Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View Machine Edition Users Guide - Manual (Page 336)

F ACTORY T ALK V IEW M ACHINE E DITION U SER ’ S G UIDE
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FactoryTalk View also supports the use of ActiveX objects—third-party software
components that you can use to control processes and display information. The ActiveX
objects available depend on which third-party applications are installed on your
development computer. For example, products such as Microsoft Visual Basic, Rockwell
Automation, and Microsoft Office provide ActiveX objects that are configurable in
FactoryTalk View Studio.
Use the tables
The tables beginning on the next page will help you choose which objects to use to control
your application, machines, and process. The tables group the objects according to
function, provide an overview of what each object does, and list cross-references to more
detailed information about using the objects.
About connections
Many of the objects use connections to interact with the data source. A connection is the
link between the object and the data source. Depending on an object’s function, the object
may have more than one connection. For example, a Momentary push button has a Value
connection and an Indicator connection. The Value connection is used to set a value at the
data source, and the Indicator connection is used to show the data source value in your
graphic display.
By assigning tags or expressions to an object’s connections, you control the flow of data
between the application and the data source, which in turn controls your process or
machines. Assign tags or expressions to an object’s connections in the Connections tab of
the object’s Properties dialog box (see page 20-27) or in the Connections tab of the
Property Panel (see page 20-30).