Web Client Access to Industrial Aspect Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for representing real-world objects in control systems, such as industrial plants, do not effectively enable access to aspects of these objects from web browsers, particularly when the functionality resides across multiple unrelated applications, and require pre-installed software on client devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows a web client application to access a real-world object's function by downloading representations of the Aspect Object, Aspect Category, and Aspect System Object to the client device, enabling access without pre-installed software, and performing a query for an interface reference locally on the client device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Aspect Objects and their functions are accessed through a control system using traditional methods, then the control system can manage real-world objects, but web clients cannot access these functions without pre-installed software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the Aspect Object and its interface representation that is downloaded to the web client. This copy includes the Aspect Object representation, Aspect Category, and Aspect Type information, allowing the web client to interact with the real-world object's functions without installing actual control system software. The virtual copy enables browser-based access while maintaining the original control system's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between the control system and web clients. The web server receives HTTP requests from browsers, translates them into control system calls, and returns appropriate responses. This intermediary layer enables access to Aspect Object functions through standard web protocols without requiring clients to understand or install the control system's native interface.
2Productivity
If the control system handles all Aspect Object queries centrally, then resource management is simplified, but network bandwidth and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by downloading and caching the Aspect Object representation, Aspect Category, and Aspect Type information to the web client before actual queries are needed. This preliminary data retrieval reduces the need for repeated network communications during operation, as the client can process queries locally using the cached information while only communicating necessary results back to the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the Aspect Object interface into distinct components: the Aspect Object representation, Aspect Category, and Aspect Type. This segmentation allows selective downloading and processing of only the necessary portions of the interface representation, reducing network bandwidth consumption compared to transferring complete object definitions. The segmented approach enables efficient query processing by the web client without overwhelming network resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A look-up function and query capability of aspects associated with aspect objects is enabled in a client device. A web client application, such as a web browser, executes in the client device. The aspects are associated with functions of real world objects such as pumps, motors, mixing units, compressors, conveyors, transformers or switchgears. The client device does not need to be pre-loaded with any specific software relating to a control system other than the web browser.