System and method for interfacing with a controller
First Claim
1. A system for facilitating communication to a controller having a back plane, the controller being operably connected to a web browser, the system comprising:
- an interface module being operably connected to the back plane of the controller and a network, the interface module including a network identifier and comprising;
a microprocessor;
a network protocol driver being operably connected to the network and the microprocessor; and
, a back plane driver being operably connected to the controller and the microprocessor, wherein the network protocol driver and the back plane driver cooperate to facilitate communication between the controller and the browser.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.
115 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A system for facilitating communication to a controller having a back plane, the controller being operably connected to a web browser, the system comprising:
an interface module being operably connected to the back plane of the controller and a network, the interface module including a network identifier and comprising;
a microprocessor;
a network protocol driver being operably connected to the network and the microprocessor; and
,a back plane driver being operably connected to the controller and the microprocessor, wherein the network protocol driver and the back plane driver cooperate to facilitate communication between the controller and the browser. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for facilitating communication to a controller having a back plane, the controller being operably connected to a network and being accessible via a web browser, the system comprising:
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an interface module including a microprocessor, he interface module being operably connected to the web browser and the back plane;
a protocol task for facilitating communication between the web browser and the controller; and
,a means for interfacing the protocol task with the back plane, the means for interfacing being capable of receiving a data request for accessing data from the controller, and for sending a response to the web browser. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An industrial control system for allowing access between a controller and a web browser through a communication network, the system comprising:
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a web browser;
a communications network; and
,an interface module adapted for installation in the controller, the module comprising;
a microprocessor;
a network interface for coupling the interface module through said communications network to the web browser; and
,a back plane interface for physically connecting the interface module to back plane of said controller. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for communicating with a controller via a browser, the controller being capable of running an application program for controlling an output device in response to a status of an input device, the controller having a back plane and being operably connected to a network via an interface module, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a web page;
accessing the controller via the browser; and
,retrieving information from the controller. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method for communicating with a controller via a browser, the controller being capable of running an application program for controlling an output device in response to a status of an input device, the controller having a back plane and being operably connected to a network via a server, the method comprising the steps of:
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accessing the controller via the browser; and
,controlling the controller. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification