DE102015111155B4 - Field device and process and automation technology method for directly contacting at least one remote station using the field device - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for directly contacting a remote station (5) using a field device (F1), the field device being designed to record and/or influence process variables, the field device having at least a first interface (1) for a communication network (3) and a second interface (2) for connection to a communication unit (4), the communication unit (4) being a wired headset or the communication unit (4) being a mobile communication unit, in particular a Bluetooth headset, and the second interface (2) for connecting to the communication unit is a radio interface, with an algorithm (6) for processing and forwarding a communication request being implemented in the field device (F1), comprising the following steps:- Establishing a connection of the field device (F1) with the communication unit (4) by means of the second interface (2);- submission of a communication request by a user;- processing and forwarding of the communication request by the algorithm (6); and- establishing a connection between the field device (F1) and a remote station (5) via the communication network (3), characterized in that the communication request is activated by pressing a button on the field device (F1).

Description

The invention relates to a method for directly contacting a remote station using a field device that has at least a first interface for a communication network and a second interface for connection to a communication unit, with an algorithm for processing and forwarding a communication request being implemented in the field device.

Field devices that are used in industrial plants are already known from the prior art. Field devices are often used in process automation technology as well as in production automation technology. In principle, all devices that are used close to the process and that supply or process process-relevant information are referred to as field devices. Thus, field devices are used to record and/or influence process variables. Measuring devices or sensors are used to record process variables. These are used, for example, for pressure and temperature measurement, conductivity measurement, flow measurement, level measurement, etc. and record the corresponding process variables pressure, temperature, conductivity, pH value, level, flow rate, etc. Actuators are used to influence process variables. These are, for example, pumps or valves that can influence the flow of a liquid in a pipe or the fill level in a container.

A large number of such field devices are produced and sold by the Endress+Hauser Group.

In modern industrial plants, field devices are usually connected to higher-level units via bus systems such as Profibus®, FOUNDATION Fieldbus®, HART®, etc. The superordinate units are usually control systems or control units, such as a PLC (programmable logic controller). The higher-level units are used, among other things, for process control, process visualization, process monitoring and for commissioning the field devices. The measured values recorded by the field devices, here in particular by sensors, are transmitted via the respective bus system to one or possibly several higher-level unit/units. In addition, for the purpose of configuration, parameterization, diagnostics of field devices or for the purpose of controlling actuators, data is also transmitted from the higher-level unit to the field devices via the bus system.

In the event of an error in a field device in a process plant, the customer depends on quick help. The field device manufacturer's service personnel are usually contacted via a telephone number. For this, a customer or a technician needs a mobile phone. The number of the helpdesk must also be known. It is a big problem if no connection to the mobile network can be established in the process plant, for example due to electromagnetic shielding, and the customer or the technician can therefore not be looked after on site.

The publications "Hot Spot (WLAN)" in: Online Library Wikipedia. June 7, 2015.(URL=https://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hot_Spot_%28WLAN%29&oldid=141930564);"Basestation" in: Online Library Wikipedia. November 24, 2014, (URL=https://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Basestation&oldid=136121870) and “Smartphone” in: Online Library Wikipedia. June 27, 2015 (URL=https://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Smartphone&oldid=143523601), as well as the publications EP 1 793 239 A1 , DE 10 2007 041 240 A1 , EP 1 653 306 A2 and DE 20 2015 004 198 U1 disclose devices that can be connected to a remote station.

The invention is therefore based on the object of presenting a method and a field device with the aid of which contact can be established with a remote station in a simple and rapid manner.

• - Herstellen einer Verbindung des Feldgeräts mit der Kommunikationseinheit mittels der zweiten Schnittstelle;
• - Einreichen einer Kommunikationsanforderung durch einen Benutzer;
• - Verarbeitung und Weiterleitung der Kommunikationsanforderung durch den Algorithmus; und
• - Aufbauen einer Verbindung zwischen dem Feldgerät und einer Gegenstelle über das Kommunikationsnetzwerk.

The invention is achieved by a method for directly contacting a remote station using a field device as described in the description, which has at least a first interface for a communication network and a second interface for connecting to a communication unit, with an algorithm for processing and forwarding a communication request in the field device is implemented, which is characterized by the following procedural steps:

• - Establishing a connection of the field device to the communication unit by means of the second interface;
• - submission of a communication request by a user;
• - processing and forwarding of the communication request by the algorithm; and
• - Establishing a connection between the field device and a remote station via the communication network.

The great advantage of this invention is that the connection to one of the remote stations that can be reached through the communication network is established in an efficient and simple manner. Since the connection is made directly via the field device, the network address of the desired remote station is not known. A mobile phone connection failure in an electromagnetically isolated system is also prevented. The voice connection over the network is based, for example, on Voice over IP (VoiP).

Using the method according to the invention, it is possible to communicate with a remote station outside of the communication network. For example, the communication network can be connected to the Internet via a gateway and thus offers the possibility of communicating with remote stations worldwide.

A helpdesk with service employees, for example, is referred to as a remote station.

Furthermore, the remote station can be represented, for example, by an IT department or a point of sale, for example for spare parts.

According to the invention, the communication request is activated by pressing a button on the field device. The remote station is automatically programmed into the device and the connection to this remote station is established immediately. Alternatively, it is possible to use software to program a desired remote station into the device, which is contacted at the push of a button.

In a preferred development of the method according to the invention, the communication request is submitted via the communication unit by means of the connection of the field device to the communication unit. For this purpose, the network addresses of various remote stations can be stored in the communication unit. The user can individually select which remote station he would like to contact.

In a preferred variation of the method according to the invention, the communication request is submitted by the partner. This makes it possible for the remote station to carry out remote maintenance at specified intervals, for example. It is also possible to add another participant to an existing call, who is contacted directly by the remote station via another field device.

An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the communication request is submitted using a software command. This software command can, for example, be submitted via a higher-level unit, for example a PLC. The time of submission can be selected manually, but it is also possible for times to be set automatically, for example to carry out maintenance routines.

A preferred development of the method according to the invention provides that the field device sends measured values and/or diagnostic data directly to the remote station via the connection between the field device and the remote station. In this way, it is possible, for example, to send these measured values and/or diagnostic data directly to the service personnel in order to significantly speed up the diagnostic process and problem solving.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one application software is loaded onto the field device and/or onto the communication unit via the connection between the field device and the remote station--in this case via the connection between the field device and the communication unit. This makes it even easier for a customer or a technician to establish contact with the remote station. If the customer uses a smartphone, for example, he can load the application software directly onto his smartphone via the field device and the command to establish communication with one or more remote stations stored in the application software can be sent directly to the field device via the smartphone.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, a connection to a number of remote stations is set up simultaneously. In this way, telephone conferences can be set up, for example. For example, a service employee can simultaneously connect a specialist to solve the problem.

• - eine Schnittstelle für ein Kommunikationsnetzwerk;
• - eine Schnittstelle zur Verbindung mit einer Kommunikationseinheit; und
• - einen Algorithmus zur Verarbeitung und Weiterleitung einer Kommunikationsanforderung.

The invention is also achieved by a field device of process and automation technology for carrying out the method according to the invention, comprising at least

• - an interface for a communication network;
• - an interface for connection to a communication unit; and
• - an algorithm for processing and forwarding a communication request.

The communication unit can be a unit that is separate from the field device, but can also be integrated directly in the field device.

An advantageous variant of the field device according to the invention provides that the communication unit has at least one microphone and one loudspeaker. The customer therefore does not need any Mobile phone to communicate with the remote station.

According to the invention, the communication unit is a wired headset. The communication unit can be connected to the field device, for example, via a jack socket.

Alternatively, according to the invention, the communication unit is a mobile communication unit, in particular a Bluetooth headset, with the interface for connecting to the communication unit being a radio interface. The only thing a customer or a technician now needs, for example, to communicate with a heldpdesk is a space-saving Bluetooth headset.

An advantageous development of the field device according to the invention provides that a webcam is assigned to the communication unit. The advantage of this development according to the invention is that the customer can offer the remote station visual help in solving the problem. For example, if the housing of a field device has been damaged, a picture can be sent to the remote station via the webcam so that the corrective measures can be precisely tailored to the damage.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the field device according to the invention, the communication unit is a mobile terminal. For example, smartphones, tablet PCs or similar are referred to as mobile end devices. The advantage is that these mobile devices usually have a microphone, speaker and/or webcam implemented. In addition, these mobile terminals can be automatically configured for use in a field device using application software. The customer therefore does not have to carry out any complex configuration of the mobile end device.

In a preferred variant of the field device according to the invention, the interface for a communication network is a multi-protocol-capable interface. As a result, the field device can be operated in a wide variety of network versions, which enables universal use. In principle, any common protocol of a fieldbus, WAN or LAN network can be used.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the field device according to the invention provides that the first network is an automation technology network, in particular based on Ethernet technology. In principle, any common protocol of a network in automation technology, in particular a fieldbus network, such as Foundation Fieldbus®, Profibus®, HART®, Modbus®, etc. can be used. It is also possible to use a combination of two networks, for example a field bus network, connected to the Internet via a gateway. However, the transmission rate of the Felsbus network must be high enough to ensure good speech intelligibility and good video transmission

• 1: Die Verfahrensschritte einer Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Verbindung eines Feldgeräts mit einer Gegenstelle 5, und
• 2: Eine vorteilhafte Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. It shows

• 1 : The method steps of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for connecting a field device to a remote station 5, and
• 2 : An advantageous development of the method according to the invention.

1 shows the procedural steps of an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for directly contacting a field device F1 with a remote station 5. A field device F1 is connected by means of a first Ethernet interface 1 to a communication network 3, in this case the Internet. If an error occurs in this field device F1, a user uses a communication unit 4 to establish a connection to the field device F1 via the second interface 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the communication unit 4 is represented by a smartphone and the second interface 2 is represented by a Bluetooth interface.

Once the connection has been established, the user can use the communication unit 4 to submit a communication request. This is processed and forwarded in the algorithm implemented in the field device F1. The connection is then established from the field device F1 to the remote station, in this case a telephone or a helpdesk laptop. The user is now connected to the remote station, in this case a helpdesk employee, and can communicate with them. The voice connection is established via Voice over IP (VoiP).

A variant of the method according to the invention provides that application software for the field device F1 or the communication unit is loaded via the remote station 5 . This makes it possible, for example, to obtain a large number of possible remote stations 5 that can be contacted selectively.

2 shows an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention. A large number of field devices F1, F2, . . . , F5 are connected to a communication network 3 by means of the respective first interface 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the communication network 3 is a fieldbus network with one of the commonly used protocols, such as Profibus PA®, Foundation Fieldbus®, etc. The fieldbus network 3 is controlled and/or evaluated by means of a higher-level unit 7, for example a programmable logic controller (PLC). . The communication network is connected to a second network 9, in this case the Internet, by means of a gateway 8. The gateway converts the messages from the communication network into the protocol of the second network 9 and vice versa.

Analogous to the description of 1 a user submits a communication request to one of the field devices (F1, F2, ..., F5) via a communication unit. In this way it is possible for the user to communicate directly with a remote station via the communication network. The prerequisite for this is that the transmission rate of the network protocol 3 used is sufficiently high for voice or video transmission. Alternatively, each individual field device F1, F2, .

Reference List

F1

field device

1

first interface

2

second interface

3

communication network

4

communication unit

5

remote station

6

Algorithm for processing and forwarding the communication request

7

superior unit

8th

Gateway

9

second network

Claims (13)

Method for directly contacting a remote station (5) using a field device (F1), the field device being designed to record and/or influence process variables, the field device having at least a first interface (1) for a communication network (3) and a second interface (2) for connection to a communication unit (4), the communication unit (4) being a wired headset or the communication unit (4) being a mobile communication unit, in particular a Bluetooth headset, and the second interface (2) for connecting to the communication unit is a radio interface, with an algorithm (6) for processing and forwarding a communication request being implemented in the field device (F1), comprising the following steps: - Establishing a connection of the field device (F1) with the communication unit (4) by means of the second interface (2); - submission of a communication request by a user; - processing and forwarding of the communication request by the algorithm (6); and - setting up a connection between the field device (F1) and a remote station (5) via the communication network (3), characterized in that the communication request is activated by pressing a button on the field device (F1). procedure after claim 1 wherein the communication request is submitted via the communication unit (4) by means of the connection of the field device (F1) to the communication unit (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication request is submitted by the remote station (5). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication request is submitted by means of a software command. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (F1) sends measured values and/or diagnostic data directly to the remote station (5) by means of the connection between the field device (F1) and the remote station (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one application software via the connection between the field device (F1) and the remote station (5) to the field device F1) and/or to the communication unit (4), via the connection between the field device (F1) and Communication unit (4) is loaded. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which a connection to a plurality of remote stations (5) is set up simultaneously. Field device (F1) of process and automation technology for carrying out the method according to at least one of Claims 1 until 7 , which is used to record and/or influence the process Sizes is designed, comprising at least - a first interface (1) for a communication network; - A second interface (2) for connection to a communication unit (4), the communication unit (4) being a wired headset or the communication unit (4) being a mobile communication unit, in particular a Bluetooth headset , acts, and wherein the second interface (2) is a radio interface; - an algorithm (6) for processing and forwarding a communication request; and - a button through which the communication request is activated by pressing a button. field device claim 8 , wherein the communication unit (4) has at least one microphone and one loudspeaker. Field device according to any of the previous ones Claims 8 or 9 , wherein the communication unit (4) is assigned a webcam. Field device according to any of the previous ones Claims 8 until 10 , wherein the communication unit (4) is a mobile terminal. Field device according to any of the previous ones Claims 8 until 11 , wherein the first interface (1) for a communication network is a multi-protocol-capable interface. Field device according to any of the previous ones Claims 8 until 12 , the communication network (3) being a network for process and automation technology, in particular based on Ethernet technology.

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