Abstract: Generating a next build version of a software application using information generated during a previous build version at the compiler and linker levels. The information describes the structure and build decisions applied during creation of the previous build version. Generation of the current build version is modified based on the information to minimize the binary differences between the builds. In some embodiments, a linker arranges the contents during the previous build in anticipation of the current build. Further, the linker pads the previous build with unused address space to minimize relocation of the contents of the build.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods that employ scalable vector graphics (SVG) to view and effectuate an industrial device from a remote Web interface. The systems and methods can be utilized to retrieve an SVG XML markup language-based file associated with the device and execute the SVG file via basic ASCII drawing commands. Thus, a faceplate of an industrial device and/or other device-related information can be represented via SVG syntax and stored with the device. A user can employ a Web browser from a remote location (e.g., via a Web client) to retrieve the SVG file, wherein the file can be loaded within the Web browser and/or an open source software package. The SVG file can be executed to render an interactive graphical faceplate that can depict LEDs, alphanumeric displays, inputs/output, etc., trending mechanisms (e.g., graphs, charts, etc.), and capabilities to load parameters.

Abstract: An industrial automation device comprises a reception component that receives a request for data resident within the industrial automation device. An encoding component communicatively coupled to the reception component that receives a binary bit stream associated with the request and encodes a payload of the bit stream as XML data, the encoding component further communicates the encoded payload by way of an industrial automation protocol. Furthermore, the industrial automation device can include a compression component that compresses the XML data.

Abstract: Embodiments are configured to provide browsing and other functionality that can be used to provide viewable data based in part on a current viewable space of a browser interface, but the embodiments are not so limited. In an embodiment, components of a system can operate to communicate viewable data to a browser engine based in part on a configuration of the browser engine and/or a display architecture. In one embodiment, a computing device includes a browser application that can be used to provide data associated with viewable portions of a browser display, wherein the provided data can be used to monetize advertising revenue according to monetization and/or advertising requirements.

Abstract: An industrial automation device comprises a reception component that receives a request for data resident within the industrial automation device. An encoding component communicatively coupled to the reception component that receives a binary bit stream associated with the request and encodes a payload of the bit stream as XML data, the encoding component further communicates the encoded payload by way of an industrial automation protocol. Furthermore, the industrial automation device can include a compression component that compresses the XML data.

Abstract: Embodiments are configured to provide browsing and other functionality that can be used to provide viewable data based in part on a current viewable space of a browser interface, but the embodiments are not so limited. In an embodiment, components of a system can operate to communicate viewable data to a browser engine based in part on a configuration of the browser engine and/or a display architecture. In one embodiment, a computing device includes a browser application that can be used to provide data associated with viewable portions of a browser display, wherein the provided data can be used to monetize advertising revenue according to monetization and/or advertising requirements.

Abstract: Selectively caching content related to routing data in a computing device. Prior to traversing a route, one or more access points to a network are identified. An expected level of access to a network (e.g., signal strength) along the route is determined. Portions of the route are selected based on the expected level of access. Content corresponding to at least one of the selected portions is received and stored for access during traversal of the route. For example, map images for areas expected to have poor network connectivity are cached prior to traversing the route to ensure that routing data is displayed to a user when in those areas. During transversal of the route, content is obtained and cached if a current level of access is less than a defined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring and monitoring devices utilizing a power line network is provided herein. Each network device (e.g., programmable logic controller, machine, or sensor) contains a power line interface to facilitate communication over a power line network. The power line interfaces contain at least one unique identifier to distinguish the interface and its associated network device from other devices on the same network and thereby enable device message exchange. The ubiquity of power lines in an industrial environment or any environment for that matter provides an accommodating medium of communication, which the subject invention exploits to set-up, configure, and program industrial control devices connected thereto. Furthermore, the subject invention can utilizes power lines after configuration, during system operation, or upon device failure to monitor, diagnose, and/or predict the health of a system device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to transparent communications in an industrial automation environment amongst automation system components. PLC modules can be provided with unique network addresses such as IP addresses and accessed over a network using those addresses. The actual protocol and route employed to communicate with the PLC modules need not be known to a client system in order to access the PLC modules. Industrial control system configurations can be modified and expanded without affecting the client system ability to function in the environment.

Abstract: The embodiments contemplate a negotiation and reconnection method between two devices for use when an original call connection is dropped. In order to allow a reconnected call to be easily made without multiple calls from each user, a negotiation between the two devices is made during the original call, assigning reconnection authority to one of the devices. If the original call is inadvertently dropped, due to for example environmental conditions, the assigned device initiates reconnection by bypassing voicemail options that are typically encountered in a reconnection situation. The reconnection may be used when each of the two devices is attempting to reconnect. Alternatively, if the device that lost coverage is without coverage for an extended period of time, a message may be sent to the other device to inform the user of that device of the situation.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to the communications configuration of programmable logic controller modules in an industrial automation environment. Systems and methods are provided that automatically enables a programmable logic controller module to operate on a communications network once communicatively coupled thereto. Other control modules, a personal computer, or the like can access and/or otherwise interact with a module as soon as it coupled to a network. Accordingly, manual module configuration it is not required prior to access and interaction in an industrial control system.

Abstract: The subject invention provides reliable messaging with and within a control environment. The systems and methods utilize a message broker that facilitates message exchange. The message broker can be located within an industrial controller, as a dedicated entity within a control environment and/or an entity external to the control environment. Messages transmitted from an industrial controller and/or the external entity can be routed through the message broker prior to reaching a destination, wherein the message can be stored in the message broker and subsequently obtained by a recipient. The message broker decouples the message sender (e.g., an industrial controller, an external entity . . . ) from the message recipient (e.g., an industrial controller, an external entity . . . ) such that messages can be successfully transmitted (to the message broker) regardless of a state of the recipient, and messages can be retrieved (from the message broker) regardless of a state of the sender.

Abstract: An automation device interactive user interface and method of using the interface is provided herein. The interface is network based in that it employs a browser enhanced by an interactive program embedded therein and an execution engine to execute the program. The interface can be proximate to an associated automated device(s) or remotely connected thereto using a local area network (LAN) and/or a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. To facilitate ease of use, the embedded interactive program presents information in an appealing multimedia fashion such that interface appears live and changing. Furthermore, data associated with automation devices can be monitored, extracted, transmitted or otherwise manipulated in real time.

Abstract: Authenticating a backup image stored on a storage device prior to restoring the backup image. A value such as a hash value is generated based on the image to be preserved. The value is stored on the storage device in a first area accessible for writing only when the computing device is in an update mode. The first area becomes read-only when the computing device is in an operating system mode. The image is stored on the storage device in a second area accessible for writing when the computing device is in the update mode or the operating system mode. When attempting to restore the image from the second area, the value from the first area is compared to another value generated at the time of the restoration for validation.

Abstract: The subject invention provides reliable messaging with and within a control environment. The systems and methods utilize a message broker that facilitates message exchange. The message broker can be located within an industrial controller, as a dedicated entity within a control environment and/or an entity external to the control environment. Messages transmitted from an industrial controller and/or the external entity can be routed through the message broker prior to reaching a destination, wherein the message can be stored in the message broker and subsequently obtained by a recipient. The message broker decouples the message sender (e.g., an industrial controller, an external entity . . . ) from the message recipient (e.g., an industrial controller, an external entity . . . ) such that messages can be successfully transmitted (to the message broker) regardless of a state of the recipient, and messages can be retrieved (from the message broker) regardless of a state of the sender.

Abstract: The subject invention provides systems and methods that facilitate accessing and management of information (e.g., instructions, executables, classes, objects . . . ) associated with a control system. The systems and methods enable a control system entity the ability to leverage functionality of another control system entity, for example, to employ a service and/or execute an application within an execution environment of the other control system entity. Other capabilities include, but are not limited to, installing and uninstalling, registering and deregistering, loading and/or unloading instructions, commencing, pausing and terminating instruction execution, passing parameters and variables to instructions, modifying, overriding instructions and removing instructions, reliable messages, files, executables, classes, data structures, schema, objects, services, notifications, behaviors, alerts, etc.

Abstract: Generating a next build version of a software application using information generated during a previous build version at the compiler and linker levels. The information describes the structure and build decisions applied during creation of the previous build version. Generation of the current build version is modified based on the information to minimize the binary differences between the builds. In some embodiments, a linker arranges the contents during the previous build in anticipation of the current build. Further, the linker pads the previous build with unused address space to minimize relocation of the contents of the build.

Abstract: The present invention concerns application of digital rights management to industrial automation devices including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), I/O devices, and communication adapters. Digital rights management involves a set of technologies for controlling and managing access to device objects and/or programs such as ladder logic programs. Access to automation device objects and/or programs can be managed by downloading rules of use that define user privileges with respect to automation devices and utilizing digital certificates, among other things, to verify the identity of a user desiring to interact with device programs, for example. Furthermore, the present invention provides for secure transmission of messages to and amongst automation devices utilizing public key cryptography associated with digital certificates.

Abstract: Selectively caching content related to routing data in a computing device. Prior to traversing a route, one or more access points to a network are identified. An expected level of access to a network (e.g., signal strength) along the route is determined. Portions of the route are selected based on the expected level of access. Content corresponding to at least one of the selected portions is received and stored for access during traversal of the route. For example, map images for areas expected to have poor network connectivity are cached prior to traversing the route to ensure that routing data is displayed to a user when in those areas. During transversal of the route, content is obtained and cached if a current level of access is less than a defined threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments are configured to provide browsing and other functionality that can be used to provide viewable data based in part on a current viewable space of a browser interface, but the embodiments are not so limited. In an embodiment, components of a system can operate to communicate viewable data to a browser engine based in part on a configuration of the browser engine and/or a display architecture. In one embodiment, a computing device includes a browser application that can be used to provide data associated with viewable portions of a browser display, wherein the provided data can be used to monetize advertising revenue according to monetization and/or advertising requirements.