Methods for remote process control with networked digital data processors and a virtual machine environment

A method for process control, comprising the steps of:

• A. executing a web browser on a client digital data processor coupled to a network to define a virtual machine environment,
• B. executing a command processor on a server digital data processor, wherein:
• (i) the server digital data processor is coupled to a network and to a process control apparatus,
• (ii) the command processor for transfers information between the network and the process control apparatus, and
• (iii) the network comprises any of an Intranet and Internet,
• C. transferring a JAVA applet over the network from the server digital data processor to the web browser,
• D. executing the JAVA applet within the virtual machine environment, wherein said execution of the JAVA applet facilitates
• (i) establish communications over the network between the JAVA applet and the command processor,
• (ii) transferring the information between the JAVA applet and the command processor for at least one of monitoring and controlling the process control apparatus, wherein the information includes requests generated by the JAVA applet for services provided by the command processor in order to at least one of monitor and control the process control apparatus, and
• (iii) at least one of monitoring and controlling the process control apparatus via the command processor based at least in part on the transferred information.

A method for process control, comprising:

• A. defining on a first digital data processor a virtual machine environment and executing a JAVA applet in the virtual machine environment,
• B. generating by the JAVA applet a message to a command processor executing on a server digital data processor, wherein:
• the message includes at least one request for services provided by the command processor to at least one of monitor and control a process control apparatus, at least one of the services includes invoking a method in connection with at least one of monitoring and controlling the process control apparatus, and the command processor provides the services for access to information regarding the process control apparatus,
• C. responding to the message with an object manager that invokes the method, and
• D. at least one of controlling and monitoring the process control apparatus via at least one of the services requested by the JAVA applet executing in the virtual machine environment.