Network-embedded device controller with local database

• US 20020099454A1
• Filed: 01/23/2001
• Published: 07/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Daniel W. Gerrity
• Original Assignee: Daniel W. Gerrity
• Inventors: Gerrity, Daniel W.
• Application Number:
  US09/767,541
• Publication Number:
  US 20020099454A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/48
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4185 characterised by the network communication
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31088 Network communication between supervisor and cell, machine group
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31124 Interface between communication network and process control, store, exchange data
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31422 Upload, download programs, parameters from, to station to, from server
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34038 Web, http, ftp, internet, intranet server
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

A network-embedded device controller for industrial process control comprises a processor for running a real-time operating system, input devices measuring parameters related to an industrial process and operatively connected with the processor, an embedded service stack with a local database containing data related to the industrial process, and a dynamic service stack including a program executable by the processor to control the industrial process in a predetermined manner. The device has particular applicability for use with an in-motion weighing system.

Claims

1. A network-embedded device controller for industrial process control comprising:

a processor for running a real-time operating system;

input devices measuring parameters related to an industrial process and operatively connected with the processor;

an embedded service stack with a local database containing data related to the industrial process; and

a dynamic service stack including a program executable by the processor to control the industrial process in a predetermined manner.

2. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein information for the local database is obtained during an initialization period via a network.

3. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein the plurality of input devices includes a plurality of sensors.

4. The controller as recited in claim 3 wherein the plurality of sensors includes a local sensor set and a global sensor.

5. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein the parameters include a machine state and variable external to the controller.

6. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein the parameters include roll, pitch, yaw, horizontal oscillations and vertical oscillations.

7. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein one of the input devices is a PLC.

8. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein the controller is connected to an input scanner through a network switch.

9. The controller as recited in claim 8 wherein the program is further executable to:

control a device as a function of the local database and as a function of the information from the input scanner.

10. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein the controller is a controller for an inmotion weighing system.

11. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein the controller determines a weight of an object.

12. The controller as recited in claim 11 wherein the input devices include a scale, a local sensor array and a global sensor.

14. The method as recited in claim 13 further comprising scanning an object so as to form part of the input data.

15. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the receiving input data step includes receiving data from a PLC.

16. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the industrial process calculation includes calculating a weight of an object.

18. The system as recited in claim 17 further comprising a local sensor set for permitting determination by the program of accelerations affecting the objects to be weighed.

19. The system as recited in claim 18 further comprising a global sensor for providing an input to the controller.

20. The system as recited in claim 17 further comprising a scanner for identifying the objects prior to the spacing conveyor.

21. The system as recited in claim 17 further comprising a bar code label printer for printing bar code labels detailing an identity and the weight of the object.

13. A method of controlling an industrial process comprising the steps of:

loading database information onto a local database of an embedded service stack of a network-embedded device controller;

receiving input data of the industrial process at the network-embedded device controller; and

performing an industrial process calculation at the network-embedded device controller as a function of information in the local database and the input data; and

synchronization of the local database with a central database.

17. An in-motion weighing system comprising:

a spacing conveyor for transporting objects to be weighed;

a scale conveyor receiving the objects from the spacing conveyor; and

a network-embedded device controller having a processor, an dynamic service stack containing a real-time executable program for controlling the spacing conveyor and determining a weight of the objects, and an embedded service stack containing a local database having information related to the objects to be weighed.