Block oriented control system

A system for permitting interoperability between devices comprising:

• a plurality of devices, each device including a resource block and a function block;
• wherein the resource blocks uniquely identify each device and the function block processes parameters to produce an output message;
• and
• a medium attachment unit, operably connected to the function block, wherein the medium attachment unit translates an input message from a transmission medium to the function block and the output message from the function block to the transmission medium.

A method for providing an open control system which allows the removal of the network controller without affecting interoperability between devices, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a network controller, which controls a plurality of devices operating on a transmission medium, the network controller comprising:
• a first memory, which includes a network schedule;
• and
• a first processor, operably connected to the first memory, wherein the first processor controls activities on the transmission medium according to the network schedule;
• providing a device, operably connected to the network controller with the transmission medium, wherein the device comprises:
• a second memory, which includes a system schedule;
• and
• a second processor, operably connected to the second memory, wherein the second processor receives instructions from the first processor and is capable of controlling activities on the transmission medium according to the system schedule;
• and
• shifting the responsibility of controlling activities on the transmission medium to the device.

An apparatus for enhancing interoperability of a control system, the apparatus comprising:

• means for storing at least one encapsulated function block, which includes contained parameters and a computer program;
• means, coupled to the storing means, for processing the function block using the contained parameters, wherein the processing of the contained parameters produces an output parameter;
• and
• means, coupled to the processing means, for translating messages from the processor for transmission on a transmission medium.

An apparatus operating in a control system, the apparatus comprising:

• a user layer, which includes an encapsulated block to provide functionality;
• a physical layer, which translates messages from a transmission medium into a suitable format for the user layer and from the user layer into a signal for transmission on the transmission medium;
• and
• a communication stack, connected to the user layer and the physical layer, wherein the communication stack includes a data link layer and an application layer, wherein the data link layer controls the transmission of messages onto the transmission medium and the application layer allows the user layer to communicate over the transmission medium.

A memory for storing data for access by an application framework operating in a device within a control system, the memory comprising:

• a data structure stored in the memory, the data structure including:
• a resource block, which makes hardware specific characteristics of the device electronically readable;
• an encapsulated function block, wherein the function block includes a program and parameters;
• and
• at least one transducer block, wherein the at least one transducer block controls access to the function block.