 Each I/O device may have over 100 attributes. For example, a motor starter may have current and voltage limit attributes. Prior approaches have used time-consuming ways to configures the networked devices, such as requiring the manual entry of the name, attributes and/or parameters for each I/O device.
A system for cloning input/output (I/O) devices that are connected to a network of an industrial control system includes a first network coupled to a second network. A first plurality of I/O devices are connected to the first network. A second plurality of I/O devices are connected to the second network. A master computer is coupled to one of the first and second networks. The master computer includes control software with an object oriented model for defining attributes or parameters of the I/O devices on the first network to allow cloning of the I/O devices on the second network.
In other features of the invention, the object oriented model includes a hierarchical class structure with inheritance. The hierarchical class structure includes a device class and a plurality of device types. The object oriented model includes at least one class level hierarchically below the device class.
In still other features of the invention, the I/O devices instantiated at a class level inherit the attributes or parameters of the class level. The control software includes a graphical user interface for interfacing the control software and cloning the I/O devices. The I/O devices include barcode readers, sensors, actuators, motor starters and other similar devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a network diagram depicting network A coupled to network B and a master computer;
FIG. 2 illustrates an object-oriented model and classes that are used to clone I/O devices;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating operational steps for cloning the I/O devices;
FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) for selecting a device object that will be cloned to create new device objects;
FIG. 5 illustrates a GUI for an exemplary device object that allows attributes or parameters to be set;
FIG. 6 illustrates a GUI for configuring parameters for a first device object;
FIG. 7 illustrates cloning of the first I/O device;
FIG. 8 illustrates a network neighborhood GUI of the master computer;
FIG. 9 illustrates a GUI showing target systems that are auto-discovered; and
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 10 illustrates a GUI that enables cloning of the I/O devices of the target systems and modification of the attributes or parameters of the I/O devices.
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The present invention uses an object oriented model for specifying and configuring industrial input/output (I/O) networks and devices. The unique object oriented model of the present invention allows greater ease and flexibility for specifying attributes or properties of different I/O devices that are connected to the networks. The object oriented model is used to automatically clone devices, their attributes or properties. The present invention provides a powerful mechanism—particularly in situations where the industrial I/O network and devices are configured off-line.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a network diagram depicts a local master control computer 10 or a remote master computer 10′ that is connected to an I/O device 12-1 and an 1/O device 12-2 via a network A 16. A network B 20 is connected to the network A 16 through a gate