. 
     Consequently, the data creating device  5  can display the screens on the display unit  56  in the transition order, and accept the input of the items of screen transition information in the transition order. As a result, the data creating device  5  can suppress a human error by the operator in the input of the items of screen transition information. 
     The configuration described in the above-mentioned embodiment indicates an example of the contents of the present invention. The configuration can be combined with another well-known technique, and a part of the configuration can be omitted or changed in a range not departing from the gist of the present invention. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       1  control system,  2  PLC,  4  programmable display,  5  data creating device,  51  CPU,  51   a  import processing unit,  51   b  recognition processing unit,  51   c  screen data creation processing unit,  51   d  screen transition information input processing unit,  51   e  device name input processing unit,  52  RAM,  54  storage unit,  54   a  library data,  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  81  image data,  71 ,  72 ,  73  screen data,  91  device name input dialogue box,  101  screen transition information input dialogue box.