DE102014109612B4 - Method for monitoring and / or controlling and / or maintaining field devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for monitoring and / or controlling and / or servicing field devices (1) in a potentially explosive area (2) of an automation system (3) by means of a portable computer (4) with wireless communication means (5), the method comprising the following steps: Synchronizing the portable computer (4) with a database system (6) via the wireless communication means (5) outside the potentially explosive area (2) of the automation system (3), wherein at least one serial number of the field device (1), geographical coordinates of the field device ( 1) and service instructions for the field device (1) are provided on the portable computer (4); - Disabling the wireless communication means (5) of the portable computer (4) outside the hazardous area (2) of the automation system (3); Carrying out a service operation in the potentially explosive area (2) of the automation system (3), wherein at least between an order selection mode (7), a navigation mode (8) and a maintenance and documentation mode (9) of the portable computer (4) is switched over and information intended for each mode (7, 8, 9) is displayed on a head-up display (10) connected to the portable computer (4); - Activation of the wireless communication means (5) of the portable computer (4) outside the hazardous area (2) of the automation system (3); - Resynchronization of the database system with the portable computer (4) via the wireless communication means (5) outside the hazardous area (2) of the automation system (3), wherein any changes that have been performed in the service operation on the database system (6) are provided.

Description

The invention relates to a method for monitoring and / or checking and / or servicing field devices in a potentially explosive area of an automation system.

Automation systems such as those used in automation technology, for example, for monitoring and / or controlling a process, usually consist of a variety of system components.

Examples of such plant components are field devices, such as level gauges, mass flowmeters, pressure and temperature measuring devices, etc., which detect the corresponding process variables level, flow, pressure and temperature of the process as sensors.

To influence process variables, field devices are actuators (eg, valves, pumps, etc.) that can be used, for example. B. allow to change the flow of a liquid in a pipe section or the level in a container.

A variety of such field devices is manufactured and sold by the company Endress + Hauser.

Another example of such plant components are process control systems.

In general, field devices or system components via fieldbus systems (Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, HART, etc.) with higher-level units, eg. B. control systems or control units connected. These are used for process control, process visualization, process monitoring or commissioning of the field devices. Often, such devices or field devices are located in potentially explosive areas and are subject to special rules of explosion protection. Explosion protection should be understood to mean measures for the protection of explosion hazards. So in that sense, preventing the ignition of the dangerous explosive atmosphere.

The flawless functioning of the field devices or all system components connected to a fieldbus system is of crucial importance for a smooth and safe process flow. Disruptions to the process due to events on individual plant components can cause significant costs if they are not operational for a long time due to the event.

Such events may be, for example, an error message, a malfunction, a warning and / or a trend of a process variable or a field device-specific variable.

In the event of such an event, service must be performed on the appropriate field device. This requires device-specific information (blueprints, pictures, 3D models of the device, descriptions, animations, maintenance reports, etc.) on the field device on site, ie on the field device in the potentially explosive area.

From the prior art is the DE 10 2007 041 240 A1 which discloses a method for improving a diagnostic function of a field device which is connected to a higher-level unit via a field bus and which generates diagnostic information with respect to the field device and / or with respect to at least one other field device connected to the field bus.

Also is the DE 10 2007 034 634 A1 A method for exchanging maintenance-relevant information relating to a field device with a computer-aided maintenance system, which manages maintenance-relevant information with respect to the field device in a database, using a mobile, hand-portable device (US Pat. 10 ), which has an interface for wireless Internet access.

From the DE 100 06 126 A1 For example, a portable computer for use in a process control environment to provide improved support in a process control environment has become known.

Furthermore, from the DE 198 24 609 A1 a mobile measuring system that detects substances in explosive areas (Ex areas) of fluids and exchanges these measurements in online operation with a terminal outside the Ex areas via radio, has become known.

The invention is therefore based on the object to allow access to device-specific information on the field device in potentially explosive areas.

• – Synchronisieren des tragbaren Computers mit einem Datenbanksystem über die drahtlosen Kommunikationsmittel außerhalb des explosionsgefährdeten Bereiches der Automatisierungsanlage, wobei beim Synchronisieren zumindest eine Seriennummer des Feldgerätes, geographische Koordinaten des Feldgerätes und Serviceanleitungen für das Feldgerät auf dem tragbaren Computer bereitgestellt werden;
• – Deaktivierung der drahtlosen Kommunikationsmittel des tragbaren Computers außerhalb des explosionsgefährdeten Bereiches der Automatisierungsanlage;
• – Durchführung eines Serviceeinsatzes in dem explosionsgefährdeten Bereich der Automatisierungsanlage, wobei zur Durchführung des Serviceeinsatzes zumindest zwischen einem Auftragsauswahlmodus, einem Navigationsmodus und einem Wartungs- und Dokumentationsmodus des tragbaren Computers umgeschaltet wird und Informationen, die für den jeweiligen Modus bestimmt sind, auf einem Head-Up-Display, das mit dem tragbaren Computer verbunden ist, angezeigt werden;
• – Aktivierung der drahtlosen Kommunikationsmittel des tragbaren Computers außerhalb des explosionsgefährdeten Bereiches der Automatisierungsanlage;
• – Nachsynchronisierung des Datenbanksystems mit dem tragbaren Computer über die drahtlosen Kommunikationsmittel außerhalb des explosionsgefährdeten Bereiches der Automatisierungsanlage, wobei etwaige Änderungen die bei dem Serviceeinsatz durchgeführt wurden auf dem Datenbanksystem bereitgestellt werden.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method for monitoring and / or checking and / or servicing field devices in a potentially explosive area of an automation system by means of a portable computer with wireless communication means, the method providing the following steps:

• Synchronizing the portable computer with a database system via the wireless communication means outside the hazardous area of the automation system, wherein at least one serial number of the field device, geographical Coordinates of the field device and service instructions for the field device are provided on the portable computer;
• Deactivation of the wireless communication means of the portable computer outside the potentially explosive area of the automation system;
• - Carrying out a service operation in the hazardous area of the automation system, which is switched to perform the service use at least between a job selection mode, a navigation mode and a maintenance and documentation mode of the portable computer and information that is intended for each mode on a head-up Display connected to the portable computer;
• - Activation of the wireless communication means of the portable computer outside the hazardous area of the automation system;
• - Resynchronization of the database system with the portable computer via the wireless communication means outside the hazardous area of the automation system, with any changes that were performed in the service operation are provided on the database system.

The purpose of the invention is to allow a user the hands-free view of device-specific information in an explosion protection system or in a hazardous area. The device-specific information can, for example. originated from the free Internet-segregated central plant asset management server. In this case, the retrieval of the required data via synchronization with a computer, which is located in the corresponding network and has a connection to the Plant Asset Management server, as well as directly from the portable computer via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection to the Plant -Asset management network from any mobile network or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) done.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the control of the portable computer is performed via gestures of a user and / or pressing at least one push-button of the portable computer. In particular, the embodiment provides that a manual switchover between order selection mode, the navigation mode and the maintenance and documentation mode via manual operation by gestures or pressing the at least one push button.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the synchronization and / or the post-synchronization is performed via a VPN connection.

Yet another advantageous embodiment provides that a camera, in particular a camera with gooseneck, which is connected to the portable computer, a scan of an optical identification feature, in particular a barcode, for identifying the field device, which is navigated in the navigation mode performed becomes. In particular, it is provided that, in the case of a successful identification, an automatic switchover from the navigation mode to the maintenance and documentation mode is carried out. In particular, it is provided that a video and / or audio recording is performed via the camera during the service use and the video and / or audio recording is provided in the dubbing on the database system.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that can be set by the user of the portable computer, in which area which information should be displayed on the head-up display. In particular, this embodiment provides that it is freely configurable, which information in which area of the head-up display ( 10 ) are displayed.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings.

It shows:

1 : a schematic representation of an automation system,

2 : a side view of a helmet with a head-up display,

3 FIG. 3: a cross section of the helmet construction with hardware components, FIG.

4 : a field of view (and division into sectors) of the head-up display as seen by a user,

5 : a demo view of the field of view in job selection mode,

6 : a demo view of the field of view in navigation mode, and

7 : a demo view of the field of view in maintenance and documentation mode.

1 shows a schematic representation of an automation system 3 comprising several field devices 1 that have a bus system 25 (in 1 not shown) with a higher-level unit 13 are connected. An example is a part of the field devices 1a in a hazardous area 2 shown. This hazardous area 2 is in 1 indicated by a dashed box. The method according to the invention is intended in particular for monitoring and / or checking and / or servicing the field devices 1a in the hazardous area 2 the automation system 3 by means of a portable computer 4 , with wireless communication 5 , by a user 11 Find application. Partly for the sake of the provision, partly for its own sake, to ensure the greatest possible security, as well as to be able to use the invention in all systems, the portable computer 4 For example, in an existing DIN industrial helmet, in which the visor as a head-up display 10 serves to be integrated. The visor can be either a transparent display or a specially prepared for this purpose projection screen.

• – Synchronisieren des tragbaren Computers 4 mit einem Datenbanksystem 6 über die drahtlosen Kommunikationsmittel 5 außerhalb des explosionsgefährdeten Bereiches 2 der Automatisierungsanlage 3, wobei beim Synchronisieren zumindest eine Seriennummer des Feldgerätes 1, geographische Koordinaten des Feldgerätes 1 und Serviceanleitungen für das Feldgerät 1 auf dem tragbaren Computer 4 bereitgestellt werden;
• – Deaktivierung der drahtlosen Kommunikationsmittel 5 des tragbaren Computers 4 außerhalb des explosionsgefährdeten Bereiches 2 der Automatisierungsanlage 3;
• – Durchführung eines Serviceeinsatzes in dem explosionsgefährdeten Bereich 2 der Automatisierungsanlage 3, wobei zur Durchführung des Serviceeinsatzes zumindest zwischen einem Auftragsauswahlmodus 7, einem Navigationsmodus 8 und einem Wartungs- und Dokumentationsmodus 9 des tragbaren Computers 4 umgeschaltet wird und Informationen, die für den jeweiligen Modus 7, 8, 9 bestimmt sind, auf einem Head-Up-Display 10, das mit dem tragbaren Computer 4 verbunden ist, angezeigt werden;
• – Aktivierung der drahtlosen Kommunikationsmittel 5 des tragbaren Computers 4 außerhalb des explosionsgefährdeten Bereiches 2 der Automatisierungsanlage 3;
• – Nachsynchronisierung des Datenbanksystems 6 mit dem tragbaren Computer 4 über die drahtlosen Kommunikationsmittel 5 außerhalb des explosionsgefährdeten Bereiches 2 der Automatisierungsanlage 3, wobei etwaige Änderungen die bei dem Serviceeinsatz durchgeführt wurden auf dem Datenbanksystem 6 bereitgestellt werden.

The portable computer 4 in the form of a helmet communicates over the wireless communication means 5 with a database system 6 , eg a Plant Asset Management System (PAM). Typically, the wireless communication (in 1 indicated by the curved lines) for synchronization and / or for synchronization via a VPN connection. Thus, the method according to the invention can be carried out as follows:

• - Synchronize the portable computer 4 with a database system 6 over the wireless communication media 5 outside the potentially explosive area 2 the automation system 3 , wherein during synchronization at least one serial number of the field device 1 , geographic coordinates of the field device 1 and service instructions for the field device 1 on the portable computer 4 to be provided;
• Deactivation of the wireless communication means 5 of the portable computer 4 outside the potentially explosive area 2 the automation system 3 ;
• - Carrying out a service in the hazardous area 2 the automation system 3 wherein at least between a job selection mode to perform the service 7 , a navigation mode 8th and a maintenance and documentation mode 9 of the portable computer 4 is switched and information for each mode 7 . 8th . 9 are determined on a head-up display 10 that with the portable computer 4 is displayed;
• - Activation of the wireless communication means 5 of the portable computer 4 outside the potentially explosive area 2 the automation system 3 ;
• - Resynchronization of the database system 6 with the portable computer 4 over the wireless communication media 5 outside the potentially explosive area 2 the automation system 3 , with any changes made to the service on the database system 6 to be provided.

In the other figures, the portable computer 4 further illustrated. This shows 2 a side view of the helmet with the visor 16 is designed as a head-up display. The helmet is, as already mentioned, a DIN industrial helmet 14 , the at least one printhead 15 and a touchpad 17 or touch display. By means of the push button 15 and the touchpad 17 lets take control of the portable computer 4 about gestures of the user 11 and / or pressing the at least one push button 15 carry out.

In 3 is a cross-section of the helmet construction with hardware components shown. It is in the helmet area 22 an accumulator 19 , a computing unit 18 and projector means 20 to display the information on the head-up display 10 integrated. As helmet area 22 is the area between the helmet outer shell and the helmet inner shell to understand.

In addition to these hardware components, other components such. B. Bluetooth module, GSM module, gyrosensor and acceleration sensors needed, which are located near the processor unit. Furthermore, located at the front of the helmet 14 in the middle a forward facing camera 12 , as well as a microphone (in 3 not shown). Alternatively, a swan camera attached to the helmet 14 be connected. The design of the electronic hardware of the helmet 14 with the head-up display 10 is designed in accordance with standard EN 60079.

The software operating concept of the portable computer 4 is divided into three operating modes - the order selection mode 7 , the navigation mode 8th and the maintenance and documentation mode 9 , Depending on the selected mode will be the user 11 on the head-up display 10 corresponding information shown.

4 shows an example of a field of view (and division into sectors) of the head-up display 10 from the perspective of a user 11 , The view on the field of view is for structural reasons, as well as reasons of security (preventing the blocking of the field of view by content) in different sighting sectors or areas 24 divided. Thus, the field of view is divided according to a matrix with, for example, 3 rows and 4 columns. The field of view in 4 thus has 3 lines, so an upper, a middle and a Lower line up. Further, it has 4 columns, that is, a left-top, a center-left-top, a center-right-up and a right-up-column. The individual areas 24a to 24l then break down according to the associated column and line.

In 5 for clarity, is a demo view of the field of view in job selection mode 7 shown. The job selection mode 7 shows on the head-up display 10 a list of locally downloaded job data (in 5 with "order 1, order 2", etc. indicated). These jobs are stored locally on the portable computer, so they are available when disconnected from the database system. By vertically swiping on the touchpad 17 up or down can be scrolled through the individual elements of the list - the active element is highlighted by a changed font color, and possibly a different font. With a simple push of the side button 15 the active element is selected and in navigation mode 8th changed. If the mode has been changed accidentally, then with a 5-second pressure on the side push button 15 back to the job mode 7 be switched.

In 6 is a demo view of the field of view in navigation mode for clarity 8th shown. The navigation mode 8th should be the user 11 in the plant 3 to the corresponding device 1 navigate. He points to the user 11 by means of an arrow at the lower field of view edge (field of vision MRU - see 4 ) in which direction the target device is located. In addition, the remaining distance to the corresponding device 1 , as well as its appearance and the device type (field of vision MLU - see 4 ) is displayed. In the middle of the field of view is the position of the device 1 (direct as the crow flies) with a marker. This mark can be a frame, as well as a coloring of the field of vision - the color should stand out strongly from the underground. In order to make navigation as exact as possible, a large number of physical measurement data come together. For example, gyro sensors, acceleration sensors, a camera for visual field recognition and a GPS module are needed for the navigation. The change to the maintenance and documentation mode 9 takes place via the scan of the respective device barcode, which also gives feedback on the maintenance on the right device. Alternatively, the mode can be activated by pressing the push button 15 change. If the mode was changed unintentionally, the employee can switch back to navigation mode via a 5-second press on the side button.

In 7 is a demo view of the field of view in maintenance and documentation mode 9 shown. In maintenance and documentation mode 9 the maintenance supporting information is displayed. The contents are divided into categories, which are at the top of the field of view (sectors MRO, MLO, see 4 ) are displayed. With a vertical swipe on the side touchpad 17 can the user 11 scroll through the categories - the active category is in the middle. To prevent the field of view from being blocked, the selected content should only be presented in the page areas of the field of view. With horizontal wiping on the side touchpad 17 The (multi-page) contents can be reviewed. With the two-finger gesture "pinch-to-zoom in", with the two on the touchpad 17 If the fingers are moved apart, the content that is normally displayed on the sides of the field of view can be displayed for a more precise view of the entire field of view. Further zooming is also possible - should the content be too large to be completely visible from the field of view, you can swipe with the page touchpad 17 the contents are moved two-dimensionally to allow the view of all content. With the two-finger gesture "pinch-to-zoom out", where the two on the touchpad 17 resting on top of each other, the content can be reduced again, and finally brought back to its original shape on the sides of the field of view. With the simple press of the push button 15 a video recording with sound can be started. The demo image of the camera 12 will be displayed at the bottom of the field of view. With another pressure on the push button 15 the recording is stopped and stored locally. Should be a swan camera 12 connected, the video signal of this camera is automatically displayed and saved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1a

Field devices in potentially explosive atmospheres

1b

Field devices in non-hazardous areas

2

Hazardous area

3

automation system

4

Portable computer

5

Wireless communication media

6

Database system

7

Order selection mode

8th

navigation mode

9

Maintenance and documentation mode

10

Head-Up Display

11

user

12

camera

13

Parent unit

14

DIN industrial helmet

15

push-button

16

visor

17

touchpad

18

computer unit

19

accumulator

20

projector means

21

Helmet inner shell

22

Helmet indoors

23

Helmet outer shell

24

Areas of the head-up display

25

bus system

Claims (9)

Method for monitoring and / or checking and / or maintaining field devices ( 1 ) in a potentially explosive area ( 2 ) an automation system ( 3 ) by means of a portable computer ( 4 ) with wireless communication means ( 5 ), the procedure being: - Synchronizing the portable computer ( 4 ) with a database system ( 6 ) via the wireless communication means ( 5 ) outside the potentially explosive area ( 2 ) of the automation system ( 3 ), wherein during synchronization at least one serial number of the field device ( 1 ), geographical coordinates of the field device ( 1 ) and service instructions for the field device ( 1 ) on the portable computer ( 4 ) to be provided; - deactivation of the wireless communication means ( 5 ) of the portable computer ( 4 ) outside the potentially explosive area ( 2 ) of the automation system ( 3 ); - Carrying out a service in the potentially explosive area ( 2 ) of the automation system ( 3 ), wherein at least between an order selection mode ( 7 ), a navigation mode ( 8th ) and a maintenance and documentation mode ( 9 ) of the portable computer ( 4 ) and information that is relevant for each mode ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) on a head-up display ( 10 ) connected to the portable computer ( 4 ) is displayed; - activation of the wireless communication means ( 5 ) of the portable computer ( 4 ) outside the potentially explosive area ( 2 ) of the automation system ( 3 ); - Resynchronization of the database system with the portable computer ( 4 ) via the wireless communication means ( 5 ) outside the potentially explosive area ( 2 ) of the automation system ( 3 ), with any changes made to the service on the database system ( 6 ) to be provided. Method according to claim 1, wherein the control of the portable computer ( 4 ) about a user's gestures ( 11 ) and / or pressing at least one push button of the portable computer ( 4 ) is carried out. Method according to claim 2, wherein a manual switchover between order selection mode ( 7 ), the navigation mode ( 8th ) and the maintenance and documentation mode ( 9 ) via manual operation by gestures or pressing the at least one push button. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the synchronization and / or the post-synchronization is performed via a VPN connection. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a camera ( 12 ), in particular a gooseneck camera connected to the portable computer ( 4 ) is a scanning of an optical identification feature, in particular a barcode, for identifying the field device ( 1 ), in navigation mode ( 8th ) is performed. Method according to Claim 5, in which, in the case of a successful identification, an automatic switchover from the navigation mode ( 8th ) into the maintenance and documentation mode ( 9 ) is carried out. Method according to claim 5, wherein via the camera ( 12 ) a video and / or audio recording is performed during the service operation and the video and / or audio recording in the dubbing on the database system ( 6 ) provided. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user ( 11 ) of the portable computer ( 4 ) can be set in which area which information on the head-up display ( 10 ) should be displayed. The method according to claim 8, wherein it is freely configurable, which information in which area of the head-up display ( 10 ) are displayed.

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