WO2001077765A1 - Method and system for remote analysis of control network - Google Patents

Method and system for remote analysis of control network Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001077765A1
WO2001077765A1 PCT/US2000/009644 US0009644W WO0177765A1 WO 2001077765 A1 WO2001077765 A1 WO 2001077765A1 US 0009644 W US0009644 W US 0009644W WO 0177765 A1 WO0177765 A1 WO 0177765A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control network
wireless
network
computerized
diagnostic device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/009644
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jeffrey Ying
Original Assignee
I/O Controls Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by I/O Controls Corporation filed Critical I/O Controls Corporation
Priority to PCT/US2000/009644 priority Critical patent/WO2001077765A1/en
Publication of WO2001077765A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001077765A1/en
Priority to US10/165,384 priority patent/US7734287B2/en
Priority to US11/043,447 priority patent/US7398083B2/en
Priority to US12/788,017 priority patent/US8442514B2/en
Priority to US13/902,037 priority patent/US9183680B2/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B21/00Systems involving sampling of the variable controlled
    • G05B21/02Systems involving sampling of the variable controlled electric
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2223/00Indexing scheme associated with group G05B23/00
    • G05B2223/06Remote monitoring

Definitions

  • vehicular systems may be outfitted with a variety of sensors and
  • control networks have been developed or proposed. Examples of various control networks include
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • CPU central processing unit
  • I/O input output
  • a network of interconnected CPUs are used to control a number of I/O modules at
  • control system is added or changed.
  • meter may be used to determine if electrical signals from the control network are
  • test personnel generally need to read
  • test personnel needs to locate and set each such component.
  • control system can be difficult, especially if the control system is complex and includes many
  • switches such as buses or rail cars
  • the switches, relays or actuators can be located
  • Diagnosis and testing of a control network is sometimes carried out by
  • test computer usually a laptop or other portable computerized device
  • test computer is
  • test computer may also be used to download new programming instructions to the
  • test computer set-up for monitoring a control network An illustration of a test computer set-up for monitoring a control network is
  • FIG. 1 a vehicle 101 (shown in phantom for
  • control network 1 10 shown in solid, dark lines
  • test computer
  • test computer 103 is thereby able to monitor the functioning
  • FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are diagrams of test computer set-ups for different control
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a hierarchical, master-slave control
  • MBC master bus controller
  • the network 138 which connects various network nodes in a loop configuration.
  • nodes may include, for example, high-speed cell net controller (HCNC) modules 128
  • HCNC high-speed cell net controller
  • DIO digital input/output
  • network 120 may also include one or more secondary buses (not shown). Further,
  • test computer 120 may be physically connected to a test computer 123 from time to time through
  • control network 120 testing and monitoring the functionality of the control network 120 as generally
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram of a PLC-based multiplexed control system 140, in which
  • CPU central processing unit
  • Each network node 150 typically includes a
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • I/O input/output
  • the main control network CPU 146 communicates with the
  • the main control network CPU 146 may be
  • test computer 149 physically connected to a test computer 149 from time to time through an RS-232
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram of a network-controlled multiplexed control system 160 in
  • a main CPU 166 is connected to other dispersed CPUs 1 70 over a
  • CAN control area network
  • test computer 169 may be physically connected to a test computer 169 from time to time through a
  • LA-138477.2 CAN bus or device net gateway 1 75 which connects to the CAN bus or device net
  • control network 160 functionality of the control network 160 may thus be carried out, as previously
  • test computer generally must be kept close to the diagnostic and maintenance
  • test personnel can view relevant information. Thus, test personnel working at the back of
  • the vehicle 101 could not view the information being shown on the
  • test computer 103 Therefore, the test personnel would need to walk back and forth
  • test computer 103 to locate the various locations of interest
  • test computer 103 diagnosis that can be conducted using a test computer 103, at least as conventionally
  • wireless unit that is specifically configured for a single type of application.
  • wireless unit for each type of control network can be expensive and time-consuming.
  • test and diagnosis tool suitable for either simple or complex control network systems.
  • the invention in one aspect provides a system and method for monitoring
  • a portable, wireless intermediary In one embodiment as disclosed herein, a portable, wireless intermediary
  • a diagnostic device connects to a diagnostic device which is programmed to allow for diagnosis
  • the diagnostic device preferably is embodied as a
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the device includes a line interface (either serial or parallel) to the diagnostic device, and
  • LA-138477.2 receives, formats and modulates the output of the diagnostic device for
  • the portable, wireless intermediary device thereby enables
  • the portable, wireless equipment is programmed to test
  • images may include an illustration of all or part of the control network within the
  • facility e.g., building, vehicle, plant, robot, machine or other facility
  • the image of the facility may be presented on the graphical screen display
  • the portable, wireless equipment is programmed to
  • test commands By entering various inputs, the operator causes test commands to be conveyed
  • test commands are relayed to the appropriate system component. If working
  • the system component changes state to the desired output state.
  • portable, wireless equipment is preferably programmed to receive feedback from the
  • control network over the wireless connection, and to display the states of the
  • LA-138477.2 relevant switches along the output path to the system component being tested or
  • the portable, wireless equipment is programmed with information
  • the portable, wireless equipment includes an
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a control network diagnostic technique as
  • FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are diagrams of different control networks as known in the
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control network diagnostic technique in
  • FIG. 6 is a top-level diagram of a remote diagnostic system in accordance with
  • FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are diagrams of the remote diagnostic system of FIG. 6 as
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram of a preferred wireless intermediary unit for connecting a
  • remote diagnostic device to a control network, as may be used, for example, in any
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram of a preferred handheld, computerized diagnostic device
  • a personal digital assistant embodied as a personal digital assistant.
  • FIG. 13 is an example of a screen image depicting a vehicle outline in relation
  • FIG. 14 is an example of a screen image depicting various control network
  • FIG. 15 is an example screen image of a main menu as may be used, for
  • FIG. 16 is an example of a logon screen as may be used, for example, in the
  • FIG. 1 7 is an example of a bus information input screen as may be used, for
  • FIG. 18 is an example of an input check select screen as may be used, for
  • FIG. 19 is an example of an output check select screen as may be used, for
  • FIG. 20 is an example of an RF test screen as may be used, for example, in the
  • FIG. 21 is an example of a system help screen as may be used, for example, in
  • FIG. 22 is a software architecture diagram as may be used in the
  • FIG. 23 is an example of a logic ladder chart.
  • FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 are screen images illustrating activation of certain control
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating concepts of control network diagnosis and/or
  • the vehicle 190 (shown in phantom) has a
  • control network 199 (shown in dark, solid lines within the vehicle 190) for
  • control network shown in FIG. 1 much the same as the control network shown in FIG. 1.
  • the control network shown in FIG. 1 the control network shown in FIG. 1.
  • network 199 shown in FIG. 5 also includes a wireless diagnostic and maintenance
  • linking device e.g., an radio frequency (RF) driver
  • RF radio frequency
  • equipment preferably includes a handheld, computerized diagnostic device 194,
  • LA-138477.2 such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or similar device which is programmed to
  • the computerized diagnostic device 194 connects to the wireless intermediary unit
  • unit 196 is configured to communicate with the wireless diagnostic and maintenance
  • linking device 192 thereby allowing wireless communication between the
  • test and diagnosis operations can thus, for example, perform at least all of the test and diagnosis operations that
  • test computer could be performed by connecting a test computer to the control network 199, but
  • the computerized diagnostic device 194 also serves to control the computerized diagnostic device 194 without being restricted as to mobility.
  • the computerized diagnostic device 194 also serves to control the computerized diagnostic device 194 without being restricted as to mobility.
  • FIG. 6 is a top-level block diagram of a remote diagnostic system 200 in
  • the remote diagnostic system 200 comprises a portable, computerized diagnostic
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • wireless intermediary unit 205 for the purpose of allowing wireless communication
  • the wireless intermediary unit 205 is configured to
  • the control network 218 may take the form of any type of network, and may
  • FIG. 2 a PLC-based control network as depicted in FIG. 3, a CAN bus or device net
  • control network as depicted in FIG. 4, or any other type of control network,
  • LA-138477.2 including control networks that are fairly simple or substantially more complex than
  • device 215 may itself connect to an existing diagnostic and maintenance port (such as
  • control networks 218 which have a
  • FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating concepts of the remote diagnostic
  • control network system 240 wherein a
  • handheld, computerized diagnostic device 241 (preferably embodied as a personal
  • PDA digital assistant
  • a wireless intermediary unit 243 (preferably embodied as
  • an RF driver which preferably has, among other things, an antenna 244 for
  • intermediary unit 243 which re-formats (if necessary) and modulates the data over
  • wireless intermediary unit 243 demodulates the received data and places it in a
  • control network 254 includes an RS-485 compatible diagnostic and maintenance
  • LA-138477.2 place the received information in a format compatible with the RS-485 protocol.
  • maintenance linking device 247 and the control network 254 may also be used.
  • control network 254 receives information from the control network 254, re-formats the information (if
  • wireless intermediary device 243 receives the modulated data from the wireless
  • diagnostic and maintenance linking device 247 demodulates the received data
  • the control network 254 shown in FIG. 7 may comprise any hierarchical,
  • master-slave network or loop configured network may have one or more
  • control network architectures that be included as part of the control network 254 are
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram of a similar control network system 260 wherein a
  • handheld, computerized diagnostic device 261 (preferably embodied as a personal
  • PDA digital assistant
  • FIG. 7, in FIG. 8 the computerized diagnostic device 261 is connected to a wireless
  • intermediary unit 263 (preferably embodied as an RF driver) which preferably has,
  • an antenna 264 for facilitating wireless RF communication.
  • computerized diagnostic device 261 sends commands and other instructions in a
  • maintenance linking device 267 (also preferably embodied as an RF driver) receives
  • control network 274 includes an RS-232 compatible
  • the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 267 receives
  • control network 274 re-formats the information (if necessary)
  • LA-138477.2 modulates it for communication over an RF communication link (which may be
  • intermediary device 263 receives the modulated data from the wireless diagnostic
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram of another control network system 280 wherein a
  • handheld, computerized diagnostic device 281 (preferably embodied as a personal
  • PDA digital assistant
  • computerized diagnostic device 281 is connected to a wireless intermediary unit 283
  • an RF driver (preferably embodied as an RF driver) which preferably has, among other things, an
  • diagnostic device 281 sends commands and other instructions in a digital format to
  • the wireless intermediary unit 283 which re-formats (if necessary) and modulates the
  • device 287 (also preferably embodied as an RF driver) receives the modulated data
  • control network 294 includes a CAN bus or device net compatible diagnostic and
  • wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 287 would place the received
  • maintenance linking device 287 and the control network 294 may also be used.
  • the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 287 receives
  • control network 294 re-formats the information (if necessary)
  • intermediary device 283 receives the modulated data from the wireless diagnostic
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram of a preferred wireless intermediary unit 300 for
  • wireless intermediary unit 205 As illustrated in FIG.
  • the wireless intermediary unit 300 preferably comprises a communication
  • interface 310 depends upon the nature of the computerized diagnostic device, and
  • serial interface such as an RS-232 or Universal Serial Bus
  • USB universal serial Bus
  • parallel interface or fiber optic interface.
  • microprocessor 315 which includes any necessary
  • LA-138477.2 RAM, ROM or peripheral components which in turn connects to a communications
  • the wireless intermediary unit 300 also preferably comprises a power
  • a computerized diagnostic device comprising a power supply 321 , a power converter
  • the communications module 325 communicates
  • module 325 preferably comprises a transmitter 236 and a receiver 327, and is
  • the receiver 327 may, for example, be a
  • the wireless intermediary unit 300 acts as a wireless interface
  • intermediary unit 300 receives information (preferably in a digital format) from the
  • the information is received, the format in which the receiving device expects the
  • microprocessor 315 may
  • microprocessor 315 and/or RF module 325 may add
  • LA-138477.2 header bits, error correction and/or encoding to the message being transmitted.
  • the RF module 325 and/or microprocessor 315 may
  • the communications interface 310 comprises an
  • communications interface 310 are preferably programmed so as to be compatible
  • the RF module 325 may employ frequency modulation (FM) techniques
  • frequency band may be any that is suitable, such as, for example, 400 MHz, 300
  • the frequency band may be determined by inserting
  • VCO voltage-controlled oscillator
  • the switch settings may affect both frequency settings and
  • Each switch setting can correspond to a specific control network type
  • the switch settings can be set manually through switches on the exterior of the
  • wireless intermediary device 300 or else may be selected through various
  • the power sub-system provides power to the
  • supply 321 includes a battery (which can be alkaline or lithium (rechargeable), for
  • a power converter 320 is provided to the
  • the power management circuit 322 among other things,
  • This information may be used to determine whether the battery level is high, medium or low. This information may be used to determine whether the battery level is high, medium or low. This information may be used to determine whether the battery level is high, medium or low. This information may be used to determine whether the battery level is high, medium or low. This information may be used to determine whether the battery level is high, medium or low. This information may be used to determine whether the battery level is high, medium or low.
  • LEDs may be made available to the operator through one or more LEDs, a guage, or LCD
  • the wireless intermediary unit 300 preferably includes a lightweight, durable
  • moisture-resistant housing or encasement that may be manufactured from any of a
  • 300 preferably includes suitable means for allowing it to be physically carried by an
  • LA-138477.2 wireless intermediary unit 300 to the body of the operator.
  • the wireless intermediary unit 300 able to carry around the wireless intermediary unit 300, it is preferably small in size,
  • intermediary unit 300 in a size similar to that of conventionally available cellular or
  • pocket telephones many of which contain microprocessors, RF circuitry and a local area network
  • wireless intermediary unit 300 and the computerized diagnostic device may be any wireless intermediary unit 300 and the computerized diagnostic device.
  • device 201 is programmed to test, monitor and/or diagnose a control network 218 by
  • the computerized diagnostic device 201 preferably comprises a graphical user interface 201.
  • An example of operation of the computerized diagnostic device 201 may be
  • LA-138477.2 depicts a hierarchical, master-slave control network 254.
  • LA-138477.2 depicts a hierarchical, master-slave control network 254.
  • the master bus controller (MBC) 250 of the control network 254 normally controls the master bus controller (MBC) 250 of the control network 254 normally
  • network nodes 252, 255 normally operate in a slave mode with respect to the
  • the master bus controller 250 preferably comprises a pair of
  • independent processors 350, 351 a first processor 350 which connects to the
  • the first processor 350 acts as a
  • a slave i.e., listener
  • Both processors 350, 351 are connected to a dual-port RAM 355, which stores,
  • test mode status variable 356 indicating whether the master
  • bus controller 250 is in test mode or not. When a test, diagnosis or other analysis of
  • control network 254 the operator initiates the appropriate commands
  • the mode switch instruction is received by the master bus controller 250.
  • the first processor 350 polls the test mode status variable
  • test mode status variable 356 has switched, enters the test mode.
  • the master bus controller 250 may operate
  • control duties or may cease performing any monitoring, command and control
  • the first processor 350 then continually checks for instructions sent
  • the first processor 350 receives an instruction when in the test mode, it carries it out
  • the second processor 351 returns the test
  • test mode eventually observes that the test mode status variable 356 has returned to its
  • the master bus controller 250 may comprise only a single processor, and
  • the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 247 may have direct memory
  • the master bus controller 250 may receive an interrupt from the
  • wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device may then check a
  • predefined instruction buffer to receive test instructions originating from the
  • a variety of other techniques may also be
  • control network including the control network systems 260 or 280
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a preferred
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • PalmPilot ® or other handheld computer device While this
  • the personal digital assistant 420 is based on a
  • personal digital assistant 420 also preferably comprises a communication interface
  • a direct wired connection 432 (but alternatively, through a wireless
  • connection 434 such as a radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) connection).
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • personal digital assistant 420 also preferably includes a graphical screen display 422,
  • GUI Graphical User Interface
  • the personal digital assistant 420 may allow the user to view various aspects of the
  • control network graphically on the screen display 422.
  • the displayed images may
  • controlled facility e.g., a building, vehicle, plant, robot, machine or
  • the image of the facility may be presented on the screen display
  • control network 422 in a faint outline or phantom format, while the control network may appear in
  • the personal digital assistant 420 may also provide the ability for an operator
  • test instructions By entering various inputs, the operator may cause test instructions to be
  • test instructions are relayed to the appropriate individual
  • the component should change states to the desired output state in
  • the personal digital assistant 420 may
  • the personal digital assistant 420 may be programmed with
  • LA-138477.2 network 218 and their connectivity thereby simplifying diagnosis or testing by the
  • the personal digital assistant 420 may also provide an automated procedure
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram of a preferred software system architecture as may be
  • the software system architecture 600 comprises a security checking function
  • main menu function 607 calls any of a number of subsidiary functions, including a
  • network information function 610 a help function 612, a power function 613, a logo
  • 607, 610, 612, 613, 614 and 615 may be viewed as "network independent" in the
  • the network information function 610 in turn accesses a variety of
  • LA-138477.2 623 LA-138477.2 623.
  • These latter functions 620, 621 , 622 and 623 may be viewed as "network
  • a diagnostic system menu screen 460 as illustrated in FIG. 15, preferably
  • test and diagnosis application software may have pre-programmed security
  • digital assistant 420 is invoked during initial user access, and also may be accessed
  • the personal digital assistant 420 may be launched according to any acceptable
  • FIG. 16 is preferably displayed, prompting the user to enter a logon
  • LA-138477.2 identification (ID) string in a user ID field 482 and password in a password field 484
  • the security checking function 605 then attempts to verify the
  • the logon ID and password the user is then allowed to access the screen displaying
  • the diagnostic system main menu 460 including the associated test and diagnostic
  • FIG. 1 An example of a diagnostic system main menu is illustrated in FIG. 1
  • test and diagnosis application software According to the features provided by the test and diagnosis application software.
  • test and diagnosis application software Preferably,
  • the security checking function 605 also continuously monitors each individual user's
  • This automatic log-off timeout function reduces the likelihood that an
  • a wand device for example, a wand device, user contact (if a touch screen), pressing an appropriate
  • keyboard key for example, entering the first letter(s) of the desired function, or using
  • test and diagnosis application software is not important to the overall operation of the
  • a user may invoke various security functions by selecting the Security icon
  • main menu 460 may enable the user to perform various system administration
  • Security icon 469 from the main menu 460 may enable the user to perform certain
  • the diagnostic system main menu 460 illustrated in FIG. 1 5 is particularly
  • bus (i.e., transit vehicle) information icon 461 is provided as part of the diagnostic
  • bus information icon 461 may be
  • bus information icon 461 A primary purpose of the bus information icon 461 is to allow the user to
  • a bus information input screen 490 is preferably displayed,
  • the user may then enter a transit vehicle type (or control
  • ID vehicle identification (ID) number (or control network ID, more generically) in a
  • transit vehicle ID field 494 which identifies the particular vehicle (or other structure).
  • the transit vehicle type 492 may be entered by the user
  • a drop down menu invoked by selecting a drop down menu
  • transit vehicle ID field 494 identifies the specific vehicle to be serviced.
  • vehicle or control network information functions functions. It preferably responds to the entry
  • failure may be caused by a variety of circumstances, including, for
  • control network ID are verified by the network information function 610, and,
  • network information function 610 may then ensure that the relevant transit vehicle
  • the network information function 610 may examine a data storage
  • ROM read only memory
  • insertable memory cartridge or a disk, to name a few examples
  • the data storage component may store information relating to a single
  • transit vehicle or control network
  • multiple transit vehicles or control networks
  • the personal digital assistant 420 may attempt to automatically download
  • control network information from a remote host computer.
  • personal digital assistant 420 may be configured with its own wireless
  • the wireless intermediary device 205 (or 430) may be provided
  • the personal digital assistant 420 returns to the personal digital assistant 420
  • main menu function 601 displays the diagnostic system main menu 460 for the
  • control network e.g., transit vehicle
  • specific ID e.g., ID
  • the user may thereafter perform a variety of test or diagnostic activities
  • system check icon 462 allows the user to graphically observe a diagram of the
  • Each of the network nodes 442 in the control network may be any of the network nodes 442 in the control network.
  • a unique identifier e.g., A1 , A2, B1 and so
  • this information may be stored in
  • ROM read only memory
  • PROM PROM
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
  • CD-ROM compact disc-read only memory
  • memory cartridge or any other data storage
  • vehicle (or other facility) is fully rotatable, thus allowing the user to change the view
  • the user may be allowed, in some applications, to zoom in or out of the
  • the user may be provided with means to select a
  • Selection of the system check icon 462 by the user may also result in a
  • control network according to an instruction relayed from the personal digital
  • LA-138477.2 assistant 420 to the control network 218 over the wireless communication channel
  • This diagnostic test may run in a
  • nodes 442 to blink on the graphical display 422, or by any other visual or graphical
  • Detection of a malfunctioning control node 442 during system check may
  • connection with the check system function 620 also preferably allows a text layer
  • the text overlay may be used to provide identifying
  • LA-138477.2 information for the various network nodes 442, or to provide other information to the
  • the input check select screen 500 may comprise one or more
  • a drop down menu 504 is available at the activation of a
  • drop down menu button 502 that lists all of the available network nodes of the
  • control network 218 Using the drop down menu 504, the user selects a particular item
  • drop down menu 504 results in one or more pages appearing on the input select
  • check select screen 500 The operator then may replace the indicated defective
  • the drop down menu 504 on the input check select screen 500 is also useful to the
  • the output check select screen 510 may comprise
  • a drop down menu 514 is available at the
  • LA-138477.2 be tested by selecting the corresponding check box(es) 518 from the first column of
  • the application software of the personal digital assistant 420 then issues commands
  • wireless intermediary device 205 to check the status of the selected output
  • the Output Check function provides
  • drop down menu 514 on the output check select screen 510 is also
  • LA-138477.2 is activated by the user selecting the appropriate check box(es) 518 in the second
  • Real time monitoring can also be selected directly from the diagnostic system
  • digital assistant 420 preferably provides the ability to display a graphic, visual
  • FIG. 23 is an
  • Such conditions include at least the
  • FIG. 14 shows a real time monitoring screen 450 displayed by the application
  • the real time monitoring screen 450 preferably
  • a control module drop down menu 452 is
  • the user may thereby select a particular network
  • a network node for diagnostic testing.
  • a network node for diagnostic testing.
  • output drop down menu 453 is displayed, providing a list of all system outputs for
  • the user may then scroll through the list and select a
  • the real time monitoring function displays a
  • FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 show examples of screen images illustrating activation of
  • LA-138477.2 user then may select the first input element or switch ("MBC-1 "), causing it to
  • the user may select the second input element or switch ("MBC-13"), causing it to
  • the output state of the output component i.e., backup light
  • the application software sends the appropriate commands
  • the control network 218 can send a response to the personal digital
  • the real time monitoring select function may be invoked for a
  • the application software automatically displays the real time monitoring
  • system output 458 When multiple system outputs 458 are selected, the application
  • LA-138477.2 software may rotate through the corresponding logic ladder diagrams sequentially, or
  • test screen 520 is shown in FIG. 20.
  • the RF test screen 520 preferably activates an
  • connection between the wireless intermediary unit 430 and the control network 218
  • personal digital assistant 420 thereby alerting the user of a potential problem. .
  • the help screen 530 provides on-line help for the various
  • a scroll-down menu of help topics may be provided,
  • embodiments enhance allow for more convenient, rapid, efficient and reliable testing

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Testing And Monitoring For Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring, diagnosing and/or testing a control network (199) using portable, wireless equipment includes computerized display device (194) connected to a wireless intermediary device (196) for allowing a wireless connection to be made to a control network (199). The wireless equipment may allow the operator (193) to force individual system components to output states, and provide for real time monitoring. The portable, wireless equipment is programmed with information pertaining to the connections and locations of the components in the control network (199), thereby simplifying diagnosis or testing by the operator (193).

Description

S P E C I F I C A T I O N
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING REMOTE DIAGNOSTIC
ANALYSIS OF CONTROL NETWORK
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1) Field of the Invention
The field of the present invention relates to diagnostic and maintenance tools
for control networks.
2) Background
Electronic control systems are commonly used in a number of manufacturing,
transportation, and other applications, and are particularly useful to control
machinery, sensors, electronics, and other system components. Manufacturing or
vehicular systems, for example, may be outfitted with a variety of sensors and
electrical and/or mechanical parts that may need to be activated, deactivated,
monitored, enabled, disabled, adjusted or otherwise controlled when needed to
perform their predefined functions. Control of the various system components is
generally accomplished by providing suitable electronic signals to various actuators,
relays, switches, or other control points within the system. Control systems often
LA-138477.2 ";'' ' require that processes be carried out in a prescribed order, or with a level of
responsiveness, that precludes sole reliance on manual control. Also, such systems
may employ sensors or other components that require continuous or periodic
monitoring or control, and therefore lend themselves to automated or semi-
automated control.
A variety of different network architectures for controlling electronic systems
have been developed or proposed. Examples of various control networks include
programmable logic controller (PLC) based multiplexed control systems in which a
single central processing unit (CPU) is used to control a number of input output (I/O)
modules or network nodes; network-controlled multiplexed control systems in which
a network of interconnected CPUs are used to control a number of I/O modules at
the various network nodes; and hierarchical, master-slave multi-bus control systems,
wherein CPU-driven network nodes are connected together at each bus level in a
loop configuration.
In most control networks, it is necessary to be able to diagnose operational
problems that may occur within the system. Operational problems may result from
wiring faults, component failures (either in the control network or in the components
being controlled by the control network), or logic flaws, among other reasons. Also,
it may be necessary to test the operation of the controls system from time to time,
such as when components are added or removed, or when functionality of the
control system is added or changed.
Traditionally, diagnosis and testing of a control network is carried out by
manual activation of switches, relays or actuators, and observing the results on the
LA-138477.2 input/output devices of the control system. Conventional meters (e.g., an Ohm-
meter) may be used to determine if electrical signals from the control network are
reaching the intended destination(s). Due to the different types of operational
problems that can occur (e.g., wiring fault vs. component failure), and the myriad of
possible places in which a fault or failure could occur, locating the source of an
operational problem can be an extremely slow and laborious process. With the
increasing complexity of control systems and the steadily growing number of
components used in such systems, diagnosis and testing become even more critical
and, in many respects, more difficult.
To conduct a complete manual test or diagnosis of a control system can be
very time consuming and tedious. The test personnel generally need to read
complicated circuit blueprints and locate each relay, switch, actuator or other
component that needs to be tested. Often, multiple relays, switches or actuators will
need to be activated, switched or otherwise positioned to test a particular system
component. In such a case, the test personnel needs to locate and set each such
relay, switch and/or actuator to its proper position, which can be a lengthy process.
In many control systems, simply locating the appropriate switches, relays or actuators
can be difficult, especially if the control system is complex and includes many
components. Also, particularly in the case of on-board control systems used in
vehicles (such as buses or rail cars), the switches, relays or actuators can be located
in inconvenient places and thus hard to find or set to reach manually.
Diagnosis and testing of a control network is sometimes carried out by
connecting a test computer (usually a laptop or other portable computerized device)
LA-138477.2 to a diagnostic and maintenance port of the control network. The test computer is
generally programmed to receive various types of information from the control
network to allow an operator to monitor the functioning of the control system. The
test computer may also be used to download new programming instructions to the
control network via the diagnostic and maintenance port.
An illustration of a test computer set-up for monitoring a control network is
illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle 101 (shown in phantom for
convenience of illustration) has a control network 1 10 (shown in solid, dark lines)
with various I/O modules dispersed throughout the vehicle 101. A test computer
103 connects by a cord 106 to a module 1 12 containing the diagnostic and
maintenance port. The test computer 103 is thereby able to monitor the functioning
of the control network 1 10.
FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are diagrams of test computer set-ups for different control
networks as known in the art. FIG. 2 illustrates a hierarchical, master-slave control
network 120, having a master bus controller (MBC) 125 connected to a common bus
138, which connects various network nodes in a loop configuration. The network
nodes may include, for example, high-speed cell net controller (HCNC) modules 128
and digital input/output (DIO) modules 127, or other types of modules, all of which
generally operate in a slave mode with respect to the common bus 138. The control
network 120 may also include one or more secondary buses (not shown). Further
information about certain types of hierarchical, master-slave control networks may be
found in U.S. Patent 5,907,486 and Japanese Patent documents 10-326259 and 10-
333930, all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and
LA-138477.2 hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. The control network
120 may be physically connected to a test computer 123 from time to time through
an RS-485 compatible diagnostic and maintenance port 129, for the purpose of
testing and monitoring the functionality of the control network 120 as generally
described above.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a PLC-based multiplexed control system 140, in which
a single main central processing unit (CPU) 146 is used to monitor and control a
number of network nodes 150. Each network node 150 typically includes a
programmable logic controller (PLC) which, in turn, monitors various input signals or
conditions (such as temperature, current, speed, pressure and the like) and generates
output signals to various output devices (such as actuators, relays or switches)
through input/output (I/O) modules 152, thus providing localized control at various
network node sites. The main control network CPU 146 communicates with the
PLCs of each of the network nodes 150 over a main system bus 147, and provides
top-level command and control. The main control network CPU 146 may be
physically connected to a test computer 149 from time to time through an RS-232
compatible diagnostic and maintenance port 148, for the purpose of testing and
monitoring the functionality of the control network 140 as previously described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a network-controlled multiplexed control system 160 in
which a network of interconnected CPUs 170 are used to control a number of I/O
modules 1 72. A main CPU 166 is connected to other dispersed CPUs 1 70 over a
control area network (CAN) bus or device net 167. The CAN bus or device net 167
may be physically connected to a test computer 169 from time to time through a
LA-138477.2 CAN bus or device net gateway 1 75, which connects to the CAN bus or device net
through a CAN bus or device net test port 168. Testing or monitoring of the
functionality of the control network 160 may thus be carried out, as previously
described.
While the use of a computer to monitor the functioning of a control system
has some advantages, present systems have limitations and drawbacks. For example,
the test computer generally must be kept close to the diagnostic and maintenance
port, due to the cord 106 (as shown in FIG. 1) connecting the test computer to the
diagnostic and maintenance port. This arrangement physically limits where the test
personnel can view relevant information. Thus, test personnel working at the back of
the vehicle 101 , for example, could not view the information being shown on the
test computer 103. Therefore, the test personnel would need to walk back and forth
between the test computer 103 and the pertinent locations of the vehicle 101 in
order to carry out an ongoing test or diagnostic procedure. Further, the test
personnel often need to refer to complicated circuit blueprints to interpret the
information on the test computer 103 and to locate the various locations of interest
within the control network 1 10 of the vehicle 101. Such blueprints are usually in
paper form and are cumbersome to deal with. Cross-referencing between the circuit
blueprints and the information on the test computer 103 takes extra time and effort
on the part of the test personnel, and may be the source of human error in
conducting a test or system diagnosis. Further, the types of testing, monitoring and
diagnosis that can be conducted using a test computer 103, at least as conventionally
practiced, are limited.
LA-138477.2 Some systems for wireless diagnosis or monitoring have been proposed in
contexts such as diagnostic analysis of an automobile or similar vehicle. Examples of
such wireless systems may be found in U.S. Patents 5,758,300 and 5,884,202.
Conventional wireless diagnostic and monitoring systems typically involve a portable
wireless unit that is specifically configured for a single type of application.
Therefore, such portable wireless units are useless for monitoring systems other than
the type for which they are specifically configured. Creating a custom portable
wireless unit for each type of control network can be expensive and time-consuming.
Also, despite being wireless, the type of information and test functionality they
provide is limited, and most, if not all, such wireless systems do not have the
functionality to operate in the context of a sophisticated control network.
Therefore, a need presently exists for a flexible, versatile and simple to use
test and diagnosis tool suitable for either simple or complex control network systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention in one aspect provides a system and method for monitoring,
diagnosing and/or testing a control network using portable, wireless equipment.
In one embodiment as disclosed herein, a portable, wireless intermediary
device connects to a diagnostic device which is programmed to allow for diagnosis
and testing of a control network. The diagnostic device preferably is embodied as a
personal digital assistant (PDA) preferably comprising, among other things, an on¬
board computer and a graphical screen display. The portable, wireless intermediary
device includes a line interface (either serial or parallel) to the diagnostic device, and
LA-138477.2 receives, formats and modulates the output of the diagnostic device for
communication over a wireless channel to a wireless interface unit connected to the
control network. The portable, wireless intermediary device thereby enables
wireless communication between the diagnostic device and the control network,
allowing testing, monitoring and/or diagnosis of the control network.
In one embodiment, the portable, wireless equipment is programmed to test,
monitor and/or diagnose a control network. The portable, wireless equipment
preferably comprises a graphical screen display for displaying images to the operator
useful for testing, monitoring and/or diagnosing the control network. The displayed
images may include an illustration of all or part of the control network within the
context of the facility (e.g., building, vehicle, plant, robot, machine or other facility),
to facilitate the operator's testing, monitoring and/or diagnosis of the control
network. The image of the facility may be presented on the graphical screen display
in phantom to allow the operator to easily view the components of the control
network being observed or tested.
In another embodiment, the portable, wireless equipment is programmed to
allow the operator to force individual system components to a desired output state.
By entering various inputs, the operator causes test commands to be conveyed
wirelessly from the portable, wireless equipment to the control network, whereupon
the test commands are relayed to the appropriate system component. If working
properly, the system component changes state to the desired output state. The
portable, wireless equipment is preferably programmed to receive feedback from the
control network over the wireless connection, and to display the states of the
LA-138477.2 relevant switches along the output path to the system component being tested or
observed. The portable, wireless equipment is programmed with information
pertaining to the connections and locations of the components in the control
network, thereby simplifying diagnosis or testing by the operator, and reducing or
eliminating the need for the operator to carry and interpret bulky, cumbersome
manuals and circuit blueprints.
In another embodiment, the portable, wireless equipment includes an
automated procedure for testing a line connection between a diagnostic device
carried by an operator and a portable, wireless intermediary device which facilitates
wireless communication to the control network. The portable, wireless equipment
may also include an automated procedure for testing the wireless connection
between the portable, wireless intermediary device and the control network.
Further embodiments, variations and enhancements are also described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a control network diagnostic technique as
known in the prior art.
FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are diagrams of different control networks as known in the
art.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control network diagnostic technique in
accordance with a preferred embodiment as disclosed herein.
FIG. 6 is a top-level diagram of a remote diagnostic system in accordance with
a preferred embodiment as disclosed herein.
LA-138477.2 FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are diagrams of the remote diagnostic system of FIG. 6 as
applied to various different types of control networks.
FIG. 10 is a diagram of a preferred wireless intermediary unit for connecting a
remote diagnostic device to a control network, as may be used, for example, in any
of the remote diagnostic systems depicted in FIGS. 6 through 9.
FIG. 12 is a diagram of a preferred handheld, computerized diagnostic device
embodied as a personal digital assistant.
FIG. 13 is an example of a screen image depicting a vehicle outline in relation
to control network nodes and other features.
FIG. 14 is an example of a screen image depicting various control network
components illustrated in a logic ladder format.
FIG. 15 is an example screen image of a main menu as may be used, for
example, in the computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12..
FIG. 16 is an example of a logon screen as may be used, for example, in the
computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12.
FIG. 1 7 is an example of a bus information input screen as may be used, for
example, in the computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12.
FIG. 18 is an example of an input check select screen as may be used, for
example, in the computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12.
FIG. 19 is an example of an output check select screen as may be used, for
example, in the computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12.
FIG. 20 is an example of an RF test screen as may be used, for example, in the
computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12.
LA-138477.2 FIG. 21 is an example of a system help screen as may be used, for example, in
the computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12.
FIG. 22 is a software architecture diagram as may be used in the
computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12.
FIG. 23 is an example of a logic ladder chart.
FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 are screen images illustrating activation of certain control
network components depicted graphically in a logic ladder format.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various systems and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and/or testing a
control network using portable, wireless equipment will now be described in
connection with preferred embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating concepts of control network diagnosis and/or
testing in accordance with a preferred embodiment as disclosed herein, as
exemplified by a control network system deployed in a mobile vehicle 190 (in this
example, a bus). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the vehicle 190 (shown in phantom) has a
control network 199 (shown in dark, solid lines within the vehicle 190) for
controlling circuitry and system components located throughout the vehicle 190,
much the same as the control network shown in FIG. 1. However, the control
network 199 shown in FIG. 5 also includes a wireless diagnostic and maintenance
linking device (e.g., an radio frequency (RF) driver) 192 for providing a wireless
connection to portable wireless equipment utilized by an operator 193. The wireless
equipment preferably includes a handheld, computerized diagnostic device 194,
LA-138477.2 such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or similar device which is programmed to
provide testing and diagnostic functionality, and a wireless intermediary device 196.
The computerized diagnostic device 194 connects to the wireless intermediary unit
196 by a connector cord 195 or other suitable means. The wireless intermediary
unit 196 is configured to communicate with the wireless diagnostic and maintenance
linking device 192, thereby allowing wireless communication between the
computerized diagnostic device 194 and the control network 199. The operator 193
can thus, for example, perform at least all of the test and diagnosis operations that
could be performed by connecting a test computer to the control network 199, but
without being restricted as to mobility. The computerized diagnostic device 194 also
preferably includes further functionality as described herein.
FIG. 6 is a top-level block diagram of a remote diagnostic system 200 in
accordance with a preferred embodiment as disclosed herein. As illustrated in FIG.
6, the remote diagnostic system 200 comprises a portable, computerized diagnostic
device 201 (such as a personal digital assistant (PDA)) which is connected to a
wireless intermediary unit 205 for the purpose of allowing wireless communication
with a control network 218. The wireless intermediary unit 205 is configured to
communicate with a wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 21 5 which
provides wireless access to the control network 218.
The control network 218 may take the form of any type of network, and may
include, for example, a hierarchical master-slave control network such as depicted in
FIG. 2, a PLC-based control network as depicted in FIG. 3, a CAN bus or device net
control network as depicted in FIG. 4, or any other type of control network,
LA-138477.2 including control networks that are fairly simple or substantially more complex than
those depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking
device 215 may itself connect to an existing diagnostic and maintenance port (such
as ports 129, 148 and 168 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, respectively) of the control
network 218, thereby being compatible with control networks 218 which have a
built-in capability for connecting non-wirelessly to a test computer.
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating concepts of the remote diagnostic
system 200 shown in FIG. 6 as applied to various different types of control networks
218. In FIG. 7, for example, is shown a control network system 240 wherein a
handheld, computerized diagnostic device 241 (preferably embodied as a personal
digital assistant (PDA)) communicates with a hierarchical, master-slave control
network 254 over a wireless communication link. The computerized diagnostic
device 241 is connected to a wireless intermediary unit 243 (preferably embodied as
an RF driver) which preferably has, among other things, an antenna 244 for
facilitating wireless RF communication. The computerized diagnostic device 241
sends commands and other instructions in a digital format to the wireless
intermediary unit 243, which re-formats (if necessary) and modulates the data over
an RF communication link. The wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device
247 (also preferably embodied as an RF driver) receives the modulated data from the
wireless intermediary unit 243, demodulates the received data and places it in a
format compatible with the control network 254. In the example of FIG. 7, the
control network 254 includes an RS-485 compatible diagnostic and maintenance
port 248, and so the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 247 would
LA-138477.2 place the received information in a format compatible with the RS-485 protocol.
However, any other type of interface between the wireless diagnostic and
maintenance linking device 247 and the control network 254 may also be used.
In a similar fashion, the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device
247 receives information from the control network 254, re-formats the information (if
necessary) and modulates it for communication over an RF communication link
(which may be the same or different RF channel as utilized on the forward link). The
wireless intermediary device 243 receives the modulated data from the wireless
diagnostic and maintenance linking device 247, demodulates the received data and
places it in a format compatible with the computerized diagnostic unit 241.
The control network 254 shown in FIG. 7 may comprise any hierarchical,
master-slave network or loop configured network, and may have one or more
common buses, arranged in a single-tier (if one bus) or a multi-tier, hierarchical
architecture. Illustrative (but not exhaustive) examples of various types of control
network architectures that be included as part of the control network 254 are
illustrated and/or described in U.S. Patent 5,907,486, Japanese Patent documents 10-
326259 and 10-333930, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. 08/854,160 (entitled
"Backup Control Mechanism In A Distributed Control Network"), 08/853,893
(entitled "Fault Isolation and Recovery In A Distributed Control Network"),
08/853,989 (entitled "Multi-Tier Architecture for Control Network"), and 09/442,368
(entitled "Control Network with Matrix Architecture"), all of which are assigned to
the assignee of the present invention and hereby incorporated by reference as if set
forth fully herein.
LA-138477.2 FIG. 8 is a diagram of a similar control network system 260 wherein a
handheld, computerized diagnostic device 261 (preferably embodied as a personal
digital assistant (PDA)) communicates with a PLC-based control network 274 over a
wireless communication link. Similar to the control network system 240 shown in
FIG. 7, in FIG. 8 the computerized diagnostic device 261 is connected to a wireless
intermediary unit 263 (preferably embodied as an RF driver) which preferably has,
among other things, an antenna 264 for facilitating wireless RF communication. The
computerized diagnostic device 261 sends commands and other instructions in a
digital format to the wireless intermediary unit 263, which re-formats (if necessary)
and modulates the data over an RF communication link. A wireless diagnostic and
maintenance linking device 267 (also preferably embodied as an RF driver) receives
the modulated data from the wireless intermediary unit 263, demodulates the
received data and places it in a format compatible with the control network 274. In
the example of FIG. 8, the control network 274 includes an RS-232 compatible
diagnostic and maintenance port 268, and thus the wireless diagnostic and
maintenance linking device 267 would place the received information in a format
compatible with the RS-232 protocol. However, any other type of interface between
the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 267 and the control network
274 may also be used.
A similar sequence of events occurs in the opposite direction to convey
information from the control network 274 to the wireless diagnostic device 261.
Thus, the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 267 receives
information from the control network 274, re-formats the information (if necessary)
LA-138477.2 and modulates it for communication over an RF communication link (which may be
the same or different RF channel as utilized on the forward link). The wireless
intermediary device 263 receives the modulated data from the wireless diagnostic
and maintenance linking device 267, demodulates the received data and places it in
a format compatible with the computerized diagnostic unit 261.
FIG. 9 is a diagram of another control network system 280 wherein a
handheld, computerized diagnostic device 281 (preferably embodied as a personal
digital assistant (PDA)) communicates with a CAN bus (or device net) based control
network 294 over a wireless communication link. Similar to the control network
systems 240 and 260 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively, in FIG. 9 the
computerized diagnostic device 281 is connected to a wireless intermediary unit 283
(preferably embodied as an RF driver) which preferably has, among other things, an
antenna 284 for facilitating wireless RF communication. The computerized
diagnostic device 281 sends commands and other instructions in a digital format to
the wireless intermediary unit 283, which re-formats (if necessary) and modulates the
data over an RF communication link. A wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking
device 287 (also preferably embodied as an RF driver) receives the modulated data
from the wireless intermediary unit 283, demodulates the received data and places it
in a format compatible with the control network 294. In the example of FIG. 9, the
control network 294 includes a CAN bus or device net compatible diagnostic and
maintenance port 289 and a CAN bus or device net gateway 288, and thus the
wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 287 would place the received
information in a format compatible with the CAN bus or device net gateway 288.
LA-138477.2 However, any other type of interface between the wireless diagnostic and
maintenance linking device 287 and the control network 294 may also be used.
A similar sequence of events occurs in the opposite direction to convey
information from the control network 294 to the wireless diagnostic device 281 .
Thus, the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 287 receives
information from the control network 294, re-formats the information (if necessary)
and modulates it for communication over an RF communication link (which may be
the same or different RF channel as utilized on the forward link). The wireless
intermediary device 283 receives the modulated data from the wireless diagnostic
and maintenance linking device 287, demodulates the received data and places it in
a format compatible with the computerized diagnostic unit 281 .
FIG. 10 is a diagram of a preferred wireless intermediary unit 300 for
connecting a remote diagnostic device to a control network, as may be used, for
example, in any of the remote diagnostic systems depicted in FIGS. 6 through 9 (for
example, as wireless intermediary unit 205, 243, 263 or 283). As illustrated in FIG.
10, the wireless intermediary unit 300 preferably comprises a communication
interface 310 which connects by a cord 31 1 to a portable computerized diagnostic
device (such as any of the computerized diagnostic devices 201 , 241, 261 or 281
shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, respectively). The nature of the communication
interface 310 depends upon the nature of the computerized diagnostic device, and
may be, for example, a serial interface (such as an RS-232 or Universal Serial Bus
(USB) interface), a parallel interface or fiber optic interface. The communication
interface 310 is connected to a microprocessor 315 (which includes any necessary
LA-138477.2 RAM, ROM or peripheral components), which in turn connects to a communications
module 325. The wireless intermediary unit 300 also preferably comprises a power
sub-system (unless it receives power from an external source, such as the
computerized diagnostic device), comprising a power supply 321 , a power converter
320 and a power management circuit 322.
In a preferred embodiment, the communications module 325 communicates
over radio frequencies, and thus is, in essence, an RF module. The communications
module 325 preferably comprises a transmitter 236 and a receiver 327, and is
preferably connected to an antenna 330. The receiver 327 may, for example, be a
double conversion superheterodyne variety.
In operation, the wireless intermediary unit 300 acts as a wireless interface
between a computerized diagnostic device and a control network. The wireless
intermediary unit 300 receives information (preferably in a digital format) from the
computerized diagnostic device over the communications interfaced 310, formats
the information for transmission, and modulates the information over a wireless
communication channel. The steps involved in formatting and modulating the
information from the computerized diagnostic unit depend upon the format in which
the information is received, the format in which the receiving device expects the
information, and the nature of the physical link (i.e., the wireless communication
channel). If the communications interface 310 to the computerized diagnostic
device comprises a parallel interface, for example, then the microprocessor 315 may
convert the incoming parallel data into serial data to facilitate transmission by the RF
module 325. In any event, the microprocessor 315 and/or RF module 325 may add
LA-138477.2 header bits, error correction and/or encoding to the message being transmitted. In
the opposite direction, the RF module 325 and/or microprocessor 315 may
demodulate, decode, error check and/or strip header bits from information received
over the wireless channel from the control network.
In a preferred embodiment, the communications interface 310 comprises an
RS-232 compatible interface, which has the advantage of allowing compatibility with
many personal digital assistant (PDA) devices. The microprocessor 315 and/or
communications interface 310 are preferably programmed so as to be compatible
with a Windows CE™ or LINUX compatible platforms as may be used in the
computerized diagnostic device to which the wireless intermediary device 300 is
connected.
The RF module 325 may employ frequency modulation (FM) techniques
and/or spread spectrum encoding and decoding of transmitted signals. The
frequency band may be any that is suitable, such as, for example, 400 MHz, 300
MHz, 900 MHz, or 2.4 GHz. The frequency band may be determined by inserting
the appropriate one of several RF module chips, or else may be made selectable by
the operator using switch settings. A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) responsive
to the switch settings may be used to generate the different frequencies.
Alternatively, the switch settings may affect both frequency settings and
communication protocols, so that the same wireless intermediary device 300 can be
used for different types of control networks using different wireless communication
interfaces. Each switch setting can correspond to a specific control network type,
and thus be associated with a specific frequency band and communication protocol.
LA-138477.2 The switch settings can be set manually through switches on the exterior of the
wireless intermediary device 300, or else may be selected through various
configuration options provided on the screen display of the computerized diagnostic
device.
In one embodiment, the power sub-system provides power to the
communication interface 310, microprocessor 315 and RF module 325. A power
supply 321 includes a battery (which can be alkaline or lithium (rechargeable), for
example) or other low voltage power source. In a preferred embodiment, the power
supply 321 comprises a 3.6 volt battery. A power converter 320 is provided to the
voltage level of the 3.6 volt battery to a 5 volt level suitable for the microprocessor
315 and RF module 325. The power management circuit 322, among other things,
determines whether the battery level is high, medium or low. This information may
be made available to the operator through one or more LEDs, a guage, or LCD
display, for example. As an alternative to an on-board power supply 321 , or in
addition thereto, power may also be brought into the wireless intermediary device
300 from an external source, such as the computerized diagnostic device.
The wireless intermediary unit 300 preferably includes a lightweight, durable
moisture-resistant housing or encasement that may be manufactured from any of a
variety of materials, including, for example, plastic or aluminum (or other lightweight
metal). The housing or encasement (not shown) of the wireless intermediary unit
300 preferably includes suitable means for allowing it to be physically carried by an
operator (thus facilitating its transportability), such as, for example, a belt clip, or
small hoops for allowing the fastening of a strap of similar means for securing the
LA-138477.2 wireless intermediary unit 300 to the body of the operator. Alternatively, the
operator may wear a belt having a pouch or pocket for placing the wireless
intermediary unit 300. Because it is generally advantageous for an operator to be
able to carry around the wireless intermediary unit 300, it is preferably small in size,
with on-board components integrated to the extent reasonably possible. It should be
possible to manufacture the necessary circuitry and components for the wireless
intermediary unit 300 in a size similar to that of conventionally available cellular or
pocket telephones, many of which contain microprocessors, RF circuitry and a local
power supply.
It should be noted that generally the wireless intermediary unit 300 will
connect to the computerized diagnostic device by a cord, cable, wire or other
physical means, but in some circumstances a wireless connection between the
wireless intermediary unit 300 and the computerized diagnostic device may be
desirable.
Referring once again to the top-level block diagram in FIG. 6, in accordance
with one or more embodiments as disclosed herein, the computerized diagnostic
device 201 is programmed to test, monitor and/or diagnose a control network 218 by
communicating to the control network 218 through the wireless intermediary device
205. The computerized diagnostic device 201 preferably comprises a graphical
screen display for displaying images, text and other information to the operator
useful for testing, monitoring and/or diagnosing the control network.
An example of operation of the computerized diagnostic device 201 may be
illustrated with respect to the control system 240 shown in FIG. 7, which, it will be
LA-138477.2 recalled, depicts a hierarchical, master-slave control network 254. In this particular
example, the master bus controller (MBC) 250 of the control network 254 normally
operates in a master mode with respect to the common bus 251 , while the other
network nodes 252, 255 normally operate in a slave mode with respect to the
common bus 251 . The master bus controller 250 preferably comprises a pair of
independent processors 350, 351 , a first processor 350 which connects to the
common bus 251, and a second processor 351 which connects to the diagnostic and
maintenance port 248, as illustrated in FIG. 1 1. The first processor 350 acts as a
master with respect to the common bus 251 , while the second processor 351 acts as
a slave (i.e., listener) with respect to the diagnostic and maintenance port connection.
Both processors 350, 351 are connected to a dual-port RAM 355, which stores,
among other things, a test mode status variable 356 indicating whether the master
bus controller 250 is in test mode or not. When a test, diagnosis or other analysis of
the control network 254 is desired, the operator initiates the appropriate commands
through the computerized diagnostic device (preferably using techniques described
later herein), causing a mode switch instruction to be relayed via the wireless
intermediary device 243 and wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device
247 to the master bus controller 250. The mode switch instruction is received by the
second processor 351 , which interprets the instruction and, in response thereto,
switches the test mode status variable 356 to indicate that the master bus controller
250 is now in test mode. The first processor 350 polls the test mode status variable
356 periodically (e.g., once per millisecond), and, when it observes that the state of
the test mode status variable 356 has switched, enters the test mode.
LA-138477.2 Once the test mode is entered, the master bus controller 250 may operate
with reduced functionality as compared to its normal monitoring, command and
control duties, or may cease performing any monitoring, command and control
functions altogether, depending upon how it is programmed and the criticality of
those functions. The first processor 350 then continually checks for instructions sent
from the computerized diagnostic device 241, which are relayed to it by the second
processor 351 and stored in the dual-port RAM 355 in predefined locations. When
the first processor 350 receives an instruction when in the test mode, it carries it out
and awaits the next instruction. When the test operation is complete (or when the
wireless communication link is broken), the second processor 351 returns the test
mode status variable 356 to its original (i.e., non-test mode) state. The first processor
350, which continues to poll the test mode status variable 356 when in the test
mode, eventually observes that the test mode status variable 356 has returned to its
original state, and, in response thereto, resumes its normal monitoring, command
and control duties.
A variety of other techniques may be used to cause the master bus controller
250 to respond to instructions from the computerized diagnostic device 241 . For
example, the master bus controller 250 may comprise only a single processor, and
the wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device 247 may have direct memory
access to a test mode status variable stored in the RAM of the master bus controller
250. Alternatively, the master bus controller 250 may receive an interrupt from the
wireless diagnostic and maintenance linking device, and may then check a
predefined instruction buffer to receive test instructions originating from the
LA-138477.2 computerized diagnostic device 241. A variety of other techniques may also be
used. Similar techniques may also be used to initiate test mode operations with any
other type of control network (including the control network systems 260 or 280
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively).
Further functions and features of the computerized diagnostic device 201 will
now be described, with particular reference to FIG. 12, which illustrates a preferred
such device 201 embodied as a personal digital assistant (PDA) 420, such as a
commercially available PalmPilot® or other handheld computer device. While this
embodiment is described with respect to a PDA device, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that any other type of device having the same functionality
may be substituted for the PDA device.
In a preferred embodiment, the personal digital assistant 420 is based on a
platform running Windows CE®, LINUX, or another suitable operating system 424
capable of supporting the operations of a handheld graphical computing device. The
personal digital assistant 420 also preferably comprises a communication interface
428, which is used to communicate with the wireless intermediary unit 430 through,
for example, a direct wired connection 432 (but alternatively, through a wireless
connection 434 such as a radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) connection). The
personal digital assistant 420 also preferably includes a graphical screen display 422,
which may, for example, support a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for allowing user
interaction, and further includes one or more application programs 426 which
provide the programming instructions for executing a variety of the test and
diagnostic functions programmed into the personal digital assistant 420.
LA-138477.2 Some of the test and diagnostic functions that may be included are as follows.
The personal digital assistant 420 may allow the user to view various aspects of the
control network graphically on the screen display 422. The displayed images may
include, for example, illustrations of all or part of the control network within the
context of the controlled facility (e.g., a building, vehicle, plant, robot, machine or
other facility), so as to facilitate the user's testing, monitoring and/or diagnosis of the
control network. The image of the facility may be presented on the screen display
422 in a faint outline or phantom format, while the control network may appear in
solid, dark lines, thus allowing the user to easily distinguish the facility from the
components of the control network being observed or tested.
The personal digital assistant 420 may also provide the ability for an operator
to force individual components in the control network system to a desired output
state. By entering various inputs, the operator may cause test instructions to be
conveyed wirelessly from the personal digital assistant 420 to the control network
218, whereupon the test instructions are relayed to the appropriate individual
component(s) of the control network system. In the absence of any fault of
component failure, the component should change states to the desired output state in
response to receiving the proper instruction. The personal digital assistant 420 may
be programmed to receive feedback from the control network 218 over the wireless
connection, and to display (in a ladder format, e.g.) the states of the relevant
switches, actuators or relays along the signal path to the network component being
tested or observed. The personal digital assistant 420 may be programmed with
information pertaining to the locations of various network components in the control
LA-138477.2 network 218 and their connectivity, thereby simplifying diagnosis or testing by the
operator, and reducing or eliminating the need for the operator to carry and interpret
bulky, cumbersome manuals and circuit blueprints.
The personal digital assistant 420 may also provide an automated procedure
for testing the connection between it and the wireless intermediary device 205 (or
430 in FIG. 12), and another automated procedure for testing the wireless
connection between the wireless intermediary device 205 and the control network
218.
Details of the above functions, and additional test and diagnostic functions,
are provided below.
FIG. 22 is a diagram of a preferred software system architecture as may be
used in the computerized diagnostic device illustrated in FIG. 12. As illustrated in
FIG. 22, the software system architecture 600 comprises a security checking function
605, a main menu function 601 , and a security administration function 607, which
preferably (but need not) collectively comprise a software loop as illustrated. The
main menu function 607 calls any of a number of subsidiary functions, including a
network information function 610, a help function 612, a power function 613, a logo
function 614 and an RF test function 615. All of the foregoing functions 601, 605,
607, 610, 612, 613, 614 and 615 may be viewed as "network independent" in the
sense that they do not depend upon the nature of the control network being tested or
diagnosed. The network information function 610 in turn accesses a variety of
additional subsidiary functions, including a system check function 620, an input
check function 621 , a force output function 622, and a real-time monitoring function
LA-138477.2 623. These latter functions 620, 621 , 622 and 623 may be viewed as "network
dependent" in certain aspects because they may depend or can be optimized for
particular network configurations, types or implementations. Further details
regarding the software functions appearing in FIG. 22 will be described or become
apparent in the discussion of the test and diagnostic functions of the personal digital
assistant 420.
A diagnostic system menu screen 460, as illustrated in FIG. 15, preferably
allows a user to initiate various test and diagnostic functions relating to the control
network 218, as well as to perform various software system administrative functions.
The test and diagnosis application software may have pre-programmed security
functions designed to prevent unauthorized access to the diagnostic system main
menu 460. Examples of security features are described below.
In a preferred embodiment, the security checking function 605 of the personal
digital assistant 420 is invoked during initial user access, and also may be accessed
via user selection of a security function icon from a diagnostic system main menu
(see FIG. 15). The application program relating to the test and diagnosis features of
the personal digital assistant 420 may be launched according to any acceptable
procedure provided by the operating system 424, and is conveniently accomplished
by user selection of an icon relating to the control network test and diagnosis
application software. When a user initially launches the control network test and
diagnosis application software, or when the personal digital assistant 420 is powered
on with the diagnostic system main menu 460 running, a logon screen 480, as
illustrated in FIG. 16, is preferably displayed, prompting the user to enter a logon
LA-138477.2 identification (ID) string in a user ID field 482 and password in a password field 484
in order to gain operational access to the control network test and diagnosis
application software. The security checking function 605 then attempts to verify the
logon ID string and password. If the security checking function 605 is able to verify
the logon ID and password, the user is then allowed to access the screen displaying
the diagnostic system main menu 460, including the associated test and diagnostic
system functions. An example of a diagnostic system main menu is illustrated in FIG.
15. If the user's logon ID and password cannot be verified, the user is denied access
to the features provided by the test and diagnosis application software. Preferably,
the security checking function 605 also continuously monitors each individual user's
activity, and logs off any user who has been inactive for a predetermined period of
time. This automatic log-off timeout function reduces the likelihood that an
unauthorized person can access the test and diagnostic application software by using
a personal digital assistant 420 which has not been properly logged off.
A variety of icons 461 through 472 are shown in the exemplary diagnostic
system main menu 460 illustrated in FIG. 15. Rather than icons, textual strings may
be displayed, listing the various available functions. The icons 461 through 472,
however, are convenient from a user standpoint, and may be selected by, for
example, a wand device, user contact (if a touch screen), pressing an appropriate
keyboard key (for example, entering the first letter(s) of the desired function, or using
the arrow keys to the appropriate icon and pressing enter), vocalizing the desired
input (if a microphone and speech recognition software are provided), or by any
other selection means provided within the functionality of the personal digital
LA-138477.2 assistant 420. The precise manner of selecting the various icons or functions of the
test and diagnosis application software is not important to the overall operation of the
invention in its various embodiments as described herein.
A user may invoke various security functions by selecting the Security icon
469 from the system main menu 460, shown in FIG. 15. If a user has privileges
associated with a system administrator, then selecting the Security icon 469 from the
main menu 460 may enable the user to perform various system administration
functions, such as, for example, adding a new user ID and password, deleting a user
ID, or modifying an existing user's password 484. If the user logs on using a
standard user logon ID (as opposed to a system administrator user ID), selecting the
Security icon 469 from the main menu 460 may enable the user to perform certain
system administrative functions unique to that individual, such as, for example,
modifying his or her existing password 484.
The diagnostic system main menu 460 illustrated in FIG. 1 5 is particularly
tailored, in this example, to the transit vehicle industry, but may be tailored to any
industry, or else may be made generic. In this particular embodiment, however, a
bus (i.e., transit vehicle) information icon 461 is provided as part of the diagnostic
system main menu 460. Alternatively, the bus information icon 461 may be
replaced by a control network information icon, to make its functionality more
generic. A primary purpose of the bus information icon 461 is to allow the user to
identify which transit vehicle (i.e., bus) type will be tested and/or diagnosed, and,
further, which specific transit vehicle within that transit vehicle type will be tested
and/or diagnosed.
LA-138477.2 When the user selects the bus information icon 461 from the diagnostic
system main menu 460, a bus information input screen 490 is preferably displayed,
as illustrated in FIG. 17. The user may then enter a transit vehicle type (or control
network type, more generically) in a transit vehicle type field 492, and a transit
vehicle identification (ID) number (or control network ID, more generically) in a
transit vehicle ID field 494, which identifies the particular vehicle (or other structure
or facility) to be serviced. The transit vehicle type 492 may be entered by the user
(using a numeric keypad in connection with a wand, for example), or alternatively
may be selected from a drop down menu (invoked by selecting a drop down menu
button 496) listing available transit vehicle types. For any given transit vehicle type,
many individual transit vehicles may exist. Entry of a unique transit vehicle ID in the
transit vehicle ID field 494 identifies the specific vehicle to be serviced. The network
information function 610 (see FIG. 22) preferably manages the foregoing transit
vehicle or control network information functions. It preferably responds to the entry
or modification of the transit vehicle ID by verifying that the specified vehicle exists
(i.e., is recognized by the test and diagnosis application software) and that a
communications connection to that vehicle can be established.
In a preferred embodiment, when the user has selected the specific transit
vehicle ID and it has been recognized by the network information function 610, the
personal digital assistant 420 attempts to communicate with the control network 218
of the selected transit vehicle through establishment of a wireless connection by the
wireless intermediary unit 205 (or 430, as depicted in FIG. 12). If the control
network 218 of the specified transit vehicle does not respond to the wireless
LA-138477.2 intermediary unit 205 (or 430), then an error message may be displayed on the
screen image of the personal digital assistant 420, indicating a communications link
failure. Such a failure may be caused by a variety of circumstances, including, for
example, that 1) the specified transit vehicle is not within range of the wireless
intermediary unit 205 (possibly because an incorrect transit vehicle ID is entered), or
2) the communications link itself failed due to mechanical malfunction.
If the specified transit vehicle (or control network) type and transit vehicle (or
control network) ID are verified by the network information function 610, and,
optionally, if a communications link is established to the control network 218, the
network information function 610 may then ensure that the relevant transit vehicle
(or control network) information is available to the personal digital assistant 420. For
example, the network information function 610 may examine a data storage
component (such as an internal ROM/PROM/EEPROM chip or memory card, a CD-
ROM, an insertable memory cartridge, or a disk, to name a few examples) to
determine whether the relevant transit vehicle (or control network) information is
available. The data storage component may store information relating to a single
transit vehicle (or control network), or multiple transit vehicles (or control networks).
If the information pertaining to the selected transit vehicle (or control network) is not
found on the data storage component, then the network information function 610
may cause a message to be displayed on the display screen 422 requesting the user
to insert or otherwise provide the necessary data storage component (i.e., "Please
insert the memory cartridge for the Alpha bus"). Alternatively, the user may
download such information from a host computer (not shown). As yet another
LA-138477.2 alternative, the personal digital assistant 420 may attempt to automatically download
the control network information from a remote host computer. To this end, the
personal digital assistant 420 may be configured with its own wireless
communication interface through which it makes a connection to a remote host
computer at which the relevant control network information is stored. As a variation
of this technique, the wireless intermediary device 205 (or 430) may be provided
with means for establishing a separate wireless communication link to a remote host
computer at which the relevant control network information is stored.
Assuming the transit vehicle (or control network) information is available to
the personal digital assistant 420, the personal digital assistant 420 returns to the
main menu function 601 and displays the diagnostic system main menu 460 for the
user to select desired diagnostic functions to be performed on the vehicle.
Once the control network (e.g., transit vehicle) type and specific ID are
selected, the user may thereafter perform a variety of test or diagnostic activities
utilizing the personal digital assistant 420. In a preferred embodiment, selection of a
system check icon 462 allows the user to graphically observe a diagram of the
control network 218, preferably within the context of the associated transit vehicle or
other facility (e.g., building, plant, robot, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, in
response to selection of the system check icon 462, and as illustrated in FIG. 14,
some or all of the network nodes 442 of the control network 218 are graphically
displayed on screen display 422 of the personal digital assistant 420 in dark, solid
lines, superimposed on a three-dimensional (3-D) transparent or phantom outline
image 440 of the transit vehicle (or other structure or facility which houses the
LA-138477.2 control network 218). Each of the network nodes 442 in the control network may be
numbered or otherwise designated with a unique identifier (e.g., A1 , A2, B1 and so
on) for identification by the user. Graphical display in this manner assists the user in
identifying and locating various network nodes of the control network 218, by
showing their relative positions within the image 440 of the transit vehicle (or other
facility).
The graphical information relating to the image 440 and the network nodes
442 is preferably stored on (or downloaded to) a data storage component within the
personal digital assistant 420. As noted previously, this information may be stored in
ROM, PROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, memory cartridge, or any other data storage
means accessible to the personal digital assistant 420. In a preferred embodiment,
sufficient graphical information is provided such that the image 440 of the transit
vehicle (or other facility) is fully rotatable, thus allowing the user to change the view
to correspond to wherever the user happens to be positioned in relation to the
vehicle. The user may be allowed, in some applications, to zoom in or out of the
screen image. Likewise, alternative view might be provided, such as an internal view
versus an external view, and the user may be provided with means to select a
particular view.
Selection of the system check icon 462 by the user may also result in a
diagnostic test being initiated by the system check function 620 (see FIG. 22) of the
application software running on the personal digital assistant 420. For example, each
of the network nodes 442 in the control network may be systematically tested by the
control network, according to an instruction relayed from the personal digital
LA-138477.2 assistant 420 to the control network 218 over the wireless communication channel
via the wireless intermediary device 205. This diagnostic test may run in a
continuous loop until terminated by the user by hitting, for example, an Exit button
443. Control nodes 442 identified as malfunctioning during this diagnostic analysis
may be illustrated on the screen display 422 in a distinguishable manner from
properly functioning control nodes 442. This can be accomplished in various ways,
such as by shading the malfunctioning control nodes 442 in a color different than the
normally operating control nodes 442, or by causing the malfunctioning control
nodes 442 to blink on the graphical display 422, or by any other visual or graphical
means. Detection of a malfunctioning control node 442 during system check may
also result in display of an error message on the personal digital assistant 420 alerting
the user of the problem. Once a malfunctioning control node 442 is serviced or
replaced, the displayed error message is cleared, and the nature of the network node
image returns to its original display state.
While the image 440 of the transit vehicle or other facility is preferably
displayed transparently and in 3-D, in various applications this type of graphical
display may not be necessary or desired. Therefore, the image 440 being displayed
may be a schematic diagram, or a two-dimensional image, if desired.
As further illustrated in FIG. 13, the image display software utilized in
connection with the check system function 620 also preferably allows a text layer
(such as "A1 ", "A2", "B1 ", etc.) to be superimposed on the image 440 appearing on
the screen display 422. The text overlay may be used to provide identifying
LA-138477.2 information for the various network nodes 442, or to provide other information to the
user.
Other additional functions preferably provided by the application software
run on the personal digital assistant 420 will now be described. Returning to FIG.
15, user selection of the Input Check icon 463 on the system main menu 460 causes
the display of an input check select screen 500 (as illustrated in FIG. 18) on the
screen display 422. The input check select screen 500 may comprise one or more
pages associated with each network node, listing all of the testable input switches,
actuators, relays, or other components associated with the network node. In a
preferred embodiment, a drop down menu 504 is available at the activation of a
drop down menu button 502, that lists all of the available network nodes of the
control network 218. Using the drop down menu 504, the user selects a particular
network node (e.g., "AC-BO") to be tested. Selection of a network node from the
drop down menu 504 results in one or more pages appearing on the input select
display screen 500 listing all testable input components 506 associated with the
selected network node. The user then indicates the input components 506 to be
tested by selecting the corresponding check box(es) 508 on the page of the input
check select screen 500.
In response to selection of the check boxes 508 for the desired input
components 506 to be tested, the application software of the personal digital
assistant 420 issues commands to the control network 218 (over the wireless
communication link, via the wireless intermediary device 205) to check the status of
the selected input components 506. Upon receiving a response from the control
LA-138477.2 network 218, the input check function 621 of the application software highlights or
otherwise identifies any malfunctioning input components 506 visually on the input
check select screen 500. The operator then may replace the indicated defective
input components 506, or otherwise locate the fault or cause of failure, to repair the
malfunction. Remote testing of control network inputs 506 in this manner is useful
to the operator because often components 506 are located in hard to access places,
particularly in the context of transit vehicles, as well as in many other applications.
The drop down menu 504 on the input check select screen 500 is also useful to the
user as a directory to determine the names of input components 506 and network
nodes of the control network 218.
Returning once again to FIG. 15, user selection of the Output Check icon 464
on the system main menu 460 results in a very similar sequence of events, and,
initially, causes the display of an output check select screen 510 (as illustrated in FIG.
19) on the screen display 422. The output check select screen 510 may comprise
one or more pages associated with each network node, listing all of the testable
output switches, actuators, relays, or other components associated with the network
node. In a preferred embodiment, a drop down menu 514 is available at the
activation of a drop down menu button 512, that lists all of the available network
nodes of the control network 218. Using the drop down menu 514, the user selects
a particular network node (e.g., "BA-IN") to be tested. Selection of a network node
from the drop down menu 514 results in one or more pages appearing on the input
select display screen 510 listing all testable output components 516 associated with
the selected network node. The user then indicates the output components 516 to
LA-138477.2 be tested by selecting the corresponding check box(es) 518 from the first column of
check boxes on the page of the input check select screen 510.
In response to selection of the check boxes 518 for the desired output
components 516 to be tested, the application software of the personal digital
assistant 420 issues commands to the control network 218 (over the wireless
communication link, via the wireless intermediary device 205) to activate all
necessary input components (e.g., switches) to force the selected output function.
The application software of the personal digital assistant 420 then issues commands
to the control network 218 (again over the wireless communication link, via the
wireless intermediary device 205) to check the status of the selected output
components 516. Upon receiving a response from the control network 218, the
output check function 622 of the application software highlights or otherwise
identifies any malfunctioning output components 516 visually on the output check
select screen 510. The operator then may replace the indicated defective output
components 516, or otherwise locate the fault or cause of failure, to repair the
malfunction. As with the Input Check function, the Output Check function provides
the benefit of remote testing, which is very convenient for operational personnel.
Further, the drop down menu 514 on the output check select screen 510 is also
useful to the user as a directory to determine the names of output components 506
and network nodes of the control network 218.
In the case of output state failure, the Output Check function of the
application software running on the personal digital assistant 420 allows interactive
real time monitoring of the output functions 516. The real time monitoring function
LA-138477.2 is activated by the user selecting the appropriate check box(es) 518 in the second
column on the output check select screen 510 corresponding to the failed output
516. Real time monitoring can also be selected directly from the diagnostic system
main menu screen 460 shown in FIG. 1 5.
In a preferred embodiment, the real time monitoring feature of the personal
digital assistant 420 preferably provides the ability to display a graphic, visual
diagram, in "logic ladder" format, of the on/off states of selected control network
components. Although many different formats could be chosen, a logic ladder
format is particularly useful for diagnostic and maintenance personnel. FIG. 23 is an
example of a logic ladder chart, showing various conditions that are required to
activate a starter relay ("E3-3"). Such conditions, in this example, include at least the
following: (1) alternator is not charging; (2) vehicle is in neutral; and either (3) the
master switch is on, the ignition and starter controller switches are set in front start
positions, and the starter button is on; or (4) the rear ignition and starter switches are
set in start position.
FIG. 14 shows a real time monitoring screen 450 displayed by the application
software running on the personal digital assistant 420 in response to selection of the
Real Time Monitoring function. The real time monitoring screen 450 preferably
displays a set of input elements 456 (i.e., conditions) and the corresponding system
output 458, in a logic ladder format. In this embodiment, the input elements 456 of
the circuit are highlighted to illustrate that the element is operating properly. This
function allows real time monitoring of input components and output components
within the control network 218.
LA-138477.2 In a preferred embodiment, a control module drop down menu 452 is
available by selecting a drop down menu button 451 , providing a list of all network
nodes of the control network 218. The user may thereby select a particular network
node for diagnostic testing. When a network node is selected, a network node
output drop down menu 453 is displayed, providing a list of all system outputs for
the selected network node. The user may then scroll through the list and select a
particular system output to be tested using the real time monitoring function.
In a preferred embodiment, the real time monitoring function displays a
graphical diagram of the logic ladder format diagram including all input elements
456 (i.e., conditions) required to activate the selected output 458, displayed as
symbols on the real time monitoring screen 450. From the logic ladder diagram, the
user then may individually select each input element 456 to perform real time
diagnostic testing of each input element 456. If the element is functioning properly,
then its corresponding symbol on the real time monitoring screen 450 illuminates or
becomes otherwise visually distinguished. If the switch is defective, it will not
illuminate or becomes otherwise visually distinguished in a manner indicated that it
is not operating. This function allows fast and convenient real time diagnostic
monitoring of a complete circuit, from the input elements 456 to the system output
458, in all possible input combinations.
FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 show examples of screen images illustrating activation of
certain input elements depicted symbolically within a logic ladder format, eventually
leading to activation of an output component (i.e., back-up light). In FIG. 24, the
initial logic ladder diagram is illustrated for the user on the screen display 422. The
LA-138477.2 user then may select the first input element or switch ("MBC-1 "), causing it to
become visually distinguishable, as illustrated in FIG. 25 (in this particular example,
it becomes shaded, but it can as easily be illuminated or color coded as well). Then,
the user may select the second input element or switch ("MBC-13"), causing it to
become visually distinguishable, as illustrated in FIG. 26. When the inputs have
been so activated, the output state of the output component (i.e., backup light) can
be checked.
To carry out the Real Time Monitoring function, as each input element is
selected by the user, the application software sends the appropriate commands
across the wireless connection (via the wireless intermediary device 205 or 430) to
the control network 218, which responds by activating the appropriate switch or
component. The control network 218 can send a response to the personal digital
assistant 420 as each switch or component is activated, or else the application
software can periodically poll the status registers at the control network to determine
when the switch or component has activated or reached its desired state.
As noted, the real time monitoring select function may be invoked for a
particular system output by selecting the check box 518 (in the second column) for
the output 458 on the output check select screen 510, shown in FIG. 19. In
response to selection of one or more real time monitoring options using the check
boxes 518, the application software automatically displays the real time monitoring
select screen 450 on the screen display 422 of the personal digital assistant 420, with
the corresponding logic ladder diagram (i.e., switch hierarchy) for the selected
system output 458. When multiple system outputs 458 are selected, the application
LA-138477.2 software may rotate through the corresponding logic ladder diagrams sequentially, or
may allow the user to scroll through them until the desired screen is found.
Allowing direct access from the Output Check function to the Real Time Monitoring
function eliminates the need for a user to select the network node and system output
453 each time on the Real Time Monitoring select screen 450, thereby increasing the
efficiency of testing multiple system outputs 458 and their corresponding input
elements 456.
Returning once again to FIG. 15, user selection of the RF Test icon 472 (or
communication link test icon) on the diagnostic system main menu 460 displays an
RF test screen on the personal digital assistant 420. An example of a preferred RF
test screen 520 is shown in FIG. 20. The RF test screen 520 preferably activates an
RF test function, which verifies the integrity of the connection both between the
personal digital assistant 420 and the wireless intermediary unit 430, and the
connection between the wireless intermediary unit 430 and the control network 218.
A simple checksum or other error detection technique may be used. Any errors
detected in these communication links cause the RF test function 615 of the
application software to generate an error message on the RF test screen 520 of the
personal digital assistant 420, thereby alerting the user of a potential problem. .
Various miscellaneous features are also preferably provided in connection
with the test and diagnostic features. For example, returning again to FIG. 15, user
selection of a Power icon 467 on the diagnostic system main menu 460 may act to
shut down the power to the personal digital assistant 420. User selection of a Help
icon 466 on the diagnostic system main menu 460 displays a system help screen 530
LA-138477.2 on the screen display 422 of the personal digital assistant 420, an example of which
is illustrated in FIG. 21. The help screen 530 provides on-line help for the various
functions provided by the test and diagnosis application software running on the
personal digital assistant 420. A scroll-down menu of help topics may be provided,
from which the user may make a selection in order to get further information on the
topic.
It is thus apparent that a versatile, flexible and robust system has been
provided for allowing remote testing and diagnosis of control networks and similar
electronic systems. The various features provided as a result of the disclosed
embodiments enhance allow for more convenient, rapid, efficient and reliable testing
of control networks. Information is presented in an easily understandable format, and
a convenient man-machine interface is provided.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein,
many variations are possible which remain within the concept and scope of the
invention. Such variations would become clear to one of ordinary skill in the art
after inspection of the specification and the drawings. The invention therefore is not
to be restricted except within the spirit and scope of any appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1 . A remote diagnostic system for testing and diagnosing a control
network, comprising:
a computerized diagnostic device;
a wireless linking device connected to the control network; and
a wireless intermediary device connected to the computerized diagnostic
device, the wireless intermediary device providing a wireless communication link
between the computerized diagnostic device and the wireless linking device
connected to the control network.
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 7 December 2000 (07.12.00); original claim 1 amended; new claims 2-44 added (12 pages)]
1. A remote diagnostic system for testing and diagnosing a control
network, comprising:
a self-contained, portable, computerized diagnostic device;
a wireless linking device connected to the control network; and
a self-contained, portable, wireless intermediary device physically connected
to the computerized diagnostic device through a wired connection, the wireless
intermediary device providing a wireless communication link between the
computerized diagnostic device and the wireless linking device connected to the
control network.
2. The remote diagnostic system of claim 1 , wherein said control network
resides in a transit vehicle, said control network providing on-board monitoring and
control functions for the transit vehicle.
3. The remote diagnostic system of claim 1 , wherein said computerized
diagnostic device comprises a screen display.
4. The remote diagnostic system of claim 3, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to display images of the control network on said
screen display.
5. The remote diagnostic system of claim 4, wherein said control network
resides in a transit vehicle, and wherein the images of the control network are
displayed on said screen display simultaneously with phantom images of the transit
vehicle.
6. The remote diagnostic system of claim 3, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to transmit test commands via the wireless
intermediary device to said wireless linking device connected to the control network,
the control network responding to said test commands by activating selected output
functions.
7. The remote diagnostic system of claim 6 further comprising a user
interface, said computerized diagnostic device configured to accept said test
commands via the user interface.
8. The remote diagnostic system of claim 7, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to display a listing of network nodes of the control
network on said screen display, and to display a listing of testable output functions
on said screen display in response to user selection of one of said network nodes.
9. The remote diagnostic system of claim 8, wherein, in response to user
selection of one of said testable output functions, said computerized diagnostic
device transmits test commands to the control network, via said wireless intermediary device and the wireless linking device connected to the control
network, to activate all necessary network components to force the selected output
function.
10. The remote diagnostic system of claim 7, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to display logic ladder diagrams of network
components of the control network on said screen display, said logic ladder diagrams
illustrating at least one output function and on/off states of network components
needed to force the at least one output function.
1 1. The remote diagnostic system of claim 10, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to provide real-time monitoring of said at least one
output function and the on/off states of the network components needed to force the
at least one output function.
12. The remote diagnostic system of claim 10, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to accept user commands to change the on/off states
of network components displayed in said logic ladder diagrams, said computerized
diagnostic device responding to said user commands by transmitting to the control
network, via said wireless intermediary device and said wireless linking device,
commands to change the on/off states selected by the user.
13. The remote diagnostic system of claim 12, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to visually depict on said logic ladder diagrams
whether the on/off states of the network components selected by the user have been
successfully changed.
14. The remote diagnostic system of claim 1 , wherein said wireless
intermediary device comprises a standard communication interface for
communicating with the computerized diagnostic device over the wired connection,
and a transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the control network via said
wireless linking device.
15. The remote diagnostic system of claim 14, wherein said standard
communication interface comprises an RS-232 interface.
16. The remote diagnostic system of claim 14, wherein said standard
communication interface comprises a universal serial bus interface.
1 7. The remote diagnostic system of claim 1 , wherein the control network
comprises a multi-tier master-slave control network, said multi-tier master-slave
control network comprising
a first-tier common bus;
a first-tier master node connected to said first-tier common bus;
a plurality of first-tier slave nodes connected to said first-tier common bus; a second-tier common bus; and
a plurality of second-tier slave nodes connected to said second-tier common
bus;
wherein at least one of said first-tier slave nodes functions as a first-tier master
node with respect to said second-tier common bus.
18. The remote diagnostic system of claim 1 7, wherein said wireless
linking device comprises a wireless processor, said wireless processor in
communicating relationship with said first-tier master node of the control network.
19. The remote diagnostic system of claim 18, further comprising a mode
flag accessible to both the wireless processor and the first-tier master node of the
control network, said mode flag controlling operation of the control network in either
a test mode or a non-test mode.
20. The remote diagnostic system of claim 1 , wherein said computerized
diagnostic device comprises a personal digital assistant.
21. A method of testing and diagnosing a control network, said method
comprising the steps of:
transmitting diagnostic commands from a self-contained, portable,
computerized diagnostic device to a self-contained, portable, wireless intermediary
device through a wired connection; transmitting the diagnostic commands from the wireless intermediary device
over a wireless communication link to a wireless linking device connected to the
control network;
receiving, at the wireless intermediary device, diagnostic response messages
from the wireless linking device over the wireless communication link; and ~"~"
transmitting the diagnostic response messages from the wireless intermediary
device to said computerized diagnostic through the wired connection.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein said control network resides in a
transit vehicle, said control network providing on-board monitoring and control
functions for the transit vehicle.
23. The method of claim 21 , wherein said computerized diagnostic device
comprises a screen display.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of displaying
images of the control network on said screen display.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said control network resides in a
transit vehicle, said method further comprising the step of displaying the images of
the control network on said screen display simultaneously with phantom images of
the transit vehicle.
26. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of transmitting test
commands from said computerized diagnostic device via the wireless intermediary
device to said wireless linking device connected to the control network, and causing
the control network to activate selected output functions in response thereto.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of accepting said
test commands via a user interface of said computerized diagnostic device.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the steps of displaying a
listing of network nodes of the control network on said screen display of the
computerized diagnostic device, and displaying a listing of testable output functions
on said screen display in response to user selection of one of the network nodes
displayed on said screen display.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of transmitting
from said computerized diagnostic device, via said wireless intermediary device and
the wireless linking device connected to the control network, and in response to
user selection of one of said testable output functions, test commands to the control
network to activate all necessary network components to force the selected output
function.
30. The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of displaying logic
ladder diagrams of network components of the control network on said screen display of the computerized diagnostic device, said logic ladder diagrams illustrating
at least one output function and on/off states of network components needed to force
the at least one output function.
31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of monitoring said
at least one output function and the on/off states of the network components needed
to force the at least one output function in real time on the screen display of the
computerized diagnostic device.
32. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of receiving user
commands at said computerized diagnostic device to change the on/off states of
network components displayed in said logic ladder diagrams, and the step of
transmitting to the control network, via said wireless intermediary device and said
wireless linking device, commands to change the on/off states selected by the user in
response to receiving said user commands.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of visually
depicting on said logic ladder diagrams whether the on/off states of the network
components selected by the user have been successfully changed.
34. The method of claim 21, wherein the control network comprises a
multi-tier master-slave control network, said multi-tier master-slave control network
comprising a first-tier common bus;
a first-tier master node connected to said first-tier common bus;
a plurality of first-tier slave nodes connected to said first-tier common bus;
a second-tier common bus; and
a plurality of second-tier slave nodes connected to said second-tier common
bus;
wherein at least one of said first-tier slave nodes functions as a first-tier master
node with respect to said second-tier common bus.
35. The method of claim 21 , wherein said wireless linking device
comprises a wireless processor, said wireless processor in communicating
relationship with a master node of the control network, further comprising the step of
adjusting a mode flag accessible to both the wireless processor and the master node
of the control network in order to control operation of the control network in either a
test mode or a non-test mode.
36. A remote diagnostic system for testing and diagnosing a control
network, comprising:
a wireless linking device connected to the control network; and
a computerized diagnostic device for testing and diagnosing the control
network over a wireless communication link, said computerized diagnostic device
comprising a screen display and an interface for accepting user commands, wherein
said computerized diagnostic device is configured (i) to display a listing of network nodes of the control network on said screen display, (ii) to display a listing of testable
output functions on said screen display in response to user selection of one of said
network nodes, and (iii) to transmit test commands to the control network, via said
wireless linking device and in response to user selection of one of said testable
output functions, to activate all necessary network components to force the selected
output function.
37. The remote diagnostic system of claim 36, further comprising a self-
contained, portable, wireless intermediary device connected to the computerized
diagnostic device through a wired connection, the wireless intermediary device
providing said wireless communication link between the computerized diagnostic
device and the wireless linking device connected to the control network.
38. The remote diagnostic system of claim 36, wherein said control
network resides in a transit vehicle, said control network providing on-board
monitoring and control functions for the transit vehicle.
39. The remote diagnostic system of claim 38, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to display images of the control network on said
screen display simultaneously with phantom images of the transit vehicle in a
manner so as to illustrate the relative locations of network nodes in the transit
vehicle.
40. The remote diagnostic system of claim 39, wherein said images of the
control network are automatically selected by said computerized diagnostic device in
response to entry by a user of data identifying the control network from among a
plurality of control networks.
41. The remote diagnostic system of claim 36, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to display logic ladder diagrams of network
components of the control network on said screen display, said logic ladder diagrams
illustrating at least one output function and on/off states of network components
needed to force the at least one output function.
42. The remote diagnostic system of claim 41 , wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to provide real-time monitoring of said at least one
output function and the on/off states of the network components needed to force the
at least one output function.
43. The remote diagnostic system of claim 41 , wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to accept user commands to change the on/off states
of network components displayed in said logic ladder diagrams, said computerized
diagnostic device responding to said user commands by transmitting to the control
network, via said wireless linking device, commands to change the on/off states
selected by the user.
44. The remote diagnostic system of claim 43, wherein said computerized
diagnostic device is configured to visually depict on said logic ladder diagrams
whether the on/off states of the network components selected by the user have been
successfully changed.
PCT/US2000/009644 2000-04-10 2000-04-10 Method and system for remote analysis of control network WO2001077765A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2000/009644 WO2001077765A1 (en) 2000-04-10 2000-04-10 Method and system for remote analysis of control network
US10/165,384 US7734287B2 (en) 2000-04-10 2002-06-06 System for providing remote access to diagnostic information over a wide area network
US11/043,447 US7398083B2 (en) 2000-04-10 2005-01-25 Method and system for monitoring, controlling, and locating portable devices performing remote diagnostic analysis of control network
US12/788,017 US8442514B2 (en) 2000-04-10 2010-05-26 System and method for facilitating diagnosis and maintenance of a mobile conveyance
US13/902,037 US9183680B2 (en) 2000-04-10 2013-05-24 System and method for facilitating diagnosis and maintenance of a mobile conveyance

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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