Cincinnati Milacron Inc.

Christopher L Vaniglia

Dennis G O'Keefe

Ralph C Taylor, Jr

Perry J Anderson

A method and apparatus are provided for producing a control signal by digital computation for controlling an element affecting a process. The process is described by a sequence of activities, and the onset of each activity is marked by a predetermined change of a process parameter. An event detector is provided for detecting the occurrence of predetermined changes of process parameters in response to data included within event detector data blocks. The event detector data blocks include data defining the desired response to the detection of a predetermined change of a process parameter. The control signal is produced in accordance with a selected predetermined algorithm using data included in algorithm data blocks. A first event detector data block and a first algorithm data block are selected defining a first predetermined change of a process parameter and a first algorithm. Upon detection of the first predetermined change, of a process parameter, a second predetermined change of a process parameter is selected in accordance with data included within the first selected event detector data block and a second algorithm data block is selected defining a second algorithm.

Method and apparatus for process control

An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a system are provided. The overall system operation is described by a plurality of mechanism cycles of operation each defined by a sequence of instructions relating sensed conditions of input devices, selectable conditions of output devices and variable values. Instruction signals representing the instructions of the sequences are stored together with mechanism cycle status signals each representing the executability of the associated mechanism cycle. Only instructions associated with cycles for which the status signal represent an executable condition are executed. Instructions for cycles for which the status signals represent a nonexecutable condition are modifiable during execution of the other instruction sequence. The instruction signals include variable name signals associated with unique interface circuits connected to the input and output devices. The assignment of interface circuits to variable names is accomplished independently of the basic program generation and reassignment is accommodated during cycle execution irrespective of the condition represented by the status signal.

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West Chester, OH, United States of America

Christopher L Vaniglia