Patent ID: 8176116
Filing Date: 2012-05-08
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An operating method for automation units communicatively linked together, the automation units including a client and at least one server, comprising: sending an inquiry from the client to an informational server storing information about a functionality needed by the client; transmitting the information from the informational server as a response to the inquiry, the information comprising a functionality interface including an input data parameter allowing the functionality to have data transferred to the functionality and an output parameter allowing the functionality to return results and a designator distinguishing between the functionality and at least one additional functionality; transmitting a request from the client to a functional server providing the functionality based on evaluation of the information by the client; executing the functionality on the functional server in response to the request; and transmitting from the functional server to the client a result obtained by said executing of the functionality; wherein said informational server and said functional server are adapted to forward transmissions from said client to other servers and from said other servers to said client.