State Machine Function Block Transition Actions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process control systems lack the ability to automatically execute actions associated with transitions between states, limiting their capacity for safety measures and control techniques.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a state machine with a transition table that specifies transition actions for process control systems, allowing automatic execution of actions during state transitions and providing configuration data for execution by another function block, with graphical user interface matrices for configuring state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual execution of actions is used during state transitions, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the state machine function block into distinct components: a transition table for defining state transitions and associated actions, and an execution mechanism for automatically performing those actions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve automation while maintaining manageable complexity by organizing functionality into separate, well-defined modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition table is configured in advance to specify actions that must be executed during state transitions. By pre-defining the sequence and nature of actions in the transition table, the system eliminates the need for manual intervention during runtime, achieving automatic execution without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is required for state transition actions, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The state machine function block is designed to automatically execute transition actions based on its own state changes. When a transition occurs, the system self-services by automatically retrieving and executing the associated actions from its transition table without requiring external manual intervention, thereby eliminating time loss and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the current state and transition information are continuously monitored. This feedback enables the state machine to automatically determine when transitions occur and trigger the corresponding actions, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates manual execution delays and improves overall process control efficiency.
3Reliability
If comprehensive transition actions are implemented, then reliability and safety improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The state machine function block is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple types of actions (transition-in actions, transition-out actions, and intermediate actions) within a single unified structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive safety and reliability coverage without requiring separate specialized components for each action type, thereby managing complexity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition table serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between state transitions and action execution. It stores and manages the complex relationships between states and actions in a structured format, allowing the state machine to reliably execute comprehensive safety actions without directly handling the complexity of coordinating multiple actions across different transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system, a safety system, etc., within a process plant may each use one or more state machine function blocks that can be easily integrated into a function block diagram programming environment. Such a state machine function block may include one or more inputs, which may cause a state machine implemented by the state machine function block to identify a next state as well as one or more transition actions to perform in accordance with transitioning from a current state to the next state. Configuration data associated with the transition actions may be retrieved from a database based on the current and next states of the state machine and at least one of the inputs. The state machine function block may also include one or more outputs that are generated based on the state transition.