Abstract: An automation system having an automation device for realizing a plurality of automation functions and a control device for controlling the automation device is disclosed. The control device has a plurality of data records with handling instructions for several different types of automation devices. Further, the automation system has a communication network for a communication between the control device and the automation device, the control device being configured to identify connected automation devices in the communication network, to read out the automation functions from the identified automation devices, to identify at least one data record for each identified automation device with the aid of the read-out automation functions, and to initiate each identified automation device for execution of the handling instructions of the at least one identified data record.

Abstract: A configurable system for automating a control sequence, in particular a motion sequence, has several components which exchange in regular time intervals during the control sequence with each other information via communication relationships. The system selects exactly one system project design from a plurality of system project designs based on the topology and functionality of the components. Each component of the system has a component project design, which is used by the system to design the components according to the corresponding component project designs. Each component arranges the communication relationships of the other components according to its own component project design.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the configuration of an automation system. To this end, a number of configuration data records are provided in a server connected to a client of an automation system via means of communication, whereby the client and server depict respective automation components. The client to be configured requests one of the number of configuration data records (S1, S5). Afterwards, the server transmits the requested configuration data record (S2, S6). Finally, the transmitted configuration data record is stored and activated in the client. This enables an automatic configuration of a client in an automation system.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a method according to which an automation component is automatically integrated into a communication network. For this purpose, the automation component automatically requests a communication address during log-on (S1). A server present in the communication network transmits a corresponding communication address to the requesting automation component or to the client (S2). The inventive method eliminates the need for manually assigning a communication address for an automation component.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for licensing software components and providing access authorization to software components and/or instantiations of software objects through sublicenses and/or value points, wherein a sublicense and/or value points are associated with each software module and/or the instantiation of a module. Access authorization is based on a comparison between acquired sublicenses/value points and the sublicenses/value points required for an machine task. Sublicenses/value points can be exchanged/traded between different machines and/or users.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of operation and a control program for a central unit (e.g., CPU) in an automation system repeatedly executing a control program that is stored in the central unit and comprises at least two subprograms. A single instance of execution occurs within a cycle time which is stipulated by the control program. The central unit executes only one of the subprograms—the activated subprogram—at a time. The cycle time is independent of the activated subprogram, is shorter than the time required in order to execute all of the subprograms, and is at least as long as the longest time period required in order to execute one of the subprograms once.

Abstract: Method of operation and control program for a central unit in an automation system, and the central unit in an automation system and the automation system itself. A central unit (e.g., CPU) (1) in an automation system repeatedly executes a control program (8) that is stored in the central unit (1) and comprises at least two subprograms (TP1-TP3). A single instance of execution occurs within a cycle time (T) which is stipulated by the control program (8). The central unit (1) executes only one of the subprograms (TP1-TP3)—the activated subprogram (TP1-TP3)—at a time. The cycle time (T) is independent of the activated subprogram (TP1-TP3), is shorter than the time (t1+ . . . +t8) required in order to execute all of the subprograms (TP1-TP3), and is at least as long as the longest of the times (T1-T3) required in order to execute one of the subprograms (TP1-TP3) once.

Abstract: A configurable system for automating a control sequence, in particular a motion sequence, has several components which exchange in regular time intervals during the control sequence with each other information via communication relationships. The system selects exactly one system project design from a plurality of system project designs based on the topology and functionality of the components. Each component of the system has a component project design, which is used by the system to design the components according to the corresponding component project designs. Each component arranges the communication relationships of the other components according to its own component project design.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automation system with a plurality of system components, wherein each of the system components is capable of storing descriptive data. The system further includes at least one program for reading the descriptive data and for generating from the descriptive data a current document in a markup language, as well as at least one memory for storing the current document and predecessor documents. The invention is also directed to a method for generating a documentation such automation system as well as a computer program for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for licensing software components and providing access authorization to software modules for industrial controllers, control systems and/or computer systems. A user is offered a license to software components and/or modules, wherein at least one software module with application software is created by the user and at least one license information is assigned to the created software module.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for licensing software components and providing access authorization to software components and/or instantiations of software objects through licenses, wherein a license is associated with each software module and/or the instantiation of a module. Licensing is based on a comparison between acquired licenses and the licenses required for an application. A comparison is performed by a license manager which in distributed environments is advantageously implemented as a mobile agent.