JP2004507810A - Method and system for remotely maintaining a regulated processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for remote maintenance of a controlled device by a user is disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a transducer that is integrated with the regulated device and measures data from the regulated device. A microprocessor is operatively coupled to the converter and processes data received from the converter. The system also includes a server connected to the microprocessor for processing data received from the microprocessor. The server can be linked to a network that can transmit data between the server and the remote user control device, and the remote user control device can be linked to the network as well. In operation, the user can monitor the performance of the adjusted device via the server and can selectively intervene to control the adjusted device (s). In particular, the user can use a remote user control device to analyze the operating status of the processing device and, if necessary, use the same device to send commands to the server to set the parameters of the processing device. Can be changed. The server may then execute commands to control the processing device via the microprocessor to maintain the performance of the adjusted device (s).

Description

[0001]
(Technical field)
The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostics and processor adjustment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for remotely maintaining a processing device through the use of a regulated device.
[0002]
(Background of the Invention)
While controlling the processing unit on a microprocessor basis, the operation of the microprocessor is controlled by the processing unit itself, using the processing power of the microprocessor to calculate input signal values, internal algorithms, and output calculations related to automatic control algorithms. Mainly limited. However, vital information regarding the processing device and / or the controlling device (s) that controls the aspect of the processing device being adjusted is generally not known to be accessible to a user. However, essential processor information about the processor being adjusted includes useful data about the condition or state of the processor being controlled.
[0003]
Typically, to ensure that the user knows exactly the past and current operating conditions of the microprocessor-based (one or more) controlling devices that affect the processing device being adjusted, the user must use a local There must be quick and easy access to both real-time and stored data from locations or remote locations. Operating conditions typically include the conditions or conditions of direct and indirect variables used in the control processor, such as the condition of an input signal or the number of relayed starts in the processor. This situation can also include the state of calculating internally derived processing equipment relationships, such as the timing of the duration of the soot generation state to control the proportion of carbon in the combustion chamber. Therefore, the user needs to be able to monitor the direct signals, internal calculations, control state, and other user-configurable useful data related to the processing device to be controlled.
[0004]
Currently, several diagnostic systems are commercially available, but they generally provide the local status of the regulated processing device locally (eg, via equipment / hardware directly connected to the regulating device). Limited to monitoring. It is not generally known that such systems also provide real-time data and stored data from the controlling device. Accordingly, such systems tend to provide the user with limited information about the processing device controlling the processing device and the device being adjusted. At times, the user may be able to diagnose the operating condition of the controlling device with this limited information, but current systems require that the user It is usually not known that the intervention of the processing unit or the maintenance schedule can be scheduled via the adjusting device (s). Current diagnostic systems also require the user to have a dedicated controller (e.g., a microprocessor directly coupled to the transducer of the regulating device) at the moment, whenever the user needs it. It is not generally known that it can be programmed to perform such tasks on a regular basis.
[0005]
Beyond mere local monitoring of the processing unit by microprocessor adjustment, it provides extensive information about multiple processing units, allowing the user to program the microprocessor, schedule maintenance, and intervene in the processing unit. There is a clear need for systems and methods to do so. Anticipated intervention through the system will help processor managers avoid emergency repairs that can result in costly downtime due to product loss. Remote access to the system that controls the regulated processing device (eg, the regulated device) also provides the regulating agency with convenient access to diagnostic information regarding testing of the regulated processing device operation for verification purposes. provide. At present, such agencies are not known to have real-time and / or remote access to the information sought, and usually have to request printing or other delayed rendering of records.
[0006]
(Brief summary of the invention)
The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate understanding of some novel features that are unique to the invention, but are not intended to be exhaustive. A full understanding of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and concepts in their entirety.
[0007]
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a programmable system for a user to maintain at least one regulating device via a net. The system can include a server linked to the network and programmed to monitor the controlled device and, ultimately, the operation of the adjusted processing device. The server may be programmable to selectively change parameters of the moderator. A microprocessor, also connectable to the server, can function as an interface between the server and the coordinating device.
[0008]
In another aspect of the invention, the system can include a transducer operably coupled to the microprocessor and integrated with the regulating device. This converter can convert data from the controlling device to the microprocessor, which can send the data to the server. Further, the system can include a remote user control linked to the network.
[0009]
In another aspect of the invention, a user can monitor the operation of the coordinating device and program the server to change parameters of the coordinating device over a network. The server can be connected to a database so that data from the coordinating device can be stored. The user can monitor real-time data from the coordinating device transmitted from the networked server, in addition to accessing the stored data.
[0010]
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for a user to monitor and / or maintain operation of a regulating device over a network. The user can start at the remote user control device by logging on to the network and gaining access to the server over the network. The user can then review the data sent from the moderator to the server and send instructions to the server over the network. The server can then selectively change the parameters of the at least one adjusting device via the microprocessor according to the transmitted instructions. Further, the server can be connected to a local user control device so that a user can maintain the modulating device from an onsite location. The server can also be programmed to inform the user according to the protocol whether the parameters of the controlling device have been changed or should be changed, or whether preventive maintenance is required.
[0011]
The novel features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description of the invention. Or, one could learn by practicing the invention. However, various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the invention and the claims that follow, and so it will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the specific examples shown are specific embodiments of the present invention, but are provided for illustrative purposes only.
[0012]
The accompanying figures, wherein the same reference number indicates the same or functionally similar element in all of the separate figures. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further illustrate the invention and serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0013]
(Detailed description of the invention)
The specific values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be changed and are merely cited to illustrate embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention .
[0014]
In the following example of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a maintenance system 100 for managing the operation of the adjusted processing device 2. The transducer 4 is integrated with the conditioned processing device 2 at the transducer junction 6. The transducer 4 can be designed to measure various types of data, such as heat, light, chemicals, motion, sound, vibration, various electrical signals, and the like. The microprocessor 8 is operatively coupled to the converter 4 via raw data lines 10 and connected to the server 12 via processed data lines 14, this connection need not be a physical connection. Absent. The converter 7 is also integrated with the regulated processing device 2 and is operatively coupled to the microprocessor 11. The microprocessor 11 is shown in the figure close to the converter 7 and also connected to the server 12. An additional transducer 9 is integrated with the processing device 2 to be regulated and is operatively coupled to the microprocessor 13. Microprocessor 13 is also coupled to server 12 and is shown in proximity to server 12 in the figure. Database link 18 connects server 12 to database 16. Network operating system link 30 connects server 12 to network operating system 28 and network communication link 26 connects server 12 to network 24. Network 24 may be public (eg, the Internet, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), etc.) or dedicated (eg, a local area network), as well as wired or wireless (eg, infrared “IR” based or radio frequency “RF” based). May be. Network communication link 26 may include an Internet link, an RS485 communication link using the ASCII or MODBUS communication protocol, or any other type of link. Remote communication link 22 may connect remote user control device 20 to network 24. Remote communication link 22 may be wired or wireless. Remote user control 20 may be any of a variety of devices, such as a computer terminal, personal digital assistant, or mobile telephone. The server 12 is also connectable to a local user control 32 via a local communication link 34, thereby providing remote control within the local facility. Local user controller 32 may be any of a variety of devices, such as a computer terminal, a mobile phone, an Internet enabled phone (eg, a WAP phone, a web-phone), a car terminal, or a personal digital assistant. .
[0015]
The controlled device typically comprises a combination of a microprocessor and a transducer, as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, a more detailed view of the environment for a module that can include the regulating device 200 is shown. In the figure, the microprocessor 8 is connected to at least one converter 4. This figure also shows that many transducers can report information to a single microprocessor. The transducers can be connected in common as shown, or can have another connection to the microprocessor to provide different and / or different data to the microprocessor. Microprocessor 8 indicates types of data that can be controlled by the microprocessor (eg, transducer adjustments, algorithm calculations, processor control, alarms, timing, and trending). The microprocessor 8 is connected to the server 12 and analyzes data received from the microprocessor by the entire processing unit control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 to control and manage the microprocessor (s). Used for other purposes. The microprocessor can receive inputs from a plurality of regulating devices (microprocessors and / or converters) at a plurality of inputs, as shown in Equation 3.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 3, a flowchart 300 illustrates the normal steps that can be performed by the server 12 and the user to manage the adjusted device 2 in the maintenance system 100. In step 36, the server 12 waits for data from the microprocessor 8 and monitors the adjusted device 2. At step 38, server 12 receives the data from microprocessor 8, and at step 40 processes the data. At step 42, the server 12 diagnoses the operating condition of the adjusted device 2 based on the known information about the processing device 2 to be adjusted and the parameters preset by the user. The server 12 then determines whether this diagnosis requires that action be taken to maintain the preset parameters. If the server 12 determines that the operating condition of the processing device 2 to be adjusted is within a predefined parameter range, the server 12 records the determination in the database 16 as shown in step 44 and As shown at 36, monitoring is resumed. If at step 42 the server 12 determines that the operating condition of the processing device 2 to be adjusted is outside the range of the parameters predefined by the user, the server 12 signals at step 46 that a problem has occurred, Record the signal transmission, as at 44. Upon notification that a problem has occurred in step 46, the user determines in step 48 whether the problem requires action. If the user determines that the problem notified in step 46 does not require action, the server 12 then records the decision as in step 44 and resumes monitoring as in step 36. If the user determines that the problem notified at step 46 requires action, then the user signals the required action to the server 12 at step 50. The server 12 records the decision as in step 44, executes the decision, and resumes monitoring as in step 36.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 4, a flowchart 400 shows an example of more detailed steps performed by the maintenance system 100 in managing the processing device 2 to be adjusted. At step 52, the transducer 4 collects data from the processing device 2 to be adjusted. Then, in step 54, the converter 4 sends the data to the microprocessor 8. At step 56, the microprocessor 8 receives the data sent from the converter 4 and processes the data according to a user-defined protocol. At step 58, the microprocessor sends the data to server 12. Next, at step 60, the server 12 diagnoses the operating status of the processing device 2 adjusted according to the protocol preset by the user. This protocol may include comparing the data received from the microprocessor 8 with the known information about the processing device 2 to be adjusted, or with the data stored in the database 16. The information on the processing device 2 to be adjusted may include device specifications, processing device tolerance, specific component life, warranty contract information, and the like. A comparison of such internal data regarding the processing device 2 and / or the component to be adjusted and the operating status from the processing device can be used to inform or record the user of the operating status of the processing device or the associated related components. . Access to the recorded data also allows the user to analyze trends in operating performance over time. At step 62, server 12 determines whether the operating condition is within a user-defined range. For example, the user can define a safe operating range for the temperature of a certain area of the processing device 2 to be adjusted. If the server 12 determines in step 62 that the operating condition of the processing device 2 to be adjusted does not require any special action, such as that the temperature of the area is within a safe range, then in step 64 the server 12 , And record the decision in the database 16. Next, at step 66, the server 12 resumes monitoring. If, at step 62, the server 12 determines that the operating conditions of the processing device 2 to be adjusted need to take special measures, such as responding to an overheating condition of the area, at step 68, the server 12 Determine which specific action to take according to the protocol preset by the user. At step 70, server 12 may decide to notify the user of the problem by sending an e-mail or e-page, placing a call, or displaying or sounding an alarm. Alternatively, the server 12 may activate, deactivate, or change the processing device as indicated in step 72, such as increasing the rotational speed of the motor or stopping the motor altogether, according to a protocol. . Another option that the server 12 can take is to schedule maintenance as shown in step 74 to maintain optimal performance of the conditioned processing device 2 or to prevent damage. After such a determination made in step 68, the server 12 can record the determination in the database 16 as shown in step 64 and execute the determination according to the appropriate protocol (s), As in step 66, monitoring can be resumed.
[0018]
One example of a protocol that the microprocessor 8 can follow using the data received from the converter 4 is the timing of the user-specified event duration. Timer relays provide a means for timing the duration of an event that the user can select from a menu item table. Timing can be displayed in hours and minutes, days and hours, and the like. Configurable menu item tables include processing unit operation for user-specified time intervals, timing of manual controlled processing unit durations, calculated guaranteed guarded soak bands (sets). The timing of the duration of the point programming function), the timing of the duration that exceeds the calculated limit (such as the soot generation limit for combustion control), or the timing of the duration when the user-specified digital input is active included. The ability to set an alarm or other digital output for time related conditions is associated with a timer relay. This function includes a set point value and the timing of the on / off status can control automatic processor related functions, such as burning pollutant survey instruments every 30 days for a certain duration. Can provide a physically relevant output.
[0019]
Another example of a protocol that the microprocessor 8 can follow is a count of the number of occurrences of a user-specified event. The counter relay provides a means of counting the occurrences of events that the user also selects from a menu selection table. The configurable menu item table includes a count of transitions to manual control, a count of transitions for multiple setpoint related alarm events, a count of transitions related to several digital inputs for lifetime data, A count of transitions out of the guaranteed isotropy, a count of the number of output cycles, a count of times beyond a certain range (such as a PV range), a count of the number of times the regulated processor 2 has transitioned to failsafe control, Includes a count of the number of times any of the control tuning parameters have been changed. The ability to set an alarm or other digital output with a setpoint value is related to a counter relay, similar to a timer relay. This feature provides a physical relay output that can notify the user of an impending condition, such as the number of output relay transitions that exceed a user-specified setpoint value. This warning allows advance notification of adverse conditions by indicating that preventive maintenance is required to replace a relay that may be nearing the end of its rated life. At this point, the microprocessor 8 can monitor not only the operating status of the processing device 2 being adjusted, but also the status itself.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 5, a flowchart 500 shows an example of more detailed steps that can be performed by the user using the maintenance system 100 in managing the adjusted processing device 2. In step 73, the user is notified that a problem has occurred in the operating condition of the processing device 2 to be adjusted. As noted above, the notification may be any alert, such as a telephone call, an email, or a visual or audible alarm. At step 74, the user logs on to the server 12 via the network 24 and at step 76 gains access to the server 12 by providing the appropriate user registration name and password. Then, at step 78, the user monitors the real-time data from the processing device 2 being adjusted and the data stored in the database 16. Alternatively, the user can use the local user controller 32 locally, bypass the network 24, access the server 12, and monitor the data as in step 78. At step 80, the user determines whether this condition requires further action. If not, the user instructs the server 12 to resume monitoring, as shown at step 82, and then logs out, if necessary, at step 84. If, at step 80, the user determines that the condition requires special treatment, then at step 81, the user determines which particular treatment to take. At step 86, the user may decide to program the server or, at step 88, to activate, deactivate, or change the processing device. Alternatively, the user may schedule maintenance at step 90, reset a timer or counter relay at step 92, or lock out unauthorized reconfiguration or resetting at step 94. Can be determined. The user can then resume monitoring the data at step 82 and log out at step 84 at the end if necessary.
[0021]
The embodiments and examples set forth herein above best describe the invention and its practical application, and are set forth in order to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It was what was. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and illustration only. Other changes and modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the appended claims are intended to cover such changes and modifications. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention. Many changes or modifications are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. It is contemplated that the use of the present invention may also include components having different features. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto, with equivalents being fully qualified in all respects.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a maintenance system for an adjustment-side device.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart relating to an example of normal steps performed by a server and a user when maintaining an adjustment-side device.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to an example of steps performed by the maintenance system when managing the adjustment-side device.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart relating to an example of steps performed by a user when managing an adjustment-side device.

Claims (24)

A system for remotely maintaining a controlled device by a user,
At least one microprocessor operatively coupled to at least one transducer integrated with the regulated device for measuring data from the regulated device and for managing data received from the transducer;
A server connected to the at least one microprocessor for processing data received from the at least one microprocessor;
The server connects to the network to transmit processed data from the server to a remote user control device having access to the server via the network and to receive commands from the remote user control device via the network. And
A system wherein a user can monitor the performance of a regulated device and selectively intervene to effect control of the regulated device via the network. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is further connected to a database. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is connected to a network operating system. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is further connected directly to a local user control device. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is further connected directly to a wireless user control. The system of claim 1, wherein the network is dedicated. The system of claim 1, wherein the network is public. A system for maintaining a controlled device, the system comprising:
A server for monitoring operation of at least one controlled device, the server being programmable to change parameters of the at least one controlled device;
At least one microprocessor controller connected to the server and acting as a control interface between the server and the at least one controlled device;
Operably coupled to the at least one microprocessor controller and integrated with the at least one controlled device to provide measurement data from the at least one controlled device to the at least one microprocessor; And a converter of
The server further comprises access to a remote user control device;
A system wherein a user can monitor the operation of the adjusted device and can program the server to change parameters of the adjusted device via a remote user control. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the server is further connected to a network, and wherein a user can access a controlled device via the network. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the server is further connected to a wireless user control device, wherein a user can access the adjusted device via the wireless user control device. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the server further provides real-time data from the adjusted device to the user. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the server provides a user with stored data from a regulated device, wherein the data is stored in a database connected to the server. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one microprocessor aggregates data from the regulated device using a count relay. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one microprocessor aggregates data from the regulated device using a timing relay. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the server informs a user whether parameters of the adjusted device have been changed or should be changed according to a protocol. A network maintenance system for providing real-time data from a controlled device to a user,
A server linked to the network for sending real-time data to the remote user controller and receiving instructions from the remote user controller;
At least one microprocessor connected to the server for executing a command from a user using a remote user control device to change a parameter of at least one controlled device;
A converter operably coupled to the at least one microprocessor, integrated with at least one controlled device, and for converting data from the at least one controlled device to the at least one microprocessor; Including
A system that allows a user operating a remote user control device to monitor the performance of a controlled device using real-time data transmitted from the server to the remote user control device via a network. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein said at least one microprocessor is programmable. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the server provides a user with stored data from a regulated device, wherein the data is stored in a database connected to the server. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one microprocessor aggregates data from the regulated device using a count relay. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one microprocessor aggregates data from the regulated device using a timing relay. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the server notifies a user if parameters of the adjusted device have been changed or should be changed according to a protocol. A method for a user to monitor and maintain at least one controlled device via a network, the method comprising:
Logging on to the network with a remote user control device;
Obtaining access to a server via the network;
Reviewing data managed by the server for at least one controlled device;
Sending instructions to the server over the network, the instructions causing the server to change parameters of the at least one controlled device;
A method that includes 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising a user monitoring and maintaining the at least one controlled device at a local user control device. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the server notifies a user of an operation status of the at least one adjusted device.

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