Multiple boolean inputs and outputs for device function blocks
AssigneeRockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
InventorsHarsh Shah, James Edward Joe, Jian Feng, Tao Song, Zhen Wei
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides techniques for splitting bundled inputs and outputs into separated Boolean inputs and outputs for function blocks of automation devices. More specifically, previously-defined bundled inputs and outputs may be used, whereas separated Boolean inputs and outputs may be used as well. In other words, the newly added Boolean inputs and outputs do not replace, but rather compliment, the previously defined bundled inputs and outputs.
Claims23
A method for distributed control of a process, comprising:
- accessing a multi-Boolean function block configured to receive a plurality of inputs, to perform multiple Boolean logical operations based on the inputs, and to output any one of a plurality of logical outputs based upon the Boolean logical operations;
- configuring the multi-Boolean function block for a particular automation process;
- and
- downloading the configured multi-Boolean function block into an automation device.
A distributed automation control device, comprising:
- a memory circuit storing a multi-Boolean function block configured to receive a plurality of inputs, to perform multiple Boolean logical operations based on the inputs, and to output any one of a plurality of logical outputs based upon the Boolean logical operations;
- a processor configured to execute the multiple Boolean logical operations;
- and
- an interface configured to output any of the plurality of logical outputs based upon the operations executed by the processor.
A distributed control system, comprising:
- a distributed automation control device comprising a memory circuit storing a multi-Boolean function block configured to receive a plurality of inputs, to perform multiple Boolean logical operations based on the inputs, and to output any one of a plurality of logical outputs based upon the Boolean logical operations, a processor configured to execute the multiple Boolean logical operations, and an interface configured to output any of the plurality of logical outputs based upon the operations executed by the processor;
- and
- an automation controller coupled to the distributed automation control device via a network;
- wherein the distributed automation control device is configured to communicate with the automation controller via the network, but receives the plurality of inputs and outputs any one of the plurality of outputs without command from the automation controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.