Distributed interface architecture for programmable industrial control systems

• US 20040068749A1
• Filed: 10/03/2003
• Published: 04/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/1996
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Craig E. Goldman, Kenneth C. Crater
• Original Assignee: Craig E. Goldman, Kenneth C. Crater
• Inventors: Goldman, Craig E., Crater, Kenneth C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,490,138 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/112
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 49/02 using the cylinder pressure, e.g. compression end pressure
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4185 characterised by the network communication
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31156 Network structure, internet
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31186 TCP-IP internet protocol
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31205 Remote transmission of measured values from site, local to host
• 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

An integrated control system comprises one or more controllers each equipped to perform a control function and to gather data (ordinarily from sensors) relevant to the control function. The data is combined with instructions, associated with the data, for causing a remote computer to generate a visual display incorporating the data in a predetermined format. A communication module establishes contact and facilitates data interchange with the remote computer over the World Wide Web.

Claims

1. A controller capable of interacting with a remotely located computer, the controller comprising:

a. a data-gathering unit for gathering data relevant to an industrial control function; and

b. a web server for receiving requests from the remotely located computer and, in response thereto, transmitting to the remotely located computer instructions associated with the data, execution of the instructions by the remotely located computer causing said computer to present the data in a predetermined format.

2. The controller of claim 1 wherein the web server is configured to receive requests and transmit instructions over the Internet.

3. The controller of claim 1 wherein the web server implements TCP/IP.

4. The controller of claim 1 wherein requests are received and instructions transmitted in accordance with the HyperText Transfer Protocol.

5. The controller of claim 1 wherein the instructions define a web page for presentation on a browser running as an active process on the remotely located computer.

6. The controller of claim 5 wherein the controller comprises at least one input/output module, the web page comprising data gathered from the at least one module and formatting instructions.

7. The controller of claim 6 wherein the web page further comprises applet instructions execution of which causes the remotely located computer to (i) periodically request updated data from the controller and (ii) display the data in a dynamic fashion.

8. A method of obtaining and presenting data associated with a control system, the method comprising the steps of:

a. causing a controller to perform an industrial control function;

b. gathering data relevant to the control function;

c. storing (i) the data and (ii) instructions defining a web page; and

d. receiving a request from the remotely located computer and, in response thereto, transmitting the instructions to the remotely located computer, execution of the instructions by the remotely located computer causing said computer to present the data in accordance with the web page.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein requests are received and instructions transmitted over the Internet.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein wherein requests are received and instructions transmitted by means of TCP/IP.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein requests are received and instructions transmitted in accordance with the HyperText Transfer Protocol.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the web page is presented by means of a browser running as an active process on the remotely located computer.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the web page comprises (i) gathered data and (ii) formatting instructions.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the web page further comprises applet instructions execution of which causes the remotely located computer to display the data in a dynamic fashion.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the data is continuously generated, the instructions causing the remotely located computer to continuously request the changing data from the controller and to display the retrieved data.

16. The method of claim 8 wherein the control function comprises operation of an industrial machine, the data-gathering step comprising communicating with the machine.

17. The method of claim 8 wherein the control function comprises operation of an industrial process, the data-gathering step comprising communicating with equipment implementing the industrial process.