Computer-implemented method for generating a parameterization assistant and using such a parameterization assistant in a method for parameterizing a field device in automation technology

Abstract

The invention describes a computer-implemented method for generating a parameterization assistant (PA), wherein a host (HO) is provided on which an operating program (BP) comprising a user interface (GUI) is executed, wherein the user interface (GUI) has a plurality of input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) via which a user (BN) enters application information and / or parameter values ​​for a field device (FG) of the automation technology, wherein the operating program (BP) creates a parameter set for the field device (FG) based on the input of the user (BN), comprising: - Recording a field device type by the operating program (BP); - Recording a plurality of inputs made by the user (BN), wherein the inputs comprise application information and / or parameter values ​​entered into various input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) of the user interface (GUI); - Saving the recorded inputs made by the user (BN) linked to the field device type; and - Creating the parameterization assistant (PA), wherein for creating the parameterization assistant (PA) the stored inputs of the user (BN) are analyzed and one or more relationships with respect to the inputs on several input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) are identified, a use of such a parameterization assistant in a method for parameterizing a field device, a computer-readable medium, and a computer system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a parameterization assistant, wherein a host is provided on which an operating program comprising a user interface is executed, wherein the user interface has a plurality of input fields via which a user enters application information and / or parameter values ​​for a field device of automation technology, wherein the operating program creates a parameter set for the field device based on the user's input. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a parameterization assistant, which was generated by means of the method according to the invention, in a method for parameterizing a field device of automation technology, wherein a host is used on which an operating program with a user interface and the parameterization assistant are executed, wherein the user interface has a plurality of input fields.The invention further relates to a computer-readable medium. Finally, the invention relates to a computer system.

[0002] Field devices used in industrial plants are already known from the state of the art. Field devices are widely used in automation technology, particularly process automation and manufacturing automation. Field devices essentially refer to all devices used close to the process and that provide or process-relevant information. 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, pH measurement, flow measurement, level measurement, etc. and record the corresponding process variables such as pressure, temperature, conductivity, pH value, level, flow, etc. Actuators are used to influence process variables.These include, for example, pumps or valves that can influence the flow of a fluid in a pipe or the fill level in a container. In addition to the previously mentioned measuring devices and actuators, field devices also include remote I / Os, wireless adapters, and generally devices located at the field level.

[0003] A large number of such field devices are produced and distributed by the Endress+Hauser Group.

[0004] Field devices that are integrated into a new application in a process plant, or replacement field devices that replace an outdated or defective field device in an application, must be specifically adapted to the respective application. For this purpose, these field devices are configured and parameterized during or after production. Configuration describes both the hardware configuration, for example, the flange material of a flowmeter, and the software configuration. Parameterization refers to the definition and setting of parameters that are used to adjust the operation of the field device to the specific characteristics of the application, for example, the measuring medium.

[0005] Ex works, all field devices of the same device type and / or configuration have the same number of parameters and the same preset standard parameter set. Due to the sometimes high number of parameters, often up to several hundred different parameters, the specific adjustment of individual parameters is extremely complex and involves a significant amount of manual effort. Therefore, a specific adjustment of the parameters to the respective application is often not feasible for the customer.

[0006] Many parameters are also interdependent, so that a single parameter change by an inexperienced customer can sometimes lead to a reduction in the functionality of the field device.

[0007] Field devices are operated and configured using a host application or a mobile application. These applications themselves have no knowledge of the field device logic. However, thanks to integration technology (e.g., frame applications and systems such as FDT, EDD, FDI, OPC-UA), they provide the various input fields for configuring a field device. Host applications for configuring field devices include "AMS" from Emerson, "PDM" from Siemens, and "FieldCare" from Endress+Hauser.

[0008] The user receives only very limited support from the host application during parameterization. For example, help elements are provided by the device driver or device description, but these can only provide assistance with general inputs and not situation- or application-specific help.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of making it easier for the customer to select and set up a suitable field device.

[0010] The invention is achieved by a computer-implemented method according to claim 1, a use according to claim 7, a computer-readable medium according to claim 18 and a computer system according to claim 19.

[0011] With regard to the computer-implemented method, it is provided that it serves to generate a parameterization assistant, wherein a host is provided on which an operating program comprising a user interface is executed, wherein the user interface has a plurality of input fields via which a user enters application information and / or parameter values ​​for a field device of the automation technology, wherein the operating program creates a parameter set for the field device based on the user's input, comprising: - Detection of a field device type by the operating program; - Capturing a plurality of inputs made by the user, wherein the inputs include application information and / or parameter values ​​entered into various input fields of the user interface; - Saving the recorded inputs made by the user linked to the field device type; and - Creating the parameterization wizard, whereby the user's saved inputs are analyzed to create the parameterization wizard and one or more relationships regarding the inputs in several input fields are identified.

[0012] The method is used to learn user behavior when parameterizing and / or configuring field devices. During parameterization, the user enters application information and / or parameter values ​​into input fields provided on a user interface of an operating program. The inputs a user enters for a specific field device in a specific context are observed. The plan is to collect a sufficiently large amount of input for a wide variety of field device types. The parameterization wizard is created using this knowledge. The parameterization wizard includes several relationships between the user inputs for different device types. For example, several input fields or their intended contents can be linked. The parameterization wizard learns these relationships. For example, the parameterization wizard recognizes all input fields in which units are to be entered.The parameterization wizard then learns that these units, or units composed of them, are the same or consistent across all input fields. For example, the parameterization wizard can also include multiple relationships between user inputs for different parameters of the same device type.

[0013] Additionally, navigation commands can also be captured as inputs. Navigation commands include, for example, scrolling the user through different pages or tabs of the user interface.

[0014] Field devices mentioned in connection with the invention have already been listed as examples in the introductory part of the description.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the method, the parameterization assistant comprises an algorithm, in particular a KL algorithm, and wherein analyzing and identifying the relationships comprises training the algorithm using machine learning. If a KL algorithm is used, it is based, for example, on a neural network.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the method, the recorded inputs made by the user are stored in a database linked to the field device type. This database is implemented on a cloud-based platform, with the host transmitting the inputs made by the user to the database, particularly via the Internet. A cloud-based platform is implemented on one or more servers and allows access via the Internet. Various components can be integrated and configured on the platform, for example, databases or application programs.

[0017] It may also be possible for the database to be implemented alternatively or additionally on the host. In this case, synchronization can occur between the database implemented on the host and the database implemented on the cloud-based platform.

[0018] The collected data can be stored purely locally on the host itself, or alternatively, entirely on the cloud-based platform. Synchronization between the two components enables a consistent data set.

[0019] Synchronization allows information to be collected across multiple customers. This information can be anonymized.

[0020] With regard to the use, it is provided that a parameterization assistant, which was generated by means of the method according to the invention, is used in a method for parameterizing a field device of automation technology, wherein a host is used on which an operating program with a user interface and the parameterization assistant are executed, wherein the user interface has a plurality of input fields, wherein the method comprises: - Recording the field device type of the field device to be parameterized; - Entry of application information and / or parameter values ​​into at least one of the input fields by the user; and - Creation of suggestions by the parameterization wizard based on the application information and / or parameter values ​​previously entered by the user and the field device type.

[0021] Using the Parameterization Wizard during the parameterization process allows the user to operate the field device, especially to parameterize it, without in-depth expert knowledge. Even if the user has only partial expertise, limited time, or limited support, the Parameterization Wizard supports them in completing their tasks efficiently and error-free.

[0022] To do this, the user opens a guided user interface in the operating program and enters initial parameter values ​​and / or application information into input fields. Based on the device type of the field device to be operated and the acquired knowledge, the parameterization wizard is able to generate suggestions based on the parameter values ​​and / or application information already entered.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that a suggestion is generated by the user's navigation on the user interface - for example, by clicking on input fields.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the current parameter set of the field device can be read out. The suggestions are then made based on the read parameter values, so user input is not necessarily required. This can, for example, be used to detect possible inconsistencies in the parameter set.

[0025] In a first variant, it can be provided that the suggestions are application information and / or parameter values ​​for entry in further input fields of the user interface. For example, the user enters a main unit as a parameter in an input field. Based on the learned knowledge, the parameterization wizard can identify the other input fields in which units, for example, must also be entered and suggests the appropriate units depending on the selected main unit. It can then be provided that the suggested application information and / or parameters are pre-filled in the corresponding additional parameter fields and displayed to the user. Before the suggestion is accepted, it can be provided that the user is prompted to validate or confirm the suggestions.

[0026] If the user successfully validates the suggestions, a parameter set can then be created for the field device. The parameter set is created based on the application information and / or parameter values ​​entered by the user and the additional application information and / or parameter values ​​successfully validated by the user. The created parameter set can then be transmitted to the field device, with the host maintaining a communication connection with the field device for this purpose.

[0027] In a second variant, the suggestions can be intended to be references to successor products for discontinued field devices or alternative field devices. The result of the suggestion is therefore not necessarily a parameter set for the intended field device, but also a recommendation to select a different field device, one that is, for example, more suitable for the application. The procedure with this variant can also be used in the ordering process for a field device. To do this, the user enters the application information (and, if necessary, initial parameter values) and receives suggestions from the parameterization wizard for field devices suitable for this application, in particular including complete or partial configuration.

[0028] In a third variant, it can be provided that the suggestions are a prediction for an input to be entered by the user, based on past inputs in previous sessions or operations.

[0029] Advantageously, the parameterization assistant can perform a consistency and / or plausibility check of the user's inputs in addition to generating suggestions. This provides a further step in user support, as incorrect inputs (e.g., atypical maximum / minimum values, units, etc.) are pointed out, allowing them to be corrected.

[0030] It may also be provided that the parameterization assistant guides the user through the entry of application information and / or parameter values, particularly in the form of a wizard. The wizard then serves to ask the user appropriate questions in order to obtain the parameter values ​​and / or application information required by the parameterization assistant to make suggestions.

[0031] An advantageous embodiment provides for a framework application, particularly one based on the FDT specification, the FDI specification, or OPC UA, to be used as the operating program. Field device-specific device drivers or device descriptions are used according to the specification. These device drivers or device descriptions can specify the user interface for the framework application, on which the input fields are located. The parameterization wizard can be either part of the framework application or part of a device driver.

[0032] It can further be provided that a computer unit, in particular a stationary PC or a laptop, or a mobile device, in particular a smartphone or a tablet, or an application executed on a cloud-based platform is used as the host.

[0033] With regard to the computer-readable medium, it is provided that this computer-readable medium encodes instructions that define a parameterization module generated by a method according to the invention. The computer-readable medium can be a permanent memory, e.g., a hard disk, a USB stick, or the like. However, the computer-readable medium can also be a volatile memory, e.g., RAM.

[0034] With regard to the computer system, it is intended that it comprise a computer-readable medium as described above. The computer system comprises a computing unit configured to read the computer-readable medium and implement the instructions. IoT or edge components, for example, can also be used as the computing unit.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention; and Fig. 2: a schematic representation of a user interface of an operating program in which the parameterization wizard is executed.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a setup that allows a user (BN) to interact with a field device (FG), particularly to operate it (e.g., parameter setting, etc.). For this purpose, the user (BN) uses a host (HO) or a control unit. The left side of the Fig. 1 shows the interaction of the user BN, the host HO and the field device FG. On the right side of the Fig. 1 the host is “opened up” so that its functions are shown in detail.

[0037] In this case, the host HO is an operating unit, particularly in the form of a tablet or laptop. An operating program BP is executed on the host HO in the form of an FDT frame application. The host HO is connected to the field device FG via a wired connection (e.g., via a fieldbus) or wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, or Wi-Fi).

[0038] A specific device driver (DTM) for the field device FG is loaded into the operating program BP and executed. The device driver provides the operator with a user interface (GUI) through which they can operate the field device FG. The device driver has the instrument logic (IL) of the field device FG and therefore knows the operating commands available for the field device FG.

[0039] In case the host HO is OPC UA-based, the operating program BP does not have a dedicated device driver for the field device FG.

[0040] Alternatively, the operating program BP can be implemented on the field device FG itself. The host HO can then be used to access a web server of the field device FG. In this case, too, no dedicated device driver is required for the field device FG.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of such a user interface (GUI). In this example, the field device (FG) is a flowmeter. The GUI provides the user (BN) with several input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) in which the user (BN) can enter parameter values ​​and / or application information.

[0042] To assist the user BN with the input, or to save time and reduce errors, a parameterization assistant is first created. For this purpose, the operating program BP records the interactions of the user BN with the user interface. This means that the operating program BP records all parameter values ​​or application information entered in the input fields EF1, EF2, ..., EF8. Since the input fields for the parameter values ​​or application information are identified (for example, using names, indices, data type, selection lists, etc.), the operating program BP can "learn" the logic of the field device FG and the dependencies between the input fields EF1, EF2, ..., EF8 by calculating mass data. The mass data contains not only the application information orParameters entered by the current user BN, but the data entered by a variety of users for different field device types.

[0043] This collected data is stored in a database (DB) linked to the field device type. The database (DB) can be either hosted locally on the host device (HO) or located on a cloud-based platform with which the host device (HO) can communicate over the Internet. Both types of database (DB) can also be available. In this case, synchronization between the DBs is provided so that the same level of knowledge is available on both DBs.

[0044] The parameterization assistant PA is now created based on the data in the database DB. It may be intended to use an algorithm, particularly one based on a KL model, which is trained using the data. Based on a set of known combination parameters / values, the algorithm can draw conclusions about the next values ​​that are likely to be entered, make suggestions to the user BN, or point out possible errors.

[0045] After creating the parameterization wizard PA, it can be used to operate the field device FG. User BN begins by filling out the first input fields EF1, EF2, ..., EF8 (see Fig. 2) and enters application information and / or parameter values. The parameterization assistant PA analyzes the input and, based on this, creates suggestions for the user BN.

[0046] The suggestions can, for example, complement the GUI user interface and the input fields EF1, EF2, ..., EF8 can be pre-filled: For example, the parameterization assistant has detected a pattern in the entry of the TAG information (input field EF1) during previous operations of other field devices. In the two previous operations, the TAG values ​​"B004" and "B005" were entered. The parameterization assistant PA therefore suggests the value "B006" for the input field EF1. An existing duplicate TAG value entered by user BN could also be detected in this way.

[0047] User BN's next inputs are the measurement type "Flow" (input field EF2) and the medium type "Gas" (input field EF3). The parameterization wizard PA concludes that "Empty Pipe Detection" will likely be activated and suggests this to the user (input field EF4).

[0048] The next input from user BN concerns the entry of the main unit in input field EF5. User BN selects "kg" here. The parameterization wizard PA recognizes that the data to be entered in input field EF6 ("flow unit") also refers to a unit and, for consistency reasons, suggests the unit "kg / s" instead of, for example, "t / s."

[0049] User BN must validate all of these suggestions. Only suggestions validated by user BN will be considered later.

[0050] The PA parameterization assistant can enable the configuration of the field device FG in a random sorting order using navigation tools such as menus or tree structures. It can also learn the order in which the parameters were configured or the data was entered into the input fields EF1, EF2, ..., EF8, to suggest more precise conclusions and even detect whether the user BN may have forgotten some entries.

[0051] To further support the user (BN), the input of parameter values ​​and / or application information can be provided via a so-called "wizard." A wizard guides the user (BN) step by step through the input of parameter values ​​in a predetermined sequence of steps. The wizard also serves to ask the user (BN) appropriate questions in order to obtain the parameter values ​​and / or application information required by the parameterization assistant (PA) to make suggestions.

[0052] Once all parameter values ​​and / or application information have been entered into the input fields EF1, EF2, ..., EF8, the parameterization assistant PA or the operating program BP creates a suitable parameter set for the field device FG, which can then be transmitted to the field device FG and written to it.

[0053] In addition, the parameterization assistant PA can also support the user BN in more complex tasks, such as replacing a field device FG of a first type with another device of a second type, which uses the same measuring principle (e.g. pressure, flow, pH measurement...).

[0054] The parameterization assistant PA can also be used when ordering a field device FG to suggest a suitable, especially appropriately configured, field device FG.

[0055] In addition, the parameterization assistant can use the entered parameter values ​​and / or application information to identify and suggest whether another field device type is more suitable for the application (example for level measurement: hydrostatic pressure instead of radar). List of reference symbols BN users BP operating program DB database EF1, EF2, ..., EF8 input fields FG field device GUI user interface HO Host IL Instrument Logic PA Parameterization Assistant

Claims

[1] Computer-implemented method for generating a parameterization assistant (PA), wherein a host (HO) is provided on which an operating program (BP) comprising a user interface (GUI) is executed, wherein the user interface (GUI) has a plurality of input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) via which a user (BN) enters application information and / or parameter values for a field device (FG) of the automation technology, wherein the operating program (BP) creates a parameter set for the field device (FG) based on the input of the user (BN), comprising: - Recording a field device type by the operating program (BP); - Recording a plurality of inputs made by the user (BN), wherein the inputs comprise application information and / or parameter values entered into various input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) of the user interface (GUI); - Saving the recorded inputs made by the user (BN) linked to the field device type; and - Creation of the parameterization assistant (PA), whereby for the creation of the parameterization assistant (PA) the saved inputs of the user (BN) are analyzed and one or more relationships with regard to the inputs on several input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) are identified. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the parameterization assistant (PA) comprises an algorithm, in particular a Kl algorithm, and wherein the analysis and identification of the relationships comprises training the algorithm by means of machine learning. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recorded inputs made by the user (BN) are stored in a database (DB) linked to the field device type. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the database (DB) is implemented on a cloud-based platform, wherein the host (HO) transmits the inputs made by the user (BN) to the database (DB), in particular via the Internet. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the database (DB) is alternatively or additionally implemented on the host (HO). [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein synchronization occurs between the database (DB) implemented on the host (HO) and between the database (DB) implemented on the cloud-based platform. [7] Using a parameterization assistant (PA) which was generated by means of a method according to one of claims 1 to 6, in a method for parameterizing a field device (FG) of automation technology, wherein a host (HO) is used on which an operating program (BP) with a user interface (GUI) and the parameterization assistant (PA) are executed, wherein the user interface (GUI) has a plurality of input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8), wherein the method comprises: - Recording the field device type of the field device (FG) to be parameterized; - entering application information and / or parameter values into at least one of the input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) by the user (BN); and - Creation of suggestions by the Parameterization Assistant (PA) based on the application information and / or parameter values previously entered by the user (BN) and the field device type. [8] Use according to claim 7, wherein the suggestions are application information and / or parameter values for input into further input fields (EF1, EF2, ..., EF8) of the user interface (GUI). [9] Use according to claim 8, wherein the suggested application information and / or parameters are pre-filled in the corresponding further parameter fields. [10] Use according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the user (BN) is asked to validate the suggestions. [11] Use according to claim 10, wherein a parameter set is created for the field device (FG), wherein the parameter set is created on the basis of the application information and / or parameter values entered by the user (BN) and the further application information and / or parameter values successfully validated by the user (BN). [12] Use according to claim 11, wherein the host (HO) is in communication connection with the field device (FG), wherein the parameter set is transmitted to the field device (FG) via the communication connection after creation. [13] Use according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the suggestions are references to successor products for discontinued field devices or alternative field devices. [14] Use according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the parameterization assistant (PA) carries out a consistency and / or plausibility check of the inputs already made by the user (BN). [15] Use according to one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the parameterization assistant (PA) guides the user (BN) through the input of the application information and / or parameter values, in particular in the form of a wizard. [16] Use according to one of claims 7 to 15, wherein a frame application, in particular based on the FDT specification, the FDI specification or on OPC-UA, is used as the operating program (BP). [17] Use according to one of claims 7 to 16, wherein a computer unit, in particular a stationary PC or a laptop, or a mobile terminal, in particular a smartphone or a tablet, or an application executed on a cloud-based platform is used as the host (HO). [18] A computer-readable medium encoding instructions defining a parameterization assistant (PA) generated by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [19] A computer system comprising a computer-readable medium according to claim 18.

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