System and method for the operator control and for the monitoring of an automation system over the internet using an asymmetric internet connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for transmitting data over the Internet, in particular data for operating and monitoring an automation system ( 5 ) using a bidirectional user data connection, even behind fire walls and even from a client which is not visible as a server on the Internet. The method and device transmit a first connection request for setting up a first transmission channel ( 6 a , 7 a , 8 a ) from a first data processing device ( 1 ) of a client, in particular from an operator control and monitoring system ( 1 ) to an Internet server ( 4 ) of an automation system ( 5 ) via an Internet connection ( 6, 7, 8 ). In addition, a second connection request for setting up a second transmission channel ( 6 b , 7 b , 8 b ) is transmitted to the Internet server ( 4 ) from the client ( 1 ), the first and second transmission channels being provided for bidirectionally transmitting and receiving, independently of one another in terms of timing, data between the client ( 1 ) and the Internet server ( 4 ) over the Internet. A chronologically unlimited period of use of the transmission channels is assured by virtue of the fact that in order to maintain the transmission channels, dummy data are transmitted even in the absence of user data.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for transmitting data over the Internet, comprising transmitting from a client a first connection request for setting up a first transmission channel via an Internet connection to an Internet Server, transmitting from a client a second connection request for setting up a second transmission channel via an Internet connection to the Internet Server, wherein the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel bidirectionally transmit and receive, independently of one another in terms of timing, data between the client and the Internet Server over the Internet, the first transmission channel being used as a back channel for transmitting user data from the Internet Server to the client, and the second transmission channel being used as a forward channel for transmitting requests from the client to the Internet Server.  
     
     
         2 . The method according to    claim 1   , wherein dummy data are transmitted in the absence of user data in order to maintain the transmission channels.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to    claim 1   , wherein information is transmitted to the Internet Server in order to maintain the transmission channels, said information informing the Internet Server that there is an intention to transmit user data.  
     
     
         4 . The method as according to    claim 4   , wherein data for operating and monitoring an automation system is provided over the Internet.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to    claim 4   , wherein the client is an operator control and monitoring system which initiates the transmission channels as a DCOM object, and in the setup of the connection to the automation system is made via a DCOM server.  
     
     
         6 . A device for transmitting data over the Internet, comprising a data processor which can be connected to the Internet of a client, the data processor being provided for setting up a first data connection in the form of a first transmission channel and a second data connection in the form of a second transmission channel to an Internet Server, wherein the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel bidirectionally transmit and receive, independently of one another in terms of timing, data between the client and the Internet Server over the Internet, the first transmission channel being used as a back channel for transmitting user data from the Internet Server to the client, and the second transmission channel being used as a forward channel for transmitting requests from the client to the Internet Server.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to    claim 6   , wherein dummy data can be transmitted so as to maintain the transmission channels in the absence of user data.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to    claim 6   , wherein the transmission channels are capable of informing the Internet Server that there is an intention to transmit user data.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to    claim 6   , wherein data for operating and monitoring an automation system is provided over the Internet.  
     
     
         10 . The device according to    claim 9   , wherein the client is an operator control and monitoring system which initiates the transmission channels as a DCOM object, and in the setup of the connection to the automation system is made via a DCOM server.