EP1501062B1 - Method and HMI system for operating and observing a technical installation - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and an HMI system for operating and monitoring a technical system.

Such systems are for example from the WO-A-0002344 known.

Technical installations are all types of technical equipment and systems, both in single arrangement and in data networking, e.g. over a fieldbus. In industrial applications this includes individual resources, e.g. Drives, processing machines. However, a technical installation can also be a production installation in which locally distributed resources operate an entire technical process, e.g. a chemical plant or production line. Technical systems are controlled and operated with special digital data processing systems, also called automation systems. In such a system are on the one hand for direct control of the technical equipment serving devices available, i. programmable logic controllers PLC, also referred to as "PLC - Programmable Logic Controller". To relieve these controls, automation systems have further special devices which form an interface for operating personnel. These are called "operator control and monitoring devices", abbreviated "B + B", or HMI devices, i. Human Machine Interface, called.

The term HMI device is a generic term and includes all components belonging to this group of devices. As an example, "operator panels", also referred to as "control panels" or briefly referred to as "OP" to be called. These can be stationary or mobile. HMI devices are used in a networked automation system as a tool for operating personnel to display and operate process data of the technical system to be controlled. This feature comes with "Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition" (SCADA). For this purpose, the HMI device is usually designed specifically in terms of hardware, ie it has a touch screen, for example, and is particularly shielded against environmental influences. Furthermore, it runs a special software. This provides functions that improve comfort, quality and safety of operator operation. For example, HMI devices can be used to visualize and operate interactive process images of the technical system to be operated, as well as to configure and generate them. On the one hand, a selective display of reactions of the technical system is possible on the one hand, mostly in the form of measured values and messages. On the other hand, it is made possible by targeted specification of operator actions and data entries to convert the technical system into desired states.

Until now, the devices of an automation system have been permanently assigned to the respective technical system to be controlled. Of these, in addition to the naturally permanently coupled control devices, the HMI devices are also generally affected. These are e.g. in the form of a terminal or operator panel as an integral part of the respective automation system of the associated technical system clearly assigned. In the individual operator panels of an automation system, all machine and operation-specific data, e.g. Machine data, process images, configuration files and much more, each of the associated technical system loaded. The runtime software of such an HMI device thus contains all data and parameters which are necessary for operating and observing precisely this technical system or a part thereof for plant operating personnel.

However, such a data-technically fixed assignment of an HMI device to an automation system and the connected technical system also has disadvantages. Since all the machine- and operation-specific data of the system are permanently stored therein, the flexibility of such HMI devices is mostly restricted. These are thus often stationary mostly mounted in the immediate spatial environment of the associated technical stationary. An operator must therefore move to the location of the respective HMI device, and is thus limited in his freedom of movement. Furthermore, the HMI device and an operator are permanently exposed to the environmental conditions present at the mounting location.

If such an HMI device needs to be replaced, all machine and operation-specific data must be reloaded to fully restore the original operability. Even with mobile versions of HMI devices, e.g. In the form of a wired hand or a hand-held device coupled via a radio link, it is customary to allocate it logically unambiguously to a technical system or a resource of the same. As a rule, this also means that all the configuration, display and machine data are loaded in the hand-held device regardless of the frequency of their use, ie. for all possible observation and operating situations must be kept in stock. The hardware and software used for such HMI devices must therefore be correspondingly powerful. In the case of a failure-related replacement of such devices can thus incur considerable expenses.

The invention is based on the object to provide a method for operating and monitoring a technical system and a corresponding HMI system for performing the method, which have a much better spatial and data-technical flexibility than previous HMI systems. The object underlying the invention is achieved with the features of the method specified in claim 1, and with the HMI system contained in the independent claim 10.

The inventive method for operating and monitoring a technical system, which is assigned at least one regional operating area in an operating area, by means of a universal, mobile operating and monitoring module, comprises three steps. In a first step, the current position of the universal, mobile operating and monitoring module is determined by means of locating signals, in a second step, the universal mobile operating and monitoring module is assigned to a technical system when the current position of the universal, mobile operator and monitoring module is located in the regional operating area of the technical system, and in a third step, data of the technical system are loaded into the assigned universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module HMI.

The process of the invention offers a wealth of advantages. In this case, the invention is based on the principle that no fixed, but only a temporary assignment of a universal, mobile control and monitoring module is made to a technical system. It must therefore be selectively loaded only those HMI data in the control and monitoring module, which are required to carry out the respective desired operating and monitoring tasks on the associated technical system or a particular part of the system. If the operating and monitoring module is carried by one operator, then he can leave the regional operating area of a technical installation without any restrictions, and enter the regional operating area of another technical system. After passing through the three steps of the method according to the invention, ie, firstly position determination of the operating and monitoring module, secondly allocation to the associated technical system, and thirdly downloading the HMI data of the technical system in the operating and monitoring module, the other technical system of the operator be operated and observed without restriction.

As operating and monitoring modules thus universal devices can be used without any pre-programming and preconfigurations. These can be briefly referred to as "client HMI". It is thus readily possible that e.g. in a waiting room of a large-scale facility such as a power plant, a variety of such universal, mobile control and monitoring module are ready and used only temporarily if necessary by the operator for inspection aisles. Such "client HMI's" can be moved completely free and without regard to connection points in the system without mechanical connection. Furthermore, these can also be used in locations where difficult stationary B + B devices can be used over a long period, e.g. for reasons of space or because of the prevailing ambient conditions, mobile "client HMIs" can be used temporarily with the method according to the invention.

Since with the method according to the invention, a "client HMI" can only be acted on after allocation to a technical installation within its regional operating area, ie. In many cases, in the immediate vicinity of the technical system, the safety requirement can be met that machines can only be operated when the operator is in their immediate vicinity.

This can on the one hand prevents intruders in a technical system, but which are not directly on site, they can manipulate. Furthermore, it can be prevented that system operations are performed out of positions that can conjure up a danger.

Advantageously, with the HMI data of the technical system HMI initialization data are loaded into the associated universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module. These advantageously effect a parameterization of the display of HMI data of the technical system on the associated universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module.

It is hereby advantageously possible that the type of display of HMI data from plant to plant is different, and can advantageously be optimally adapted to the needs of the respective plant operation. This may be the type of display, e.g. Colors and font sizes, but also the display contents, e.g. Table forms and process images, to be initialized.

In a further embodiment, it is advantageous if the HMI data of the technical system HMI display data is loaded into the associated universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module. These contain at least process values of the technical system, in particular actual values and alarm messages of technical equipment of the technical system.

Hereby it is advantageously possible, e.g. Presets, current actual values, i. changing process variables, directly into universal, mobile control and monitoring module download without this requires an action of the operating personnel. It is with this embodiment e.g. readily possible that e.g. only a particularly critical process value of a system after completion of the three sections of the method according to the invention loaded in the control and monitoring module and displayed when an operator has entered the regional operating area of this system. On the other hand, recurring, pre-assembled, dynamic process diagrams and can be automatically displayed.

Advantageously, the HMI data in the associated universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module can be loaded back into the technical system after an update in a fourth step, in particular in the form of HMI input data. Advantageously, the returned HMI data contain default values for the technical system, in particular setpoint and default values for technical equipment of the technical system.

After an "observation" of the current state of a technical installation by an operator, it may be necessary to make changes to a parameterization, e.g. Slightly adjust target values for an ongoing technical process. These values can be entered by an operator in the mobile control and monitoring module and loaded back to the technical system for updating.

The method according to the invention thus makes it possible that a "client HMI" does not have to be "preloaded" with configuration information about all possible target environments. All necessary information is made available to the "Client HMI" at runtime if it is located in the regional operating area of the respective technical system or system component. Corresponding "empty" client HMIs can thus be sent directly without preparation time, e.g. taken from a warehouse and put into operation. There are no configuration and reloading times and no errors due to them. The amount of data to be loaded temporarily on a "client HMI" and temporarily stored between data can thus be reduced, which also makes the use of cheaper hardware possible.

It is particularly advantageous if HMI data are loaded or reloaded depending on the location of the associated universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module in the regional operating area of the assigned technical system, in particular depending on the distance to the technical system.

This has the particular advantage that only those HMI data must be selectively transmitted, which are required to perform operating and monitoring tasks at a locally determined location, in particular in a technical plant or a specific part of the plant or are processed safely by an operator can. Will the Transmission of HMI data controlled eg depending on the distance to the technical system, so eg certain operations can be locked eg for reasons of plant safety, if an operator is too far away from the technical system, ie outside the field of view. On the other hand, certain operations can be disabled for reasons of personal safety, if an operator approaches too close to the technical system.

An HMI system which is particularly suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention has at least one universal, mobile operating and monitoring module and at least one HMI data module assigned to the technical system. The HMI data module has first means for the preferably cyclic management of HMI data of the technical system. Second funds are used on the one hand to manage the regional operating area of the technical system and on the other hand to assign a universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module whose current position is in the regional operating area of the technical system. Finally, third means in the HMI data module at least cause the loading of HMI data of the technical system into the associated universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module.

With this embodiment, the particular advantage that for carrying out the steps of the method according to the invention, a compact HMI data module is present that can advantageously be integrated directly into the technical system and coupled via a data bus with it. This design makes it possible to retrofit existing technical equipment with an HMI data module without undue effort or, for example, this. to replace in a service case.

Advantageously, the third means are designed so that the HMI data are transmitted without contact in the associated universal, mobile control and monitoring module. All known standards for wireless data transmission can be used used, eg infrared data transmission IrDa and radio transmissions eg via Bluetooth, WLAN, GMS or GPRS. Of course, then have each used universal, mobile control and monitoring modules via appropriate communication interfaces. It is thus even possible that mobile devices primarily intended for other purposes, such as mobile phones or PDAs, ie personal digital assistants with radio interface, can also be used as universal, mobile operating and monitoring modules in a system constructed according to the invention ,

Advantageously, the HMI data module again has fourth means for receiving at least transmission telegrams which contain at least HMI input data for updating the HMI data of the technical system from the assigned universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module. An HMI data module of this kind thus handles the entire range of tasks with the exception of the immediate display and the specification of HMI data. This includes the preferred cyclical acquisition of HMI data within the technical system, the updating of the HMI data by receiving and feeding HMI input data, which has been uploaded by a "Client HMI". Furthermore, the HMI data module handles all data communication from and to "client HMIs".

According to a further embodiment, the universal, mobile operating and monitoring module of the HMI system according to the invention has position-determining means which evaluate position signals provided by a satellite system, in particular a GPS satellite system, and transmit the current position to the second means of the HMI data module. In another embodiment, the field strengths of local radiation signals which can be received in the regional operating region can also be evaluated by the means as locating signals. In both cases it is advantageous that already existing navigation and radiation systems are used for determining the position.

Another suitable for carrying out the method HMI system also has at least one universal, mobile control and monitoring module. Furthermore, a central server and an HMI communication module are available. The central server has first means for preferably cyclic management of HMI data of the technical system, and second means, both for the management of the regional operating area of the technical system, as well as for the assignment of a universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module, whose current position in regional operating area of the technical facility. Furthermore, HMI communication modules are assigned to technical systems. These point to network means for connection to the central server and loading means at least for HMI data of the technical system in an associated universal, mobile operating and monitoring module.

The tasks of an HMI data module in the first embodiment explained above is divided in this second embodiment into a central server and an HMI communication module. In this case, the first and second means of the server have the same tasks as the corresponding means of the above HMI data module. In contrast, the task of the third means is taken over by separate HMI communication modules.

While in the first embodiment described above, the HMI data distributed distributed in the individual HMI data modules are managed, and thus spatially associated with the respective technical systems, the HMI data are managed centrally in a server in the second embodiment. Distributed locally and assigned to the respective technical systems are only the HMI communication modules, which have the functions of data interfaces. The central HMI data management has the advantage that the HMI Data from different technical systems or system parts can be managed together. This also enables comparative analyzes and, for example, long-term archiving of HMI data records. Other functions can also be centrally adopted by the server, eg a user administration with operating rights for all mobile operating and monitoring modules that can be used in the system.

In contrast, the technical requirements for the distributed HMI communication modules are comparatively low. Thus, in the case of failure caused by failures cost advantages. Advantageously, an HMI communication module further comprises receiving means at least for transmission telegrams with HMI input data for the technical system from the associated universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module and for forwarding the transmission telegrams to the first means of the central server.

In this second embodiment, based on the principle of centralized management of the HMI data of several technical systems with the aid of a server, there are basically two possibilities for determining the position of an operating and monitoring module.

In a first possibility, a universal, mobile operating and monitoring module itself has means for determining the position. These evaluate locating signals provided, for example, by a satellite system, in particular a GPS satellite system, and transmit the current position to receiving means of a preferably adjacent HMI communication module for forwarding to the second means of the central server. Furthermore, proximity fields can also be evaluated by the universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module for position determination. These may be proximity fields based on a communication standard such as Bluetooth or Fast Infrared.

In a second possibility, an HMI communication module has receiving means which, for position determination, receive broadcasts of the universal, mobile operating and monitoring module as locating signals. These can either be evaluated by the HMI communication module itself or transmitted to the central server for determining the position of the mobile operator control and monitoring module.

In one embodiment, the current position value of the radiating mobile operating and monitoring module can be determined there from the radiations received from a plurality of HMI communication modules and transmitted to the server. In this case, GSM transmitting and receiving devices, GRPS transmitting and receiving devices or WLAN transmitting and receiving devices can be integrated in the HMI communication modules as receiving means for broadcasts of the universal, mobile control and monitoring module.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform für ein gemäß der Erfindung gestaltetes HMI System, wobei beispielhaft jeweils ein HMI Datenmodul in eine technische Anlage integriert ist, und in einem ersten Schritt von einem mobilen Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul Ortungssignale zur Positionsbestimmung empfangen werden,

Fig. 2

die Ausführungsform von Fig. 1, wobei von dem mobilen Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul Sendetelegramme insbesondere mit Positionsdaten an die im Bedienareal befindlichen HMI Datenmodule abgeschickt werden, um in einem zweiten Schritt eine Datenverbindung mit einem, dem jeweiligen regionalen Bedienbereich zugeordneten HMI Datenmodul und so eine Zuordnung zu einer technischen Anlage aufzubauen,

Fig. 3

die Ausführungsform von Fig. 1, wobei in einem dritten Schritt dasjenige HMI Datenmodul, in dessen regionalen Bedienbereich sich das mobile Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul befindet, HMI Daten insbesondere mit HMI Initialisierungsdaten und HMI Anzeigedaten an das mobile Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul sendet,

Fig. 4

das Blockschaltbild eines beispielhaften inneren Aufbaus einer technischen Anlage, in die ein gemäß der Erfindung gestaltetes HMI Datenmodul integriert ist, und einen beispielhaften inneren Aufbau eines mobilen Bedien- und Beobachtungsmoduls, das Sende- und Datentelegramme mit dem HMI Datenmodul austauscht,

Fig. 5

eine zweite Ausführungsform für ein gemäß der Erfindung gestaltetes HMI System, wobei HMI Kommunikationsmodule beispielhaft über ein Datennetzwerk mit einem zentralen Server verbunden sind, und vergleichbar zu Fig. 1 in einem ersten Schritt von einem mobilen Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul Ortungssignale zur Positionsbestimmung empfangen werden,

Fig. 6

die zweite beispielhafte Ausführungsform von Fig. 5, wobei vergleichbar zu Fig. 2 in einem zweiten Schritt von dem mobilen Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul Sendetelegramme insbesondere mit Positionsdaten abgeschickt werden, um eine Datenverbindung mit einem HMI Kommunikationsmodule aufzubauen, in dessen Sende- und Empfangsbereich sich das mobile Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul befindet,

Fig. 7

die zweite beispielhafte Ausführungsform von Fig. 5, wobei vergleichbar zur Fig. 3 in einem dritten Schritt dasjenige HMI Kommunikationsmodule, in dessen Sende- und Empfangsbereich sich das mobile Bedienund Beobachtungsmodul befindet, vom zentralen Server ausgewählte Datentelegramme insbesondere mit HMI Initialisierungsdaten und HMI Anzeigedaten an das mobile Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul sendet,

Fig. 8

eine dritte beispielhafte Ausführungsform für ein erfindungsgemäß gestaltetes HMI System, wobei HMI Kommunikationsmodule wie bei Fig. 5 mit einem zentralen Server verbunden sind, und in einem ersten Schritt von einem mobilen Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul zur Positionsbestimmung Nahwirkungsfelder empfangen und ausgewertet werden, insbesondere Abstrahlungssignale von benachbarten HMI Kommunikationsmodulen,

Fig. 9

die dritte beispielhafte Ausführungsform von Fig. 8, wobei in einem zweiten Schritt von dem mobilen Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul Sendetelegramme insbesondere mit Positionsdaten an das nächstliegende, z.B. am Ende des Datenbusses angekoppelte, HMI Kommunikationsmodul abgeschickt werden, um mit diesem HMI Kommunikationsmodul im dazugehörigen regionalen Bedienbereich eine Datenverbindung aufzubauen,

Fig. 10

die dritte beispielhafte Ausführungsform von Fig. 8, wobei in einem dritten Schritt das am nächsten liegende HMI Kommunikationsmodule vom zentralen Server bereitgestellte Datentelegramme insbesondere mit HMI Initialisierungsdaten und HMI Anzeigedaten an das mobile Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul sendet,

Fig. 11

eine vierte beispielhafte Ausführungsform für ein gemäß der Erfindung gestaltetes HMI System, wobei HMI Kommunikationsmodule wie bei Fig. 5 mit einem zentralen Server verbunden sind, und in einem ersten Schritt benachbarte HMI Kommunikationsmodule Funkabstrahlungen des mobilen Bedien- und Beobachtungsmoduls zur Bestimmung von dessen Position empfangen,

Fig. 12

die vierte beispielhafte Ausführungsform von Fig. 11, wobei vergleichbar zu Fig. 10 in einem dritten Schritt das am nächsten liegende HMI Kommunikationsmodule vom zentralen Server bereitgestellte Datentelegramme insbesondere mit HMI Initialisierungsdaten und HMI Anzeigedaten an das mobile Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul sendet,

Fig. 13

eine fünfte beispielhafte Ausführungsform für ein gemäß der Erfindung gestaltetes HMI System, wobei jeweils ein HMI Datenmodul beispielhaft in eine technische Anlage integriert ist, und in einem ersten Schritt die Positionsbestimmung des mobilen Bedienund Beobachtungsmoduls durch Platzierung im Datenerfassungsbereich eines HMI Datenmoduls erfolgt, und

Fig. 14

die fünfte beispielhafte Ausführungsform von Fig. 13, wobei das HMI Datenmodul, in dessen Datenerfassungsbereich sich das mobile Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul befindet, Datentelegramme insbesondere mit HMI Initialisierungsdaten und HMI Anzeigedaten an das mobile Bedien- und Beobachtungsmodul sendet.

The invention will be further explained with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. Show

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of an HMI system designed according to the invention, wherein, by way of example, an HMI data module is integrated into a technical system, and in a first step, positioning signals for position determination are received by a mobile operator control and monitoring module,

Fig. 2

the embodiment of Fig. 1 in which transmission telegrams are sent by the mobile operating and monitoring module, in particular with position data, to the HMI data modules located in the operating area in order to establish a data connection with an HMI data module assigned to the respective regional operating area and thus an assignment to a technical system in a second step,

Fig. 3

the embodiment of Fig. 1 in which, in a third step, that HMI data module in whose regional operating area the mobile operating and monitoring module is located sends HMI data, in particular with HMI initialization data and HMI display data, to the mobile operating and monitoring module,

Fig. 4

3 is a block diagram of an exemplary internal structure of a technical installation in which an HMI data module designed according to the invention is integrated, and an exemplary internal structure of a mobile operator control and monitoring module which exchanges transmission and data messages with the HMI data module.

Fig. 5

a second embodiment of an HMI system designed according to the invention, wherein HMI communication modules are connected by way of example via a data network with a central server, and comparable to Fig. 1 be received in a first step by a mobile control and monitoring module locating signals for position determination,

Fig. 6

the second exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5 , being comparable to Fig. 2 In a second step, the mobile operating and monitoring module sends transmission telegrams, in particular with position data, in order to set up a data connection with an HMI communication module in whose transmission and reception area the mobile operating and monitoring module is located,

Fig. 7

the second exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5 , being comparable to Fig. 3 in a third step, that HMI communication module in whose transmitting and receiving area the mobile operating and monitoring module is located, data telegrams selected by the central server, in particular with HMI initialization data and sends HMI display data to the mobile HMI module,

Fig. 8

a third exemplary embodiment of an inventively designed HMI system, wherein HMI communication modules as in Fig. 5 are connected to a central server, and in a first step by a mobile operator control and observation module for position determination Nahwirkungsfelder be received and evaluated, in particular radiation signals from adjacent HMI communication modules,

Fig. 9

the third exemplary embodiment of Fig. 8 in which, in a second step, the mobile operating and monitoring module sends transmission telegrams, in particular with position data, to the nearest HMI communication module, eg at the end of the data bus, in order to establish a data connection with this HMI communication module in the associated regional operating area,

Fig. 10

the third exemplary embodiment of Fig. 8 in which, in a third step, the closest HMI communication module sends data telegrams provided by the central server, in particular with HMI initialization data and HMI display data, to the mobile operator control and monitoring module,

Fig. 11

a fourth exemplary embodiment for an HMI system designed according to the invention, wherein HMI communication modules as in Fig. 5 are connected to a central server, and in a first step adjacent HMI communication modules receive radio transmissions of the mobile HMI module for determining its position,

Fig. 12

the fourth exemplary embodiment of Fig. 11 , being comparable to Fig. 10 in a third step, the nearest HMI communication module sends data telegrams provided by the central server, in particular with HMI initialization data and HMI display data, to the mobile operator control and monitoring module,

Fig. 13

a fifth exemplary embodiment of an HMI system designed according to the invention, wherein in each case an HMI data module is integrated into a technical system by way of example, and in a first step the position determination of the mobile operating and monitoring module takes place by placement in the data acquisition area of an HMI data module, and

Fig. 14

the fifth exemplary embodiment of Fig. 13 wherein the HMI data module, in the data collection area of which the mobile operating and monitoring module is located, sends data telegrams, in particular with HMI initialization data and HMI display data, to the mobile operating and monitoring module.

Based on Fig. 1 to 3 a first embodiment of a designed according to the invention HMI system will be explained. In this case, an operating area OA is shown by way of example, in which a first and a second technical installation M1, M2 are arranged. The two technical systems M1, M2 can be, for example, veroders, processing machines, and represent a part, in particular, of an entire manufacturing area, for example a large-scale plant. According to the invention, in each case an HMI data module AP1, AP2 is assigned to a technical installation M1, M2. In the Fig. 1 to 3 If these are integrated into the respective technical system, they can also be placed in the most direct possible spatial environment.

By way of example, a first and a second regional operating area OA1, OA2 are present in the operating area OA. In this case, the first regional operating area OA1 is assigned, for example, to the adjacent technical installation M1 and is managed by the first HMI data module AP1 connected thereto, while the second regional operating area OA2 is assigned to the technical installation M2, which is located therein by way of example, and by the second HMI data module connected thereto AP2 is managed. With the regional operating areas, it is ensured according to the invention that an operation of the first or second technical installation M1 or M2 is only possible if an operator stays in the respectively assigned regional operating area OA1 or OA2. The first regional operating area OA1 may e.g. For this reason, they should be adjacent to the first technical installation M1, as further approximation to them is not permitted for reasons of personal safety. On the other hand, the second technical installation M2 may therefore be virtually completely surrounded by its regional operating area OA2 since, when operating this installation, observation by a person from all spatial directions is necessary or at least advantageous.

According to the invention, universal, mobile operating and monitoring modules MU are provided for operation. These are preferably mobile industrial hand-held terminals. These usually have a large-scale display unit, such as an LCD display, and a variety of input keys and keyboards. In many cases, touch-sensitive display units, in particular touch screens, are also used in mobile operating and monitoring modules. As mobile control and monitoring modules, however, it is also possible to use already available wireless devices used in the non-industrial sector, such as mobile telephones or personal digital assistants PDAs. In the Fig. 1 to 3 is a control and monitoring module MU represented as a circle and is located, for example, inside the second regional Operating area OA2. An operator is in the Fig. 1 to 3 not shown for reasons of clarity.

Fig. 1 shows how the mobile operating and monitoring module MU in a first step determines its current position by means of locating signals. In the example illustrated, locating signals which originate from a satellite system, in particular from a GPS satellite system, are evaluated. So are in Fig. 1 three transmitting and receiving stations GPS1, GPS2, GPS3 of the satellite system shown. The outgoing localization signals are received by the operator control and monitoring module MU and evaluated for position determination.

After the mobile operating and monitoring module MU has determined its current position, it emits transmission telegrams, which contain at least the currently determined position data. Fig. 2 symbolically shows two transmission telegrams PM1, PM2. These are received by the HMI data modules AP1 and AP2 located in the operating area OA. According to the invention, these have means for managing the regional operating area of the associated technical installation. Each HMI data module can thus detect whether or not the mobile operating and monitoring module MU is located in the associated regional operating area. In the example of Fig. 1 to 3 the operating and monitoring module MU is placed in the regional operating area OA2 of the second technical installation M2. The HMI data module AP2 thus assigns the mobile operating and monitoring module MU to the second technical system M2 in a second step of the method according to the invention and establishes a data connection to the operator control and monitoring module MU. In contrast, the HMI data module AP1 does not react further because its HMI data module AP1 has recognized on the basis of the evaluation of the transmitted position data that the HMI module MU is at least currently outside the regional operating area OA1 to be managed.

In Fig. 3 shows how in a third step of the method according to the invention the associated HMI data module AP2, ie in the regional operating area, the mobile operating and monitoring module MU is currently loaded HMI data in the mobile control and monitoring module MU. This can now be used by an operator temporarily for the execution of operating and / or observation actions, which relate to the second technical system AP2.

The goal of these operating and / or monitoring operations is to display HMI data of the second technical system AP2 on the mobile operating and monitoring module MU for plant personnel. In an additional fourth step, default values entered manually by the plant personnel, for example manually into the operating and monitoring module, can also be transferred back to the HMI data module AP2 as HMI input values for updating the HMI data in order to change the operating state of the technical system AP2. For this purpose, as in Fig. 2 represented, at least data telegrams DM2 in the sense of a "download" from the HMI data module AP2 transmitted to the operator control and monitoring module MU. In an advantageous continuation of the invention, the data telegrams can also enable the bidirectional connection, ie also an "upload" of HMI input data from the operator control and monitoring module into the HMI data module AP2.

HMI data in the present invention are to be understood as meaning all data which are in a necessary context for integrated production management, and whose display and influencing significantly influence the production result of the technical installation in terms of quantity and quality. This includes, on the one hand, raw data that comes directly from the technical process taking place in the technical system, such as the actual values of temperatures, quantities, etc., and the associated setpoints. As HMI data in the present invention, however, further processed data understood. These can be from the HMI data module Raw data derived. These include, for example, statistical trend analyzes, OEE key figures, ie overall equipment efficiency data, KPI numbers, ie key performance indicator data, but also warehouse management and workpiece tracking information, planned maintenance orders and much more. In many cases, these derived data are referred to as MES data, ie management execution system data. In the present invention, this data is also considered part of the HMI data.

Depending on the data content, HMI data can be output directly in the form of HMI display data on the operator control and monitoring module MU. These may preferably be process values of the technical installation M2, e.g. Actual values and alarms of technical equipment, warnings and much more. Moreover, in process automation, it is often desired that e.g. Raw data in a concise form, e.g. in a dynamic process diagram. Furthermore, it is also often desirable for security reasons that operating masks are available for inputting HMI input data. In order to make this possible, the HMI data of the technical system M2 can also be used to load HMI initialization data into the assigned universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module MU. These effect at least one parameterization of the display of HMI data of the technical system on the associated universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module.

According to an advantageous development of the method, HMI data can be transmitted depending on the location of the associated universal, mobile operating and monitoring module MU in the interior of the regional operating area OA2 of the assigned technical installation M2, in particular depending on the distance to the technical installation M2. This makes a particularly fine gradation of the HMI data transferable in the down or upload direction possible. If an operator using a mobile operator control and monitoring module MU Is available, for example, is located only on the edge of the regional operating area OA2, so it is conceivable to release only those HMI data for transmission, which require no direct visual contact with the technical system. On the other hand, the contents of HMI data can also be controlled depending on the spatial direction. Thus, it may be advantageous or necessary if an operator who stands, for example, directly in front of the technical system, is supplied with other HMI data contents or other HMI input data is released for manipulation, as if the operator is behind or next to the technical system.

Fig. 4 shows in the form of a block diagram an exemplary internal structure of the second technical system M2 with an advantageously directly integrated and designed according to the invention HMI data module AP2. Furthermore, an exemplary internal structure of a mobile operating and monitoring module MU is shown, which according to the already explained example of Fig. 1 to 3 temporarily assigned to the second technical system M2. It can thus exchange send and data telegrams DM2 with its HMI data module AP2.

According to Fig. 4 For example, the second technical installation M2 has three internal technical resources BM21, BM22, BM23. HMI data are connected to these, ie they generate, for example, HMI display data or require, for example, HMI input data. The HMI data can be displayed by means of a mobile operating and monitoring module MU designed according to the invention and optionally additionally operated. The management of the HMI data, ie in particular their selection, acquisition, updating, storage, packaging, for example for display or archiving purposes, takes place in the second HMI data module AP2 both to the resources BM21, BM22, BM23 and to the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU. This is coupled via an internal data bus M2DB and a first data interface AS1 with the resources BM21, BM22, BM23, and via a second data interface ASK coupled with the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU. Via these interfaces, the HMI data module preferably cyclically updates the HMI data in both directions, ie in the sense of a down- and upload.

This arrangement has the advantage that all HMI data and the associated actions are initiated and handled by the HMI data module. As a result, both the technical system as well as the deployable universal mobile control and monitoring modules are significantly relieved. There is no need to make any special arrangements regarding hardware or software to manage HMI data.

The HMI data of the internal resources BM21, BM22, BM23 are in the HMI data module AP2 using a processing unit AVE first means OFF for preferably cyclic management, ie in particular for acquisition, storage and updating supplied. Both HMI display data, which is to be output to a mobile operator control and monitoring module, and HMI input data, which are to be received by a mobile operator control and monitoring module, are processed. Furthermore, there are second means AMU for the administration of the second regional operating area OA2 of the technical installation M2 and for the assignment of a universal mobile, operating and monitoring module MU located therein. The administration of the second regional operating area OA2 can take place, for example, with the aid of stored area coordinates. If the current position of the mobile operating and monitoring module is within the limits of the permitted area coordinates, the second means bring about the desired assignment of an operating and monitoring module to the technical installation AMU. Finally, the second data interface ASK of the HMI data module AP2 enables a preferably non-contact exchange of HMI data with the mobile, universal operating and monitoring module located in the regional operating area of the technical installation.

These data are received by the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU via a first external data interface MSK in a contactless manner and preferably via an internal data bus MUDB and switching a processing unit MVE further means MBO supplied to the output of particular HMI display data, e.g. an LCD display. Furthermore, means MBU are provided for inputting HMI input data, e.g. a keyboard or a touch-sensitive display, e.g. a touch screen. In turn, input values predefined by a person are preferably reloaded into the HMI data module via the data interface MSK in a contactless manner by the processing unit MVE.

In the example of the Fig. 4 shown embodiment for a usable in the inventive system mobile operating and monitoring module MU advantageously has a second external data interface MSP for the contactless exchange of locating signals for the position determination, for example with the transmitting and receiving stations GPS1, GPS2, GPS3 a satellite system for locating signals. Finally, MUS means are available for buffering, ie buffering data, in particular position data and HMI data, ie HMI input data, HMI initialization data and HMI display data.

The invention offers the particular advantage that, contrary to conventional HMI devices, a division of the function of managing HMI data to an HMI data module on the one hand and the function of displaying and operating HMI data on one universal mobile operating and monitoring module on the other hand. The functions of the "administration" and "display and operation" are thus assigned in each case where their implementation is the most effective possible. Thus, a technical system naturally represents a source and sink for HMI data, but is not always the appropriate device in order to carry out direct operations and observations at the same time. On the other hand, a universal, mobile operating and monitoring module is ideally suited for the provision of display and operating functions, but not always the appropriate device to handle the management of possibly extensive HMI data.

Based on Fig. 5 to 7 In the following, a second exemplary embodiment of an HMI system designed according to the invention will be explained. The tasks of the HMI data module from the example of the FIGS. 1 to 3 in the example of FIGS. 5 to 7 , and also in the following explained in more detail and in the FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrated further embodiment of a central server and HMI communication modules executed.

Thus span a first and second HMI communication module AP3 and AP4, which via one in the FIGS. 5 to 7 dashed and oval illustrated transmission and reception area AP3R and AP4R have, for example, a third regional operating area OA3 on. Their transmitting and receiving areas thus completely cover this. The first and second HMI communication modules AP3 and AP4, and thus the third regional operating area OA3 are in the example of FIGS. 5 to 7 assigned to a technical system M3.

Accordingly stretched a third and fourth HMI communication module AP5 and AP6, which via each one in the FIGS. 5 to 7 dashed and oval illustrated transmitting and receiving areas AP5R and AP6R have, for example, a fourth regional operating area OA4. Their transmitting and receiving areas thus completely cover this. The third and fourth HMI communication module AP5 and AP6, and thus the fourth regional operating area OA4 are in the example of FIGS. 5 to 7 assigned to a technical system M3.

The HMI communication modules AP3, AP4, AP5, AP6 are connected via a data network CN to a central server CS for HMI data. This central server CS is in turn connected to the technical equipment M3, M4 and has the first means for the preferably cyclic management of HMI data of the technical installations M3, M4. Furthermore, there are second means which serve for the administration of the regional operating areas OA3 and OA4 of the technical installations M3, M4 and for the assignment of a universal, mobile operating and monitoring module MU, if its current position lies in one of the regional operating area OA3 or OA4. Furthermore, there are the HMI communication modules AP3, AP4 and AP5, AP6, which, as described above, are assigned to the technical system M3 or M4. The HMI communication modules have network means CN for connection to the central server CS and loading means for at least HMI data of the technical system M3 or M4 in an associated universal mobile operating and monitoring module MU.

So is in Fig. 5 shown as comparable to Fig. 1 be received in a first step by a mobile control and monitoring module MU, locating signals for position determination. These in turn are provided for example by a satellite system GPS1, GPS2, GPS3, in particular a GPS satellite system.

Fig. 6 shows, comparable to Fig. 2 in how, in a second step, transmission telegrams PAP 5, in particular with position data, are sent by the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU. In the example of Fig. 6 The closest HMI communication module AP5 receives the position data and transmits them to the central server CS. The transmission telegrams PAP5 of the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU thus reach the HMI communication module AP5, in whose transmission and reception area AP5R the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU is located, in particular for the transmission of position data or HMI input data. In principle, however, each of the HMI communication modules AP3 to AP6 can accept the position data independently of whether the operating and monitoring module is currently located in the associated regional operating area. It must only be ensured that a connection over the transmission and reception range of at least one HMI communication module is possible. Now, the universal, mobile operator control and monitoring module MU with the help of the central server CS at least temporarily assigned to the regional operating area OA4 and thus the technical system M4.

Fig. 7 finally shows how comparable to Fig. 3 in a third step, the HMI communication module AP5, in whose transmission and reception area AP5R the mobile operating and monitoring module MU, sends data telegrams DAP5 selected by the central server CS, in particular with HMI display data and / or HMI initialization data, to the mobile operating and monitoring module.

Based on Fig. 8 to 10 and Fig. 11, 12th In the following, a third and a fourth exemplary embodiment of an HMI system designed according to the invention will be explained. In this case, a central server CS are also present, to which, by way of example, four HMI communication modules AP3 to AP6 with transmitting and receiving areas AP3R to AP6R are connected. Since these arrangements are largely in the Fig. 5 to 7 corresponds to the arrangement shown, reference is made to avoid repetition of the associated, above statements. The main differences of the versions of Fig. 8 to 10 and Fig. 11, 12th towards the execution of Fig. 5 to 7 consists of a different type of position determination for a mobile control and monitoring module MU.

So in the example of the Fig. 8 in a first step from the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU for position determination Nahwirkungsfelder received and evaluated, in particular radiation signals from adjacent HMI communication modules. In Fig. 8 These are, for example, radiation signals AP5S, AP6S from the third and fourth HMI communication module AP5, AP6, in particular field strengths emanating therefrom. In one, in Fig. 9 shown, second step will be from the mobile control and monitoring module MU sending telegrams PAP6 sent in particular with position data to the nearest, in this case, for example, at the end of the data bus CN coupled HMI communication module AP6. Since the mobile operating and monitoring module MU is now assigned to the regional operating area OA4 and thus to the technical installation M4, an in Fig. 10 represented third step, for example via the nearest HMI communication module AP6 provided by the central server CS data telegrams DAP6 sent in particular with associated HMI display data and / or HMI initialization data to the mobile control and monitoring module.

In contrast, in the example of Fig. 11 in a first step, transmissions MUS of the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU received from adjacent HMI communication modules, eg the modules AP5, AP6, and evaluated for determining the position of the mobile operator control and monitoring module MU. The necessary reception devices in the HMI communication modules can be designed, for example, as GSM, GPRS or WLAN transmitting and receiving devices. The position is then determined by evaluating these emissions either in an HMI communication module or in the central server. Since the mobile operating and monitoring module MU is now assigned to the regional operating area OA4 and thus to the technical installation M4, an in Fig. 12 represented third step, for example via the nearest HMI communication module AP6 provided by the central server CS data telegrams DAP6 sent in particular with associated HMI display data and / or HMI initialization data to the mobile control and monitoring module.

Based on FIGS. 13 and 14 In the following, a fifth exemplary embodiment of an HMI system designed according to the invention is explained. Since these arrangements with the in the Fig. 1 to 3 The arrangement shown is comparable to avoid repetition of the associated above directed. The main differences of the execution of Fig. 13, 14th towards the execution of Fig. 1 to 3 in turn, in the type of position determination for a mobile control and monitoring module MU.

At the in Fig. 13 Position determination by the mobile operating and monitoring module itself takes place. For this purpose, proximity fields SAM2 are received and evaluated, which are radiated by the spatially close HMI data module AP2, which is integrated in the second technical system M2. These proximity fields can be based, for example, on a known transmission standard, for example the so-called BLUETOOTH or infrared standard. The position of the mobile operator control and monitoring module is determined by placement in the data acquisition area of an HMI data module. After the mobile operating and monitoring module MU has determined its position and transmitted it to the HMI data module AP2, it is assigned to the regional operating area OA2 and thus to the technical installation M2. Well in an in Fig. 14 represented third step by emissions in the data transmission range DAM2 of the HMI data module AP2 associated HMI display data and / or HMI initialization data to the mobile control and monitoring module are transmitted.

Claims (25)

1. A method for controlling and monitoring a technical installation (M1; M2), to which at least one regional operating area (OA1; OA2) in an operating area (OA) is assigned, by means of a universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU), therein:

   a) in a first step the current position of the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) is determined with the aid of positioning signals;

   b) in a second step the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) is assigned to the technical installation (M1; M2), if the current position of the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) lies within the regional operating area (OA1; OA2) of the technical installation (M1; M2), and

   c) in a third step HMI data (DM2) of the technical installation (M1; M2) is loaded into the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU),

   characterised in that the HMI data (DM2), depending on the location of the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU), is transmitted within the regional operating area (OA1; OA2) of the assigned technical installation (M1; M2), wherein the transmission of the HMI data (DM2) is executed as a function of the distance between the technical installation (M1; M2) and the control and monitoring module (MU).
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein HMI display data is loaded into the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) along with the HMI data (DM2) of the technical installation (M1; M2).
3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the HMI display data contains at least process values of the technical installation (M1; M2), especially actual values and alarm messages of technical operating resources (BM21, BM22, BM23) of the technical installation (M1; M2).
4. Method according to claim 1, wherein HMI initialisation data is loaded into the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) along with the HMI data (DM2).
5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the HMI initialization data at least brings about a parameterisation of the display of HMI data of the technical installation (M1; M2) on the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a fourth step, after the HMI data has been updated in the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU), the data is reloaded into the technical installation (M1; M2), especially in the form of HMI input data (PM1; PM2).
7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the uploaded HMI data comprises data containing specified values for the technical installation (M1; M2), especially desired values and default values for technical resources (BM21, BM22, BM23) of the technical installation (M1; M2).
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mobile telephone is used as a universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).
9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a personal digital assistant (PDA) is used as the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).
10. An HMI system for executing the method according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) and with at least one HMI data module (AP1; AP2) assigned to the technical installation (M1; M2), the HMI data module comprising:

    a) First means (AUS) for preferably cyclic management of HMI data of the technical installation (M1; M2),

    b) Second means (AMU) for

    b1) managing the regional operating area (OA1; OA2) of the technical installation (M1; M2) and for

    b2) assigning a universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU), the actual position of which lies in the regional operating area (OA1; OA2) of the technical installation (M1; M2), and

    c) Third means (ASK) at least for loading (DM2) of HMI data of the technical installation (M1; M2) into the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU),

    characterised in that the HMI data module (AP1; AP2) is configured to take over the management of the HMI data (DM2) in relation to its selection and updating as a function of the distance between the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) and the technical installation.
11. HMI system according claim 10, wherein the HMI data module (AP1; AP2) is integrated into the technical installation (M1; M2).
12. HMI system according to claim 10, with a data bus (M2DB) configured to couple the HMI data module (AP1; AP2) to the technical installation (M1; M2).
13. HMI system according to claim 10, wherein the third means (ASK) transmits the HMI data in a contactless manner into the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).
14. HMI system according to claim 10, wherein the HMI data module (AP1; AP2) has fourth means for receiving at least transmission messages (PM1; PM2), which contain at least HMI input data for updating the HMI data of the technical installation (M1; M2) of the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).
15. HMI system according to claim 10, wherein the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) comprises means (MSP) for position determination, which

    a) analyzes positioning signals that are provided by a satellite system (GPS1, GPS2, GPS3), especially a GPS satellite system.

    b) transmits the current position to the second means of the HMI data module (AP1; AP2).
16. HMI system according to claim 10, wherein the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) comprises means (MSP) for position determination which,

    a) as positioning signals in the regional operating area (OA1; OA2), analyses short-range fields, especially short-range fields based on a Bluetooth standard or an infrared standard.

    b) transmits the current position to the second means of the HMI data module (AP1; AP2).
17. HMI system according to claim 10, with

    a) a central server (CS) comprising the first means (AUS) and second means (AMU), and with

    b) at least one HMI communications module (AP3, AP4; AP5, AP6) which is assigned to a technical installation (M3; M4) and comprises:

    b1) network means (CN) for connecting to the central server (CS), and

    b2) loading means at least for HMI data of the technical installation (M3; M4) into the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).
18. HMI system according to claim 17, wherein an HMI communications module (AP3, AP4; AP5, AP6) comprises receive means (AP3R, AP4R; AP5R, AP6R) at least for transmission messages (DAP5, DAP6) with HMI input data for the technical installation (M3; M4) from the assigned universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) and for forwarding the transmission messages to the first means (AUS) of the central server (CS).
19. HMI system according to claim 17, wherein the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) has means (MSP) for positioning, which

    a) analyse positioning signals that are provided by a satellite system (GPS1, GPS2, GPS3), especially a GPS satellite system, and

    b) transmit the actual position to receiving means (AP5R) of an HMI communications module (AP5) for forwarding to the second means (AMU) of the central server (CS).
20. HMI system according to claim 17, wherein the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) has means (MSP) for position determination, which

    c) analyse positioning signals from close-range fields able to be received in the regional operating area (OA3; OA4), especially short-range fields based on a Bluetooth standard or an infrared standard.

    d) transmit the actual position to the second means (AUS) of the central server (CS).
21. HMI system according to claim 17 wherein an HMI communications module (AP5, AP6) comprises receive means (AP5R, AP6R) which for positioning, receive and analyse emissions (MUS) of the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) as positioning signals.
22. HMI system according to claim 17, wherein an HMI communications module (AP5, AP6) comprises receive means (AP5R, AP6R) which receive and analyse emissions (MUS) of the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU) as positioning signals and transmit them to the central server (CS).
23. HMI system according to claim 21 or 22, with GSM transmit and receive devices as receive means (AP5R, AP6R) for emissions (MUS) of the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).
24. HMI system according to claim 21 or 22, with GPRS transmit and receive devices as receive means (AP5R, AP6R) for emissions (MUS) of the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).
25. HMI system according to claim 21 or 22, with WLAN transmit and receive devices as receive means (AP5R, AP6R) for emissions (MUS) of the universal mobile control and monitoring module (MU).

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