Timeout object for object-oriented, real-time process control system and method of operation thereof

#The present invention is directed, in general, to process control systems employing object-oriented software and, more specifically, to a timeout object for an object-oriented real-time process control system and a method of operating the same.

#Real-time process control systems were first implemented within a single computer system. As the need to monitor and control more physical devices increased, the complexity and size of the process control systems also increased. Shortly thereafter, single computer real-time process control systems were unable to process all the information within a timely manner as required by the real-time process control environments.

#To correct this processing problem, real-time process control systems evolved into multiple computer systems that were connected to each other with proprietary communication interfaces. The multiple computer systems processed data locally and communicated the information to the other computer systems over the proprietary communication interfaces. Since, the computer systems did not use a standard communication interface nor a standard protocol between each of the computer systems, modifications and additions to the systems were difficult, if not impossible.

#For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a real-time process control system that forms one environment within which the present invention can operate;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a real-time process control software architecture;

#Referring initially to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of a real-time process control system, generally designated 100, that forms one environment within which the present invention can operate. The real-time process control system 100 comprises a network 110 that interconnects a server 102, an operator interface 104 and a field unit 106. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the real-time process control system 100 may comprise any number of servers 102, operator interfaces 104 and field units 106.

#The network 110 comprises an industry standard network and industry standard network protocols. In the illustrated embodiment, the industry standard network is “10 base T,” employing twisted pair cables. Other embodiments of the present invention use other networks comprising “10 base 2” employing coaxial cables, fiber optic cables or a combination of the two. Wireless communications may also be used for all or part of the network communications. The industry standard network protocols, in one embodiment of the present invention, are ETHERNET® and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”).

#The server 102 comprises software programs that monitor, process information, and control the physical devices within the real-time process control system 100. The software programs comprise a requesting program “client,” and a resource program “object” and other miscellaneous programs. The client program sends requests to object programs to perform specific functions. The object programs receive requests and perform the appropriate functions based upon the type of requests sent. The client programs and object programs communicate over the network 110 or internally within the server 102.