Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning a permanent identifier to a client node initially having a default identifier and being operably connected to a network. A server determines a location of the client node and assigns the permanent identifier to the client node in response to the location of the client node on the network.

Abstract: A system for providing technical support for remote automation or remote control devices, the system including: a device identifier (35), for determining components of pre-determined automation or control devices, such as for example programmable logic controllers, indicated in a device database (33), by periodically querying the devices for component hardware, software, and firmware, and for providing thereby the device database (33) with component identifications for the predetermined devices; and a device configuration manager (36), responsive to the component identifications and further responsive to available device components in a database (34) of available device components, for comparing the installed and available device components and for providing an offer to upgrade installed device components; and also typically including a system diagnostics manager (32), responsive to the component identifications, and further responsive to diagnostics information in a diagnostics database (31), for providing d

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for facilitating communication throughout a master/slave network. The network topology includes a transmission cable being operably connected between the network modules. A master module includes a master terminating resistor operably connected to the transmission cable. A slave module includes a slave terminating resistor and a slave switch. The slave terminating resistor is operably connected to the slave switch. A load resistor is operably connected to the transmission cable. The slave switch is operably responsive to the load resistor to generate a terminate enable. The slave switch inserts the slave terminating resistor onto the transmission cable in response to the terminate enable.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accessing, controlling and monitoring a programable logic controller with a network client having a conventional web browser. The apparatus includes an archive, an interface, and a library. The archive provides for compiling an application written in code supported by the web browser. The interface is responsive to the application for establishing a connection between the controller and the network client. Further, the library is responsive to the application for supporting communication between the controller and the network client upon establishing a connection therebetween.

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. Residing in the PLC is a programming package accessible to a user through this interface which will allow the user to edit programs controlling the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to facilitating communication within an automation system having a plurality of networks and network protocols. Specifically, a Modbus network is operably connected to a network. A fieldbus coupler operably connected to both networks having a program facilitates communication within the automation system wherein devices connected to the network can be accessed for monitoring and/or controlling via Modbus commands. The fieldbus coupler (FBC) program accepts a Modbus function code containing one or more embedded message of varying types. The FBC program using additional information contained in the Modbus function code and the message type reads or writes only the required information to and from the field devices. This specific read or write request of the information and the embedding of more than one message type reduces overhead and bandwidth usage, thus improving bus response time and efficiency.

Abstract: System and method for training a user how to use software for programming a programmable logic controller (PLC). When the user encounters difficulties with programming the PLC, a training hyperlink option is provided to the user. Then, if the user selects the training hyperlink option, information is communicated automatically over a communications network, including information pertaining to the difficulties encountered by the user. The user is then linked to customized training resources which address the difficulties based upon the information that was automatically communicated when the user selected the training hyperlink option.

Abstract: A control system for programming an application program controlling a factory automation device on a communication network having a programming device operably connected to the communication network. A program package is embedded in the programming device and is used for creating and editing the application program. At least one web page is resident on the programming device and operably connected to the program package. The web page is accessible to a user using a web browser to edit the application program controlling the factory automation device.

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 method and system for transferring a plurality of messages in an Ethernet industrial control environment. The messages are tagged with identifiers of varying levels of priority. The system has a serial network bus. Clock synchronization messages generated by a master device are tagged with a higher priority identifier, while other message types are tagged with a lesser priority identifier. Data having the highest priority identifier is placed onto the bus before placing data with a lesser priority identifier onto the bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first programmable logic controller and a second programmable logic controller, each controller having an operating state. A sub-network is formed by operably connecting the programmable logic controllers to an IO module with a fiber optic cable and a network connector. Data is transmitted over the sub-network at a rate of at least 100 Mb/s. A network identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol or Media Access Control address, is associated with each programmable logic controller. The network identifier of each controller is determined in response to the operating state of the respective programmable logic controller. The network connector can be a switch or a hub to assist in avoiding signal collisions and maintaining determinism on the sub-network.

Abstract: A mobile testing apparatus, method, and computer product that performs high speed testing of mobile pressure devices using high speed totalization, where testing of multiple devices may be done concurrently. Test results are communicated to a central console using a variety of communication methods, including wireless, and the testing apparatus and method is robust and reliable despite the occurrence of transient communication failures, because the test apparatus and method may operate independently of central control.

Abstract: High-speed programmable logic controller (PLC) signal processing is accomplished using a programmable signal processing arrangement that is capable of altering characteristics of signal processing in response to one or more signal processing coefficients. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a PLC-based arrangement includes a PLC controller and a signal processing arrangement that oversamples and processes a signal at a frequency that is greater than a maximum input-process-output scan rate of the PLC controller. In one implementation, the signal processing arrangement is programmable with complex high-speed signal processing parameters that can be downloaded, for example, via the Internet in response to an end-user request. With these approaches, signal sampling and processing is achieved with a PLC-based system at a rate that can be much higher than previously-available signal processing rates with PLC controllers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first and second controller, each controller having an operating state. Each controller is operably connected to a network. Assigning a network identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol, Media Access Control address, etc., to each controller and sensing the operating state of each controller. The network identifier of each controller is determined by the operating state of each respective controller.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a factory automation product via a communications network. The factory automation product is installed at an installation site having an installation site address and includes identifiable information such as a product number, a version number, a serial number and a MAC address. By obtaining the installation site address and the identifiable information, it is possible to associate the installation site address to the factory automation product based on the identifiable information. Based on the installation site address, it is possible to determine whether the factory automation product is used in violation of licenses.

Abstract: A method for adapting a computer-to-computer communication protocol, and especially TCP/IP, or any protocol implemented in a general purpose off-the-shelf network like Ethernet, for use in providing communication needed in an industrial control system, and especially an industrial control system using a programmable logic controller (PLC), where there is frequent communication between the PLC and control or monitoring elements, the method aimed at allowing the PLC to perform scanning of its ladder logic at a rate adequate for effective industrial control. The method includes making permanent-type TCP connections between the PLC and a control element or a monitoring element, use of a protocol for communication with a control or monitoring element in which both a read register and a write register instruction is included in a single communication transaction, such as a MODBUS command, and tuning communication between the PLC and a control element or a monitoring element.

Abstract: A CANOpen network including a bus master and an I/O module are disclosed. Each are communicatively coupled to a common bus. The I/O module is subject to a state change. The bus master collects state information from the I/O module by sending a state signal from the I/O module to the bus master in response to a state change of the I/O module, sending a trigger signal from the bus master to the I/O module, and sending a state signal from the I/O module to the bus master in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a factory process is disclosed. The factory process comprises a plurality of tasks. The method comprises displaying the factory process in real-time as a three-dimensional, free-camera, computer generated representation of the process as a whole, selectively displaying each of the tasks in real-time as a three-dimensional, free-camera, computer generated representation of the respective task.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accessing, controlling and monitoring a programable logic controller with a network client having a conventional web browser. The apparatus includes an archive, an interface, and a library. The archive provides for compiling an application written in code supported by the web browser. The interface is responsive to the application for establishing a connection between the controller and the network client. Further, the library is responsive to the application for supporting communication between the controller and the network client upon establishing a connection therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storage of applications symbols, graphics, web pages, and other data within a server coupled to a programable logic controller. The server is operably connected to a network and the programable logic controller and includes a memory, an FTP server, and a HTTP server. The FTP server is operably connected to the memory and the network for transferring files into the memory. The HTTP is operably connected to the memory and the network for transferring web pages onto the network. Also, the programable logic controller is provided access to the memory within the server for downloading files into the memory of the controller.