Patent ID: 7587710

Claim:
A method for determining a processing sequence among a plurality of function blocks in an automation system to create a technological function whereby subfunctions performed in different automation devices are interconnected to form more complex networks and wherein individual devices provide input and output signals among the function blocks, comprising: determining a first function block from among the plurality of the function blocks wherein a block output in the first function block is either unconnected or exclusively one or a number of output signals, each connected to receive data, including a measurement value, from an automation device function, the first function block providing a flow of output signals in a first signal flow direction; determining a second function block, based on the first function block, providing signal flow in a direction opposite the first signal flow direction, wherein a block input in the second function block is either unconnected or receives one or a number of input signals each connected to implement a regulation function or a control function in the automation system; characterizing all block inputs associated with the second function block, in the signal flow direction up to and including the first function block, each being either unconnected or receiving an input signal associated with an automation device function or being connected to at least one block output of another function block, all the block inputs of which have already been characterized, in which the function block is marked as soon as all its block inputs are characterized; applying further program blocks to provide output functions based on data received from the automation device; and automatically determining the processing sequence of the function blocks according to the marking sequence of the function blocks, whereby subfunctions performed in different automation devices are interconnected in a sequence in accord with rules to form more complex networks and wherein individual devices provide input and output signals to create the technological function.