Configuration of Single Devices
Single devices are easily configurable using a web-interface. To enable the remote control of a particular device an embedded web-server is additionally integrated into the existing software. The web-server creates a form, using common elements like edit fields and select boxes, which is displayed at a web-browser. Any user who has access to this system can now control or modify current settings of the device. As this example shows an online communication between a user and one machine takes place. Therefore this solution is mainly suitable for single devices.

Advantages
  • Remote devices can be configured using a common web-browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera etc.) from any computer which supports TCP/IP and a web-browser.
  • No software has to be installed on these computers.
  • There are no dependencies to the computer's operating system.
  • Applications to configure the device can be easily written in HTML.
  • Low hardware requirements for SEVENSTAX software.


Disadvantages

  • The user and the device have to be online i.e.
      1. a permanent connection exists e.g. over an Ethernet network or
      2. the PC establishes a connection to the device using a dial-in or
      3. a mechanism is integrated in the device to connect to the PC
  • Web-Pages are unsuitable for real-time communication. This disadvantage may be eliminated by using a JAVA applet.


Realisation

The device's firmware is extended by the basic Internet protocols and a small embedded web-server. The information (e.g. status, settings, errors) is displayed in hierarchically structured HTML pages which are sent to the browser by the web-server. The access to the server can be password protected to exclude unauthorized users. Furthermore so called forms can be dynamically created to manipulate the device settings.





Typical Usage

  • printers
  • copiers
  • heating systems
  • telephone systems
  • home automation