Lee O Reid

US Patent:

6754540, Jun 22, 2004

Filed:

Jul 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/624449

Inventors:

Michael McFarland - Somerset Center MI
James Steenstra - Ann Arbor MI
Lee Reid - Ann Arbor MI
James Behm - Ann Arbor MI
Joseph Gasiorek - Ann Arbor MI
Kurudi Muralidhar - Novi MI
Thomas Harkaway - Saline MI

Assignee:

Entivity, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G05B 1101

US Classification:

700 18, 717140, 717157, 717106, 700 83, 700 86

Abstract:

A flowchart-based programming and control system includes a computer with a processor, memory, and a display. A device is associated with a process. A flowcharting module executed by the computer generates and edits flowchart source code that contains action and decision blocks which define logic for operating the device to further the process. An external function can be called from one of the action and decision blocks during run time. The external function is executed by an external function module which receives input parameters and generates return values. The external function is preferably a dynamic link library (DLL). Since the external functions are loaded during run time only when they are needed, they do not consume system memory until they are used. The external functions provide an open architecture for the flowchart-based programming and control system and allows third parties to incorporate proprietary algorithms, complex math functions, and other application-specific functions to the flowcharting module.

US Patent:

6839600, Jan 4, 2005

Filed:

Jul 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/187880

Inventors:

Kenneth V. Spenser - Ann Arbor MI, US
Michael Schoonmaker - Dexter MI, US
Lee Reid - Ann Arbor MI, US
James B. Behm - Ann Arbor MI, US
Kurudi Muralidhar - Novi MI, US
Andrew H. McMillan - Dearborn MI, US

Assignee:

Entivity, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G05B 1962

US Classification:

700 86, 700 17, 700 18, 700 83, 700 87, 700 88, 700181, 717113

Abstract:

A project organization and dissemination system for a machine programming and control system includes a project development environment that communicates with a distributed communications system. The project development environment includes project tools for designing project elements. The project tools include a control logic module that generates and edits flowchart project elements that include flowchart blocks and contain control logic for operating a device to further a process. A project archival system communicates with the distributed communications system and stores the project elements. A web enabled device communicates with the distributed communications system and allows remote access to the project elements. Other project elements include human machine interface (HMI), databases, network layout, electrical and electromechanical devices, spatial arrangement, process logic and flow, and/or facility layout and design.

US Patent:

20020087343, Jul 4, 2002

Filed:

Oct 1, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/969120

Inventors:

Lee Reid - Ann Arbor MI, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/001000

Abstract:

A flowchart-based industrial control system executes a process that involves transportation of goods and includes a computer and a controller. A device such as an Internet communication link, a printer, a bar code reader, a shipping label applicator, and a diverter is connected to the controller. A flowcharting module run by the computer generates and edits flowchart source code that includes flowchart blocks and that contains logic for operating the device to further the process. A transportation flowchart block facilitates shipping of the goods. The transportation flowchart block contacts at least one shipping company and transmits shipping details concerning the goods. The transportation flowchart block evaluates responses from shipping companies and selects one of shipping companies. The transportation flowchart block requests shipping information for a shipping label from the selected shipping company, prints a shipping label, and applies the shipping label to the goods.

US Patent:

61184489, Sep 12, 2000

Filed:

Jun 8, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/327832

Inventors:

Andrew H. McMillan - Plymouth MI
Brent Allen Bartson - Saline MI
James Alan Steenstra - Ann Arbor MI
Lee Reid - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Think & Do Software, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G06F 300

US Classification:

345339

Abstract:

Control program statements are graphically displayed as flowchart logic. The runtime engine associated with the process control computer monitors and maintains state data indicating whether a program statement was executed on every pass, on at least one but not all passes, or never. This state information is used by the program tracker to render the graphically displayed program blocks in a different color or other visual indicia, allowing the user to perceive what program branches the runtime program actually took during operation. The user is thus provided with useful logic flow information even though the executing program may operate cyclically at a speed faster than the user can directly perceive.

US Patent:

59261765, Jul 20, 1999

Filed:

Jul 31, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/904485

Inventors:

Andrew H. McMillan - Plymouth MI
Brent Allen Bartson - Saline MI
James Alan Steenstra - Ann Arbor MI
Lee Reid - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Think & Do Software, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G06F 300

US Classification:

345339

Abstract:

Control program statements are graphically displayed as flowchart logic. The runtime engine associated with the process control computer monitors and maintains state data indicating whether a program statement was executed on every pass, on at least one but not all passes, or never. This state information is used by the program tracker to render the graphically displayed program blocks in a different color or other visual indicia, allowing the user to perceive what program branches the runtime program actually took during operation. The user is thus provided with useful logic flow information even though the executing program may operate cyclically at a speed faster than the user can directly perceive.