Sensors and / or information devices and sensor and / or information systems

Abstract

A method for operating a sensor and / or information system (10) is described, the system comprising a sensor and / or information device (14) and a main device (12). The sensor and / or information device (14) includes a hand garment and an auxiliary device (18), wherein the hand garment and / or auxiliary device (18) has at least one input component (40). The main device (12) is designed as a smart device. The method comprises the following steps: generating an actuation signal using the at least one input component (40). The actuation signal is received by the auxiliary device (18). An input signal is transmitted from the auxiliary device (18) to the main device (12) based on the actuation signal. An action command is generated by means of the main device (12) based on the input signal and based on a predefined action sequence. The action command is transmitted to the auxiliary device (18). Furthermore, the sensor and / or information device (14), the sensor and / or information system (10), and a computer program are described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to methods for operating sensors and / or information systems. The invention also relates to sensor and / or information devices, sensor and / or information systems, and computer programs for sensor and / or information systems. Background Technology

[0002] Systems with wearable assistive devices (such as sensor modules, like barcode scanners, or wearable display units with screens) are known.

[0003] Such systems facilitate certain activities for workers, such as packing and shipping in logistics centers, or assembling individual components on assembly lines.

[0004] Wearable assistive devices typically have relatively low computing power and relatively small storage capacity in order to reduce power consumption and thus extend the working time of wearable assistive devices.

[0005] However, workers often have to perform many different types of tasks and activities, thus placing different demands on the system. These demands, in turn, require increased computing power and storage capacity, resulting in a trade-off between operation time in one area and versatility in another. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide sensors and / or information systems and methods for operating sensors and / or information systems, which ensure extended operating time of auxiliary equipment and general applicability.

[0007] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a method for operating a sensor and / or information system, the system comprising sensor and / or information devices and a main device. The sensor and / or information devices include hand garments, particularly gloves, and auxiliary devices, wherein the hand garments and / or auxiliary devices have at least one input component. The auxiliary devices have a display and / or sensor unit and are attached to the hand garment. The main device is designed as a smart device, particularly as a smartphone. The method comprises the following steps:

[0008] - Generate an actuation signal using the at least one input component;

[0009] - The actuation signal is received by auxiliary equipment;

[0010] - Input signals are transmitted from auxiliary equipment to main equipment based on actuation signals;

[0011] - Based on input signals and a predefined sequence of actions, an action command is generated by the master device, wherein the action command is designed to cause the auxiliary device to perform a predefined action by means of a display and / or sensor unit; and

[0012] - Transmit action commands to auxiliary equipment.

[0013] A predefined action sequence consists of at least two predefined actions that are different from each other.

[0014] Within the scope of this invention, "smart device" is understood to refer to an electronic device that includes a computer processor and a data storage device on which an operating system is stored and executable. Therefore, different computer programs and applications can be installed and executed on smart devices.

[0015] Smart devices can be wearable smart devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, or smart glasses. Smart devices can also be personal computers or computer devices connected to the cloud or a local network.

[0016] In the context of this invention, "hand garment" is understood to mean garment that can be securely attached to the hand, wherein the garment at least partially covers the palm and back of the hand and / or at least wraps around one finger.

[0017] Within the scope of this invention, hand garments should be understood to refer not only to complete gloves with fingers, but also to gloves that only provide for the base of the fingers or lack individual fingers (such as finger sleeves), and also to gloves that only surround a portion of the hand (such as covers or bandages).

[0018] Furthermore, handwear should also be understood as rings that can be worn on one or more fingers.

[0019] Examples of hand garments in the sense of this invention are not limited to gloves (such as full gloves) or gloves that only provide for the base of the fingers or lack individual fingers (such as finger cots), but also gloves that only surround a portion of the hand (such as covers or bandages). Hand garments may comprise a single piece or multiple pieces.

[0020] Specifically, in the sense of this invention, a wristband worn on the wrist is not a hand garment.

[0021] The method according to the invention is based on the fundamental concept of exchanging computationally intensive processes to generate action instructions from auxiliary devices to master devices. For this purpose, the input signal, including information about the duration and / or type of operation of the input component, is generated solely by the auxiliary device, and thus can be generated with limited computational and storage resources. In the simplest case, the input signal is an actuation signal.

[0022] As described above, the main device is designed as an intelligent device, thus possessing greater computing power, storage capacity, and a larger battery compared to auxiliary devices. Consequently, the main device can perform computationally intensive tasks without significantly negatively impacting the operating time of sensors and / or information systems. Therefore, for example, the required battery capacity of auxiliary devices can be reduced, thereby lowering the weight and cost of the auxiliary devices.

[0023] After the action command is transmitted to the assistive device, the assistive device can execute the predefined action.

[0024] The input signal can be the same as the actuation signal. In other words, the actuation signal is simply forwarded from the auxiliary device to the main device without being processed further first, resulting in fewer computational resources required.

[0025] However, the actuation signal can also be processed by an auxiliary device to generate an input signal. In this case, the input signal is a processed version of the actuation signal, or is generated as a result of the actuation signal from the auxiliary device, but is unrelated to the actuation signal.

[0026] Action instructions include computer-readable instructions in the form of data signals, which can be processed by auxiliary devices.

[0027] The sequence of actions generated from these instructions includes various process steps that must be completed, and particularly sequences of these process steps, such as assembly instructions for assembling components. Therefore, by generating action instructions based on the process steps that need to be completed, the same actuation of the input component can ultimately produce different effects depending on the situation and the required process steps. Furthermore, the user can be guided step-by-step through the operation by displaying appropriate information.

[0028] Therefore, by means of the method according to the invention, dynamic assignment of input components is provided on the auxiliary device, while the auxiliary device requires only minimal computing resources, since the assignment of the actions to be performed is first carried out by means of the main device. Furthermore, since the various process steps are automatically activated sequentially, the user does not need to hold the smart device in their hands between process steps. Thus, the operation process becomes quite easy, as the user can always work with their hands free.

[0029] In this way, operating procedures are predefined and standardized for users. Moreover, when users are immediately informed of errors in the procedures, they can use action sequences to perform quality assurance, allowing them to resolve the errors.

[0030] Specifically, the action sequence is stored in the data storage device of the master device and / or loaded into this data storage device, for example, from a database.

[0031] Of course, action sequences can be processed on the main device by adding new actions, deleting existing actions, and / or modifying existing actions.

[0032] For example, an action sequence includes a sequence of actions and / or an actuation type used to trigger one of the predefined actions. In other words, the individual processing steps to be completed are stored together with the order in which these processing steps must be executed. Alternatively or additionally, the individual processing steps to be completed are stored together with an actuation type that allows the user to trigger the appropriate action.

[0033] One aspect of the invention provides action commands designed to activate sensor units, change the operating mode of auxiliary equipment, change the function of at least one input component, and / or cause a display to show predefined information, particularly wherein the predefined information is contained in the action command. In other words, based on input signals, the master device determines which function of the auxiliary equipment is required and / or provided to perform the next processing step and generates an operating procedure accordingly.

[0034] The predefined information includes, for example, user instructions and / or information about which process steps need to be completed next, related to operating procedures, sensors, and / or information systems. In other words, the sensors and / or information systems according to the invention support the user in that process step by displaying relevant information at least for the current process step.

[0035] According to embodiments of the present invention, different actions are assigned to different input signals in an action sequence. "Different input signals" are understood to mean input signals that differ in the type, duration, and / or frequency of actuation of at least one input component.

[0036] For example, in some cases several subsequent steps are possible. Thus, the user can select the next step via the type, duration, and / or frequency of actuation of at least one input component, and in particular, the desired type, duration, and / or frequency of actuation can be displayed on a display for the user for each corresponding step.

[0037] In another embodiment of the invention, the input signal is generated depending on the actuated input component and / or the actuation type of the corresponding input component, specifically wherein the input signal is generated only when the at least one input component is actuated twice. Thus, such input signals can be different from each other, generated based on different actuation signals.

[0038] As a prerequisite for generating input signals, multiple actuations of input components, especially dual actuations, reduce the likelihood of users accidentally triggering the functions of sensors and / or information systems.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, hand garments and / or assistive devices have at least two input components, wherein distinct input signals are assigned to the at least two input components. Depending on which of the at least two input components is actuated, another input signal and a corresponding action command can be generated. In other words, depending on which of the at least two input components is actuated, another predefined action can be performed.

[0040] Therefore, the at least two input components can be provided on the hand garment. Alternatively, the at least two input components can also be provided on the auxiliary device. Alternatively, the hand garment and the auxiliary device can each have at least one input component.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention provides action instructions, and in particular, functions assigned to action instructions, generated by the master device depending on the circumstances. The term "depending on the circumstances" is understood to mean taking into account previously performed actions and / or other data obtained by the auxiliary device (e.g., photographs, scanned codes, etc.). Thus, the same actuation of the same input component under different circumstances can result in different actions performed by the auxiliary device. It is a dynamic assignment of at least one input component controlled by the master device.

[0042] Action instructions can also be generated based on at least one prerequisite. An example of such a prerequisite is that previous process steps have been completed correctly. Another example of such a prerequisite is that the user is located in an area, for example, near a machine or a storage rack. The user's location can be determined using appropriate sensors from gloves, auxiliary devices, and / or the primary equipment.

[0043] The at least one prerequisite can be stored in a predefined sequence of actions. Therefore, different predefined actions can have different prerequisites.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention provides that the at least one prerequisite includes an accepted response to a previous action from the action sequence. In this way, the quality of the process performed by the user can be significantly improved.

[0045] For example, an accepted response could be an input signal, such as the actuation of an input component, and / or an input signal that meets certain criteria. In this regard, it is conceivable to compare the scanned code with the data status of the enterprise resource planning system, or to perform a feasibility analysis by the master device, and to initially consider the response (therefore, the input signal in this case) as accepted based on a positive check.

[0046] Specifically, if a previous action has not been successfully completed, or if no accepted response is received afterward, the next action can be blocked (i.e., not executed). An appropriate error message can be displayed on the screen, prompting the user to ensure that the previous action (i.e., generating an accepted response) is completed before the next action can be executed.

[0047] In another embodiment of the invention, the input signal and / or action command are transmitted wirelessly, particularly using Bluetooth, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy. Bluetooth, especially Bluetooth Low Energy, enables data exchange in an energy-efficient manner, thereby increasing the battery life of at least the auxiliary device.

[0048] According to the invention, this objective is also achieved by means of sensors and / or information devices, including hand garments, particularly gloves, and auxiliary devices attached to the hand garments. The hand garments and / or auxiliary devices have at least one input component. The auxiliary device includes a display and / or sensor unit and a control unit. The control unit is designed to receive operation signals from the at least one input component, transmit input signals to a main device based on actuation signals, receive operation instructions from the main device based on a predefined sequence of actions, wherein the action instructions are configured to cause the auxiliary device to perform predefined actions, and control the display and / or sensor unit based on the action instructions to perform the predefined actions assigned to the action instructions. The predefined sequence of actions includes at least two predefined actions that are different from each other. In particular, the control unit of the sensor module is an embedded system. Therefore, no complete operating system or similar program runs on the control unit of the sensor module; instead, the control unit is configured to process the received signals and data according to fixed rules or algorithms.

[0049] For the advantages and further features of sensors and / or information devices, refer to the above explanation of the method, which also applies to sensors and / or information devices, and vice versa.

[0050] Specifically, the action sequence includes a sequence of actions and / or an actuation type used to trigger one of the predefined actions. In other words, the individual process steps to be completed are stored together with the order in which these process steps must be executed. Alternatively or additionally, the individual process steps to be completed are stored together with an actuation type that allows the user to trigger the appropriate action.

[0051] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a scanner, a camera, and / or an RFID sensor. For example, the scanner may be a barcode scanner or a QR code scanner. The sensor unit may include several sensors, and thus may include both a scanner and a camera, for example.

[0052] The display can be designed as an input component, particularly as a touch display. Therefore, users of the sensor and / or input device can trigger actuation signals by tapping, swiping, and / or other actions on the touch display.

[0053] However, the at least one input component can be mounted on the sensor unit, particularly on the scanner and / or camera of the sensor unit.

[0054] At least two different input components, such as two buttons, can be provided on the sensor unit.

[0055] Another aspect of the invention provides that the at least one input component includes an electrical functional element mounted on a hand garment and connected to an auxiliary device via a cable, wherein the functional element has a touch sensor, pressure sensor, button, switch, capacitive and / or inductive sensor surface, reading device and / or LED.

[0056] According to the invention, this objective is also achieved by a sensor and / or information system comprising the aforementioned sensor and / or information devices and a main device, wherein the main device is designed as a smart device, particularly a smartphone. The main device is configured to receive input signals and generate action commands based on those input signals. Specifically, the sensor and / or information system is designed to perform the aforementioned method.

[0057] Regarding the advantages and characteristics of sensors and / or information systems, refer to the above explanations of methods for operating sensors and / or information systems and of sensors and / or information devices. These explanations apply to sensors and / or information systems, and vice versa.

[0058] One aspect of the invention provides a master device having a data storage device and / or connected to the data storage device, wherein the data storage device stores a predefined sequence of actions, wherein the predefined sequence of actions includes at least two predefined actions that are different from each other.

[0059] Therefore, predefined action sequences are particularly stored on wearable master devices carried by the user, such as sensors and / or information systems. Alternatively or additionally, predefined action sequences may be stored on fixed master devices.

[0060] Specifically, the predefined action sequences come from an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which defines and stores all relevant process steps and their sequences. These predefined action sequences can then be transferred from the ERP system to the user's (wearable) master device. Of course, action sequences can be processed on the master device by adding new actions, deleting existing actions, and / or modifying existing actions.

[0061] An ERP system may include an inventory management system.

[0062] Furthermore, several different action sequences can be stored in the main device's storage device; these action sequences correspond to different working processes. Even in this case, new action sequences can be added, existing action sequences can be deleted, and / or existing action sequences can be modified.

[0063] According to the present invention, this objective is also achieved by means of the aforementioned computer program for sensors and / or information systems. The computer program includes a first computer program module and a second computer program module, wherein the computer program includes program code components configured to cause the sensors and / or information systems to perform the aforementioned method if the first computer program module executes on the computing unit of the control unit of the auxiliary device and the second computer program module executes on the computing unit of the main device.

[0064] In this context and below, "program code component" is understood to be a computer-executable instruction having program code and / or program code module form that can exist in any programming language and / or machine language in compiled and / or uncompiled form.

[0065] Regarding the advantages and further features of computer programs, refer to the above explanations of methods for operating sensors and / or information systems and of sensors and / or information devices; these explanations also apply to sensors and / or information systems, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Additional advantages and features of the invention will be found in the following description and the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0067] Figure 1 The present invention illustrates a sensor and / or information system in an unworn state.

[0068] Figure 2 It shows what it looks like when worn by the user. Figure 1 Sensors and / or information systems,

[0069] Figure 3 A flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown, and

[0070] Figure 4 A diagram showing the action sequence is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Figure 1 The sensor and / or information system 10 is schematically shown, which includes a main device 12 and sensor and / or information devices 14.

[0072] The sensor and / or information device 14 includes hand garment 16, more specifically gloves, and auxiliary device 18.

[0073] The sensor and / or information system 10 is designed for industrial use and is therefore appropriately robust for continuous operation.

[0074] The main device 12 is a wearable smart device, preferably a smartphone. However, the main device 12 can also be a tablet, laptop, smartwatch, or smart glasses.

[0075] Instead of the wearable host device 12, a fixed host device 19, particularly a fixed computer, could also be provided in principle. It is also conceivable to use a cloud server as the fixed host device 19. The aforementioned fixed host device 19... Figure 2 It is shown in dashed lines.

[0076] In addition to the wearable main device 12, a fixed main device 19 can also be provided.

[0077] Each corresponding master device 12, 19 can connect to a database 21, such as an enterprise resource planning system (ERP system), for example on a local server or a cloud server, and can write data to or retrieve data from the database or ERP system.

[0078] The main device 12 has a display 20, a camera 22 and a control unit 24.

[0079] The control unit 24 has a communication module 26. The communication module 26 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the auxiliary device 18.

[0080] For example, the communication module 26 is configured to communicate with the auxiliary device 14 via Bluetooth (especially Bluetooth Low Energy) and / or via WLAN.

[0081] The control unit 24 has an operating system on which the applications of the sensor and / or information system 10 are executed.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary device 18 of the sensor and / or information system 10 is the sensor module 28.

[0083] However, it should be noted that this embodiment is purely exemplary for illustrative purposes. Alternatively, the auxiliary device 18 may also be designed as a display module having only a display for displaying information.

[0084] The sensor module 28 has an optical reading unit 30, which is a barcode scanner in the illustrated embodiment, a display 32, and a control unit 34 including a communication module 36.

[0085] The sensor module 28 has a battery, or more specifically a rechargeable battery for power supply.

[0086] It is also conceivable that, in addition to or in place of the optical reading unit 30, the sensor module 28 may have other sensor units, such as an RFID reader, a camera, a touch sensor, or an accelerometer.

[0087] Generally speaking, compared with the control unit 24 of the main device 12, the control unit 34 of the sensor module 28 has a relatively low computing power and a relatively small storage capacity.

[0088] Specifically, the control unit 34 of the sensor module 28 is an embedded system. For example, no full operating system or similar program runs on the control unit 34 of the sensor module 28; instead, the control unit 34 is configured to process the received signals and data according to fixed rules or algorithms.

[0089] The communication module 36 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the host device 12, preferably via Bluetooth (especially Bluetooth Low Energy) and / or via WLAN, and more specifically with the communication module 26 of the host device 12.

[0090] The fixed master device 19 is connected to the master device 12 by means of signal transmission, preferably via WLAN and / or Bluetooth, especially Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor module 28 can be secured to the user U's body by means of the glove 16. Therefore, the assistive device 18, or more precisely, the combination of the glove 16 and the assistive device 18, is referred to as "wearable".

[0092] For this purpose, glove 16 has a retainer or receiver 38, and sensor module 28 can be repeatedly fastened in and removed without tools.

[0093] The glove 16 may also have an input component 40, such as a button for the assistive device 14. The button or input component 40 may be provided on the fingers of the glove 16. It is also conceivable that the at least one input component 40, or one or more further input components 40, may be provided on the receiver 38.

[0094] Once the input component 40 is inserted into the receiver 38 by means of at least one cable 42 and contact element 44 in the receiver 38, the input component 40 is connected to the auxiliary device 18.

[0095] As an alternative to or complement to the input component 40 on the glove 16, the display 32 of the auxiliary device 18 can be designed as an input component. For example, the display 32 can be designed as a touch display.

[0096] The at least one input component 40 may also be provided on the sensor module 28. In particular, the sensor module 28 may have at least two separate input components 40. For example, two or more buttons may be provided on the holder or receiver 38.

[0097] Therefore, different types of actuation of the sensor and / or information device are possible. For example, the first type of actuation is a single actuation of the button in glove 16, the second type of actuation is a double actuation (“double-click”) of the button in glove 16, and the third type of actuation is a double tap (“double-tap”) on display 32.

[0098] Optionally, the assistive device 18 and / or glove 16 may have at least one further sensor designed as an input component. For example, the at least one further sensor may be an accelerometer configured to detect shaking or swaying of the user U's hand.

[0099] Optionally, the sensor and / or information system 10 may also have a display module 46 including a display 48. The display module 46 is attached to a wristband 50, for example, so that the user U can wear it on his arm or wrist.

[0100] Similar to sensor module 28, display module 46 is connected to host device 12 via signal transmission, preferably via Bluetooth (especially via Bluetooth Low Energy), and / or via WLAN.

[0101] At the start of the shift change, user U and each of his colleagues retrieve at least one auxiliary device 18 corresponding to their task from their respective charging station, as well as, if necessary, a wearable master device 12.

[0102] For example, user U is an assembly worker in production or a logistics worker in a warehouse.

[0103] At the latest, at the end of each shift, user U will return auxiliary device 18 and main device 12 to the corresponding charging station.

[0104] In the charging station, auxiliary equipment 18 is not assigned to any main equipment 12, so that sensors and / or information systems 10 can be selected from any equipment 12, 18. Therefore, user U can use any main equipment 12 and any auxiliary equipment 18 suitable for its task.

[0105] Once user U has taken the appropriate auxiliary device 18 and the appropriate main device 12 from the charging station, the auxiliary device 18 and the main device 12 are coupled together, wherein a clear assignment is established between the auxiliary device 18 and the main device 12.

[0106] The sensor and / or information system 10 is designed to perform the following by means of Figure 3 The method described.

[0107] Specifically, the sensor and / or information system 10 includes a computer program, or more precisely, a computer program system including a first computer program module and a second computer program module. Each of the first and second computer program modules includes a program code component configured to cause the sensor and / or information system 10 to perform the method described below, if the first computer program module executes on the computing unit of the control unit 34 of the auxiliary device 18 and the second computer module executes on the computing unit of the control unit 24 of the main device 12.

[0108] To better understand, the steps of the method will be explained in more detail below using a specific working scenario, namely, the user U assembling a device comprising several individual components. Of course, the possible applications of the sensor and / or information system 10 are not limited to this specific working scenario.

[0109] If user U actuates input component 40, then input component 40 generates an actuation signal and transmits the actuation signal to auxiliary device 18, more specifically to sensor module 28 (step S1).

[0110] For this purpose, the actuation signal is transmitted to the control unit 24 and / or communication module 26 of the auxiliary device 18.

[0111] In the aforementioned working conditions, user U will, for example, actuate input component 40 once or multiple times to begin assembling the device.

[0112] The auxiliary device 18 receives the actuation signal and transmits the input signal to the main device 12 via the communication module 36 based on the actuation signal (step S2).

[0113] Therefore, the input signal can be the same as the actuation signal. In other words, the actuation signal is simply forwarded from the auxiliary device 18 to the main device 12 without any further processing beforehand.

[0114] Alternatively, control unit 24 can process the actuation signal to generate an input signal. In this case, the input signal is matched with a processed version of the actuation signal, or is generated as a result of the actuation signal from control unit 34 of auxiliary device 18, but is independent of the actuation signal.

[0115] In particular, in the case of a predefined type of actuation signal, such as in the case of dual actuation of only the input component, the input signal is generated and transmitted to the main device 12 only by the control unit 34.

[0116] Furthermore, different input signals can be generated and transmitted based on different actuation signals obtained from different input components.

[0117] Therefore, the input signal generated after the input component 40 on the actuated glove 16 can be distinguished from another input signal generated after the actuated touch display 32.

[0118] The input signal may contain information about which input component has been actuated and the type of actuation. The type of actuation may include information about the actuated input component 40 (e.g., a button in glove 16, a touch on the display), the duration (e.g., "long", "short"), and / or the number of times it has been actuated (e.g., "single", "double", "triple").

[0119] The input signal is received by the main device 12 via the communication module 26 and processed by the control unit 24 of the main device 12. The control unit 24 generates an action command based on the received input signal (step S3).

[0120] Action instructions are computer-readable instructions in the form of data signals, which can be processed by the control unit 34 of the auxiliary device 18. Generally, action instructions are configured to cause the secondary unit 18 to perform predefined actions.

[0121] Predefined actions include, for example, at least one command to the auxiliary device 18 selected from: activating the sensor unit, changing the operating mode of the auxiliary device 18, changing the function of the input component 40, and displaying predefined information on the display 32.

[0122] Therefore, predefined information can be included in the action instructions or has already been stored in the assistive device 18.

[0123] Therefore, this includes information about the different actions to be performed and their sequence (see Action Sequence). Figure 4 It is stored in the storage device of main device 12.

[0124] In addition, the action sequence includes information about which type of input signal is linked to which action to be performed.

[0125] For example, the action sequence comes from database 21 or the ERP system in which it is stored.

[0126] Action sequences can be adapted either in database 21 or on master devices 12 and 19. For example, they can be modified or predefined by administrators, integrators, and / or group leaders. In particular, when adapting action sequences in database 21, the action sequences are adapted centrally for multiple master devices 12 and 19 at once.

[0127] Of course, user U can process action sequences on master device 12 by adding new actions, deleting existing actions, and / or modifying existing actions.

[0128] In other words, different input signals are therefore linked to different actions to be performed, and the actions to be performed also depend on the actions that have already been performed.

[0129] Under the working conditions mentioned above, the operation sequence can be as follows:

[0130] -Action 1: Activate the optical reading unit 30 and display the following message on the display 32: "Please scan component A".

[0131] -Action 2: Trigger the optical reading unit 30.

[0132] -Action 3: Display the message "Please assemble component A and confirm" on monitor 32.

[0133] -Action 4: Display the message "Please scan component B" on monitor 32.

[0134] -Action 5: Trigger the optical reading unit 30.

[0135] -Action 6: Display the message "Please assemble component B and confirm" on monitor 32.

[0136] -Action 7: Deactivate the optical reading unit 30, activate the camera, and display the message "Please take a picture of the assembled device" on the display 32.

[0137] -Action 8: Trigger the camera.

[0138] Then, each generated action instruction is transmitted to the auxiliary device 18 via the communication module 26, and the auxiliary device 18 performs the corresponding action (step S4).

[0139] In the example mentioned above, the optical reading unit 30 of the sensor module 28 is initially activated, and the message "Please scan component A" is displayed on the display 32 (Action 1).

[0140] User U can now trigger action 2 by further actuating input component 40 to perform scanning using optical reading unit 30.

[0141] Based on this further actuation of the input component 40, another input signal is generated, and optionally, at least in the example mentioned above, this other input signal is transmitted to the main device 12 along with the data signal of the optical reading unit 30 containing appropriate scanned information (step S5).

[0142] Based on this other input signal, the master device 12 generates another action instruction according to action 3 in a manner similar to that mentioned above (step S6).

[0143] User U now assembles the components and confirms the assembly via the actuation input component 40.

[0144] In response to this confirmation, or more specifically, the corresponding input signal, the master device 12 generates another action instruction based on action 4, similar to the method mentioned above.

[0145] Repeat this system until all actions in the action sequence have been performed.

[0146] If necessary, the control unit 24 of the main device 12 compares the additional data obtained from the auxiliary unit 18 (e.g., the data signal mentioned above from the optical reading unit 30) with further prerequisites stored in the action sequence. Furthermore, the main device 12 can check the operating procedures. In the aforementioned operating conditions, for example, before generating an action command for the aforementioned action 3 and transmitting it to the auxiliary device 18, the main device 12 checks whether the component scanned as a result of action 2 is indeed component A.

[0147] If necessary, the master device 12 may prevent the execution of further actions in the action sequence as long as no further prerequisites are met and / or as long as the previous action was not correctly completed with the aid of an unacceptable response.

[0148] For example, an accepted response could be an input signal, such as the actuation of an input component 40, and / or the input signal meeting certain criteria. In this regard, it is conceivable that, as previously mentioned, the scanned code could be compared with the data status of the ERP system, or a feasibility analysis could be performed by the master device 12, and the response could be considered accepted initially based on a positive check.

[0149] Alternatively or additionally, further prerequisites may be provided for a user to remain in a certain area (e.g., near a certain machine or storage rack).

[0150] For this purpose, the hand garment 16, the assistive device 18, and / or the wearable main device 12 may have one or more motion trackers.

[0151] If no further prerequisites are met, then instead of component A, an error message (Error 1) can be generated, transmitted to auxiliary device 12, and displayed on display 32.

[0152] Therefore, action sequences can have different branches.

[0153] Now, based on these further action instructions, the appropriate information for scanning the correct component A is displayed to the user U on the display 32.

[0154] If the input component 40 is further actuated, action 3 is not performed, but action 2 is performed so that user U can rescan.

[0155] Repeat this procedure until user U completes the work and / or executes the last action in the action sequence.

[0156] Therefore, action instructions are generated depending on the situation, the current task of user U, the type of input signal, and / or based on the process steps that have already been executed.

[0157] Another possibility is that the action sequence has several branches, which the user U can alternate between due to another type of actuation of the input device. Then, the action sequence stores which type of action, more specifically, which input signal causes which next action.

[0158] For example, the action sequence mentioned above can have actions 4b and 7b as replacements for actions 4 and 7.

[0159] Therefore, after each of actions 3 and 6, user U has two possibilities. On the one hand, user U can perform actions 4 and 7 by means of a first type of actuation of the actuating component 40, such as a single short actuation of the button in glove 16. On the other hand, user U can trigger actions 4b and 7 by means of another type of actuation (e.g., two quick taps on the display (“double tap”)). The master device 12 identifies which action is desired based on the different input signals.

[0160] In the example mentioned, user U can therefore rescan the component, for example, because user U has detected that the initially scanned component is corrupt and therefore does not want to use it.

[0161] Of course, action commands can also be generated based on the type of auxiliary device 18 (e.g., based on the type of sensor that the sensor module 28 has and / or based on whether the auxiliary unit 18 has a display).

[0162] Depending on the situation, action instructions may also be outside the action sequence. These can be influenced by further information obtained by the master device 12, for example, from the control center.

[0163] The master device 12, or more precisely the software installed on it, guides the user U through the entire work process defined by the sequence of actions.

[0164] In each individual process step, the information required for each process step is displayed to the user U on the display 32, and the user U can confirm and / or execute the individual process steps by means of the actuation input component 40.

[0165] Of course, action sequences can be processed on the master device 12 by adding new actions, deleting existing actions, and / or modifying existing actions.

[0166] Of course, several different action sequences corresponding to different working processes can be stored in the storage device of the main device 12. Even in this case, new action sequences can be added, existing action sequences can be deleted, and / or existing action sequences can be modified.

[0167] It is also conceivable that sensors and / or information systems 10 are used for continuous inventory, where inventory can be integrated into operating procedures.

[0168] The actions required for inventory can be stored in an action sequence along with the actions required for other process steps.

[0169] In the example of the action sequence mentioned above, an additional action can be inserted before each of actions 1 and 4, prompting the user to compare the actual number of components still available with the number of components stored in the ERP system.

[0170] Specifically, prior to action 1, action 1b can therefore be provided as follows:

[0171] Action 1b: Display the message on the monitor: "The number of components stored in the ERP system is 5. Please count component A and confirm or correct the number 5."

[0172] Subsequently, user U can confirm or correct the quantity of component A stored in the ERP system by correspondingly actuating input component 40.

Claims

1. Method for operating a sensor and / or information system (10), which system comprises a sensor and / or information device (14) and a main device (12), wherein the sensor and / or information device (14) comprises a hand garment and an auxiliary device (18), wherein the hand garment and / or the auxiliary device (18) have at least one input component (40), wherein the auxiliary device (18) comprises a display (32) and / or a sensor unit, wherein the auxiliary unit (18) is attached to the hand garment, and wherein the main device (12) is designed as a smart device, the method comprising the following steps: - generating an actuation signal using the at least one input component (40), - receiving the actuation signal by the auxiliary device (18), - transmitting an input signal by the auxiliary device (18) to the main device (12) based on the actuation signal, - generating an action instruction by means of the main device (12) based on the input signal and based on a predefined action sequence, wherein the action instruction is configured to cause the auxiliary device (18) to perform a predefined action by means of the display (32) and / or the sensor unit, and - transmitting the action instruction to the auxiliary device (18), wherein the predefined action sequence comprises at least two predefined actions which differ from one another, and wherein the predefined action sequence comprises a sequence of process steps. The hand garment is a glove (16). The smart device is a smartphone. The action sequence comprises a sequence of actions and / or an actuation type for triggering one of the predefined actions. The action instruction is configured to activate the sensor unit, to change an operating mode of the auxiliary device (18), to change a function of the at least one input component (40) and / or to cause the display (32) to show predefined information. The predefined information is contained in the action instruction. Different actions are assigned to different input signals in the action sequence. The input signal is generated depending on the input component (40) that is actuated and / or the actuation type of the respective input component (40). The input signal is generated only when the at least one input component (40) is actuated twice.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein The hand garment and / or the auxiliary device (18) have at least two input components (40), wherein different input signals (40) are assigned to the at least two input components.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein The action instruction is generated by the main device (12) depending on the situation.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein The function assigned to the action instruction is generated by the main device (12) depending on the situation.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein The action instruction is generated based on at least one prerequisite.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein The at least one prerequisite comprises an acceptable response to a previous action from the action sequence.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein The input signal and / or the action instruction is transmitted wirelessly.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein The input signal and / or the action instruction is transmitted using Bluetooth.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein The hand garment and the auxiliary device (18), wherein the auxiliary device (18) is attached to the hand garment, wherein the hand garment and / or the auxiliary device (18) have an input component (40), wherein the auxiliary device (18) has a display (32) and / or a sensor unit and a control unit (34), wherein the control unit (34) is designed to - receive an actuation signal from the at least one input component (40), - transmit an input signal to a main device (12) based on the actuation signal, - receive an action instruction from the main device (12), - execute a predefined action by means of the display (32) and / or the sensor unit based on the action instruction, and - transmit a feedback signal to the main device (12) based on the execution of the predefined action.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein ​ 11. The method of claim 1, wherein ​ 12. The method of claim 11, wherein ​ 13. The method of claim 1, wherein ​ 14. The method of claim 13, wherein ​ 15. The method of claim 1, wherein ​ 16. The method of claim 15, wherein ​ 17. A sensor and / or information device comprising: ​ ​ ​ - receiving an action instruction from the primary device (12) based on a predefined sequence of actions, wherein the action instruction is configured to cause the secondary device (18) to perform a predefined action, and - controlling the display (32) and / or the sensor unit based on the action instruction in order to perform the predefined action assigned to the action instruction, wherein the predefined sequence of actions comprises at least two different predefined actions from each other, and the predefined sequence of actions comprises a sequence of process steps.

18. A sensor and / or information device according to claim 17, characterised in that The hand garment is a glove (16).

19. The sensor and / or information device according to claim 17, characterized in that The sequence of actions comprises a sequence of actions and / or an actuation type for triggering one of the predefined actions.

20. The sensor and / or information device according to claim 17, characterized by The sensor unit comprises a scanner, a camera and / or an RFID sensor.

21. The sensor and / or information device according to claim 17, characterized by The display (32) is designed as an input component.

22. A sensor and / or information device according to claim 21, characterised in that The display (32) is designed as a touch display.

23. The sensor and / or information device according to claim 17, characterized by The at least one input component (40) comprises an electric functional element which is mounted on the hand garment and connected to the secondary device (18) via a cable (42).

24. A sensor and / or information device according to claim 23, characterised in that The functional element has a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a button, a switch, a capacitive and / or inductive sensor surface, a reading device and / or an LED.

25. A sensor and / or information system comprising a sensor and / or information device (14) according to one of claims 17 to 24 and a primary device (12), wherein the primary device (12) is designed as a smart device, wherein the primary device (12) is configured to receive an input signal and to generate an action instruction based on the input signal.

26. A sensor and / or information system according to claim 25, characterised in that The sensor and / or information system (10) is designed to perform the method according to one of claims 1 to 16.

27. The sensor and / or information system of claim 25, wherein The primary device (12) is designed as a smartphone.

28. The sensor and / or information system of claim 25, wherein The primary device (12) has a data storage device and / or is connected to a data storage device, wherein the predefined sequence of actions is stored.

29. A computer program product for a sensor and / or information system (10) according to claim 26, wherein the computer program product comprises a first computer program module and a second computer program module, wherein the computer program product comprises program code means configured to cause the sensor and / or information system (10) to perform the method according to one of claims 1 to 16, if the first computer program module is executed on a computing unit of a control unit (34) of the secondary device (18) and the second computer program module is executed on a computing unit of the primary device (12).

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