Process Control

I will give a simple example for the purpose of understanding and assimilation of the concept.

Consider the Toaster shown in the right, Build a Embedded Internet Interface into the toaster. Then make it Wireless Networking capable. The gadget can also get connected thru Mains Carrier Communication.

Now you build a Webware service, create API’s, Ready Gadgets and Wizards. So he can create-use the API from any Computer or PDA. He can Sub-Lease his custom API Service with Internet capable Gadgets.

Now look at the timer gadget i made below.

Project Page programmable-digital-timer Rev-12 - Add to Webpage

When the Javascript of this is linked to the API of the Control Webapp that you created, This gadget can monitor and control the Quality of the Toast from anywhere in the world ;-).

But Then, the service should be easy for just anyone to use, the coding is never done by the user of the service. He creates an account, hires the API, creates his own Gadgets and Apps with wizards. Then he gets to download the firmware for the Embedded Internet ASIC you Provide and the Product he manufactures goes with that circuit.

The end customer buys an Internet capable Toaster with a CD demo on how to access his free webservice. With this service, he can get all the web gadgets and tools to control his Home Appliance Arsenal.

Idea - 19:36 25-Feb-08, Nature - Open Source, Person - Anantha Narayan - dapj

Credit - A classically styled chrome two-slot automatic toaster - Wikimedia Commons.

Related Reference -

• Ethernut - Open Source Hardware-Software, Tiny Embedded Ethernet Devices.
• WiPort - Embedded Wireless Networking Device Server.
• Digital Powerline Communications - Consumer Powerline Communications Network.
• Remember The Milk - Online to do list and task management.
• Webware - Cool Web 2.0 apps for everyone.

Embedded Systems Design - Embedded.com

• Moving beyond PID
• Tuning a Proportional Controller
• Tuning a PI Controller

Reading the excellent articles above, i was reminded of an incident….

Proportional Controllers not only save energy, they can give a controlled finish or treatment to a job. An on-off controller or thermostat limit protection has to be used in series, this is to to stop a Runaway Process.

There was a real life instance when a Temperature cycling oven maker (environment chamber), faced large liabilities as an 8086 based profile controller and chart recorder just locked up and all the electronic equipment were roasted. Here even a bimetallic thermostat would have saved the day. Nowadays we have a watchdog timer to prevent such uP mishaps, but still use an analog controller in series as an over temperature trip. - Ananth

Automation and Control is the predecessor of Robotics. A Jump Start, Practical and standard reference for Process Control is at at Omega Technical Reference.

A Control system is made of Sensors sending acquired data to a Controller which operates Actuators to manage the process in Real Time. Starting from a Bimetal Thermostat to a SCADA, the controller has grown from mechanical — electrical — analog — digital devices to microcontroller-computer based equipment.

Both in Control Systems and Robotics the Collaboration between Robots or Control Units, leads to the development of wireless network of Interactive, Intelligent and Distributed Self Governing Systems. The outcome is Web Process Automation, Web Applications based Solutions in Monitoring, Analyzing and Configuring these Sophisticated Networked Systems.