Module for a technical device and system and method for implementing a technical process

Abstract

A module (1) for a technical device (90) having technical hardware (10) for implementing a technical sub-process, a controller (20) for locally controlling the technical hardware (10), and an external interface (22) of the controller (20), wherein the controller (20) is configured for autonomously controlling the technical hardware (10), wherein the external interface (22) comprises a management layer (23), wherein the management layer (23) publishes at least one service related to an output product (140) of the module (1) via a network (62), and wherein the external interface (22) is configured for requesting at least one service related to an input product (130) of the module (1) via the network (62). Furthermore, protection is claimed for a corresponding system for implementing a process by means of the technical device (90) and a corresponding method for implementing a technical process by means of the technical device (90).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application date of January 25, 2017, Chinese patent application number 201780005179.1, and invention name “Module for technical equipment and system and method for implementing technical process”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a technical device and its control, and in particular to a modularly configurable process and production device, as well as a system and method for carrying out a technical process. Background Art

[0003] In the process industries, especially in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturing, the quantity of products required is increasingly difficult to predict and fluctuates across regions at short intervals. Furthermore, product life cycles are generally shorter due to the global availability of substitutes.

[0004] However, conventional production equipment is often not designed for these fluctuating product quantities. Continuously operating equipment is often optimized for a specific number of products per time unit and can only operate efficiently at that production rate. Typical equipment designed for batch operation is even less efficient and requires significant non-productive time, such as cleaning or retooling.

[0005] When expanding or renovating a system, the corresponding system controls often need to be reconfigured or reprogrammed. This is a costly process that often takes as long as a hardware retrofit. This can be difficult due to potentially inadequate documentation of existing control software or outdated control hardware that may not fully provide the functionality required by the new hardware.

[0006] New developments in the process industry are focusing on modular plant design, where the plant is constructed from individually prefabricated modules. This type of design and its challenges were highlighted in the study "Modulare Anlagenkonzeption und Automatisierung mithilfe des F" by Ing. Sabine Mühlenkamp / Wolfgang Ernhofer on May 10, 2012. 3 -Projects” are described as “processes”. The integration of the control technology of the modules is still considered an unresolved issue.

[0007] The corresponding modular design can also be applied to other production processes, such as the production of daily necessities, industrial products, etc.

[0008] In this modular design, each plant module provides its process or production functions as services to a higher-level process management level (PFE). Therefore, it functions as a service provider. The services provided by the plant modules can be called upon by the process management level, which is therefore a service user. The integration of multiple plant modules and their services into an overall plant by plant planners is known as PFE engineering.

[0009] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a module for improving the PFE engineering of technical equipment and to provide a system and method for improving the implementation of technical processes. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This object is achieved by a module for a technical device according to claim 1 , by a system for carrying out a technical process according to claim 11 , and by a method for carrying out a technical process by means of a technical device according to claim 17 .

[0011] In particular, the above-mentioned technical problem is solved by a module for a technical device, wherein the technical device has technical hardware for implementing a technical sub-process, a controller for locally controlling the technical hardware and an external interface of the controller, wherein the controller is configured for autonomously controlling the technical hardware, wherein the external interface has a management layer, wherein the management layer publishes at least one service related to an output product of the module via a network, and wherein the external interface is configured for requesting at least one service related to an input product of the module via a network.

[0012] A technical system can be constructed from multiple such modules. If greater production capacity is desired, the modules can be easily attached to the system and specific sub-processes can then be implemented. Because the controllers of the individual modules control the technical hardware locally and autonomously and can, for example, bring it to a specific, defined state externally without the need for a controller, the overall system control costs are minimized. Therefore, the module controllers can already be provided, programmed, and configured by the module manufacturer, allowing the system manufacturer to establish control of the entire system with minimal effort.

[0013] To communicate with other modules, the modules have an external interface of the controller. Furthermore, the external interface has a management layer that publishes at least one service related to the output product of each module via the network. Thus, the management layer publishes which service or services each module can perform with respect to the output product. If, for example, a module performs heating of a product, the management layer may publish the "heating" service and, if necessary, the output product that can be obtained as a result of the described properties of the output product.

[0014] Furthermore, the external interface is configured to request at least one service related to the input product of each module via the network. If a module, for example, requires a specific quantity of a specific input product, the module will request a "metering" service for the specific input product.

[0015] In this way, modules can autonomously communicate with one another via their management layers and provide and request services from one another. Consequently, modules can autonomously construct technical processes without the process management or plant planner having to manually combine modules. This type of module-by-module automated PFE engineering is flawless even without a superordinate entity, particularly a superordinate process management layer, because each participating module has precise knowledge of its respective availability, required input material properties, boundary conditions, auxiliary materials, maintenance schedules, restrictions, and so on, and can provide its services accordingly. This mutual coordination and communication between modules via their management layers automatically generates a possible technical process or multiple alternative technical processes that lead to the final product. If multiple alternative technical processes are involved, the best one can be selected.

[0016] Preferably, at the management level, at least one service related to the module's output product is published via the network using standardized meta-information. Preferably, the standardized meta-information is constantly kept up-to-date by the controller. Using standardized meta-information facilitates searching for the corresponding service.

[0017] Preferably, the external interface is configured to request services related to the input product via a network with the aid of standardized meta-information related to the input product.

[0018] Preferably, the modules have a state machine, with the aid of which each module knows precisely its current state and the transitions required to achieve another target state.

[0019] Preferably, at least one state of the state machine is published in the management layer, and the state of the state machine depends on the response to a request for a service related to the module's input products. A service related to the module's input products can in particular be the provision of input products. If, for example, all required input products of the module are available, the module can start by processing or treating these input products and, for this purpose, change its state to "running."

[0020] Preferably, the modules are configured to process input products and output output products and / or to measure physical parameters of the input products and / or output products and / or to physically store the input products and / or output products. Modules can be of different types and perform different tasks or provide different services related to the module's input products or output products. In particular, modules can be particularly suitable for processing, outputting, measuring, or storing.

[0021] Preferably, the technical hardware is configured to generate an output product from an input product, and the technical hardware is further configured to modify the input product by changing the chemical composition, and / or changing at least one physical property, and / or adding materials, and / or removing materials to generate the output product. The technical hardware preferably has an input product and an output product and modifies the input product in such a way as to generate the output product. The product is defined as follows, i.e., it can be modified by the technical hardware using at least one of the four mentioned methods. By modifying the input product using the technical hardware to generate the output product, value creation is achieved. Therefore, the overall process has at least one technical hardware of this type, which realizes value creation. Preferably, the technical hardware has an execution structure that acts on the input product.

[0022] Preferably, the management layer comprises static information about the technical hardware and its functional scope and dynamic information as real-time values ​​of the technical hardware and its functional performance, wherein the real-time values ​​are generated by the controller.

[0023] The static information describes the technical hardware and controllers in such a way that all the information required for PFE engineering is available. This information can include, for example, a detailed description of the services provided by the module, a description of the module's available states and control technology behavior, a description of the available commands and their syntax, and a description of the status information and measured values ​​that can be read.

[0024] Furthermore, the management layer also includes dynamic information such as real-time values ​​of the technical hardware and thus provides the possibility of communicating with the modules during operation. These real-time values ​​of the technical hardware are written by the controller to the management layer, in particular to information structures on the OPC-UA server. Therefore, these real-time values, which change dynamically during operation, can be easily and specifically called up externally, for example by other modules or requester modules.

[0025] Preferably, the controller generates real-time values ​​from the following data: measurement data and / or control data of the technical hardware, and / or communication data transmitted via an external interface, and / or states of a state machine related to services provided by the controller and the technical hardware, and / or historical values ​​of measurement data and / or control data and / or states of the state machine of the technical hardware, and / or extrapolations of measurement data and / or control data and / or communication data and / or states of the state machine of the technical hardware.

[0026] Preferably, the external interface includes an OPC-UA server with a fixed, predefined information structure into which the management layer is mapped. Since the controller's external interface includes an OPC-UA server, communication with the modules can be simple and uniform. This allows, in particular, targeted requests for individual information from the modules, without transmitting information that is not of interest. For this purpose, the OPC-UA server, in particular, has a fixed, predefined information structure containing static and dynamic information about the module's technical hardware. Targeted requests for information of interest can thus be directed to the modules.

[0027] The management layer preferably maps the information into the structure of a module type package and thus contains all the information required for integrating the module into the technical system in a structured form.

[0028] By providing static and dynamic information in the management layer, modules can provide complete module-type packages that form part of the Industry 4.0 management layer and include all data and information for a virtual and professional representation of the module. The controller provides all data and information for automated PFE engineering from module to module, as well as all data and information for ongoing operation in the management layer.

[0029] The aforementioned technical problem is also solved by a system for implementing a process using a technical device, the technical device comprising: a plurality of modules, as described above, which can implement sub-processes of a technical process; a requester module having an external interface with a management layer; and a network connecting the modules and the requester module, wherein the requester module can request services for a final product from the modules via the network. The requester module can communicate with (particularly all) the technical modules via the network and send a request to them for a final product. This request is received by the module, which provides the final product as an output product. The module then requests another module to provide it with the required input product in the desired quantity, at the desired time, and in the desired state. If the corresponding module then responds, the module again requests the required input product from the other module. In this way, a technical process is gradually established, which, using the corresponding modules, produces the final product requested by the requester module. Such a process typically starts with a module that stores the input product of another module and provides it to the other module.

[0030] Preferably, the requester module has its own state machine, wherein in a first state of the state machine, the requester module requests services for a final product from a module via the network; a first module, which provides services for the final product, requests at least one service for an input product from another module via the network; a second module, which provides the first module's at least one service for an input product as an output product, requests at least one service for its input product from the module via the network, and the requester module receives a message from one of the modules indicating that the process is complete. If the process is complete, the state machine of the requester module transitions to a second state, in which the process can be started. If the requester module is notified by one or more modules that the process is complete, the actual production process begins, i.e., the final product can be produced.

[0031] Preferably, the requester module has a management layer and provides at least one service containing the final product in the management layer. The requester module itself can provide at least one service containing the final product, such as a "provide final product" service, which can be requested by a downstream packaging module.

[0032] Preferably, if each of the input products required for the process is present in the "Available" state at the module's management level, the module generates an integrity message, and the integrity message is transmitted from the generating module to the requester module. Specifically, if a module with a final product as an output product determines that all of its required input products are available, an integrity message is transmitted to the requester module. The technical process is then fully constructed and ready for actual production.

[0033] Preferably, the requester module has a calculation unit that is configured to perform an evaluation of the planned process, wherein the evaluation result is a prerequisite for transitioning from the first state of the state machine to the second state of the state machine. The requester module can use the calculation unit to evaluate the process configured and proposed by the technical module according to its criteria. Only when the evaluation yields a positive result does the requester module start production. This is particularly advantageous when multiple alternative processes result in the final product. The requester module can then decide on the best technical process based on the evaluation. The evaluation can be performed while taking into account different criteria, such as process duration, module reliability, quality, energy requirements, etc.

[0034] The computing unit of the requester module is preferably designed to carry out an evaluation based on the technical outlay according to the optimal calculation, thereby enabling the selection of the technically best process.

[0035] Furthermore, the technical problem described above is solved by a method for implementing a technical process by means of a technical device, the technical device comprising a plurality of modules, at least one requester module, and a network, wherein the modules comprise technical hardware for implementing a technical sub-process and a controller for local control of the technical hardware, wherein the controller comprises an external interface, the external interface comprising a management layer, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0036] a. Publish at least one service related to the output product of each module via the network through the management layer of each module;

[0037] b. requesting at least one service related to the input product of the respective module via the network through the external interface of each module;

[0038] c. Requesting at least one service for an end product via a network through a requester module;

[0039] d. Receive a process complete message from one of the modules through the requester module.

[0040] Here, too, the automated construction of the technical process for producing the final product occurs through autonomous communication between modules. The starting point is a request for at least one service for the final product from a requestor module via the network. Once the process is fully constructed, the requestor module receives a corresponding message. Each module preferably only makes a request if it itself is requested.

[0041] Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0042] e. implementing the evaluation of the planned technical process by the computing unit of the requester module; and

[0043] f. Start the process taking into account the evaluation results.

[0044] After receiving the process complete message, the requester module can evaluate the process, select the best replacement process if necessary and start the process.

[0045] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are given by the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a technical device having a plurality of modules and a requester module;

[0048] Figure 2 A simplified diagram is shown, which illustrates the configuration of the requester module and the communication and technical processes via the technical device module;

[0049] Figure 3 A diagram is shown which illustrates exemplary method steps of the technical process;

[0050] Figure 4 showing a diagram which exemplarily illustrates the cooperation of different modules of a technical device; and

[0051] Figure 5 A diagram is shown illustrating an exemplary state of a requester module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 A technical device 90 is shown, which is composed of a plurality of individual modules 1, 70, 80 and possibly other modules not shown. The technical device 90 also has a requester module 90, which is primarily responsible for placing orders to the technical device 90. The requester module 2 and the modules 1, 70, 80 can communicate with each other via a suitable bus 62.

[0054] Module 1 of technical plant 90 is an example of all modules 1, 70, and 80 of technical plant 90. It contains technical hardware 10 for implementing a technical sub-process, for example, for the chemical industry. However, the technical plant may also involve other technical production processes, such as product manufacturing and assembly, packaging technology, logistics, etc.

[0055] The technical hardware 10 of module 1 is preferably configured to generate an output product 140 from an input product 130. Furthermore, the technical hardware 10 is configured to modify the input product 130 to generate the output product 140. This can be accomplished by changing the chemical composition, as is common in reactions in the chemical industry. It can also be accomplished by changing at least one physical property, such as temperature, density, or entropy. Furthermore, in the case of assembly, welding, printing, or 3D printing, the output product 140 can be generated by adding material. Finally, the generation can be accomplished by removing material, as is the case, for example, with drilling, milling, etching, and the like.

[0056] Value creation occurs by transforming the input product 130 into the output product 140 by the technical hardware 10. The overall process thus includes at least one piece of technical hardware 10 of this type that creates value. Preferably, the technical hardware includes at least one actuator in the broadest sense that acts on the input product 130, such as a sputtering machine.

[0057] In the example of process technology shown, the technical hardware 10 includes an actuator in the form of a reactor 30 having a mixer 40 driven by a motor 42. In addition, the reactor 30 has an electric heating rod 50 controlled by a power electronic device 52. The reactor 30 itself consists of a preferably closed container, to which an inlet pipe 32 and an outlet pipe 34 are connected in order to fill or empty it. The inlet pipe 32 extends to the outer boundary of the exemplary module 1 and ends there in an inlet flange 36. Similarly, the outlet pipe 34 extends to the system boundary of the module 1 and ends there in an outlet flange 38. The module 1 can be connected to the module 70 connected in front via the inlet flange 36 and to the module 80 connected behind via the outlet flange 38. Obviously, other technical connection possibilities, such as multiple inlets or multiple outlets or the parallel connection of modules 1, 70, 80 are also possible.

[0058] Module 1 also has a controller 20 that locally controls its technical hardware 10. Controller 20 is configured so that it can autonomously control the technical hardware 10, specifically, in this example, the motor 42 of the stirrer 40 and the power electronics 52 of the heating rod 50. This allows controller 20 to, for example, place module 1 in a defined technical state. Module 1 can have multiple precisely defined technical states and can autonomously switch between them. This allows the module to, for example, autonomously execute technical subprocesses without external influence.

[0059] The module 1 may also have elements (not shown) such as sensors such as flow, pressure or temperature sensors or electrically actuable valves etc. Such sensors or actuators are also connected to the controller 20 and can be requested or controlled by the controller 20.

[0060] The controller 20 also has I / O modules 24, 26, with which the controller 20 can control actuators such as the motor 42 of the stirrer 40 or the power electronics 52 of the heating rod 50. Further I / O modules are also present for possible sensors or other actuators, if these are required for the technical function of the module 1.

[0061] Modules 70 and 80 and other modules can be constructed similarly to module 1, wherein they also have a controller similar to controller 20, which can locally and autonomously control the technical hardware of the respective module. Accordingly, modules 1, 70, 80 themselves are autonomous in terms of control technology, so that the technical hardware and the controller together form flexibly configurable modules of a technical device 90, which can be combined technically and control-wise to form the entire device 90, to a certain extent, by "plug and play".

[0062] To enable the controller 20 of module 1 to communicate with the requester module 2 or other modules 70, 80 via bus 62, controller 20 has an external interface 22. External interface 22 includes a management layer 23, which is mapped into the OPC-UA server 28 for communication with the requester module 2 and other modules 70, 80 of device 90. The OPC-UA server 28 also has a fixed, predefined information structure into which the management layer 23 is mapped. The management layer 23 can contain both static and dynamic information. The static information describes the technical hardware 10 and controller 20. For example, the static information may include a description of the services provided by module 1, specifications for input products 130 and output products 140, information regarding production support materials such as electricity and water, user documentation, interface definitions with corresponding descriptions of command syntax, information for directly initiating communication from the process management level to module 1, a graphical representation of module 1, and so on.

[0063] In addition to static information, the OPC-UA server's information structure also includes dynamic information about module 1 that can change over time. Therefore, module 1 can also communicate with other plant components via the OPC-UA server during ongoing operation and provide or exchange dynamic information. Controller 20 writes the dynamic information as real-time values ​​from technical hardware 10 into the OPC-UA server's information structure.

[0064] Using the static and dynamic information provided in the OPC-UA server, the module 1 can map the information in its management layer 23 into a complete so-called "Module Type Package (MTP)" structure, which forms part of the management layer of Industry 4.0 and includes all data and information for the virtual and professional representation of the module.

[0065] In particular, the management layer 23 of each module 1, 70, 80 publishes at least one service related to the output product 140 of the respective module 1 via the network 62. Furthermore, the external interface 22 is configured to request at least one service related to the input product 130 of the respective module 1 via the network 62 and receive a corresponding response from the other module 1, 70, 80.

[0066] The requester module 2 also has a management layer 4 for communicating with the modules 1 , 70 , 80 and its own state machine 3 for generating and expressing defined states.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown in , the requester module 2 can communicate with a plurality of modules 1 denoted by A, B, C, D, G and K via a network 62 shown as a plane. In order to start the PFE project, the requester module 2 only needs to send a request for the desired end product to module 1. As long as module 1 (here module D) can provide such an end product, module 1, on its part, sends a request to the other modules A, B, C, K and G for the services required for this purpose in relation to the input products of module D. In the case shown, module C can provide the services required by module D or the required input products of module D. Subsequently, module C also sends a request to the other modules A, B, D, K and G for the services required for this purpose in relation to the input products of module C. In Figure 2 In the example, module B can provide this service. Figure 2 In the example of , module A provides the services required by module B. Module A is a module that stores the input products of module B and therefore does not require any input products itself. The technical process is thus complete, which is communicated to the requester module 2 by one of modules A, B, C, D.

[0068] Accordingly, in this automated PFE process, the technical process is formed by the modules 1 involved, as they are in Figure 3 A higher-level process management level, in particular a higher-level plant control, is not necessary in this case.

[0069] Figure 4 Another technical process is shown in , where module B requires two input products or corresponding services. Figure 4In the example shown in Figure 2, module B requires plastic from module A1 and metal from module A2. If module A1 notifies module B that plastic is present and module A2 notifies module B that metal is present, module B can notify requester module 2 that the process is complete. Requester module 2 can then evaluate the process and, if necessary, start actual production.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an exemplary state diagram of the state machine of requester module 2. In state a, the requester module identifies a task, such as "manufacture 1000 Type X connectors." Requester module 2 then requests a service from module 1 of network 62 that can provide 1000 Type X connectors. Requester module 2 then transitions to state b, which corresponds to the first state mentioned above. Once requester module 2 receives a "Process Complete" message from one of the modules, it transitions to state c. Requester module 2 then uses its computing unit to evaluate the proposed process. Once this is complete, it transitions to state d. Requester module 2 then decides whether and, if necessary, which technical process should be implemented. If this is completed, it transitions to state e. Requester module 2 then starts the production process and transitions to state f. If production proceeds successfully, it transitions to state z. However, if production fails, it transitions to state y. Requester module 2 may also occupy this state if, for example, it receives a negative response from module 1 or if the evaluation of the proposed process yields a negative result. If the process is finished, the requester module 2 can accept and identify new tasks again.

[0071] Controller 20 can generate real-time values ​​based on the measurement data and control data of technical hardware 10 and communication data transmitted via external interface 22, which are then written to the information structure of OPC-UA server 28. This makes parameters of technical hardware 10, such as measurement values, control parameters, or predetermined values, available for access or communication. In the example of module 1, real-time values ​​could be, for example, the speed of motor 42 or the current temperature of reactor 30.

[0072] Furthermore, the controller 20 can generate real-time values ​​from the status of the state machines of the services provided by the controller 20 and the technical hardware 10. This allows the status of the technical hardware 10 (e.g., "running," "stopped," "waiting," "faulty," "heating"), or order schedules, busy times, wait schedules, etc., to be provided in the state machine of the respective module 1 for use in calls or communications. In the example of module 1, real-time values ​​could be, for example, the statuses "mixing" and "heating," or the availability or unavailability of a particular service. For example, if the heating rod 50 is replaced, the mixer 40 must also be provided.

[0073] Furthermore, the controller 20 can also generate real-time values ​​based on historical values ​​of the following data: measurement data of the technical hardware 10, control data, and communication data transmitted via the external interface 22, or the status of services provided by the controller 20 and the technical hardware 10. This allows real-time values ​​to be provided for call-ups or communications that take into account past or historical data or are calculated based on historical values. For example, the controller 60 can dynamically calculate and provide the next maintenance appointment for the technical hardware 10 based on the current load and past operating times at different load levels or the number of critical states of the technical hardware 10. If, for example, the mixer 40 can be operated at different speeds and powers via the motor 42, the duration of the module 1's availability can depend on the speed and power of past orders. If necessary, the motor 42 must be operated at a lower power or speed to achieve cooling under the current order.

[0074] In addition, the controller 20 can generate real-time values ​​by extrapolating the following data: measurement data of the technical hardware 10, control data and communication data transmitted via the external interface 22, or the status of services provided by the controller 20 and the technical hardware 10. The controller can also calculate and provide real-time values ​​for future extrapolation. For example, the controller can calculate and provide temperature curves, required maintenance or rest times under the current load, required future cooling phases, idle time slots, possible limitations on the maximum speed, etc. For extrapolation, the controller 20 can use different models. In this way, the controller 20 can, for example, only provide services under specific boundary conditions after the order is completed. For example, if the motor 42 is still heating up, the product stirring in the reactor 30 will only be carried out to a specific power of the motor 42 or to a specific speed or only for a limited duration.

[0075] Reference Signs List

[0076] 1 module

[0077] 2 Requester Module

[0078] 3 State Machine

[0079] 4 Management

[0080] 10 Technical Hardware

[0081] 20 Controller

[0082] 22 External Interface

[0083] 23 Management

[0084] 24, 26 I / O modules

[0085] 28 OPC-UA Server

[0086] 30 reactors

[0087] 32 Introduction tube

[0088] 34 discharge pipe

[0089] 36 Import flange

[0090] 38 Discharge flange

[0091] 40 blender

[0092] 42 motor

[0093] 50 heating rods

[0094] 52 Power Electronics

[0095] 62 Data Bus

[0096] 70, 80 other modules

[0097] 90 Technical Equipment

[0098] 130 Input Products

[0099] 140 Output Products

Claims

1. A module (1) for a technical device (90), comprising: Technical hardware (10), used to implement the technical sub-process; A controller (20) for locally controlling the technical hardware (10), wherein the controller (20) is configured to control the technical hardware (10) autonomously, The external interface (22) of the controller (20) The external interface (22) has a management layer (23), wherein the management layer (23) publishes at least one service related to an output product (140) of the module (1) via a network (62), and wherein the external interface (22) is configured to request at least one service related to an input product (130) of the module (1) via the network (62), The module further comprises a state machine, at least one state of which is published in the management layer (23), and wherein, The state of the state machine depends on the response to a request for a service related to an input product (130) of the module (1).

2. The module according to claim 1, wherein In the management layer (23), at least one service related to an output product (140) of the module (1) is published via a network (62) using standardized meta-information.

3. The module according to claim 1, wherein The external interface (22) is configured to request a service related to the input product (130) via a network (62) with the aid of standardized meta-information related to the input product (130).

4. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Module (1) is configured as follows: a. for processing the input product (130) and for outputting the output product (140); and / or b. for measuring a physical parameter of an input product (130) and / or an output product (140); and / or c. For physically storing the input product (130) and / or the output product (140).

5. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The technical hardware (10) is configured to generate an output product (140) from an input product (130), and the technical hardware (10) is further configured to modify the input product (130) in order to generate the output product (140) by: a. Change of chemical composition; and / or b. changing at least one physical property; and / or c. Supplementary materials; and / or d. Remove material.

6. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The management layer (23) includes static information about the technical hardware (10) and dynamic information as real-time values ​​of the technical hardware (10), wherein the real-time values ​​are generated by the controller (20).

7. The module according to claim 6, wherein: The controller (20) generates real-time values ​​from the following data: a. measurement data and / or control data of the technical hardware (10); and / or b. Communication data transmitted through external interfaces; and / or c. The state of the state machine relating to the services provided by the controller (20) and the technical hardware (10); and / or d. historical values ​​of measurement data and / or control data and / or states of a state machine of the technical hardware (10); and / or e. Extrapolation of measurement data and / or control data and / or communication data and / or states of a state machine of the technical hardware (10).

8. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The external interface (22) has an OPC-UA server (28) with a fixedly predetermined information structure into which the management layer (23) is mapped.

9. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The management layer (23) maps the information into the structure of a module type package, which contains all the information required for integrating the module into the technical device (90) in a structured form.

10. A system for carrying out a process by means of a technical device (90), the technical device comprising: a. A plurality of modules (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said modules being capable of implementing a sub-process of a technical process; b. a requester module (2) including an external interface having a management layer (4); and c. a network (62) connecting the module (1) and the requester module (2) to each other; in d. The requester module (2) can request services for the final product from the module (1) through the network (62).

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The requester module (2) has its own state machine (3); wherein in the first state of the state machine (3) Ⅰ. The requester module (2) requests the service for the final product from the module (1) via the network (62); Ⅱ. A first module (1, D), which provides services for finished products, requests at least one service for its input product from another module (1, A, B, C, G, K) via a network (62); Ⅲ. The second module (1, C), which provides at least one service for the input product of the first module as an output product, requests at least one service for its input product from the module (1, A, B, G, K) through the network, and IV. The requester module (2) receives a message from one of the modules (1) that the process is complete; And wherein, if the process is complete, the state machine (3) of the requester module (2) moves to a second state, wherein the process can be started in the second state.

12. The system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The requester module (2) provides at least one service containing a final product in its management layer (4).

13. The system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The module (1) generates an integrity message if each of its required input products for the process is applied in the "available" state on the management layer (23) of the module, and wherein the integrity message is transmitted from the generating module (1) to the requester module (2).

14. The system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The requester module (2) has a calculation unit (5) which is designed to carry out an evaluation of the planned process, wherein the evaluation result is a prerequisite for a transition from a first state of the state machine (3) to a second state of the state machine (3).

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein: The calculation unit (5) of the requester module (2) is designed to carry out an evaluation based on optimal calculations based on technical complexity.

16. A method for carrying out a technical process by means of a technical device, the technical device comprising a plurality of modules (1), at least one requester module (2) and a network (62), wherein: The module (1) has technical hardware (10) for implementing a technical sub-process and a controller (20) for local control of the technical hardware (10), wherein the controller (20) has an external interface (22) comprising a management layer (23), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. publishing at least one service related to the output product (140) of the respective module (1) via the network (62) through the management layer (23) of each module (1); b. requesting at least one service related to the input product (130) of the respective module (1) via the network (62) through the external interface (22) of each module (1); c. requesting at least one service for a final product via the network (62) through the requester module (2); d. Receive a process complete message from one of the modules (1) via the requester module (2).

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: e. implementing the evaluation of the planned technical process by the computing unit (5) of the requester module (2); and f. Start the process taking into account the evaluation results.

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