DE102021114579A1 - Method for making a decision about at least one container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for making a decision, in particular a logistics decision, about at least one container (100, 120, 140, 160). The method has the following steps: detecting a fill level (122, 142, 162) of a product (121, 141, 161) in the container (100, 120, 140, 160), determining a property of the container (100, 120, 140, 160), querying a situation of the container (100, 120, 140, 160), the situation comprising a combination of the fill level (122, 142, 162) and at least one of the properties of the container (100, 120, 140, 160); and making the decision based on the situation of the container (100, 120, 140, 160) and/or based on the situation of a plurality of containers (100, 120, 140, 160).

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a method for making a decision, in particular a logistics decision, about at least one container. Furthermore, the invention relates to a program element, a computer-readable medium, a field device and a container.

background

In many cases, containers, e.g. tanks and/or other types of containers are used for the storage, transport and/or use of products, e.g. liquids or bulk goods. Particularly when there are a large number of containers, it can be useful for a decision to be made automatically about the container, e.g. depending on how full the container is.

summary

It is the object of the invention to provide a method for an at least partially automated decision about a container. This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention result from the dependent claims and the following description.

• erfassen eines Füllstands eines Füllguts des Behälters,
• bestimmen einer Eigenschaft des Behälters,
• abfragen einer Situation des Behälters, wobei die Situation eine Kombination des Füllstands und mindestens einer der Eigenschaften des Behälters umfasst; und treffen der Entscheidung auf Basis der Situation des Behälters und/oder auf Basis der Situation einer Vielzahl von Behältern.

One aspect relates to a method for making a decision about at least one container, with the steps:

• detecting a filling level of a filling material in the container,
• determine a property of the container,
• querying a situation of the container, the situation comprising a combination of the fill level and at least one of the properties of the container; and making the decision based on the situation of the container and/or based on the situation of a plurality of containers.

An at least partially automated decision about a container, and/or a plurality of containers, can, for example, relate to a logistics decision and/or another type of decision. For example, a transport, an emptying, a filling, an assessment of a risk emanating from the product - e.g. with adhesives, or with different types of solvents - information about the container and/or its contents, or about the Purchase, sale etc. of the container and/or its contents can be decided. The automated decision may include and/or entail other decision(s) that are automated or made, for example, by authorized personnel.

The container can be, for example, an intermediate bulk container (IBC), a tank and/or another type of container. The container has at least one sensor which is set up to detect a filling level, a topology and/or a limit level of a product or filling material which is in the container - or, in the case of an empty container: was there. The filling level can be recorded quantitatively, for example as a value “50 cm filling level”, “2 m ³ filling material”, and/or qualitatively, for example “full” or “empty”.

The property of the container may include one feature or a plurality of features. Examples of the property can be an identification (ID) of the container, a location, in particular its current location, an owner, an identifier, e.g. a logo (e.g. company logo) or a color of the container. The property can include specifics of the filling goods, e.g. its type, weight, hazard class, value, etc. The property can be specified on the container, e.g. as plain text, as a QR code, in a transponder, etc. The property can be stored in a server and/or a measuring device, in particular a field device, in or on the container. The container can have a key to the stored information, e.g. as a QR code, barcode etc., or in a transponder, e.g. as an RFID tag (RFID: Radio-Frequency Identification) and/or in another representation. The property(s) can also be recorded, for example, using an app - e.g. on a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop - and/or a QR code, RFID (etc.) scanner. The fill level and/or the property of the container can be detected at predefined times, in particular cyclically, and/or on request.

• • „Behälter 123 enthält 3 m³ Quarzkiesel, 5 bis 25 mm“;
• • „Behälter 456 am Ort AB ist leer und enthielt 1 %ige Natronlauge“;
• • „Behälter 789 von Besitzer EFG enthält 200 Liter Ketchup, haltbar bis 5/2021“.

The situation of the container can be queried, for example, by means of a server and/or a mobile device. The situation of the container includes a combination of the fill level and at least one of the properties of the container. Examples of the container's situation (expressed informally) can be:

• • "Vessel 123 contains 3 m ³ of quartz pebbles, 5 to 25 mm";
• • "Container 456 at location AB is empty and contained 1% caustic soda";
• • "Container 789 from owner EFG contains 200 liters of ketchup, best before 5/2021".

Inquiring about the situation of the container can include cumulating the information, eg "At location AB there are 5 empty containers with 1% caustic soda".

• • „Nachfüllen des Behälters 123 mit 4 m³ Quarzkiesel“, z.B. weil ein Füllstand 3,1 m³ - der in einer Datenbank hinterlegt sein kann - unterschritten wurde;
• • „Bestellen eines Transports von sich 5 leeren Behältern {456, 457, 458, 460, 462} mit 1 %iger Natronlauge, vom Ort AB zu einem ORT YZ“;
• • „Transport des Behälter 789 von Besitzer EFG zu Besitzer JKL“, damit der Ketchup rechtzeitig verbraucht wird - wie z.B. in einer Datenbank hinterlegt sein kann.

Based on the situation of the container and/or based on the situation of a plurality of containers, an (at least partially) automated decision about the container or containers can be made. Examples of the decision (expressed informally) may include:

• • "Refilling the container 123 with 4 m ³ of quartz pebbles", for example because the fill level has fallen below 3.1 m ³ - which can be stored in a database;
• • "Ordering the transport of 5 empty containers {456, 457, 458, 460, 462} with 1% caustic soda from location AB to location YZ";
• • "Transport of container 789 from owner EFG to owner JKL", so that the ketchup is used up in good time - as can be stored in a database, for example.

The automated decision can be made, for example, using a set of rules and/or a decision matrix. An update of the set of rules and/or the decision matrix can be provided, for example by experts and/or a neural network.

A significant simplification of decisions—in particular of logistics and/or ordering decisions—can be achieved by the method. This can be particularly advantageous if a large number of containers and/or containers with rapidly changing contents are to be managed. This can improve the availability of products, for example if the order is made dependent on the rate at which the fill level (as an indicator of consumption) of a product falls. This can also form a basis, e.g. for automated transport of empties, if necessary with an order for subsequent cleaning and/or recycling.

In some embodiments, a filling level is detected by means of a filling level, topology or limit level sensor which is arranged on and/or in the container. The sensor can be designed, for example, as an impedance limit switch, as a vibration limit switch, as a level measuring device with a high-frequency front end, ultrasonic front end, LiDAR or laser front end.

In some embodiments, the fill level, topology or point level sensor is part of a field device that is arranged on and/or in the container. The field device can have additional sensors, e.g. for temperature, pressure and/or other data of the container. This can advantageously influence the (automated) decision, so that more precise, more adapted and/or faster decisions can be made.

In some embodiments, the decision is made by a server, a mobile device, and/or the field device. In this case, for example, the server can have a database with additional information about the container and/or its contents. Alternatively or additionally, the server may have rules and/or a decision matrix. The mobile device can, for example, have an app which - e.g. with a camera and/or an RFID reader - captures or determines information and/or makes decisions and/or contributes to decisions.

In one embodiment, the decision is made based on a decision matrix. The decision matrix can, for example, be constructed as a "real" matrix, i.e. if, for example, all the conditions in a row are met, a "row action" is triggered. Alternatively or additionally, the decision matrix can be implemented as a set of rules. This can support quick and/or traceable decisions.

In one embodiment, the decision matrix is updated using a neural network. The updating can be based, for example, on storing each decision - or a selection of decisions - and regularly training the neural network on the basis of these decisions. This can, at least in the medium term, further increase the degree of automation.

• • Veranlassen eines Transportauftrags für den Behälter, z.B. zu einem Lagerungsort oder Nachfüllort. Es kann z.B. eine Entscheidung getroffen werden, ob neue Behälter notwendig sind und wieviele Leerbehälter abgeholt werden müssen. Die Abfrage kann auch so gestaltet werden, dass nur die Anzahl leerer Container bei einem Kunden oder Standort angezeigt wird, um das Abholen von Leergut zu organisieren.
• • Bestellen eines Produkts für den Behälter, z.B. nachbestellen desselben Produkts.
• • Nachfüllen oder entleeren des Behälters. Dies kann ein Beispiel für eine mehrstufige oder kombinierte Aktion sein, die z.B. nachbestellen, Fahrzeug beauftragen, etc. umfasst.
• • Senden einer Information, insbesondere zu der Situation des Behälters, an eine vordefinierte Menge an Geräten. Derartige Geräte können z.B. eine Anzahl von Servern oder mobilen Geräten sein. Die Geräte können damit beispielsweise einer Firma eine aktuelle Übersicht über die Behälter und/oder deren Inhalt, Wert, etc. liefern, z.B. mittels einer SMS an die Logistikverantwortlichen, und/oder einer Anzeige de Situation eines oder mehrerer Behälter. Die gezeigten Informationen können z.B. Rohinformationen sein (z.B. „50 I Lauge in Behälter 987“), abstrahierte oder anderweitig vorverarbeitete Informationen (z.B. 3 leere Behälter in Ort AB", „Gesamtmenge: 156 I 1 %ige Salzsäure auf dem Gelände GH der Firma ABC“).
• • Belassen des Behälters. Es ist auch möglich - z.B. bei geringen Veränderungen -, keine Aktion vorzunehmen.

In some embodiments, the decision includes at least one of the following actions:

• • Initiating a transport order for the container, eg to a storage location or refill location. For example, a decision can be made as to whether new containers are necessary and how many empty containers have to be picked up. The query can also be designed in such a way that only the number of empty containers is displayed at a customer or location in order to organize the collection of empties.
• • Ordering a product for the container, eg re-ordering the same product.
• • Refill or empty the tank. This can be an example of a multi-stage or combined action that includes, for example, reordering, commissioning a vehicle, etc.
• • Sending information, in particular on the situation of the container, to a predefined set of devices. Such devices can be, for example, a number of servers or mobile devices. The devices can thus, for example, provide a company with an up-to-date overview of the containers and/or their contents, value, etc., for example by means of an SMS to the person responsible for logistics, and/or a display of the situation of one or more containers. The information shown can be, for example, raw information (e.g. "50 I lye in container 987"), abstracted or otherwise pre-processed information (e.g. 3 empty containers in location AB", "Total quantity: 156 I 1% hydrochloric acid on the premises GH of company ABC ").
• • Leave the container. It is also possible - eg in the case of minor changes - not to take any action.

In some embodiments, the filling level of the container includes a quantitative value of a filling level, eg a value “50 cm filling level”, “2 m ³ filling material”, or a range, eg “between 10 cm and 190 cm”. In some embodiments, the level includes a “full” or “empty” level. Optionally, a "partially filled"/"in use" fill state. Optionally, a "faulty" status, for example due to a lack of energy supply to the field device and/or a communication error.

In some embodiments, the property includes a location, content, label, and/or other properties. The identification can be, for example, a logo or company logo, a color or a pattern, etc. of the container.

In some embodiments, the property is captured using another sensor, a mobile device, and/or another device. For example, the mobile device can read a QR code, barcode, RFID transponder, etc. Another sensor may be provided, such as a GPS sensor.

One aspect relates to a program element which, when it is executed on a computing unit, in particular a server, a mobile device and/or a field device, instructs the computing unit to carry out the method as described above and/or below.

One aspect relates to a computer-readable medium on which the program element described herein is stored.

One aspect relates to a field device, having a filling level, topology or limit level sensor, the field device being set up to carry out or implement at least some of the embodiments.

One aspect relates to a container with a field device as described above and/or below.

For further clarification, the invention is described using the embodiments shown in the figures. These embodiments are meant to be exemplary only and not limiting.

character list

• 1 schematisch ein Szenario mit mehreren Behältern gemäß einer Ausführungsform;
• 2 schematisch einen Behälter gemäß einer Ausführungsform;
• 3 ein Flussdiagramm mit einem Verfahren gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

It shows:

• 1 schematically a scenario with multiple containers according to an embodiment;
• 2 schematically a container according to an embodiment;
• 3 FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

1 12 schematically shows a scenario with multiple containers 120, 140, 160 according to an embodiment. The container 120 contains a filling material 121 and is completely filled. A fill level 122 is detected by a sensor 126—for example a radar sensor. The filling level 122 can be processed in a field device 124, for example converted into a filling level, a volume, a filling state—for example “full”. The filling level 122 can be transmitted to a server 200 via a communication channel 129, for example but not necessarily wirelessly. The server 200 can have a database 220 and/or be connected to one or more other databases (not shown). The server 200 and/or the database 220 can be arranged in a cloud 250 . A property of the container 120 can be stored in the field device 124, the server 200 and/or the database 220, for example. The server 200 can, for example, query a situation of the container—which includes a combination of the fill level and at least one of the properties of the container.

A container 140 contains a filling material 141 and is partially filled. The fill level 142 can be detected using the radar sensor 146 , processed in a field device 144 and sent to the server 200 via a channel 149 . Another container 160 contains a product 161 and is completely empty, ie below a predefined level. The filling level 162 can be detected by means of the limit sensors 166, 167, processed in a field device 164 and sent to the server 200 via a channel 169 will. Alternatively or additionally, the fill level 162 can be sent to a mobile device 280 via a channel 168 . The mobile device 280 can also be set up to collect information from the container 160, for example from a QR code. The mobile device 280 can continue to communicate with the server 200 via a communication channel 288 . The decisions can thus be made by the mobile device 280 or - if the decisions are made by the server 200 - displayed on the mobile device 280.

2 FIG. 12 schematically shows a container 100 according to an embodiment. The container 100 can be a field device and/or sensors as in 1 shown include. For example, the container can have an inscription, a QR code, an RFID transponder (not shown), a company logo 114 and/or other information.

3 FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram 300 with a method according to an embodiment. In a step 302, a filling level of a filling material in a container (see e.g 1 ) detected. In a step 304, a property of the container is determined. Steps 302 and 304 can be carried out multiple times, in particular cyclically and/or on request. In a step 306, a situation of the container is queried, the situation including a combination of the fill level and at least one of the properties of the container. In a step 308 306 a decision is made based on the situation of the container and/or based on the situation of a plurality of containers.

Reference List

100, 120, 140, 160

container

112

inscription

114

logo

121, 141, 161

filling material / filling material

122, 142, 162

filling level / filling level

124, 144, 164

Field device / field device

126, 146, 166, 167

sensor

129, 149, 169

Communication channel from/to the server

200

server

220

Database

250

cloud

280

mobile device

168, 288

Communication channel from/to the mobile device

300

flow chart

302 - 308

steps

Claims (14)

Method for making a decision about at least one container (100, 120, 140, 160), with the steps: detecting a filling level (122, 142, 162) of a filling material (121, 141, 161) of the container (100, 120, 140, 160), determining a property of the container (100, 120, 140, 160), querying a situation of the container (100, 120, 140, 160), the situation comprising a combination of the fill level (122, 142, 162) and at least one of the properties of the container (100, 120, 140, 160); and making the decision based on the situation of the container (100, 120, 140, 160) and/or based on the situation of a plurality of containers (100, 120, 140, 160). procedure after claim 1 , A fill level (122, 142, 162) being detected by means of a fill level, topology or limit level sensor which is arranged on and/or in the container (100, 120, 140, 160). procedure after claim 2 , wherein the fill level, topology or limit level sensor is part of a field device (124, 144, 164) which is arranged on and/or in the container (100, 120, 140, 160). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision is made by a server (200), a mobile device (280) and/or the field device (124, 144, 164). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision is made on the basis of a decision matrix. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the decision matrix is updated by means of a neural network. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision comprises at least one of the following measures: initiating a transport order for the container (100, 120, 140, 160), ordering a product for the container (100, 120, 140, 160), refilling or emptying the container (100, 120, 140, 160), sending information, in particular on the situation of the container (100, 120, 140, 160), to a predefined number of devices, and/or leaving the container (100, 120, 140, 160). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling level (122, 142, 162) comprises a quantitative value of a filling level and/or filling amount, and/or a filling status full or empty and, optionally, a filling status partially filled and/or defective. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the property comprises a location, a content, an identifier and/or other properties. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the property is detected by means of a further sensor, a mobile device (280) and/or further devices. Program element which, when executed on a computing unit, in particular a server (200), a mobile device (280) and/or a field device (124, 144, 164), instructs the computing unit to use the method according to one of the preceding claims to perform. Computer-readable medium on which a program element according to the preceding claim is stored. Field device (124, 144, 164) having a level, topology or level sensor, wherein the field device (124, 144, 164) is set up to at least some of Claims 1 until 10 to perform. Container (100, 120, 140, 160) with a field device (124, 144, 164) according to the preceding claim.

Images