Interoperability between iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch Devices and Industrial Control Systems

ProSoft Technology's ProSoft i-View is a mobile phone application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch platforms. ProSoft i-View transforms these devices into mobile human machine interfaces to enables real-time remote process control for engineers, plant floor operators and maintenance technicians.

With ProSoft i-View, control engineers can remotely monitor and modify live data from programmable automation controllers (PAC) on an EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP/IP network, including flow measurements, valve control, process data and status data. The app creates a secure cellular or 802.11 interface between the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch devices and the control system. For 802.11 plant-floor network access, the WiFi function of the phone can be utilized in conjunction with ProSoft Technology 802.11 Industrial Hotspotsolutions. For applications with wide geographic disparity such as pipeline and well-head monitoring, or where engineers require access from long distances, the ProSoft Technology Intelligent Cellular series can be utilized to broaden the range of access to virtually anywhere in the world.

ProSoft i-View displays live process control values in stylized lists and includes user-established variance allowances with real-time alarms, including local notifications. Controls and data displays are color coded based on the value. Engineers are able to monitor these variables in real time and make adjustments on the fly from an iPhone device.

Upon configuration, ProSoft i-View provides a feature which requires the user to assign a matching security code as both a password for network access and as a Security Tag in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the PAC. When ProSoft i-View launches, the Security Code must match that on the CPU in order to create a connection. ProSoft i-View also supports the Retina Display feature of the iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4th generation.

ProSoft i-View works in conjunction with the Industrial Hotspot series of radios or industrial cellular series. Cumulative security features are offered by these industrial grade wireless solutions, as well as the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch devices themselves, to prevent unauthorized access to the network. ProSoft Technology's Industrial Hotspot radios feature WPA2-PSK and 802.11i RADIUS security, which prevent unauthorized access and modification to the network.

ProSoft i-View is the first in what will be a series of mobile applications from ProSoft Technology, designed to improve the flexibility and convenience of process management for control engineers.