Apparatus and method for providing signal color for a level measurement device

Abstract

A device (100) for providing at least one signal color for a level measuring arrangement, wherein the device (100) comprises a parameterization device (10) designed to provide a signal color for a level measuring arrangement combination, a transmission device (20) designed to transmit the provided signal color as signal color data to the level measuring arrangement combination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to display encoding for level measuring devices. In particular, the invention relates to apparatus for providing signal colors for level measuring devices, methods for providing signal colors for level measuring devices, and corresponding data structures. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2018 200 261 A1 describes a display unit for a level measuring device, pressure measuring device, flow measuring device, or limit level sensor, comprising an encoding unit and a display. The encoding unit converts measurement data and / or status data of the measuring device or sensor into a two-dimensional graphic code. The display is configured to display the graphic code such that the graphic code can be detected by a camera unit of an external terminal (e.g., a smartphone). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide or offer a device capable of displaying the status and combined hierarchical structure of a level measuring device as quickly and without error as possible.

[0004] A first aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for providing signal colors for a level measuring device, wherein the apparatus comprises: a parameterization device designed to provide signal colors for a level measuring device assembly; and a transmission device designed to transmit the provided signal colors as signal color data to the level measuring device assembly.

[0005] Advantageously, the present invention provides a method for ensuring consistent display of device status through uniform color illumination of devices in master-slave operation. In other words, the present invention advantageously allows the combined hierarchical structure of the level measurement device to be a master-slave configuration, a star configuration, or a cascaded network structure, wherein the combined hierarchical structure may include a controller.

[0006] Furthermore, the hierarchical structure for level measurement devices can be constructed asymmetrically in sending and receiving requests (e.g., master-slave configuration) or symmetrically in contention (Konkurrenzbetrieb).

[0007] The present invention advantageously enables the color status display of various devices to be indicated, for example, by means of a light-emitting ring or a color backlight.

[0008] In this invention, it is advantageous that if multiple devices are interconnected via a bus, either wired or wirelessly, a device system can be created that has multiple devices performing a common measurement task and an overall state typically determined by a master device.

[0009] Since the main unit does not need to be in a position where the operator can see it or clearly see which devices are included in the system, it is useful to make all devices performing the measurement task together emit the same color.

[0010] The present invention has several advantages, namely that all level measuring devices participating in the measurement task and emitting light of the same color can be easily distinguished from other devices.

[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that, in the event of a malfunction, all devices are marked with a fault color, and it is immediately possible to identify which system is malfunctioning, and it provides an effective and reliable display code for the level measuring device.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is that if the level measuring device is the malfunctioning device, it can be indicated by additional flashing or changing colors (system color and / or fault color), allowing the user to visually locate the fault.

[0013] For this purpose, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the current system color is periodically transmitted to the master device and also to all participating slave devices.

[0014] The present invention advantageously achieves consistent and uniform color status display of field devices in a connected device (e.g., in master-slave operation).

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the parameterization device is designed to provide signal colors as colors for identifying master-slave combinations of level measurement devices.

[0016] According to embodiments of the present invention, the transmission device is designed for transmitting signal color data synchronously, asynchronously, or periodically.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the parameterization device is further designed to provide fault colors for the level measurement device assembly, and the transmission device is further designed to transmit the provided fault colors as fault color data to the level measurement device assembly.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the transmission device is designed for synchronous, asynchronous, or periodic transmission of fault color data.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the signal color data for the level measuring device is suitable for indicating that the level measuring device belongs to a group of level measuring devices.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a level measuring device for determining the filling level of a medium, the level measuring device comprising: a receiving device designed for receiving color data from a device according to one of the foregoing embodiments or according to the first aspect.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the level measuring device further includes: a display device, which is designed to display received signal color data and / or fault color data, and output signal color and / or fault color.

[0022] According to embodiments of the present invention, the display device is designed as a light-emitting display of a level measuring device or a backlight of a display of a level measuring device. The display device may include electrical lighting devices such as LEDs, segment displays, or matrix displays.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device is designed to function as a NAMUR signal display.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for providing a signal color for a level measuring device, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a signal color to a level measuring device assembly; and transmitting the provided signal color as a signal color data to the level measuring device assembly.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a signal color is provided as a color for identifying the master-slave combination of level measuring devices.

[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, signal color data is transmitted synchronously, asynchronously, or periodically.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fault color is provided for the level measuring device assembly, and the provided fault color is transmitted to the level measuring device assembly as a fault color data.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, fault color data is transmitted synchronously, asynchronously, or periodically.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention relates to a data structure for transmitting data between a device and at least two level measuring devices, wherein the data structure has: signal color data and / or fault color data.

[0030] The features described above and below can also be implemented in other measuring device circuits. It should be noted that the features described with respect to this method can be implemented using measuring device circuits and components of various level radar systems.

[0031] For example, a radiometric measurement system can use a crop level radar system, which determines density, limiting level or mass flow rate, or the filling level of a container by measuring variables.

[0032] The design schemes and improvement examples described can be combined with each other as needed.

[0033] Other possible designs, improvements, and embodiments of the present invention include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or below in relation to the embodiments.

[0034] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention.

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the concepts of the invention.

[0036] With reference to the accompanying drawings, other embodiments and many of the advantages described are presented. The elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily displayed to scale relative to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 An apparatus for providing signal colors for a level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 An apparatus for providing signal colors for a level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 3 A level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for providing signal colors for a level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Specific Implementation

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical elements, components, parts, or method steps.

[0042] Figure 1 An apparatus for providing signal colors for a level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] For example, the term "parameterization" as used in this invention can be understood as all custom actions, initialization actions, or calibration actions of setting or specifying color parameters or color values ​​for a level measuring device or any combination of level measuring devices.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, container 1 is irradiated by radiation source 2.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the external radiation detection sensor 3 is designed to have an illumination device, wherein the illumination device may be designed as a halo and emit a signal color, for example, purple.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the level measuring device 4 can be designed as a slave device of a master-slave device, and can be designed to have an illumination device, wherein the illumination device can be designed as a halo and emit a signal color, for example, purple.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the level measuring device 5 can be designed as the master device of a master-slave device, and can be designed to have an illumination device, wherein the illumination device can be designed as a halo and emit a signal color, for example, purple.

[0048] Figure 2 An apparatus for providing signal colors for a level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0049] The device 100 for providing signal colors for a level measuring device includes a parameterization device 10 and a transmission device 20.

[0050] The parameterization device 10 is designed to provide signal colors for the level measurement device assembly.

[0051] The transmission device 20 is designed to transmit the provided signal color as signal color data to the level measurement device assembly.

[0052] In embodiments of the present invention, the filling level of the container is determined by multiple PROTRAC devices.

[0053] Here, the term "PROTRAC" refers to a device for detecting limiting levels via radiometric measurements. Radiometric limiting level detection works by using a radioactive source that emits beams of gamma rays. This radiation is received by detectors on opposite sides of the container. If the filling material blocks the radiation, the detector receives less radiation or no radiation at all. A relay transmits this change in intensity as a signal.

[0054] Therefore, according to another embodiment of the invention, three SOLITRAC devices (summation) and another device for external radiation detection are interconnected.

[0055] Here, the term "SOLITRAC" refers to a device or radioactive sensor with a PVT rod detector for continuous measurement of liquids and loose materials. It is suitable for measuring fill level under extreme process temperatures, in media with critical product characteristics, or corrosive media, and is therefore ideal for use in cylindrical vessels, reactors, autoclaves, separators, and mixing vessels.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical lighting device emits light in a certain color under normal conditions.

[0057] Exemplary embodiments and scenarios

[0058] According to another embodiment of the invention, for example, if a connection (e.g., a data transmission connection from the master device of the master-slave device of the level measuring device to the summing slave device) is interrupted, the system will recognize the interruption, and the master device of the master-slave device of the level measuring device will malfunction or enter a fault mode, and the display will, for example, change the color to the color value "red".

[0059] In embodiments of the invention, the new color value is transmitted via data transmission to other devices still present on the bus, and the field devices are also designed to change the color to another hue or another color value (e.g., red).

[0060] In embodiments of the invention, for example on a liquid container, the illumination devices of three level measuring devices emit light in the color value "red," which more reliably enables the identification of erroneous measurements compared to the case where only a single illumination device of the level measuring device indicates this illumination.

[0061] In embodiments of the invention, the level measuring device used as the main device or its electrical lighting device may also flash alternately with the color values ​​"red" and "purple". Therefore, it is advantageous to identify a malfunction in the main device.

[0062] The level measuring device that is no longer on the bus will continue to glow with the color value "purple" and will be able to identify that the master device can no longer contact the level measuring device.

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, all level measuring devices in the master / slave system emit light in the color value "purple" to indicate the signal color.

[0064] In embodiments of the invention, the external radiation device detects external radiation and is designed to put the device in a corresponding fault state and display a fault color or fault color value accordingly.

[0065] In an embodiment of the invention, the external radiation device flashes a fault color. This makes it readily apparent that external radiation is present or acting on the sensor of the level measuring device.

[0066] Figure 3 A level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0067] The level measuring device 200 for determining the filling level of a medium includes a receiving device 210 and a display device 220.

[0068] The receiving device 210 is designed to receive color data from the device 100.

[0069] The display device 220 is designed to display received signal color data and / or fault color data, and output signal color and / or fault color.

[0070] For example, display device 220 is designed to be used as a NAMUR signal display.

[0071] Here, the term "NAMUR" refers to "the Standardization Association for Measurement and Control Techniques in the Chemical Industry".

[0072] The association primarily supports the process industry's focus on standardization, equipment, and measurement methods. In the context of this patent application, the term "NAMUR signal display" also includes electronic components designed to display colors defined or standardized according to NAMUR, and / or output colors or symbols defined or standardized according to NAMUR.

[0073] In addition, the term "NAMUR signal display" includes electronic display components that operate at defined minimum or maximum current or power values.

[0074] Furthermore, the term "NAMUR signal display" includes an electronic display component capable of displaying signal levels and fault information from a digital sensor that has analog output signals in colors defined or standardized according to NAMUR, such as measurement transducer faults, connection cable faults, auxiliary power supply faults, etc. The fault information indicates faults present in the measurement system.

[0075] Figure 4 A flowchart is shown for a method of providing signal colors for a level measuring device.

[0076] A method for providing signal colors for a level measuring device includes the following steps:

[0077] As the first step S1 of the method, a signal color is provided for the level measuring device assembly.

[0078] As the second step S2 of the method, the provided signal color is transmitted as signal color data to the level measuring device assembly.

[0079] Furthermore, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. It should also be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the foregoing exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other foregoing exemplary embodiments. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

[0080] Cross-reference to related applications

[0081] This application claims priority to international patent application PCT / EP2020 / 061905, filed on April 29, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A system for displaying the status of a level measuring device, comprising a master-slave combination of level measuring devices and a device (100) for providing at least one signal color to the level measuring device, wherein, The device (100) includes: A parameterization device (10) is designed to provide signal colors for the master-slave combination of the level measuring devices, wherein the signal colors are colors used to identify the master-slave combination of the level measuring devices; and A transmission device (20) is designed to transmit the provided signal color as signal color data to the master-slave combination of the level measuring device; The system is configured to detect an interruption in the connection from the master device to the slave device in the master-slave combination of the level measuring devices, and is configured to transmit a new color value to the level measuring devices in the master-slave combination of the level measuring devices.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The parameterization device (10) is designed to provide the signal color as a color for identifying the master-slave combination of the level measurement device.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The transmission device (20) is designed to transmit the signal color data synchronously, asynchronously, or periodically.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, in, The parameterization device (10) is also designed to provide at least one fault color for the master-slave combination of the level measuring device, and the transmission device (20) is also designed to transmit the provided fault color as fault color data to the master-slave combination of the level measuring device.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The transmission device (20) is designed to transmit the fault color data synchronously, asynchronously, or periodically.

6. A method for providing signal colors to a level measuring device using a system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The method includes: The step (S1) of providing at least one signal color to the master-slave combination of the level measuring device; and Step (S2) of transmitting the provided signal color as signal color data to the master-slave combination of the level measuring device; Detects an interruption in the connection from the master device to the slave device in the master-slave combination of the level measuring devices, and transmits a new color value to the level measuring devices in the master-slave combination of the level measuring devices.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The signal color is also provided as a color for identifying the master-slave combination of the level measuring device.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The signal color data is transmitted synchronously, asynchronously, or periodically.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, At least one fault color is provided for the master-slave combination of the level measuring device, and the provided fault color is transmitted to the master-slave combination of the level measuring device as a fault color data.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The fault color data is transmitted synchronously, asynchronously, or periodically.

11. A computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

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