Embedded Web Server Interface for Process Control Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern process control systems employing embedded servers face constraints on memory, storage, bandwidth, and CPU cycles, while increasing demands for web services due to improved data connectivity and standardization of web technologies, necessitate efficient data access and processing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A web-based interface system for embedded web servers that enables universal access to data acquisition devices, utilizing communication protocols for real-time data transmission and synchronization, allowing on-demand access and pushing data changes to web applications, and employing multiple communication channels to manage complex data processing efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If embedded servers provide web services to multiple devices, then data accessibility and cross-platform flexibility are improved, but memory, storage, bandwidth, and CPU cycle constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of data objects that can be accessed remotely via web interfaces. Instead of duplicating physical data storage across multiple devices, the system generates virtual representations (data objects) that can be viewed and interacted with from any web-enabled device, thereby improving data accessibility without proportionally increasing actual data storage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded server implements a universal web-based interface system that can serve multiple types of web-enabled devices (smartphones, tablets, PCs, wearables) through a single standardized protocol. This multi-functional approach allows one server instance to handle diverse device connections without requiring separate server deployments for each device type, thus improving versatility while controlling resource consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If embedded servers handle complex data processing, then functionality and data processing capability are improved, but CPU cycles and processing power are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex data processing tasks into smaller, manageable operations. The system divides data processing into data collection, data object creation, web interface generation, and client interaction phases. This segmentation allows the embedded server to handle complex data processing in discrete steps, optimizing CPU utilization by processing data in manageable chunks rather than overwhelming the processor with monolithic operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces data objects as intermediary elements between the embedded server and web clients. These data objects serve as standardized intermediaries that simplify data exchange protocols, reducing the computational overhead required for direct complex data processing. The intermediary layer handles data formatting and protocol management, allowing the server to focus CPU resources on core processing tasks rather than protocol complexity
3Speed
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then data synchronization and responsiveness are improved, but bandwidth consumption and network load are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality optimization by transmitting data in selectively formatted portions rather than complete datasets. The system determines which data elements need to be transmitted based on client device requirements, data change detection, and priority levels. This selective transmission approach maintains real-time responsiveness for critical data while significantly reducing overall bandwidth consumption compared to transmitting all data continuously
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and an apparatus for a web-based interface to an embedded web server that facilitates accessing and presenting complex data on any web-enabled device using standard data communication protocols without disrupting the operation of the data acquisition device in which the web server is embedded.