CONTROL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/366,534, titled "WEB-BASED INTERFACE TO EQUIPMENT UNDER MONITORING AND CONTROL," filed on July 25, 2016, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to remote monitoring and control of equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to using a user device to remotely monitor and control remote equipment, and receive alerts, through a service host system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Controllers are available for use in conjunction with industrial process equipment such as ovens, kilns, fermentation vessels, and other equipment items. Modbus, a communications protocol for use with programmable controllers, has become a popular standard communication protocol. Using Modbus, or other communications protocol, adjusting controller parameters and monitoring equipment using such controllers is not conveniently web-enabled. Ad-hoc solutions may be applied at the user or shop level.

[0004] Improvements are needed for remote monitoring and control of equipment. SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, a system for network-based interface service includes: a service host system that manages a network-based interface service through which a user device receives data regarding a status at least one equipment item installed with at least one controller in communication with the service host system.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, a method for network-based interface service includes: sending, by a service host system, data to a user device, the data regarding a status of at least one equipment item installed with a controller in communication with and remote from the service host system; and receiving, by the service host system, a command from the user device to set or adjust a control parameter at the controller for the at least one equipment item.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has recorded thereon computer-readable instructions that, when read by a computer processor, configure the computer processor to implement a method for network-based interface service, the method including: at a user device, receiving data from a service host system, the data regarding a status of at least one equipment item installed with a controller in communication with and remote from the service host system; and at the user device, sending, to the service host system, a command to set or adjust a control parameter at the controller for the at least one equipment item.

[0009] A subscriber may download an application that runs on a user device to connect to the service host system and establish an interface function with the at least one equipment item for monitoring and control.

[00010] The service host system may conduct continuous or periodic monitoring of a data stream from the at least one controller.

[00011] In the event of a signal loss between the service host system and the at least one controller, an alert may be sent to the user device. The alert may be an SMS message, an email message, a text message, a pager message, a voice message, or other alert type.

[00012] The host service system may send the alert when a periodic ping or update fails to arrive from the at least one controller within an expected time window.

[00013] The at least one equipment item may be an oven, a glass oven, a kiln or other equipment type.

[00014] In a particular example, the status includes a temperature, and the at least one equipment item includes a glass-melting oven.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00015] The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate particular exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described below. The summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not limited to only those embodiments and features explicitly illustrated.

[00016] FIG. 1 is a sign-in page or window for accessing an established account through which a web-based interface to equipment under monitoring and control is provided, according to at least one embodiment. [00017] FIG. 2 is an administrative page or window, according to at least one embodiment, by which an admin level user can add user-information for new users, and can edit and delete existing user- information.

[00018] FIG. 3 is a user-information page or window in which data for a particular user is entered or edited.

[00019] FIG. 4 is a shop setup page or window, according to at least one embodiment. This page allows a user to create a new shop and add in controllers associated with their account.

[00020] FIG. 5 is a controller data configuration page or window, according to at least one embodiment, that allows an admin-level user to create, edit and delete data types for a specific controller.

[00021] FIG. 6 is a function assignment page or window, according to at least one embodiment.

[00022] FIG. 7 is a setup page or window, according to at least one embodiment, for establishing interface service to a particular controller that facilitates the interface to a particular item of equipment.

[00023] FIG. 8 is a controller overview page or window, according to at least one embodiment, showing information for multiple controllers on an account.

[00024] FIG. 9 is a controller information page or window, according to at least one embodiment, showing functions and parameters of particular equipment controllers under interface service.

[00025] FIG. 10 is a controller selection and navigation page or window, according to at least one embodiment.

[00026] FIG. 11 is another controller selection and navigation page or window, according to at least one embodiment.

[00027] FIG. 12 is a controller or equipment item status information page or window, according to at least one embodiment.

[00028] FIG. 13 is diagrammatic representation of a system by which the processes of FIGS. 1-12 are implemented according to at least one embodiment.

[00029] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of a computing device of which the subscriber mobile device, the subscriber computing device and the service host system of FIG. 13 may be examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[00030] These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although the term "step" may be expressly used or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

[00031] In at least one embodiment, a service or product functions as an interface platform, referring to both the hardware and software providing its functions. The interface platform serves across and between subscriber mobile devices and web-enabled controllers installed on user equipment. To use the interface platform, local controllers preferably operate with a communications protocol, such as Modbus, in the vicinity of a local network with web access. The interface platform can be a web and/or application based connectivity product or service that enables remote monitoring and controlling of such equipment items as heating devices using such industry standard languages as Modbus. As industry standard languages change, updates are applied to address translation issues in a manner transparent or convenient to the user experience. Third party tools, for example in Modbus format, can be embedded to diversify and expand communication flexibility with any variety of controllers.

[00032] Example potential users of the interface platform include glass and ceramic art studios, craft breweries, paper mills, laboratories, and other heating/cooling process oriented industries that may or may not sometimes run unattended according to occasion or predetermined schedule.

[00033] In at least one embodiment, the interface platform registers libraries to read/write to various temperature and power controller models by various manufacturers. Data is logged, such as power consumption, temperature set points, and process temperatures, in order that operators may refer to the logged data and compare process results against actual process. Alarms set points are established and messages sent to alert operators when set points are exceeded.

[00034] The interface platform can send messages via SMS/email and/or other modes of contact to remote operator personnel as notification of power outages, excessive temperature deviation, and other alarm set-point conditions, etc. The interface platform can ping the devices on the network once per minute, or other frequency, to assure the communication integrity is upheld.

[00035] The interface platform can allow operators to configure temperature or other process parameter profiles to ramp and hold parameters according to schedules and then assign those profiles to networked equipment items. Operators are allowed to configure device settings. Operators can view all networked devices at-a-glance on one page. Clicking on a device name can allow the user to drill down into more detailed info and control options pertaining to that device.

[00036] User accounts can be created with name and password to prevent unauthorized access into configuration menus or other critical settings. Certain operators within one firm or user group can have varied levels of access privileges based on administrator permission. The interface platform can be subscription based and maintain a schedule of resubscription dates per customer, allowing them to pay online to continue using the product/service. Users can be notified when the resubscription date is looming.

[00037] A data logging feature is provided with time zone selection. Data logs are charted and zooming features enable viewing or access at high resolution. Auto refresh features and options are available. A camera located at a control site can be accessed, for example via a plugin, to provide a streaming video feed, for example to a user remote from the control site even using a mobile device.

[00038] A maintenance schedule can be created per unit on client accounts and reminders can be sent and received, such as daily, weekly, monthly and so on. Ramp and soak profiles can be generated. Ramping refers to varying a parameter such as temperature or heating power over time, for example by increase or decrease according to a time function that can be linear or other form. Soaking or holding refers to holding a parameter such as temperature or heating power over a time period, which is assigned or determined.

[00039] Any profile can be assigned to any controller on a user's account and reminder schedules or criteria can be assigned or established as well. A profile engine assigns new set points to each controller so that any brand controller can use its onboard PID software to manage overshoot and undershoot of process variables, such as monitored temperature for example. Profiles and controllers can be optionally named.

[00040] Digital I/O inputs or signals on a Modbus device are provided or monitored to remotely indicate operation status such as "Burner On" or "Interlocks Closed." A control mode can be optionally switched from manual to auto to off or any other modes offered by a given controller. [00041] A dashboard allows a user to see all controllers on an account and write profiles that can be assigned to any controller on the account. In each step of a profile, the user selects whether a ramp or soak interval is established. In a soak interval, temperature or power or another parameter is maintained for the duration of the interval. In a ramp interval, starting at any initial temperature at a starting time point, a higher or lower second temperature, power, or other parameter is reached at a scheduled second time point. Ramp intervals may be specified for aggressive or gradual change according to the time difference between the starting time point and second time point. Soak intervals can be assigned between any two points in time, preceded and followed by any preferred variations such as ramp intervals.

[00042] Profiles can be made with as many intervals as is desired. The number of profiles allowable per account is virtually limitless. Data charts can be saved in several different formats such as: .csv, .xslx, json, and others. Data charts can be downloaded in several different formats such as: .png, .jpg, .svg, .pdf, and others. Charts can be annotated and printed. Multiple controllers can be selected and logged simultaneously on the same chart. Profiles can be shown as a preview on a separate chart and can be tracked over time on the same chart as controller logs. Charts can be emailed to account users periodically, for example every 72 hours. Permission can be assigned to let multiple users access an account.

[00043] Port Forwarding and Modbus TCP/IP access eliminate the need to be onsite at a location of equipment to view or monitor and control equipment. A stand-alone system can be provided requiring no additional hardware. Controlling and/or minimizing demand fees on utilities can be provided.

[00044] Community and end user feedback can be received and shared, for example via a searchable support forum. Advertisement opportunities may also be provided. [00045] The interface platform and its pages or windows and function described herein, in at least one embodiment, provides the ability to overlay historical data charts to compare time/temp profiles against each other and against performance and energy consumption. Charts can be annotated with regard for example to product quality, which enables better user understanding of factors involved in product quality, energy consumption, and time and temperature parameters and how those factors relate and can be optimized for realized improvement.

[00046] FIG. 1 is a sign-in page or window 100 for accessing an established account through which a web-based interface to equipment under monitoring and control is provided, according to at least one embodiment. A new or existing account can be set up and payment may be transacted to establish or maintain service or subscription. Users that already have an account can log in, and new users can create and set up new accounts. Accounts are preferably password protected. A username entry box 102 and a password entry box 104 are displayed. A user can enter an established username and password in boxes 102 and 104 respectively, and press the Sign-in button 106. Upon confirmation of the entered username and password, access to the account is granted. Graphical and textual

information may also be included as represented as display area 108. An avatar, a company logo or a trademark for example can be displayed to represent individuals, groups, or an account.

[00047] FIG. 2 is an administrative page or window 200, according to at least one embodiment, by which an admin level user can add user-information for new users, and can edit and delete existing user-information. New users may be added to the account by pressing the button 202 and following steps and functions that follow. An admin level user can create new users and give special permissions. Searches for existing users can be conducted using the search tool 204, in which text or other data to be sought is entered in full or in part and search icon is clicked. Data field rows 206 and 208 display respective user data for existing users including names and shops to which users are assigned. Navigational buttons 210 permit the user access other display windows or pages.

[00048] FIG. 3 is a user-information page or window 300 in which data for a particular user is entered or edited. For example, contact information like phone or pager numbers and email addresses can be entered for use when sending alerts. A user wishing to receive text alerts can enter their contact numbers in entry box 302 under "SMS / Mobile Phone." A user can be assigned to group (see box 304) of users who are granted access to a single account. Graphical and textual information may also be included as represented as display area 306. An avatar, a company logo or a trademark for example can be displayed to represent individuals, groups, or an account.

[00049] FIG. 4 is a shop setup page or window 400, according to at least one embodiment. This page allows a user to create a new shop and add in controllers associated with their account. A scrollable table 402 lists the work sites or "shops" associated with an account. Data field rows 404 and 406 list respective name/address data for associated shops. Additional shops may be established for the account by pressing the create button 408 and following steps and functions that follow. Searches for existing shops or shop-related information can be conducted using the search tool 410, in which text or other data to be sought is entered in full or in part and search icon is clicked, which may be more convenient than scrolling through the table 402. The number of shops associated with the account is shown in field 412, which shows nineteen in FIG. 4 as an example.

[00050] FIG. 5 is a controller data configuration page or window 500. This page allows an admin- level user to create, edit and delete data types for a specific controller, for example from among Modbus data types. The controller data configuration page or window 500 is used to establish mapping for setting functions and parameter values for the controller interface service. Once a controller is added for setup, a controller- specific mapping is to be established. Each controller mapping corresponds to a register through which software components of the interface platform communicate with the controller. Mapping is based in part on manufacturer specifications for each controller model. For example, libraries of Modbus addresses can be selected to match a particular controller for mapping setup. Controller maker and model selections may be presented for convenient mapping establishment. The following is provided for example purposes, other data types and register mappings are within the scope of these descriptions.

[00051] For example, a 16-bit unsigned integer data type is a whole number between 0 and 65535 (register 40108 contains AE41 = 44,609 (hex to decimal conversion)). A 16-bit signed integer is a whole number between -32768 and 32767 (AE41 = -20,927 (hex to decimal conversion that wraps, if it's over 32767 then subtract 65536)). A two character ASCII string is 2 typed letters (AE41 = ® A). A discrete on/off value can be used. This works the same as 16-bit integers with a value of 0 or 1. The hex data would be 0000 or 0001.

[00052] Register 40108 could also be combined with 40109 to form any of these 32-bit data types:

[00053] A 32-bit unsigned integer (a number between 0 and 4,294,967,295) -

40108,40109 = AE41 5652 = 2,923,517,522

[00054] A 32-bit signed integer (a number between -2,147,483,648 and 2,147,483,647) -

AE41 5652 = -1,371,449,774

[00055] A 32-bit double precision IEEE floating point number. This is a mathematical formula that allows any real number (a number with decimal points) to represented by 32 bits with an accuracy of about seven digits.

AE41 5652 = -4.395978 E-ll [00056] A four character ASCII string (4 typed letters) - AE41 5652 = ® A V R

[00057] More registers can be combined to form longer ASCII strings, with each register being used to store two ASCII characters.

[00058] FIG. 6 is a function assignment page or window 600. This page will indicate the function of the Modbus addresses. These can only be Read, Write or Read/write. Read- Address only provides a value that cannot be changed. Write- Address does not hold a value but can allow entry of value to change another Modbus address. Read/write- Address that holds a value and can allow entry of value to be edited

[00059] FIG. 7 is a setup page or window 700 for establishing interface service to a particular controller that facilitates the interface to a particular item of equipment. A name can be entered for the controller or item as shown in box 702. This page allows the user to create a named ramp/soak profile as defined by an ordered sequence of steps. Four steps are shown for example, but the number of steps is unlimited, as is the number of named profiles.

[00060] In row 704 (Step 1), for example, temperature is increased to the indicated temperature (2350 degrees Fahrenheit) in a six hour ramp step. In row 706 (Step 2), for example, temperature is decreased over time to the indicated temperature (2050 degrees Fahrenheit) in a two hour ramp step. The "Hold/Ramp" slider buttons in column 708 allows user to select which type of step is defined in each row.

[00061] FIG. 8 is a controller overview page or window 800, according to at least one embodiment, showing "At-A-Glance" information for all controllers on the account. Selected functions for several equipment controllers under interface service are shown. Multiple equipment items may be under monitoring and control for a given user, group, or account. The overview window of FIG. 8 may serve as a home screen for user, group, or account, providing further information and access to any given controller identified in the listing displayed.

[00062] In the illustrated example, four controllers are registered and identified in the listing. For each controller, the overview window displays at-a-glance information on parameters, set points, modes, and performance. In the illustrated example, the current temperature (1850 degrees

Fahrenheit), set point temperature (2000 degrees Fahrenheit), control mode (AUTO) and output percent (100 %) are shown for each of four controllers. In these examples, the temperature shown is current and the set point temperature represents the goal temperature. The control mode, set as AUTO in the examples, can assume also manual and off states. The output percent corresponds to the controller driving the equipment item to reach the set point temperature from the current temperature. Thus, in the illustrated examples, heating element and/or blower outputs are at one hundred percent output. As current temperatures approach set points, the output percent may decrease to approach or hover without exceeding set points. For example, a percent output may be decreased to fifty percent or less to hover or soak at a set point temperature.

[00063] The example represented in FIG. 8 is one in which the current temperature, set point, control mode, and output for the four controllers are all the same. In real-world conditions, each may vary according to shop conditions of user preferences, for example as entered in the setup window of FIG. 7 for each controller.

[00064] FIG. 9 is a controller information page or window 900, according to at least one

embodiment. This page shows functions and parameters of particular equipment controllers under interface service. For example, the control page window provides further information and access to one or more controllers selected from the overview window of FIG. 8, for example by clicking on a controller identified in the displayed listing.

[00065] From menu 902, the user can select a time zone so that their data logging chart will show the accurate relative time of day. The refresh button 904 and auto-refresh button 906 allow the user to select whether or not the page and status will be refreshed at regular intervals and/or to be refreshed on command.

[00066] A controller chart 908 shows temperature plots over time for selected controllers or equipment items. This indicator 910 shows which of the user's controllers or equipment items are represented on the chart 908. The user can select from all the controllers or items on the account, and each will be assigned a unique color for its representative line.

[00067] The chart 908 can be zoomed and navigated by cursor movement, for example using the margin sliders at the top left and right of the chart. Moving a cursor along the time line prompts the display of numeric time and temperature data for any given point. A download button 912 and subsequent functions that follow when it is clicked allows the user to choose between file formats for immediate download or save as, to annotate, or to print.

[00068] FIG. 10 is a controller selection and navigation page or window 1000. The button 1002 navigates the user to the overview of the "at-a-glance" data for all the controllers on a given account as shown in FIG. 8. The button 1004 and functions that follow when it's clicked allow the user to create an additional named ramp/soak profile which can subsequently be assigned to any controller on the same account. The icon 1006 takes the user to the data logging page where a chart shows the past 72 hours of time and temperature history in the form of a line graph as shown in FIG. 9. The buttons 1008 and functions that follow when they are clicked allow the user to view, edit, delete, activate, or deactivate a profile. The status check box 1010 shows the user if a given profile is active or inactive. If active, the user can assign the profile to a given controller. If inactive, the profile is not assignable. The list bar 1012 indicates the profile under review, and may expand to a drop down list or menu to allow other profiles to be selected.

[00069] FIG. 11 is another controller selection and navigation page or window 1100. The action button 1102 allows user to select from a scrollable list of controllers on an account, as opposed to scrolling through the controller overview page of FIG. 8. Controller identifier area 1104 indicates the controller or equipment item under review. The indicator 1106 shows whether a given controller on an account is connected or not, for example by lighting as different respective colors such as green for connected and red for not connected.

[00070] FIG. 12 is a controller or equipment item status information page or window 1200, according to at least one embodiment. The "At-A-Glance" data displayed can be selectively chosen so that the user and/or an experienced technician can see critical status information without extra visual clutter. These data points can effectively be used for monitoring or for troubleshooting using an understanding of the process control system. For example, if the "Current Temperature" is drastically below the "Set Point" in a heating process while the output percentage is 100%, a technician would quickly understand that there is a malfunction either in the signal from the temperature controller to the heater controller or that the heating system has either become compromised or failed.

[00071] Data box 1002 displays the account or shop ("ABC-Glass" in the illustrated example), controller or equipment item ("Old Left Furnace-#1" in the illustrated example), and status

("Connected" in the illustrated example)) of the controller or equipment item being monitored or reviewed. [00072] The remaining fields and indicators provide both profile setting for the controller or equipment item as well as current measurement and status data. For example, indicator 1004 displays the actual temperature of the process being monitored and controlled. Indicator 1006 displays the target or "set point" temperature.

[00073] When in "auto" mode, the temperature is controlled to the set point. The output percentage thereby fluctuates, and in some circumstances it can be very beneficial, for troubleshooting purposes, to see the output percentage as displayed by indicator 1008.

[00074] The user can choose between auto mode, manual mode, or off. In "manual" mode, the process is controlled to a given output percentage regardless of process temperature. In "off" mode, the output(s) are turned off, and there is no control of the process. The indicator 1010 displays the current mode setting.

[00075] The indicator 1012 displays the output percentage that would be in play if/when manual mode is active. When a profile is running, the profile name is displayed by indicator 1014. The indicator 1016 indicates whether a profile is running or not, and may be color coded. For example, the indicator 1016 may light as green when a profile is running, and red when there is no profile running.

[00076] The information field 1018 displays and controls whether the user is to receive text alerts when the process temperature exceeds or falls below given temperatures. In the illustrated example, the user has activated alerts to be sent when if the current temperature (indicator 1004) exceeds a high threshold of "2350" or goes below a lower threshold of "300" (degrees Fahrenheit each).

[00077] The windows or pages of FIGS. 1-12 can be reached via internet or other network connection to provide remote connectivity, interface, monitoring, and control of controllers installed on equipment items from remote user devices as described below. [00078] FIG. 13 is diagrammatic representation of a system 1300 by which the processes of FIGS. 1- 12 are implemented according to at least one embodiment. The system 1300 includes a network 1302, which may include a mobile network other wireless network by which mobile devices, such as mobile device 604, can connect to the internet 1310. The mobile device 1304 can be, for example, a mobile phone or tablet or other mobile computing and communication device. The mobile device 1304 is used in FIG. 13 by a first subscriber, user, group, or account of the web-based interface service described above with reference to FIGS. 1-12. In particular, the first subscriber or user is concerned with the equipment item 1306 under monitoring and control of a controller 1308.

[00079] Another computing device 1314, which may be a laptop or other personal or business computer, is used in FIG. 13 by a second subscriber, user, group, or account of the web-based interface service described above with reference to FIGS. 1-12. In particular, the first subscriber or user is concerned with the equipment item 1316 under monitoring and control of a controller 1318. The computing device 1314 is connected to the internet via an Ethernet, LAN, or any combination of wired and wireless connections.

[00080] The user devices 1304 and 1314 represent that any number of users, concerned with any number of respective equipment items 1306 and 1316 may subscribe to the web-based interface service described above with reference to FIGS. 1-12.

[00081] The system 1300 includes a service host system 1324 that hosts, administers, or manages web-based interface service described above with reference to FIGS. 1-12. The service host system may include, for example, one or more computing devices such as one or more laptops and other personal or business computers. The service host system 1324 may include or be in communication with one or more servers. The computing device 1324 is connected to the internet via an Ethernet, LAN, or any combination of wired and wireless connections.

[00082] The service host system 1324 provides interface service between the user or subscriber devices 1304 and 1314 and the respective equipment items 1306 and 1316. Each subscriber downloads an application that runs on their respective device to connect to the service host system 1324 and establish interface functions with one or more equipment items for monitoring and control. For example, once services are established, the user or subscriber device 1304 has interface functions through the service host system 1324 to the equipment item 1306 under monitoring and control of a controller 1308, which is web enabled. In the illustrated example, the controller 1308 is connected to the internet via a local wireless network 1312; however the controller 1308 can be connected to the internet via an Ethernet, LAN, or any combination of wired and wireless connections.

[00083] Similarly, the user or subscriber device 1314 has interface functions through the service host system 1324 to the equipment item 1316 under monitoring and control of a controller 1318, which is web enabled. In the illustrated example, the controller 1318 is connected to the internet via a local wireless network 1322; however the controller 1318 can be connected to the internet via an Ethernet, LAN, or any combination of wired and wireless connections. The service host system 1324 requires credentials such as usernames and passwords to establish any given session and thus securely manages interface functions for any number of subscribers and equipment items.

[00084] Advantageously, the service host system 1324 conducts continuous or periodic monitoring of pings and data updates from each controller under the web-based interface service. In the event of a signal loss, whether that represents mere temporary connection failure or more critical issues at the shop or facility where the controller resides remote from the host system 1324, an alert can be sent to the second subscriber, user, group, or account corresponding to the particular controller for which the signal loss occurs. For example, each controller 1308 and 1318, representing any number of controllers, may periodically ping or update the host system 1324, providing confirmation of operability and equipment item non-alert status. The host system 1324 can send an alert to the subscriber, user, group, or account for which the periodic ping or update fails to arrive within an expected time window. This provides a fail save alert function.

[00085] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of a computing device 1400 of which the subscriber mobile device 1304, the subscriber computing device 1314 and the service host system 1324 of FIG. 13 may be examples. The computing device 1400 includes components such as a processor 1402, a storage device or memory 1404. A communications controller 1406 facilitates data input and output to a radio 1410. Input and output devices 1412 such as a screen and keyboard or other buttons facilitate interface with a user. Examples of input and output devices 1412 include, but are not limited to, alphanumeric input devices, mice, electronic styluses, display units, touch screens, signal generation devices (e.g. , speakers) or printers, and microphones. A system bus 1414 or other link interconnects the components of the computing device 1400. A power supply 1416, which may be a battery or voltage device plugged into a wall or other outlet, powers the computing device 1400 and its onboard components.

[00086] By way of example, and not limitation, the processor 1402 may be a general-purpose microprocessor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a controller, a state machine, gated or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any other suitable entity or combinations thereof that can perform calculations, process instructions for execution, and other manipulations of information.

[00087] The storage device or memory 1404 may include, but is not limited to: volatile and nonvolatile media such as cache, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory or other solid state memory technology, disks or discs or other optical or magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store computer readable instructions and which can be accessed by the processor 1402. In at least one example, the storage device or memory 1404 represents a non-transitory medium upon which computer readable instructions are stored. For example, a subscriber downloads and runs computer readable instructions on their respective device (1304, 1314) to connect to the service host system 1324 and establish interface functions with one or more equipment items (1306, 1316) for monitoring and control.

[00088] While example potential users of the interface platform include craft breweries, paper mills, laboratories, and other heating/cooling process oriented industries that may or may not sometimes run unattended according to occasion or predetermined schedule, particular advantageous benefits are provided by embodiments herein to shops where glass is melted or treated in ovens and kilns.

[00089] Melting glass is a very energy intensive process, especially when conducted in small batches as is often the case in the specialty glass sector. Any increase in the speed of melt schedule optimization for a new glass formula is an increase in energy efficiency. Specialty glass products represent the forefront in modern glass chemistry, as new applications emerge constantly. Small batch operations in glass product manufacturing and other scientific experiments will benefit from nimble, dynamic variable processes that benefit from the monitoring and control interface functions enabled by embodiments described herein.

[00090] Specialty fields to particularly benefit include industrial glass and glass product manufacturing such as that of light filters, lamp lenses on the wings of aircraft, or other aerospace projects and products.

[00091] The simplicity of remote connectivity as provided by embodiments herein toward, for example, to read, write, and log data enables the ability to offer a low cost solution to users in a very wide array of applications. Wide compatibility assists in connectivity between the user's controller and functions described herein. A user can go online, create an account, subscribe and get connected to a new or existing controller with a supported communications protocol. No other platform can do this, particularly with convenient and universal implementation.

[00092] Advantageously, embodiments described herein provide an ability to monitor and log data in real time remotely and with minimal personnel training regarding, for example, PLC software as may otherwise be needed. Quick and nimble glass melting cycle adjustments are enabled by embodiments described herein resulting in drastic quality improvements in relative short order.

[00093] In one example, the user can easily observe the difference in the time needed in a given furnace to melt a given charge volume of glass from cold to fully melted and homogenous temperature uniformity. Necessary adjustments in charge volume or melt time are quickly understood, and product quality therefore is improved quickly and repeatedly. It is very easy for an assistant to be trained to use this intuitive and near immediate, novel data logging solution.

[00094] Remote connectivity features provided by embodiments described herein are useful improve quality and consistency as well as convenience and efficiency during a power outage in which the user receives a text from the above-described platform showing that power has flickered. The user can log in and in real time observe that a glass furnace has in fact restarted after power was restored. Without this feature, the user would have had to travel to the furnace site to check the status, which would be a waste of time. Otherwise, had the user not been notified the power had flickered and had the furnace not restarted properly, the user may not have discovered the problem until the next morning after damage to the glass quality, production schedule, and possibly the furnace itself had already been sustained.

[00095] Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.