Virtual Java devices. Integration of fieldbus based systems in the Internet

The authors introduce the concept of virtual Java devices to integrate fieldbus-based control systems on the Internet/Intranet. As a result, fieldbus systems are opened up for remote monitoring, remote maintenance and remote control applications using state-of-the-art Web technology. A virtual Java device reflects the behaviour of a single fieldbus node or even an aggregation of fieldbus nodes which build a system unit. Implementations of virtual Java devices are embedded in a modern middleware system that provides an infrastructure for the development of distributed systems with almost no additional programming effort on communication aspects. Their work is based on experiences with virtual Java device implementations for a fieldbus-based production cell which allow remote access for control applications and Web-based Java clients.