Patent ID: 8249726

Claim:
Method for accessing a functional module of an automation system, wherein the automation system comprises a higher-level device and at least one field device arranged as a lower-level device under this higher-level device and wherein the functional module is configured as part of the one or more lower-level devices and is designed to execute at least one device function, the method comprising: a) providing an access application with at least one application function to the higher-level device, wherein the application function is adapted to access an arbitrary lower-level device and its functional module and wherein the access application comprises at least one first application module and at least one second application module; b) providing an operating device that comprises input and output devices for operation by a user; c) connecting the operating device to the higher-level device by means of a communications connection; d) executing the one or more first application modules on the higher-level device, wherein the at least one second application module of the access application is transmitted to the operating device and executed there; e) automatically providing an operating interface of the access application on the operating device; f) selecting a specific application function by means of the operating interface; g) selecting or inputting information identifying a specific lower-level device by means of the operating interface; h) providing data matching the selected or input identification information and describing the specific lower-level device in detail; i) automatically adapting the selected application function and the operating interface for access to the specific lower-level device and its functional module as a response to the provided data describing the specific lower-level device in detail; and j) transmitting data between the operating device and the higher-level device, as well as the specific lower-level device after the lower-level device is connected to the automation system.