DE102014216982A1 - Operating device which can be coupled with a mobile hand-held device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device coupled to a mobile handset comprising an input device by means of which a user can enter commands for operating a technical system, wherein the operating device (HW) is designed with means that the means when the user at least one requesting the activation or deactivation of at least one component (4) of the technical installation (1) command, a secure confirmation of the execution of the command to effect such activation or deactivation. In addition, the invention relates to an associated method and a computer program for carrying out the associated method.

Description

The invention relates to an operating device coupled to a mobile handset, comprising an input device by means of which commands from a user for operating a technical system can be entered. In addition, the invention relates to an associated method and a computer program for carrying out the associated method.

Background of the invention

For commissioning, adjustment and optimization of processing in technical installations - for example, in medical technology imaging devices such. an X-ray machine, a computer tomograph, or a magnetic resonance apparatus, etc., or even industrial installations (for example, machines), the user often has to work with reduced safety. For example, the user must move within a hazardous area of the technical installation or protective doors are open and the like more. In such situations, the safety of the user or the patient is paramount. In particular, actions of the user must be secured by appropriate measures. It is a safe embodiment of the communication between the user and the control device of the system possible, with an explicit consent of the user is required in dangerous actions. For example, safety-relevant signals such as an emergency stop and the like are queried in two channels. For the actual triggering of a dangerous action, in addition to the actual specification of the action, the actuation of a separate enabling button by the user is required.

The user is the desire that he uses his own mobile handset, especially a smartphone or tablet PC, to control the technical system. For this, the term "Bring your own device" is commonly used.

The object of the present invention is to provide possibilities in the context of using a mobile handset, by means of which the security in the detection that the user has actually requested an activation of a component of the technical system is increased in a simple and reliable manner.

Presentation of the invention

The object is achieved by an apparatus and a method and a computer program according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims or can be taken from the following description and the exemplary embodiments.

The invention claims an operating device coupled to a mobile handset comprising an input device by means of which commands can be entered by a user for operating a technical system, wherein the operating device is designed with means that, if the user at least one activation or deactivating command requesting at least one component of the technical asset to effect a secure acknowledgment of the execution of the command to such activation or deactivation.

The means may comprise at least one actuating device, wherein upon actuation by the user the command for said activation or deactivation is confirmed.

With the help of the operating device safety-related functions of a technical system controlled by a mobile device to be operated. Such safety-relevant functions entail the activation and / or deactivation of components of the technical installation.

• – wenigstens eine Signalübertragungsschnittstelle zu einer Auswerteeinrichtung, der zumindest ein von der Betätigungseinrichtung abgegebenes Bestätigungssignal zugeführt werden kann,
• – wobei die Auswerteeinrichtung auch vom Benutzer des Handgeräts (M) über die Eingabeeinrichtung eingegebene Befehle empfangen kann,
• – wobei die Auswertungseinrichtung derart ausgebildet ist, dass sie die empfangenen Befehle und das zumindest eine Bestätigungssignal auswertet und in Abhängigkeit von der Auswertung Steuerbefehle an eine Steuereinrichtung der technischen Anlage zur genannten Aktivierung oder Deaktivierung der zumindest einen Komponente der technischen Anlage (1) übermittelt.

The means may comprise:

• At least one signal transmission interface to an evaluation device, to which at least one confirmation signal output by the actuating device can be supplied,
• Wherein the evaluation device can also receive commands entered by the user of the handset (M) via the input device,
• - wherein the evaluation device is designed such that it evaluates the received commands and the at least one confirmation signal and transmits depending on the evaluation control commands to a control device of the technical system for said activation or deactivation of at least one component of the technical system (1).

As part of the evaluation, the evaluation device compares the at least one confirmation signal with predetermined signal patterns and transmits commands which cause activation or deactivation of components of the technical system to the control device if the user specifies a command requesting activation or deactivation of the component and at least an acknowledgment signal matches one of the predetermined signal patterns, and otherwise does not convey the control commands.

The evaluation device is designed in such a way that it is included in the evaluation of the at least one confirmation signal compares predetermined additional signal patterns and transmits an emergency stop request to the control device when the at least one confirmation signal coincides with one of the predetermined further signal pattern.

The actuating device may be designed in the form of a switch or a control knob.

The confirmation device may be labeled with optical markers.

The optical markers may include recognizing non-contact commands within an area bounded by the markers by means of an optical detection unit, e.g. Camera, enable.

The optical markers may enable secure communication between the mobile handset and the device through ongoing or intermittent detection by means of an optical detection unit. The secure communication may be provided by the markers, e.g. a code can be ensured by the marker represents a unique identification of a hardware unit. Only with the associated hardware device, a specific component of the system can be controlled.

The actuating device can be designed in the form of a touch-sensitive touch surface (KF).

The actuator may also record a voice command from the user, which is detected by a microphone attached to the control or integrated.

The device may be designed such that it can be coupled by means of a plug connection with a mobile hand-held device.

The device may include means for establishing a communication link in the vicinity of the mobile handset.

• – wobei das Handgerät eine Signalübertragungsschnittstelle zu einer Auswerteeinrichtung aufweist, der zumindest ein Bestätigungssignal zugeführt wird,
• – wobei das Handgerät eine Auswerteeinrichtung umfasst, die vom Benutzer des Handgeräts über eine Eingabeeinrichtung eingegebene Befehle empfangen kann,
• – wobei die Auswertungseinrichtung die empfangenen Befehle und das zumindest eine Bestätigungssignal auswertet und in Abhängigkeit von der Auswertung Steuerbefehle an eine Steuereinrichtung der technischen Anlage zur genannten Aktivierung oder Deaktivierung der zumindest einen Komponente der technischen Anlage übermittelt.

The invention further claims a method for a handset for a technical installation,

• Wherein the handset has a signal transmission interface to an evaluation device to which at least one acknowledgment signal is supplied,
• - wherein the handset comprises an evaluation device which can receive commands input by the user of the handset via an input device,
• - wherein the evaluation device evaluates the received commands and the at least one confirmation signal and transmits depending on the evaluation control commands to a control device of the technical system for said activation or deactivation of at least one component of the technical system.

The advantageous embodiments of the method essentially correspond to those of the above-mentioned device.

A further aspect of the invention is a computer program with program code for carrying out all of the aforementioned method steps and their embodiments when the program is executed in a mobile handheld device.

Upon the occurrence of a particular event, the issuing of the acknowledgment signal may be blocked. Furthermore, it is possible that the mobile handset as a device of communication technology - such. already indicated above, a smartphone or tablet PC - is formed.

Description of one or more embodiments Further advantages, details and developments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawing show:

1 to 6 Embodiments of an inventive operating device for a hand-held device and

7 a technical facility.

According to 7 becomes a technical facility 1 from a controller 2 controlled. The technical system can in principle be of any nature. For example, it may be an industrial plant, eg a machine tool or another production machine. It may also be a packaging machine, a bottling plant, a crane or other industrial technical facility. It is also a medical device, such as X-ray machine, computed tomography or magnetic resonance device, etc., possible. The control device 2 can in principle also be of any nature. Often it is a numerical control, a programmable logic controller or a combination of a numerical control and a programmable logic controller.

The control device 2 can by a user 3 Commands are given. Because of the user 3 given commands can - depending on the given command - components 4 the technical facility 1 to be activated. In particular, for example, the components 4 often be moved, ie moved. For example, with an X-ray machine, the X-ray source can be moved or rotated around an object.

To specify the commands is the user 3 usually a control panel 5 to disposal. The control panel 5 is, if it exists, stationary outside an area of action of the technical installation 1 arranged. In normal operation of the technical system 1 the commands are specified via the control panel 5 , The user 3 must be present when specifying commands from the control panel 5 therefore forcibly located outside the action area. In special operating modes of the technical system 1 However, this is not possible. Examples of such special operating modes are a setup mode with the guard open, a method of axes, while the user 3 is in the danger area (= traversing area or action area) of the axles and the like more. In the medical environment is the user 3 , a doctor or assistant, during the examination or during an intervention in the traversing range of the X-ray source. In this case, the control of the corresponding component 4 also be possible. The user 3 stands for this purpose a hand-held device 6 to disposal. The handset 6 is preferably a mobile handset M, with the control device 2 can communicate over a trunk or wirelessly. It can be designed in principle arbitrary. Preferably, the mobile handset M is designed as a device of communication technology, for example as a smartphone, as an iPod or as an iPad or similar.

The secure communication of the handheld device 6 with the control device 2 is possible as such. This communication can be done via at least one signal transmission interface via which the handset 6 features. In particular, the use of the same can be done via (at least) two different communication channels. In particular, in the case of the embodiment of the handset as a smartphone, for example, the signal transmission interface via Bluetooth, NFC, WLAN, GRPS, UMTS, LTE or via infrared and the like can be used more.

An input device F is provided on the mobile handset, displaying a user interface to the user, and the execution of movement of the components of the system in the respective directions can be controlled by the user by means of gestures, touch buttons, etc. This user interface may be displayed on the mobile device by a computer program, e.g. a downloaded from the Internet App can be installed or installed.

The mobile handset M further comprises an evaluation device, not shown in the figures. The evaluation device is supplied with the commands provided by the user 3 be entered via the input device in the mobile handset M. However, the evaluation device only transmits the corresponding control command to the control device 2 if the evaluation device has determined that the user 3 the activation or deactivation of the respective component 4 expressly confirmed or agreed. Otherwise, the evaluation device blocks the transmission of the corresponding control signal.

The evaluation device is designed such that it receives the received commands from the user 3 and the at least one confirmation signal evaluates and in response to the evaluation control commands to the control device 2 the technical facility 1 in the context of the evaluation, the evaluation device compares the at least one confirmation signal with predetermined signal patterns and commands which cause an activation of components of the technical system to the control device 2 transmitted when the user 3 an activation or deactivation of the component 4 requesting command and the at least one confirmation signal coincides with one of the predetermined signal pattern, and the control commands otherwise not transmitted.

As part of the evaluation, the at least one confirmation signal is compared with predetermined further signal patterns. There will be an emergency stop request to the controller 2 transmitted when the at least one confirmation signal coincides with one of the predetermined further signal pattern.

The hardware unit HW can be designed in the form of an operating device. Preferably, such a hardware unit coupled to the mobile handset includes a stand-alone additional operating device which, as in FIG 3 . 4 and 6 indicated, in the form of an enabling button or release button A may be formed. The actuating device can also be in the form of a capacitive or resistive touch surface KF - as in 5 shown - be formed. The coupling V of the hardware unit with the mobile device M can be done in the form of a connector, such as (micro-, mini), USB or wireless by means of NFC, Bluetooth. However, such a coupling should take place in the vicinity of the mobile device, ie within a few meters, preferably within the user's operating range, so that the Users can easily operate the system or the mobile device at the same time with their hand H and at the patient table T (see 2 ) can work. It is also a wireless inductive coupling conceivable, as is currently implemented in a wireless battery charging a smartphone. The operating device may be designed so that it can be attached by means of a clamping connection on the mobile handset - as it is for example in 1 . 3 . 4 . 5 and 6 will be shown. The hardware unit, eg in U-shape can be plugged laterally onto a mobile handset. The hardware unit may only slightly enclose the mobile device from the front to fix it. This hardware unit can be combined with arbitrarily large and differently shaped and varying in thickness mobile handsets. The operating device may also be in the form of a drawer or in the form of a shell S on the system or - as in 2 shown - be pronounced on a patient table T, in which the mobile device is placed and with this a coupling - for example, as described above - is performed. In addition, a coupling possibility not shown in the figures is provided in the drawer or shell. Also, an actuating device, not shown, is provided in or on the drawer or shell, which may be similar - as described above - may be formed.

By means of the actuator is the consent of the user 3 required. The user 3 may operate the confirmation device during the specification of the corresponding command or in a small time window before or after (for example within 2 to 5 seconds). This described, user-controlled safety circuit is realized in the context of the present invention.

When operating the hand-held mobile device with the hardware unit coupled, the user includes the two interconnected elements M and HW.

By embracing, it can be placed on the front of the input device F, e.g. gestures with his thumb and thus determine directions of movement with swiping gestures or pressure gestures. At the same time, he can trigger the second safety circuit explained above (button, capacitive surface, etc.) by "holding in his hand" on the back or side of the element. This triggers two separate commands, which are dictated by two separate circles as prescribed by the standard. The necessary safety-related functions are built into this hardware unit. It is also possible for the mobile handset to be connected to a larger hardware unit that has emergency stop buttons or other controls placed on it.

It makes sense to ensure that both trip circuits, i. the operation of the mobile handset and the operation of the actuator spatially close, preferably less than a meter away, lie together. It is intended to prevent one user from being busy with his mobile handset while another may inadvertently operate the actuator.

The hardware unit could also be designed in the form of a small "clasp" which is laterally plugged into the mobile handset and extends to the back of the mobile handset - as in eg 4 is shown. According to 5 is then on this clip, for example on the outside of a touch surface KF or, for example, on the inside, a release button A, which is triggered when this is pressed by the "in-hand" to the back of the device, as it is for example in 6 will be shown.

If the hardware unit is replaced by the coupling, e.g. powered by the USB interface, the battery or the battery of the mobile device, so another security aspect is that with the removal of the hardware unit from the mobile handset with immediate effect, the second circle is inactive and nothing can be triggered by the hardware unit.

One advantage is that there is no separate power supply in the hardware unit, e.g. by a battery or a kind of intelligence, must lie and thus the item is cheap, small and easy to manufacture.

Since such a hardware unit allows for interfacing with other USB accessories, e.g. blocked by a USB cable so that the operating device is usually left close to the system. This reduces the likelihood of accidental operation.

Another embodiment may include using a sensing unit located in the mobile handset, e.g. a camera for identifying a marker (e.g., a sticker) attached to the hardware unit. This can e.g. a so-called Data Matrix Code or Quick Response Code, which is detected by the detection unit. Such a code can represent a unique identification of a hardware unit, it being possible to control a specific component of the system only with the associated hardware device. This will cause misoperation by e.g. prohibited unauthorized duplication or an unauthorized mobile handset. A combination with certain login mechanisms is conceivable to assign user groups.

There is a possibility that the marker / code must be recognized throughout. However, it may also be used (e.g., to save battery) at certain time intervals e.g. only every 30 seconds the proximity of the mobile handset to the hardware unit are checked by the detection unit. It is also the use of NFC (near field communication), Bluetooth, etc. possible between the mobile handset and the hardware unit. The hardware unit can also be a WLAN module or similar. contained, wherein the coupling with the mobile handset requires more intelligence than with the aforementioned connection.

It is also conceivable that the markers define a limited area within which non-contact gestures can be detected by the detection unit.

It is also conceivable that by an existing microphone in the operating device voice commands to confirm the control of the system - similar to the above - can be received.

Several hardware units (e.g., 2-3) may also be allowed for a mobile handset, the security additionally being e.g. can be reinforced with a room barrier.

By using a computer program on the mobile handset, e.g. an app that the user can download from a so-called app store, given the opportunity to quickly vary and adapt.

It makes sense to provide an adjustment of the app to determine when the app is active on the mobile handset and when other functions (SMS, phone, etc.) should be active.

It is also possible to block all other functions of the mobile handset when a certain event occurs, e.g. as soon as the app is active or while component movements are triggered on the system. Also, adjustment is possible to stop the component movements as soon as an event, e.g. an incoming call occurs.

• • Schulungszwecke/Übungszwecke (Steuerung des virtuellen 3D Modells statt der realen Anlage)
• • Offline-Vorpositionierung der Komponenten der Anlage (z.B. bei chirurgischen C-Bögen oft von Ärzten/Assistent(innen) gewünscht)
• • Verkaufszwecke: Z.B. kann der Verkäufer dem potentiellen Kunden auf seiner App das die Anlage zeigen und simulieren. Der Arzt kann so auch selbst den ersten spielerischen Zugang zur Anlage bekommen.

While the hardware unit has no coupling to the mobile handset, it can be used for other purposes described below. The benefits increase when a virtual 3D model of the technical equipment is displayed on the mobile handset (possibly in addition to the component movement controls). If you do not want to control the real asset, the app can be used for:

• • Training / Practice purposes (control of the virtual 3D model instead of the real system)
• • Offline pre-positioning of the components of the system (eg in the case of surgical C-arms often desired by doctors / assistants)
• • Sales purposes: For example, the seller can show and simulate the attachment to the potential customer on his app. The doctor can also get the first playful access to the system.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 technical installation

2

 control device

3

 user

4

 Components of the plant

5

 Control panel

6

 handset

HW

 hardware unit

F

 input device

KF

 touch surface

M

 Mobile handset

S

 Bowl

V

 Coupling or connection

Claims (18)

Operating device (HW) coupled to a mobile handset (M), which comprises an input device (F), by means of which a user ( 3 ) Commands for operating a technical system ( 1 ), wherein the operating device (HW) is designed with means such that when the user has at least one of activating or deactivating at least one component ( 4 ) of the technical installation ( 1 ) requesting a secure acknowledgment of the execution of the command to such activation or deactivation. Operating device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means comprise at least one actuating device (A), whereby when actuated by the user ( 3 ) the command for said activation or deactivation is confirmed. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means comprise: At least one signal transmission interface to an evaluation device to which at least one acknowledgment signal output by the actuating device can be supplied, the evaluation device also being provided by the user ( 3 ) of the handset (M) via the input device (F) can receive commands, - wherein the evaluation device is designed such that it evaluates the received commands and the at least one confirmation signal and in response to the evaluation control commands to a control device ( 2 ) of the technical installation ( 1 ) for said activation or deactivation of the at least one component ( 4 ) of the technical installation ( 1 ) transmitted. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation device compares the at least one confirmation signal with predetermined signal patterns in the context of the evaluation, and commands which cause an activation or deactivation of components of the technical system to the control device ( 2 ) when the user ( 3 ) an activation or deactivation of the component ( 4 ) and the at least one acknowledgment signal matches one of the predetermined signal patterns, and otherwise does not convey the control commands. Operating device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the evaluation device is designed such that it compares in the context of the evaluation of the at least one confirmation signal with predetermined further signal patterns and an emergency stop request to the control device ( 2 ) when the at least one acknowledgment signal matches one of the predetermined further signal patterns. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device is designed in the form of a switch or a control knob. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (KF) is marked with optical markers. Operating device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the optical markers enable detection of non-contact commands within a surface bounded by the markers with the aid of an optical detection unit. Operating device according to one of the preceding two claims, characterized in that the optical markers enable a secure communication between the mobile handset and the device by means of an ongoing or at intervals detection by an optical detection unit. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device in the form of a touch-sensitive touch surface (KF) is formed. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device can record a voice command of the user, which is detected by a mounted on the operating device or integrated microphone. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is designed such that it can be coupled by means of a plug connection (V) with a mobile hand-held device (M). Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises means for establishing a communication connection in the vicinity of the mobile handset (M). Method for a handheld device ( 6 ) for a technical installation ( 1 ), - wherein the handset has a signal transmission interface to an evaluation device to which at least one acknowledgment signal is supplied, - wherein the handset comprises an evaluation device which is provided by the user ( 3 ) of the handset (M) can receive instructions input via an input device, wherein the evaluation device evaluates the received commands and the at least one acknowledgment signal and, depending on the evaluation, sends control commands to a control device of the technical system for the mentioned activation or deactivation of the at least one component ( 4 ) of the technical installation ( 1 ) transmitted. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the evaluation device compares in the context of the evaluation the at least one confirmation signal with predetermined signal patterns and control commands, which cause an activation of components of the technical system, to the control device ( 2 ) when the user ( 3 ) an activation or deactivation of the component ( 4 ) and the at least one output signal matches one of the predetermined signal patterns, and otherwise does not convey the control commands. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the evaluation device compares in the context of the evaluation of the at least one confirmation signal with predetermined further signal patterns and an emergency stop request to the control device ( 2 ) when the at least one confirmation signal matches one of the predetermined further signal patterns. Computer program with program code for performing all of the aforementioned method steps according to one of the preceding method claims, when the program is executed in a mobile hand-held device. Computer program according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the occurrence of a certain event, the output of the confirmation signal is blocked.

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