Visualization method, visualization system and storage medium for process data

Abstract

An industrial facility (1) is controlled and monitored by a process control system (2). The process control system collects process data (x, x*, Pi) at collection time points and archives the collected process data (x, x*, Pi) in terms of history. Based on the selection of process data (x, x*, Pi) by an operator (4) and the presetting of a relevant display time period, a preset visualization system (5) requests the history of the selected process data (x, x*, Pi) for the display time period from the process control system (2) and outputs the relevant time variation process as a graph (8) to the operator (4). The graph (8) includes a plurality of process data points (9). The visualization system (5) determines the corresponding process data point (9) as the average value or median value of the values ​​of the selected process data (x, x*, Pi) for the corresponding collection time period of the corresponding process data point (9). The visualization system also determines the minimum value (Min) and / or the maximum value (Max) of the values ​​of the selected process data (x, x*, Pi) during the corresponding collection time period for the corresponding process data point (9) for the corresponding process data point (9). If the minimum quantity (Min) determined for the corresponding process data point (9) is below a preset minimum value (MIN) and / or the maximum quantity (Max) determined exceeds a preset maximum value (MAX), the visualization system (5) displays a secondary alarm (A') together with the corresponding process data point (9), wherein the secondary alarm (A') represents an alarm which is not set by the process control system (2) but by the visualization system (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for visualizing process data implemented by a visualization system.

[0002] - industrial technical facilities are controlled and monitored by process control systems,

[0003] - wherein the process control system collects process data at the collection time points and archives the collected process data in history,

[0004] wherein, depending on a selection of process data and a presetting of an associated display time period by at least one operator of the process control system, the visualization system requests the history of the selected process data for the presetting display time period and outputs the associated time course as a graphic to the at least one operator,

[0005] - wherein the graph includes a plurality of process data points,

[0006] wherein the visualization system determines the respective process data point as a function of the value of the selected process data characterizing the respective acquisition time period of the respective process data point, wherein the acquisition time period comprises a plurality of acquisition time points,

[0007] - Wherein, the corresponding process data point is the average value or median value of the process data of the corresponding acquisition time period.

[0008] The invention further relates to a computer program for a visualization system, wherein the computer program comprises a machine code which can be processed by the visualization system,

[0009] wherein, based on the processing of the machine code, based on a selection of process data and a presetting of an associated display time period by at least one operator of a process control system, which controls and monitors the industrial installation and which acquires process data at acquisition times and respectively archives the process data in terms of history, the visualization system requests the history of the selected process data for the presetting display time period and outputs the associated time course to the at least one operator as a graphic,

[0010] - wherein the graph includes a plurality of process data points,

[0011] wherein the visualization system determines the corresponding process data point based on the processing of the machine code according to the value of the selected process data for the corresponding acquisition time period characterizing the corresponding process data point,

[0012] - Wherein, the corresponding process data point is the average value or median value of the process data of the corresponding acquisition time period.

[0013] The invention also relates to a visualization system, which is programmed with such a computer program so that the visualization system correspondingly executes the method steps given above in conjunction with the computer program when it is running. Background Art

[0014] For example, the process data may be an actual value or a rated value of a controller. The average value may also optionally be a weighted average value or an unweighted average value. In particular, the median value may be a median value of the xx% formula, where xx is a suitable value.

[0015] So-called process object views are very important for the operation and monitoring of process technology installations. So-called block symbols are integrated into the relevant installation image of the process object and, in addition to the important process values, also display various status information, such as process alarms or simulation results, in a graphical manner. Based on the block symbols, views can also be opened for process objects, which, in addition to the pure observation of the process object, can also be operated. Based on these views, further views can be opened, such as trend curves or alarm views with process alarms associated with the respective process object. Trend curves usually show the course of the individual process values ​​over time. Process alarms are usually displayed in the form of a message sequence display, i.e. in the form of a chronological list of the process alarms that have occurred. The representation of the trend curve, i.e. the course of the determined process data points over time, corresponds to the prior art on which the present invention is based.

[0016] Methods for enriching trend curves with appropriate information about secondary alarms are also known in the prior art. A secondary alarm is an alarm that is not set by the process control system, but by the visualization system. In the event of a secondary alarm, the visualization system checks the corresponding process data point to check whether the determined mean or median meets the conditions preset by the operator. If (only as an example a process alarm is triggered) once the process data exceeds an x ​​value, the operator can, for example, determine that a secondary alarm is displayed when the value determined for the corresponding process data point exceeds a y value, where the y value is sufficiently lower than the x value. If it is to be checked whether the value determined for the corresponding process data point is lower than the z value, the process can be similar. Taking a secondary alarm as an example, the corresponding area of ​​the trend curve can be highlighted in color.

[0017] The above procedure produces good results if the operator presets the display time period small enough, so that the number of process data points at least corresponds to the number of process data collected during the display time period. However, the operator usually presets the display time period in such a way that the number of process data points is smaller than the number of process data collected during the display time period, often even much smaller. In this case, due to the formation of the mean or median value and the associated smoothing, it may no longer be recognized that the process data collected during a specific collection time period exceeded the y value or fell below the z value one or more times. This problem is even more prominent when forward-looking forecasts are made based on trend curves. Such forecasts are also largely distorted by the smoothing associated with the formation of the mean or median value. Summary of the invention

[0018] The object of the invention is to provide a feasible solution which enables an operator to reliably evaluate the trend curve. Furthermore, the prediction should be as reliable as possible.

[0019] According to the invention, a visualization method of the type mentioned in the introduction is designed such that:

[0020] the visualization system also determines for the respective process data point a minimum and / or a maximum of the values ​​of the selected process data during the respective acquisition time period, and

[0021] The visualization system displays a secondary alarm together with the corresponding process data point when the minimum amount determined for the corresponding process data point falls below a predefined minimum value and / or the maximum amount determined exceeds a predefined maximum value.

[0022] The additional determination of the minimum and / or maximum quantity and the determination of the secondary alarm based on said quantity makes it impossible for the secondary alarm to be detected due to the formation of average values ​​or median values ​​over an excessively large acquisition period and over too many process data.

[0023] Preferably, the visualization method is designed such that

[0024] - assigning process data to corresponding process objects within the process control system,

[0025] - if the process data assigned to the corresponding process object meets a predetermined trigger condition, the process control system automatically sets a process alarm accordingly,

[0026] - The process control system also collects the currently set process alarms for each process object at the collection time point and archives or stores the collected process alarms in history,

[0027] - the visualization system also requests the history of the selected process data item and the history of the process alarms assigned to the corresponding process object for the same display time period, and

[0028] If at least one process alarm occurs during a recording period assigned to the corresponding process data point, the visualization system always displays the process data point and the corresponding process data point of the at least one process alarm.

[0029] By displaying process alarms, the operator can immediately see if a process alarm has occurred during the relevant acquisition period. For example, a predetermined trigger condition may be met when one of the object sizes exceeds or falls below a certain predetermined value.

[0030] For example, the display time period may include now, when the operator presets the content "display process data x for the past y minutes" or makes a comparable preset. The determination of predicted secondary alarms may also be improved by utilizing predicted minimum and / or maximum amounts in the prediction of secondary alarms.

[0031] Preferably, the visualization system also displays the predicted process alarm together with the predicted process data point when the corresponding predicted minimum amount and / or the corresponding predicted maximum amount meet the predetermined trigger condition. Thus, the operator can more reliably identify whether and when there is a specific risk of a process alarm than in the prior art.

[0032] Preferably, the visualization system displays the process data point together with the determined minimum and / or the determined maximum quantity in dependence on an operator input of at least one operator and suppresses the display of the determined minimum and / or the determined maximum quantity in dependence on an operator input to the contrary of at least one operator. Thus, the operator can superimpose the determined minimum and / or the determined maximum quantity on the determined trend curve or hide them from the determined trend curve as required.

[0033] According to the invention, a computer program of the type mentioned in the introduction is designed to cause the visualization system to

[0034] - also determining for the respective process data point a minimum (Min) and / or a maximum value of the selected process data during the respective acquisition time period, and

[0035] The visualization system always displays the secondary alarm with the respective process data point if the minimum quantity determined for the respective process data point falls below a predefined minimum value and / or the maximum quantity determined exceeds a predefined maximum value.

[0036] The advantages achieved thereby correspond to the advantages of the visualization method. In addition, the advantageous configurations of the computer program also correspond to the advantageous configurations of the visualization method. The same applies to the advantages achieved by the corresponding advantageous configurations.

[0037] This object is also achieved by a visualization system according to the invention. According to the invention, a visualization system of the type mentioned in the introduction is programmed with a computer program according to the invention so that the visualization system also executes the method steps according to the invention of the computer program according to the invention during operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The above characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention and the ways and methods of achieving them will become more clearly understood in conjunction with the description of the following embodiments, which will be described in more detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Herein, a schematic diagram is shown:

[0039] Figure 1 Shows an overview of the facility,

[0040] Figure 2 Shows the process object,

[0041] Figure 3 Showing the flow chart,

[0042] Figure 4 Showing the flow chart,

[0043] Figure 5 Shows the time evolution and graphs of process data,

[0044] Figure 6 Showing the flow chart,

[0045] Figure 7 Shows the time evolution and graphs of process data,

[0046] Figure 8 Showing the flow chart,

[0047] Fig. 9 Displays the time course and graphs of process data, and

[0048] Fig.10 A flow chart is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] according to Figure 1 , the industrial technical facility 1 is controlled and monitored by a process control system 2. The industrial technical facility 1 may be, for example, a process technical facility. However, the industrial technical facility may also be a different facility. The process control system 2 includes control devices for various parts of the industrial technical facility 1. The actions of the control devices on the corresponding parts of the industrial technical facility 1 and the interactions between the control devices are managed by a superior computer.

[0050] So-called process objects 3 are known to the process control system 2. For example, a process object 3 can be defined as part of the configuration of the process control system 2. An example of a process object 3 is a controller which regulates a variable of the industrial-technical installation 1. However, there are other process objects 3 as well.

[0051] according to Figure 2 In the view in FIG. 2 , process data x, x*, Pi (i=1, 2, ... m) are correspondingly assigned to process objects 3 in the process control system 2. The process data x, x*, Pi can be, for example, actual variables x, setpoint variables x*, controller parameters Pi, etc. For example, in the case of a PI (proportional integral) controller, the parameter Pi can be the value of the proportional gain, the reset time, and the maximum output variable of the controller. The corresponding correspondence between the process data x, x*, Pi and the process object 3 is also known to the process control system 2.

[0052] Process alarms Aj (j=1, 2, ... n) can also be usually based on Figure 1 The diagram in FIG. 1 is assigned to the process object 3. In this case, the assignment of the individual process alarms Aj to the process objects 3 is also known to the process control system 2. Each process alarm Aj has a priority. The individual priorities are Figure 2 The corresponding process alarms in brackets after Aj are set only as examples.

[0053] The process control system 2 implements a control and monitoring method, which is combined with Figure 3 Explain in more detail.

[0054] according to Figure 3 In step S1, the process control system 2 receives the current state Z of the industrial technical installation 1. The current state Z includes in particular the actual variable x of the controller. In step S2, the process control system 2 receives input from the operator 4 (see Figure 1 ). The inputs may include specifications of the process object 3, such as a new setpoint x* for a regulator or a change in a regulator parameter Pi. The term "operator" is generic in the context of the present invention and may be a single operator or multiple persons.

[0055] In step S3, the process control system 2 determines control variables of the industrial-technical installation 1. When determining the control variables, the process control system 2 in particular evaluates the process data x, x*, Pi assigned to the respective process object 3. In step S4, the process control system 2 provides the determined control variables to the industrial-technical installation 1, thereby controlling the industrial-technical installation 1.

[0056] If the process control system 2 also sets a process alarm as usual, the process control system 2 checks in step S5 whether the triggering condition of the process alarm Aj has been met. The check is performed by the process control system 2 individually for each process object 3 and individually for each process alarm Aj within each process object 3. The process control system 2 decides whether the respective triggering condition is met based on the process data x, x*, Pi assigned to each process object 3. For example, the triggering condition can be met if the process data x, x*, Pi (in particular the actual value x) of the corresponding process object 3 exceeds or falls below a certain predetermined value, or if a certain combination of values ​​is given or other derived values ​​fall below or exceed certain limits.

[0057] If the trigger condition is met, the process control system 2 automatically sets the corresponding process alarm Aj in step S6 and transmits the corresponding alarm message M to the visualization system 5 (see Figure 1 ). Otherwise, that is, if the trigger condition is not met, step S6 is skipped.

[0058] In step S7, the process control system 2 archives at least the process data x, x*, Pi. Typically, the process control system 2 also archives the currently set process alarm Aj in step S7. Archiving is performed historically. The respectively archived values ​​x, x*, Pi, Aj are therefore assigned to one of the respective acquisition time points. In addition, already archived values ​​are not overwritten, but the new values ​​to be archived are appended to the already archived values, so that both the new values ​​to be archived and the already archived values ​​are available for evaluation at a later point in time.

[0059] Figure 3 The process is always cyclically repeated. From step S7, the process control system 2 returns to step S1. In most cases, the cyclic repetition even occurs at a fixed period.

[0060] The visualization system 5 is programmed with a computer program 6. The computer program 6 comprises a machine code 7 which can be processed by the visualization system 5. Depending on the processing of the machine code 7, the visualization system 5 performs (among other things) a visualization method which will be described below in conjunction with Figure 4 is explained in more detail.

[0061] In step S11, the visualization system 5 receives the transmitted alarm message M from the process control system 2. In step S12, the visualization system 5 outputs the corresponding process alarm Aj (more precisely: the corresponding message) to the operator 4. The corresponding process alarm Aj can be output to the operator 4, for example, via a visual display. If necessary, the visual display can be supported by a sound message. In step S13, the visualization system 5 checks whether it has already received a confirmation of the corresponding process alarm Aj from the operator 4. As long as this is not the case, the visualization system 5 skips step S14. On the other hand, if the visualization system 5 has already received a confirmation of the corresponding process alarm Aj from the operator 4, the visualization system 5 terminates the output of the corresponding process alarm Aj to the operator 4 in step S14.

[0062] Although steps S11 to S14 are generally present, they are secondary within the framework of the basic principle of the invention.

[0063] In step S15, the visualization system 5 receives the selection of process data x, x*, Pi by the operator 4. In principle, the operator 4 can select any process data x, x*, Pi in step S15. However, it is usually the actual value x. In step S15, the visualization system 5 also receives a display time period from the operator 4. Since the display time period is defined by the operator 4, the size of the display time period is not known in advance from the perspective of the visualization system 5. From the perspective of the visualization system 5, the display time period can therefore be arbitrary in principle.

[0064] In step S16, the visualization system 5 requests at least the history of the selected process data x, x*, Pi within a specified display time period from the process control system 2. Typically, in step S16, the visualization system 5 also requests the history of the process alarms Aj assigned to the corresponding process object 3 for the same display time period from the process control system 2. In step S17, the visualization system 5 receives the requested process data x, x*, Pi and, if appropriate, the requested process alarms Aj from the process control system 2.

[0065] In step S18, the visualization system 5 determines the graph 8 (see Figure 1 and Figure 5 ). Graph 8 shows the time course of selected process data x, x*, Pi for a preset time period. Process data point 9 can be assigned a secondary alarm A'. The secondary alarm A' is also determined in step S18. Step S18 combines Figure 6 In step S19 , the graph 8 is output to the operator 4 by the visualization system 5 .

[0066] according to Figure 6The visualization system 5 first selects a first process data point 9 in step S21 in order to determine the graph 8 (see Figure 5 ). In step S22, the visualization system 5 determines the relevant acquisition time period for the selected process data point 9. The corresponding acquisition time period can include multiple acquisition time points. For example, if the graphic 8 can contain a maximum of 200 process data points 9, but the process data x, x*, Pi and possibly also the process alarm Aj are acquired 10,000 times during the entire display period, then the process data x, x*, Pi must be acquired for each process data point 9 and the process alarm Aj must also be evaluated jointly for multiple acquisition time points in order to determine the corresponding process data point 9.

[0067] In step S23, the visualization system 5 then determines the relevant value of the selected process data point 9 based on the values ​​of the selected process data x, x*, Pi archived in the acquisition time period. For example, the visualization system 5 uses the unweighted average value (i.e. the sum of the values ​​divided by the number of the values) or the weighted average value (i.e. the sum of the values ​​weighted by the corresponding weighting factors divided by the sum of the weighting factors) of the values ​​of the selected process data x, x*, Pi as the corresponding value. Alternatively, the value of the corresponding process data point 9 can be determined, for example, by the median value. In particular, the median value can be a median value of the xx% formula, where xx is a suitable value between 0 and 100 (excluding the end values). The value of xx is typically between 40 and 60.

[0068] In step S24, the visualization system 5 then determines the minimum number Min of values ​​of the selected process data x, x*, Pi archived within the acquisition time period. In step S25, the visualization system 5 checks whether the determined minimum number Min is below the minimum value MIN. If this is the case, the visualization system 5 assigns the secondary alarm A' to the process data point 9 in step S26. Otherwise, step S26 is skipped. For example, the minimum value MIN can be specified by the operator 4. In particular, the minimum value MIN can be selected such that in the case of increasingly smaller process data x, x*, Pi, the secondary alarm A' is triggered before the corresponding process alarm Aj.

[0069] In step S27, the visualization system 5 then determines the maximum number Max of values ​​of the selected process data x, x*, Pi archived within the acquisition time period. In step S28, the visualization system 5 checks whether the maximum number Max exceeds the maximum value MAX. If this is the case, the visualization system 5 also assigns the secondary alarm A' to the process data point 9 in step S29. Otherwise, step S29 is skipped. For example, the maximum value MAX can be specified by the operator 4. In particular, the maximum value MAX can be selected so that in the case of increasing process data x, x*, Pi, the secondary alarm A' is triggered before the corresponding process alarm Aj.

[0070] In step S30, the visualization system 5 checks whether a process alarm Aj is assigned to the process data x, x*, Pi. If this is the case, the visualization system 5 assigns one of the process alarms Aj to the process data point 9 in step S31. Usually, in step S31, the process alarm Aj is given the highest priority. If no process alarm Aj is assigned to the process data x, x*, Pi, step S31 is skipped.

[0071] In step S32, the visualization system 5 checks whether steps S22 to S31 have been executed for all process data points 9. If this is not the case, the visualization system 5 proceeds to step S33, in which the visualization system 5 selects the next process data point 9. The visualization system 5 then returns to step S22. Otherwise Figure 6 The process ends.

[0072] The process of steps S24 to S26 and steps S27 to S29 and steps S30 and S31 is described above. However, a feasible design scheme is that only steps S24 to S26 and steps S27 to S29 exist, or only steps S24 to S26 and steps S30 and S31 exist, or only steps S27 to S29 and steps S30 and S31 exist. A design scheme that only steps S24 to S26 or only steps S27 to S29 exist is also possible.

[0073] The diagram 8 therefore includes a plurality of process data points 9 . Figure 5 On the one hand, the course of a process data point 9 is shown. Figure 5 The course of the determined minimum quantity Min and the course of the determined maximum quantity Max are also shown. Figure 5 A secondary alarm A' is also shown, and an assigned process alarm Aj is also shown.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, a diagram 8 can be output to the operator 4. In this case, the time course of the process data point 9 and the secondary alarm A' are displayed. On the other hand, the time course of the determined minimum quantity Min and the determined maximum quantity Max are also displayed, if they are determined. If necessary, the process alarm Aj is also displayed. It should be noted in this context that the display of the process alarm Aj is usually implemented, but is secondary in the context of the present invention. According to Figure 5The advantage of the representation is in particular that if the acquisition time period of the corresponding process data point 9 includes a plurality of acquisition time points, it is usually no longer possible to see from the data value of the process data point 9 whether and possibly why a specific process alarm Aj was triggered or a secondary alarm A' was detected. However, the type of representation just explained provides the operator 4 with information about why this is the case and when he must request a more detailed representation of the process data x, x*, Pi in order to obtain complete information.

[0075] according to Figure 5 The diagram in FIG. 8 can always output the graphic 8 to the operator 4. However, the operator 4 can also preset the operator input I+ or the inverse operator input I- for the visualization system 5, such as Figure 1 If operator 4 presets operator input I+, the following is achieved: Figure 5 In contrast, if operator 4 presets operator input I-, then Figure 7 The output shown. Figure 7 In the illustration in FIG. 1 , only the temporal course of the process data point 9 and the secondary alarm A' (plus the process alarm Aj, if applicable) are shown. On the other hand, the temporal course of the determined minimum quantity Min and / or the determined maximum quantity Max is not shown. The operator 4 can display the temporal course of the determined minimum quantity Min and the determined maximum quantity Max in the display of the process data point 9 as required or hide them from the display of the process data point 9. If necessary, fading in or out of the minimum quantity Min and the maximum quantity Max can also be realized separately.

[0076] The advantage of fading out is, in particular, that the secondary alarm A' is still correctly determined and thus still provides the operator 4 with information at which point he must request a more detailed representation of the process data x, x*, Pi in order to obtain complete information. However, the actual trend, i.e. the course of the process data point 9 over time, is easier to recognize.

[0077] Since the display time period is preset by the operator 4, the preset display time period may also include the present. For example, the operator 4 may preset for the visualization system 5 that the display time period should extend from a time point in the past, which can usually be arbitrarily selected in principle (e.g., starting from a specific time) to the "present", or that the display time period should extend from the "present" to the past for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes or 3 hours). If this is the case, i.e., the present is also included, the program according to the present invention is preferably composed of the following combined Figure 8 The procedure of explanation is supplemented.

[0078] Figure 8 based on Figure 6In addition, there are steps S41 to S47. In step S41, the visualization system 5 determines a prediction of the future course of change of the process data point 9 based on the determined process data point 9, i.e. based on the process data point 9 determined for the display time period. The determination of the prediction is carried out as in the prior art. Therefore, it is not necessary to discuss the details of the determination in more detail.

[0079] The prediction is achieved for the prediction horizon H. Fig. 9 , the prediction horizon H extends from the present to the future. For the visualization system 5, the extent to which the prediction horizon H reaches into the future may be fixed. Alternatively, the visualization system 5 may determine the range based on a preset display time period, such as at a certain percentage of the display time period. Alternatively, the operator 4 may preset the range of the visualization system 5. However, a general statement applicable to any prediction is that the prediction becomes less certain the further into the future it goes.

[0080] In step S42, the visualization system 5 determines a forecast for the future course of the minimum quantity Min, based on the determined minimum quantity Min, i.e. based on the minimum quantity Min determined for the display time period. The forecast can be determined in the same way as in step S41. The only difference is that the basis for the determination is not the process data point 9, but the minimum quantity Min. In step S43, the visualization system 5 checks whether the predicted minimum quantity Min is below the minimum value MIN. If this is the case, the visualization system 5 assigns the predicted secondary alarm A' to the corresponding predicted process data point 9 in step S44. Otherwise, step S44 is skipped.

[0081] In step S45, the visualization system 5 determines a forecast for the future course of the maximum quantity Max based on the determined maximum quantity Max, i.e. based on the maximum quantity Max determined for the display time period. The only difference is that the basis for the determination is not the process data point 9, but the maximum quantity Max. In step S46, the visualization system 5 checks whether the predicted maximum quantity Max exceeds the maximum value MAX. If this is the case, the visualization system 5 also assigns a predicted secondary alarm A' to the corresponding predicted process data point 9 in step S47. Otherwise, step S47 is skipped.

[0082] The process in which steps S42 to S44 and steps S45 to S47 exist is described above. However, a design in which only steps S42 to S44 or only steps S45 to S47 exist is also possible.

[0083] This step S19 is unchanged. However, within the scope of step S19, not only the process data points 9 for the display time period are displayed, but also the predicted process data points 9 are displayed. For both types of process data points 9, the correspondingly associated secondary alarms A' are also displayed together. The display of the time course of the minimum quantity Min and the maximum quantity Max can be displayed as required and as follows: Fig. 9 If necessary, the associated process alarms Aj can also be displayed during the display period. The time point "now", i.e. currently Fig. 9 Indicated by vertical double lines.

[0084] If a related process alarm Aj is also displayed during the display period, then Figure 8 The process in is preferably based on Fig.10 According to the diagram in Fig.10 , steps S42 to S44 are supplemented by steps S51 and S52, and steps S45 to S47 are supplemented by steps S53 and S54.

[0085] In step S51, the visualization system 5 checks whether the predicted minimum quantity Min satisfies the trigger condition. If this is the case, the visualization system 5 assigns the predicted process alarm Aj to the corresponding predicted process data point 9 in step S52. Otherwise, step S52 is skipped.

[0086] In step S53, the visualization system 5 checks whether the predicted maximum quantity Max satisfies the trigger condition. If this is the case, the visualization system 5 also assigns the predicted process alarm Aj to the corresponding predicted process data point 9 in step S54. Otherwise, step S54 is skipped.

[0087] If steps S51 and S52 and / or steps S53 and S54 are present, in addition to displaying the actual process alarm Aj sent by the process control system 2, the Fig. 9 The figure in shows the predicted process alarm Aj.

[0088] The invention has been explained above in essence and further explained in various advantageous embodiments. However, the core of the invention relates to the following facts:

[0089] The industrial technical facility 1 is controlled and monitored by a process control system 2. The process control system collects process data x, x*, Pi at a collection time point and archives the collected process data x, x*, Pi in history. According to the selection of the process data x, x*, Pi by the operator 4 and the preset of the relevant display time period, the visualization system 5 requests the history of the selected process data x, x*, Pi from the process control system 2 for the display time period and outputs the relevant time change process as a graph 8 to the operator 4. The graph 8 includes a plurality of process data points 9. The visualization system 5 determines the corresponding process data point 9 as the average value or median value of the selected process data x, x*, Pi for the corresponding collection time period of the corresponding process data point 9. The visualization system also determines the minimum value Min and / or the maximum value Max of the selected process data x, x*, Pi during the corresponding collection time period for the corresponding process data point 9. If the minimum value Min determined for the corresponding process data point 9 is lower than the preset minimum value MIN or the maximum value Max determined exceeds the preset maximum value MAX, the visualization system 5 displays the secondary alarm A' and the corresponding process data point 9.

[0090] The invention has many advantages. Firstly, a trend display is possible, which is easier for the operator 4 to grasp and understand intuitively. In addition, there is an improved forecast, in particular regarding process alarms Aj and secondary alarms A' to be expected in the future. The anticipated intervention of the operator 4 in the process flow of the industrial technical installation 1 is made easier. In addition, it does not happen that a secondary alarm A' which is displayed with a "favorable" selection of the display time period cannot be displayed due to an "unfavorable" selection of the display time period. This also applies to Figure 7 , because the minimum amount Min and / or the maximum amount Max are also used here to determine the secondary alarm A', although the minimum amount Min and the maximum amount Max themselves are not shown.

[0091] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and other variations may be devised therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Reference Numbers List

[0093] 1 Industrial and technical facilities

[0094] 2 Process Control Systems

[0095] 3 Process Objects

[0096] 4 Operator

[0097] 5 Visualization System

[0098] 6 Computer Programs

[0099] 7 Machine Code

[0100] 8 Graphics

[0101] 9 process data points

[0102] Aj Process Alarm

[0103] A' Secondary Alarm

[0104] H Prediction range

[0105] I+, I- Operation input

[0106] M Alert

[0107] Max Maximum

[0108] MAX Maximum value

[0109] Min minimum amount

[0110] MIN Minimum value

[0111] Steps S1 to S54

[0112] x, x*, Pi process data

[0113] Z state.

Claims

1. A method for visualizing process data, the method being implemented by a visualization system (5), - in, Industrial technology facilities (1) are controlled and monitored by process control systems (2). - wherein the process control system (2) collects the process data at each collection time point and archives the collected process data in a historical manner, - wherein, upon selection of process data and presetting of an associated display time period by at least one operator (4) of the process control system (2), the visualization system (5) requests the history of the selected process data for the presetting display time period and outputs the associated time course as a graphic (8) to the at least one operator (4), - wherein the graph (8) comprises a plurality of process data points (9), - wherein the visualization system (5) determines the respective process data point (9) based on the value of the selected process data characterizing the respective acquisition time period of the respective process data point (9), wherein the acquisition time period comprises a plurality of acquisition time points, - wherein the corresponding process data point (9) is the average value or median value of the process data of the corresponding acquisition time period, It is characterized in that - the visualization system (5) further determines, for the respective process data point (9), a minimum value (Min) and a maximum value (Max) of the value of the selected process data during the respective acquisition time period, the minimum value (Min) and the maximum value (Max) each having a temporal profile, and - the visualization system (5) checks whether the minimum quantity determined for the corresponding process data point (9) is below a preset minimum value (MIN) and / or whether the maximum quantity determined (Max) exceeds a preset maximum value (MAX), and in the event of a positive result of one or both checks, the visualization system (5) displays a secondary alarm (A') together with the corresponding process data point (9), wherein the secondary alarm (A') represents an alarm which is not set by the process control system but is set by the visualization system.

2. The visualization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: - assigning the process data to corresponding process objects (3) within the process control system (2), - if the process data assigned to the respective process object (3) meets a predetermined trigger condition, the process control system (2) automatically sets a process alarm (Aj) accordingly, - the process control system (2) also collects currently set process alarms (Aj) for each process object (3) at the collection time point and archives or stores the collected process alarms (Aj) in the history aspect, - the visualization system (5) also requests the history of the selected process data and the history of the process alarms (Aj) assigned to the corresponding process object (3) for the same display time period, and - if at least one process alarm (Aj) occurs during the acquisition time period assigned to the corresponding process data point (9), the visualization system (5) always displays the process data point (9) and the corresponding process data point (9) of the at least one process alarm (Aj).

3. The visualization method according to claim 2, characterized in that: - if the preset display time period includes the present, the visualization system (5) determines a prediction of the future change course of the process data point (9) based on the determined process data point (9) for a prediction range (H) extending from the present to the future, - in the case where the preset display time period includes the present, the visualization system (5) determines, for the prediction range (H), a prediction of a future change process of the minimum amount (Min) based on the determined minimum amount (Min), and / or determines a prediction of a future change process of the maximum amount (Max) based on the determined maximum amount (Max), and - the visualization system (5) always displays the predicted secondary alarm (A') and the corresponding predicted process data point (9) if the corresponding predicted minimum amount (Min) is below the preset minimum value (MIN) and / or the corresponding predicted maximum amount (Max) exceeds the preset maximum value (MAX).

4. The visualization method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The visualization system (5) also always displays a predicted process alarm (Aj) and the corresponding predicted process data point (9) if the corresponding predicted minimum quantity (Min) and / or the corresponding predicted maximum quantity (Max) meet a predetermined trigger condition.

5. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program for a visualization system (5), wherein: The computer program comprises a machine code (7) which can be processed by the visualization system (5), - wherein, upon processing of the machine code (7), upon selection of process data and presetting of an associated display time period by at least one operator (4) of a process control system (2), which controls and monitors the industrial installation (1) and acquires the process data at acquisition times and archives the process data in each case in a historical manner, the visualization system (5) requests the history of the selected process data for the predefined display time period and outputs the associated time course to the at least one operator (4) as a graphic (8), - wherein the graph (8) comprises a plurality of process data points (9), - wherein, in dependence on the processing of the machine code (7), the visualization system (5) determines the corresponding process data point (9) according to the value of the selected process data representing the corresponding acquisition time period of the corresponding process data point (9), - wherein the corresponding process data point (9) is the average value or median value of the process data of the corresponding acquisition time period, It is characterized in that Based on the processing of the machine code (7), the visualization system (5) - also determining for the respective process data point (9) a minimum value (Min) and a maximum value (Max) of the value of the selected process data during the respective acquisition time period, the minimum value (Min) and the maximum value (Max) each having a temporal profile, and - if the minimum quantity (Min) determined for the corresponding process data point (9) is below a preset minimum value (MIN) and / or the maximum quantity (Max) determined exceeds a preset maximum value (MAX), the visualization system always displays a secondary alarm (A') together with the corresponding process data point (9), wherein the secondary alarm (A') represents an alarm which is not set by the process control system but is set by the visualization system.

6. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 5, wherein: - assigning the process data to corresponding process objects (3) within the process control system (2), - if the process data assigned to the corresponding process object (3) meets a predetermined trigger condition, the process control system (2) automatically sets a process alarm (Aj) accordingly, and also collects the currently set process alarm (Aj) for each process object (3) at the collection time point and archives or stores the collected process alarm (Aj) in the history aspect, and - upon processing the machine code (7), the visualization system (5) further requests the history of the selected process data and the history of the process alarms (Aj) assigned to the corresponding process object (3) for the same display time period, and if at least one process alarm (Aj) occurs during the acquisition time period assigned to the corresponding process data point (9), the visualization system always displays the process data point (9) and the corresponding process data point (9) of at least one process alarm (Aj).

7. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, wherein: According to the processing of the machine code (7), - if the preset display time period includes the present, the visualization system (5) determines a prediction of the future change course of the process data point (9) based on the determined process data point (9) for a prediction range (H) extending from the present to the future, - in a case where the preset display time period includes the present, the visualization system further determines, for the prediction range (H), a prediction of a future change process of the minimum amount (Min) according to the determined minimum amount (Min), and / or further determines a prediction of a future change process of the maximum amount (Max) according to the determined maximum amount (Max), and - the visualization system always displays the predicted secondary alarm (A') together with the corresponding predicted process data point (9) if the corresponding predicted minimum amount (Min) is below the preset minimum value (MIN) and / or the corresponding predicted maximum amount (Max) exceeds the preset maximum value (MAX).

8. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 7, wherein: Depending on the processing of the machine code (7), the visualization system (5) also always displays a predicted process alarm (Aj) and the corresponding predicted process data point (9) if the corresponding predicted minimum amount (Min) and / or the corresponding predicted maximum amount (Max) meet a predetermined trigger condition.

9. A visualization system, wherein: The visualization system is programmed using a computer program (6) according to a computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 5 to 8, so that the visualization system correspondingly executes the steps of the visualization method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 when running.

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