Modifier function blocks in a process control system
US6510351B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A modifier function block adapted for use in process control routine includes a series of processor implementable instructions that conditionally enhance or modify the functionality of a base function block associated with the process control routine. The base function block includes a resettable branching point located within a set instructions used to perform a process control related operation. The branching point of the base function block has a pointer which, when set to a first value, causes another of the set of instructions within the base function block to be executed (to thereby bypass the execution of the modifier function block), and which, when set to a second value, causes the series of instructions within the modifier function block to be executed (to thereby alter the functionality of the base function block). In this manner, the modifier function block may be conditionally called, depending on the state of the base function block, to change the operation of the base function block or to, alternatively, leave the functionality of the base function block unaltered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.