Operation support system for user of container processing device, operation method, and container processing device

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating support system for a user of a container handling system, in particular a bottle filling system, an operating method, and a container handling system. The operation support system includes a position detection device that detects a position and an orientation of a user in the container processing apparatus, where the position detection device identifies a processing device operated by the user based on the position and the orientation of the user in the container processing apparatus, an operation detection device that detects an operation state of the identified processing device, and a display device that displays the operation state of the identified processing device. And a mobile operation support means that supports a user to operate the processing means by the operation suggestion on the basis of the identified operation state of the processing means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation support system for a user of a container handling device, in particular a bottle filling device. Such container handling devices, for example, filling devices or blow molding devices for plastic containers, inspection devices, transport devices, packaging devices, marking devices or labeling devices, are known in the prior art. Background Art

[0002] During the operation of a container handling device, operation processes, changeover work, supply steps, troubleshooting steps, etc. are required during the application process. Container handling devices are usually very large devices that users cannot fully observe and understand at the beginning of operation. Due to changes in the structure and complexity of the device, the operation sequence of the device is usually unknown and difficult to understand. The completion of tasks by users depends to a large extent on their capabilities and expertise. Therefore, the efficiency of a container handling device also depends on the capabilities of individual users working in the device.

[0003] EP 2901225 discloses an operating system for a device, in particular a beverage processing machine. The operating system includes a mobile operating unit for the device, a signal transmitter for reporting alarm and / or warning signals, and glasses. The glasses include a display system that is particularly configured as a head-mounted display or a virtual retinal display or a projector. And wherein, the operating unit and / or the signal transmitter and / or the safety glasses each include a data transmitter for exchanging machine information and / or alarm and / or warning signals. The user of the operating system displays the virtual operating unit of the device on the display system and can particularly easily change the parameters of the device by gestures or the operating unit. The operating system can indicate supply backlogs, device failures, etc. through the display system and draw the user's attention.

[0004] WO 2016207948 provides a guiding system for a user. Based on this system, the user can be guided from the currently located position to the processing device of the work step to be performed in the device. The display device shows the user his current position and the path that the user can take in the work area. Thus, the user is guided to the processing device of the work step to be performed as quickly as possible. This improves the efficiency of the device by coordinating the movement of the user in the device.

[0005] However, the completion of tasks by the user still depends to a large extent on his level of training and receptivity. A user who has never or rarely operated the devices in the equipment he is led to does not know how to operate them. The device parameters are displayed to him, but the user needs to be prepared or guided to operate the device for proper operation. This may result in a loss of time until the user understands which work steps are to be performed and how to form the optimal settings of the equipment. On the other hand, incorrect operation may lead to an interruption of the operation or a stop of the equipment operation process. This causes a delay in the process sequence of the container handling equipment, resulting in a reduction in the productivity of the container handling equipment.

[0006] Objective

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an operation support system that allows the operation of the devices in the container handling equipment to be simplified through user support. In addition, the operation reliability of such equipment should be improved. According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of an operation support system for the user of a container handling equipment in the following solution. A method of solving the above problems by a corresponding display method. Advantageous embodiments and improvements are the subject matter of other aspects.

[0008] Solution

[0009] An operation support system for the user of a container handling equipment, in particular a bottle filling equipment, according to the present invention, comprises: a position detection device that detects the position and orientation of the user in the container handling equipment, wherein the position detection device identifies the processing device operated by the user based on the position and orientation of the user in the container handling equipment, an operation detection device that detects the operation state of the identified processing device, and a mobile operation support device that supports the user in operating the processing device by operation suggestions based on the operation state of the identified processing device.

[0010] This provides the advantage that the operation support system according to the present invention supports the user in operating the container handling equipment in an appropriate and targeted manner through active operation instructions. The operator is not only guided to the problem point but also actively supported in implementing the problem solution. Regardless of the user's level of training and knowledge, this results in faster and easier operation of the equipment, appropriate response to faults, targeted conversion, and timely supply of the devices within the container handling equipment. This improves the efficiency and productivity of the container handling equipment. The mobility of the operation support device ensures the simple operation of the system and the possibility of retrofitting existing container handling equipment.

[0011] Advantageous improvements of the present invention are the subject matter of other aspects.

[0012] It may be advantageous if the position detection device, the operation detection device, and the mobile operation support device are combined in one device, preferably in glasses that insert information into the user's field of view, and even more preferably in augmented reality glasses. Combining these features in one unit promotes the compactness of the system, thereby improving the user's wearing comfort and enabling the user to move around the device more quickly. In addition, this combination in one unit simplifies the retrofit of existing container handling equipment because only the glasses and their connection to the control station are required. The use of glasses or augmented reality glasses allows for simultaneous viewing of the device as well as the settings and parameters of the device to be operated. The use of augmented reality glasses also piques curiosity and increases the user's motivation to deliver reliable work. At the same time, with the mobile operation support device in the form of glasses, the space requirement for extensive displays within the container handling equipment can be avoided.

[0013] It may prove useful if the operation support system further includes at least one data transmitter for exchanging status information between the position detection device, the operation detection device, the mobile operation support device, and the control station of the container handling equipment, where the control station is preferably an external server or cloud. Thus, wireless exchange can be carried out between the devices, and status information can be exchanged in real time. At the same time, through the external processing of data, the space requirement for a large number of server devices within the container handling equipment can be avoided. In addition, this design of the operation support system simplifies the retrofit of existing container handling equipment because only the glasses and their connection to the control station are required.

[0014] It may be helpful if the operation support system further includes a status simulation device configured to preferably simulate, simultaneously with the operation, a digital image of the operating state of each processing device of the container handling equipment, including environmental boundary conditions, simulate the operation scenario, and send operation suggestions to the mobile operation support device based on the results through the data transmitter. The advantage of this is that, using the digital twin of the device, the operation scenario can be virtually simulated, so that parameter suggestions can be calculated in real time, thereby improving the operation of the device. The status simulation device simulates the best-case scenario and undergoes an optimization cycle, so that the operating state of the device can be accessed at low cost. Based on this, decisions regarding the operating state can be made, for example, through strategies controlled by artificial intelligence.

[0015] If operating suggestions are provided to the user by the mobile operating support device and are at least one, two, or more of the following, this may prove to be advantageous: parameter settings of the manipulated variables of the processing device preset, virtual display of the operation of the processing device, preferably by means of the operation of a tool, measures for eliminating errors in the processing device, or optimization suggestions for arranging the processing device in the container handling device. Thus, it can be achieved that the devices in the equipment are properly set, the equipment can be repaired quickly, faults can be eliminated quickly, and the equipment is in a suitable arrangement for application. Overall, this improves the availability and efficiency of the equipment.

[0016] If the operating support system further includes a display device configured to display the direction of the shortest path to another processing device, preferably by an arrow on the ground, more preferably projected onto the ground from the mobile operating support device, where the other processing device is the processing device on which the operating suggestions are to be executed, this may be useful. If a parameter change, fault elimination, or supply step is to be performed on the second processing device, this ensures the marked running path of the user and thus ensures the quick and timely implementation of the operating steps of the second processing device.

[0017] It may be practical if the mobile operation support device includes an auditory / voice unit that includes voice recognition and is particularly connected to the data transmitter of the operation support device to exchange voice information. This allows for rapid information exchange and time optimization of device operation, as the selection of at least one operation suggestion is recognized and returned to the container handling device. It may also be practical if the mobile operation support device includes hearing protectors for suppressing interfering ambient noise, which operate particularly in active noise suppression. This type of device helps the user to focus on performing work steps on the device. It may also be practical if the mobile operation support device includes a camera for detecting objects in the user's field of view and recording the states occurring in the user's field of view. Thus, the user's work area can be recorded, for example, for learning and training purposes, and the trainer or expert can follow the user's line of sight in order to be able to identify faults and give further operation instructions. It may also be practical if the mobile operation support device includes a second camera that is configured to detect at least one eye of the user to identify the user and / or is configured to identify the direction of the user's line of sight. Thus, a profile can be assigned to the user according to the knowledge level, and the user's knowledge level can flow into the operation support. Through this profile, the authorization level of the user can be queried, which affects the user interface or prevents the user from performing certain work tasks with a higher security level. In addition, through this second camera, the suggestions can be controlled and selected by the user's line of sight. This allows for rapid information exchange and time optimization of device operation, as the selection of at least one operation suggestion is recognized and returned to the container handling device. It may also be practical if the mobile operation support device includes a gesture recognition unit for recognizing the gestures of the user. This allows for rapid selection of operation suggestions and time optimization of device operation, as the selection of at least one operation suggestion is recognized and returned to the container handling device. It may also be practical if the mobile operation support device is configured to display two different images to the user to represent the current state and the recommended state of the processing device. Thus, the user can see at a glance a large amount of information required for the operation in order to perform the work steps quickly and purposefully.

[0018] It may prove meaningful if the position detection device records and stores the user's path as well as the status information of the operation and the environmental boundary conditions, and the operation detection device records and stores the environmental boundary conditions and the operation status of the processing device arranged on the user's path. This is used to record the execution of the work steps and support data analysis to provide simulation and subsequent preparation of the operation process of the device. Conclusions can also be drawn about the efficiency of the user and the processing device.

[0019] The invention also includes a container handling device, in particular a bottle filling device, comprising: at least one processing device for processing a container (B) and an operation support system according to one of the foregoing aspects.

[0020] The operating method for supporting a user of a container handling device, in particular a bottle filling device, according to the present invention includes: detecting the position and orientation of the user in the container handling device, wherein, based on the position and orientation of the user, identifying the processing device in the container handling device operated by the user, detecting the operating state of the identified processing device, and supporting the user in operating the identified processing device by an operation suggestion based on the operating state of the identified processing device.

[0021] A further preferred improvement of the present invention is produced by the combination of the features disclosed in the description, the claims and the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] In the drawings: Figure 1 A perspective view of a user with an operation support system in front of a processing device of a container handling device is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 A mobile operation support device of the operation support system in the form of augmented reality glasses is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 A container handling device having a plurality of processing devices is shown.

[0026] List of Reference Signs

[0027] 1: Container handling device

[0028] 2: Operation support system

[0029] 3: Position detection device

[0030] 4: Processing device

[0031] 5: Operation detection device

[0032] 6: Mobile operation support device

[0033] 7: Glasses, augmented reality glasses

[0034] 7a: Glasses frame

[0035] 7b: Glasses lens

[0036] 7c: Glasses mount

[0037] 7d: Glasses display device

[0038] 7d1,7d2: Optical glass, head-mounted display

[0039] 8: Display device

[0040] 9: Control station

[0041] 9a: Status simulation device

[0042] 10: Data transmitter

[0043] 11: Answering / calling unit

[0044] 12: Gesture recognition unit

[0045] 13: Hearing protector

[0046] 14: First camera

[0047] 15: Second camera

[0048] A: User

[0049] B: Container Detailed implementation mode

[0050] Figure 1 A perspective view of user A with an operation support system 2 in front of the processing device 4 of the container processing device 1 is shown. Figure 1 Is a two-dimensional top view of the container processing device 1. The container processing device 1 is a processing line for processing containers B, especially beverage containers B, and has at least one processing device 4. The processing line can be modular and consists of a transport device, a blow molding device, a filling device, an inspection device, a packaging device, a marking device, a labeling device, etc. that perform processing steps on the container B. A mobile supply device can also be installed on the processing line. By converting the work, the processing line can be converted as needed so that it can process containers B of different materials with different sizes and quantities.

[0051] The processing device 4 includes a display device 8 on which the operating state of the processing device 4 can be displayed. The display device 8 displays the actual state of the processing device 4 or indicates the supply state. Possible supply requirements or faults are also displayed on the display device 8. The display device 8 can also be used as a control panel to accept inputs from the user A. In other words, the display device 8 is a touch-sensitive display device, where the displayed view can also be moved, rotated, and / or scaled by touch.

[0052] User A is equipped with an operation support system 2. The operation support system 2 includes a position detection device 3, an operation detection device 5, and a mobile operation support device 6. The position detection device 3, the operation detection device 5, and the mobile operation support device 6 are combined in one device. This device is preferably glasses 7 that insert information into the user's field of vision. More preferably, the glasses are augmented reality glasses 7.

[0053] The position detection device 3 detects the actual position and orientation of user A and transmits them to the operation support system 2, enabling the identification of the processing device 4 in the container handling device 1 in front of which user A stands or which user A operates. The positioning can be accomplished by GPS or indoor positioning technologies such as ultra-wideband (UWB), radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth, or W-Lan. The processing device 4 operated by user A can also be detected by recognizing the QR code on the processing device 4, which is recorded by the camera 5 in the operation support system 2. Thus, the processing device 4 can be detected without positioning the user. However, the position of user A can be inferred from the layout of the container handling device 1.

[0054] The operation detection device 5 determines the current operation state of the container handling device 1 in which the user is using the operation support system 2. This is done by the camera 5 in the case of a less complex container handling device 1 (only on / off). For most container handling devices 1, the operation detection device 5 obtains operation information from the control station 9 of the container handling device 1 (not shown). The control station 9 is preferably an external device in the form of a server or cloud.

[0055] The control station 9 is configured to simulate a digital image of the operation state of each processing device 4 of the container handling device 1, preferably simultaneously with the operation of the container handling device. In addition, an operation scenario is simulated at the control station 9 and the results are analyzed. Parameter changes are generated from the simulation results, which have the potential to optimize the operation of the processing device 4 in the container handling device 1. These include, for example, the flushing temperature for reliably but quickly flushing container B, the transfer speed of container B to the transfer device to avoid blockages, the holding force of container B, etc. Thus, based on the operation state of the processing device 4 identified by the operation detection device 5, operation suggestions are generated from the simulation to optimize the operation of the processing device 4.

[0056] The mobile operation support device 6 is configured to transmit the detected operation suggestions of the processing device 4 to user A, thereby supporting user A in operating the processing device 4 through the operation suggestions. The operation detection device 5 is connected to the mobile operation support device 6 and also displays the detected operation state of the container handling device 1 on the mobile operation support device 6.

[0057] Figure 2 A perspective view of the operation support device 6 in the form of glasses 7 is shown. The position detection device 3 and the operation detection device 5 in the form of the camera 5 can be integrated in the glasses 7. As Figure 2As shown, the glasses 7 include a glasses frame 7a into which glasses lenses 7b are embedded. In addition, the glasses 7 have two temple pieces 7c that are worn above the ears of the user A. A glasses display device 7d is provided in front of each glasses lens 7b of the glasses 7. They are respectively designed as optical glass or head-mounted displays 7d1, 7d2. In this case, the head-mounted displays 7d1, 7d2 have optical devices through which different images are respectively displayed to each eye of the user A from an LCD display. The head-mounted displays 7d1, 7d2 are designed to be semi-transparent (translucent) so that the user A can simultaneously see the environment in front of the safety glasses 7. With the display device 7d, different images can be displayed to each eye of the user A so that he can also view three-dimensional information. Thus, the user A can see the surrounding environment through the glasses 7 on the one hand and the virtual information superimposed thereon on the other hand. For example, similar to the legend in the attached drawings, the setting parameters of the processing device in the field of view and / or the type of tool applicable thereto can be displayed to the user A.

[0058] The operation support device 6 has a data transmitter 10 that is configured to exchange status information between the position detection device 3, the operation detection device 5, and the mobile operation support device 6. The data transmitter 10 is designed as a radio interface. The radio interface can be a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth interface. Through the data transmitter 10, the glasses 7 are connected to Figure 1 the container handling device 1. The glasses 7 can also be connected to the control station 9. Through this connection, data can be exchanged between the units. The glasses 7 also have a first camera 5 that faces forward and records the field of view of the user A. In this case, the first camera 5 generates image data from the environment directly in front of the user A, and the image data can be transmitted to colleagues via the data transmitter 10 so that they can support the user A during the service. Similarly, objects or QR codes in the field of view of the user A can be automatically recognized from the image data. In addition, a gesture recognition unit 12 detects the hand of the user A in order to record his gestures as a sequence. The sequence obtained in this way can be transmitted to the control station 9 via the data transmitter 10 for gesture analysis.

[0059] In addition, the glasses 7 are provided with answering / calling units 11, 13. It has a headset with an integrated hearing protector. In this case, the headset 13 is configured as a plug for each ear (in-ear headset) such that it seals the ear canal. Thus, interfering ambient noise is suppressed and cannot enter the ear canal. At the same time, the microphone 11 detects the interfering ambient noise from the outside and additionally emits a compensation signal through the headset 13, thereby further reducing the remaining ambient noise. In addition, useful signals, such as human voices, are detected by the microphone 11, filtered by a filter unit (not shown here), and played to user A through the headset 13 isolated from the ambient noise. This enables user A to communicate with colleagues on-site. In addition, the shown answering / calling units 11, 13 can be used as a telephone device in combination with a mobile phone or other units of the operation support system 2. For example, to talk to colleagues not on-site. The answering / calling units 11, 13 can be connected to an external unit via a data transmitter 10, especially for transmitting voice data.

[0060] In addition, the glasses 7 are provided with a second camera 15 directed at the eyes of user A. Image data from the second camera 15 is forwarded to the control station 9 via the data transmitter 10. There, it is used to analyze the line of sight direction and identify user A through biometric features.

[0061] In addition, the glasses 7 can be provided with a position detection device 3 in the form of a position sensor 3, by means of which the position and orientation of the glasses 7 can be determined. The position sensor 3 has a plurality of acceleration sensors and azimuth sensors. Thus, the direction and orientation of user A's head relative to the container handling device 1 can be determined. The glasses 7 have a battery for power supply (not shown here) and can also include its own microprocessor as a control unit.

[0062] The control station 9 provides operation suggestions to user A via the operation support device 6 or the glasses 7. The operation suggestions are provided to applicant A in the form of voice transmission via the answering / calling units 11, 13 or in image format via the display device 7d. User A can accept or reject the operation suggestions through voice control, gesture control, or line of sight control. The operation suggestions are provided to user A by the mobile operation support device 6. The operation suggestions are parameter setting specifications for the manipulation variables of the processing device 4, virtual displays of the operation of the processing device 4, such as the operation with tools, measures for eliminating errors in the processing device 4, or optimization suggestions for arranging the processing device 4 in the container handling device 1.

[0063] Figure 3A container handling device 1 having a plurality of processing devices 4 is shown. Each processing device 4 includes a display device 8 and a data transmitter 10. The control station 9 having a state simulation device 9a also includes a data transmitter 10. Each processing device 4 and the control station 9 also have a data transmitter 10, such that all devices are networked with each other and with the operation support system 2, and data exchange can be carried out.

[0064] There may be an operating situation where an operation recommendation must be executed on at least two container handling devices 1. Therefore, the user A must be guided from a first processing device 4 on which a first recommendation step has been executed to another processing device 4 on which another recommendation step is to be executed. The shortest path from the first processing device 4 to the second processing device 4 is shown Figure 3 by an arrow in, and this arrow is displayed to the user A on the display device 7d of the glasses 7. Thus, the user A can quickly understand which path to select in order to reach another container handling device 1 as quickly as possible in order to execute a work step there. As Figure 3 shown, the target processing device 4 is marked by an X. It is also conceivable that the user A is guided to the target location by voice, sound, and / or light signals.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Further modifications and variations of the embodiments are conceivable. Thus, the position detection device 3 can be configured to record and store the path of the user A as well as the state information and environmental boundary conditions of the operation of the container handling device 1. The operation detection device 5 can be configured to record and store the environmental boundary conditions and the operation states of the processing devices 4 arranged on the path of the user A. This allows a complete recording of the operation of the container handling device 1 and the recommended work steps executed for possible subsequent preparation, as well as potential raw data for further simulation by the state simulation device 9a.

[0066] It is also conceivable that the control station 9 lists several operation recommendations and prioritizes them according to importance, urgency, or complexity. In each case, the prioritized work steps are passed on to the user on the operation support system 2. The following work steps can already be announced by the operation support system 2. Depending on the movement and position of the user A, the work steps can be dynamically assigned to other users A who are better positioned.

[0067] It is also conceivable that the path to the target processing device 4 includes intermediate targets. For example, the user A can be guided through a supply station or a workshop in order to be equipped with appropriate equipment for the recommended work steps.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments for the purpose of complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims should not be limited in such a manner, but rather should be construed to embody all modifications and alternative designs that would be fully contemplated by those skilled in the art as falling within the scope of the claims. Additionally, the features of the various implementation embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An operating support system (2) for a user of a container handling device (1), in particular a bottle filling device, comprising: A position detection device (3) configured to detect the position and orientation of the user in the container handling device (1), wherein the position detection device (3) is configured to identify a processing device (4) operated by the user based on the position and orientation of the user in the container handling device (1), An operation detection device (5) configured to detect the operating state of the identified processing device (4), Characterized in that A mobile operation support device (6) configured to support the user in operating the processing device (4) by means of operation suggestions based on the operating state of the identified processing device (4).

2. The operating support system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The position detection device (3), the operation detection device (5) and the mobile operation support device (6) are combined in one device, preferably combined in glasses (7) that insert information into the user's field of view, more preferably combined in augmented reality glasses (7).

3. The operation support system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating support system (2) further comprises At least one data transmitter (10) for exchanging status information between the position detection device (3), the operation detection device (5), the mobile operation support device (6) and the control station (9) of the container handling device (1), wherein the control station (9) is preferably an external server or cloud.

4. The operation support system (2) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating support system (2) further comprises A status simulation device (9a) configured to preferably simultaneously with the operation simulate a digital image of the operating state of each processing device (4) of the container handling device (1), including environmental boundary conditions, simulate an operation scenario, and send operation suggestions to the mobile operation support device (6) based on the result thereof via the data transmitter (10).

5. The operating support system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operation suggestions are provided by the mobile operation support device (6) to the user (A) and are at least one, two or more of the following: A parameter setting preset of the manipulation variable of the processing device (4), A virtual display of the operation of the processing device (4), preferably by means of the operation of a tool, Measures for eliminating errors in the processing device (4) or Optimization suggestions for arranging the processing device (4) in the container handling device (1).

6. The operation support system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating support system (2) further comprises A display device (8) configured to display the direction of the shortest path to another processing device (4), preferably by means of an arrow on the ground, more preferably projected onto the ground from the mobile operation support device (6), wherein the other processing device (4) is the processing device (4) on which the operation suggestions are to be executed.

7. The operating support system (2) according to any one of the preceding two claims, characterized in that The mobile operation support device (6) includes an auditory / voice unit (11) which includes voice recognition and is particularly connected to the data transmitter (10) of the operation support device (6) to exchange voice information, and / or The mobile operation support device (6) includes a hearing protector (13) for suppressing interfering ambient noise, which operates particularly in active noise suppression, and / or The mobile operation support device (6) includes a camera (14) for detecting objects in the user's field of view and recording the states occurring in the user's field of view, and / or The mobile operation support device (6) includes a second camera (15) which is configured to detect at least one eye of the user to identify the user and / or is configured to identify the direction of the user's line of sight, and / or The mobile operation support device (6) includes a gesture recognition unit (12) for recognizing the gestures of the user, and / or The mobile operation support device (6) is configured to display two different images to the user (7) to represent the current state and the recommended state of the processing device (4).

8. The operation support system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The position detection device (3) is configured to record and store the path of the user, as well as the status information of the operation and the environmental boundary conditions, and The operation detection device (5) is configured to record and store the environmental boundary conditions and the operation status of the processing device (4) provided on the path of the user.

9. A container processing device (1), in particular a bottle filling device, comprising: At least one processing device (4) configured to process containers (B), and The operation support system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. An operating method for a user of a container handling device (1), in particular a bottle filling device, wherein, The method comprises: Detecting the position and orientation of the user in the container processing device (1), wherein, based on the position and orientation of the user, identifying the processing device (4) in the container processing device (1) operated by the user, Detecting the operation status of the identified processing device (4), Characterized in that Supporting the user in operating the identified processing device (4) by an operation recommendation based on the operation status of the identified processing device (4).

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