Patent ID: 8688244
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: G05B,H01H,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for indicating the operating state of a control element, which can control different process functions and is a part of a control apparatus, the method comprising: connecting the control apparatus to a machine group; selecting a first process function from multiple process functions, that are acting on an area of the machine group comprising one or more machines, by the steps of: transmitting a request, from the control apparatus to a monitoring unit for the machine group, in order to associate the control element functionally with the first process function, wherein the control element is capable of controlling the first process function when the control element is associated functionally with the first process function; indicating the operating state of the control element as active when a confirmation message is received at the control apparatus from the monitoring unit in response to the transmitting of the request, the confirmation message signifying that the control element is successfully associated functionally with the first process function; and indicating the operating state of the control element as passive when the control element becomes no longer associated functionally with the first process function.