RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment
First Claim
1. An RFID (radio frequency identification)-based system, comprising:
- a controller configured to control an industrial process, further comprising;
an internal controller communications framework configured to facilitate communications between components connected thereto; and
an RFID reader configured to read RFID tag and communicate information read from the RFID tag to the controller, the RFID tag is externally located to the controller.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An RFID reader and/or writer module in an industrial controller (e.g., PLC). The RFID module interfaces internally to the controller for tight integration therewith. The RFID module can also be part of a controller communications framework and as a standalone module with the PLC as a master device, and interact with the RFID module in the same manner as it interacts with other I/O devices connected to the controller. In another aspect, RFID read/write tag technology is incorporated into some or all major PLC and rack components, and utilized for wireless communication both between PLC system components and between the PLC and other devices, locations, and media. The RFID tag can be used to store and exchange electronic keying data, security information, module diagnostics and warranty information, series and revision levels code, I/O configuration data, and, replacement data. Artificial intelligence is also employed.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An RFID (radio frequency identification)-based system, comprising:
-
a controller configured to control an industrial process, further comprising; an internal controller communications framework configured to facilitate communications between components connected thereto; and an RFID reader configured to read RFID tag and communicate information read from the RFID tag to the controller, the RFID tag is externally located to the controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of providing an RFID-based industrial automation system, comprising:
-
providing a controller that interacts with one or more aspects of an automation process; incorporating within the controller a controller communications framework facilitating transmission of data between components attached thereto; locating an RFID reader on the controller communications framework; and reading RFID tag information where the RFID tags are remotely located to the controller. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. An RFID (radio frequency identification)-based industrial control system, comprising:
-
means for controlling an industrial process; means for incorporating an RFID reader within the means for controlling; means for reading RFID tag information from RFID tags associated with objects remotely located to the means for controlling; means for communicating the read RFID tag information; and means for processing the read RFID tag information. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification