Flowchart-based control system including external functions

A method for programming and controlling a device associated with a process, comprising the steps of:

• generating a flowchart and flowchart source code using a flowcharting module associated with a computer,
• creating action and decision blocks in said flowchart that control said device to further said process;
• and
• interfacing an external function module that receives input parameters from said flowchart and generates return values to one of said action and decision blocks, said external function module being stored in a library that includes at least one said external function module, said flowcharting module being logically separate from said library;
• mapping local variables associated with said flowchart to said input parameters and said return values;
• compiling said flowchart source code to create flowchart object code;
• and
• dynamically linking said external function module to said flowchart object code at run-time when said one of said action and decision blocks calls said external function during execution of said flowchart object code.

A programming and control system, comprising:

• a computer including a processor, memory and a display that runs an operating system with a graphical user interface;
• a device associated with a process;
• a flowcharting module executed by said computer that generates and edits flowchart source code that contains action and decision blocks which define logic for operating said device to further said process, wherein an external function is added using said graphical user interface and can be called from one of said action and decision blocks;
• and
• an external function module executed by said computer that performs said external function,
• wherein said external function module includes input parameters and output return values, and wherein said flowchart module includes a dialog box for mapping said input parameters and said output return values to local variables of said flowchart;
• a compiler associated with said flowcharting module that creates flowchart object code from said flowchart source code;
• a run-time engine that executes said flowchart object code, wherein said run-time engine dynamically links said flowchart object code and said external function module when said one of said action and decision blocks calls said external function during execution of said flowchart object code;
• and
• a timer that is started when said external function is called, wherein said run-time engine suspends said external function and continues executing said flowchart object code if said timer reaches a first period before said external function generates said return values.

A method for programming and controlling a device associated with a process, comprising the steps of:

• generating a flowchart and flowchart source code using a flowcharting module associated with a computer;
• creating action and decision blocks in said flowchart that control said device to further said process;
• interfacing an external function module that receives input parameters from said flowchart and generates return values to one of said action and decision blocks;
• mapping local variables associated with said flowchart to said input parameters and said return values;
• compiling said flowchart source code to create flowchart object code;
• dynamically linking said external function module to said flowchart object code at run-time when said one of said action and decision blocks calls said external function during execution of said flowchart object code;
• starting a timer when said external function is called;
• and
• suspending execution of said external function if said timer reaches a first period before said external function module generates said return values.