Process automation system

• US 6,473,656 B1
• Filed: 09/16/1999
• Issued: 10/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Brotz, Michael, Klein, Raimund, Langels, Hans-Joachim
• Primary Examiner(s): Gordon, Paul P.
• Application Number:
  US09/202,576
• Time in Patent Office: 1,139 Days
• Field of Search: 700/9, 700/17, 700/20, 700/83, 700/2, 700/7, 700/18, 700/28, 709/213, 709/220, 709/221, 709/222
• US Class Current: 700/17
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/41845 characterised by system universality, reconfigurability, modularity
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31094 Data exchange between modules, cells, devices, processors
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31226 Multitasking server connected to general network and to nc machines
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33121 Host loads program from attached module to control that module
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33273 DCS distributed, decentralised controlsystem, multiprocessor
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33282 Node with communication, transducer, common core, application specific modules
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/45226 Process control
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

Local technology modules automatically execute given functions as part of process automation. Each technology module has a memory storing module-specific information about the respective function of the technology module and its tie-in to a measuring point, open- and closed-loop control system. During an initialization phase, this information is transmitted to a central communication device, where it is stored for access by an operator communication and monitoring device. It can thus automatically add the information to its operator communication and monitoring interface.

Claims

1. A process automation system for implementing a measuring and control system, comprising:

an operator control and monitoring device coupled to a data bus via a communication device;

local technology modules comprising arrangements for automatic execution of predefined functions, each respective one of the local technology modules comprising a memory storing module-specific information about i) a respective function of the respective one of the local technology modules, and ii) a tie-in of the respective function of the respective one of the local technology modules to the measuring and control system, each respective one of the local technology modules comprising a respective communication unit transmitting during an initialization phase the module-specific information for access by the operator control and monitoring device.

2. The process automation system according to claim 1, wherein the communication device comprises a service interface for input and storage of additional, system-specific information.

3. The process automation system according to claim 1, wherein the operator control and monitoring device comprises an arrangement for creating an operator control and monitoring interface from the module-specific information.

4. The process automation system according to claim 3, wherein the arrangement for creating the operator control and monitoring interface further creates the operator control and monitoring interface from additional, system-specific information stored in a service interface of the communication device.

5. The process automation system according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the local technology modules exchange function-relevant data over the data bus.

6. The process automation system according to claim 1, further comprising:

an arrangement executing the respective function of at least some of the local technology modules comprising at least one of input and output terminal for exchanging at least one of function-relevant data and quantities over line terminals between the at least some of the local technology modules.

7. The process automation system according to claim 1, wherein the operator control and monitoring device is coupled to the communication device via a long-distance bus.

8. A process automation system for implementing a measuring and control system, comprising:

an operator control and monitoring device coupled to a data bus; and

local technology modules comprising arrangements for automatic execution of predefined functions, each respective one of the local technology modules including a memory storing module-specific information about i) a respective function of the respective one of the local technology modules, and ii) a tie-in of the respective function of the respective one of the local technology modules to the measuring and control system, each respective one of the local technology modules comprising a respective communication unit transmitting during an initialization phase the module-specific information for access by the operator control and monitoring device.

9. The process automation system according to claim 8, wherein the operator control and monitoring device comprises an arrangement for creating an operator control and monitoring interface from the module-specific information.

10. The process automation system according to claim 8, wherein at least some of the local technology modules exchange function-relevant data over the data bus.

11. The process automation system according to claim 8, further comprising:

an arrangement executing the respective function of at least some of the local technology modules comprising at least one of input and output terminal for exchanging at least one of function-relevant data and quantities over line terminals between the at least some of the local technology modules.