ActiveX objects
An ActiveX object is a software component that is created by a third-party vendor and provides functions that can be accessed by FactoryTalk View through the object’s properties, events, and methods. When you embed an ActiveX object on a FactoryTalk View display, and then assign properties or specify handlers for the object’s events, the object can interact with FactoryTalk View. Information is passed between an ActiveX object and FactoryTalk View through tags.
IMPORTANT:
The runtime behavior of ActiveX objects depends on the vendor's implementation. Test objects thoroughly before you run an application to ensure they behave as expected.
For example, if you want to use an ActiveX object that is a gauge with a needle indicator, you can change the gauge’s property that determines the position of the needle. After placing the gauge on a graphic display, assign an HMI tag to that property. At runtime, when the tag value changes, the position of the needle on the gauge changes.
- To pass information between FactoryTalk View and an ActiveX object, it must be in one of the formats used by HMI tags, that is, an analog or digital number, or a string.
- To define properties, events, or methods for an ActiveX object, select ActiveX Control from the Objects menu, or select Properties, Methods, or ActiveX Events from the Edit menu.
- To name an ActiveX object, use the Property Panel option on the object’s context menu and type a name for the object, or accept the default name. When you use the Invoke command to call a method, you need to specify the name of the object in which the method is implemented.
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