Reserving writable inputs for oBIX client access

The ObixNetwork provides a mechanism to reserve specific input(s) on any writable type points in the station, for op write access—effectively “linking” to oBIX for continuous control. Configuration is via the Obix Export Manager view on the Exports folder of the network (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Obix Export Manager is default view of ObixNetwork’s Exports folder

As shown in the figure above, a “Learn mode” is available in which you discover local writable points in the station (BooleanWritable, EnumWritable, NumericWritable, and StringWritable) by expanding the Config node in the discovered pane. Currently, only those point types (having priority input slots) are valid candidates for adding.

In the Add dialog for the ObixExport descriptor (that points to the selected writable point), you specify which priority (input) will be reserved for oBIX clients. See Figure 4.

Figure 4. Add dialog for ObixExport descriptor specifies priority (input) used

Other properties are automatically configured— although you can change the name of the export descriptor, it is typically left at default (unless multiple exported source points have the identical name).

After adding the ObixExport descriptor, the specified priority input of the writable point is linked (via a “nub”) back to the descriptor, and available for link control from oBIX. See Figure 4.

Figure 5. Example ObixExport descriptor and resulting reserved link on target writable point

Use of ObixExports reduces the possibility of write contentions between oBIX and internal station operation.