Method for the distributed calculation of computational tasks

A method for distributed calculation of calculation tasks by a plurality of field devices of an industrial plant, wherein the field devices are coupled to a task distribution device by a data link, and the field devices effect control of the industrial plant in an operating state in each case, the method comprising:

• receiving, by a field device of the field devices, signals from a sensor of the industrial plant, and performing the control by controlling an actuator of the industrial plant by processing the received signals using part of a total computing power of the field device;
• receiving, by the field device, a calculation task, of the calculation tasks, from the task distribution device, wherein the calculation task has no influence on the control of the industrial plant and no connection to the industrial plant;
• and
• changing, by the field device, to a calculation state in which the calculation task is processed,
• wherein the field device performs the calculation task using free computing power, which is a portion of the total computing power of the field device performing the control that is not required by the field device to perform the control of the industrial plant, and
• wherein the method further comprises providing, by the task distribution device, an interface for receiving new calculation tasks for the field devices, and maintaining, by the task distribution device, a queue for the new calculation tasks.