Configuration system for milking plant monitoring system, computer-implemented method, computer program and non-volatile data carrier

Abstract

The fluid pressure sensors (125, 135, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157) are operatively connected to the respective programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9). A first server (110) receives an instruction message (msgcF) from a user terminal (121, 122). The instruction message (msgcF) specifies identification data of the controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) and an indication of the functional action that each controller should achieve. In a first functional action, a controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pulsating pressure level. In a second function, the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a milking pressure level. At a farm (150) with a milking factory monitoring system, a second server (140) communicates with the controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9). In response to receiving the instruction message (msgcF), the first server (110) transmits a configuration message (CF {ID, R}) to the second server (140). The configuration message (CF {ID, R}) indicates the specific action that each controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) should achieve. The second server (140) transmits, to each controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), a respective programming message (ID1: r1, ID2: r2, ID3: r3, ID4: r1, ID5: r2, ID6: r2; iD7: r2) such that the controller implements the specific action indicated by the configuration message (CF {ID, R}).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates generally to the configuration of a dairy plant. In particular, the invention relates to a configuration system for a dairy plant monitoring system according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a corresponding computer-implemented method. The invention also relates to a computer program and a non-volatile data carrier storing such a computer program. Background Art

[0002] Today's milking systems are highly complex units where many components and equipment pieces must interact according to multiple well-tuned processes. For optimal operation, it is critical to properly configure the fluid pressure sensors in the milking system. To achieve this configuration, service personnel must spend a lot of time on site at the company where the milking unit is located.

[0003] WO 2020 / 251456 shows a control unit and a configuration tag of a milk analysis device, the milk analysis device comprising a first wireless communication device for communicating with a memory device of the configuration tag. The configuration tag is adapted for the milk analysis device and comprises a reference mark of a milk extraction device with which the milk analysis device is intended to operate in conjunction with the milk extraction device. The communication is carried out via a second wireless communication device included in the configuration tag. The control unit is configured to: retrieve configuration data (e.g., a network location reference, such as an IP address) of a milk extraction device intended to operate in conjunction with the milk analysis device from the memory device of the configuration tag via the first wireless communication device; and configure the control unit based on the retrieved configuration data of the milk extraction device.

[0004] EP 2840887 describes a method for controlling devices within an agricultural network system via a network bus (such as a physical network bus or a logical network bus), wherein the devices are controlled by means of control information, which is transmitted to the devices by means of messages including content and header headers. The method involves: determining a function for performing the method by a device in the network; determining the content of the message to be transmitted; and compiling header header information to include it in the header header of the message to be transmitted. The header header information contains a predetermined number of data fields, such as preferably a network identifier, a device type identification, a function identification, a location identification and / or a group identification, so as to determine which device or devices receive the message based on compliance with one or more of these data fields.

[0005] US 7,174,848 shows a controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system. The controller includes a first sensor operatively connected to a specified pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum from the pulsator. The controller generates a first signal representing a pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal with a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range programmed as an acceptable pulsating vacuum level for the milking system pulsator. When the specified pulsating vacuum level of the pulsating vacuum of the pulsating vacuum is at a vacuum level outside the predetermined vacuum range, the processor generates at least one control signal. The control circuit signals the specified pulsating vacuum level of the pulsating vacuum of the pulsating vacuum to be outside the range programmed as an acceptable pulsating vacuum level for the milking system pulsator.

[0006] Therefore, there are solutions for adapting and programming agricultural systems, such as pulsator controllers of milking systems. However, there are no convenient means to configure the fluid pressure sensors of a dairy monitoring system from a remote location. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution that enables remote configuration of a controller for a fluid pressure sensor in a dairy monitoring system.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a configuration system for a milking plant monitoring system, the milking plant monitoring system comprising at least one fluid pressure sensor and at least one corresponding controller, the at least one corresponding controller being programmable and operatively connected to the at least one fluid pressure sensor and configured to control the at least one fluid pressure sensor. The configuration system comprises a first server and a second server. The first server is configured to receive an instruction message from at least one user terminal. The instruction message specifies identification data of at least one of the at least one controller and an indication of a specific function of at least two different functional roles that each controller of at least one of the at least one controller should implement. The at least two different functional roles include a first functional role, in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pulsating pressure level, and a second functional role, in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a milking pressure level. The second server is communicatively connected to the first server. The second server is arranged at a farm where the milking plant monitoring system is located. The second server is further configured to communicate with the at least one controller. In response to receiving the instruction message, the first server is configured to transmit a configuration message to the second server. The configuration message includes a list indicating, for each of at least one of the at least one controllers, a specific role that the controller should implement. In response to the configuration message, the second server is configured to transmit a corresponding programming message to each of at least one of the at least one controllers included in the list. The programming message is then configured to cause each of at least one of the at least one controllers to implement the specific role indicated by the list.

[0009] The configuration system is advantageous because it allows a user to set up key functions of a milking plant's fluid pressure sensor from a remote location.

[0010] The first functional role may involve monitoring the pulsation pressure level in a pulsator in at least one milking point in a milking system at the farm. Furthermore, the second functional role may involve monitoring the milking pressure level in at least one milking point in the milking system at the farm.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the two different functional roles further include: a third functional role, in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, the fluid pressure sensor monitoring a pressure level at a first point in a milk line arranged to deliver milk from a set of milking points; a fourth functional role, in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, the fluid pressure sensor monitoring a pressure level at a second point in the milk line, the set of milking points being located between the first point and the second point in the milk line, and milk extracted via the milking points passing through the second point in the milk line before entering a receiving tank, the receiving tank being configured to receive milk at the extracted point. a fifth functional role, in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, which monitors the pressure level in the receiving tank; a sixth functional role, in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, which monitors the pressure level in the regulation circuit of a pressure regulator of a vacuum pump, which is arranged to provide system pressure in the milk line; and / or a seventh functional role, in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, which monitors the pressure level in the vacuum level supplied by the vacuum pump. Thus, the functions of all pressure sensors in the milking plant can be set from a remote location

[0012] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first storage resource comprises a first database. The first storage resource is communicatively connected to the first server, and the first database in turn stores software code representing firmware for at least one of the programmable controllers. In addition, the first server is configured to obtain software code representing firmware for at least one of the programmable controllers and forward the software code representing firmware for at least one of the programmable controllers to the second server.

[0013] In response to receiving a software code representing firmware for at least one of the programmable controllers, the second server is configured to transmit a firmware programming message to at least one of the programmable controllers. The firmware programming message contains software code representing firmware for at least one of the programmable controllers. The firmware programming message is configured to cause at least one of the programmable controllers to update a current version of its firmware to a firmware version based on the software code included in the firmware programming message. Therefore, the programmable controller can perform a firmware update in a very direct manner.

[0014] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the at least one controller comprises at least one first controller and at least one second controller, the at least one first controller being assigned to a first functional role in which the at least one first controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a first repetition frequency, and the at least one second controller being assigned to a second functional role in which the at least one second controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a second repetition frequency. Thus, different controllers may be arranged to measure respective pressure levels with different degrees of temporal resolution. For example, it may be necessary to measure the pressure level in a common milk line at a relatively high repetition frequency, such as 1000 Hz, whereas it may be sufficient to measure the vacuum level supplied by the vacuum pump at a relatively low repetition frequency, such as 10 Hz.

[0015] In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, at least one controller comprises at least three controllers, and at least two different functional roles further comprise at least one third controller, the at least one third controller being assigned to a third functional role, in which the at least one third controller is configured to register a pressure level value at a third repetition frequency. Thus, for example, the controller assigned to the third functional role can measure its value at an intermediate repetition frequency, such as 100 Hz.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, at least one controller comprises a processing unit and a memory unit. The controller is specifically configured to register the pressure level values, storing each pressure level value together with a corresponding time stamp specifying the time point when the pressure level value was registered, each pressure level value being stored in the memory unit. The controller is further configured to forward a set of pressure level values ​​and time stamps stored in the memory unit to a second server. Thereby, the second server can conveniently compile data from a subset or all of the controllers in the milking plant.

[0017] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the second server is further configured to forward the pressure level values ​​to the first server together with the corresponding identification of at least one controller with which the pressure level values ​​and the corresponding timestamps are registered. In response to receiving the set of pressure level values ​​and the timestamps, the first server is configured to store the set of pressure level values ​​together with the corresponding identification of at least one controller with which the pressure level values ​​and the corresponding timestamps are registered in the first storage resource. As a result, the first server can easily compile and monitor pressure data from multiple milking plants.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the system comprises a wireless communication link configured to transmit respective programming messages to each of at least one of the at least one controller in a wireless format. This makes the installation process at the farm very simple.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a computer-implemented method, which is executed in at least one processor in a first server and a second server that are communicatively connected to each other, wherein the second server is arranged at a farm where a milking plant monitoring system is located. The second server is further configured to communicate with at least one controller, the at least one controller is programmable and operatively connected to the corresponding at least one fluid pressure sensor, and the at least one controller is configured to control the corresponding at least one fluid pressure sensor. The method involves receiving an instruction message from a user terminal in the first server. The instruction message specifies identification data of at least one of the at least one controller and an indication of a specific functional role of at least two different functional roles that each controller of at least one of the at least one controller should implement. The at least two different functional roles include a first functional role and a second functional role, in which the controller is programmed to control the fluid pressure sensor that monitors the pulsating pressure level, and in which the controller is programmed to control the fluid pressure sensor that monitors the milking pressure level. The method also involves transmitting a configuration message from the first server to the second server in response to the instruction message. The configuration message contains a list, which indicates, for each controller of at least one of the at least one controller, a specific role that the controller should implement. The method further involves transmitting, in response to the configuration message, a corresponding programming message from the second server to each of at least one of the at least one controllers included in the list. The programming message is configured to cause each of at least one of the at least one controllers to implement a specific role indicated by the list. The advantages of the method and its preferred embodiments are apparent from the above discussion with reference to the proposed system.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer program loadable into a non-volatile data carrier communicatively connected to a processing unit. The computer program comprises software for executing the above method when the program is run on a processing unit.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a non-volatile data carrier comprising the above-mentioned computer program.

[0022] Further advantages, advantageous features and applications of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments disclosed as examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary milking plant in which a controller may be configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 An overview diagram of a configuration system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A block diagram of a first server according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a second server according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] Figure 5 The general method according to the invention is illustrated with the aid of a flow chart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] exist Figure 1 In , we see an example of a milking system 100 with a milking plant monitoring system, in which a controller may be configured according to one embodiment of the present invention; and in Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , we see an overview diagram of a configuration system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The milking plant monitoring system includes at least one fluid pressure sensor. Figure 1 and Figure 2 154, 155, 156 and 157. The dairy plant monitoring system further comprises at least one respective controller, designated herein by C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9, which is programmable and operatively connected to the fluid pressure sensors 125, 135, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156 and 157. Each controller C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 is configured to control a respective fluid pressure sensor operatively connected thereto.

[0031] The configuration system comprises a first server 110 and a second server 140, respectively. The first server 110 and the second server 140 are interconnected via at least one network 131, represented by the Internet, for example.

[0032] The first server 110 is configured to receive an instruction message msg from a user terminal. CF , the user terminal is in Figure 2121 and a smartphone 122. However, according to the present invention, the user terminal may be represented by any other type of communication device capable of connecting to the first server 110 via a wired or wireless interface and possibly via a wireless network 132, which communication device is capable of generating instruction messages msg in response to user commands. CF .

[0033] Command message msg CF The instruction message msg specifies identification data of at least one of the at least one controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9. CF An indication of a particular functional role of at least two different functional roles that each controller of at least one of the at least one controller should implement, the at least two different functional roles comprising a first functional role in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pulsating pressure level and a second functional role in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a milking pressure level.

[0034] The second server 140 is communicatively connected to the first server 110 via at least one network 131. The second server 140 is arranged at a farm 150 where a milking system 100 is located, which is monitored by a dairy farm monitoring system. The second server 140 is configured to communicate with at least one controller C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9, for example wirelessly.

[0035] In addition to the above, the first server 110 is configured to respond to receiving the instruction message msg from the user terminal 121 or 122 CF The configuration message CF{ID, R} is transmitted to the second server 140. The configuration message CF{ID, R} contains a list indicating, for each of at least one of the at least one controller C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9, a specific role that the controller should implement.

[0036] In response to the configuration message CF{ID, R}, the second server 140 is configured to transmit corresponding programming messages ID1: r1, ID2: r2, ID3: r3, ID4: r1, ID5: r2, ID6: r2 and / or ID7: r2 to each of at least one of the at least one controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9 included in the list of the configuration message CF{ID, R}. The programming messages ID1: r1, ID2: r2, ID3: r3, ID4: r1, ID5: r2, ID6: r2 and ID7: r2 are configured to enable each of at least one of the at least one controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 to respectively implement the specific role indicated by the list of the configuration message CF{ID, R}.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, a first functional role involves monitoring pulsating pressure levels in pulsators, illustrated by 152 and 154 , in at least one milking point in the milking system 100 at the farm 150 . Figure 1 Milking points are illustrated which are indicated by reference numerals MP1 and MPn, respectively. Typically, the milking system 100 comprises a relatively large number of milking points, such as 10 to 100, which are installed along the milk line 121. A corresponding pulsator is arranged at each milking point. For example, in order to achieve sufficient measurement accuracy, the pulsating pressure level can be registered with a repetition frequency of about 1000 Hz. According to this embodiment, the second functional role involves monitoring the milking pressure level in at least one milking point MP1 and MPn of the milking system 100 at the farm 150. For example, in order to achieve sufficient accuracy, the milking pressure level in at least one milking point MP1 and MPn can be registered with a repetition frequency of about 100 Hz.

[0038] In particular, according to one embodiment of the invention, at least one first controller of the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 is assigned to a first functional role. In this role, the at least one first controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a first repetition frequency, such as 1000 Hz. This measurement rate is particularly suitable for a fluid pressure sensor 151 arranged at a first point in a milk line 121 of the milking system 100, the fluid pressure sensor 151 being configured to measure a property of a washing block sent through the milk line 121 to clean the milk line. In this embodiment of the invention, at least one second controller is assigned to a second functional role, in which the at least one second controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a second repetition frequency, such as 100 Hz or 10 Hz. A measurement repetition frequency of 100 Hz is suitable for the fluid pressure sensors 153 and 155 arranged to measure the milking vacuum in the milking point MP1 or MPn; whereas a measurement repetition frequency of 10 Hz is suitable for the fluid pressure sensor 158 of the vacuum regulator R.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one third controller among the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9 is assigned to a third functional role, in which at least one third controller is configured to register a pressure level value at a third repetition frequency. For example, one or more controllers among the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9 may be assigned to register a pressure level value at 10 Hz, one or more controllers among the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9 may be assigned to register a pressure level value at 100 Hz, and one or more controllers among the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9 may be assigned to register a pressure level value at 1000 Hz.

[0040] Preferably, each of the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 comprises a corresponding processing unit and a memory unit. In addition, each of the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 is preferably configured to: register the pressure level values ​​S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 respectively; and store each pressure level value S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 together with a corresponding timestamp specifying the time point when the pressure level value is registered. Each pressure level value is stored in the memory unit of the corresponding controller. In addition, it is advantageous that each of the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 is configured to forward a set of pressure level values ​​and timestamps stored in the memory unit to the second server 140. For example, a controller arranged to monitor pulsating pressure levels in a pulsator may be programmed to register a set of measurements representing five pulsation cycles, the set of measurements being registered at 1000 Hz; and then forward the set of measurements to the second server 140 .

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second server 140 is then configured to forward the individual stress level values ​​S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 and the associated timestamps to the first server 110. Naturally, this data is forwarded together with the respective corresponding identification of the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 that registered the stress level value in question. In response to receiving the set of stress level values ​​S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9, the timestamp and the response identification, the first server 110 is configured to store the set of stress level values ​​S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 in the first storage resource 115 together with the corresponding identification of at least one controller C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 that registered the stress level value and the corresponding timestamp. Thus, it is possible to study and analyze the functionality of a fluid pressure sensor in a milking system, or any other computing / communication device communicatively connected thereto, from a remote location, such as the first server 110 .

[0042] Preferably, in addition to the above-mentioned first functional role and second functional role, further functional roles are defined.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, in a third functional role, the controller C1 is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor monitoring a pressure level at a first point in a milk line 121 arranged to convey milk from a set of milking points MP1 and MPn.

[0044] In a fourth functional role, the controller C6 is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pressure level at a second point in the milk line 121. The first point and the second point are arranged in the milk line 121 such that the set of milking points MP1 and MPn are located between the first point and the second point. Furthermore, the second point is arranged in the milk line 121 such that milk extracted via the milking points MP1 and MPn passes through the second point in the milk line 121 before entering a receiving tank 120 configured to temporarily store milk extracted from the milk line 121 before the extracted milk is forwarded to a milk tank 140.

[0045] In a fifth functional role, the controller C7 is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors the pressure level in the receiving tank 120 .

[0046] In a sixth functional role, the controller C8 is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor which monitors the pressure level in the regulation circuit of a pressure regulator R of a vacuum pump 135 arranged to provide the system pressure in the milk line 121 .

[0047] In a seventh functional action, the controller C9 is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors the pressure level in the vacuum level supplied by the vacuum pump 135 .

[0048] The configuration system may include a first storage resource 115, which includes a first database, which is communicatively connected to the first server 110. The first database then includes software code representing firmware FW for at least one of the programmable controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9. Thus, the first server 110 can obtain software code representing firmware FW for at least one of the programmable controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9, and forward the software code representing firmware FW for at least one of the programmable controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9 to the second server 140.

[0049] In response to receiving the software code representing the firmware FW for at least one of the programmable controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9, the second server 140 is configured to transmit a firmware programming message p(FW) to at least one of the programmable controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9, for example, via a wireless link implemented according to the Bluetooth standard. The firmware programming message (e.g., ID3:r3) directed to the programmable controllers C3 and C5 contains the software code representing the firmware FW for these programmable controllers C3 and C5. The firmware programming message p(FW) is configured to cause the programmable controllers C3 and C5 to update the current version of their respective firmware to a firmware version based on the software code included in the firmware programming message p(FW). Thus, it is possible to easily gradually improve and adjust the functions of all programmable controllers C1 , C2 , C3 , C4 , C5 , C6 , C7 , C8 and C9 , for example via manual or automatic control commands input into the first server 110 .

[0050] Naturally, the above-mentioned wireless communication link can be configured to transmit corresponding programming messages ID1:r1, ID2:r2, ID3:r3, ID4:r1, ID5:r2, ID6:r2 and / or ID7:r2 to controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9 in a wireless format, and the programming messages ID1:r1, ID2:r2, ID3:r3, ID4:r1, ID5:r2, ID6:r2 and / or ID7:r2 are configured to assign specific functional roles to controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9.

[0051] Figure 3 A block diagram of a first server 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. It is generally advantageous that the first processor 110 is configured to implement the above process in an automated manner together with the second server 140 by executing a first computer program 325. Therefore, the first controller 110 may include a first memory unit 320 (i.e., a non-volatile data carrier) storing a first computer program 325, which in turn contains software for causing a processing circuit in the form of at least one first processor 310 in the first server 110 to perform the actions mentioned in the present disclosure when the first computer program 325 is run on at least one first processor 310.

[0052] Figure 4A block diagram of a second server 140 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Similar to the above, it is generally advantageous that the second server 140 is configured to implement the above process in an automated manner together with the first server 110 by executing a second computer program 425. Therefore, the second controller 140 may include a second memory unit 420 (i.e., a non-volatile data carrier) storing a second computer program 425, which in turn contains software for causing a processing circuit in the form of at least one second processor 410 in the second server 140 to perform the actions mentioned in the present disclosure when the second computer program 425 is run on at least one second processor 410.

[0053] To summarize, and for reference Figure 5 Referring to the flowchart in FIG. 1 , we will now describe a computer-implemented method according to the present invention, which is performed in the first server 110 and the second server 140, respectively.

[0054] The first step 510 checks whether the instruction message msg from the user terminal has been received in the first server 110. CF If yes, then step 520 follows; otherwise, the process loops back to and stays at step 510. Instruction message msg CF Specifying: identification data of at least one of at least one controller C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9; and an indication of a specific functional role among at least two different functional roles that each controller of at least one of the at least one controller should implement.

[0055] In step 520, a configuration message CF{ID, R} is transmitted from the first server 110 to the second server 140. The configuration message CF{ID, R} contains a list indicating, for each of at least one of the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9, a specific role that the controller should implement.

[0056] Thereafter, in step 530, the second server 140 transmits a corresponding programming message ID1:r1, ID2:r2, ID3:r3, ID4:r1, ID5:r2, ID6:r2 and / or ID7:r2 to each of at least one of the controllers C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 and / or C9 included in the list of the configuration message CF{ID,R}. The programming message is configured to cause each of at least one of the at least one controllers to implement a specific role indicated by the list.

[0057] refer to Figure 5The described processing steps can be controlled by means of a programmed processor. In addition, although the embodiments of the present invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings include processors and processes performed in at least one processor, the present invention is therefore also extended to computer programs suitable for putting the present invention into practice, in particular computer programs on or in a carrier. The program can be in the form of source code, target code, code intermediate source and target code such as partially compiled form, or any other form suitable for use in the specific implementation of the process according to the present invention. The program can be part of an operating system, or a separate application program. The carrier can be any entity or device capable of carrying a program. For example, the carrier can include a storage medium such as a flash memory, a ROM (read-only memory), such as a DVD (digital video / universal disk), a CD (compact disk) or a semiconductor ROM, an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) or a magnetic recording medium, such as a floppy disk or a hard disk. In addition, the carrier can be a transmittable carrier, such as an electrical signal or an optical signal, which can be transmitted via a cable or optical cable or by radio or by other components. When the program is embodied in a signal, the signal can be directly transmitted by a cable or other device or component, and the carrier can be composed of such a cable or device or component. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being suitable for carrying out the relevant process or for the execution of the relevant process.

[0058] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0059] When used in this specification, the term "comprising" is used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. The term does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more additional elements, features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In the claims, the word "or" should not be interpreted as an exclusive or (sometimes called "XOR"). On the contrary, expressions such as "A or B" cover all cases "A and not B", "B and not A" and "A and B" unless otherwise stated. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

[0060] It should also be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may be freely combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be inappropriate.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the drawings but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A configuration system for a milking plant monitoring system, the milking plant monitoring system comprising at least one fluid pressure sensor (125, 135, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157) and at least one corresponding controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), the at least one corresponding controller being programmable and operatively connected to the at least one fluid pressure sensor and configured to control the at least one fluid pressure sensor, the configuration system comprising: A first server (110) configured to receive an instruction message (msg) from at least one user terminal (121, 122) CF ), the instruction message (msg CF ) specifies: The at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) identification data of at least one of An indication of a specific functional role of at least two different functional roles that each of the at least one of the at least one controller should implement, the at least two different functional roles comprising: a first functional role in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pulsating pressure level, and a second functional role in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors milking pressure levels; and a second server (140), the second server being communicatively connected to the first server (110), the second server (140) being arranged at a farm (150) including the dairy farm monitoring system, and the second server (140) being configured to communicate with the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), The first server (110) is configured to: In response to receiving the instruction message (msg CF ), the second server (140) being configured to transmit a configuration message (CF{ID, R}) to the second server (140), the configuration message (CF{ID, R}) comprising a list, the list indicating, for each controller of at least one of the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), the specific role that the controller should implement; and in response to the configuration message (CF{ID, R}), the second server (140) being configured to: transmitting a corresponding programming message (ID1: r1, ID2: r2, ID3: r3, ID4: r1, ID5: r2, ID6: r2) to each of said at least one of said at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) included in said list; ID7:r2), the programming message is configured to cause each controller of the at least one of the at least one controller to implement the specific role indicated by the list.

2. The configuration system according to claim 1, wherein: The first functional role involves monitoring the pulsating pressure level in a pulsator (152, 154) in at least one milking point (MP1, MPn) in a milking system (100) at the farm (150), the milking system (100) being monitored by the dairy monitoring system; and The second functional role relates to monitoring the milking pressure level in the at least one milking point (MP1, MPn) of the milking system (100) at the farm (150).

3. The configuration system according to claim 2, wherein the two different functional roles further include at least one of the following: a third functional role, in which the controller (C1) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pressure level at a first point in a milk line (121) arranged to convey milk from a group of milking points (MP1, MPn); a fourth functional role, in which the controller (C6) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, the fluid pressure sensor monitoring a pressure level at a second point in the milk line (121), the set of milking points (MP1, MPn) being located between the first point and the second point in the milk line (121), and milk extracted via the milking points (MP1, MPn) passes through the second point in the milk line (121) before entering a receiving tank (120), the receiving tank being configured to temporarily store milk extracted from the milk line (121) before the extracted milk is forwarded to a milk tank (140); a fifth functional role, in which the controller (C7) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pressure level in the receiving tank (120); a sixth functional role, in which the controller (C8) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor which monitors the pressure level in a regulation circuit of a pressure regulator (R) of a vacuum pump (135) arranged to provide a system pressure in the milk line (121); and A seventh functional role, in which the controller (C9) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors the pressure level in the vacuum level supplied by the vacuum pump (135).

4. The configuration system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first storage resource (115), the first storage resource comprising a first database, the first storage resource (115) being communicatively connected to the first server (110), the first database comprising software code representing firmware (FW) for at least one of the programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), and the first server (110) being further configured to: Obtain the software code representing the firmware (FW) for at least one of the programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), and forward the software code representing the firmware (FW) for at least one of the programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) to the second server (140).

5. The configuration system according to claim 4, wherein: In response to receiving the software code representing the firmware (FW) for the at least one of the programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), the second server (140) is configured to: A firmware programming message (p(FW)) is transmitted to at least one of the programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), wherein the firmware programming message (ID3:r3) includes the software code representing the firmware (FW) used for the at least one of the programmable controllers (C3, C5), and the firmware programming message (p(FW)) is configured to cause the at least one of the programmable controllers (C3, C5) to update the current version of its firmware to a firmware version based on the software code included in the firmware programming message (p(FW)).

6. Configuration system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) comprises: at least one first controller, the at least one first controller being assigned to the first functional role, in which the at least one first controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a first repetition frequency; and At least one second controller is assigned to the second functional role, in which the at least one second controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a second repetition frequency.

7. The configuration system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) comprises at least three controllers, and the at least two different functional roles comprise: At least one third controller is assigned to a third functional role, in which the at least one third controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a third repetition frequency.

8. The configuration system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) comprises a processing unit and a memory unit, and the controller is configured to: Register the pressure level value (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9), storing each stress level value (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) together with a corresponding time stamp specifying the point in time when said stress level value was registered, each stress level value being stored in said memory unit, and A set of pressure level values ​​and time stamps stored in the memory unit are forwarded to the second server (140).

9. The configuration system according to claim 8, wherein The second server (140) is configured to forward the pressure level values ​​(S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) together with the corresponding identification of the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) that registered the pressure level values ​​and the corresponding timestamps to the first server (110), and in response to receiving the set of pressure level values ​​(S1, S2, S3, C4, S5, S6, C7, S8, S9) and the timestamps, The first server (110) is configured to store the set of stress level values ​​(S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) together with the corresponding identification of the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) that registered the stress level values ​​and the corresponding timestamps in the first storage resource (115).

10. The configuration system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A wireless communication link configured to transmit the corresponding programming message (ID1: r1, ID2: r2, ID3: r3, ID4: r1, ID5: r2, ID6: r2; ID7: r2) to each of the at least one of the at least one controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) in a wireless format.

11. A computer-implemented method for configuring a dairy plant monitoring system, the method being executed in at least one processor of a first server and a second server (110; 140) communicatively connected to each other, the second server (140) being arranged at a farm (150) comprising the dairy plant monitoring system, and the second server (140) being further configured to communicate with at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), the at least one controller being programmable and operatively connected to a corresponding at least one fluid pressure sensor (125, 135, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157), the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) being configured to control the corresponding at least one fluid pressure sensor, the method comprising: Receive a command message (msg) from a user terminal (121, 122) in the first server (110) CF ), the instruction message (msg CF ) specifies: identification data of at least one of the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), and An indication of a specific functional role of at least two different functional roles that each of the at least one of the at least one controller should implement, the at least two different functional roles comprising: a first functional role in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pulsating pressure level, and a second functional role in which the controller is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors milking pressure levels; and In response to the instruction message (msg CF ) and transmitting a configuration message (CF{ID,R}) from the first server (110) to the second server (140), the configuration message (CF{ID,R}) comprising a list, the list indicating, for each controller of at least one of the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), the specific role that the controller should implement; In response to the configuration message (CF{ID,R}), a corresponding programming message (ID1:r1, ID2:r2, ID3:r3, ID4:r1, ID5:r2, ID6:r2; ID7:r2) is transmitted from the second server (140) to each of the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) included in the list, wherein the programming message is configured to enable each of the at least one controller of the at least one controller to implement the specific role indicated by the list.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first functional role involves monitoring the pulsating pressure level in a pulsator (152, 154) in at least one milking point (MP1, MPn) in a milking system (100) at the farm (150), the milking system (100) being monitored by the dairy monitoring system; and The second functional role relates to monitoring the milking pressure level in the at least one milking point (MP1, MPn) of the milking system (100) at the farm (150).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the two different functional roles further include at least one of the following: a third functional role, in which the controller (C1) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pressure level at a first point in a milk line (121) arranged to convey milk from a group of milking points (MP1, MPn); a fourth functional role, in which the controller (C6) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, the fluid pressure sensor monitoring a pressure level at a second point in the milk line (121), the set of milking points (MP1, MPn) being located between the first point and the second point in the milk line (121), and milk extracted via the milking points (MP1, MPn) passes through the second point in the milk line (121) before entering a receiving tank (120), the receiving tank being configured to temporarily store milk extracted from the milk line (121) before the extracted milk is forwarded to a milk tank (140); a fifth functional role, in which the controller (C7) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor that monitors a pressure level in the receiving tank (120); a sixth functional role, in which the controller (C8) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, which monitors the pressure level in a pressure regulator (R) of a vacuum pump (135), the vacuum pump being arranged to provide system pressure in the milk line (121); and A seventh functional role, in which the controller (C9) is programmed to control a fluid pressure sensor, which monitors the pressure level in the vacuum pump (135).

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising: obtaining, in the first server (110), from a first database included in a first storage resource (115), software code representing firmware (FW) for at least one of the controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), and The software code representing the firmware (FW) for the at least one of the programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) is forwarded from the first server (110) to the second server (140).

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: In response to the software code representing the firmware (FW) for at least one of the programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), a firmware programming message (p(FW)) is transmitted from the second server (140) to the at least one of the programmable controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), the firmware programming message (ID3:r3) including the software code representing the firmware (FW) for at least one of the programmable controllers (C3, C5), and the firmware programming message (p(FW)) is configured to cause the at least one of the programmable controllers (C3, C5) to update the current version of its firmware to a firmware version based on the software code included in the firmware programming message (p(FW)).

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) comprises: at least one first controller, the at least one first controller being assigned to the first functional role, in which the at least one first controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a first repetition frequency; and At least one second controller is assigned to the second functional role, in which the at least one second controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a second repetition frequency.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) comprises at least three controllers, and the at least two different functional roles comprise: At least one third controller is assigned to a third functional role, in which the at least one third controller is configured to register pressure level values ​​at a third repetition frequency.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising: registering, by the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9), a pressure level value (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9), storing each stress level value (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) in a memory unit in the corresponding at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) together with a corresponding time stamp specifying the point in time when said stress level value was registered, and A set of pressure level values ​​and time stamps stored in the memory unit are forwarded from the corresponding at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) to the second server (140).

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: forwarding the pressure level values ​​(S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) from the second server (140) to the first server (110) together with the corresponding identification of the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) that registered the pressure level values ​​and the corresponding timestamps, and responding to receiving the set of pressure level values ​​(S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) and timestamps, and The set of stress level values ​​(S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9) are stored in the first storage resource (115) in the first server (110) together with the corresponding identification of the at least one controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) that registered the stress level values ​​and the corresponding timestamps.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, comprising: transmitting the corresponding programming message (ID1: r1, ID2: r2, ID3: r3, ID4: r1, ID5: r2, ID6: r2) to each of the at least one of the at least one controllers (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) in a wireless format via a wireless communication link; ID7:r2).

21. A computer program (325; 425) loadable into a non-volatile data carrier (320; 420) communicatively connected to a processing unit (310; 410), the computer program (325; 425) comprising software for executing a method according to any one of claims 11 to 19 when the computer program (325; 425) is run on the processing unit (310; 410).

22. A non-volatile data carrier (320; 420) containing a computer program (325; 425) according to claim 21.

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