Web interface to a programmable controller
First Claim
1. An interface module for allowing access to a programmable logic controller system from a communication network at a remote location, the interface module adapted for installation in a slot coupled through a back plane to a programmable logic controller, the module comprising:
- A. a microprocessor;
B. a real time operating system;
C. means for coupling the interface module to said communications network;
D. means for coupling the interface module to said back plane and for transferring data between the interface module and said programmable logic controller;
E. means for processing data requests received from said remote location over said communications network;
F. means for enabling data transfers between the remote location and said programmable logic controller system; and
G. means for interfacing a protocol task with said back plane, said interfacing means for receiving a data request from said enabling means, for accessing said programmable logic controller system for said requested data, and for sending a response to said remote location through said enabling means, said response in a framework supplied by said operating system.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
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.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An interface module for allowing access to a programmable logic controller system from a communication network at a remote location, the interface module adapted for installation in a slot coupled through a back plane to a programmable logic controller, the module comprising:
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A. a microprocessor;
B. a real time operating system;
C. means for coupling the interface module to said communications network;
D. means for coupling the interface module to said back plane and for transferring data between the interface module and said programmable logic controller;
E. means for processing data requests received from said remote location over said communications network;
F. means for enabling data transfers between the remote location and said programmable logic controller system; and
G. means for interfacing a protocol task with said back plane, said interfacing means for receiving a data request from said enabling means, for accessing said programmable logic controller system for said requested data, and for sending a response to said remote location through said enabling means, said response in a framework supplied by said operating system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An interface module for allowing access to a programmable logic controller system from a communication network at a remote location, the interface module adapted for installation in a slot coupled through a back plane to a programmable logic controller, the module comprising:
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A. a microprocessor;
B. a real time operating system;
C. a network interface for coupling the interface module to said communications network;
D. a back plane driver for coupling the interface module to said back plane and for transferring data between the interface module and said programmable logic controller;
E. a server application for processing data requests received from said communications network;
F. a client application for initiating requests received from said communications network;
G. a protocol stack to enable data transfer between the remote location and said programmable logic controller system; and
H. a server task for interfacing said protocol task with said back plane, said server task for receiving a data request from said protocol stack, accessing said programmable logic controller system for said requested data, and for sending a response to said remote location through said protocol stack and network interface, said response in a framework supplied by said operating system. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification