OPC Server Wrapper for Web-Based Process Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process control systems require clients to create multiple applications specific to each OPC server, which are static and cannot adapt to changes in interface requirements or data migrations, leading to broken links and access issues.
Innovation Solution
A wrapper system that acts as an interface between clients and OPC servers, converting process data from OPC formats to web browsing formats and dynamically formatting data fields, allowing access via web browsers without needing specific applications for each server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple specific applications are created for each OPC server, then data access functionality is provided, but system complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal web-based client interface that can access multiple OPC servers through a single application. The system uses a wrapper library that handles OPC protocol variations, allowing one web application to serve multiple servers that would otherwise require separate dedicated applications. This eliminates the need for creating and maintaining multiple specific applications while preserving data access functionality across different servers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wrapper library as an intermediary layer between the web-based client and OPC servers. This wrapper handles the complexity of OPC protocol variations and server-specific requirements, translating them into a unified interface that the web application can use. By placing this intermediary layer, the system reduces the number of applications needed while maintaining compatibility with multiple servers.
2Reliability
If applications are created specifically for each OPC server, then server-specific interface requirements are met, but adaptability to server changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the web-based client can automatically adapt to changes in OPC servers. The wrapper library dynamically loads and executes appropriate code modules based on the target server's interface requirements. When server protocols or interface requirements change, the system can update the corresponding wrapper modules without requiring changes to the main web application, thus maintaining reliability while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interface adaptation logic into separate, modular wrapper components that can be independently updated. Each OPC server's specific requirements are handled by dedicated wrapper modules that can be modified or replaced without affecting the core web application. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable server-specific compatibility while easily adapting to server changes through independent module updates.
3Ease of operation
If data is stored on OPC servers with specific protocols, then data accessibility is provided, but ease of access from web browsers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of dedicated client applications with a web-based access system. Instead of requiring users to install and run specific applications for each OPC server, the system uses web browsers with embedded scripts that can access OPC data through the wrapper library. This substitution simplifies the access interface while maintaining data accessibility from OPC servers with specific protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal web-based access interface that can connect to multiple OPC servers with different protocols through a single system. The wrapper library provides multi-functional capabilities to handle various OPC protocols, allowing users to access data from any supported OPC server using the same web browser interface, thereby improving ease of operation without increasing perceived complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to access process data stored on a server are described herein. An example method includes receiving a request to access process data via a web browser, identifying a server that stores at least a portion of the process data, wherein the server is associated with an interoperability data packing format, accessing the server to receive the process data, converting the process data from a format associated with the interoperability data packing format to a web browsing format, and embedding at least a first portion of the converted process data into at least one data field for display via the web browser.