Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Generic control system – apparatus or process – Having operator control interface
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-13
2001-01-09
Grant, William (Department: 2786)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Generic control system, apparatus or process
Having operator control interface
C700S018000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173208
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for generating a process control algorithm in a process control system, and more particularly, to a method for generating a control algorithm on a graphical user interface of a function block diagram editor and automatically converting the created control algorithm to executable structured control codes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the field of massive process control, there have been continuous efforts to establish an automatic control system by using a digital computer. For example, a crane control system controls three types of transmissions (that is, a gantry, a trolley and a hoist) and various driving devices (for example, a rope tensioner and a spreader manipulator) in response to operation commands of an operator from an input device. To perform process control by using such a multifunctional controller, a user program is needed which is a control algorithm adapted to an object system to be controlled. High level program languages such as C
++
and PASCAL can be used to build such control algorithms. However, they are too general and complex for a field user. Moreover, precise knowledge of the details of related hardware is required to implement necessary hardware functions.
To solve these problems, a programmable logic controller has been used thus far, wherein a ladder diagram is used as a graphical control language. However, the programmable logic controller is known to be unsuitable as a process controller which performs not only sequential control functions according to a process flow but also loop control functions, such as rope tension control and operation speed setting of driving devices which should be done in a timely manner. Moreover, the complexity of the ladder diagram increases dramatically as the size of the system increases, thereby rendering it almost impossible to correct any errors encountered in the course of creating the control algorithm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for generating a process control algorithm by using a function block diagram, each function block representing a basic control element, whereby process control algorithms for various processes can be easily provided.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for automatically converting the process control algorithm to structured control codes which can be executed in a control system.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for use in a process control system for generating structured control codes which control a subject system, said process control system having a user interface of a function block diagram editor including basic function block menus which represent a plurality of predetermined basic function blocks, comprising the steps of:
providing input/output data of the subject system in the form of a database;
retrieving the input/output data of the subject system;
providing the input/output data as an input/output block menu on the user interface of the function block diagram editor;
building a control algorithm in block diagram form by using the input/output block menus and the basic function block menus on the user interface; and
converting the control algorithm to structured control codes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4901221 (1990-02-01), Kodosky
patent: 5301336 (1994-04-01), Kodosky
patent: 5610828 (1997-03-01), Kodosky
patent: 5732277 (1998-03-01), Kodosky
Cho Young Jo
Huh Woo Jung
Kim Eung Seok
Park Jung Min
Grant William
Hartman Jr. Ronald D
Korea Institute of Science and Technology
Oblon & Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt P.C.
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