Web Server Access to Aspect Objects for Industrial Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for representing real-world objects in computerized systems, such as those described in WO00102953 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,400,997, require pre-installed software on client devices and do not effectively enable access to Aspect Objects via the Internet or intranet, particularly for functions like CAD drawings or maintenance records spread across unrelated applications.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows access to an Aspect of an Aspect Object through a web presentation means, such as a web browser, by sending a URL request to a web server, identifying the Aspect Object, querying for an interface to an Aspect System Object, and adapting the response message with contextual information to match the presentation means, enabling access without pre-installed software and across various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software modules are installed on client devices to access applications, then access to application functions is enabled, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between the client device and the application functions. The web server hosts the applications and provides them via web pages, eliminating the need for software installation on client devices. Users access application functions through standard web browsers, which act as universal intermediaries that can run on any device without additional software installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If applications are integrated in a computerized system with systematic representation, then functionality and information processing are improved, but access via Internet or intranet is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the application integration system universally accessible via web browsers by implementing a web server that exposes application functions through web pages. The Aspect Object model, which provides systematic representation of real-world objects, is maintained on the server side while the client side uses only standard web browsing capabilities. This universal interface enables remote access through Internet or intranet without requiring specialized client software.
3Ease of operation
If remote access technologies like RPC, DCOM, or CORBA are used, then access to objects across networks is enabled, but pre-installed software and complex interfaces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, pre-installed remote access technologies with lightweight, universally available web browsers. Instead of requiring heavy infrastructure like RPC, DCOM, or CORBA implementations on client devices, the system uses standard web pages that can be accessed by any modern browser. This approach uses simpler, more disposable access methods that don't require persistent software installations or complex runtime environments on client devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to provide access to Aspects of Aspect Objects from a standard web browser. A web browser sends a request of access to a certain Aspect of an Aspect Object. The request includes a URL address. The URL address specifies the Aspect, the Aspect Object. The method enables the use of thin clients to access Aspects of Aspect Objects representing functions of real world objects connected to a control system.