Returning variables from plugins

Hi,

I was wondering if it was possible to return variables from a plugin? Something like the following

{exp:mypulgin:pluginfunction} {function_data} {value} {/function_data} {/exp:mypulgin:pluginfunction}

Where function_data would be an array of data returned from pluginfunction.

I’ve searched the forum but cant seem to find what i’m looking for.

Thanks