Edge Interface Command Loop for Python-Web Bi-Directional Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face difficulties in setting up and managing web interfaces for Industrial Edge Device apps, and Python® can only send data during webpage initialization or when the web interface initiates a data stream, limiting bi-directional communication.
Innovation Solution
A framework that allows attaching web interfaces to existing applications without rewriting logic, enabling bi-directional communication through a Command Loop using sequential GET and POST requests with unique identifiers and payloads, and a thread-safe queuing system for continuous data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Python sends data only during webpage initialization or when web interface initiates data stream, then system complexity is reduced, but bi-directional communication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is segmented into distinct GET requests (for data requests) and POST requests (for commands), each with specific structures and purposes. This segmentation allows Python to send data at any time through structured requests without requiring a complex continuous stream protocol, thereby enabling versatile bi-directional communication while maintaining protocol simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a framework is created to attach web interfaces to existing applications, then ease of integration is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is designed as a universal attachment layer that can be integrated with any existing Python application without requiring application-specific modifications. It provides multi-functional capabilities including session management, command processing, data transmission, and event handling through a single unified interface, thereby improving ease of integration while avoiding the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework acts as an intermediary layer between the web interface and existing Python applications. It includes mediator components such as the Session store, Command queue, and Event system that facilitate communication without requiring direct integration logic in the existing application, thereby simplifying the integration process while providing comprehensive functionality.
3Ease of operation
If manual integration of framework into existing application is required, then integration control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The framework implements self-service mechanisms including automatic session ID generation and management, automated command queue processing, and built-in event routing. When the framework is attached to an application, these self-service components automatically handle integration tasks without requiring manual configuration or complex setup procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
4Productivity
If sequential GET and POST requests are used for continuous data transmission, then data flow control is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework implements periodic action through the Command loop mechanism, where GET requests are sent at regular intervals to check for new data or commands. This periodic approach allows the system to maintain efficient data transmission by batching communications and avoiding excessive request-response cycles, thereby improving productivity while reducing communication overhead compared to continuous polling.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods to reduce the difficulty of setting up and managing a web interface for an Industrial Edge Device app and to enable bi-directional communication between Python® and a web interface.