Synchronization of execution of sequential function charts using transition groups

摘要

Systems and methods are provided that are capable of synchronizing an industrial process. The industrial process may include a plurality of process levels. A visualization group may be displayed, showing the various levels of a process. A transition group may be graphically defined that allows for the linking of the transitions between the various process levels. In certain embodiments, sequential function charts (SFC) may include expanded capabilities that allow for the visual definition, editing, and review of the transition groups. Such SFC embodiments may be capable of process flow synchronization across any levels of the modeled process.

主权项

1. A system for synchronizing an industrial process comprising:
an automation controller configured to control a plurality of sequential processes separated by transitions with a sequential function chart (SFC) sequence processing program; and a graphical transition group defined by code executed by the automation controller in operation, and graphically linking a plurality of the transitions to synchronize execution of processes, wherein the graphical transition group comprises a graphical transition link configured to link a first transition in the plurality of transitions to a second transition in the plurality of transitions, wherein the graphical transition link is configured to monitor a first sequential process upstream of the first transition and a second sequential process upstream of the second transition to synchronize the execution of the first and the second transitions, the first sequential process comprises a first graphical bar of a length representative of a first execution time of the first sequential process, the second sequential process comprises a second graphical bar of a length representative of a second execution time of the second sequential process, and a third sequential process comprises a third graphical bar of a length representative of a third execution time of the third sequential process, having a lower process level than the first sequential process and displayed inside of the first graphical bar, wherein lower level sequential processes are represented as smaller bars and displayed inside of larger bars of higher level sequential processes.