Schneider Automation Gmbh

Schneider Electric Industries Sa

Gilbert Brault

Jean-Marc Tixador

Jacques Bonet

Antonio Chauvet

This invention relates to a communication system between a programmable logic controller (PLC) equipped with an HTTP server and a client machine (C) via a network (B), characterized in that it comprises, in the central processing unit (CPU) of this controller, a means (API) for adding 'group sheets' (M, M. . . ) in XML format, whereon elements or signals for watching or controlling the process automated by the application of the programmable logic controller are grouped, as well as a means (API) for adding/deleting elements or signals on these sheets, by specifying the type thereof, a means (API, API) for reading or writing these elements, and a means (API, API, API) for reading these sheets and for writing on these sheets upon a query from the HTTP server.

Communication system between a programmable logic controller server and a client machine

A programmable logic controller system including a private operating system that does not support a TCP/IP protocol, and a communication module connected to a private communication bus and a TCP/IP network, and at least one intelligent module. The communication module includes TCP/IP connection and communication functions, a plurality of delegation services, and a transcoding and routing service configured to encode, decode, and route a request. The private communication bus includes a plurality of supported protocols. Further, the at least one intelligent module includes an HTTP server and at least one application having an application programming interface. The application programming interface is configured to use the TCP/IP connection and communication functions from a remote location. In addition, the plurality of delegation services are configured to enable the at least one application in the at least one intelligent module to delegate services to the communication module on the TCP/IP network.

Programmable logic controller provided with communication functions in a client-server architecture

A distributed automation system comprising a programmable logic controller connected to programmable logic controllers equipped with a host unit and couplers communicating with the host unit through the back panel bus. One of the couplers is connected through a bus to associated equipment, wherein the coupler can communicate with the associated equipment through a server function using the TCP/IP protocol. The server coupler is provided with a mass memory containing (1) &ldquo;PLC variables&rdquo; type software objects that manage access to PLC variables, and (2) &ldquo;manufacturer&rdquo; type software objects that transform information from PLC variable objects to manufacturer-type information that can be used by the associated equipment.

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Vence, France

Gilbert Brault