Automation device with integrated display unit
By using electronic paper display units in automated equipment, the problem of information loss during power outages or malfunctions is solved, enabling the display of equipment information even without power, simplifying debugging and troubleshooting, reducing maintenance costs, and saving space.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510223263.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-05-17
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-18
AI Technical Summary
When existing automated equipment experiences a power outage or malfunction, the device information displayed on the unit disappears, preventing users from accessing important information. Furthermore, the battery buffer concept increases maintenance costs.
The display unit, which uses electronic paper technology, is connected to the processing unit via a data interface to maintain and update device information, and displays a residual image in the event of a power outage or malfunction.
It can still display device information even without power, simplifying debugging and troubleshooting, reducing maintenance costs, providing the latest information, and saving space in the design.
Smart Images
Figure CN120973183A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of industrial automation systems. In particular, this invention relates to an automation device including a display unit for visually displaying device information, wherein the display unit is connected to a processing unit of the automation device via a data interface to transmit the device information to be displayed to the display unit. Background Technology
[0002] Automated equipment is equipment used in automated or industrial systems, for example, to control industrial electromechanical processes and / or to make operational decisions for systems connected to such equipment. Typically, automated equipment is equipped with hardware, such as processing units (e.g., controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, etc.), and corresponding software or firmware to perform the data processing required to execute specific automated tasks.
[0003] Digital display units are also commonly found in automated equipment, and these units can be specifically designed as integrated display units. These display units typically provide users with important equipment information (e.g., parameter settings, status information, error messages, etc.) during the startup phase and / or normal operation. For example, when automated equipment is powered on, it undergoes a startup phase before reaching normal operation. During these two operational phases, important equipment information, such as startup status, pending errors, current parameter settings, and current status, can be visually displayed to the user.
[0004] The display unit can be connected to the processing unit of the automation equipment via a data interface. The data interface is used to transmit equipment information to be displayed to the display unit and control the display of the equipment information on the display unit, thereby making the equipment information available to the user. The provided equipment information can help the user during the commissioning and / or maintenance of the corresponding automation equipment and / or automation system, as well as during normal operation, or even if the standard communication interface (e.g., fieldbus connection) fails due to malfunction.
[0005] Because display units typically require a compact, space-saving, and flat design, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs) are used for digital display units in automated equipment. LCDs utilize the light modulation properties of liquid crystals in combination with polarizers. Since liquid crystals do not emit light directly, backlighting or reflectors are used to produce color or monochrome images. OLED-based display units use a light-emitting diode in which the emitting electroluminescent layer is a film of an organic compound (e.g., small molecules, polymers, etc.) located between two electrodes and emits light in response to current. Therefore, OLEDs operate without backlighting. Both display types—LCD and OLED—have the disadvantage of requiring a power supply or voltage to operate. That is, if the automated equipment and integrated display unit are not or no longer powered, for example, due to the automation equipment or system being shut down during installation and / or commissioning, by activating a stop switch, or due to a power failure in the automation system, the display unit will typically dim. The device information displayed on the display unit will disappear and be lost, and this information (e.g., status, information about last occurring errors, etc.) cannot be recovered, at least partially. Therefore, users are deprived of the opportunity to use the device's information, such as for debugging purposes, troubleshooting, and fault analysis.
[0006] One obvious approach to retaining the last displayed device information on a display unit is to use a battery buffer concept. That is, the display unit or automated equipment is equipped with a battery to ensure that the display unit can continue displaying the last displayed device information before being turned off or losing power. However, the battery buffer concept, especially equipping the display unit with a battery, introduces additional costs. On one hand, the battery operation of the display unit or even the automated equipment requires periodic charging and / or battery replacement, resulting in considerable maintenance costs. On the other hand, the display unit must also be equipped with a memory unit to store the device information to be displayed, and a controller must also be provided to control the display of device information when powered off or lost. Furthermore, it is uncertain how long the device information will remain on the display unit and thus be available to the user during battery operation. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an automated device with a display unit that reduces or overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and also provides a reliable and cost-effective way to display device information on the display unit (even during shutdown and / or power outage).
[0008] These and other objectives are achieved by the automated equipment according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.
[0009] According to the present invention, these and other objectives are achieved by an automated device having a display unit for visually displaying device information of the automated device, the display unit being connected to a processing unit of the automated device via a data interface, wherein the device information to be displayed on the display unit is transmitted to the display unit via the data interface. The display unit is configured to display the device information transmitted via the data interface. The display unit is also configured to retain the currently displayed device information (i.e., the last displayed device information before the power was turned off and / or a malfunction occurred) as a residual image when the power to the automated device is turned off and / or a malfunction occurs.
[0010] A key aspect of this invention is that device information can be displayed on the display unit in the event of a power outage and / or malfunction. Therefore, even when the power is off or a malfunction occurs, the user can still access the device information because it is frozen on the display unit and displayed as a residual image. This greatly simplifies commissioning, maintenance, and especially troubleshooting, because even without an existing power supply, users such as service technicians can now obtain important device information on the display unit of the automated equipment and can identify the corresponding automated equipment that is in an erroneous state and / or that is causing a power failure or malfunction.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of automated equipment, the display unit of the automated equipment uses electronic paper technology to display equipment information. Electronic paper (also known as electronic paper or electronic ink (E-ink) or smart paper) is a display technology that mimics the appearance of ink on paper. Unlike traditional flat panel displays (e.g., LCDs) that emit light, electronic paper displays reflect ambient light like paper. Electronic paper encompasses a variety of display technologies based on different reflectivities of the display surface. The displayed text and / or images can be altered using electricity. The displayed text and / or images can then be displayed for extended periods or even permanently without the need for a power source. Electronic paper display technologies can include, for example, display technologies such as Gyricon, electrophoresis (i.e., forming an image by rearranging charged pigment particles by applying an electric field), electrowetting (i.e., creating an image based on the control of the shape of a closed water / oil interface by applying voltage), interferometry (i.e., using an electrically switched light modulator), and plasma (i.e., using a plasma nanostructure with a conductive polymer).
[0012] Ideally, the display unit is configured to transmit and / or display device information during the existing power supply of the automated equipment. Particularly advantageously, the display unit is configured to cyclically update the displayed device information to ensure that the displayed information is continuously updated even when the power is off and / or a fault occurs, and that the latest information is always displayed on the display unit.
[0013] Furthermore, it is very convenient that the display unit is configured to retain the displayed device information as a residual image at least until the power to the automated equipment is restored. New device information can then be transmitted to the display unit via the data interface, but the residual image of the device information can also be displayed for a longer period, and updates to the device information can be triggered manually, for example.
[0014] Ideally, the automated equipment includes a housing in which the display unit is integrated into the walls of the housing, specifically into a window formed within the walls. Alternatively, the display unit can be positioned on the walls of the housing or within a window formed within the walls. This allows for space-saving and flexible design of the automated equipment, which is particularly important when the equipment is installed in a cabinet.
[0015] Advantageously, the automated equipment is an automated device with fieldbus connectivity, such as servo drives, servo amplifiers, inverters, etc. The device information displayed on the display unit can then include at least the fieldbus address (e.g., Powerlink node number, etc.) in any state, i.e., whether the automated device has an existing power supply or not. This is particularly useful when using dynamic node assignment (DNA) to assign fieldbus addresses. DNA functionality (e.g., in POWERLINK) can be used to set the node number of a node (i.e., the automated device) from a management node (e.g., an industrial PC or programmable logic controller (PLC)) via a network within the automated system.
[0016] Furthermore, it is very convenient that the device information displayed on the display unit also includes the current status of the automation equipment and / or its firmware version. The automation equipment can be first turned on and powered on during the testing phase (e.g., after production line testing at a production site), where the data interface between the processing unit and the display unit can be initialized during the initial startup. Device information, particularly the fieldbus address and current firmware version, can be transmitted to and displayed on the display unit. For example, when the power is turned off after testing, the currently displayed device information is retained on the display unit and can be used by the user or service technician when unpacking the automation equipment during installation and commissioning at the customer's site.
[0017] Also very useful is that the device information displayed on the display unit includes information about the last error that occurred before the power failure. If this information is displayed on the automation equipment's display unit, especially after a power failure or shutdown due to pressing the stop switch, troubleshooting will be improved and simplified. Therefore, downtime for both the automation equipment and the overall automation system will be reduced. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The following is for reference. Figure 1 To describe the invention in more detail, Figure 1 Illustrative and non-limiting advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. In the accompanying drawings:
[0019] Figure 1 A block diagram of an automated device with a display unit according to the present invention is shown; Detailed Implementation
[0020] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the automation device 1 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. The automation device 1 includes a processing unit 4 separate from other components (e.g., memory units, peripheral interface circuits, etc.). The processing unit 4 may be a controller, microcontroller, or microprocessor, and may be designed as an embedded system. The automation device 1 may also include a housing 5 through which the automation device 1 can be mounted in a cabinet. The automation device 1 may also be an automation device 1 with a fieldbus connection for communicating with other automation devices, sensors, and / or actuators in the automation system.
[0021] In addition, the automation device 1 includes a digital and electronic display unit 2, which is used to visually display the device information DAT of the automation device 1. The device information DAT that can be displayed on the display unit 2 may include parameter settings, the status of the automation device, error messages, firmware running on the automation device 1, etc. If the automation device 1 has a fieldbus connection, the device information DAT may also include the fieldbus address of the automation device 1.
[0022] The display unit 2 is integrated into the automated equipment 1, specifically into a window within the wall of the housing 5—such as… Figure 1 As shown. The window integrated into the display unit 2 can be formed, for example, in the front or top surface of the housing 5 of the automation equipment 1, depending on the installation location of the automation equipment 1. The display unit 2 can be directly connected to the processing unit 4 of the automation equipment 1 via the data interface 3. The processing unit 4 and the display unit 2 can therefore form a single unit to be built into the automation equipment 1.
[0023] Alternatively, the display unit 2 can be arranged on a side wall of the housing 5 of the automation equipment 1. For example, the display unit 2 can be inserted into the automation equipment 1 or into a window formed in the wall of the housing 5. In this case, a corresponding connector can be provided in the housing 5, into which the display unit 2 is inserted, and through this connector, a corresponding data interface 3 to the processing unit 4 is established.
[0024] Data interface 3 can be designed as, for example, a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) or any other interface, which can be used for short-range wired communication between units of automation equipment 1. Data interface 3 is used to transmit device information DAT to display unit 2 and to control the display of the transmitted device information DAT on display unit 2. Control of display unit 2 can be performed, for example, by processing unit 4 of automation equipment 1. That is, processing unit 4 of automation equipment 1 provides device information DAT and control signals for displaying device information DAT on display unit 2. Therefore, when automation equipment 1 is first turned on and powered, for example during the testing phase, especially during end-of-line testing in the production area, data interface 3 can be initialized. The transmission of information DAT to display unit 2 is established during this first startup. That is, device information (e.g., parameter settings, firmware version, fieldbus address, errors that occurred, status information, etc.) can be transmitted to display unit 2 via data interface 3. The device information DAT displayed on display unit 2 is thus updated as long as automation equipment 1 and display unit 2 are powered on. In particular, the device information DAT displayed on display unit 2 can be updated periodically. Then, users (e.g., service technicians) are always provided with the most recent or up-to-date device information DAT.
[0025] When power is turned off or interrupted, for example, after the completion of a testing phase, due to the shutdown of automation equipment 1, the tripping of a switch, or a power failure, display unit 2 is configured to retain the currently undisplayed device information DAT as a residual image. This residual image (which shows the latest device information DAT transmitted to display unit 2) may also include information about errors that ultimately occurred, for example, before the tripping of the switch or the power failure. Therefore, support can be provided to the user or service technician, especially during troubleshooting. In the event of an intentional power outage of automation equipment 1, such as after the completion of a testing phase or the end of line testing, the user or service technician can already read the device information DAT (e.g., fieldbus address, firmware version, etc.) shown by the residual image on display unit 2, for example, when unpacking, installing, and commissioning automation equipment 1 at the customer's site.
[0026] The residual image is maintained on display unit 2 at least until power is restored to automation equipment 1. Upon power restoration, new device information (DAT) can be provided to display unit 2 via data interface 3, and the device information displayed on display unit 2 can be updated again. However, even after power is restored, the residual image can be further maintained on display unit 2, and updates to the displayed information can be triggered, for example, manually. Therefore, if service personnel arrive at automation equipment 1 after power is restored, the device information prior to the power failure or outage is still available. Service personnel can then view the last information prior to the power failure.
[0027] Display unit 2 can use electronic paper technology to display device information DAT, particularly to retain a residual image of the device information DAT in the absence of an existing power source, which is then displayed before the power is turned off or before a power failure. Display unit 2 as an electronic paper display can be implemented using various display technologies. Display unit 2 can be implemented as a Gyricon display, an electrophoretic or microcapsule electrophoresis display, an electrowetting display, a hydrostatic display, a plasma electronic display, an interferometric modulator display, etc.
[0028] Other technologies applied to electronic paper include modifications to liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that can maintain images without power, such as bistable LCDs, particularly ferroelectric or cholesteric LCDs. These technologies can also be used to implement display unit 2.
Claims
1. An automated device (1) comprising a display unit (2) for visually displaying device information DAT of the automated device (1), the display unit (2) being connected to a processing unit (4) of the automated device (1) via a data interface (3) to transmit the device information DAT to be displayed to the display unit (2) via the data interface (3), characterized in that, The display unit (2) is configured to display device information DAT transmitted via the data interface (3), and the display unit (2) is also configured to retain the currently displayed device information DAT as a residual image when the power of the automation equipment (1) is turned off and / or a malfunction occurs.
2. The automated equipment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display unit (2) uses electronic paper technology to display the device information.
3. The automated equipment (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The display unit (2) is configured to transmit and / or display the device information DAT during the existing power supply of the automation device (1).
4. The automated equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The display unit (2) is configured to periodically update the displayed device information DAT during the existing power supply of the automation equipment (1).
5. The automated equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The display unit (2) is configured to retain the residual image of the displayed device information DAT at least until the power supply of the automated device (1) is restored again.
6. The automated equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The automated device (1) has a housing (5), wherein the display unit (2) is integrated into the wall of the housing (5), or the display unit (2) is arranged on the wall of the housing (5), or arranged in a window formed in the wall of the housing (5).
7. The automated equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The automation device (1) is an automation device (1) with fieldbus connection.
8. The automated equipment (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device information DAT displayed on the display unit (2) includes at least the fieldbus address of the automation device (1).
9. The automated equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The device information DAT displayed on the display unit (2) also includes the current status of the automation device (1) and / or the firmware version of the automation device (1).
10. The automated equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The device information DAT displayed on the display unit (2) also includes information related to the last error that occurred before the power failure.
11. The automated equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The data interface (3) is initialized when the automation device (1) and / or the display unit (2) are first turned on and powered, especially during the testing phase of the automation device (1).