Web-Based PLC Programming With Centralized Version Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial automation control systems require a dedicated computer with a development environment for programming, leading to inconsistencies in version history when multiple developers access the system from different PCs.
Innovation Solution
A web-based development environment is transmitted to a connected computer via a built-in web server, allowing programming using any device with a web browser, and storing high-level language programs that are converted into binary code for implementation, ensuring version control and consistency across all access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated computer with development environment is used for programming, then programming capability is provided, but version history consistency deteriorates when multiple developers access from different PCs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a web-based development environment that can be accessed from any computer with a web browser, eliminating the need for dedicated programming computers. The control system itself provides the development environment through its web server, allowing multiple developers to access and program the control system from their respective PCs while maintaining centralized version control and consistent version history.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between developers and the control system. This web server hosts the development environment and manages program versions centrally, allowing multiple developers to access the system through their browsers without directly accessing the control system's internal memory, thereby ensuring version history consistency through centralized management.
2Ease of operation
If external computers with development environment are required, then programming is enabled, but system complexity and dependency on external devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides its own development environment through an integrated web server, eliminating the need for external dedicated programming computers. Any computer with a web browser can access the development environment hosted by the control system itself, reducing external dependencies while maintaining programming accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the controlled device and the programming interface host. By integrating the web server and development environment into the control system, it can be programmed from any standard computer without requiring specialized external programming hardware or software installations.
3Productivity
If high-level language programs are converted to binary code, then implementation on control system is enabled, but hardware-specific elements must be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the conversion from high-level language to binary code in advance, during the programming phase. The web-based development environment includes conversion functionality that compiles the program before it is transferred to the control system's memory, ensuring the program is ready for immediate execution without requiring complex runtime conversion processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an industrial automation facility and a method for programming and operating the control system use a program for the control system which is developed with a development tool. Data from a web server built into the control system is transmitted to a computer which is connected to the control system via a network. The data includes a web-based development environment. A representation of the development environment in a web browser is embodied on the computer. A program for the control system is developed or processed by a user. The program developed and/or processed by the user is converted into a high-level language program by a conversion module embodied in the web browser. The high-level language program is transmitted to the control system and converted into a binary program inside the control system. The binary program is implemented by the control system.