Control and monitor from afar it really is this simple!
Control and monitor from afar – it really is this simple!
Keywords: Internet, Control, Monitoring
Comtech has announced an embedded Internet model that is ideal for use in control, monitoring and sensing environments, allowing remote communication via the Internet to field-based equipment. µWEB Communications modules are similar in size to a credit card and are available in GSM, ISDN, Ethernet or PSTN formats. The modules are placed inside the on-site equipment to control,receive and supply information. Modules can be added to both existing and new on-site equipment to enable connectivity to the outside world (see Plate 6). For example, a water company that has water level sensors on all major rivers in its area can monitor water and pollution levels through one central system. The traditional, time-consuming method of on-site visits is removed and replaced by a far more sophisticated solution that can be simultaneously monitored in real time.
Plate 6 Comtech's embedded Internet communications model for use in control, monitoring and sensing environments, allowing remote communication via the Internet to field-based equipment
Application examples
Adding the µWEB module to sensor systems for water and pollution level monitoring offers new benefits to both the user and the manufacturer and, in certain instances, the public. Measurements can be taken as required –µWEB can be browsed directly for real time information, it can automatically synchronise with a central database at pre-set times or under trigger event conditions such as levels outside pre-determined conditions. The database will provide analysed reports across the network, eliminating the need to browse individual remote units. Additional features such as security control and video capture could be added, enabling the system to monitor access to secure areas. A pumping station could be controlled through the database and video images could be recorded when persons enter a secure area; once again the details are stored on the database.
The options are endless, µWEB solutions can be tailored to meet specific requirements within a variety of industries. Comtech offers users a "one stop shop" solution and helps customers integrate their technology into their host equipment. Comtech provides the communications expertise leaving the customer to concentrate on their own core competencies. The company has just completed work with a leading manufacturer of hygiene testing and microbial detection instruments that are designed for use in food service, catering and food manufacturing groups. The system Comtech developed is linked to the manufacturer's hygiene monitor. Sensor readings are collected and transmitted to a Web site database hosted on Comtech's servers. When alerted to "out of specification" conditions, the system provides the ability to respond quickly, thus safeguarding food safety and company reputation.
Manufacturers of control and monitoring equipment can now communicate with their remote equipment to obtain real time information and diagnostics. TheµWEB family of products supports Internet database communications, allowing real time information to be automatically uploaded to an Internet based database. Furthermore, the communication flow is two-way, enabling configuration files to be automatically downloaded to field-based equipment. The data flowing from the equipment back to the central site is so useful that many manufacturers have been quick to capitalise on new revenue streams and an opportunity to "lock"customers in and in doing so resolve customer retention issues.
"We work with our customers on a technology partnership basis, allowing them to focus on their own core competency", said Steve Whitehead, Comtech's technical director. "Our modular OEM embedded Internet solution permits our customers to utilize the power of the Internet and tailor it to their own applications in much shorter timeframes. This allows faster time-to-market and an opportunity to dominate markets and generate revenues much sooner."
Application, Internetworking software and network interface
A clear application programming interface (API) layer allows the customer's own application code to reside on the communications module and communicate via simple high level commands such as "call or send e-mail". This eliminates unnecessary cost from duplicated on-board processors. The µWEB module is Flash downloadable – locally and remotely – allowing the user to upgrade module code, user code, HTML Web pages and user configuration.
Embedded Internet service provider
Comtech's embedded ISP (ESP) retrieves data and supplies customers with a service above and beyond that of a "people" ISP. This allows the control of both sides of the communications backbone, making room for additional services to be added.
Internet database management
An Internet database software package, called µWEAVE, allows customers to develop and tailor an Internet-based database for their application. Each mWeb module synchronizes with the database, providing automatic data collection and distribution from a central location. Having collected real time information, µWEAVE provides simple data analysis and report generation to aid management of the embedded network. Where third-party solutions exist they may be updated with an ASP/Java front end to provide a one-stop information environ within a corporate framework.
For further information contact: Comtech, Comtech House, 28 Manchester Road,Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3QJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1942 851800; Fax: +44 (0)1942 851808; E-mail: sales@comtech.uk.com
