WO2016018209A1

WO2016018209A1 - File to web clinet migration apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2016018209A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/048394
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chandran Elumalai; Jonathan Fisher; John Carlton
Original assignee: Ge Intelligent Platforms, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-07-28
Filing date: 2014-07-28
Publication date: 2016-02-04

Abstract

An apparatus for monitoring a control system presenting control system information includes a client having a web-based browser and a server having a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) communicatively coupled to the client that monitors the control system. The server constructs a representation of a plurality of displays representing the operation of the control system. Upon detecting a change to the operation of the control system, the server sends a notification to the web-based browser describing the change and then accepts an input from the web-based browser to transmit the input to the server to prompt the SCADA module to perform a control action.

Description

FILE TO WEB CLIENT MIGRATION APPARATUS AND METHOD

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to file migration

based clients.

Brief Description of the Related Art

[0002] A variety of computer-based approaches have been used in control systems when performing supervisory automation functions. These computer-based control systems, commonly referred to as supervisory control and data position (SCAD A) modules, monitor the condition or operation of various types of hardware. After designing a physical control system to meet their requirements, a system operator prepares a computerized representation of the system using a human machine interface (HMI) file extension. The user is then able to monitor the control system and send commands causing desired actions or scripts to be executed.

[0003] Information related to or describing the control system is displayed on screens, which can be displayed at a client. In order to display the screens at the client, the client must have a particular program or software installed. This requirement substantially limits the number of available clients that can be used to display these screens due to potentially prohibitive software requirements. This software may be costly for users to purchase and may have limited product support channels. Further, while many users still use and monitor older legacy systems, support for virtualization software may ultimately come to an end.

[0004] When converting the capabilities of the legacy desktop application to a web- friendly process, there are multiple approaches through which the web clients may access the application data. In complex application environments, web clients can access the raw data and render them on to a browser. Alternatively, web clients may go directly to the Graphics Device Interface (GDI) to capture the rendering aspect of the legacy application and make this aspect available through the web service.

[0005] When sending commands from the client to the SCADA module, the client must be presented with a way to communicate a desired action such that the SCADA module remotely performs the action. Previously, it was difficult for users to view dialog boxes prompting them to take an action at the client. Generally, users had to be located at the control system in order to execute such an action.

[0006] The above-mentioned problems have resulted in some user dissatisfaction with previous approaches.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0007] The approaches described herein provide systems and related methods that allow for the screens to be viewable using web-based clients without the need for add-ons or additional software. The universal access of the framework allows for a user to view screens and perform appropriate actions to the system on an increasing number of devices, for example smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other similar products.

[0008] Additionally, existing user-developed images may be stored in legacy formats such as graphic file format (.grf) extensions. In order for these images to be viewable, they are first converted into a web-browser friendly format, and thus may be viewed without the need for add-ons or extensions. The raw data from the legacy applications is first processed by the legacy application. At this application level, the object property changes are captured and then transferred to the client via a web service.

[0009] Further, users may be able to view and send commands from remote locations to the SCADA module to execute a desired task without the need for being at the control system. Such a configuration allows for a user to actively monitor and control a number of individual systems from one location, thus increasing work efficiencies.

[0010] For users with a substantial investment in their current HMI product images, the approaches described herein provide an affordable way to continue using these screens. Additionally, because users are not required to install any products, there is less maintenance. Security may also be improved because modern security standards may be incorporated. Users may also be able to scale their applications quickly and effectively, meaning a large number of clients may be used to monitor the system.

[0011] In many of these embodiments, an apparatus for monitoring a control system presenting control system information includes a client (comprising a web-based browser and a server comprising a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) module)

communicatively coupled to the client. The server is configured to construct a representation of a plurality of displays representing the operation of a control system, and the SCADA module is configured to monitor the control system. Upon detecting a change to the operation of the control system, the server sends a notification to the web-based browser describing the change. The server then accepts an input from the web-based browser to transmit the input to the server to prompt the SCADA module to perform a control action. The input from the client may include descriptive requests (for example, an inquiry into the status or a reading of a sensor) or executable commands (for example, a command to open or close a control system valve). The notification may comprise an executable user interface or a form having inputs where the client instructs the server to execute the executable user interface on the server. In some embodiments, the SCADA module communicates with a plurality of sensors which monitor the control system to provide data and/or actions to the client.

[0012] Further, in some of these embodiments, the web-based browser is configured to access the Internet. The server communicates with the web-based browser through the Internet, thus the web-based browser may communicate with the SCADA module and thus the control system at remote locations.

[0013] In some aspects, the apparatus includes an intermediate web-based server. This intermediate web-based server is configured to provide the client with the notification

information describing the change to the control system and to accept the input from the web- based browser. Thus, the intermediate web-based server may accept information from the server and send it to the web-based browser and also may provide the server with information received from the web-based browser. The web-based server may also selectively send the notification information to the client.

[0014] The client may access the server to receive real-time updates of the control system according to a plugin-free web based protocol. Thus, the notification may be rendered in the web-based browser. In some examples, the input from the web-based browser causes a computer-readable script to be executed at the web-based browser to be sent to the server.

[0015] In other embodiments, the notification comprises a legacy format that is migrated to virtualization software and subsequently sent to the client. Thus, existing virtual control systems may be sent to the web-based browser and corresponding desired actions may be taken.

[0016] In others of these embodiments, a change at the control system utilizing the

SCADA module is detected. A message at the server in a format that is readable by a web interface is then generated. The message from the server to the web-based client to be displayed is transmitted. At the server, an input from the web-based client and performing an action based on the input at the SCADA module is accepted. Performing the action may further include executing a script at the server in response to accepting the input from the web-based client. Additionally, detecting the change at the control system may include sensing a plurality of operating parameters with a plurality of sensors. The generated message readable by the web interface is converted to a standard web-based format at the server to allow the message to be renderable in the web based client.

[0017] In other approaches, an alternative approach is provided. A computer-based screen that represents a structure and operation of a control system and using a SCADA- compliant module located on a server to obtain a reading from a sensor in the control system is constructed. The screen is then converted into a web-browser readable format and transmitted to a web-browser at a client for display at the client. A response command is sent at the web browser to the server such that a script is executed at the server. An action is then executed according to the script at the SCADA compliant module. In some approaches, the screen is adjusted based on the reading. This adjustment is converted into a web-browser readable format and transmitted to the web browser for display at the client. The action is executed at the SCADA-compliant module according to the script and based upon the adjustment. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram illustrating an exemplary monitoring system according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 comprises an operational flow chart illustrating a method for monitoring a control system according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 comprises a call flow diagram illustrating an exemplary control system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0023] Approaches are provided that overcome the need for continued use of existing control system virtualizations in today's technological environment. In one aspect, the file to web client migration allows for users to access, monitor, and control their control systems using any remote device having a web browser that is capable of accessing the Internet. By allowing the existing applications to execute the tasks at the server level and providing a rendering engine to supply the web browser with the visual representations or screens representing the control system, the remote device does not need additional add-ons or attachments. The user is provided similar or identical screens and has the same ability to control the SCADA module as in previous approaches. [0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, one example of a monitoring system 100 is described.

The monitoring system 100 includes a control system 102, a server 106, and a client 116. The control system 102 includes a plurality of sensors 104a, 104b. It is understood that the control system 102 may include any number of sensors necessary to properly operate the control system to be monitored. The server 106 includes an interface 108, processor 110 including a SCADA module 112, and interface 114. The client 116 includes a web browser 118.

[0025] The control system 102 is a combination of hardware devices selectively chosen to monitor settings of a desired system. For example, the control system 102 may include any number of components such as switches, valves, actuators, gates, pumps, and the like.

[0026] The sensors 104a and 104b may be any sensing device that senses an operating condition, environmental condition, and so forth. The control system 102 may include any number of sensors 104a, 104b necessary to achieve their desired monitoring effect.

[0027] The server 106 may be any type of computing device capable of saving data to memory. The server 106 also contains connections for communicating with different components contained within the server 106 as well as for communicating with external devices.

[0028] The function of the interface 108 is to allow the control system 102 to

communicate with the server 106. Thus, data from the control system 102 is transmitted to the interface 108, and vice-versa. The function of the SCADA module 112 is to process data received from the control system 102 and generate actions or screens to be viewed by the client 116. The function of the interface 114 is to allow the server 106 to communicate with the client 116.

[0029] The client 116 is any device capable of connecting to the Internet. The client 116 includes a web browser 118 that renders information received from the internet.

[0030] It will be appreciated that the various components described herein may be implemented using a general purpose processing device executing computer instructions stored in memory. [0031] The control system 102 communicates with the server 106 through interface 108 and provides the server 106 with data obtained from sensors 104a, 104b. It is understood that in some approaches, a separate programmable logic controller may be configured to collect the sensor data and transmit it to the server 106.

[0032] The processor 110 includes SCADA module 112 which communicates with interface 108 to process the sensor data and transmit executable instructions to the control system 102. The processor 110 also generates the virtualization screens viewed at client 116.

[0033] In one aspect, the interface 114 communicates with the client 116 to allow a user to use a web browser 118 to view the generated control system screens. It is understood that in some approaches, a separate web or application server may be used to access the data when it is stored in a remote network. This web server may be a part of the server 106, or may be a separate hardware component that includes any number of connections for sending data over a network.

[0034] In operation, the user builds the control system 102 to meet their desired specifications which includes any number of sensors and/or hardware controls. For example, the control system 102 may include pumps, actuators, flow valves, temperature gauges, and/or any number of additional devices. When building the control system 102, the user designates limits to the monitoring devices as well as responsive messages and action prompts. The user then creates virtual representations or screens of the control system 102 that includes identical virtual sensors and/or hardware controls using a human machine interface (HMI). These user-developed screens may be stored on the SCADA module 112 in older legacy binary formats such as those with grf (graphic file format) extensions. The interface 114 sends the user-developed screens to the client 116 which are then rendered by the web browser 118.

[0035] When a monitored object of the control system 102 changes, for example due to a different reading of a sensor 104a, 104b, the control system 102 communicates this change to interface 108, which then communicates the change to the SCADA module 112. This prompts the representative screen to be modified and sent to the client 116 by the interface 114. The modified screen is then rendered by the web browser 118. The user may then send a response command causing the control system 102 to execute an appropriate action. [0036] The file conversion process by the monitoring system 100 is herein described.

The server 106 converts the binary file into, for example, a standard HTML5/JS file that is readable by the web browser 118 without needing plug-ins. The new file can be rendered in any browser and continue to display data from the SCADA module 112. The monitoring system 100 transforms the binary file into shapes representing components of the control system 102 while additionally parsing the information contained in the file to allow a user to build and modify properties of the components of the control system 102. The generated HTML5/JS file makes use of the existing data connections and executable scripts contained in the binary file and extends these connections and executable scripts to the HTML5 file at the client 116. It will be appreciated that the file types are examples only and that other examples are possible.

[0037] The monitoring system 100 utilizes a framework to replicate basic shapes representing various components of the control system 102 into the HTML5 file format. The shape definitions in the screens are migrated or converted into a data interchange format (for example Java Script Object Notation (JSON)) and rendered on the web browser 118. In the event of a change in a device being monitored by the control system 102, the incremental change to the shape rendered by the SCADA module 112 is also converted to JSON and sent to the web browser 118 to be rendered.

[0038] In many examples, the screens contained on the SCADA module 112 have previously been created by users. In these examples, to allow users to monitor and control the SCADA module 112 at clients 116 at remote locations, the data received by the control system 102 is processed by legacy applications on the SCADA module 112. At this application level, modifications to objects in the control system 102 are captured and transferred to the client 116 through interface 1 14. The object modifications are then migrated to JSON to virtualize the screens to describe the content and state of a picture and transferred to the client 116. In some examples, modifications to objects in the control system 102 are continually converted to JSON in smaller packets and transferred to the client 116 on an ongoing basis.

[0039] By removing the rendering process from the underlying screen virtualization, users may render screens generated by the SCADA module 112 at any location using client 116 because there is a description of the picture provided in the rendered file. Thus, the existing picture is represented at the web browser 118 exactly as it appears at the SCADA module 112. Additionally, users may make modifications to the screen rendered at the web browser 118 while the SCADA module 112 still utilizes information contained in the original screens. Further, by performing the rendering at the SCADA module 112 located on the server 106, the monitoring system 100 is able to scale to allow any number of clients 116 to be viewing the rendered screen simultaneously.

[0040] The screens rendered by the web browser 118 may require the user to prompt the control system 102 to perform an action. For example, if sensor 104a generates a message that a component of the control system 102 is reaching critical status, the rendered screen at the web browser 118 will prompt the user to take action. Thus, a script is executed to cause the control system 102 to perform an action. In a similar manner as the migrated or converted screens, the monitoring system 100 converts the executable command provided at the SCADA module 112 into a format the web browser 118 may render, for example HTML5. The executable command rendered by web browser 118 has the same appearance as the executable command provided at the SCADA module 112, and provides similar functionality. Thus, if the monitoring system 100 sends a screen to the web browser 118 prompting the user to take action, the user may provide a response command that is then converted by the SCADA module 112 to an executable script to cause the control system 102 to execute a corresponding command. The monitoring system 100 thus functions as if the user was inputting commands at a local client.

[0041] To ensure uninterrupted connections between the client 116 and the SCADA module 112 contained on server 106, multiple connections or hops are provided for through web sockets between the client 116 and server 106. Similarly, if a separate web server is used, multiple connections are created between the web server and the SCADA module 112.

[0042] It is understood that the functions of the monitoring system described herein may operate without the need for the control system to send a prompt to the client. For example, a user may wish to view the current state of the control system to perform a routine check of the system. The user may send a command to get the current status of the control system at the client 116, which in turn communicates with the server 106. The SCADA module 112 may then send a command to the interface 108 to obtain the current state of the sensors 104a and 104b and other monitoring devices contained at the control system 102. In return, the control system 102 sends the information to the interface 108, where the SCADA module 112 generates a virtual representation of the screen (or alternatively modifies an existing screen to reflect the real-time status of the control system) and converts this screen to a format readable by web browser 118. Interface 114 then sends this screen to client 116, where web browser 118 may render the migrated screen. Thus, the monitoring system 100 may be used to monitor a control system 102 upon the happening of an actionable event or may request status updates at their choosing.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2, one example of a method 200 for monitoring a control system is described. First, at step 202, a change at a control system is detecting using a SCADA module. Next, at step 204, the server generates a message in a web interface-readable format.

[0044] At step 206, a message is transmitted from the server to a web-based client to be displayed. At step 208, a screen that includes the message is rendered at the web-based client. Next, at step 210, a response is sent from the web-based client to the server. At step 212, the server, and particularly the SCADA module, executes a script and causes the control system to perform an action. This action may include commands such as opening or closing valves or shutting off supply or drainage lines. Other examples are possible.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, a call flow diagram illustrating an exemplary control system 300 is provided. The control system sends a reading 302 to a server, which performs the action of generating a screen 304. The server then sends the generated screen 306 to the client. The user may then instruct the client to send a response command 308 to the server, whereupon the server performs the action of executing a script 310. The server then sends a command 312 to the control system based on the script 310 being executed. The control system then executes the action 314.

[0046] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications to the foregoing embodiments may be made in various aspects. Other variations clearly would also work, and are within the scope and spirit of the invention. The present invention is set forth with particularity in the appended claims. It is deemed that the spirit and scope of that invention encompasses such modifications and alterations to the embodiments herein as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with the teachings of the present application.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for monitoring a control system presenting control system information, the apparatus comprising:

a client comprising a web-based browser; and

a server comprising a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) module communicatively coupled to the client, the server constructing a representation of a plurality of displays representing an operation of a control system, the SCADA module monitoring the control system;

wherein upon detecting a change to the operation of the control system, the server sends notification information to the web-based browser describing the change and accepts an input from the web-based browser to transmit the input to the server to prompt the SCADA module to perform a control action.

2 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the SCADA module communicates with a plurality of sensors that monitor the control system.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the web based browser accesses the Internet.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input from the client comprises one of descriptive requests and executable commands.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate web-based server that provides the client with the notification information describing the change to the control system and accepts the input from the web-based browser.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the intermediate web-based server selectively sends the notification information to the client.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the client accesses the server to receive real-time updates of the control system according to a plugin-free web based protocol.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the notification is rendered in the web-based browser.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input from the web-based browser causes a computer-readable script to be executed at the web-based browser to be sent to the server.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the notification comprises a legacy format that is migrated to virtualization software and subsequently sent to the client.

11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the notification comprises an executable user interface, and wherein the client instructs the server to execute the executable user interface on the server.

12. A method for monitoring a control system utilizing a web-based client and a server, the server including a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCAD A) module, the method comprising:

detecting a change at the control system utilizing the SCADA module;

generating a message at the server in a format that is readable by a web interface;

transmitting the message from the server to the web-based client to be displayed; and at the server, accepting an input from the web-based client and performing an action based on the input at the SCADA module.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein performing the action comprises executing a script at the server in response to accepting the input from the web-based client.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein detecting the change at the control system comprises sensing a plurality of operating parameters with a plurality of sensors.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the message generated is converted to a standard web- based format at the server to allow the message to be renderable in the web based client.

16. A method of monitoring a control system, the method comprising:

constructing a computer-based screen that represents a structure and an operation of a control system;

using a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)-compliant module located on a server to obtain a reading from a sensor in the control system;

converting the computer-based screen into a web-browser readable format;

transmitting the converted computer-based screen to a web-browser at a client for display at the client;

sending a response command at the web browser to the server such that a script is executed at the server; and

executing an action according to the script at the SCADA-compliant module.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

adjusting the computer-based screen based on the reading; and

converting the adjusted computer-based screen into a web-browser readable format and transmitting the adjustment to the web browser for display at the client, the action being executed at the SCADA-compliant module according to the script and based upon the adjustment.