Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first and second programmable logic controller (PLC), each controller having an operating state. Each controller further including a network module board operably connected to a network; a control unit, a remote I/O head; and, a hot standby module, each hot standby module is operably connected together. Operably connecting each programmable logic controller to a network. Assigning a network address identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol or Media Access Control address, to each programmable logic controller and sensing the operating state of each programmable logic controller. The network address identifier of each programmable logic controller is determined by the operating state of each respective programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A control system allows a user to access an input/output device over a communication network using a web browser. The system includes an Internet web site between the network and the input/output module. The web site runs from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the input/output module back plane and includes a HTTP protocol interpreter, an input/output module, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The web site provides access to the input/output module by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The web site translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the input/output module. Using this interface, the user can input or retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the input/output device.

Abstract: A controller and a method for operating the controller is disclosed. The controller, in response to a detected Ethernet network error, performs the steps of determining whether a communication error has occurred, notifying the controller that an error has occurred, stopping normal controller operation, and executing fail safe routine.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a resource in a network is disclosed. The system is accessible by a web tool and includes a configuration database being capable of storing a plurality of parameters for configuring the resource. A configuration page also accessible via the web tool, includes a form to facilitate configuration of the resource. The form is capable of receiving a resource parameter entry and a configuration option selection. The configuration option selection and the resource parameter entry compose a magic-URL. A configuration agent is responsive to the magic-URL wherein the agent and the magic-URL cooperate to manage the configuration database.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of configuring an automation module (10) on a TCP/IP network (5) comprising an assignment step (A) to assign a application name (40) that is unique on the TCP/IP network, memorized in the storage means (15) of the automation module, an addressing step (B) in which the automation module sends a request address query (17) containing its application name and conform with the DHCP protocol to a DHCP server (23), a configuration step (C) in which the automation module sends a read configuration query (18) to an FTP/TFTP server (24, 34) conform with the FTP or TFTP protocol The DHCP server and the FTP/TFTP server are installed in one or several items of automation equipment (20, 30) connected to the TCP/IP network. The invention also relates to an automation assembly capable of using such a configuration method.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A control system allows a user to access a programmable logic controller (PLC). system over a communication network such as an Internet network using a web browser. The system includes an Internet web interface between the network and the programmable logic controller. The Web interface serves Web pages from an Ethernet interface on a PLC and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter and a TCP/IP stack. The Web interface provides access to the PLC by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A data error detection method for a bit, byte or word oriented network wherein a protected data unit 46 and an associated data check unit 50 are addressed to a particular field device located on the network, 10 or 26. The data check unit 50 is derived in a particular manner either solely from the protected data unit 46 or from the protected data unit 46 and particular binary codes representing attributes of the network 10 or 26 and the field device sending the protected data unit 46. The particular configuration of the checking data unit 50 is such that the receiving field device or the host 22 can perform a bit-by-bit comparison of either the received protected data unit 46 or data check unit 50 with a protected data unit 46 or data check unit 50 derived in the particular manner by the receiving host 22 or field device 14 or 18.