阅读说明：本技术 以简化的方式启动现场设备的方法 (Method for starting a field device in a simplified manner ) 是由 弗洛里安·帕拉蒂尼 埃里克·比格尔 塔尼娅·哈格 于 2018-11-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种使用操作单元(BE)启动自动化现场设备(FG)的方法,该自动化现场设备被附接到测量位置(MS)的部件(KO),特别是容器,该操作单元(BE)具有显示单元(AE)和相机(KA),其中,该方法具有以下步骤：使用操作单元(BE)识别现场设备(FG)；使用现场设备(FG)的识别来确定现场设备(FG)的待设置的参数；使用相机(KA)检测部件(KO)的至少一部分的几何数据(H、L)；分析检测到的几何形状(H、L)并使用对检测到的几何形状(H,L)的分析导出至少一个待设置的参数的至少一个参数值；确认计算出的参数值；以及将经确认的参数值发送到现场设备(FG)并将该参数值存储在现场设备(FG)中。(The invention relates to a method for activating an automated field device (FG) which is attached to a component (KO), in particular a container, of a measuring location (MS) using an operator control unit (BE) which has a display unit (AE) and a camera (KA), wherein the method has the steps of identifying the field device (FG) using the operator control unit (BE), determining a parameter to BE set of the field device (FG) using the identification of the field device (FG), detecting geometric data (H, L) of at least one part of the component (KO) using the camera (KA), analyzing the detected geometric shape (H, L) and deriving at least one parameter value of the at least one parameter to BE set using the analysis of the detected geometric shape (H, L), ascertaining the calculated parameter value, and sending the ascertained parameter value to the field device (FG) and storing the parameter value in the field device (FG).)

1. Method for starting up an automation field device (FG) which is mounted on a component (KO), in particular on a container, at a measuring location (MS) by means of a service unit (BE), wherein the service unit (BE) has a display unit (AE) and a camera (KA), comprising:

-identifying the field device (FG) by means of the service unit (BE);

-determining parameters to be set of the field device (FG) based on the identification of the field device (FG);

-recording geometrical data (H, L) of at least a part of the component (KO) by means of the camera (KA);

-analyzing the recorded geometries (H, L) and deriving at least one parameter value for at least one of the parameters to be set by means of the analysis of the recorded geometries (H, L);

-validating the calculated parameter value; and

-transmitting the validated parameter values into the field device (FG) and storing the parameter values in the field device (FG).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a reference geometry is recorded by means of the camera (KA), wherein the reference geometry has a defined length in at least one dimension, wherein based on the reference geometry a three-dimensional polygon network is created.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional polygon network is used in order to measure the geometrical data (H, L) recorded by the cameras (KA).

4. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein for analyzing the recorded geometry (H, L) further geometry data are taken into account which supplement the recorded geometry data (H, L) and in particular relate to parts of the component (KO) which cannot be recorded by the camera (KA).

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the additional geometric data are stored in the field device (FG) and read out from the field device (FG).

6. Method according to claim 4, wherein the additional geometric data is stored in and read out of a database, in particular a cloud-enabled database.

7. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a three-dimensional Visualization Model (VM) of at least a part of the component (KO) is created while analyzing the recorded geometric data (H, L) or the additional geometric data.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the field of view of the operator (BD) is shown on the display unit (AE) and the Visualization Model (VM) is at least partially superimposed on a component (KO) on the field of view displayed by the display unit (AE).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the display unit (BE) displays continuously updated images recorded by the camera (KA) as the field of view of the operator (BD), and wherein the Visualization Model (VM) is at least partially superimposed on the component (KO) of the displayed image on the display unit (AE).

10. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a container is used as a component (KO) of the measuring location (MS), wherein a fill-level measuring device is used as a field device (FG), which fill-level measuring device operates according to a contactless measuring method, in particular according to the ultrasonic measuring principle, according to the pulse propagation time measuring principle, or according to the FMCW measuring principle, in order to determine the fill level (h) of a filling substance (F L) in the container (KO).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein parameter values for the parameters to be set with respect to the linearization table of the field device (FG) and the obstacle distance are derived from the geometric data (H, L).

12. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein it is smart glasses that are used as service units (BE).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the method step of confirming the calculated parameter value is performed by means of gesture control.

14. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a mobile terminal device is used as a service unit (BE).

15. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the ascertained parameter values are transmitted to the field device (FG) by means of a radio connection, in particular bluetooth.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for starting a field device of an automation technology by means of a service unit, which is mounted on a component at a measuring location, in particular on a container, wherein the service unit has a display unit and a camera.

Background

Known from the prior art are field devices used in industrial plants. Field devices are often used in automation technology and in manufacturing automation. In principle, all devices that are used in the vicinity of the process and that deliver or process-related information are referred to as field devices. Thus, field devices are used to record and/or affect process variables. Used for recording process variables are measuring devices using sensors. These measuring devices are used, for example, for pressure and temperature measurements, conductivity measurements, flow measurements, pH measurements, fill level measurements, etc., and record corresponding process variables, pressure, temperature, conductivity, pH value, fill level, flow, etc. Used to affect the process variable are actuators. These actuators are, for example, pumps or valves which may influence the flow of liquid in a tube or the filling level in a container. In addition to the measurement devices and actuators described above, also known as field devices are remote I/O, radio adapters, and devices that are typically arranged at the field level.

For the filling level measurement of the filling substance in the container, non-contact measurement methods have proven themselves advantageous, since they are robust and require low maintenance costs. In this case, "container" within the scope of the present invention also refers to an open container, such as a vat, lake or ocean or a flowing body of water. Another advantage of non-contact measurement methods is their ability to continuously measure fill levels. Thus, in the field of continuous fill level measurement, ultrasound or radar-based measurement methods are mainly applied (in the context of the present invention, the term ultrasound refers to sound waves with a frequency range between 14kHz and 1GHz, while the term "radar" refers to signals or electromagnetic waves with a frequency between 0.03GHz and 300 GHz).

In ultrasonic or radar-based filling level measurement, the pulse propagation time measurement principle is a well-established measurement principle. In this case, ultrasonic or microwave pulses are cyclically transmitted as a measurement signal in the direction of the filling material, and the propagation time until the corresponding echo pulse is received is measured. Based on this measurement principle, the fill-level measuring device can be realized with relatively low circuit complexity. For example, in published specification DE 102012104858 a1, a radar-based fill level measuring device is described, which operates according to the pulse transit time method. An ultrasound-based satellite is described in patent EP 1480021B 1.

FMCW ("frequency modulated continuous wave") radar can also be used as a measuring principle for radar-based fill level measurement, when more complex circuit techniques are acceptable. An example of a typical structure of an FMCW-based fill level measuring device is shown in the publication DE 102013108490 a 1.

The measurement principle of the ranging method based on FMCW radar consists in continuously transmitting a radar-based measurement signal at a modulation frequency. In this case, the frequency of the measurement signal is located in a fixed frequency band in the region of the normalized center frequency. FMCW is characterized in that the transmission frequency is not constant but varies periodically within a defined frequency band. In this case, the variation with time is linear and has a saw-tooth or triangular shape according to the standard. In principle, however, sinusoidal variations can also be used. In contrast to the pulse transit time method, in the case of the FMCW method, the distance or fill level is determined on the basis of the instantaneous frequency difference between the currently received reflected measurement signal and the instantaneously transmitted measurement signal.

In the case of each of the above-described measuring principles (ultrasound, pulse radar and FMCW) for determining the filling level on the basis of the received reflected measuring signal, the corresponding measuring curve is recorded. In the case of the application of ultrasound, the measurement curve corresponds substantially directly to the amplitude of the reflected measurement signal as a function of time. In contrast, in the case of the method based on pulsed radar, due to the higher pulse frequency, a measurement curve is created by undersampling the reflected measurement signal. Thus, the measurement curve is a time stretched version of the actual reflected measurement signal. In the case of the implementation of the FMCW method, a measurement curve is created by mixing the instantaneously transmitted measurement signal with the reflected measurement signal. In all cases, however, the measurement curve represents the amplitude of the reflected measurement signal as a function of the measurement distance.

The Enaddress + Hauser group company produces and sells a large number of such field devices.

A field device placed in a new application of a process device, or a replacement field device replacing an old or defective field device of an application, must be specifically adapted to the specific application of the field device at the measurement location when it is started. To this end, these field devices are configured and parameterized during or after their production. This configuration describes, on the one hand, a hardware configuration, for example the flange material of the flowmeter, and, on the other hand, also a software configuration. Parameterization refers to the definition and establishment of parameters by means of which the operation of the field device is set to specific characteristics of the application, for example the measured medium.

Depending on the type of field device, the field device may have hundreds of different parameters that are assigned parameter values at startup, for example, a linearization table may be entered that represents piecewise approximations between measured physical measurement variables and measurement values output by the field device. Today, parameterization of field devices is performed by means of software tools. The entry of parameter values is based on text only and it is assumed that the operator is technically aware of this.

In the case of a fill level measuring device, it is mandatory to use a so-called envelope curve module for the start-up of the fill level measuring device. In this case, a graph showing the above measurement curve is used. However, such a measurement curve shows disturbing reflections in addition to the actual reflection signal on the filling mass. The filling level measuring device is usually fixed to the container in such a way that it is at a distance from the container wall. Thus, the measurement signal first travels a certain distance, after which it is free to travel in the container. This distance, called the obstacle distance, must be taken into account to evaluate the measurement curve. Again, this requires a technical understanding of the operator in this regard.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on the above, it was an object of the present invention to provide a method which also enables a technically inexperienced operator to perform a reliable start-up of a field device.

This object is achieved by a method for starting a field device of an automation technology by means of a service unit, which is mounted on a component at a measuring location, in particular on a container, wherein the service unit has a display unit and a camera, comprising:

-identifying the field device by means of the service unit;

determining the parameters to be set of the field device by means of the identification of the field device;

-recording geometrical data of at least a part of the component by means of a camera;

-analyzing the recorded geometries and deriving at least one parameter value for at least one of the parameters to be set by means of the analysis of the recorded geometries;

-validating the calculated parameter value; and

-transmitting the confirmed parameter value to the field device and storing the parameter value in the field device.

By means of the method according to the invention, the operator is supported in a simple manner during the start-up of the field device, and the service unit automatically determines the parameter values of certain parameters during the start-up of the field device. After the field device is identified, the parameters to be set in the field device are automatically downloaded. To this end, a database is provided in the service unit, which database contains the parameters to be set for a plurality of field device types. Alternatively, the service unit is connected by means of an internet connection to an external database (in particular a cloud-enabled database) which stores the parameters to be set for a plurality of field device types.

Identification of the field device can occur in different ways. In the simplest case, the operator selects the field device type of the field device from a list, which is displayed on the display unit of the service unit. Then, the parameters to be set are downloaded from the database. Alternatively, the identification data are read out from the field device, in particular by means of a radio connection (in particular bluetooth or Wi-Fi) between the field device and the service unit. Another option is to identify the field device optically. For this purpose, the field device is recorded by means of a camera and the defined geometry contained in the database is checked. Optical identification of a field device may also include reading an optical code, such as a barcode or QR code, that is visible on the field device.

The camera of the service unit then records the geometric data of the component. For example, in the case of a vessel, the dimensions of the component are recorded, for example its width, height and depth, and/or when the flow meter is placed on the pipeline, the pipe diameter and/or the inlet and outlet lengths to and from the flow meter. The service unit analyzes the recorded geometric data and compares these recorded geometric data with known geometric data. These known geometric data may also be contained in the database. In the comparison, those parameters are determined, the parameter values of which can be calculated from the recorded geometric data. The calculation of the parameter values is based on one or more algorithms implemented in the service unit. The known parameter values contained in the database and linked to the known geometry data may represent starting values/boundary conditions for the calculation. The calculated parameter values are then suggested to the operator.

The operator then reviews the suggested parameter values and confirms one or more of the suggested parameter values. The operator is provided with the opportunity to change the suggested parameter values in the given situation. The ascertained parameter values are then transmitted from the service unit to the field device in such a way that the field device is parameterized with the input parameter values.

The field devices mentioned in connection with the method of the invention have been named, for example, in the introductory part of the description. The method of the invention is applicable to all types of field devices and is not limited to, for example, fill level measuring devices.

From the literature, the S L AM problem ("simultaneous localization and mapping") is known, which refers to a robotics problem, in which case a mobile robot must simultaneously create a map of its surroundings and estimate its position in this map.

For this purpose, the camera is moved around the reference geometry, or the angle of view from the camera to the reference geometry is slightly changed by means of a small movement. This first step can be omitted using a stereo camera. Alternatively, a depth camera that performs this step independently may be used. Then, a three-dimensional image of the geometric shape is created in the form of a polygonal network. The defined length of at least one of the dimensions of the reference geometry is reported to the service unit, whereby the service unit calculates the defined distance between the meshes of the polygon network. By supplementing or adding a polygon network, the spatial size and location of the service unit in three-dimensional space can be determined.

In a preferred further development of the method of the invention, provision is made for a three-dimensional polygon network to be used in order to measure the geometric data recorded by the camera. Since the service unit knows the mesh size of the three-dimensional polygon network, any geometry can be recorded and measured. The method has high accuracy. In connection with the method according to the invention, the dimensions of the component, in particular the measuring location, or a plurality of components which are likewise fixed in the measuring location, are measured.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided that for the analysis of the recorded geometric shape, further geometric data are taken into account which supplement the recorded geometric data and in particular relate to parts of the component which cannot be recorded by the camera. These additional geometric data are recorded or created, for example, during the planning of the plant, in particular the measurement positions of the plant. Of interest here are, for example, portions of the component that are located inside the component and cannot be recorded by an optical camera that cannot see through the walls of the component. In the case of containers, attention is paid to, for example, pipes, pipe connections, stirring mechanisms, etc., which are located inside the container. However, certain parts of the field device are also of interest.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is made for the additional geometric data to be stored in the field device and read out from the field device.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, provision is made for the additional geometric data to be stored in a database, in particular a cloud-capable database, and read out from the database. In this case, it can be the same database used for identifying the field device, determining the parameters to be set and/or comparing the recorded geometric data with known geometric data. Alternatively, this is a different independent database.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is made for a three-dimensional visualization model of at least a part of the component to be created while analyzing the recorded geometric data or the additional geometric data. This visualization model represents the part or a portion of the part in 3D.

An advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention provides that the field of view of the operator is shown on a display unit and that the visualization model is at least partially superimposed on the component on the field of view shown by the display unit. In the case of additional geometric data, more details of the component are apparent to the operator, especially with respect to the interior of the component, and are then visible to the naked eye.

A display unit of the service unit displays a current field of view of the operator. In the simplest case, the display unit is a combined transparent glass with a projector. The operator looks through the glass. The ambient environment viewed through the glass is called the field of view. The projector is implemented to project a projection onto the glass that is visible to the operator. The visualization model is then superimposed on the operator's current field of view. The visualization model is positioned over the operator's field of view in such a way that it is superimposed on the image of the location where the part or part of the part is located. If the position of the camera changes relative to the part measuring the position, the image displayed on the display unit changes accordingly. However, the visualization model remains at the specified location of the part and "migrates" or rotates accordingly depending on the displacement of the part on the image. Furthermore, provision can be made for written material to be added to the geometric data displayed in the visualization model. This gives, for example, the name of the identified structure and/or the length unit of the recorded geometry.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, provision is made for the display unit to display the continuously updated images recorded by the camera as the field of view of the operator, and wherein the visualization model is at least partially superimposed on the components of the images displayed on the display unit. The display unit of the service unit displays the real-time image recorded by the camera. The operator points the service unit at the measuring location in such a way that the components of the measuring location are recorded by the camera. The visualization model is superimposed on the current real-time image of the camera. The method is also suitable for service units which do not have transparent glass but instead have a conventional display as display unit.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, provision is made for the container to be used as a component of the measuring station, wherein a fill-level measuring device is used as a field device, which fill-level measuring device operates according to a contactless measuring method, in particular according to the principle of ultrasonic measurement, according to the principle of pulse propagation time measurement or according to the principle of FMCW measurement, in order to determine the fill level of the container with the substance. These types of field devices have been described in the introductory part of the description. Instead of a fill level measuring device, any other type of field device may be used. However, the following examples relate to a fill level measuring device and typical parameters of a fill level measuring device. In the case of other field device types, these parameters are not present and other parameter types are set in the given case.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is made for parameter values of the parameters to be set to be derived from the geometric data with respect to the linearization chart of the field device and the obstacle distance. Linearization charts represent piecewise approximations of the relationship between a physical measurement variable and a measurement value output by a field device, and are required in almost any field device type, not just in fill level measurement devices. The obstacle distance refers to the distance the measuring signal travels before it can radiate freely into the container. The obstacle is determined to be a zero point on the distance axis defining the measurement curve.

In a first variant of the method of the invention, smart glasses are used as the service unit, such smart glasses having a screen displaying the image recorded by the camera, to the operator, it appears as if the image recorded by the camera was recorded by the eyes of the operator.

In a preferred embodiment of the first variant of the method of the invention, the method step of specifying the validation of the calculated parameter value is carried out by means of gesture control. The service unit displays the calculated parameter values as symbols and superimposes them on the image recorded by the camera. The operator points at the symbol by hand, or touches the symbol. In this case, the camera records the position of the hand. By utilizing the hand-defined motion/gesture, the parameter values may be confirmed and/or the symbols may be shifted.

In a second variant of the method of the invention, a mobile terminal device is used as the service unit. For example, a smartphone or tablet, or even a laptop, with a webcam that can record the surrounding environment in the opposite direction to the operator is suitable for this. The selection of the symbol, the confirmation of the parameter value and/or the displacement of the symbol is carried out by means of an input device of the mobile terminal device, for example by means of a touch screen, by means of a keyboard input and/or by means of an input via a mouse.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is made for the ascertained parameter values to be transmitted to the field device by means of a radio connection, in particular bluetooth. Instead of bluetooth, any radio connection may be used, such as Wi-Fi or Zigbee. Alternatively, the parameter values may be transmitted indirectly to the field device. For this purpose, the parameter values are not sent on the direct path to the field devices, but rather from the service unit to other devices than the field devices, for example to a control station of the plant, to another field device, to another service unit, etc., from where the parameter values are then transmitted into the field devices.

Drawings

The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of the accompanying drawings, the only figures of which are as follows:

fig. 1 is an example of an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 shows that measuring location MS. of a process automation plant measuring location MS is composed of a container KO in which a fill substance F L is held, fill substance F L is a fluid-like medium or bulk material, in order to monitor the fill level h of fill substance F L in container KO, a field device FG. in the form of a contactless fill level measuring device is mounted on container KO, the fill level h of fill substance F L is measured by the field device, which transmits a measuring signal MS. measuring signal MS reflected on the surface of fill substance F L, the reflected signal RS is received by field device FG and processed, the fill level h of fill substance F L can be determined on the basis of a characteristic variable of reflected signal RS, for example, on the basis of the duration of time between the transmission of measuring signal MS and the reception of reflected signal RS.

For start-up, the field device FG has to be parameterized. Conventionally, the parameterization of the field device FG, i.e. the assignment of parameter values for a particular parameter, is done on a text basis by means of the service unit BE. However, for this reason, the operator BD may require thorough technical knowledge.

The method of the invention, which will be explained in more detail below, facilitates the start-up of the field device FG, in particular for inexperienced users/operators BD.

After the field device FG has been installed on the container KO, the operator BD connects his service unit BE (here in the form of smart glasses) to the field device FG, which connection takes place wirelessly, for example via bluetooth (L E) or Wi-Fi.

In a subsequent method step, the operator BD points the camera KA of the service unit BE at the measuring position MS. The service units BE define a three-dimensional polygonal network based on a reference geometry in at least one dimension having a defined length known to the service units BE and being, for example, mounted on or part of the field device FG. By means of this three-dimensional polygon network, the camera KA or the service unit BE is able to measure objects recorded by the camera KA.

In the present case, the camera KA records the height H of the container KO and the length L of the nozzle by means of which the field device FG is connected to the container KO.

These recorded variables, which are referred to below as geometry data H, L, are compared by the service unit BE with known geometry data stored in the above-mentioned database, in the course of the comparison those parameters of the field device FG are determined, the parameter values of which can BE calculated on the basis of the recorded geometry data H, L.

The calculation of the parameter values is performed based on one or more algorithms implemented in the service unit BE. The known parameter values contained in the database linked with the known geometry data may be starting values/boundary conditions for the calculation. The calculated parameter values are then suggested to the operator BD.

From the height H, the service unit may determine minimum and maximum values of the fill level of the fill material F L.

The length L of the nozzle is used as geometrical data in the determination of the value of the parameter relative to the distance of the obstacle from the length L, the service unit can determine the signal SIG at the measurement_MThe path/distance that can be traveled before free irradiation in the container KO.

The suggested parameter values are displayed to the operator BD on the display unit AE. In a given case, the operator BD may modify the calculated parameter values and then perform a confirmation. The ascertained parameter values are then transmitted from the service unit BE to the field device FG in such a way that the field device FG is parameterized with the input parameter values.

It may happen that not all relevant geometry data H, L can BE recorded by the camera KA, in which case the service unit BE may retrieve other geometry data from the database, which relates to parts of the container that cannot BE seen, for example data of parts/components located inside the container KO.

The service unit then uses these additional geometry data to create a three-dimensional visualization model VM for the connection of the pipeline. The visualization model provides a 3D representation of the connections to the pipeline. The current real-time image recorded by the camera KA is shown on the display unit AE of the service unit. The visualization model VM is integrated in the real-time image in such a way that the visualization model is superimposed on the container at a suitable position on the real-time image.

For this purpose, the operator BD points the service unit BE at the measuring position MS in such a way that the container KO is recorded by the camera KA. The visualization model VM is superimposed on the current real-time image of the camera at the connection location of the pipeline. In this case, the walls of the container KO are practically transparent. Thus, the operator BD can see the components inside the container. If the position of the camera KA changes relative to the container, the image displayed on the display unit AE changes accordingly. However, the visualization model VM remains in the specified position of the container and "walks" or rotates accordingly depending on the displacement of the container KO in the image.

Furthermore, it may be provided to add written material to the geometric data and to display it in the visualization model VM. These display, for example, the name of the identified structure and/or the length units of the recorded geometry.

Also by means of the additional geometry data, parameter values for other parameters can BE calculated by means of the service unit BE.

Instead of smart glasses, the mobile terminal device can also BE used as a service unit BE. For example, a smart phone or tablet, or even a laptop with a webcam, is suitable for this purpose. The selection of the symbol, the confirmation of the parameter value and/or the displacement of the symbol is carried out by means of an input device of the mobile terminal device, for example by means of a touch screen, by means of a keyboard input and/or by means of an input via a mouse.

The method of the invention is applicable to all field device types and is not limited to, for example, fill level measuring devices. The example shown in fig. 1, however, relates to a filling level measuring device and provides parameters to be set, which are generally typical parameters of a filling level measuring device. In the case of other field device types, these parameters are not present and other parameter types are set in the given case.

List of reference marks

AE display unit

BD operator

BE service unit

FG field device

F L filling material

H, L geometric data

KA camera

KO position measuring part

MS measuring position

SIG_MMeasuring signal

SIG_RReflected signal

VM visualization model