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TopKapi
Version 4.0
TOPKAPI V4.0 will be
unveiled for the first time at the
AUTOMATION exhibition (27-29 Sept. – see above).
Here
are the main developments:
 Database structured objects’ editor
Active-X component providing access to data for
 connectivity to external applications, DBMS, MES, etc.
HMI macros and scripts
New graphic functions
Web server optimized for PDA
Native backup of remote links (ADSL, VPN …) through
PSTN
Time-stamping down to a millisecond
Configuration by TS Client (Terminal Services) available
in
standard version
SIG interface (Geographical information system)
Database structured objects’ editor
A database
structured object represents items such as a motor with
4 logical values, including one alarm and one remote
control, and two analog values, speed and set point.
TOPKAPI Version 4.0 extends the familiar concept of
generic synoptic objects to data processing: only one
object is handled (motor) instead of basic variables,
and modifications made to the basic object are applied
to the entire application by heritage.
The principle of the
editor is simple: it is used to assemble basic objects,
in a way similar to Lego bricks, without resorting to
complex scripting.
In addition,
embedding objects allows defining, for example, a dual
running direction motor as an object comprising a basic
motor object and two basic variables, authorising the
creation of variants without adding many options to the
basic object.
A new application
explorer was included to TOPKAPI to facilitate this
approach.
With
Unity-Pro,
Schneider Electric's software workshop for PLCs,
integration goes further as we use the
SOFTLINK wizard
to implement a bidirectional link between automation and
supervision objects (see Topkapi Letter N°13). In
general terms, SOFTLINK's rather open design allows
producing your own application generator without intense
development (applications are already running in fields
such as fire detection or water treatment).
Data access Active-X
component
 To meet the
increasing needs of supervision interconnection with the
database management systems and MES,
AREAL has developed
a new Active-X component, providing access from any
application developed in VB, ASP, JavaScript, .net, etc.
to data from TOPKAPI supervision or constructing answers
to SQL queries.
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Integrated to the basic version, it completes the
functions of DDE server and DLL data access.
HMI macros and scripts
Thanks
to these new functions, the user interface can now be
fully customised with increasing flexibility. The
principle consists in associating to a graphic object
complex commands including remote commands, actions on
views (zoom and page change), layer display, calculation
and entry processing scripts, use of local or global
variables, single or sequenced menu actions, etc.
This allows for example to run a remote command and open
a window with a single click, customise commands for
displaying layers, use local working variables within
the operating station.
New graphic functions
The graphic editor is enriched with new functions, such
as object transparency, shading, rounding, orientable
bar graphs, etc.
The copy/paste process has been improved: copy of
properties between objects of different nature, copy
between applications of objects referring to library
elements.
The Graphs module includes various improvements related
with presentation, self-adapting of axes, processing of
X-Y graphs, etc.
ADSL/LL backup by PSTN
The use of ADSL high speed links for data acquisition is
growing (see article on networks), but usually access
providers do not guarantee availability at acceptable
price levels. The use of a standard telephone line as a
backup can resolve this problem, but two communication
channels usually required using two different devices
with specific data.
TOPKAPI Version 4 provides a solution and allows,
without double setting, to manage automatically the
acquisition of a single set of data by one or the other
channel. Please contact us for your projects as, beyond
TOPKAPI as such, communication drivers must be adapted.
Miscellaneous
Web optimized for PDAs and mobile phones: the web server
now adapts its interface to the web client it supplies;
browsing is much faster and easier for small size
screens. For more detail, ask our update of the
WEBSERV
technical sheet or read it on our web site.
Configuration in TS mode: most of the time, remote
setting requires to remotely control the TOPKAPI
computer. It is now possible to open (standard, no
specific option) a remote Terminal Services setting
session without interference on the operating station;
the rights of the remote station can be restricted to a
TOPKAPI's setting session.
Environment backup: each user can save his own working
environment.
Time-stamping down to a millisecond: when devices
connected provide events dated with a precision down to
a millisecond, this information is saved in event logs.
SIG interface: TOPKAPI allows importing map files in the
MapInfo .mid/.mif format (other formats will be included
according to requirements), used in fields such as
networks, environment, geolocalisation, remote metering,
etc.
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