System level function block engine
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsMichael A. Pouchak, Paul Wacker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A function block engine, a block execution list and a parameter and/or variable storage space being resident in a memory supporting the engine. The function block engine may execute a program according to a list of function blocks identified in the block execution list to design and construct and circuit or system. Also, the engine may provide simulation of the resultant circuit or system. The circuit or system may be transferred to a memory of another device for implementation and use as, for example, a controller. In some cases, the program may be executed from the memory. The engine may permit field programmability, configuration and simulation of the function blocks and resulting circuit or system.
Claims23
A function block design system for designing a control system for a building HVAC system comprising:
- a pre-configured function block engine in flash memory including a plurality of function blocks each having a pre-defined function;
- an operating system scheduler connected to the function block engine;
- and
- a block execution list module connected to the function block engine, the block execution list module configured to direct the order of execution of function blocks;
- wherein functions of the function block engine use a common pool of RAM to hold minimal static value storage;
- and
- wherein at least some of the function blocks are interconnected and combined into one block such that the control system is provided in one block.
A method for designing a control system comprising:
- storing a list of function blocks in a memory;
- interconnecting and combining at least some of the functions blocks;
- and
- executing the function blocks from the memory according to the list of function blocks in a custom order of execution;
- and
- wherein functions use a common pool of RAM to hold minimal static value storage;
- wherein executing a function block comprises:
- reading variables from the memory;
- and
- writing variables to the memory.
A programmable controller for an HVAC system comprising:
- a memory;
- a function block engine having at least one program including one or more pre-configured function blocks configured to be interconnected and combined in a custom configuration, the function block engine being resident in the memory, wherein functions use a common pool of RAM to hold minimal static value storage;
- a block execution list identifying one or more function blocks, the block execution list being resident in the memory;
- and
- a parameter and/or variable storage space being resident in the memory;
- and
- wherein the function block engine program is executed from the memory and the function blocks reuse the pool of RAM not occupied by static value storage for temporary execution space.
A design system comprising:
- a function block engine comprising a plurality of function blocks each having a pre-configured function situated in a medium, wherein functions use a common pool of RAM to hold minimal static value storage, wherein function blocks are selected from the plurality of function blocks according a specific design, and connections are made among the selected function blocks, according to the specific design;
- an operating system having access to the function block engine in the medium;
- and
- a user interface connected to the operating system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.