PLC Web Browser File System for Data Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) store data in raw binary format, requiring proprietary mechanisms for users to access and interpret process data, limiting accessibility without additional external applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a web browser-accessible file system on PLCs that converts binary data into standardized formats like CSV, allowing direct access and storage of data files, enabling users to view and utilize these files in standard applications via a web interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If PLC stores data in raw binary format, then data storage efficiency is improved, but data accessibility and interpretability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file system module as an intermediary between the binary data storage and user applications. This module converts raw binary data into standardized formats (CSV, XML, JSON) that can be directly accessed by web browsers and standard applications, eliminating the need for proprietary external applications while maintaining storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data format parameter from raw binary to standardized text-based formats. The file system module dynamically converts binary data representations into human-readable and machine-processable standardized formats, improving accessibility without compromising the underlying data integrity or storage efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If PLC uses proprietary external applications for data access, then data interpretation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PLC's data access mechanism universal by implementing a file system that supports multiple standardized formats (CSV, XML, JSON) accessible through web browsers. This eliminates the need for proprietary external applications, reducing device complexity while maintaining data interpretation accuracy through standardized parsing and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The file system module acts as an intermediary that preserves data interpretation accuracy by maintaining proper data typing, units, and relationships during conversion from binary to standardized formats. This allows standard web applications to access PLC data without requiring proprietary software, thereby reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If PLC requires additional external mechanisms for data retrieval, then data security is improved, but ease of operation and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The file system module serves as a secure intermediary that controls data access through standardized protocols. It maintains security by managing file permissions and access controls while enabling efficient data retrieval through web browser access, eliminating the need for additional external mechanisms and improving productivity.
4Ease of operation
If PLC converts binary data to standardized formats, then data accessibility and usability are improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-converting binary data to standardized formats during data acquisition and storage operations. The file system module performs conversions in the background as data is written to storage, so that when users request data through web browsers, the conversion work has already been done, minimizing additional processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by converting data in batches or at scheduled intervals rather than on-demand for each access request. The file system module processes binary data conversions periodically during low-utilization periods, reducing the time impact on user operations while maintaining data usability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for a web browser accessible data file system on a programmable logic controller (PLC). The invention includes a PLC which includes a controller module; a file system module coupled to the controller module and adapted to persistently store archive data files; a memory module that stores binary data coupled to the controller module; and a user program module that stores instructions adapted to be executed by the controller module. The instructions may include creating an archive file in a user application format in the file system module; storing binary data in the memory module; converting the binary data to the user application format of the archive file; and storing the converted binary data as an entry in the archive file in the file system module. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.