Web-Based Automation Configuration via Java Applet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complexity in distributed automation systems increases the sophistication required for configuration, often beyond the capabilities of lesser skilled operators and necessitates expensive control software, making it difficult to adapt to changing manufacturing guidelines and maintain flexibility and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A configuration tool that provides a user interface for remotely configuring and monitoring automation devices through a self-contained software application within a web browser, utilizing open standards and capable of interacting with automation devices to obtain and send configuration commands, based on Java and IEC 61499, allowing for platform-independent configuration without additional software installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed automation systems are used to improve flexibility and productivity, then the system can adapt to changing manufacturing guidelines, but the complexity of configuration increases beyond the capabilities of lesser skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
A web-based configuration server acts as an intermediary between operators and the distributed automation system. The server provides a standardized web interface that simplifies configuration tasks, allowing operators with basic web browsing skills to configure complex distributed systems without needing specialized knowledge of the underlying automation protocols and devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributed automation systems are used to improve flexibility and productivity, then the system can adapt to changing manufacturing guidelines, but expensive control software is required
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration server implements universal web-based interfaces using standard protocols (HTTP, HTML, JavaScript) that can configure multiple types of automation devices from different manufacturers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple expensive vendor-specific configuration tools, allowing a single web browser to serve as the configuration interface for the entire distributed automation system.
3Productivity
If smart devices with processing capabilities are deployed to reduce real-time communications, then sensor data can be processed locally, but the level of sophistication required to configure the processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration server enables smart devices to be configured through self-descriptive web interfaces where devices automatically present their configuration options and requirements. Operators interact with standardized web forms that adapt to the specific device being configured, eliminating the need for operators to understand the complex processing capabilities and configuration requirements of each smart device type.
Data Source
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AI summary
A configuration tool provides a user interface that interacts with a gateway to remotely configure and/or monitor automation devices in an automation network. The configuration tool employs a self-contained software application (e.g., applet) that can be utilized for presentation and configuration interactions within a common web browser. The configuration tool can be based on open standards and implemented with small devices and/or with heterogeneous automation networks. The configuration tool can provide a list of automation devices to a system engineer via a workstation and standard software (e.g., a PC with a browser). The configuration tool interacts with automation devices to obtain their configurable parameters and/or send configuration commands. In one instance, the configuration tool and the automation network devices are based on Java and IEC 61499, respectively.