EP1228443A2

EP1228443A2 - System and method for configuring, viewing and ordering a power system

Info

Publication number: EP1228443A2
Application number: EP00942811A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anthony Zupa; Rajaiah Karanam; Ron Jerdonek; Mike Zupo
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 1999-06-15
Filing date: 2000-06-15
Publication date: 2002-08-07
Also published as: WO2000077669A8; WO2000077669A9; WO2000077669A2

Abstract

A network based system (102) for custom configuring, viewing, simulating, operating and ordering a power management control system (PMCS) is described. The system allows the user to access, via the Internet, an e-system builder which not only permits online configuration (450) and ordering (302) of a power management control system, but also allows the user to simulate the real time operation of a variety of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) which make up the PMCS. Graphical representations of and links to the IEDs enable the user to monitor, operate and simulate a PMCS before the actual purchase of one. Quotation (432) of a complete system with installation and training provides the user with the ability to see the total package and total purchase price before committing an order.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING, VIEWING AND ORDERING A POWER SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an online power configuration system and method, and more particularly to a network-based configuration system and method which can configure, view, simulate, operate and order a power management control system over a network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Power management control systems (PMCSs), such as those made and sold by the General Electric Co., monitor and control a variety of intelligent electronic devices connected to an electrical distribution system, such as power meters, circuit breakers and others. A PMCS includes a computer connected to a common bus that allows the intelligent monitoring or control devices to communicate with a server. The PMCS provides graphical representations of and links to the devices of the distribution system to enable a user to monitor and operate the distribution system.

Currently, the configuration and ordering of a power management control system is done manually, which does not enable the person ordering the system to see the complete configuration, device displays and device operational characteristics before the ordered system is placed, installed and operational. Accordingly, the decision to order a PMCS may be delayed by the purchaser until they see an operational system, which can significantly impact an operation's startup costs. Thus, it would be advantageous to have a system which would enable a prospective purchaser to "test drive" (e.g., configure, view, simulate, and operate) an actual PMCS before purchasing one. thereby reducing both the time to market the PMCS and the operation startup costs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a network-accessible configuration system and method which include a database accessible by or through a server for providing information about PMCS devices and software, links to the devices, and means for viewing the operational characteristics of the PMCS devices before the PMCS and associated devices are ordered and installed. The database also includes customer information for placing and tracking an order.

The invention permits a user to configure a PMCS while providing simultaneous access to representative intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) by all authorized parties who process a request to configure and view a PMCS, even if persons processing the request or ordering the systems are in different parts of the world. The system, in being robust enough to handle large volumes of users, greatly facilitates PMCS ordering and operations startup.

An embodiment of a power management control system builder (e-System Builder) made by General Electric Co. and described in more detail below includes a

PMCS Compact Systems Package (CSP), which further includes tools for configuring and viewing a PMCS, linking to and operating PMCS devices, and quoting and ordering a complete PMCS, all over the network such as the Internet while concurrent users are doing the same thing. The advantages of the e-System Builder embodiment include that users not only can configure and view a PMCS before ordering one, but can also activate links to PMCS devices over the network for simulated or real time observation of an operational PMCS. This enables users, especially potential buyers, to "test drive" a PMCS before actually purchasing one. The e-System Builder not only accommodates (e.g., recognizes, links to, simulates and operates) existing IEDs, but is also adaptable to accommodate future IEDs, existing IEDs with enhanced intelligence and display capabilities, or other IEDs or other devices where the operational characteristics can be described in a database readable by the e-System Builder and PMCS, thereby enabling the system to mature as the underlying products mature. O 00/77669 ^■? PCT/USOO/16379

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a computer system that may be used by an embodiment of the invention:

Figure 2 illustrates a visitor access home page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates the html code which may be used to generate the interface of

Figure 2:

Figure 4 illustrates a demo page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure 4;

Figure 6 illustrates a PMCS CSP description page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

6; Figure 8 illustrates a PMCS CSP login page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

8;

Figure 10 illustrates a PMCS CSP customer page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 1 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

10;

Figure 12 illustrates a PMCS CSP new customer information page according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

12;

Figure 14 illustrates a PMCS CSP initial configuration page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure 14; Figure 16 illustrates a PMCS CSP configuration questionnaire page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

16; Figure 18 illustrates a PMCS CSP installation and training page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

18;

Figure 20 illustrates a PMCS CSP customer quotation summary page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 21 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

20:

Figure 22 illustrates a PMCS CSP existing customer information page according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 23 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

22;

Figure 24 illustrates a PMCS CSP initial configuration page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 25 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure 24;

Figure 26 illustrates a PMCS CSP order placement or configuration continuation option page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 27 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

26; Figure 28 illustrates a PMCS CSP tabular summary of selected devices page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 29 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

28;

Figure 30 illustrates a PMCS CSP device overview or single line diagram option page according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 1 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

30:

Figure 32 illustrates a PMCS CSP device overview page according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 33 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

32;

Figure 34 illustrates a PMCS CSP device detail page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 35 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure 34;

Figure 36 illustrates a PMCS CSP customer contact page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 37 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

36; Figure 38 illustrates a PMCS CSP order placement notice page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 39 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

38;

Figure 40 illustrates a contact information page according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 41 illustrates html code which may be used to generate the interface of Figure

40;

Figures 42-44 are a flow diagram of the invention illustrating the method and system of configuring, viewing, simulating, operating and ordering a PMCS according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 45-47 illustrate a flow diagram showing the method and system of configuring, viewing, simulating, operating and ordering a PMCS according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 48-69 further describe and illustrate a logical flow depicted in the flow diagram of Figures 42-44; and Figures 70-127 describe and illustrate a logical flow depicted in the flow diagram of Figures 45- 47.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS HARDWARE OVERVIEW

In terms of the general environment and resources in or with which the invention may operate, a computer system may include a bus or other communication mechanism for communicating information and a processor coupled to a bus for processing information. The computer system also includes main memory such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor. Main memory also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor. The computer system further includes read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device coupled to the bus for storing static information and instructions for the processor. A storage device such as a magnetic disk or optical disk may be provided and coupled to the bus for storing information and instructions.

The computer system may be coupled via a bus to a display, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD) or other device, for displaying information to a computer user. An input device, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus for communicating information and command selections to the processor. Another type of input device is cursor control, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating directional information and command selections to the processor and for controlling cursor movement on the display. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g. x) and a second axis (e.g. y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.

The invention is related to the use of the computer system for configuring and ordering a power management control system (PMCS), using computer, network and other resources. According to one embodiment of the invention, the configuration and ordering the PMCS is provided via the computer system in response to the processor executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory.

Such instructions may be read into main memory from another computer- readable medium, such as the storage device. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory causes the processor to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory. In alternative embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term "computer- readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to the processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to non- volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DBD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be bome on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupled to the bus can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on the bus. The bus carries the data to the main memory, from which the processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory may optionally be stored on a storage device as described herein, either before or after execution by the processor.

The computer system also includes a communication interface coupled to the bus. The communication interface provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link that is connected to a local or other network. For example, the communication interface may be an integrated service digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible

LAN. Wireless links also may be implemented. In any such implementation the, communication interface sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

The network link typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link may provide a connection through local network to a host computer, server or to other data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other entity. The ISP in turn provides data communication services through the world wide packet data communication network, now commonly referred to as the ' nternet". The local network and the Internet both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link and through the communication interface, which carry the digital data to and from the computer system, are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information. The computer system can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link, and the communication interface. In the Internet example, a server might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet, ISP. local network and communication interface. In accordance with the invention, one such downloaded application provides for operating and maintaining the configuration system described herein. The received code may be executed by the processor as it is received, and/or stored in storage device, or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, the computer system may obtain application code via a carrier wave or other communications.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW Generally, and in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, links to power management control system (PMCS) devices and PMCS software are accessible from a network (e.g. the Internet) by a user for the purpose of configuring, viewing, simulating, operating and ordering a PMCS. Those intelligent electronic or other devices may include, for instance, a power regulator, a waveform analyzer, a meter, a transformer, a relay, a starter, an input/output unit, and a circuit breaker and associated electronics and software. A PMCS and related intelligent electronic devices are described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,862,391, which is herein incoφorated by reference in its entirety. When a user, purchaser or other interested party, wants to configure, view or order a PMCS, the user may enter the network at the visitor access home page as illustrated in Figure 2. In order to access this home or root page, which may be serviced or supported by a server or other platform in the network, the user may use a computer loaded with a network browser (e.g., Web browser such as Internet Explorer manufactured by Microsoft Corp.) and connectivity to the network (e.g., Internet via an Internet Service Provider (ISP)). The server in one regard may be or include, for instance, a workstation running the Microsoft Windows™ NT™, Windows™ 2000, Unix, Linux, Xenix, IBM ALX™, Hewlett-Packard UX™, Novell Netware™, Sun Microsystems Solaris™, OS/2™, BeOS™, Mach, Apache, OpenStep™ or other operating system or platform. Once the visitor accesses the home page or other entn portal, the user may be informed that a pre-configured power management system based on PMCS softw are is available by ordering a PMCS Compact Systems Package (CSP). Although the PMCS CSP is shown in Figure 2 as being available in 3 different sizes; 3, 10 and 25 device limits, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that such quantities are determined only by resource constraints, and that other device limits, or no limits, can as easily be established. Figures 2, 4, 6, ...38, 40 (that is, the even sequence from 2 to 40) are representative illustrations of user-interactive network display screens, pages or other visual or graphical information which may be presented to the user according to the invention. Common links such as depicted by the "Demos", "Compact System Package", "Contact Us", "Next" and "Prev" option buttons may be activated from any page displaying those buttons.

Figures 3, 5, 7,...39, 41 (that is, the odd sequence from 3 to 41) illustrate html (hyper text markup language) code which may be used to generate the corresponding display pages of Figures 2, 4, 6...38, 40. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other types of network-enabled code, such as Dynamic HTML, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL), Document Style Semantics and Specification Language (DSSSL), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL), Java™, Jim™, C, C++, Perl, UNIX Shell, Visual Basic or Visual Basic Scπpt, Virtual Reality Markup Language

(VRML) or other compilers, assemblers, mteφreters or other computer languages or platforms may also be employed or accessed by the invention.

Activation of the "Demos" button on Figure 12 may display the demo page as illustrated in Figure 4, whereby the user can either view a virtual demo of a PMCS, or view a PMCS online. Such a PMCS is described in aforementioned U.S. Patent

No. 5,862,391. Such a demonstration or actual PMCS may include electrical information such as voltage, current, wattage, operating costs and other information from live or stored data feeds, or simulated electrical characteristics including the foregoing data as may be generated or operated on by electπcal simulation engines, such as the commercially available SCADA, DCS, CASPOC or EDSA packages or standards, or otherwise.

Activation of the "Compact System Package" button on Figure 2 may display the PMCS CSP description page as illustrated in Figure 6. On this description page (or screen), the PMCS CSP is presented to and described for the user. Activation of the "Next" button on Figure 6 may display the PMCS CSP login page as illustrated in Figure S. As illustrated in Figure S, the user may enter both a login name and a password, then activate the "Submit" button to enter the PMCS CSP ordering system. Once the user's login name and password are verified, such as by comparison of the submitted information to information contained in a database, the user may be prompted to choose between the options of either a new customer or an existing customer, as illustrated in Figure 10. Activation of the "New Customer" button on Figure 10 may display the PMCS CSP new customer information page as illustrated in Figure 12. As illustrated in Figure 12, after the user has entered the requested information, the "Add New Customer" button may be activated to update the network database containing such customer information and display the PMCS CSP initial configuration page as illustrated in Figure 14.

After the user has entered the choice of human machine interface (HMT) (e.g., Cimplicity™ or InTouch™), environment (e.g., Development or Run Time) and number of devices (e.g., 1-3, 4-10. or 1 1-25) on Figure 14, the "Submit" button may be activated to display the PMCS CSP configuration questionnaire page as illustrated in Figure 16. After the user has entered the requested information relating to computer software and hardware on Figure 16, the "Submit" button may be activated to display the PMCS CSP installation and training page as illustrated in Figure 18. After the user has made the desired selection for installation and training on Figure

18, the "Submit" button may be activated to display the PMCS CSP customer quotation summary page as illustrated in Figure 20. Here, the customer can either return to the previous page by activating the "Prev" button (the user can return to a previous page from any page displaying a "Prev" button), or activate the "Next" button to advance to the PMCS CSP order placement or configuration continuation option page as illustrated in Figure 26.

Activation of the "Existing Customer" button on Figure 10 may display the PMCS CSP existing customer information page as illustrated in Figure 22. Here, selection of the appropriate customer information from the pull down menus and activation of the "Submit" button may display the PMCS CSP initial configuration page as illustrated in Figure 24, which is identical to that of Figure 14. Further navigation of the available pages from Figure 14 may be the same as described above. Activation of the "Place Order Online" button on Figure 26 may display the

PMCS CSP customer contact page as illustrated in Figure 36. Activation of the "Submit Order Online" button on Figure 36 may display the PMCS CSP order placement notice page as illustrated in Figure 3S. Here, the "Demos", "Compact System Package", "Contact Us" or "Home" buttons may be activated. Activation of the "Continue Configuration" button on Figure 26 may display the PMCS CSP tabular summary of selected devices page as illustrated in Figure 28. As illustrated in Figure 28, the user may select additional devices before proceeding. Activation of the "Submit Device Information" button on Figure 28 may display the PMCS CSP device overview or single line diagram option page as illustrated in Figure 30. As illustrated in Figure 30, the user may elect to display the selected

PMCS devices in different modes, for instance as either small faceplates representative of the actual PMCS devices, or as a one-line diagram.

Selection of the "Device Overview Screen" and activation of the "Next" button on Figure 30 may display the PMCS CSP device overview page as illustrated in Figure 32. As illustrated on Figure 32, further information for each device is available by clicking on the representative device icon, as shown by way of example in Figure 34. From the Web page of Figure 34, the user can operate the selected PMCS device by means of links made available by the e-System Builder, thereby enabling the user to "test drive" an actual PMCS device or actual or simulated network of devices. This capability affords the user to see in real-time what a PMCS device looks like and what its operating characteristics are before purchasing a complete PMCS.

The completed PMCS configuration may be ordered by returning to the PMCS CSP order placement or configuration continuation option page as illustrated in Figure 26 and activating the "Place Order Online" button. In another embodiment, a user may be authorized to log into and view an installed network, for instance one operating at the user's premise or another site. Further navigation of the available pages from Figure 26 may be the same as described above.

Activation of the "Contact Us" button on Figure 12 may display the contact information page as illustrated e.g. in Figure 40. Here, the user may be instructed on how to contact a manufacturer's representative of the PMCS and PMCS CSP for configuring a PMCS online.

Figures 42-44 illustrate a logical flow diagram for the pages of the PMCS CSP as illustrated in Figures 2-41 and 48-69. In step 402, a main page such as main page 100 may be presented to the user. If the user so selects, in step 404 a demo page may be presented, in which the user may be presented with options to access a PMCS demo in step 406 or an onsite center in step 408. Upon presentation of the main page at 402, the user may select or link to a compact system description in step 410, upon entering which the user may be presented with a login screen in step 412. If the user is a new customer, the user may be presented with a new customer page in step

414 and be prompted enter data as a new customer in step 416.

If the user is an existing customer, the user may be presented with a page for existing customers in step 418, and be interrogated for data related the their existing customer account in step 420. Following user authentication and login, for instance as illustrated in Figure 43, an HMI/environment page may be presented in step 426.

In step 428, a PC/net card page may be presented. In step 430, a training page may be presented to permit the user to gain knowledge and familiarity with the system. In step 432, the user may be presented with a quote screen indicating price, availability and other transaction information. If the user so selects, the user may proceed to an overview page in step 434. Should the user be prepared to place an order after viewing the quote screen or page in step 432. customer details may be collected in step 436, and after completion of the transaction and thank you page may be presented in step 438.

If after presentation of the quote page in step 432 the user wishes to explore more information, the user may select an overview page mode in step 434, such as on-line diagrams or static diagrams. In step 440, the user may be presented with a device selector in step 440 for a predetermined number of devices or otherwise. If the number of devices exceeds a threshold, illustratively 12, processing may proceed to a second device selection in step 442. If the user opts for a simple selection, processing may proceed to step 444 in which device information such as trend information or device type pages may be selected. If the user chooses to proceed in a more advanced fashion, they may request information on a per device name basis to view trend page, device type or other information in step 446.

Following device access, a network configuration, such as an Ethernet configuration, may be generated in step 448 according to the devices and other information selected. In step 450, a preview of the assembled configuration may be presented to the user, for instance with simulated electrical characteristics or other information, such as operating cost and other data. If the user wishes to revise the configuration so generated, processing may return to step 440. If the user is satisfied with the configuration as presented, the user may place an order and provide customer details in step 452. After completion of a transaction, the user may be presented with a thank you page 454 and log out.

Alternatively, returning to the presentation of the main page at step 402, the user may choose to contact a vendor according to the invention through a contact us page in step 422. The user then may access an onsite center in step 424, for instance via a Web link or other communications channels to speak with or message a customer representative.

Referring to Figures 45, 46, and 47 and Figures 70-127, another embodiment of the invention is described. The PCMS CSP according to the invention may in one embodiment be a computer program that is executed by a computer system through an Internet connection to a transaction site, such as the site "GEPowerLeader.com." which is incoφorated by reference herein. Specifically, an interface according to the invention may be implemented with an event loop or other polling or other input module that processes screens, input and other information responses as they occur within the application.

Referring to Figure 45, an event may be received by the application in the form of a message or a page on the main page 104. which may be an Internet site, an intranet site or other network portal. The messages that are processed within the event loop are generally generated by the system in response to input and output such as mouse movements, menu selections and window painting. The main page may include or link to a compact system description 102 of the PMCS CSP, such as that illustrated in Figure 6 or Figure 50 or otherwise.

The program may include a border that has navigation input links to a global site (home to main page 100), demos 108, a compact system description 102, and a contact us page 104. The border may be displayed with each event message so as advantageously to navigate within the program from any page or screen. For example, activation of the globe link on the boarder may display the main page 100. Activation of the demos link on the border may display the demo page 108, such as that illustrated in Figure 4 or Figure 49 or otherwise. Activation of the compact system description link on the border may display the compact system description

102. Activation of the contact us link on the border may display the contact us page 104, such as that illustrated in Figure 69 or otherwise.

At main page 100, an event may be received in the form of a selection by the user of one of the input links of an arrow (next page), 102. 108 or 132 arranged on main page 100. The demo page 108 may be loaded in response to input received from a user through the interface. The demo page 108 may link to and display a PMCS virtual demo 112 or an onsite center (view system online) option 1 14. The PMCS demo 1 12 may display the features and functionality of the PMCS system and devices. The PMCS demo 1 12 may presented to the user in a floor plan environment, premise map or other graphical form using various device wizards to present the device to the user in a graphical display, for instance in the formats illustrated in Figures 103- 127 or otherwise.

The onsite center 1 14 may link to an online demo page or platform whereby the user can configure and change live data, actual or simulated devices or networks over the Internet using Webview or the like. The contact us page 104 may be loaded directly in response to input received from a user the contact us link through the interface. The contact us page 104 may have a link to the onsite center 106 that functions to provide an engineering service center connection via the Internet, an intranet or other network connection. The compact system description 102 may be loaded in response to input received from a user through the interface link or button on the main page 100. The compact system description 102 page may display information about the PMCS CSP, and include a link or button entitled "Login to Site" so as to load the site login page 1 16, such as that illustrated in Figure 8 or otherwise. A selection by a user of the arrow or previous page may display the main page 100. The site login page 116 may prompt the user to enter information or otherwise requests input from the user, e.g. such as a login name and a password. Once input of a login name and a password is received the user can select from the "submit" or "reset" buttons to either submit or reset the requested information, respectively. Another arrow for previous page may be provided on the site login page 116 that when activated may display previous page of the compact system description 102. Activation of the "submit" button may submit the information to the database whereby an access decision is reached, for instance by comparison of the login name, password or other information to the name and password information necessary for gaining access. If access is approved, the program may display the customer page

120 having button selections for a new customer and an existing customer, such as that illustrated in Figure 10 or otherwise. Selection of the button for a new customer may link to the new customer page 122 having input fields for inputting data for a new customer such as, for example, a reference number, name, address, phone number, fax number and e-mail address, such as that illustrated in Figure 14 or Figure 75 or otherwise.

The input data for a new customer can be saved in a database format in a known manner, and can have a customer reference number assigned to such new customer. A button to "add" a new customer may appear at the bottom of the new customer page 122 such as that illustrated in Figure 12 or otherwise that is configured to add the record of a new customer to the database or to update the record information in the database of an existing customer. A button to reset and clear the fields also can appear at the bottom of the new customer page 122. Additionally, upon entry of the data for a new customer another page 130 can be displayed that is configured to accept and store a customer password selection for subsequent use with the customer reference number at the existing customer page 124.

Referring again to customer page 120, selection of the button for an existing customer may link to the existing customer login page 124 having fields for instance for the User ID and a password, such as that illustrated in Figure 78 or otherwise.

The User ED and passwords may be linked to the record data in the database for an existing customer such as, for example, a reference number, name, address, phone number, fax number and e-mail address. The data for an existing customer can use a display format that uses the same fields as is used for the new customer pages 122 and page 130 so as advantageously to present a consistent interface for the user. New information may be added to the database record for an existing customer by means of entering the new information in the designated field and selecting the add button. The existing customer page 124 may include buttons for "submit", "reset" and "forgot password". The submit button may be configured to submit the User ED and password for verification and authentication by comparison of the submitted user ID and password to the database record for the particular customer. The reset button may clear the User ID and password fields so as to prepare for another submission of such information.

If the authorization process fails or the user selects the "forgot password" button, the program may display the Authorization Failed screen 126 having buttons !

for home may link to the main page 100 or contact us which links to the contact us page 104. The contact information 132 can be configured to include an e-mail link button that, when activated, addresses an e-mail for sending and a link to a sales information screen 134. The sales information screen 134 may function to provide sales information 136 to the user and can include drop down menus to present and locate sales offices around the world, for example, international sales offices shown on Figure 58, United States sales offices shown on Figure 59, and Canadian sales offices shown on Figure 60, as well as links to other information.

The existing customer page 124 may be configured so that a customer profile can be created and stored. The customer profile advantageously can be accessed by a customer for a specific project, such as a project page that has been previously been configured and designed. In this manner, the user (or a specific customer or other authorized person) has the ability to save a number of projects under the same customer profile and the user can, for each project, advantageously configure and store information for retrieval later.

Once the customer information has been gathered or retrieved, a project page 138 may be displayed to the user as illustrated in Figure 45. The project page 138 may be configured to identify new or existing projects by having a button for a new configuration and a button for an existing configuration. If an "existing customer" path was selected on the customer page 120, data and information about the various projects that have been established and stored in the program database may be called up and made available to the user as is described herein.

Advantageously, the option to choose between a new or an existing configuration gives the user the option of starting a new project or opening an existing project. If the button for a new configuration is actuated, then a new project configuration page 140 may be displayed to the user that features a prompt for the user to enter a project identifier name, and upon submission by the user of a project identifier or name, the system can automatically assign a reference number to the user. If the button for an existing configuration is actuated, then an existing project information page 142 may be displayed to the user that features pulldown menus having the data and information that has been established and stored in the program database about the various projects whereby such data and information is arranged in a reference pulldown menu and a project name pulldown menu.

Once the data and information for a new project is gathered, and/or a new or existing configuration is activated, the user may be linked to an HMI/Environment page 200, as illustrated in Figure 46. The HMI/Environment page 200 may be used to configure and display information relating to (1) the HMI, for example, Cimplicity ™ or InTouch™ , (2) the Environment, for example, Development or Runtime, and (3) the number of devices, for instance as illustrated in Figure 24 or otherwise. Activation of the button for submitting the information (or the button for next page

(or arrow)) may generate the necessary deliverables for the HMI/Environment. Once the information is submitted, the program or application may link the user to the main screen selection 202 as illustrated in FIG 46.

Referring to Figure 46, once the user has viewed the HMI/Environment page 200, the program or application allows for activation of the button for submitting the information (or the button for next page (or arrow)), generates the necessary deliverables for the HMI/Environment and may link to the main screen selection page 202. The main screen selection page 202 may be configured to have links or buttons for selection of either the Device Overview Screen or the Simplified, Static One-Line Diagram screen. An arrow (next page) allows for submitting the information of either the Device Overview Screen or the Simplified, Static One-Line Diagram screen and may link to a device selection page 204.

The device selection page 204 may include fields for the Type of Device, the Device name on the Software Screen and a Modbus Segment number, for instance as illustrated in Figure 28 or otherwise. If the user has generated a configuration having numerous devices whereby the display of the devices exceeds the parameters of the displayed page, the program may be configured to display additional device selection pages having the additional device selection information displayed thereon. The field for the Type of device can include a pulldown menu that lists a plurality of devices that can be configured in the system. The Modbus Segment number identifies the port for communications between devices in the system according to the Modbus electrical bus standard, but others may be used. Once the user has made his or her selections from the device selection page 204, activation of the Preview Configured System button may link the user to the device overview page 206, the Simplified Static one-line diagram 208 or another presentation page or screen, depending on which option was selected from the main screen selection 202.

An additional feature of the invention is the configurable static diagram, for example as illustrated in Figure 67. The Device Overview Screen 206 may be configured to include a data and information for each device selected on the device selection page 204. Each device selected may be illustrated by a faceplate icon and include a link to the actual device settings, parameters and other information, such as illustrated in Figures 32, 34, 90, 92, 1 11 or otherwise which is advantageous when taking the system configuration for a simulation or "test drive". The device overview page 206 allows for the faceplate icons of each of the devices to be arranged on the page in whatever manner the user desires. This is helpful when configuring a system based upon locations of the devices in a particular factory or the like.

The device overview page 206 may include buttons for Save Configuration, Restore and Price System Online, such as that illustrated in Figure 30 or otherwise. The Save Configuration button may be configured to save the layout information of the particular devices on the configurable static diagram. The Restore button may be configured to restore the configuration information saved by the Save Configuration button, and is advantageous during the design process. The Price System Online button may be used to price the particular configuration of the devices selected for the system and provides a link to the price system online page 210. The pricing data and information may be configured in a tabular format that includes an interface that allows for numerous pricing schemes using the available data and information previously input by the user.

The simplified static one-line diagram page 208 may be configured to include data and information for each device selected on the device selection page 204. Each device selected may be illustrated by a faceplate icon and include a link to the actual device settings, parameters and other information for the device or network of devices which is also advantageous when taking the system configuration for a simulation ("test drive"). The program may draw lines between the selected devices to illustrate connections made between devices. The simplified static one-line diagram may include a button to price the system online. The price system online button may be used to price the particular configuration of the devices selected for the system and provides a link to the price system online page 210. The pricing data and information may be configured in a tabular format that includes an interface that allows for numerous pricing schemes using the available data and information previously input by the user.

Referring to Figure 47, processing of orders is now described. Once the information has been presented to the user using the price system online page 210, activation of the button for submitting the information (or the button for next page (or arrow)) links to the order summary sheet page 302. The order summary sheet page 302 may include customer details and Order/Project Details. The order summary sheet page 302 may also include buttons for Trend Selection, Computer Setup Information, Save Configuration and Return Later, Modify Configuration, Place Order Online and other information. The Trend Selection button may link the user to a trend sheet 304 (which may be partial as illustrated, but scrollable to illustrate trend information for each device).

The trend sheet 304 advantageously can be implemented and allows for the ability to view specific trends of actual (real time) and historical data that can be a graphical illustration of the trends of the PMCS system. Activation of the Computer Setup Information button may link the user to an EP address information page 306 that displays the computer address information that can include network address information and the like. Activation of the Save Configuration and Return Later button may operate to save the configuration information of the PMCS system and return to the home page 100. Activation of the Modify Configuration button may link to the modify configuration page 308 and operate to begin the configuration of the PMCS system. The modify configuration page 308 may include buttons for Begin Configuration that link to a configuration page 138 or 316 or device configuration button that links to the HMI/Environment page 200 or 322.

Activation of the Place Order Online button may link the user to the place order online page 310 so as to display the customer information screen that includes information from the customer's database record concerning contact, billing and shipping information. The screen may include numerous fields for such customer's database record and is configurable to input contact, billing and shipping information. Activation of the button for submitting the information (or the button, arrow or other indicator for next page) may link to the customer quotation page 312. The customer quotation page 312 generally contains information about the system being quoted and ordered and may include buttons for Change Configuration and Place Order Online. The Change Configuration button may link to the configuration page 138, 316 or 320 or otherwise so as to allow for additional devices or a change in the PMCS system configuration. If the order information of the system is accurate, actuation of the Place Order

Online button may link the user to the order confirmation page 314. The order confirmation page 314 may generate a confirmation number for the customer's order and thanks the customer for the order. The order confirmation page 314 may include buttons for Logout and Home; Logout log the user off of the site and the Home button may link to the Main Page 100.

Referring to Figure 45, another embodiment of the invention includes additional processing that includes the introduction of sales personnel to the ordering process. A contact sales person page 118 can be displayed after logging on to the site login page 1 16. Activation of the New Sales Person button may display the Sales Person Information page 146 which prompts the user for information concerning the name, address, phone numbers, etc. of the sales person that is known for the area. The data information can be stored in a database and linked to the order so that important accounting, billing, sales credit, quota, commissions and other information about the sale can be recorded and tracked. The sales person information and database also can be used for identifying the appropnate sales person to handle the sale and any follow up in the field. Buttons may be av ailable for adding the sales person to the record and resetting the fields if it is desired Additionally, the system can display and generate site access information such as a sales person user ID and password usmg a display that requests such information, e.g such as that illustrated in Figure 76 or otherwise. Activation of the Existing Sales Person button may display the sales person login page shown in Figure 76. The sales person login screen can be used by an existing previously registered sales person to access the site and database information advantageously can be indexed or otherwise attributed to a particular sales person.

The foregoing descπption of the invention is illustrative, and variations in configuration and implementation will occur to persons skilled in the art. For instance, computing or other resources illustrated as single platforms may be distributed across multiple platforms, and computing and other resources illustrated as separate or distributed may be combined in particular implementations. The scope of the invention is accordingly intended to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for configuring items in an inventory (204) over a network, comprising: a server (100, 402) connected to the network, the server (100, 402) receiving first data from a user corresponding to items in the inventory (204); and a configuration engine (102, 410) operable to retrieve representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440, 442) in the inventory (204) according to the first data received by the server (100, 402), and to functionally link the representations of the at least two selectable items (440, 442) in the inventory (204) to display a first simulated network (450) to the user over the network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the network comprises the Internet.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the configuration engine (102, 410) comprises an interconnection engine.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least two selectable items (440, 442) comprise at least one of electrical components and mechanical components.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising an ordering module (210, 302) operatively connected to the server (100, 402) to receive and process purchase order information received by the server (100, 402) over the network.

6. The system of claim 6, wherein the ordering module (210, 302) comprises at least one of a quantity selector, a component selector, a delivery selector, and a purchase price calculator.

7. The system of claim 9, wherein the presentation to the user is via a human interface (144) of a client terminal connected to the network.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the user may input second data (308) to select a revised set of components, the configuration engine (102, 410) generating a second simulated network in response to the second data (308).

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first simulated network (450) comprises at least one of voltage data, current data, operation cost data and node data.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the configuration engine (102, 410) retrieves the at least two selectable items (440, 442) according to one of a plurality of selectable modes (206, 208).

1 1. The system of claim 10, wherein the selectable modes (206, 208) comprise at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434).

12. The system of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434) comprises a one-line diagram, and the one-line diagram comprises a connected topology of the at least two items.

13. The system of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434) comprises a static diagram, and the static diagram comprises a premise map of the at least two items.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the configuration engine (102, 410) is operable to permit the user to view an installed network (114).

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the user has an account, and the account comprising a login sequence for the user.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein at least the first data and first simulated network (450) are storable in the configuration engine (102, 410).

17. A method for configuring items in an inventory (204) over a network, comprising: a) receiving first data from a user at a server ( 100, 402) over the network; b) retrieving representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440, 442) according to the first data received by the server (100, 402); and c) functionally linking the representations of at least two selectable items (440, 442) to display a first simulated network (450) to the user over the network.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the network comprises the Internet.

19. The method of claim 22, wherein the step (c) of functionally linking comprises a step d) of executing an interconnection engine.

20. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least two selectable items (440, 442) comprise at least one of electrical components and mechanical components.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of e) executing an ordering module (210. 302).

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step (e) of executing an ordering module (210, 302) comprises a step f) of executing at least one of a quantity selector, a component selector, a delivery selector, and a purchase price calculator.

23. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of g) making the presentation to the user via a human interface (144) of a client terminal connected to the network.

24. The method of claim 17, further comprising steps of h) receiving second data (308) from the user to select a revised set of items, and i) generating a second simulated network in response to the second data (308).

25. The method of claim 17, wherein the first simulated network (450) comprises at least one of voltage data, current data, operation cost data and node data.

26. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of j) retrieving the at least two selectable items (440, 442) according to one of a plurality of selectable modes.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the selectable modes comprise at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434) comprises a one-line diagram, and the one-line diagram comprises a connected topology of the at least two items.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434) comprises a static diagram, and the static diagram comprises a premise map of the at least two items.

30. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of k) permitting the user to view an installed network.

31. The method of claim 17, wherein the user has an account, further comprising a step of 1) executing a login sequence for the account.

32. The method of claim 17, wherein at least the first data and first simulated network (450) are storable.

33. A network configured according to the method comprising: a) receiving first data from a user over a network at a server ( 100, 402); b) retrieving representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440. 442) in an inventory (204) according to the first data received by the server ( 100, 402); and c) functionally linking the representations of at least two selectable items (440, 442) in a first simulated network (450) for presentation to the user.

34. A system for configuring items in an inventory (204) over a network, comprising: input means, the input means receiving first data from a user at a server (100,

402); and means for configuration, the means for configuration communicating with the input means and being operable to retrieve representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440, 442) according to the first data received by the server (100, 402), the means for configuration being operable to functionally link the representations of at least two selectable items (440, 442) in a first simulated network

(450) for presentation to the user.

35. A computer readable medium, the computer readable medium storing computer readable code executable to perform a method for configuring items in an inventory (204) over a network, the method comprising: a) receiving first data from a user over the network at a server (100, 402); b) retrieving representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440, 442) according to the first data received by the server (100, 402); and c) functionally linking the representations of at least two selectable items (440, 442) in a first simulated network (450) for presentation to the user.

36. A system for configuring a power system over a network, comprising: a server (100, 402) connected to the network, the server (100, 402) receiving first data from a user corresponding to items in an inventory (204); and a configuration engine (102, 410), communicating with the server (100, 402), the configuration engine (102, 410) being operable to retrieve representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440, 442) in the inventory (204) according to the first data, the configuration engine (102, 410) being operable to functionally link the representations of at least two selectable items (440, 442) in a first simulated power network for presentation to the user.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the network comprises the Internet.

38. The system of claim 36, wherein the configuration engine (102, 410) comprises an electrical circuit engine.

39. The system of claim 36, wherein the at least two selectable items (440, 442) comprise electrical components.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the electrical components comprise at least one of a power regulator, a waveform analyzer, a meter, a transformer, a relay, a starter, an input/output unit, and a circuit breaker.

41. The system of claim 36, wherein the configuration engine (102, 410) comprises an ordering module (210, 302).

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the ordering module (210, 302) comprises at least one of a quantity selector, a component selector, a delivery selector, and a purchase price calculator.

43. The system of claim 36, wherein the presentation to the user is via a human interface (144) of a client terminal connected to the network.

44. The system of claim 36, wherein the user may input second data (308) to select a revised set of items, the configuration engine (102, 410) generating a second simulated power network in response to the second data (308).

45. The system of claim 36, wherein the first simulated power network comprises at least one of voltage data, current data, operation cost data and node data.

46. The system of claim 36, wherein the configuration engine (102, 410) retrieves the at least two selectable items (440, 442) according to one of a plurality of selectable modes.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the selectable modes comprise at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram.

4S The system of claim 47, wherein the at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434) comprises a one-line diagram, and the one-line diagram comprises a connected circuit topology of the at least two items

49 The system of claim 47, wherein the at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434) comprises a static diagram, and the static diagram comprises a premise map of the at least two items.

50. The system of claim 36, wherein the configuration engine (102, 410) is operable to permit the user to view an installed power network.

51. The system of claim 36, wherein the user has an account, and the account comprises a login sequence for the user.

52. The system of claim 36, wherein at least the first data and first simulated power network are storable in the configuration engine (102, 410).

53. A method for configuring a power system over a network, comprising: a) receiving first data from a user over the network at a server (100, 402), the first data corresponding to items in an inventory (204); b) retrieving representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440, 442) in the inventory (204) according to the first data; and c) functionally linking the representations of at least two selectable items (440. 442) in a first simulated power network for presentation to the user.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the network comprises the Internet.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein the step (c) of functionally linking comprises a step d) of executing an electrical circuit engine.

56. The method of claim 53, wherein the at least two selectable items (440, 442) compπse electrical components.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the electπcal components comprise at least one of a power regulator, a waveform analyzer, a meter, a transformer, a relay, a starter, an input/output unit, and a circuit breaker.

58. The method of claim 53, further comprising a step of e) executmg an ordermg module (210, 302).

59. The method of claim 53, wherein the step (e) of executing an ordering module (210, 302) comprises a step f) of executing at least one of a quantity selector, a component selector, a delivery selector, and a purchase price tabulator.

60. The method of claim 53, further comprising a step of g) making the presentation to the user via a human interface (144) of a client terminal connected to the network.

61. The method of claim 53, further comprising steps of h) receiving input second data (308) from the user to select a revised set of items, and i) generating a second simulated power network in response to the second data (308).

62. The method of claim 53, wherein the first simulated power network comprises at least one of voltage data, current data, operation cost data and node data.

63. The method of claim 53, further comprising a step of j) retrieving the at least two selectable items (440, 442) according to one of a plurality of selectable modes.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the selectable modes comprise at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434) comprises a one-line diagram, and the one-line diagram comprises a connected circuit topology of the at least two items.

66. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one of a one-line diagram and a static diagram (434) comprises a static diagram, and the static diagram comprises a premise map of the at least two items.

67. The method of claim 53, further comprising a step of k) permitting the user to view an installed power network.

68. The method of claim 53, wherein the user has an account, further comprising a step of 1) executing a login sequence for the account.

69. The method of claim 53, wherein at least the first data and first simulated power network are storable.

70. A power network configured according to the method comprising: a) receiving first data from a user over the network at a server (100, 402), the first data corresponding to items in an inventory (204); b) retrieving representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440. 442) in the inventory (204) according to the first data; and c) functionally linking the representations of at least two selectable items

(440. 442) in a first simulated power network for presentation to the user.

71. A system for configuring a power system over a network, comprising: input means, the input means receiving first data from a user over the network at a server (100, 402), the firs data corresponding to items in an inventory (204); and means for configuration, the means for configuration communicating with the input means and being operable to retrieve representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440, 442) in the inventory (204) according to the first data, the means for configuration being operable to functionally link the representations of at least two selectable items (440, 442) in a first simulated power network for presentation to the user.

72. A computer readable medium, the computer readable medium storing computer readable code executable to perform a method for configuring a power system over a network, the method comprising: a) receiving first data from a user over the network at a server (100, 402), the first data corresponding to items in an inventory (204); b) retrieving representations of at least two of a plurality of selectable items (440, 442) in the inventory (204) according to the first data; and c) functionally linking the representations of at least two selectable items (440, 442) in a first simulated power network for presentation to the user.