Intelligent device framework

Abstract

The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate consistent experiences with respect to control or configuration of a feature or function of a device. In particular, a reusable graphical user interface (GUI) component can be employed to interact with a specific feature or function of the device rather than to a specific device or application.

1 . A system that facilitates a consistent user experience with respect to control or configuration of a feature or function of a device, comprising:
 a reusable graphical user interface (GUI) component that facilitates control or configuration of a feature or function associated with a first configurable component; and   a component configured to present a visual representation of the reusable GUI component to a display.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first configurable component is an industrial automation device. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first configurable component is at least one of a motor overload, a soft starter, a drive, or an I/O module. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable GUI component conforms to at least one of a .NET-based or a common object model (COM)-based protocol or standard. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable GUI component describes a visual object, screen, or window that facilitates control or configuration of the feature or function in a consistent manner independent of a type of the first configurable component. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reusable GUI component facilitates consistent control or configuration of a similar or identical feature or function associated with a second configurable component that differs in type, class, make, or model from the first configurable component. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a first wrapper that plugs into a first application to provide compatibility between the first application and the reusable GUI component, the first application employs the first wrapper to host the reusable GUI component. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , the first application is an independent third party application. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , the first application conforms to an international standards designation associated with industrial automation or control of a device or feature thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a second wrapper that plugs into a second application to provide compatibility between the second application and the reusable GUI component, the second application employs the second wrapper to host the reusable GUI component. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , the second application differs in type, brand, vendor, or provider from the first application. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an abstract data interface that facilitates compatibility with multiple data source types that act as data inputs to the reusable GUI component in connection with control or configuration of the feature or function. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , the interface is an abstract communication interface that facilitates compatibility with multiple communication protocols. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an offline memory that stores instance data associated with control or configuration of the first configurable component, wherein the reusable GUI component facilitates updates to the instance data included in the offline memory when the first configurable component is offline or not actively connected. 
     
     
         15 . A method for facilitating consistent user experiences with respect to controlling or configuring a feature or function of a device, comprising:
 interfacing to a first configurable device;   presenting a visual representation of a reusable graphical user interface (GUI) component by way of a display;   receiving input to the reusable GUI component associated with a feature or function of the first configurable device; and   employing the input for updating or controlling the feature or function of the first configurable device.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising at least one of the following:
 interfacing to a second configurable device;   presenting the visual representation of the reusable GUI component by way of the display;   receiving second input to the reusable GUI component associated with a feature or function of the second configurable device; or   employing the second input for updating or controlling the feature or function of the second configurable device.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising employing a first wrapper for enabling a first application to present the visual representation of the reusable GUI component by way of the display. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising employing a second wrapper, distinct from the first wrapper, for enabling a second application, distinct from the first application, to present the reusable GUI component by way of the display. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising at least one of the following:
 utilizing an abstract data interface for facilitating compatibility with multiple disparate data source types that serve as inputs to the reusable GUI device for control or configuration of the feature or function of the first configurable device;   utilizing an abstract communication interface for facilitating compatibility with multiple communication protocols when interfacing to the first configurable device; or   storing the input to the reusable GUI component when the first configurable device is offline.   
     
     
         20 . A system that facilitates a consistent user experience with respect to control or configuration of a feature or function of an industrial control device, comprising:
 an interface adapted to propagate information associated with a configurable industrial control device;   a reusable graphical user interface (GUI) component that facilitates control or configuration of a feature or function associated with the configurable industrial control device;   a wrapper that facilitates access to the reusable GUI component by way of an independent application; and   an application configured to interact with the configurable industrial control device, the application employs the wrapper to present a visual representation of the reusable GUI component to a display.