Process automation system

[0002] In process automation systems, operating and monitoring equipment performs the operation and monitoring of processes in control technology, as well as archiving and documenting the process values generated and process messages from subordinate automation systems. In order for a process to be monitored and optionally operated simultaneously by multiple operators, client-server concepts are used today, where the server, also known as the host station or host computer, performs all the computing, and the clients, also known as terminals, are responsible only for graphic output and permit operator input and change of displays by using a mouse and keyboard. At the host station there is a process bus which establishes the connection with the automation equipment and a terminal bus which establishes the physical connection with the terminals. The host station and terminals are usually located in the control room or adjacent rooms.

[0003] Increasingly complex processes and automation systems make the highest demands on the host station with regard to computing power and memory capacity. Security requirements and regulations governing complete documentation of the production of a batch, for example, often require installation of another redundant system. This plus the care and maintenance of the equipment mean increased financial expenditures for plant operators.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to reduce the hardware.

[0005] One advantage of the automation system according to the present invention is that the required computing power can be supplied by a host computer outside the control room of the automated plant, in particular in a central computer center, so the plant operator need not have his own host computer (host station), thus eliminating the acquisition costs, care and maintenance for the plant operator. In particular, the possibility of simultaneous operation of multiple automation systems by the host computer makes it possible to design the latter as a supercomputer with an especially large computing power and memory, thereby increasing the benefit for each individual automation system. Almost all relevant data can be stored in the main computer, and all important process information can be archived to an almost unlimited extent and made available to the plant operator. Another advantage is the possibility of a redundant design of the automation system, which can be implemented, with regard to the host computer, invisibly to the plant manufacturer in the computer center.

[0006] FIG. 1, shows a block diagram of a process automation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2, shows an example of the data transfer structure in the process automation system.

[0008] In the process automation system illustrated in FIG. 1, terminals 1 are connected to one another and to a transceiver device 3 over a terminal bus 2 on an operating and monitoring level. On a local operator automation level, automation devices 4, such as programmable controllers, are also connected to another transceiver device 6 via a process bus 5. While components 1 through 6 are parts of a plant 7, which is merely indicated here, where an industrial process controlled by the process automation system is taking place, a host computer 9 designed as a supercomputer is arranged outside plant 7, e.g., in a computer center 8, and communicates with transceiver devices 3 and 6 of plant 7 over a third transceiver device 10 and a data transfer medium 11 for long-distance data transmission, e.g., via a wireless link, a satellite link or a telecommunications network. Host computer 9 can communicate with other transceiver devices (not shown here) in other plants 12, 13 via transceiver device 10 and data transfer medium 11. In deviation from the embodiment illustrated here, a separate transceiver device may also be assigned to each individual terminal 1 or to terminal groups. The same thing also applies to automation equipment 4. In addition, transceiver devices 3, 6, 10 and host computer 9 may also be implemented in a redundant design. Thus, for example, transceiver device 10 may have a switching device to make it possible to switch to another redundant host computer in case of need.

[0009] In contrast with traditional automation systems, process bus 5 of subordinate automation systems 4 is not linked to terminals 1 of the operating and monitoring level; instead, the data from the local automation level is relayed to host computer 9 over data transfer medium 11.

[0010] The process automation system can be configured over terminals 1 and a configuration computer 14 in the operating and monitoring level. Then the configured plant displays are run in host computer 9. Then terminals 1 are used only for graphic output of plant displays and for operator control. Any change in plant data, i.e., a change in configuration, is transmitted from the operating and monitoring level to host computer 9, which accepts the change and transmits the new configuration form to all terminals 1.

[0011] With an identification number or the password of host computer 9, any terminal in the world can be connected to host computer 9 and can observe the process and even operate it if it has suitable access authorization.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows host computer 9, which communicates with terminal 1 over transceiver device 10, data transfer medium 11 and transceiver device 3. In terminal 1, its standard software 15 is expanded by communication software 16 which assumes the function of data transfer to and from terminal 1. Communication software 16 is running as an independent task and addresses a communication driver 17 which forms the interface with transceiver device 3. Host computer 9 contains a modem-wireless driver 19 in addition to its standard software 18.