Agent-equipped controller having data table interface between agent-type programming and non-agent-type programming

A distributed control system for controlling a distributed process performed by a plurality of devices, the distributed control system comprising:

• a first industrial controller including a first processing component and associated with at least a first device;
• a first memory device in communication with the first processing component and configured to store a first data table;
• at least one input module in communication with the first industrial controller and receiving an input signal from at least one sensor;
• at least one output module in communication with the first industrial controller and sending an output signal to at least one actuator;
• a first agent application executing on the first processing component;
• a first real time control program executing on the first processing component to selectively enable and disable one of the output signals in response to one of the input signals wherein the first agent application and the first real time control program each access the first data table for both reading and writing information relating to the control or status of at least the first device;
• a second industrial controller including a second processing component and associated with at least a second device;
• a network connecting the first and second industrial controllers to communicate between the first and second industrial controllers;
• a second memory device in communication with the second processing component and configured to store a second data table;
• at least one input module in communication with the second industrial controller and receiving an input signal from at least one sensor;
• at least one output module in communication with the second industrial controller and sending an output signal to at least one actuator;
• a second agent application executing on the second processing component;
• and
• a second real time control program executing on the second processing component to selectively enable and disable one of the output signals in response to one of the input signals wherein the second agent application and the second real time control program each access the second data table for both reading and writing information relating to the control or status of at least the second device.