WO2002017027A2 - Methods and systems for remotely maintaining regulated processes - Google Patents
Methods and systems for remotely maintaining regulated processes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002017027A2 WO2002017027A2 PCT/US2001/025041 US0125041W WO0217027A2 WO 2002017027 A2 WO2002017027 A2 WO 2002017027A2 US 0125041 W US0125041 W US 0125041W WO 0217027 A2 WO0217027 A2 WO 0217027A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- server
- user
- regulated
- microprocessor
- network
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
- G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/24—Pc safety
- G05B2219/24048—Remote test, monitoring, diagnostic
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/25—Pc structure of the system
- G05B2219/25201—Program commmunication between remote I-O and controller via remote connection program object
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/31—From computer integrated manufacturing till monitoring
- G05B2219/31457—Factory remote control, monitoring through internet
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostics and process regulation. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems for remotely maintaining regulating processes through the use of regulated devices.
- the action of the microprocessor has been primarily limited to the control of the process itself, using the power of the microprocessor to calculate input signal values, internal algorithms and output calculations related to the automatic control algorithm.
- Vital information about a process and/or regulating device(s) in control of an aspect of a regulated process are not generally known to be accessible by a user.
- Vital process information related to a regulated process includes useful data regarding the condition or state of a controlled process.
- the operating status would generally include the condition or state of the direct and indirect variables used in the control process, such as the condition of the input signals or the number of relay actuations in a process.
- the status might also include the state of internally derived process-
- a user therefore, needs to be able to monitor the direct signals, internal calculations, control states and other useful user-configurable data pertaining to the process being controlled. While certain diagnostics systems are currently in commercial use, they are generally limited to locally (e.g., via apparatus/hardware directly connected to a regulating device) monitoring a particular aspect of a regulated process. They are also generally unknown to provide both real-time and stored data from regulating devices. These systems, therefore, tend to provide a user with limited information about a process and the regulated devices in control of a process.
- dedicated controllers e.g., microprocessors directly coupled to transducers of regulating devices
- a programmable system for maintenance of at least one regulating device via a network by a user can include a server that is linked to a network and is programmed to monitor operations of regulated devices and, ultimately, regulated processes.
- the server can be programmable to selectively alter parameters of regulating devices.
- a microprocessor also connectable to a server, can function as an interface between a server and a regulating device.
- the system can include a transducer that is operatively coupled to a microprocessor and integrated to a regulating device.
- the transducer can convert data from a regulating device to a microprocessor, which the microprocessor, in turn, can send to a server.
- the system can include a remote user-controlled device that is linked to a network.
- a user can monitor the operation of a regulating device and can program a server to alter parameters of a regulating device via a network.
- a server can be connected to a database to permit storage of data from a regulating device. In addition to accessing stored data, a user can monitor real-time data from a regulating device transmitted from a networked server.
- a user can begin by logging on to a network with a remote user-controlled device and gaining access to a server via a network.
- a user can then review data transmitted to a server from a regulating device and can send instruction to a server via a network.
- a server can subsequently follow the transmitted instruction to selectively alter parameters of at least one regulating device via a microprocessor.
- a server can be connected to a local user- controlled device, permitting a user to maintain a regulating device from an on- site location.
- a server can also be programmed to follow protocols to notify a user if parameters of a regulating device have been or should be altered, or preventative maintenance is required.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a maintenance system for a regulating device
- FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram relating to an example of general steps taken by a server and a user in maintaining a regulating device
- FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram relating to example steps taken by a maintenance system in managing a regulating device
- FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram relating to example steps taken by a user in maintaining a regulating device.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a maintenance system 100 for managing the operation of a regulated process device 2.
- a transducer 4 is integrated to regulated process 2 at a transducer junction 6.
- Transducer 4 can be designed to measure various types of data, such as heat, light, chemicals, motion, sound, vibration, various electrical signals, etc.
- a microprocessor 8 is operatively coupled to transducer 4 over a raw data line 10 and in turn is connected to a server 12 over a processed data line 14, which does not have to be a physical connection.
- a transducer 7 is also integrated with regulated process 2 and is operatively coupled to a microprocessor 11. Microprocessor 11 is shown in close proximity to transducer 7 and is also connected to server 12.
- An additional transducer 9 is integrated with regulated process 2 and is operatively coupled to a microprocessor 13.
- Microprocessor 13 is also connected to server 12 and is shown in close proximity to server 12.
- a database link 18 connects server 12 to a database 16.
- a network operating system link 30 connects server 12 to a network operating system 28, while a network communications link 26 connects server 12 to a network 24.
- Network 24 can be public (e.g., Internet, PSTN, etc.) or private (e.g., local area network), as well as wired or wireless (e.g., infrared [IR] or radio frequency [RF] based).
- Network communications link 26 can comprise an Internet link, an RS 485 communications link using ASCII or MODBUS communications protocols, or any other type of link.
- a remote communications link 22 can connect a remote user-controlled device 20 with network 24.
- Remote communications link 22 can be wired or wireless.
- Remote user-controlled device 20 can be any of various devices, such as a computer terminal, personal digital assistant, or mobile phone.
- Server 12 is also connectable to a local user-controlled device 32 over a local communications link 34, thereby providing for remote control within a local facility.
- Local user-controlled device 32 can be any one of various devices, such as a computer terminal, mobile telephone, Internet- enabled telephone (e.g., WAP telephones, web-phone), automobile terminal, or
- Regulated devices generally are comprised of the combination of microprocessors and transducers as described in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 2 a more detailed illustration of an environment for modules that can comprise a
- a microprocessor 8 is shown connected to at least one transducer 4. The figure also illustrates that numerous transducers can report into a single microprocessor. The transducers can be connected in common as shown, or can have separate connections to the microprocessor in order to provide separate and/or distinct data to the microprocessor.
- Microprocessor 8 illustrates the type of data it can control (e.g., transducer regulation, algorithm calculations, process control, alarms, timing, and trending).
- the microprocessor 8 is connected to a server 12, wherein data received from the microprocessor is analyzed and utilized for further use by the overall process control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 to control and manage the microprocessor(s).
- the microprocessor can receive input from more than one regulating device (microprocessors and/or transducers) at the plural inputs depicted by numeral 3.
- a flow diagram 300 illustrates general steps that can be taken by server 12 and a user to manage regulated process 2 in maintenance system 100.
- server 12 monitors regulated process 2 by waiting for data from microprocessor 8.
- Server 12 receives data from microprocessor 8 in step 38 and processes the data in step 40.
- step 42 server 12 diagnoses the operating status of regulated process 2 based on information known about regulated process 2 and parameters preset by a user.
- Server 12 subsequently determines if the diagnosis requires that action be taken to maintain the preset parameters. If server 12 determines that the operating status of regulated process 2 falls within the preset parameters, server 12 records the decision in database 16, as shown in step 44, and resumes monitoring as in step 36.
- server 12 determines that the operating status of regulated process 2 falls outside of the parameters preset by a user
- server 12 signals the problem in step 46 and records the signal transmission as in step 44.
- a user decides in step 48 if the problem requires action. If a user determines that the problem signaled in step 46 requires no action, then server 12 records the decision as in step 44 and resumes monitoring as in step 36. If a user determines that the problem signaled in step 46 does require action, then a user signals the necessary action to server 12 in step 50. In turn, server 12 records the decision as in step 44, executes the decision, and resumes monitoring as in step 36.
- a flow diagram 400 illustrates an example of more specific steps taken by maintenance system 100 in managing regulated process 2.
- transducer 4 collects data from regulated process 2.
- Transducer 4 then sends the data to microprocessor 8 in step 54.
- microprocessor 8 receives data sent from transducer 4 and processes the data by following a user- defined protocol.
- Microprocessor 8 sends the data to server 12 in step 58.
- server 12 then diagnoses the operating status of regulated process 2 by following a protocol preset by a user. The protocol might include comparing the data received from microprocessor 8 with information known about regulated process 2 or with data stored in database 16.
- Information about regulated process 2 might include device specifications, process tolerances, life expectancies of particular components, warranty information, etc. Comparing such 'internal' data about regulated process 2 and/or components with operating data from processes can be used to inform a user, or recorded, of the operating status of the process or its associated components. Access to stored data would also permit a user to analyze trends in operating performance over time.
- server 12 determines if the operating status falls within a user-defined range. For example, a user might define a safe operating range for the temperature of a particular zone in regulated process 2.
- server 12 determines which specific action to take. Server 12 can decide to notify a user of the problem in step 70, possibly by sending an email or an electronic page, making a phone call, or displaying or sounding an alarm.
- server 12 might follow a protocol to activate, deactivate, or alter a process as shown in step 72, such as increasing the rotating speed of a motor or turning it off all together.
- Another option that server 12 could take might be to schedule maintenance, as shown in step 74, in order to maintain optimum performance of regulated process 2 or to prevent damage.
- server 12 can record the decision in database 16 as in step 64, can follow the appropriate protocol(s) to execute the decision, and can resume monitoring as in step 66.
- a protocol that microprocessor 8 can follow using data received from transducer 4 is timing the duration of a user-designated event.
- a timer relay provides the means to time the duration of the event, which a user can select from a list of menu items. Time could be displayed as hours and minutes, days and hours, etc.
- the list of configurable menu items might include: operating a process for a user-specified time interval, timing the duration of a process in manual control, timing the duration of a calculated guaranteed soak band (a set point programming feature), timing the duration for which a calculated limit is exceeded (such as a sooting limit for combustion control), or timing the duration that user-specified digital inputs are active.
- timer relays relate to the ability to set an alarm, or other digital output, on a time-related condition. This feature might involve a set point value and would provide physical relay outputs so that the time of the ON/OFF states can control an automatic process-related function, such as the burn-off of probe contaminants every 30 days for a specified time duration.
- a protocol that microprocessor 8 can follow is counting the number of occurrences of a user-designated event.
- a counter relay provides the means to count the occurrences of the event, which a user similarly selects from a list of menu options.
- the list of configurable menu items might include: counting the number of transitions to manual control, counting the transitions for multiple set point- related alarm events, counting the transitions associated with certain digital inputs for life expectancy data, counting the transitions out of the guaranteed soak band, counting the number of power cycles, counting the number of times that a specified range was exceeded (such as a PV range), counting the number of times regulated process 2 transitioned into failsafe control, or counting the number of times that any control tuning parameters were altered.
- microprocessor 8 can not only monitor the operating status of regulated process 2, but the status of itself.
- a flow diagram 500 illustrates an example of more specific steps that might be taken by a user in managing regulated process 2 with maintenance system 100.
- a user receives notification of a problem in the operating status of regulated process 2.
- the notification could be any number of alerts, such as a phone call, an email, or a visual or audible alarm.
- a user logs on to server 12 via network 24 in step 74 and gains access to server 12 in step 76 by providing proper user identification and a password.
- a user then monitors in step 78 either real-time data from regulated process 2 or data stored in database 16. Alternatively, a user can access server 12 locally using local user-controlled device 32, bypassing network 24, and monitor data as in step 78.
- step 80 a user determines whether or not the situation requires subsequent action. If not, a user instructs server 12 to resume monitoring, shown in step 82, and then logs out, if necessary, in step 84. If a user determines that the situation does require special action in step 80, a user then decides in step 81 which specific action to take. A user can decide to program the server in step 86 or to activate, deactivate, or alter a process in step 88. Alternatively, a user can decide to schedule maintenance in step 90, to reset timer or counter relays in step 92, or to lock out unauthorized reconfiguration or resetting in step 94. A user can then resume monitoring data in step 82 and logs out, if necessary, in step 84 when finished.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Debugging And Monitoring (AREA)
- Testing And Monitoring For Control Systems (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01959692A EP1309900A2 (en) | 2000-08-18 | 2001-08-09 | Methods and systems for remotely maintaining regulated processes |
CA002419959A CA2419959A1 (en) | 2000-08-18 | 2001-08-09 | Methods and systems for remotely maintaining regulated processes |
JP2002521655A JP2004507810A (en) | 2000-08-18 | 2001-08-09 | Method and system for remotely maintaining a regulated processing unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US64166400A | 2000-08-18 | 2000-08-18 | |
US09/641,664 | 2000-08-18 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2002017027A2 true WO2002017027A2 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
WO2002017027A3 WO2002017027A3 (en) | 2003-01-09 |
Family
ID=24573350
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/025041 WO2002017027A2 (en) | 2000-08-18 | 2001-08-09 | Methods and systems for remotely maintaining regulated processes |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1309900A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2004507810A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1505775A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2419959A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002017027A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN100440230C (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2008-12-03 | 商之器科技股份有限公司 | Method of remote control therapeutic instrument and its device |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4421307A1 (en) * | 1994-06-17 | 1995-12-21 | Siemens Ag | Remote control arrangement for electrical devices |
WO1998053581A1 (en) * | 1997-05-19 | 1998-11-26 | Coactive Networks, Inc. | Server system and method for networking control networks and direct input/output devices with the world wide web |
WO1999019782A1 (en) * | 1997-10-13 | 1999-04-22 | Rosemount Inc. | Communication technique for field devices in industrial processes |
DE29908481U1 (en) * | 1999-05-12 | 1999-07-29 | Honeywell Ag | Device for monitoring and / or controlling components arranged in one or more rooms of a building |
WO1999049680A1 (en) * | 1998-03-24 | 1999-09-30 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Wireless telemetry methods and systems for communicating with or controlling intelligent devices |
WO2000004427A1 (en) * | 1998-07-16 | 2000-01-27 | Ehome Corporation Pty Limited | Internet utility interconnect method and means |
-
2001
- 2001-08-09 WO PCT/US2001/025041 patent/WO2002017027A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-08-09 CA CA002419959A patent/CA2419959A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-08-09 EP EP01959692A patent/EP1309900A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-08-09 CN CNA018176046A patent/CN1505775A/en active Pending
- 2001-08-09 JP JP2002521655A patent/JP2004507810A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4421307A1 (en) * | 1994-06-17 | 1995-12-21 | Siemens Ag | Remote control arrangement for electrical devices |
WO1998053581A1 (en) * | 1997-05-19 | 1998-11-26 | Coactive Networks, Inc. | Server system and method for networking control networks and direct input/output devices with the world wide web |
WO1999019782A1 (en) * | 1997-10-13 | 1999-04-22 | Rosemount Inc. | Communication technique for field devices in industrial processes |
WO1999049680A1 (en) * | 1998-03-24 | 1999-09-30 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Wireless telemetry methods and systems for communicating with or controlling intelligent devices |
WO2000004427A1 (en) * | 1998-07-16 | 2000-01-27 | Ehome Corporation Pty Limited | Internet utility interconnect method and means |
DE29908481U1 (en) * | 1999-05-12 | 1999-07-29 | Honeywell Ag | Device for monitoring and / or controlling components arranged in one or more rooms of a building |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN100440230C (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2008-12-03 | 商之器科技股份有限公司 | Method of remote control therapeutic instrument and its device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1505775A (en) | 2004-06-16 |
CA2419959A1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
EP1309900A2 (en) | 2003-05-14 |
JP2004507810A (en) | 2004-03-11 |
WO2002017027A3 (en) | 2003-01-09 |
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