DE19818041B4 - Method for generating a surface for operating and monitoring control systems - Google Patents

Abstract

method to create a surface for operating and monitoring control systems (2), in particular for process control and production plants, whereby in the field of control systems (2) arising Information from an adaptable to at least one control system (2) Server computer (4) via a client-server-computer network on a client computer (5) be viusalisiert in input and display elements (19), thereby characterized in that for the generation and visualization of input and display elements components (6, 7, 8) are provided which in the client computer (5) call a method (9), the client computer (5) after calling a method (9) an associated telegram (10) assembles and a client ID extended, this to the server computer (4) sent, the server computer (4) replace the client ID with a broker ID and form the resulting one Order (14) to an adaptation module (3) forwards, the adaptation module (3) the order (14) processed and an acknowledgment telegram (13) with the broker ID sent back to the server machine (4) containing the broker ID replaced by the client ID and the resulting response telegram ...

Description

The The present invention relates to a method for producing a surface for operating and monitoring control systems, in particular for process and production systems.

in the The area of control system technology becomes surfaces for monitoring and / or control needed by industrial facilities. They serve the visual representation of process operations, measurement and control variables and / or Operating units.

So are different platform-specific visualization and Operating concepts known due to the different hardware and software platforms have no room for a cross-system exchange of information allow. Furthermore, those arising in the field of control system technology Information, for example, process flows describing input, State and output variables as well their relationships with each other, setpoints, setpoints and the like, as they occur in various process and production plants, For example, in power plants, refineries, cargo systems and the like, only available locally, this means in the broadest sense directly on site.

It there is a need for uniform visualization and operating concepts, on the one hand, the operating personnel an easy handling of these to enable so that, for example a quick training period in different systems due a uniform, familiar to the user basic structure given is, and on the other hand in as possible many levels of the control system to a modular structure to him possible for example, with standardized components. To be as possible comprehensive application possibilities to be able to use it is required detached of given hardware and software environments can, So platform independent To provide systems that are simultaneously a cross-system Enable information exchange. Further, with control systems, there is a need for high availability given.

The DE 42 35 186 A1 deals with a method for connecting non-network capable technical machines to a complex network. Accordingly, machines are in communication via a simple network. This network communicates with a high-performance network via a PC so that information can be exchanged between the networks.

The DE 196 24 929 A1 deals with process automation systems, wherein by means of a computer, a remote bus is coupled with a data bus communication technology. An operating and monitoring device is connected to the remote bus. Process-related technology modules are connected to the data bus.

The EP 0 413 044 A1 deals with a flexible automation system for variable industrial processes. Automation devices are connected to a main BUS via serial interfaces. The automation devices themselves may be in communication with a slave bus. A control room is connected to the main BUS.

The US 5,598,521 discloses an indicator for a process control system wherein the display is generated by one of two different sources, but controlled only by one of them. For this purpose, the use of a co-processor in a computer is proposed, which controls a display control.

The EP 0 810 524 A1 describes a method for processing servlets wherein a local computer of a client-server network has a technique such that it can receive a request from a client computer via the client-server network. The servlet serves to relocate arithmetic operations from the server computer to the client computer.

Of the The present invention is based on the object, a method for generating a surface for Operator control and monitoring of control systems, in particular for process and production equipment, which is a very simple, user-friendly and cost-effective Handling of control systems, in particular for process and production plants, allows where a communication channel of unnecessary computing power so far possible should be freed.

For technical solution, a method for generating a surface for operating and monitoring of control systems, in particular for process and production equipment is proposed, wherein Be information rich in control systems from a server computer adaptable to at least one control system via a client-server computer network on a client computer ( 5 ) in input and display elements ( 19 ) are visualized, are provided for the generation and visualization of input and display elements components that call a method in the client computer, the client computer after calling a method assembles an associated message and extended by a client ID, this to the Server computer sends, the server computer replaces the client ID with a broker ID and forwards the resulting order to an adaptation module, the adaptation module processes the job and returns an acknowledgment telegram with the broker ID to the server computer Replaces the broker ID with the client ID and forwards the resulting response telegram to the client computer, which calls the corresponding method in the block.

According to the method are the in the area of control systems, information about a to the respective control system adaptable server computer for a in the client-server-computer network accessible to existing client computers, the information from the server machine on the client machine be visualized in input and display elements. It will be the information first processed by the client computer and evaluated and in the appropriate input and display elements visualized. The information can be obtained from the server computer for example, as pure ASCII data in the client-server-computer network and given by the client computer be interpreted accordingly.

Thereby, that the Information according to the client-side viusalized in input and display elements is a very simple, user friendly and cost effective Handling of control systems given.

advantageously, the input and display elements are freely parameterizable and configurable. This makes the range of applications in the field of different control systems considerably enlarged, with for the user at the same time a high degree of individualization in terms of design its surface given is.

According to one Another particularly advantageous proposal of the invention is that Client-server computer network an intranet and / or Internet. This becomes the a high availability achieves the rapid advancing networking of the office world so-called intranets as well as the worldwide networking in so-called Internet is justified and use of the networks to operate and Monitoring of control systems, especially for process and production facilities allows. So is a global operation and observation of process and production equipment, for example, to display process control information such as logs, messages, databanks from databases, and the like given.

According to one Another advantageous proposal of the invention is the visualization using a web browser. This becomes a serving and observing of control systems in the simplest way with current web browsers, which almost for all hardware and software platforms are available. The handling of the control system is thus further simplified for the user and more user-friendly.

By The use of Internet technologies will be the operating and observing of control systems extremely cost-effective, since simple computers or terminals can be used and not only special and expensive hardware must be used. The im Area of information systems resulting information can thereby also on many different hardware and software platforms even at the same time, advantageously according to access rights staggered. Due to an associated lower administration and maintenance costs can save further costs. Furthermore, the Users in their usual environment, so for example from too Operate and monitor the home from control systems. Through a modular Software construction can be about it In addition, already existing control systems will be gradually converted equip.

According to a further particularly advantageous proposal of the invention, the input and display elements are generated by the client computer. As a result, the client-server computer network is largely relieved and the processing time for generating the input and display elements is essentially only dependent on the performance of the client computer. For this purpose, for example, a data record is transmitted from the server to the client, interpreted there and executed and sent back to the server for processing by the user, for example by an input. The actual program runs on the client computer. According to a further advantageous proposal of the invention, the input and display elements are generated by means of Java applets and / or Java beans. Java is an interpreter language developed by Sun Microsystems that is structured similar to the object oriented programming language C ++. Java applets are Java-created small programs that can be built into HTML pages for use in interactive applications. HTML (HyperTextMarkupLanguages) was developed specifically for the Internet technology and is the basis of the World Wide Web (WWW). The HTML format describes the graphic formatting of texts and the integration of pictures and events. With HyperText the possibility is understood to jump over cross-references contained in a text to another place in a text, concretely in the World Wide Web to load another web page in the Internet. Java beans are Java components that are even more powerful than Java applets, that is, offer other or more options.

Java even opened extensive benefits. For example, Java is platform-neutral, simple, safe, fast and dynamic. The speed of Java based on the fact that in a Java-developed applet combines two technologies. On the one hand, the source code of a program is first translated into the so-called Java byte code. Subsequently The resulting applet is executed by an existing interpreter in common web browsers. The in the applet used libraries for the production of text, graphic and graphic components are only at execution of the program, ie executed at runtime, ie on the respective Client machine.

The With Java and on the Internet given features can be so easy and inexpensive Using a method for operating and monitoring control systems.

advantageously, include the input and display elements with another proposal Messages, Curves and / or System Graphics such as plant pictures and the like.

Further Advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following Description based on examples. Showing:

1 a schematic representation of a communication structure between individual system parts;

2 a schematic representation for the structure of an applet, here for visualization of a system graphic;

3 a representation of an embodiment of messages;

4 a representation of an embodiment of waveforms and

5 a representation of an embodiment of a system graphics.

1 shows a schematic representation of the communication structure between the individual parts of the system, which is carried out over TCP / IP connections (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). The telegrams used contain pure ASCII data, which are interpreted accordingly in the individual subsystems.

The communication architecture 1 includes three separate layers, a server 4 for connection to a control system 2 , here for example to SICALIS PMC WinCC or SiiX from Siemens, and others, by means of corresponding adaptation modules 3 , an intermediary (broker) 4 by the server 4 provided and also called server, and a client 5 for generating and visualizing input and display elements by calling so-called methods, here in the form of curve blocks 6 , Message blocks 7 and system graphics modules 8th , which are present here specifically in the form of beans, so that the client 5 serves for applet connection.

The communication flow between the individual layers is carried out as follows:
From a component for Viusalisieren of input and display elements is a so-called method 9 in the client 5 called, via which a corresponding telegram 10 is generated and sent. For this task, the client presents 5 various methods for issuing and receiving telegrams ready, for example, the registration and deregistration of various modules for generating input and display elements include.

These Interfaces are described in more detail below:

Send telegram

The Method sendTelegram sends a telegram from a data source was generated. Telegrams over When these interfaces are sent, they always expect an answer (refuse or accept).

Send telegram without reply

The Method sendLastTelegram sends a telegram to the no response is expected from the data source, e.g. the telegram to Log out of variables.

Generate client id

The Method makeUniqueID is used to get a new client ID then the individual orders with pass can be. The method is needed no input parameters. As a return parameter a client ID is returned as a string.

To illustrate the communication flow, the variable declaration for visualizing a system graphic, that is, for example, a process picture, is explained below by way of example:
The client 5 and the system graphics module 8th run in a Java applet. As a result, no TCP / IP connection is required here. The client 5 builds after calling the appropriate method 9 the associated telegram 10 together. The telegram 10 is from the client 5 automatically extended by a so-called client ID, which represents a string. This provides a clear identification of the logon order via this TCP / IP connection. The client ID will be used for later actions related to this login job.

The telegram generated this way 10 is from the client 5 to the server 4 , sent over a TCP / IP connection. The server 4 Checked on arrival of the telegram 10 , whether already an application for this block 8th is present. If this is not the case, a new ID number will be added to the server for this order 4 awarded, the so-called broker ID, then the registration of this block 8th is managed. In the incoming telegram 10 Now the client ID is replaced by the broker ID and the order 14 to the corresponding adaptation module 3 forwarded. If there is already a login from another client for this block, no message is sent to the adaptation module 3 forwarded, but it is directly a telegram 12 , a so-called positive receipt to the client 5 returned with the client ID.

The adaptation module 3 Edits the application 14 for the building block 8th and sends a positive or negative acknowledgment telegram 13 to the server 4 back. In this telegram 13 is again the broker ID contained in the received telegram 14 was included.

This server can be used by this broker ID 4 Assign the job to a specific client or client ID. In the received response telegram 13 Now the broker ID is replaced by the client ID and the response telegram 12 to the client 5 forwarded. Depending on the positive or negative acknowledgment is from the client 5 the corresponding method in the respective block 8th called, represented here by the with 15 marked arrow, where then the actual processing takes place. These methods have already been done above.

Further, within the client 5 handled error handling via different methods. This includes, on the one hand, that the TCP / IP connection to the server 4 Orndungsgemäß was closed, on the other errors that occur when using the TCP / IP connection.

This is done using the following two methods, which are automatically used by the client 5 be called:

TCP / IP connection closed (TCP_closed)

The TCP_closed method is called when the client closes the TCP / IP connection properly. The method requires the following parameters: ITCPConnection The TCP / IP connection that was closed.

TCP / IP connection failed (TCP_error)

The method TCP_error is called in case of a TCP / IP connection error in the client. The method closes the bad TCP / IP connection. The method requires the following parameters: TCPConnection the TCP / IP connection that caused an error TCPException the generated exception containing an indication of the error

Furthermore, the client can 5 be adapted to specific requirements via various parameters, the specific characteristics of the client 5 consider.

The following parameters can be used: debug mode Used to control the debug mode in the client. If the debug mode is switched on, messages are output to the console in the web browser. TCPBuffer The size of the TCP / IP buffer that the client uses. The size is for example between 4 Kbyte and 64 Kbyte.

While the client 5 an access to different methods by the building blocks 6 . 7 and 8th allows the server offers 4 no public methods to access, since access only through the client 5 and the adaptation module 3 to be held. The curve module 6 , the message block 7 and the system graphics module 8th thus can not directly on the methods of the server 4 access.

As well as the client 5 can the server 4 be adapted over different parameters and special requirements. The parameters are at startup of the server 4 for example, entered via the command line.

The following parameters can be used: port is used to select the server socket

An error handling is done by the server 4 independently. In this case, different error cases, in particular with respect to the compounds can be intercepted.

The following Errors can be used:

• Connection breakdown to a client

in the Case of the collapse of the TCP / IP connection to a client from the server the variables registered by this client at the associated Adaption module logged off.

• Connection breakdown to an adaptation module

breaks The TCP / IP connection to an adaptation module will all be Clients that obtain variables from this Adapt use the Breakdown of the connection informed. For this the server sends to these clients a shutdown telegram. The client is then for the further processing of this error message is responsible.

• Erroneous Connection to an adaptation module

kick an error when establishing a connection to an adaptation module, so will be first sent to the requesting client from the server a refuse telegram. The client can take appropriate measures upon receipt of the refuse telegram initiate.

The adaptation modules 3 are for the connection to a special control system 2 responsible. For this purpose, the adaptation module 3 the incoming telegrams via a TCP / IP connection 14 from the server 4 in appropriate commands to the control system 2 implement. The telegrams 14 that of the adaptation module 3 To process include, for example, a fault treatment with regard to the connection to the server 4 or to the control system 2 ,

The adaptation module has this 3 For example, consider the following cases:

• Proper shutdown of the adaptation module

Becomes shutting down the adaptation module, then becomes a shutdown telegram sent to all connected servers. The servers can do this Forward telegram to the respective clients.

• TCP / IP connection abort to a server

The Adaptation modules are for it responsible, all logins that have been carried out by the troubled server are about Terminate unsubscriptions to the control system. Telegrams from the control system at the disturbed Server can be sent be discarded by the adaptation modules.

• Error during the order execution at the control system

The Adaptation modules can Telegrams arriving from a server with a negative Send back the acknowledgment (refuse telegram).

• Proper shutdown of the control system

Becomes the control system is shut down, a shutdown telegram is sent to all connected server. The servers can send this telegram to the Forward corresponding clients.

The adaptation module 3 itself does not provide public access methods, since access is only through the server 4 takes place. The components or modules 6 . 7 and 8th to visualize input and display elements thus do not directly access the methods of the server 4 to.

The adaptation module 3 can be set via various parameters, for example, as command line parameters when starting the adaptation module 3 be entered. The parameters are specific to the control system.

Via an acknowledgment telegram 13 confirms the adaptation module 3 the server 4 the method call and returns corresponding data.

The telegrams used by the system are composed of individual parameters, for example, all separated by separators. The parameters are always transmitted as ASCII strings. The telegram must end with an end character, for example with a "\ n". The telegrams are between a client 5 , a server 4 and an adaptation module 3 replaced.

A telegram can be structured as follows: Version / RQID / IID / data version Telegram version "V1.0" RQID Request identifier IID The job identifier specifies the job that the receiver of the telegram has to execute. startVarUpdate Start variable update stopVarUpdate Stop variable update startMsgUpdate Start message update stopMsgUpdate Stop message update getVarArchiv Reading a tag archive getMsgArchiv Reading a message archive setVar Writing a variable getVar One-time reading of a variable setMsg message operation accept Positive receipt refuse Negative receipt shut down The system has ended newVar new variable value newmsg new message set Stop End of a telegram sequence Login Login of a client to the server acceptlogin Registration refused refuselogin Rejection of a registration data The structure of the data depends on the job identifier. The exact structure can be found in the respective order description.

The date or time is displayed in the telegrams as a character string. The date and time represent the so-called GMT time. The representation takes place for example with the following format:
Day. Month. Year-hours: minutes: seconds: milliseconds

The individual orders or job telegrams can build up as follows.

Start variable update "startVarUpdate"

description

Of the Job serves to register a variable for updating. The registered variable is taken from the current process image read the addressed control system.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / host / variable / cycleTime parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = startVarUpdate host Name of the computer on which the addressed control system is located. The name must be known on the computer of the server variable Name of the variable to be updated. The syntax of the variable name is system-dependent. cycleTime 0 spontaneous update > 0 cycle time in ms

Exit variable update "stopVarUpdate"

description

Of the Order serves to get a registered variable back from updating log off.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = stopVarUpdate

Start message update "startMsgUpdate"

description

Of the Order serves to stand up for to announce the receipt of current messages.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / host / info / cycleTime parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = startMsgUpd host Name of the computer on which the addressed control system is located. The name must be known on the computer of the server. info The character string contains system-specific additional information, which is evaluated by the addressed control system. For the control system, this parameter consists of the format name with which the message text is to be processed. cycleTime This parameter should normally be set to 0 (spontaneous update). Only with message systems based on a database, it may be necessary to poll the data cyclically. 0 spontaneous update > 0 cycle time in ms

Stop message update "stopMsgUpdate"

description

Of the Order is used to terminate the registration system logon.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = stopMsgUpdate

Read variable from archive "getVarArchiv"

description

Of the Job is used to read variables from the archive.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / host / variable / archive / filter parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = getVarArchiv host Name of the computer on which the addressed control system is located. The name must be known on the computer of the server. variable Name of the variable to be read. The syntax of the variable name is system-dependent. archive The archive name is only relevant for database-oriented control systems. The syntax of the archive name is system-dependent. If the parameter is not used, then "unused" must be entered there filter SQL statement for filtering records from the archive. If no filter is used, enter "unused". Syntax: where DATE {<, =,>,> =, <=} 'day.month.year-hour: minute: second-millisecond' [AND DATE ...]

Read messages from the archive "getMsgArchiv"

description

Of the Job is used to read messages from the archive.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / host / variable / archive / filier parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = getMsgArchive host Name of the computer on which the addressed control system is located. The name must be known on the computer of the server. info The character string contains system-specific additional information, which is evaluated by the addressed control system. For the control system, this parameter consists of the format name with which the message text is to be processed. archive The archive name is only relevant for database-oriented control systems. The syntax of the archive name is system-dependent. If the parameter is not used, then "unused" must be entered there filter SQL statement for filtering records from the archive

Write variable value "setVar"

description

This Order changed a tag value in the process image.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / host / variable / value / user parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = setVar host Name of the computer on which the addressed control system is located. The name must be known on the computer of the server. variable Name of the variable to be changed. The syntax of the variable name is system-dependent. value The archive name is only relevant for database-oriented control systems. The syntax of the archive name is system-dependent. If the parameter is not used, then "unused" must be entered there. user The name of the user who performed the operation.

Read variable value "getVar"

description

This Job is used to read the value of a variable once.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / host / variable parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = getVar host Name of the computer on which the addressed control system is located. The name must be known on the computer of the server. variable Name of the variable to be read. The syntax of the variable name is system-dependent.

Operate message "setMsg"

description

Of the Job is used to operate a message, which means messages can be acknowledged, deleted, and be commented.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / host / message / function / value / user parameter version Telegram version RQID Request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = setMsg host Name of the computer on which the addressed control system is located. The name must be known on the computer of the server. message Unique number of the message. Is treated differently by the control systems. time Date / time of message generation class message class state message status function Function of operation: acknowledge - acknowledge message delete - delete message comment - comment on the message value Additional parameters for the function. The parameter is currently only relevant for the function "Comment message". Here the comment is transmitted. user The name of the user who performed the operation.

When Acknowledgment telegrams can used positive, negative as well as error messages and the like become.

The following Acknowledgment telegrams can be structured as follows:

Positive receipt "accept"

description

Of the Order serves to positively acknowledge a request.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID parameter version Telegram version RQID Mirror the request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = accept

Negative receipt "refuse"

description

Of the Order is used to acknowledge a request negatively.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / refuseID / description parameter version Telegram version RQID Mirror the request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = refuse refuseID Number that describes the reason for the refusal description Additional text describing the reason for the refusal

New variable value "newVar"

description

The Telegram is used for transmission of variable records.

ever after registration, these are current values from the process image or archive values.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / value / time / state parameter version Telegram version RQID Mirror the request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = refuse value New value of the variable. Numerical values are always transmitted as a converted double value. time Timestamp of the associated Y value. The time value is shown in the illustration. day.month.year-hour: minute: sekunde.millisekunde state Status of the variables

New message "newMsg"

description

The Telegram is used for transmission of message records.

ever after registration, this is current news or to archive messages.

Telegram structure

version / RQID / IID / message / time / class / state / string / comment / bgco lor / fgcolor / bold / italic / underline parameter version Telegram version RQID Mirror the request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = newMsg message Unique number of the message. Is treated differently by the control systems. time Date / time of message generation class message class state message status string Plain text of the message comment message comment bgcolor Background color of the message as an RGB value (for example 255.255.255) fgcolor Foreground color of the message as RGB value (eg 0.0.0) bold Show text in bold. 0 = no; 1 = yes. italic Display text at an angle. 0 = no; 1 = yes. underline Show text underlined. 0 = no; 1 = yes.

Shutdown "shutdown"

description

Of the Order serves to inform the client that a Component has finished.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / shutdownID / description parameter version Telegram version RQID Mirror the request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = shutdown shutdownID Number that describes the reason for the shutdown description Additional text that describes the reason for the shutdown

Stop "stop"

description

The "stop" telegram identifies the end of a telegram sequence.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID parameter version Telegram version RQID Mirror the request ID of the triggering order IID Job ID = stop

Login "login"

description

Tried over the "login" telegram a client to log in to the server.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID parameter version Telegram version RQID Login ID = FFFFFFFF IID Job ID = login

Accept login "acceptlogin"

description

The "acceptlogin" telegram confirms this Server logs on a client and assigns an ID to it.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / clientid parameter version Telegram version RQID unused IID Job ID = acceptlogin clientid ID that the server assigns to its clients

Refuse login "refuselogin"

description

Report about the "refuselogin" telegram the server that one Registration was not accepted.

Telegram structure

Version / RQID / IID / description parameter version Telegram version RQID unused IID Job ID = acceptlogin clientid ID that the server assigns to its clients description Description of the refusal

• 1. Anmeldung für die Prozeßvariable über den Auftrag, beispielsweise startVarUpdate
• 2. Information des Clients über neue Werte des Bausteins, beispielsweise mit dem Auftrag newVar
• 3. Abmeldung für den Baustein, beispielsweise über den Auftrag stopVarUpdate

Access to individual blocks 6 . 7 and 8th to generate input and display elements consists of three separate phases:

• 1. Login for the process variable above the job, for example startVarUpdate
• 2. Information of the client about new values of the block, for example with the order newVar
• 3. Logoff for the block, for example via the order stopVarUpdate

The individual phases can be represented as follows:

• 1. Anmeldung für die Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise über den Auftrag startTagLog.
• 2. Informationen des Clients über neue Werte der Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise mit dem Auftrag newVar.
• 3. Abmeldung für die Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise über den Auftrag stopTagLog.

For visualizing curves with the curve block 6 receives this data via current or archived process data. Depending on the type of process data, ie current or archived, different orders are used. The orders for requesting current curve data consists of three individual phases:

• 1. Registration for the process variable, for example via the startTagLog request.
• 2. Information of the client about new values of the process variable, for example with the order newVar.
• 3. Logoff for the process variable, for example via the order stopTagLog.

The individual phases with the associated orders look like this:

• 1. Die Anmeldung für die Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise über den Auftrag getTagArch.
• 2. Informationen des Clients über neue Werte der Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise mit dem Auftrag newTag.
• 3. Automatische Abmeldung für die Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise nach stop.

The access to process variables for the visualization of curves with archived data also consists of three phases:

• 1. The registration for the process variable, for example via the getTagArch request.
• 2. Information of the client about new values of the process variable, for example with the order newTag.
• 3. Automatic logout for the process variable, for example after stop.

The individual phases with the associated orders look like this:

to Visualization of current or archived messages different orders used.

• 1. Anmeldung für Meldungen der Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise über den Auftrag startMsgLog.
• 2. Information des Clients über neue Meldungen der Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise mit dem Auftrag newMsg.
• 3. Abmeldung für Meldungen der Prozeßvariablen, beispielsweise über den Auftrag stopMsgLog.

The access to current messages of a process variable consists of three separate phases:

• 1. Registration for messages of the process variable, for example via the order startMsgLog.
• 2. Information of the client about new messages of the process variable, for example with the order newMsg.
• 3. Logoff for messages of process variables, for example via the order stopMsgLog.

The individual phases with the associated orders look like this:

• 1. Anmeldung für die Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise über den Auftrag getMsgArch.
• 2. Information des Clients über die einzelnen archvierten Meldungen der Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise mit dem Auftrag newMsg.
• 3. Abmeldung für die Prozeßvariable, beispielsweise über den Auftrag stop.

The access to archived messages of a process variable consists of three separate phases:

• 1. Login for the process variable, for example via the order getMsgArch.
• 2. Information of the client about the individual archived messages of the process variable, for example with the order newMsg.
• 3. Logoff for the process variable, for example via the order stop.

The individual phases with the associated orders look like this:

The system offers two different forms of soge for the visualization of messages called message windows, a so-called current message window and a so-called selected message window.

The The current message window displays the currently incoming messages in chronological order. The current message window can be adapted to the respective application with configurable filters. reports who change their condition, are updated or deleted in the respective display element.

In the so-called selected message window, messages from a message archive are displayed in chronological order. Message operations can be carried out from the selected message window, for example, single and collective acknowledgment, commenting on messages, displaying and changing info texts, screen selection, deleting messages, setting selection. A message structure can look like this (see also the in 3 in the individual lines from left to right displayed message structure):
Date / time Start of message, mark systems, message class, message status, message text, message number, message duration and process value.

there can different message states and message classes are color coded.

• – Darstellung einer beliebigen Anzahl von Kurven
• – Kurvendarstellung mit unterschiedlichen Farben, Linienarten und Füllmustern
• – Darstellung der Kurven als Polygonzug, Treppenkurve und Einzelpunkte
• – Y-Achsen getrennt für jede Kurve oder für mehrere Kurven gleichzeitig mit automatischer oder manueller Skalierung und Beschriftung
• – Eine X-Achse mit Skalierung und Beschriftung, wahlweise als Zeit- oder Wertachse
• – Scrollen von statischen Kurven, falls deren Umfang den Darstellungsbereich überschreitet, getrennt für alle Achsen.
• – Dynamische Vergabe von Farbwerten für einzelne Kurven, z.B. um bei Grenzwertverletzungen die Kurvenfarbe wechseln zu können.
• – Anzeige der Kurvenwerte mittels Lineal.
• – Vergrößerung (Zoomen) von Ausschnitten
• – Überlagerung des Kurvenbereichs mit einem Raster
• – Einblenden einier Legende mit zusätzlicher Information
• – Bildung von Summenkurven
• – Online Ändern von Parameter.

The trend component graphically displays archived process values and process values from system graphics in a curve form. For this purpose, the curve module offers, for example, the following functionality:

• - Representation of any number of curves
• - Curve display with different colors, line types and fill patterns
• - Representation of the curves as a polygon, stair curve and individual points
• - Y-axes separated for each curve or for several curves simultaneously with automatic or manual scaling and labeling
• - An X-axis with scaling and labeling, optionally as a time or value axis
• - Scrolling of static curves, if their scope exceeds the display range, separated for all axes.
• - Dynamic assignment of color values for individual curves, eg to be able to change the curve color in case of limit violations.
• - Display of the curve values by means of a ruler.
• - Enlarging (zooming) of sections
• - Overlay of the curve area with a grid
• - Show a legend with additional information
• - formation of cumulative curves
• - Online change of parameters.

The system graphic block 8th serves on the one hand to display current control system data, for example process data from process images, and on the other hand to enter new control system values. For example, the visualization of a plant picture is performed via a single Java applet. The Java applet contains visual and non-visual Java components that are parameterized via specific properties. An additional parameterization of the Java applet is not necessary.

The viusellen components of the Java applet are used to represent graphical primitives such as lines, circles, rectangles, and the like, Graphics and controls such as buttons and the like used. The non-visual components are used to connect to specific given in the respective control system process variable.

The Communication between the individual components is via so-called Controlled Java events.

The network connection to the server 4 is about the client 5 realized. In this case, a corresponding client component is embedded in the respective applet.

2 is the architecture of a Java applet for visualizing a system graphics, such as a plant picture shown. An embodiment of such a system image shows 5 , The TCP / IP connection to the server 4 is in 2 through the with 11 marked arrow shown.

The nonvisual components are used to connect the plant picture to the process variable ei nes control system. It is important to distinguish between elements or components for outputting variable values from the control system and elements or components for entering variable values in the control system.

The individual elements or components have uniform interfaces that are designed for the linking of individual non-visual components. Thus, multiple non-viable output components can be merged into one processing chain. Each component has an internal state, which is managed as a double value, for example. The individual methods can be used to read and write to this internal state. For each non-visual component, the name of the respective process variable and the respective computer name on which the associated control system is located must be specified. The nonvisual components are used by the client when the applet starts 5 initialized. For this purpose, a so-called event is issued by the client, whereby the corresponding method is executed in the non-visual components. In this method, the registration of the element or the component for the registered process variable is performed.

The Output elements or components comprise components for Connection to a data source, converter, which is an implementation of the process value to another value, for example a numerical value convert to a string, and linkers that merge of several process values carry out.

there have to the following interface methods of the respective components to be implemented:

Input methods (newVar)

To set the internal state of the output component, several newVar methods are offered with different transfer parameters. The newVar method with the following parameters is called by the client component when a new process value is present: string The associated client ID that was returned when logging in for this process variable. string The new value of the process variable as a string.

Next these transfer parameters there is the method newVar with other types in the value transfer the process variable. The process value can also be passed as double, float, int or long.

Output methods (getXxxValue)

In order to read out the internal state of the output component, different get methods are available. The following methods can be used: getDoubleValue The method returns the internal state as double. getFloatValue The method returns the internal state as flying back. GetIntValue The method returns the internal state as int. getLongValue The method returns the internal state as long. getStringValue The method returns the internal state as a string.

Special output methods

For the converter and linking components Special methods exist to apply to the converted and linked values to be able to access. A detailed description of these methods is given in the corresponding Method Description.

To the user through the client 5 entered values to the control system 2 forward, an input element or an input component is required. The input element converts the entered value into a string and sends it with the required information to the client, who then sends a telegram 10 to the server 4 sent. The internal state of the input element or the input compo nents is influenced by various methods concerning transfer parameters. For example: SetDoubleValue The method receives a double value as the transfer parameter. setFloatValue The method receives a transfer value as a transfer parameter. setIntValue The method receives an int value as the transfer parameter. setLongValue The method receives a long value as the transfer parameter. setStringValue The method receives a string value as the transfer parameter.

Additionally, each method is accessed through the client 5 a corresponding telegram for setting variable values deducted.

About the visual components or elements, the connected process values become graphic shown. The presentation ranges from the pure textual up to a symbolic value representation. The individual elements include primitive, graphic components, for example for circles, Lines and the like, complex graphic components, for example for pictures and the like, as well as so-called GUI elements, such as checkboxes, Buttons and the like.

each visual component provides specific access methods over which the graphical appearance of the component can be influenced.

The Communication between visual and non-visual elements or components is, as already explained, controlled by so-called events. To do this, components log on to other components. The interconnection is purely graphical, for example, with the appropriate Editors performed.

Changes the value of a non-visual component will change after the value change generates an event. When triggered this event will then be checked which one Components are for have logged on this event of the generating component. The notified Components are over the triggering informed of the event and then appropriate methods in the respective target components activated. About this mechanism can be so extensive processing chains are realized.

Desweiten can be over Special functions, for example for simulation, data to the respective system graphics pretend to simulate and thus train users can serve.

In the 3 . 4 and 5 is in each case an embodiment for various input and display elements 17 shown by means of a web browser, its header here with 16 is characterized, operable and observable.

The Above embodiments shown serve for explanation and are not limiting.

Claims (7)

Method for generating a surface for operating and monitoring control systems ( 2 ), in particular for process and production plants, in the field of control systems ( 2 ) information from one to at least one control system ( 2 ) adaptable server computer ( 4 ) via a client-server-computer network on a client computer ( 5 ) in input and display elements ( 19 ), characterized in that for the generation and visualization of input and display elements, components ( 6 . 7 . 8th ) provided in the client computer ( 5 ) a method ( 9 ), the client machine ( 5 ) after calling a method ( 9 ) an associated telegram ( 10 ) and adds a client ID to the server computer ( 4 ), the server computer ( 4 ) the client ID is replaced by a broker ID and the order ( 14 ) to an adaptation module ( 3 ), the adaptation module ( 3 ) the order ( 14 ) and an acknowledgment telegram ( 13 ) with the broker ID to the server computer ( 4 ), which replaces the broker ID with the client ID and the resulting response telegram ( 12 ) to the client computer ( 5 ), which contains the corresponding method in the module ( 8th ). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the input and display elements ( 19 ) are freely parameterizable and configurable. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized characterized in that the client-server-computer network is an intra- and / or Internet is. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the visualization by means of a web browser ( 18 ) he follows. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the input and display elements ( 19 ) are generated by means of Java applets. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the input and display elements ( 19 ) are generated using Java beans. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the input and display elements ( 19 ) Messages, waveforms and / or system graphics include.