Title of Invention	METHOD FOR STORING A DATA BLOCK CONTAINING DATA FOR CONTROLLING A TECHNICAL PROCESS, AND CONTROL AND AUTOMATION DEVICE
Abstract	The invention proposes a method and a control apparatus (3) for storing a first data block (20; 22; 23) containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area (9) of an automation apparatus (5). In this case, a second data block (21) containing data for controlling the technical process is stored in a second memory area (10) of the automation apparatus (5). The first data block (20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) are subdivided into a plurality of data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H). At least one data area (C, F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) is supplied to the automation apparatus (5) and stored in the first memory area (9). Furthermore, at least one data area (a, b, c, d, e) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) is copied from the second memory area (1) into the first memory area (9). A corresponding automation apparatus (5) is also proposed.

Title of Invention

METHOD FOR STORING A DATA BLOCK CONTAINING DATA FOR CONTROLLING A TECHNICAL PROCESS, AND CONTROL AND AUTOMATION DEVICE

Abstract

The invention proposes a method and a control apparatus (3) for storing a first data block (20; 22; 23) containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area (9) of an automation apparatus (5). In this case, a second data block (21) containing data for controlling the technical process is stored in a second memory area (10) of the automation apparatus (5). The first data block (20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) are subdivided into a plurality of data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H). At least one data area (C, F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) is supplied to the automation apparatus (5) and stored in the first memory area (9). Furthermore, at least one data area (a, b, c, d, e) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) is copied from the second memory area (1) into the first memory area (9). A corresponding automation apparatus (5) is also proposed.

Full Text	Description Method for storing a data block containing data for controlling a technical process, and control and automation device The present invention relates to a method for storing a data block containing data for controlling a technical process in a memory area of an automation device. The present invention further relates to a control device for controlling the storage of the data block and to an automation device. For the purpose of controlling the technical process an automation device of the aforesaid kind typically contains a data block in which functions, parameters and other data for executing control sequences are specified. The data block is also referred to as a function block. The data block corresponds to an automation program or code for the sequence control system in the automation device. When process control functions are being planned and configured, the desired automation functions for controlling the technical process are assembled, parameterized and interconnected in the form of graphical control blocks. The control blocks representing the automation functions are contained in a special program library, for example, from which they can be called. The parameterized and interconnected control blocks are equivalent to a configuration program which is subsequently supplied to a code generator which compiles the configuration program and converts it into a format which can be understood and processed by the automation device. The compiled configuration program generated by the code generator corresponds to the data block. The latter is typically subdivided into a plurality of data areas in which in particular data by means of which a specific sub- functionality can be executed is concentrated. The generated and compiled data block must subsequently be loaded into the automation device. Usually a newly generated data block is supplied to the automation device in full, i.e. in particular complete with all its data areas, via a communication line connected to the automation device and a suitable communication service, and stored in said automation device. This normally happens during the operation of the automation device, i.e. while the latter is controlling the technical process by means of another data block stored in it. Said other data block is subsequently to be replaced by the new data block loaded into the automation device. As the data block may in certain cases, depending on the configuration on which it is based, contain a large volume of data, long load times can result when the data block is transferred to the automation device. In contemporary instrumentation and control systems there is, however, a requirement for short generation and load times, in particular during commissioning of technical installations, in order to allow changes in the configuration, and hence also in the data block resulting therefrom, to take effect as quickly as possible in the automation device, and in the control of the technical process performed by it. Fast loading of the data block into the automation device is also made more difficult due to the fact that, between a control device for controlling the loading of the new data block, i.e. what is known as an application server, and the automation device, a plurality of communication channels are active on the communication line connecting them. Additional services that have to provide process values, alarms, etc. with very short delay times for the ongoing operation of the automation device are handled via said communication channels. Said additional services provide information relating to the current status of the process and receive suitable control commands. Said additional information and control channels have a much higher priority by comparison with the configuration channel that serves for transferring the new data block. Thus, only a limited bandwidth of the communication line is available for transferring the data of the new data block. The object underlying the present invention is to enable a data block to be loaded into an automation device in a technically simple manner. This object is achieved on the method side by means of the technical teaching of claim 1 and on the device side by means of the technical teaching of claim 8 or claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be derived from the dependent claims. With the inventive method for storing a first data block containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area of an automation device, wherein a second data block containing data for controlling the technical process is stored in a second memory area of the automation device and the first data block and the second data block are subdivided into a plurality of data areas, at least one data area which is part of the first data block is supplied to the automation device. The supplied first data block is then stored in the first memory area. Furthermore, at least one data area which is both part of the first data block and part of the second data block is copied from the second memory area into the first memory area. The inventive control device for controlling the storing of a first data block containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area of an automation device which contains, in a second memory area, a second data block containing data for controlling the technical process, wherein the first data block and the second data block are subdivided into a plurality of data areas, is embodied such that it controls the supplying of at least one data area which is part of the first data block to the automation device. In addition it initiates the copying of at least one data area which is both part of the first data block and part of the second data block from the second memory area into the first memory area. The inventive automation device contains a first memory area for storing a first data block containing data for controlling a technical process, and a second memory area in which a second data block containing data for controlling the technical process is stored, the first data block and the second data block being subdivided into a plurality of data areas. An interface is present for receiving at least one data area which is part of the first data block. In addition the automation device contains a controller for controlling the storing of the received at least one data area in the first memory area and for controlling the copying of at least one data area which is both part of the first data block and part of the second data block from the second memory area into the first memory area. According to the present invention, load times for loading the first data block into the automation device can advantageously be kept short. A data area of the second data block which is already present in the automation device and which is also part of the first data block does not necessarily have to be supplied once again to the automation device. Rather, the already present data area can be copied within the automation device into the first memory area provided for the first data block. The first data block in this case contains updated data which is to be used for controlling the process in the future. The second data block contains momentarily current data which is used for example for controlling the process at the present moment in time. Functions, parameters and other data for executing instrumentation and control sequences that are controlled by the automation device are specified in the first and second data block. In particular data by means of which a specific sub-functionality can be executed during the controlling of the process by means of the automation device is concentrated in the data areas into which the data blocks are subdivided. The data blocks represent in particular an automation code which determines the sequencing control of the automation device. The at least one data area of the first data block which is supplied to the automation device is transferred to the latter in particular via an interface of the automation device from the outside. This is advantageous in particular when said at least one data area of the first data block is not part of the second data block. On account of the invention it is advantageously possible to keep the number of data areas of the first data block that are to be supplied to the automation device to a minimum. As a result a communication line that is used for supplying the data of the data areas is subject to very little load by the loading of the data areas of the first data block. Storing or assembling the first data block in the first memory area of the automation device or filling the first memory area with the first data block can therefore be performed particularly quickly. The invention is particularly effective above all when copying the at least one data area of the second data block that is already present in the automation device can be performed more efficiently in terms of time than supplying said data area from the outside. On the automation device side a service is provided which supports the copying of at least one data area between two memory areas provided for two data blocks. Furthermore, said service advantageously allows said copying to take place between different positions within the memory areas and the at least one supplied data area to be inserted at a specific position in the first memory area. It is advantageously possible to implement the invention particularly efficiently such that the computing time required for specifying a sequence for supplying a plurality of data areas to the automation device, and in particular also for copying data areas from the second into the first memory area, can be kept very short. Said specifying of the sequence is performed in particular in the inventive control device. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention a check is carried out to determine whether one of the data areas of the first data block is also part of the second data block. This advantageously takes place before the data area is supplied to the automation device. By this means it can be ascertained particularly quickly and reliably and in an automated manner whether the at least one data area necessarily has to be supplied to the automation device or whether possibly it can be copied into the first memory area within the automation device. In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment the volume of data contained in one of the data areas which is both part of the first data block and part of the second data block is determined. Depending on what volume of data is determined, the data area is either copied from the second memory area into the first memory area or supplied to the automation device and stored in the first memory area. In this way it can be ascertained in a simple manner whether it is more efficient to supply the at least one data area of the automation device from the outside or to copy it from one area to another within the automation device. The determined volume of data is preferably compared with a threshold data volume. The data area is then copied from the second memory area into the first memory area if the determined volume of data is greater than the threshold data volume. If the determined volume of data is less than the threshold data volume, the data area is supplied to the automation device and stored in the first memory area. By this means it can advantageously be ensured that the communication resources serving for supplying the data area are particularly efficiently utilized. When the threshold data volume is specified it can be taken into account in particular that, both for supplying and for copying the data area, control data accumulates which also imposes a load on the communication resources and on the automation device likewise. Furthermore the threshold data volume is preferably specified as a function of a determined status of at least one component that is used for storing the first data block and/or for supplying the at least one data area of the first data block to the automation device. Such a component can be for example the inventive control device or a communication line that is used for supplying the at least one data area. This enables the threshold data volume to be adjusted particularly precisely to a current system environment of the automation device, and in particular to the latter itself. The threshold data volume can be particularly advantageously determined automatically. Toward that end, actual measurements of the current status of the at least one component can be performed in particular. It is particularly preferred if the threshold data volume is specified adaptively. In this way the specifying of the threshold data volume can be adjusted progressively more precisely to the statuses of the at least one component. As a result the data areas of the first data block can be stored or assembled particularly efficiently. Before the first data block is stored in the first memory area of the automation device, the copying of the at least one data area which is both part of the first data block and part of the second data block and the supplying of the at least one data area which is part of the first data block to the automation device are preferably validated. The specification of the sequence for supplying data areas to the automation device and for copying data areas within the automation device can thus be checked in advance for possibly occurring errors. The storing of the first data block can therefore be aborted where necessary or even not started at all. It would also be possible to supply the first data block complete with all data areas in its entirety to the automation device. A problematic retroactive effect on the control of the process by the automation device currently in operation can thus be advantageously avoided. The instructions contained in the sequence can be verified for example in a specific automation code loading device by simulating operations for supplying and copying data areas on the basis of available data. The invention and its advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to examples and exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a process control system, Fig. 2 shows a first example of the storing of a data block in a memory area of an automation device, Fig. 3 shows a second example of the storing of a data block, Fig. 4 shows a third example of the storing of a data block, and Fig. 5 shows a fourth example of the storing of a data block. Unless indicated otherwise, identical or functionally identical elements are labeled by the same reference signs throughout the figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a process control system 1 for controlling a technical process which is implemented in an installation. Such an installation may be for example a power station or a chemical plant. The process control system 1 includes a configuration device 2 by means of which instrumentation and control functions for controlling the technical process can be configured. For that purpose a graphical function plan is produced in which desired automation functions are placed, parameterized and interconnected in the form of graphical function blocks. The configuration device 2 includes inter alia a graphical user interface and a program library. The program library contains a plurality of control blocks which represent the graphical function blocks. At configuration time the control blocks are called from the program library, interconnected and provided with parameters. In this way a configuration program is assembled. The process control system 1 includes a control device 3 to which the assembled configuration program is supplied. The control device 3 has a code generator 4 which compiles the configuration program and translates it into a specific format. Said format can be processed by an automation device 5 of the process control system 1. The compiled configuration program corresponds to a data block in which the previously assembled functions, parameters and other data are contained. The data block serves the automation device 5 for controlling the process. Accordingly the data block represents the desired sequencing control that is to be executed by the automation device 5. The data block is subdivided into a plurality of data areas. The data concentrated in the data areas includes in particular data by means of which specific sub-functionalities for controlling the process can be executed by means of the automation device. The automation device 5 includes an interface 6 via which it can receive data and signals from the outside and send data and signals to the outside. For that purpose the automation device 5 is connected to the control device 3 via a communication line 7. By way of the communication line 7 it is possible for, inter alia, the compiled data block, or parts thereof, such as, for example, one or more data areas, to be transferred from the control device 3 to the automation device 5 and received by the interface 6. Information and operation and control services by means of which process values and alarms, etc., and operation and control parameters for controlling the process are also exchanged and transferred via the communication line 7 between the control device 3 and the automation device 5. The automation device 5 additionally includes a controller 8 by means of which the sequences in the automation device 5 are controlled. The automation device 5 further includes a first memory area 9 for storing a first data block and a second memory area 10 for storing a second data block. Other memory areas for further data blocks may also be present. The automation device 5 controls the process by means of one of the data blocks contained in the memory areas 9, 10. For certain reasons or on certain occasions, such as, for example, in a fault situation, during commissioning of the system performing the process, for maintenance activities or in an optimization operation, the automation device 5 can switch over from the second to the first data block, or vice versa,, to allow a change in control of the process. The described components of the automation device 5, i.e. the interface 6, the controller 8 and the two memory areas 9 and 10, are connected to a bus 11 via which they can transfer data and signals. In the present exemplary embodiment the second data block is already stored in the second memory area 10. At the present moment in time the automation device 5 controls the process by means of said second data block. The second data block is therefore a momentarily current data block. The first memory area 9 is still empty at this time. The aim is to store the first data block, which represents a configuration program that has been newly created by means of the configuration device 2 and compiled by the code generator 4, in the first memory area 9. The first data block is currently stored in the control device 3. The automation device 5 is to control the process in the future by means of the first data block. The first data block is therefore an updated data block which contains updated functions by comparison with the second data block, for example in order to optimize the execution of the process. The control device 3 now has the task, in conjunction with the automation device 5, of storing the newly created first data block in the first memory area 9. According to the invention this operation does not entail transferring the first data block in its entirety from the control device 3 via the communication line 7 to the automation device 5. Rather, a check is first carried out to determine which of the data areas of the first data block are already contained in the second data block stored in the second memory area 10. If it is discovered that at least one data area is both part of the first and part of the second data block, then a check is carried out to determine whether it is better to supply said at least one data area to the automation device 5 via the communication line 7 from the control device 3 so that the latter stores it in the first memory area 9, or to copy said at least one data area within the automation device 5 from the second memory area 10 to a specific, predetermined position in the first memory area 9. The examples described in the following with reference to Figs. 2-5 illustrate possible approaches to storing or assembling data areas of the first data block in the first memory area 9. In Figs. 2-5 the first memory area 9 containing the first data block is in each case shown on the extreme right, as it is ultimately to be stored or assembled in the first memory area 9. The assembling of the data areas in the first memory area 9 according to the illustration on the right thus corresponds to the objective of copy and transfer or supply operations that are to be carried out. Shown on the extreme left in each case in Figs. 2-5 is the second memory area 10 containing the second data block, which is currently stored in the second memory area 10. To illustrate the procedure, between the first memory area 9 shown on the right with the target composition of the data areas of the first data block and the second memory area 10 shown on the left with the existing second data block the figures show one or more intermediate states in the storing of data areas in the first memory area 9 which result after copy and/or transfer operations have been carried out. In the following examples a data area is represented by a rectangle containing a specific designation of the data area, e.g. data area A: A copy operation for copying one or more data areas from the second memory area 10 to a predetermined position in the first memory area 9 is represented by two opposing curly brackets: A transfer operation for supplying one or more data areas from the control device 3 to the automation device 5 in order to store the transferred data areas at a specific position in the first memory area 9 is represented by an arrow: Fig. 2 shows a first example of the storing or assembling of a first data block 20 in the first memory area 9 of the automation device 5. The first data block 20, as it is ultimately to be assembled, is shown on the right. The first data block 20 contains, in the following order from top to bottom, data areas A, F, C, G and a data area E. On the left Fig. 2 also shows a second data block 21 stored in the second memory area 10. Said second data block 21 contains, in the following order from top to bottom, data areas A, B, C, D and the data area E. It is assumed in this example that the data blocks 20 and 21 are structured in the manner of an index or register. This means that the same data areas are also present at the same positions in the two data blocks 20, 21. This simplifies a check that is to be carried out by the control device 3 in order to determine whether one of the data areas of the first data block 20 that is to be assembled is also contained in the second data block 21. In the present example the control device 3 has ascertained in the course of checking that the data areas A, C and E are contained at the same positions both in the second data area 21 and in the first data area 20 that is to be assembled. The data areas B and D of the second data block 21 are to be replaced by the data areas F and G, respectively, in the first data block 20. In order to store or assemble the first data block 20, the complete second data block 21 is first copied in a copy operation from the second memory area 10 into the first memory area 9. The first memory area 9 then contains in this first intermediate state the data areas A, B, C, D and E, in that order. In a subsequent step the data area F is supplied in a transfer operation from the control device 3 via the communication line 7 to the automation device 5, received there by the interface 6 and within the automation device 5 stored between the data areas A and C in the first memory area 9. The previously stored data area B is overwritten in the process. Thus, according to the second intermediate state, the data areas A, F, C, D and E are stored, in that order, in the first memory area 9. In a subsequent step the data area G is then supplied in a further transfer operation by the control device 3 via the communication line 7 to the automation device 5, received there by the interface 6 and within the automation device 5 stored between the data areas C and E in the first memory area 9. The previously stored data area D is overwritten in the process. Thus, the data areas A, F, C, G and E are stored, in that order, in the first memory area 9. This assembling of the data areas in the first memory area 9 corresponds to the desired target composition of the data areas of the first data block 20. In the present example according to Fig. 2 the first data block has therefore been assembled by means of one copy and two transfer operations. It was not necessary in this case for the data areas A, C and E associated with the first data block 20 to be supplied by the control device 3 via the communication line 7 to the automation device 5. A data volume resulting from said data areas A, C and E does not therefore have to be transferred via the communication line 7. In order to determine the most favorable combination of copy and transfer operations the control device 3 checks what volumes of data are contained in each of the data areas A, C and E which are both part of the first data block 20 and part of the second data block 21. Equally, the total volume of data contained in said data areas A, C and E can be ascertained. In order to determine whether it is more favorable to copy one of the data areas from the second memory area 10 or to supply it to the automation device 5 via the communication line 7, a threshold data volume is specified. In addition to the data volume of one or more of the data areas, the threshold data volume takes into account control data requiring to be transferred via the communication line 7, which control data accumulates during controlling of the transfer and supply of the one or more of the data areas via the communication line 7 to the automation device 5. For example, when data areas are transferred in two operations, as is the case in the example described previously with reference to Fig. 2 in the successive transfer of the two data areas F and G in two transfer operations, more control data accumulates than in a single transfer of one or more of the data areas. The determined volumes of data contained in the data areas A, C and E are compared with the threshold data volume. Depending on the result of said comparison, one or more of the data areas are copied from the second memory area 10 into the first memory area 9 if the determined volume of data contained in the one or more of the data areas is greater than or equal to the threshold data volume. If the determined volume is less than the threshold data volume, then the one or more of the data areas are supplied to the automation device and stored in the first memory area 9. In the first example described with reference to Fig. 2 the data volume of the data area C exceeds the threshold data volume. It is therefore more favorable to copy the data area C from the second memory area 10 into the first memory area 9, and hence to perform two transfer operations in order to transfer the data areas F and G, than to transfer the data areas F, C and G jointly via the communication line 7 and in that case control only a single transfer operation. To illustrate this, Fig. 3 shows a second example of the storing of the first data block 20 in the first memory area 9. In this second example the data volume of the data area C is less than the specified threshold data volume. In a first step the data areas A and E are therefore copied separately to the same positions from the second memory area 10 into the first memory area 9. In the intermediate state according to Fig. 3 the first memory area 9 therefore contains the data areas A and E at the topmost position and bottommost position, respectively. It is also possible, instead of performing two separate copy operations for the data areas A and E, to perform a single copy operation with the data areas A, B, C, D and E of the entire second data block 21. In a second step a single transfer operation is then performed with the supplying of the data areas F, C and G from the control device 3 to the automation device 5. The supplied data areas F, C and G are inserted between the data areas A and E. The complete first data block 20 is then stored in the first memory area 9. Fig. 4 shows a third example of the storing or assembling of a different first data block 22 in the first memory area 9 of the automation device 5. The first data block 22, as it is ultimately to be assembled, is shown on the right. The first data block 22 contains, in the following order from top to bottom, data areas A, F, B, C and D. On the left, Fig. 4 also shows the second data block 21 stored in the second memory area 10, containing the data areas A, B, C, D and E. It is assumed in this example that, in contrast to the examples according to Figs. 2 and 3, the data blocks 21 and 22 are not structured in the manner of an index or register. This means that data areas can be inserted or deleted in the data blocks and adjacent data areas shifted accordingly. The same data areas are therefore not necessarily present at the same positions within the data blocks. In the present example the control device 3 has established in the course of checking that the data areas A, B, C and D are contained both in the second data area 21 and in the first data area 22 that is to be assembled. The data area A is at the same position in both data blocks 21 and 22. In the first data block 22 the data areas B, C and D are provided in different positions in the first data block 22, shifted downward compared to the second data block 21. A new data area F is to be inserted between the data areas A and B of the first data block 22. The data area E of the second data block 21 is no longer required in the first data block 22. In order to store or assemble the first data block 22, the data area A is first copied in a copy operation from the second memory area 10 into the first memory area 9. Also, the data areas B, C and D are copied in a copy and shift operation from the second memory area 10 to a different position in the first memory area 9. The first memory area 9 then contains in an intermediate state the data areas A, B, C and D, in that order, with storage space initially remaining empty between the data areas A and B. In a subsequent step the data area F is supplied in a transfer operation from the control device 3 via the communication line 7 to the automation device 5, received there by the interface 6 and within the automation device 5 stored in the first memory area 9 between the data areas A and B. Thus, the data areas A, F, B, C and D are stored, in that order, in the first memory area 9. This assembling of the data areas in the first memory area 9 corresponds to the desired target composition of the data areas of the first data block 22. Fig. 5 shows a fourth example of the storing or assembling of a further first data block 23 in the first memory area 9 of the automation device 5. The first data block 23, as it is ultimately to be assembled, is shown on the right. The first data block 23 contains, in the following order from top to bottom, data areas F, A, G, C, D and H. On the left, Fig. 5 also shows the second data block 21 stored in the second memory area 10, containing the data areas A, B, C, D and E. It is again assumed in this example that data areas can be inserted or deleted in the data blocks 23 and 21 and adjacent data areas shifted accordingly. The same data areas are therefore not necessarily present at the same positions within the data blocks. In the present fourth example the control device 3 has established in the course of checking that the data areas A, C and D are contained both in the second data area 21 and in the first data area 23 that is to be assembled. In the first data block 23 the data areas A, C and D are provided in different positions in the first data block 23, shifted downward compared to the second data block 21. In order to store or assemble the first data block 23, the data areas A, B, C and D are first copied in a copy and shift operation from the second memory area 10 to different positions in the first memory area 9. The first memory area 9 then contains in an intermediate state the data areas A B, C and D, in that order. In a subsequent step the data areas F, G and H are supplied in transfer operations from the control device 3 via the communication line 7 to the automation device 5, received there by the interface 6 and within the automation device 5 stored in the first memory area 9. The data area F is inserted at the topmost position in the first memory area 9, the data area H at the bottommost position and the data area G between the data areas A and C. The data area B is overwritten in the process. Thus, the data areas F, A, G, C, D and H are stored, in that order, in the first memory area 9. This assembling of the data areas in the first memory area 9 corresponds to the desired target composition of the data areas of the first data block 23. In the combination of copy, shift and transfer operations described it was assumed in the fourth example that the data area G has a small data volume corresponding to that of the data area B. Otherwise a separate copying of the data area A on the one hand and the data areas C and D on the other hand would have been more efficient. According to the present invention it is advantageously possible to specify the threshold data volume as a function of a determined status of at least one component of the process control system 1. This applies in particular to the communication line 7, the controller 8 and/or the bus 11 of the automation device 5. In particular the utilization of their capacities can be relevant thereto. This enables the threshold data volume to be adjusted particularly precisely to a current status of the process control system 1. The threshold data volume is determined in particular automatically. This can be accomplished particularly advantageously by adaptive means. Toward that end actual measurements of the current status of the at least one component can be carried out in particular. Before one of the copy and/or transfer operations for storing the first data block 20, 22 or 23 in the first memory area 9 is actually performed it is advantageous in this case to validate or simulate the chosen combination, or sequence, of the copy and/or transfer operations. In this way possibly occurring errors can be identified before said operations are actually performed. It would then be possible to supply the complete first data block with all its data areas from the control device 3 to the automation device 5. A problematic retroactive effect on the control of the process by the automation device 5 currently in operation can thus be avoided. Claims 1. A method for storing a first data block (20; 22; 23) containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area (9) of an automation device (5), wherein a second data block (21) containing data for controlling the technical process is stored in a second memory area (10) of the automation device (5) and the first data block (20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) are subdivided into a plurality of data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H), wherein in the method - at least one data area (C, F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) is supplied to the automation device (5) and stored in the first memory area (9) and - at least one data area (A, B, C, D, E) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) is copied from the second memory area (10) into the first memory area (9). 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a check is carried out to determine whether one of the data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) of the first data block (20; 22; 23) is part of the second data block (21). 3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the volume of data contained in one of the data areas (A, B, C, D, E) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) is determined and, depending on what volume of data is determined, the data area (A, B, C, D, E) is either copied from the second memory area (10) into the first memory area (9) or supplied to the automation device (5) and stored in the first memory area (9). 4. The method as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the determined volume of data is compared with a threshold data volume and the data area (A, B, C, D, E) is copied from the second memory area (10) into the first memory area (9) if the determined volume of data is greater than the threshold data volume, and the data area (C) is supplied to the automation device (5) and stored in the first memory area (9) if the determined volume of data is less than the threshold data volume. 5. The method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the threshold data volume is specified as a function of a determined status of at least one component (3, 5, 7} which is used for storing the first data block (20; 22; 23) and/or for supplying the at least one data area (C, F, G, H) of the first data block (20; 22; 23) to the automation device (5) . 6. The method as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the threshold data volume is specified adaptively. 7. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before the first data block (20; 22; 23) is stored in the first memory area (9) of the automation device (5) the copying of the at least one data area (A, B, C, D, E) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) and the supplying of the at least one data area (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) to the automation device (5) are validated. 8. A control device (3) for controlling the storing of a first data block (20; 22; 23) containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area (9) of an automation device (5) which contains a second data block (21) containing data for controlling the technical process in a second memory area (10), the first data block (20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) being subdivided into a plurality of data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H), wherein the control device (3) is embodied in such a way that it - controls the supplying of at least one data area (C, F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23), to the automation device (5) and - initiates the copying of at least one data area (A, B, C, D, E) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) from the second memory area (10) into the first memory area (9). 9. An automation device (5) having - a first memory area (9) for storing a first data block (20; 22; 23) containing data for controlling a technical process, - a second memory area (10) in which a second data block (21) containing data for controlling the technical process is stored, the first data block (20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) being subdivided into a plurality of data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) , - an interface (6) for receiving at least one data area (C, F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23), and - a controller (8) for controlling the storing of the received at least one data area (C, F, G, H) in the first memory area (9) and for controlling the copying of at least one data area (A, B, C, D, E) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) from the second memory area (10) into the first memory area (9). The invention proposes a method and a control apparatus (3) for storing a first data block (20; 22; 23) containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area (9) of an automation apparatus (5). In this case, a second data block (21) containing data for controlling the technical process is stored in a second memory area (10) of the automation apparatus (5). The first data block (20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) are subdivided into a plurality of data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H). At least one data area (C, F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) is supplied to the automation apparatus (5) and stored in the first memory area (9). Furthermore, at least one data area (a, b, c, d, e) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) is copied from the second memory area (1) into the first memory area (9). A corresponding automation apparatus (5) is also proposed.

Full Text

Description
Method for storing a data block containing data for
controlling a technical process, and control and automation
device
The present invention relates to a method for storing a
data block containing data for controlling a technical
process in a memory area of an automation device. The
present invention further relates to a control device for
controlling the storage of the data block and to an
automation device.
For the purpose of controlling the technical process an
automation device of the aforesaid kind typically contains
a data block in which functions, parameters and other data
for executing control sequences are specified. The data
block is also referred to as a function block. The data
block corresponds to an automation program or code for the
sequence control system in the automation device.
When process control functions are being planned and
configured, the desired automation functions for
controlling the technical process are assembled,
parameterized and interconnected in the form of graphical
control blocks. The control blocks representing the
automation functions are contained in a special program
library, for example, from which they can be called. The
parameterized and interconnected control blocks are
equivalent to a configuration program which is subsequently
supplied to a code generator which compiles the

configuration program and converts it into a format which
can be understood and processed by the automation device.
The compiled configuration program generated by the code
generator corresponds to the data block. The latter is
typically subdivided into a plurality of data areas in
which in particular data by means of which a specific sub-
functionality can be executed is concentrated. The
generated and compiled data block must subsequently be
loaded into the automation device.
Usually a newly generated data block is supplied to the
automation device in full, i.e. in particular complete with
all its data areas, via a communication line connected to
the automation device and a suitable communication service,
and stored in said automation device. This normally happens
during the operation of the automation device, i.e. while
the latter is controlling the technical process by means of
another data block stored in it. Said other data block is
subsequently to be replaced by the new data block loaded
into the automation device. As the data block may in
certain cases, depending on the configuration on which it
is based, contain a large volume of data, long load times
can result when the data block is transferred to the
automation device.
In contemporary instrumentation and control systems there
is, however, a requirement for short generation and load
times, in particular during commissioning of technical
installations, in order to allow changes in the
configuration, and hence also in the data block resulting
therefrom, to take effect as quickly as possible in the

automation device, and in the control of the technical
process performed by it. Fast loading of the data block
into the automation device is also made more difficult due
to the fact that, between a control device for controlling
the loading of the new data block, i.e. what is known as an
application server, and the automation device, a plurality
of communication channels are active on the communication
line connecting them. Additional services that have to
provide process values, alarms, etc. with very short delay
times for the ongoing operation of the automation device
are handled via said communication channels. Said
additional services provide information relating to the
current status of the process and receive suitable control
commands. Said additional information and control channels
have a much higher priority by comparison with the
configuration channel that serves for transferring the new
data block. Thus, only a limited bandwidth of the
communication line is available for transferring the data
of the new data block.
The object underlying the present invention is to enable a
data block to be loaded into an automation device in a
technically simple manner.
This object is achieved on the method side by means of the
technical teaching of claim 1 and on the device side by
means of the technical teaching of claim 8 or claim 9.
Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be derived
from the dependent claims.

With the inventive method for storing a first data block
containing data for controlling a technical process in a
first memory area of an automation device, wherein a second
data block containing data for controlling the technical
process is stored in a second memory area of the automation
device and the first data block and the second data block
are subdivided into a plurality of data areas, at least one
data area which is part of the first data block is supplied
to the automation device. The supplied first data block is
then stored in the first memory area. Furthermore, at least
one data area which is both part of the first data block
and part of the second data block is copied from the second
memory area into the first memory area.
The inventive control device for controlling the storing of
a first data block containing data for controlling a
technical process in a first memory area of an automation
device which contains, in a second memory area, a second
data block containing data for controlling the technical
process, wherein the first data block and the second data
block are subdivided into a plurality of data areas, is
embodied such that it controls the supplying of at least
one data area which is part of the first data block to the
automation device. In addition it initiates the copying of
at least one data area which is both part of the first data
block and part of the second data block from the second
memory area into the first memory area.
The inventive automation device contains a first memory
area for storing a first data block containing data for
controlling a technical process, and a second memory area

in which a second data block containing data for
controlling the technical process is stored, the first data
block and the second data block being subdivided into a
plurality of data areas. An interface is present for
receiving at least one data area which is part of the first
data block. In addition the automation device contains a
controller for controlling the storing of the received at
least one data area in the first memory area and for
controlling the copying of at least one data area which is
both part of the first data block and part of the second
data block from the second memory area into the first
memory area.
According to the present invention, load times for loading
the first data block into the automation device can
advantageously be kept short. A data area of the second
data block which is already present in the automation
device and which is also part of the first data block does
not necessarily have to be supplied once again to the
automation device. Rather, the already present data area
can be copied within the automation device into the first
memory area provided for the first data block. The first
data block in this case contains updated data which is to
be used for controlling the process in the future. The
second data block contains momentarily current data which
is used for example for controlling the process at the
present moment in time. Functions, parameters and other
data for executing instrumentation and control sequences
that are controlled by the automation device are specified
in the first and second data block. In particular data by
means of which a specific sub-functionality can be executed

during the controlling of the process by means of the
automation device is concentrated in the data areas into
which the data blocks are subdivided. The data blocks
represent in particular an automation code which determines
the sequencing control of the automation device. The at
least one data area of the first data block which is
supplied to the automation device is transferred to the
latter in particular via an interface of the automation
device from the outside. This is advantageous in particular
when said at least one data area of the first data block is
not part of the second data block. On account of the
invention it is advantageously possible to keep the number
of data areas of the first data block that are to be
supplied to the automation device to a minimum. As a result
a communication line that is used for supplying the data of
the data areas is subject to very little load by the
loading of the data areas of the first data block. Storing
or assembling the first data block in the first memory area
of the automation device or filling the first memory area
with the first data block can therefore be performed
particularly quickly. The invention is particularly
effective above all when copying the at least one data area
of the second data block that is already present in the
automation device can be performed more efficiently in
terms of time than supplying said data area from the
outside. On the automation device side a service is
provided which supports the copying of at least one data
area between two memory areas provided for two data blocks.
Furthermore, said service advantageously allows said
copying to take place between different positions within
the memory areas and the at least one supplied data area to

be inserted at a specific position in the first memory
area. It is advantageously possible to implement the
invention particularly efficiently such that the computing
time required for specifying a sequence for supplying a
plurality of data areas to the automation device, and in
particular also for copying data areas from the second into
the first memory area, can be kept very short. Said
specifying of the sequence is performed in particular in
the inventive control device.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention a check is
carried out to determine whether one of the data areas of
the first data block is also part of the second data block.
This advantageously takes place before the data area is
supplied to the automation device. By this means it can be
ascertained particularly quickly and reliably and in an
automated manner whether the at least one data area
necessarily has to be supplied to the automation device or
whether possibly it can be copied into the first memory
area within the automation device.
In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment the
volume of data contained in one of the data areas which is
both part of the first data block and part of the second
data block is determined. Depending on what volume of data
is determined, the data area is either copied from the
second memory area into the first memory area or supplied
to the automation device and stored in the first memory
area. In this way it can be ascertained in a simple manner
whether it is more efficient to supply the at least one
data area of the automation device from the outside or to

copy it from one area to another within the automation
device. The determined volume of data is preferably
compared with a threshold data volume. The data area is
then copied from the second memory area into the first
memory area if the determined volume of data is greater
than the threshold data volume. If the determined volume of
data is less than the threshold data volume, the data area
is supplied to the automation device and stored in the
first memory area. By this means it can advantageously be
ensured that the communication resources serving for
supplying the data area are particularly efficiently
utilized. When the threshold data volume is specified it
can be taken into account in particular that, both for
supplying and for copying the data area, control data
accumulates which also imposes a load on the communication
resources and on the automation device likewise.
Furthermore the threshold data volume is preferably
specified as a function of a determined status of at least
one component that is used for storing the first data block
and/or for supplying the at least one data area of the
first data block to the automation device. Such a component
can be for example the inventive control device or a
communication line that is used for supplying the at least
one data area. This enables the threshold data volume to be
adjusted particularly precisely to a current system
environment of the automation device, and in particular to
the latter itself. The threshold data volume can be
particularly advantageously determined automatically.
Toward that end, actual measurements of the current status

of the at least one component can be performed in
particular.
It is particularly preferred if the threshold data volume
is specified adaptively. In this way the specifying of the
threshold data volume can be adjusted progressively more
precisely to the statuses of the at least one component. As
a result the data areas of the first data block can be
stored or assembled particularly efficiently.
Before the first data block is stored in the first memory
area of the automation device, the copying of the at least
one data area which is both part of the first data block
and part of the second data block and the supplying of the
at least one data area which is part of the first data
block to the automation device are preferably validated.
The specification of the sequence for supplying data areas
to the automation device and for copying data areas within
the automation device can thus be checked in advance for
possibly occurring errors. The storing of the first data
block can therefore be aborted where necessary or even not
started at all. It would also be possible to supply the
first data block complete with all data areas in its
entirety to the automation device. A problematic
retroactive effect on the control of the process by the
automation device currently in operation can thus be
advantageously avoided. The instructions contained in the
sequence can be verified for example in a specific
automation code loading device by simulating operations for
supplying and copying data areas on the basis of available
data.

The invention and its advantages are explained in more
detail below with reference to examples and exemplary
embodiments and the accompanying drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a process
control system,
Fig. 2 shows a first example of the storing of a data
block in a memory area of an automation device,
Fig. 3 shows a second example of the storing of a data
block,
Fig. 4 shows a third example of the storing of a data
block, and
Fig. 5 shows a fourth example of the storing of a data
block.
Unless indicated otherwise, identical or functionally
identical elements are labeled by the same reference signs
throughout the figures.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a process control
system 1 for controlling a technical process which is
implemented in an installation. Such an installation may be
for example a power station or a chemical plant. The
process control system 1 includes a configuration device 2
by means of which instrumentation and control functions for
controlling the technical process can be configured. For

that purpose a graphical function plan is produced in which
desired automation functions are placed, parameterized and
interconnected in the form of graphical function blocks.
The configuration device 2 includes inter alia a graphical
user interface and a program library. The program library
contains a plurality of control blocks which represent the
graphical function blocks. At configuration time the
control blocks are called from the program library,
interconnected and provided with parameters. In this way a
configuration program is assembled. The process control
system 1 includes a control device 3 to which the assembled
configuration program is supplied. The control device 3 has
a code generator 4 which compiles the configuration program
and translates it into a specific format. Said format can
be processed by an automation device 5 of the process
control system 1. The compiled configuration program
corresponds to a data block in which the previously
assembled functions, parameters and other data are
contained. The data block serves the automation device 5
for controlling the process. Accordingly the data block
represents the desired sequencing control that is to be
executed by the automation device 5. The data block is
subdivided into a plurality of data areas. The data
concentrated in the data areas includes in particular data
by means of which specific sub-functionalities for
controlling the process can be executed by means of the
automation device.
The automation device 5 includes an interface 6 via which
it can receive data and signals from the outside and send
data and signals to the outside. For that purpose the

automation device 5 is connected to the control device 3
via a communication line 7. By way of the communication
line 7 it is possible for, inter alia, the compiled data
block, or parts thereof, such as, for example, one or more
data areas, to be transferred from the control device 3 to
the automation device 5 and received by the interface 6.
Information and operation and control services by means of
which process values and alarms, etc., and operation and
control parameters for controlling the process are also
exchanged and transferred via the communication line 7
between the control device 3 and the automation device 5.
The automation device 5 additionally includes a controller
8 by means of which the sequences in the automation device
5 are controlled. The automation device 5 further includes
a first memory area 9 for storing a first data block and a
second memory area 10 for storing a second data block.
Other memory areas for further data blocks may also be
present. The automation device 5 controls the process by
means of one of the data blocks contained in the memory
areas 9, 10. For certain reasons or on certain occasions,
such as, for example, in a fault situation, during
commissioning of the system performing the process, for
maintenance activities or in an optimization operation, the
automation device 5 can switch over from the second to the
first data block, or vice versa,, to allow a change in
control of the process. The described components of the
automation device 5, i.e. the interface 6, the controller 8
and the two memory areas 9 and 10, are connected to a bus
11 via which they can transfer data and signals.

In the present exemplary embodiment the second data block
is already stored in the second memory area 10. At the
present moment in time the automation device 5 controls the
process by means of said second data block. The second data
block is therefore a momentarily current data block. The
first memory area 9 is still empty at this time. The aim is
to store the first data block, which represents a
configuration program that has been newly created by means
of the configuration device 2 and compiled by the code
generator 4, in the first memory area 9. The first data
block is currently stored in the control device 3. The
automation device 5 is to control the process in the future
by means of the first data block. The first data block is
therefore an updated data block which contains updated
functions by comparison with the second data block, for
example in order to optimize the execution of the process.
The control device 3 now has the task, in conjunction with
the automation device 5, of storing the newly created first
data block in the first memory area 9.
According to the invention this operation does not entail
transferring the first data block in its entirety from the
control device 3 via the communication line 7 to the
automation device 5. Rather, a check is first carried out
to determine which of the data areas of the first data
block are already contained in the second data block stored
in the second memory area 10. If it is discovered that at
least one data area is both part of the first and part of
the second data block, then a check is carried out to
determine whether it is better to supply said at least one
data area to the automation device 5 via the communication

line 7 from the control device 3 so that the latter stores
it in the first memory area 9, or to copy said at least one
data area within the automation device 5 from the second
memory area 10 to a specific, predetermined position in the
first memory area 9.
The examples described in the following with reference to
Figs. 2-5 illustrate possible approaches to storing or
assembling data areas of the first data block in the first
memory area 9. In Figs. 2-5 the first memory area 9
containing the first data block is in each case shown on
the extreme right, as it is ultimately to be stored or
assembled in the first memory area 9. The assembling of the
data areas in the first memory area 9 according to the
illustration on the right thus corresponds to the objective
of copy and transfer or supply operations that are to be
carried out. Shown on the extreme left in each case in
Figs. 2-5 is the second memory area 10 containing the
second data block, which is currently stored in the second
memory area 10. To illustrate the procedure, between the
first memory area 9 shown on the right with the target
composition of the data areas of the first data block and
the second memory area 10 shown on the left with the
existing second data block the figures show one or more
intermediate states in the storing of data areas in the
first memory area 9 which result after copy and/or transfer
operations have been carried out.

In the following examples a data area is represented by a
rectangle containing a specific designation of the data
area, e.g. data area A:

A copy operation for copying one or more data areas from
the second memory area 10 to a predetermined position in
the first memory area 9 is represented by two opposing
curly brackets:

A transfer operation for supplying one or more data areas
from the control device 3 to the automation device 5 in
order to store the transferred data areas at a specific
position in the first memory area 9 is represented by an
arrow:

Fig. 2 shows a first example of the storing or assembling
of a first data block 20 in the first memory area 9 of the
automation device 5. The first data block 20, as it is
ultimately to be assembled, is shown on the right. The
first data block 20 contains, in the following order from
top to bottom, data areas A, F, C, G and a data area E. On
the left Fig. 2 also shows a second data block 21 stored in
the second memory area 10. Said second data block 21

contains, in the following order from top to bottom, data
areas A, B, C, D and the data area E. It is assumed in this
example that the data blocks 20 and 21 are structured in
the manner of an index or register. This means that the
same data areas are also present at the same positions in
the two data blocks 20, 21. This simplifies a check that is
to be carried out by the control device 3 in order to
determine whether one of the data areas of the first data
block 20 that is to be assembled is also contained in the
second data block 21. In the present example the control
device 3 has ascertained in the course of checking that the
data areas A, C and E are contained at the same positions
both in the second data area 21 and in the first data area
20 that is to be assembled. The data areas B and D of the
second data block 21 are to be replaced by the data areas F
and G, respectively, in the first data block 20.
In order to store or assemble the first data block 20, the
complete second data block 21 is first copied in a copy
operation from the second memory area 10 into the first
memory area 9. The first memory area 9 then contains in
this first intermediate state the data areas A, B, C, D and
E, in that order. In a subsequent step the data area F is
supplied in a transfer operation from the control device 3
via the communication line 7 to the automation device 5,
received there by the interface 6 and within the automation
device 5 stored between the data areas A and C in the first
memory area 9. The previously stored data area B is
overwritten in the process. Thus, according to the second
intermediate state, the data areas A, F, C, D and E are
stored, in that order, in the first memory area 9. In a

subsequent step the data area G is then supplied in a
further transfer operation by the control device 3 via the
communication line 7 to the automation device 5, received
there by the interface 6 and within the automation device 5
stored between the data areas C and E in the first memory
area 9. The previously stored data area D is overwritten in
the process. Thus, the data areas A, F, C, G and E are
stored, in that order, in the first memory area 9. This
assembling of the data areas in the first memory area 9
corresponds to the desired target composition of the data
areas of the first data block 20.
In the present example according to Fig. 2 the first data
block has therefore been assembled by means of one copy and
two transfer operations. It was not necessary in this case
for the data areas A, C and E associated with the first
data block 20 to be supplied by the control device 3 via
the communication line 7 to the automation device 5. A data
volume resulting from said data areas A, C and E does not
therefore have to be transferred via the communication line
7. In order to determine the most favorable combination of
copy and transfer operations the control device 3 checks
what volumes of data are contained in each of the data
areas A, C and E which are both part of the first data
block 20 and part of the second data block 21. Equally, the
total volume of data contained in said data areas A, C and
E can be ascertained. In order to determine whether it is
more favorable to copy one of the data areas from the
second memory area 10 or to supply it to the automation
device 5 via the communication line 7, a threshold data
volume is specified. In addition to the data volume of one

or more of the data areas, the threshold data volume takes
into account control data requiring to be transferred via
the communication line 7, which control data accumulates
during controlling of the transfer and supply of the one or
more of the data areas via the communication line 7 to the
automation device 5. For example, when data areas are
transferred in two operations, as is the case in the
example described previously with reference to Fig. 2 in
the successive transfer of the two data areas F and G in
two transfer operations, more control data accumulates than
in a single transfer of one or more of the data areas. The
determined volumes of data contained in the data areas A, C
and E are compared with the threshold data volume.
Depending on the result of said comparison, one or more of
the data areas are copied from the second memory area 10
into the first memory area 9 if the determined volume of
data contained in the one or more of the data areas is
greater than or equal to the threshold data volume. If the
determined volume is less than the threshold data volume,
then the one or more of the data areas are supplied to the
automation device and stored in the first memory area 9. In
the first example described with reference to Fig. 2 the
data volume of the data area C exceeds the threshold data
volume. It is therefore more favorable to copy the data
area C from the second memory area 10 into the first memory
area 9, and hence to perform two transfer operations in
order to transfer the data areas F and G, than to transfer
the data areas F, C and G jointly via the communication
line 7 and in that case control only a single transfer
operation.

To illustrate this, Fig. 3 shows a second example of the
storing of the first data block 20 in the first memory area
9. In this second example the data volume of the data area
C is less than the specified threshold data volume. In a
first step the data areas A and E are therefore copied
separately to the same positions from the second memory
area 10 into the first memory area 9. In the intermediate
state according to Fig. 3 the first memory area 9 therefore
contains the data areas A and E at the topmost position and
bottommost position, respectively. It is also possible,
instead of performing two separate copy operations for the
data areas A and E, to perform a single copy operation with
the data areas A, B, C, D and E of the entire second data
block 21. In a second step a single transfer operation is
then performed with the supplying of the data areas F, C
and G from the control device 3 to the automation device 5.
The supplied data areas F, C and G are inserted between the
data areas A and E. The complete first data block 20 is
then stored in the first memory area 9.
Fig. 4 shows a third example of the storing or assembling
of a different first data block 22 in the first memory area
9 of the automation device 5. The first data block 22, as
it is ultimately to be assembled, is shown on the right.
The first data block 22 contains, in the following order
from top to bottom, data areas A, F, B, C and D. On the
left, Fig. 4 also shows the second data block 21 stored in
the second memory area 10, containing the data areas A, B,
C, D and E. It is assumed in this example that, in contrast
to the examples according to Figs. 2 and 3, the data blocks
21 and 22 are not structured in the manner of an index or

register. This means that data areas can be inserted or
deleted in the data blocks and adjacent data areas shifted
accordingly. The same data areas are therefore not
necessarily present at the same positions within the data
blocks.
In the present example the control device 3 has established
in the course of checking that the data areas A, B, C and D
are contained both in the second data area 21 and in the
first data area 22 that is to be assembled. The data area A
is at the same position in both data blocks 21 and 22. In
the first data block 22 the data areas B, C and D are
provided in different positions in the first data block 22,
shifted downward compared to the second data block 21. A
new data area F is to be inserted between the data areas A
and B of the first data block 22. The data area E of the
second data block 21 is no longer required in the first
data block 22.
In order to store or assemble the first data block 22, the
data area A is first copied in a copy operation from the
second memory area 10 into the first memory area 9. Also,
the data areas B, C and D are copied in a copy and shift
operation from the second memory area 10 to a different
position in the first memory area 9. The first memory area
9 then contains in an intermediate state the data areas A,
B, C and D, in that order, with storage space initially
remaining empty between the data areas A and B. In a
subsequent step the data area F is supplied in a transfer
operation from the control device 3 via the communication
line 7 to the automation device 5, received there by the

interface 6 and within the automation device 5 stored in
the first memory area 9 between the data areas A and B.
Thus, the data areas A, F, B, C and D are stored, in that
order, in the first memory area 9. This assembling of the
data areas in the first memory area 9 corresponds to the
desired target composition of the data areas of the first
data block 22.
Fig. 5 shows a fourth example of the storing or assembling
of a further first data block 23 in the first memory area 9
of the automation device 5. The first data block 23, as it
is ultimately to be assembled, is shown on the right. The
first data block 23 contains, in the following order from
top to bottom, data areas F, A, G, C, D and H. On the left,
Fig. 5 also shows the second data block 21 stored in the
second memory area 10, containing the data areas A, B, C, D
and E. It is again assumed in this example that data areas
can be inserted or deleted in the data blocks 23 and 21 and
adjacent data areas shifted accordingly. The same data
areas are therefore not necessarily present at the same
positions within the data blocks.
In the present fourth example the control device 3 has
established in the course of checking that the data areas
A, C and D are contained both in the second data area 21
and in the first data area 23 that is to be assembled. In
the first data block 23 the data areas A, C and D are
provided in different positions in the first data block 23,
shifted downward compared to the second data block 21.

In order to store or assemble the first data block 23, the
data areas A, B, C and D are first copied in a copy and
shift operation from the second memory area 10 to different
positions in the first memory area 9. The first memory area
9 then contains in an intermediate state the data areas A
B, C and D, in that order. In a subsequent step the data
areas F, G and H are supplied in transfer operations from
the control device 3 via the communication line 7 to the
automation device 5, received there by the interface 6 and
within the automation device 5 stored in the first memory
area 9. The data area F is inserted at the topmost position
in the first memory area 9, the data area H at the
bottommost position and the data area G between the data
areas A and C. The data area B is overwritten in the
process. Thus, the data areas F, A, G, C, D and H are
stored, in that order, in the first memory area 9. This
assembling of the data areas in the first memory area 9
corresponds to the desired target composition of the data
areas of the first data block 23.
In the combination of copy, shift and transfer operations
described it was assumed in the fourth example that the
data area G has a small data volume corresponding to that
of the data area B. Otherwise a separate copying of the
data area A on the one hand and the data areas C and D on
the other hand would have been more efficient.
According to the present invention it is advantageously
possible to specify the threshold data volume as a function
of a determined status of at least one component of the
process control system 1. This applies in particular to the

communication line 7, the controller 8 and/or the bus 11 of
the automation device 5. In particular the utilization of
their capacities can be relevant thereto. This enables the
threshold data volume to be adjusted particularly precisely
to a current status of the process control system 1. The
threshold data volume is determined in particular
automatically. This can be accomplished particularly
advantageously by adaptive means. Toward that end actual
measurements of the current status of the at least one
component can be carried out in particular.
Before one of the copy and/or transfer operations for
storing the first data block 20, 22 or 23 in the first
memory area 9 is actually performed it is advantageous in
this case to validate or simulate the chosen combination,
or sequence, of the copy and/or transfer operations. In
this way possibly occurring errors can be identified before
said operations are actually performed. It would then be
possible to supply the complete first data block with all
its data areas from the control device 3 to the automation
device 5. A problematic retroactive effect on the control
of the process by the automation device 5 currently in
operation can thus be avoided.

Claims
1. A method for storing a first data block (20; 22; 23)
containing data for controlling a technical process in a
first memory area (9) of an automation device (5), wherein
a second data block (21) containing data for controlling
the technical process is stored in a second memory area
(10) of the automation device (5) and the first data block
(20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) are subdivided
into a plurality of data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H),
wherein in the method
- at least one data area (C, F, G, H) which is part of the
first data block (20; 22; 23) is supplied to the automation
device (5) and stored in the first memory area (9) and
- at least one data area (A, B, C, D, E) which is both part
of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second
data block (21) is copied from the second memory area (10)
into the first memory area (9).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
a check is carried out to determine whether one of the data
areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) of the first data block (20;
22; 23) is part of the second data block (21).
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in
that the volume of data contained in one of the data areas
(A, B, C, D, E) which is both part of the first data block
(20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21) is
determined and, depending on what volume of data is
determined, the data area (A, B, C, D, E) is either copied
from the second memory area (10) into the first memory area

(9) or supplied to the automation device (5) and stored in
the first memory area (9).
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that
the determined volume of data is compared with a threshold
data volume and the data area (A, B, C, D, E) is copied
from the second memory area (10) into the first memory area
(9) if the determined volume of data is greater than the
threshold data volume, and the data area (C) is supplied to
the automation device (5) and stored in the first memory
area (9) if the determined volume of data is less than the
threshold data volume.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that
the threshold data volume is specified as a function of a
determined status of at least one component (3, 5, 7} which
is used for storing the first data block (20; 22; 23)
and/or for supplying the at least one data area (C, F, G,
H) of the first data block (20; 22; 23) to the automation
device (5) .
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that
the threshold data volume is specified adaptively.
7. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that before the first data block (20; 22;
23) is stored in the first memory area (9) of the
automation device (5) the copying of the at least one data
area (A, B, C, D, E) which is both part of the first data
block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data block (21)
and the supplying of the at least one data area (A, B, C,

D, E, F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20;
22; 23) to the automation device (5) are validated.
8. A control device (3) for controlling the storing of a
first data block (20; 22; 23) containing data for
controlling a technical process in a first memory area (9)
of an automation device (5) which contains a second data
block (21) containing data for controlling the technical
process in a second memory area (10), the first data block
(20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) being
subdivided into a plurality of data areas (A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H), wherein the control device (3) is embodied in
such a way that it
- controls the supplying of at least one data area (C, F,
G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23),
to the automation device (5) and
- initiates the copying of at least one data area (A, B, C,
D, E) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22;
23) and part of the second data block (21) from the second
memory area (10) into the first memory area (9).
9. An automation device (5) having
- a first memory area (9) for storing a first data block
(20; 22; 23) containing data for controlling a technical
process,
- a second memory area (10) in which a second data block
(21) containing data for controlling the technical process
is stored, the first data block (20; 22; 23) and the second
data block (21) being subdivided into a plurality of data
areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) ,

- an interface (6) for receiving at least one data area (C,
F, G, H) which is part of the first data block (20; 22;
23), and
- a controller (8) for controlling the storing of the
received at least one data area (C, F, G, H) in the first
memory area (9) and for controlling the copying of at least
one data area (A, B, C, D, E) which is both part of the
first data block (20; 22; 23) and part of the second data
block (21) from the second memory area (10) into the first
memory area (9).

The invention proposes a method and a control apparatus (3) for storing a first
data block (20; 22; 23) containing data for controlling a technical process in a
first memory area (9) of an automation apparatus (5). In this case, a second
data block (21) containing data for controlling the technical process is stored in
a second memory area (10) of the automation apparatus (5). The first data
block (20; 22; 23) and the second data block (21) are subdivided into a plurality
of data areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H). At least one data area (C, F, G, H) which
is part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) is supplied to the automation
apparatus (5) and stored in the first memory area (9). Furthermore, at least one
data area (a, b, c, d, e) which is both part of the first data block (20; 22; 23) and
part of the second data block (21) is copied from the second memory area (1)
into the first memory area (9). A corresponding automation apparatus (5) is
also proposed.

METHOD FOR STORING A DATA BLOCK CONTAINING DATA FOR CONTROLLING A TECHNICAL PROCESS, AND CONTROL AND AUTOMATION DEVICE

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