Direct Control of Devices Through a Programmable Controller Using Internet Protocol
First Claim
1. An industrial automation system comprising:
- a programmable controller (PLC);
a first automation bus configured to receive a first signal for controlling a process on the industrial automation system and to transport the first signal that is compatible with Internet Protocol (IP); and
a first leaf node device that includes a first low-level device in direct communication with the PLC in accordance with the Internet Protocol over the first automation bus to control the first low-level device.
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Abstract
Aspects of the invention support direct communication between a low-level device and a programmable controller over an automation bus in an industrial automation system for controlling and monitoring an industrial process. A leaf node device may include a low-level device. The leaf node device communicates directly with the programmable controller at the network layer, e.g., Internet Protocol (IP) based on an IP address contained in a signal so that the programmable controller may control the low-level device or receive status information about the low-level device. The industrial automation system may support a plurality of leaf node devices, which may be associated with different automation buses having different communication media. Signals between the programmable controller and the leaf node device may be directed with or without a switching element.
33 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An industrial automation system comprising:
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a programmable controller (PLC); a first automation bus configured to receive a first signal for controlling a process on the industrial automation system and to transport the first signal that is compatible with Internet Protocol (IP); and a first leaf node device that includes a first low-level device in direct communication with the PLC in accordance with the Internet Protocol over the first automation bus to control the first low-level device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A leaf node device comprising:
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a low-level device; and a processor configured to; communicate directly with a programmable controller in an industrial automation system over an automation bus in accordance with a communication protocol; and process a data packet that is transported over the automation bus, wherein the data packet contains information for the low-level device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform a method comprising:
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communicating directly with a programmable controller in an industrial automation system over an automation bus in accordance with a communication protocol; and processing a data packet that is transported over the automation bus, wherein the data packet contains information for the low-level device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for controlling an industrial automation system, the method comprising:
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communicating directly with a programmable controller in an industrial automation system over an automation bus in accordance with a communication protocol; and processing a signal that is transported over the automation bus, wherein the signal contains information for the low-level device. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification