Interface Device Configuration via Server-Side Scripting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interface devices lack flexibility in configuration, requiring specialized software and design-time environments, limiting customization and adaptation capabilities, especially for downstream users who cannot modify the look or functionality without significant effort.
Innovation Solution
A technique using server-side scripting on interface devices to interpret queries from general-purpose viewers, allowing for configuration and reconfiguration of device elements and screens without specialized software, enabling changes to be made and implemented dynamically, facilitating customization and adaptation across different software components and functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized configuration software is used to configure interface devices, then the interface device can be configured with specific functionalities, but the device complexity and difficulty of customization increase for downstream users
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device incorporates a universal configuration environment that can serve multiple purposes: it functions as both a runtime execution environment and a design-time configuration environment. This eliminates the need for separate specialized configuration software, allowing the same device to be configured by downstream users using the built-in environment, thereby reducing software complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device provides self-service configuration capabilities through its built-in configuration environment. Downstream users can directly configure the device using the integrated tools without requiring external specialized software. The device serves itself by providing all necessary configuration functions internally, reducing the overall system complexity and eliminating the need for separate configuration tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized configuration software is required for interface devices, then precise control and configuration are achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for end users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration environment and runtime environment into a single integrated system. The configuration precision previously requiring specialized software is now achieved within the same environment that runs the interface device. This consolidation allows end users to access configuration functions directly through the device interface, improving ease of operation while maintaining configuration precision through the same robust environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified configuration environment serves dual functions: it provides precise configuration capabilities for control engineers while simultaneously being accessible to end users for customization. The environment adapts its interface and capabilities based on user needs, allowing both precise technical configuration and simpler user-friendly customization within the same system, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing precision.
3Reliability
If interface devices use fixed functionality designed at manufacture, then reliability is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates for downstream applications
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device incorporates a dynamic configuration capability that allows the system to adapt its functionality after manufacture. The unified configuration environment enables runtime modification of device behavior and screen configurations without compromising the stable core system. This dynamic adaptability allows downstream users to customize the interface for specific applications while the underlying system maintains its reliability through the stable runtime environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into stable core functionality and configurable interface elements. The runtime environment maintains the reliable core system, while the unified configuration environment allows modification of specific interface screens and device behaviors. This segmentation enables customization for different downstream applications without affecting the stability of the underlying system, thereby maintaining reliability while improving adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate configuration software is used for each application, then specific functionality is achieved, but loss of time increases for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the configuration environment with the runtime environment, the system eliminates the time-consuming process of transferring configurations between separate software tools. Downstream users can perform configuration directly within the device interface, and changes are immediately available without requiring separate compilation or deployment steps. This unified approach maintains application-specific functionality while dramatically reducing reconfiguration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device provides self-service configuration capabilities that allow downstream users to directly modify and customize device behavior without requiring external specialized software. Configuration changes can be made and implemented within the same environment, eliminating the iterative process of developing, testing, and deploying configurations across multiple tools. This reduces reconfiguration time while maintaining the ability to achieve application-specific functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is provided for configuring an interface device. The interface device includes a plurality of device elements, such as objects configured in accordance with object-oriented programming concepts. A query from a general purpose viewer is received by the interface device, such as originating from a configuration station where the general purpose viewer is operative. The query is interpreted by server-side scripting executed in the interface device to identify the device elements and to display visual representations of the device elements in a design-time environment. The design-time environment and the visual representations are then transmitted to a configuration station. The device elements, their properties and functionalities may be altered by means of the design-time environment and the server-side scripting to create interface screens, alter device elements and their properties and functions, and so forth.