Patents by Inventor Claus Vetter

Claus Vetter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8532944
    Abstract: An exemplary Substation Automation testing tool for IEC 61850 compliant substations is disclosed. The testing tool verifies the configuration of a first Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) that is part of a Substation Automation (SA) system and initially configured to perform measurement, protection and/or control functions in accordance with a substation configuration specification. Configuration information is first read from an internal server of the first IED and transformed according to a dedicated data model. Related information is then read from a second IED that has initially been configured to perform the same functions as the first IED, or from a Substation Configuration Description (SCD) file, and likewise transformed. The transformed data is then compared in order to identify discrepancies or inconsistencies and to resolve errors introduced by the IED configuration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Claus Vetter, Aleksandra Kuc-Dzierzawska, Jakub Sipowicz, Christian Frei, Michael Obrist
  • Publication number: 20120116542
    Abstract: A method for enabling supervision of a technical system and a supervisory control system for supervising a technical system are provided. An overview picture of the technical system is shown on a display unit and the overview system receives input signals indicating a selection of at least one object of interest shown in the overview picture. In response to these input signals, a detailed information view is displayed at least partly overlapping the overview picture, where the detailed information view is associated with the object and includes detailed information of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Claus VETTER, Dilip Kota, Christine Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 8165841
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with a Substation Automation testing tool which combines the information found in the SCL (Substation Configuration Language) File of a substation (Substation Configuration Description) or an IED (IED Capability description) with substation-relevant data extracted from the Substation Communication network traffic. Using a message interceptor, e.g., a laptop computer, connected to a substation communication network, IEC 61850 relevant data is retrieved and analyzed. Hence, consistency verification without revision handling and a reduction of the time and efforts for commissioning or testing a substation installation are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Claus Vetter, Stephan Gerspach, Tetsuji Maeda
  • Patent number: 8156061
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with a validation of a configuration description of automated devices in a power network such as a Substation Automation (SA) system, or of a part or component thereof such as an individual Intelligent Electronic Device (IED), that is extended beyond the mere XML schema validation as provided by the known SCL-validation tools. In particular, the disclosure introduces machine-based validation of notations, requirements and/or conventions to be respected by the configuration description and/or the SA system, but not incorporated in or represented by the standardized syntax of the XML schema as defined in part 6 of the IEC 61850 standard. To this end, notations, requirements and/or conventions are initially converted into, or defined as, extended or augmented rules encoded in computer readable format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Claus Vetter, Christian Frei, Michael Obrist
  • Patent number: 8032563
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with generating a unique representation of a physical asset from a plurality of datasets representing information relating to the physical asset. Each dataset is generated by a system that acquires the dataset in a system-specific format. Each dataset that includes information about the attributes of a physical asset is mapped to a corresponding system-specific global dataset, based on a global data model. The global system-specific datasets generated are merged together to generate a global dataset, based on the global data model. The global dataset therefore uniquely represents the physical asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Thomas Werner, Claus Vetter, Lorenzo Gulli, Erik Svensson, Tatjana Kostic
  • Publication number: 20110160923
    Abstract: A power delivery control system and a method of monitoring the same are provided. The control system includes a plurality of computers. Initial data is collected based on the processes running on each computer. If the initial data meets threshold criteria, more detailed data is collected to facilitate root cause analysis. All data is collected using operating system kernel interfaces and is time stamped. On each computer, correlated collected data may be displayed in a GUI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Claus Vetter, Chris Sincerbox, David McDaniel, Karlene Sharer
  • Publication number: 20110137878
    Abstract: An entity to be validated for consistency is loaded into the buffer of the consistency service, a signal to verify the existence of a specific data set of an IT system is then sent by the consistency service to the IT system holding the entity to be validated for consistency, and the consistency validating information is stored in the output means, said consistency validating information depending on the signal being sent back to the consistency service. The consistency of data stored in various IT systems is checked prior to attempting to access it. Errors by calling a service or functionality that would require access to data that is not available or that is inconsistent can therefore be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Werner, Philip Meier, Claus Vetter, Martin Naedele
  • Patent number: 7958092
    Abstract: The present disclosure facilitates the interoperability between different local applications. Related local data objects are referenced via global objects or reference containers within a global data model or a global address space of an integration solution. The present disclosure assumes that the integration solution is per default in a consistent state, e.g., an engineered or initially configured global address space is regarded as consistent, and all software components that operate within this space assume that the information they access is valid and likewise consistent. The local applications are the only components that can interact with the global address space and introduce invalidations, they are continuously monitored for changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Thomas Werner, Claus Vetter, Lorenzo Gulli, Erik Svensson, Tatjana Kostic
  • Publication number: 20090210453
    Abstract: Any external application using data access functionality can use the attribute consistency service to update and synchronize attribute value for an entity. The application can access the relations of an entity, which are stored in an entity reference database. In case of inconsistent attribute values, a master attribute value is determined which is then written to the defined attributes of the applications. The consistency of data stored in various IT systems can be ensured prior to attempting to access it. Errors by calling a service or functionality that would require access to data that is not available or that is inconsistent are therefore avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Claus Vetter, Thomas Werner, Jan Bugge, Gorm Sande
  • Publication number: 20090076762
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with a Substation Automation testing tool which combines the information found in the SCL (Substation Configuration Language) File of a substation (Substation Configuration Description) or an IED (IED Capability description) with substation-relevant data extracted from the Substation Communication network traffic. By means of a standard laptop computer as a message interceptor connected to a substation communication network, IEC 61850 relevant data is retrieved and analysed. Hence, the disclosure allows for consistency verification without revision handling and achieves a reduction of the time and efforts for commissioning or testing a substation installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Claus VETTER, Stephan Gerspach, Tetsuji Maeda
  • Publication number: 20090070062
    Abstract: The disclosure is concerned with the testing of system level functionality involving several Protection, Control and Measurement (PCM) Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) of a Substation Automation (SA) system for IEC 61850 compliant substations. An extensive testing of all conceivable control or protection functions/applications of an extended SA system comprising a large number of IEDs with a multitude of configurations is facilitated by simulating at least one of the IEDs in a testing device. Hence, only a limited number of IEDs are physically present as individual devices in a test environment, the behaviour of at least one further IED being simulated by a dedicated testing device with appropriate data processing means. The testing device sends network messages indicative of the behaviour of the simulated IED according to its communication and device configuration over a substation communication network to the physically present IED to be tested. The proper working of the configured IED functions, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Hubert Kirrmann, Claus Vetter, Michael Obrist, Tetsuji Maeda
  • Publication number: 20090070051
    Abstract: A Substation Automation testing tool for IEC 61850 compliant substations is disclosed. It is concerned with the verification of the configuration of a first Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) that is part of a Substation Automation (SA) system and that has initially been configured to perform measurement, protection and/or control functions in accordance with a substation configuration specification. Configuration information is first read from an internal server of the first IED and transformed according to a dedicated data model. Related information is then read from e.g. a second IED that has initially been configured to perform the same functions as the first IED, or from a Substation Configuration Description (SCD) file, and likewise transformed. The transformed data is then compared in order to identify discrepancies or inconsistencies and to resolve errors introduced by the IED configuration process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Claus VETTER, Aleksandra Kuc-Dzierzawska, Jakub Sipowicz, Christian Frei, Michael Obrist
  • Publication number: 20080234872
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with a validation of a configuration description of automated devices in a power network such as a Substation Automation (SA) system, or of a part or component thereof such as an individual Intelligent Electronic Device (IED), that is extended beyond the mere XML schema validation as provided by the known SCL-validation tools. In particular, the disclosure introduces machine-based validation of notations, requirements and/or conventions to be respected by the configuration description and/or the SA system, but not incorporated in or represented by the standardized syntax of the XML schema as defined in part 6 of the IEC 61850 standard. To this end, notations, requirements and/or conventions are initially converted into, or defined as, extended or augmented rules encoded in computer readable format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Claus Vetter, Christian Frei, Obrist Michael
  • Publication number: 20080195576
    Abstract: A method and computer-based system for retrieving, accessing and storing data otherwise stored in a plurality of IT systems arranged for operating a part of one or more electrical power networks. The method and computer-based system provide integration of otherwise separate systems such as GIS, SCADA, ERP and/or CMMS. The integration includes an XML/CIM layer for data exchange and a virtual asset register containing references to objects representing assets in the power networks. A human-machine interface and a computer program for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Gorm Sande, Jan Bugge, Lars Gundersen, Svein Vatland, Tormod Lund, Erik Svensson, Danny Julian, Claus Vetter, Thomas Werner
  • Publication number: 20080140609
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with generating a unique representation of a physical asset from a plurality of datasets representing information relating to the physical asset. Each dataset is generated by a system that acquires the dataset in a system-specific format. Each dataset that includes information about the attributes of a physical asset is mapped to a corresponding system-specific global dataset, based on a global data model. The global system-specific datasets generated are merged together to generate a global dataset, based on the global data model. The global dataset therefore uniquely represents the physical asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Thomas Werner, Claus Vetter, Lorenzo Gulli, Erik Svensson, Tatjana Kostic
  • Publication number: 20080133613
    Abstract: The present disclosure facilitates the interoperability between different local applications. Related local data objects are referenced via global objects or reference containers within a global data model or a global address space of an integration solution. The present disclosure assumes that the integration solution is per default in a consistent state, e.g., an engineered or initially configured global address space is regarded as consistent, and all software components that operate within this space assume that the information they access is valid and likewise consistent. The local applications are the only components that can interact with the global address space and introduce invalidations, they are continuously monitored for changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Werner, Claus Vetter, Lorenzo Gulli, Erik Svensson, Tatjana Kostic
  • Publication number: 20070276970
    Abstract: Attribute consistency works on the comparison of a reference value against the online value of the attributes, which are retrieved from the corresponding system. In order to know which attributes need to be considered for consistency, a list of relevant attributes of each entity type in each application is stored together with the reference value of the entity. This attribute list is used by the consistency service. Therefore several attribute values of one entity in one system can be included in a combined “hash” value. At start-up or in the engineering phase, this reference value is computed out of the defined attribute list. At the time of a consistency check, the values of the attributes are read and a “hash” value is calculated with the same algorithm as the reference value. If those two values differ, an inconsistency occurred. The inventive method allows validating consistency of attributes of an entity in one of the participating applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Werner, Claus Vetter, Erik Svensson, Thomas Koch
  • Publication number: 20020083102
    Abstract: A computer system and method for exchanging asset information, wherein a common, centralized asset information document (4) containing information associated with assets (2) of a technical facility or plant (1) is maintained. The information is represented by plain text, structured as a plurality of sections, each containing a plurality of subsections, where each section corresponds to one of the assets (2) and each subsection corresponds to one of a plurality of application programs (3). Each application program (3) may write information to and read information from the document (4). The asset information document (4) thus provides a unified access to relevant asset information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Claus Vetter, Tatjana Kostic, Thomas Werner
  • Publication number: 20020049563
    Abstract: In a method and system for maintenance planning for a technical system, where the technical system (10) comprises a plurality of substations (1), each of which comprises a plurality of devices (2,3,4,5,6) and the method determines a maintenance schedule that specifies when each of the plurality of substations (1) and devices (2,3,4,5,6) should be involved in a maintenance task, the method comprises the steps of
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Claus Vetter, Tatjana Kostic, Thomas Werner