Automatic device detection using Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 and Beckhoff technology

Microsoft presented the new version of the Windows Embedded CE operating system, CE 6.0 R2, on 15 November 2007 in Japan. "Web Services on Devices (WSD)" is one of the highlights of this version. The operating system recognises connected Ethernet devices automatically via WSD and integrates them in the overall system. As Windows Embedded Gold Partner, Beckhoff is the development partner for the application and the supplier of the control equipment.

Microsoft demonstrated this new technology using a scenario from the field of home automation, because it is precisely in this field that Microsoft sees a great potential for the use of WSD. Microsoft chose its Gold Partner Beckhoff as development partner due to their vast experience in the field of PC-based control technology and also building and home automation.

Like USB, WSD is a plug-and-play technology that connects devices such as printers, scanners and mobile telephones to the PC, which then recognises and operates them. In WSD, Microsoft has expanded plug-and-play technology to the field of "Ethernet-based devices". Microsoft's intention here is to open up the field of home automation.

An important constituent of the presentation of the new operating system was the Beckhoff prototype for demonstrating the home automation scenario, in which typical data points of a building are controlled via a Beckhoff CX1020 Embedded PC with Windows CE 6.0 R2 as the operating system. Besides a weather station and proximity sensors, the dimmable lamps and the venetian blind are recognised automatically by the operating system and integrated in the system. The Embedded PC and the end devices are integrated via WSD. To this end, the new "Web Services on Device" technology is integrated in all components by means of implementing profiles based on the international standard "Device Profile for Web Services". All profiles are available on the CX1020 Embedded PC.

In the future, the Windows CE controllers from Beckhoff will support the new WSD technology. In this way, the data points connected to the controller (sensors and actuators) can be recognised automatically and integrated in the overall system.