AUTOMATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is about an innovative, cost-effective, fast and safe machine-to- machine (M2M) communication device for remote monitoring, maintenance and support and in order to maintain the sustainability of the system of the devices in automation systems used in many areas, regardless of location and time, to provide maintenance and support and an integrated software that enables this communication device to be used effectively.

PRIOR ART

In this new phase of informatics, which started today and is expected to become widespread rapidly, the objects (machines and devices, etc.) that are located in the places where people live (houses, offices, etc.) and the environments (cities, roads, etc.) are in communication with each other and with people. In this way, new IT (information technologies) networks with different sizes and functions are created (e.g. domestic network, smart roads, etc.) and new users communicating through these networks emerge.

“M2M Machine (Machine to Machine Communication) means that machines communicate with each other without or through limited intervention by humans. Thanks to M2M, daily life is facilitated, efficiency in measurement and control is increased and productivity is increased in production and management. Today, the most widely used sectors of M2M technologies are vehicle tracking, remote meter reading, health applications and security. However, there is great potential in the M2M area to be applied in many industrial areas such as supply chain, cash registers, oil wells and so on. For example, thanks to the GSM connection feature used in the security systems used for security purposes in offices and homes for a long time, it can send SMS to your mobile phone when burglar enters your house. Or, to give an example from our lives, when we order pizza to our house by phone, it is possible to get payment even in kilometers away from the cash register in the office thanks to POS (Point-of-Sale) devices that use GSM feature.

l LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. System Topology

Figure 2. Server Software Modules

Figure 3. Client Software Modules

Figure 4. Mobile Application Software Modules

Figure 5. Hardware Design

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an M2M (machine-to-machine) communication system with WIFI, Ethernet, RS232, RS485, GSM (2G, 3G, 4G, NB-loT) communication technologies. As indicated in the system flowchart shown in Figure-1 , an electronic card that provides physical connection with the device in the automation system, a server software with security algorithms for introducing the client software to the electronic card, a client software for managing users and connections, a desktop and mobile software for monitoring the HMI (Human - Machine Interface), and a MODBUS API, which provides development infrastructure for a desktop or mobile software that will be designed according to the need of remote access. The electronic card comprises a modular system that can be shaped according to the needs. The main module of the electronic card comprises a WIFI, an Ethernet Port, two RS232 ports, a MODBUS RS485 port and a USB port and two analogue, two digital I/O (Input/Output). There is also an antenna socket in the main module to increase the WIFI and GSM connection capacity. It also comprises inputs to add the 2G, 3G, 4G, NB-loT, GPS, ComPort expansion and Ethernet expansion modules according to the needs of the user.

The invention comprises a 0.96-inch screen for instant notification to the user.

In addition, there are buttons on the device for setting the modes or connection settings of the device. The invention can also operate as an AccessPoint (WIFI hotspot) via the WIFI module. Modes of the invention are WIFI, Ethernet, GSM or AccessPoint.

The invention has a complete plug-and-play structure and does not require complex settings. Software update is also possible. Data flow between server, device and client software is ensured with SSL and AES encryption.

The server software is capable of responding to multiple clients. The software is designed to provide service to product owners who do not wish to use the existing server structure for ultimate security and is capable of running on any server. The client software works as an application for connecting and controlling automation devices where users can be identified, users can view their devices, and manage their settings. Desktop or mobile application software has been prepared for remote monitoring and control of HMI panels. With the support of VNC, these software can monitor and control HMI user interaction interface from desktop or mobile application. The system topology, the server software, the client software, the mobile application software and the hardware design are given in Figure 1 , Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 respectively.

The ModBus API is designed to create applications based on the need for remote access in various situations. The API enables developers to develop applications for users of the product in collaboration with electronic card and server software. The API includes highly secure and simple commands that are encrypted with SSL. How the System Works

The invention provides data communication by creating a virtual port which is not physically present on the computer by means of a software, converting the data read from the virtual port into a signal on a real port of a remote device.

Said virtual ports can be COM, LPT, Ethernet, USB and etc. The device to be connected remotely is connected to the real port on the electronic device. By selecting the virtual port created for connection from the software of the device to be connected remotely, the connection is established as if the device is connected to the computer via cable and can benefit from all the features of the software.

There are four different connection scenarios:

Local Area Network Connection:

The software establishes a connection with the IP information of the electronic device. By sending the necessary settings and parameters, the physical input and output ports are adjusted. The software transmits the data read from the virtual port to the electronic device. The electronic device generates the signal of the related input and output port and communicates with the connected device. Connection with Static IP, Internet and NAT:

Port forwarding is done from the router to the listening port of the device. The network to be connected has a static IP. The software establishes a connection with the IP information of the electronic device. By sending the necessary settings and parameters, the physical input and output ports are adjusted. The software transmits the data read from the virtual port to the electronic device. The electronic device generates the signal of the related input and output port and communicates with the connected device. Connection with Relay Server:

The software transfers all data to the electronic device via a server. This communication method does not require Static IP and NAT settings. The connection to the electronic device is established via the software through the server. By sending the necessary settings and parameters, the physical input and output ports are adjusted. The software transmits the data read from the virtual port to the electronic device. The electronic device generates the signal of the related input and output port and communicates with the connected device.

Connection with Punching Method:

The electronic device and the client software communicate with the server. The server learns the IP address of the electronic device and the client, and the port information from which they exit. When the client wants to establish a connection, the IP and Port information of the client is sent to the electronic device and the IP and Port information of the electronic device is sent to the client. The client and the electronic device end communication with the server and connect directly to each other. By sending the necessary settings and parameters, the physical input and output ports are adjusted. The software transmits the data read from the virtual port to the electronic device. The electronic device generates the signal of the related input and output port and communicates with the connected device.