Method for operating an electronic device, electronic device, mobile radio device and server

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an electronic device, in particular for use in an industrial environment, with a status indicator, comprising: a first device, which is at least partially arranged in a housing, for carrying out a predetermined function of the device; and a status indicator for displaying a status of the device, in particular an error status, by means of at least one light-emitting means which can be seen from outside the housing, the light-emitting means signaling at least part of the status of the electronic device in a machine-readable encoding manner according to a first encoding rule, and the light-emitting means indicating at least part of the status of the electronic device in a machine-readable encoding manner according to a second encoding rule. And forming a first message, which is machine-readable encoded according to a second encoding rule, and applying the first message through a medium on the housing in such a way that the first message can be optically detected together with the signal of the light-emitting means under machine assistance, the first message being formed in such a way that the signal of the light-emitting means can be optically detected together with the medium on the housing. The device is configured such that it contains at least one piece of first information that is at least related to the first coding rule, and an interface is operated by the device, by means of which a state switch can be triggered on the basis of the signal indication and / or the first message. The invention also relates to an electronic device, a mobile radio device and a server.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an electronic device according to the preamble of claim 1, an electronic device according to the preamble of claim 14, a mobile radio device of the type according to claim 27, and a server of the type according to claim 28. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that availability is often severely limited for technological products and solutions, such as electronic devices, especially those used in industrial environments. This is particularly true in the field of error finding.

[0003] It is known that these devices typically contain one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), such as Figure 1 As shown, they can have different colors, flashing frequencies, or constant on / off states depending on their operating status.

[0004] The disadvantage in this case is that in abnormal states, such as error states, a person needs to stand in front of the device as a user and / or service technician, and a table in the manual is needed to interpret the device's status, since error states are rare in ideal circumstances and therefore their codes are usually not immediately known to the user.

[0005] In procurement, the installation of additional displays, in particular, is costly and further increases costs and complexity in the design of the corresponding equipment. For example, interfaces specifically required for connectivity must be modified to comply with standards such as the so-called "Ingress Protection"—IP protection level standards.

[0006] An alternative solution is to use specialized field (programming) PG equipment and engineering software, including the necessary expertise. This is also costly, but also cumbersome and may delay defect elimination, as it typically requires bringing in personnel and retrieval of the field PG equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to propose a technical solution that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and allows for user-processed state, characterized in particular by lower hardware and software complexity and lower cost.

[0008] The task is solved by the distinguishing features of the method for operating an electronic device based on the preamble features of claim 1, by the distinguishing features of the electronic device based on the preamble features of claim 14, by the distinguishing features of the mobile radio device of the type of claim 27, and by the distinguishing features of the server of the type of claim 28.

[0009] In a method according to the invention for operating an electronic device with a status indicator, particularly for use in an industrial environment, the electronic device includes: a first means at least partially disposed within a housing for performing a predetermined function of the device; and a status indicator for displaying the status (particularly an error state) of the device by means of at least one light-emitting device visible from the outside of the housing, the light-emitting device signaling at least a portion of the status of the electronic device in a machine-readable encoded manner according to a first encoding rule, and forming a first message machine-readable encoded according to a second encoding rule, and applying the first message through a medium on the housing such that the first message can be co-optically detected simultaneously with the signal of the light-emitting device with machine assistance, wherein the first message is formed such that it contains at least one piece of first information at least related to the first encoding rule, and the device operates an interface through which a state switch can be triggered based on the first and / or second information.

[0010] By means of the method according to the invention, a less complex and more economical method for transmitting status information is realized for electronic devices with status indicators than in the prior art. This is achieved in particular by having a light-emitting device emit a machine-readable signal. Therefore, humans do not need to directly detect and decode the status indication. Instead, a first message, encoded in a machine-readable manner by means of information applied to the device, ensures that the signal indication, according to a first encoding rule, can be machine-decoded. This application allows the signal indication and the first message to be simultaneously optically detected together, resulting in time savings because the signal indication and the first message can be machine-decoded along with the joint detection, and the result is presented to the user, providing guidance that assists in processing the status through the operating interface. In particular, when the optical detection is performed by a mobile wireless device, the following advantage also arises: by implementing the method according to the invention, the mobile wireless device can not only be used for detection but also for decoding, presenting information, and / or performing further actions based on the information, and therefore no specialized equipment is required. An electronic device with a status indicator according to the invention, particularly for use in industrial environments, comprises: a first means at least partially disposed within a housing for performing a predetermined function of the device; and a second means for displaying the status (particularly an error state) of the device by means of at least one light-emitting device visible from the outside of the housing, wherein the light-emitting device is designed to signal at least a portion of the status of the electronic device in a machine-readable encoded manner according to a first encoding rule, and to apply a first message machine-readable encoded according to a second encoding rule via a medium on the housing such that the first message and the signal of the light-emitting device can be simultaneously co-optically detected with machine assistance, and the first message is designed to contain at least one first piece of information at least related to the first encoding rule, and the device has an interface through which a state switch can be triggered based on the first and / or second information.

[0011] The electronic device according to the invention allows for the implementation of the method according to the invention and / or its extensions, thereby correspondingly realizing the advantages of the method and its extensions.

[0012] The same applies to mobile wireless devices according to the invention, which are designed with means for performing the methods and / or extensions of the invention in order to interact with electronic devices and / or their extensions according to the invention, and to servers according to the invention, which are designed for interacting with mobile wireless devices and / or their extensions and are designed with means for performing the methods and / or their extensions.

[0013] Mobile wireless devices, through their architecture and functional units available according to standards, offer the possibility of detecting, decoding, and / or displaying machine-readable code. Due to their functional scope and the applications implementing the methods according to the invention, they also offer the possibility of performing further steps with partially decoded information, such as retrieving guidance and / or documentation of the device, particularly limited to its current state. This can be achieved via a link encoded and transmitted as part of the information. This link can then lead to a server designed according to the invention, which holds the latest documentation.

[0014] Advantageous designs and extensions of the invention are given by way of dependent claims.

[0015] In a preferred extension of the method according to the invention, the light-emitting device is manipulated by a first module in such a way that when a state switch occurs to the current state, particularly an error state, at least one attribute of the light-emitting device's function is temporarily manipulated to signal a second message encoded by a first encoding rule, and the second message is encoded such that it contains at least second information related to the current state.

[0016] By manipulating the light-emitting device in the aforementioned manner, a second message encoded in a machine-readable manner can be signaled, wherein the manipulation performed by the module enables planned execution upon occurrence of a state change. Further advantages can be achieved, particularly when the first module operates within the processor architecture of the electronic device, such as synergistic effects through integration, reduced design effort, and space requirements. Furthermore, the encoding of the second message enables automatic state detection, as the state can be indirectly inferred from this at least relevant second information, and even directly inferred when the second information explicitly names the state.

[0017] Additionally, the method according to the invention can preferably be extended such that a first message generated by a second machine-readable code, detectable by photoelectric means, is applied near the light-emitting device as a sign, such that the sign can be simultaneously detected by an external camera along with the light-emitting device, wherein the second message is encoded to include at least second information for supporting state processing, and information about the orientation, particularly position and / or orientation, of the light-emitting device relative to the code orientation.

[0018] Therefore, on the one hand, users of electronic devices can be provided with messages that are helpful in handling the device status, such as references to the documentation for handling the status, or, depending on the possible information density, directly encoded instructions that can be retrieved and / or displayed on-site using cameras available in the field. These cameras are at least connected to processor-assisted devices configured for the execution of applications and displays, enabling the retrieval and / or display of the instructions and / or references. This is particularly advantageous when using mobile wireless devices for this purpose, as it can be assumed that each user will carry such a device, making this the simplest way to implement this extended scheme. Information regarding the orientation / position relative to the light-emitting devices helps the detection camera determine which light-emitting devices signal the required information and which do not, and especially when multiple light-emitting devices are used, to determine the orientation and meaning of each light in order to decode the signal indications made by the light-emitting devices. This enables machine-assisted decoding and, therefore, also makes it possible to automatically obtain documentation through publicly available references.

[0019] This advantage is further enhanced when the method according to the invention is extended to use proprietary, such as device-specific, encoding rules as the first machine-readable encoding rule, because the second message can also disclose the second encoding rule. Proprietary rules have the advantage that signal indicators can be configured so that only authorized personnel can use them.

[0020] For the formation of the first message, it is particularly advantageous when the method according to the invention is extended to form the second machine-readable code at least as a QR code, particularly a stacked QR code, a matrix QR code, a composite QR code, and / or a dot-matrix QR code, such as so-called "Quick Response" (QR) codes, DataMatrix codes, PDF417, and / or similar codes. These codes are proven and widely used, thus allowing for simple and cost-effective implementation and execution of the detection and / or decoding according to the invention. These codes are typically two-color and have sufficient information density for the purposes of the invention. However, it is also conceivable to add another dimension, for example, by allowing the use of different colors. This can greatly increase the encoded information density and is equally easily detectable by cameras, particularly those in mobile wireless devices. The use of a three-dimensional representation, for example, by applying holographic techniques, is also conceivable.

[0021] As described above, it is particularly advantageous to extend the method according to the invention to encode the first and / or second messages in such a way that a camera integrated in a mobile wireless device can be used as an external camera, wherein the mobile wireless device is operated to detect, decode, and / or display the first and / or second information on a display. This ensures accurate interaction with the mobile wireless device.

[0022] When the method according to the invention is extended to operate a light-emitting device according to a so-called "Light-Emitting Diode" (LED) or similar technology, it is applicable to use in common electronic devices, since these devices typically have one or more LEDs that can be used in a manner different from the prior art as per the invention.

[0023] If, according to an extension of the method according to the invention, the properties of the emitted light, particularly color, brightness, on / off states, frequency of on / off states, and / or the duration of the presence and / or absence of the emitted light given by on / off states, are manipulated, codes of different information densities can be generated depending on the method used, taking into account the physical possibilities and limitations of the light-emitting device in implementation, since the codes go beyond mere on / off states or continuous flickering perceptible to humans. For example, particularly repetitive on / off sequences of the light-emitting device can also carry information derived, for example, from the duration of corresponding on / off states within the sequence and / or the ratio of the presence to absence of emitted light within the sequence, or similar manipulable properties that are almost or completely inaccessible to human perception. Such manipulable properties are not limited to use in sequences and can therefore also be used for information encoding without temporal or quantitative limitations on discrete sequences.

[0024] If the method according to the invention is extended to be used as an industrial control device, field device, manufacturing equipment, robot or similar industrial equipment, the advantages of the invention can be realized in an environment where time and cost savings are more significant than in private use.

[0025] In such an environment, an extension of the method according to the invention can be carried out alternatively or supplementarily such that the first and / or second messages are encoded such that a camera, particularly a high-speed camera, monitoring the location of the electronic device, especially in an industrial environment, is used as an external camera, wherein the camera is functionally connected to a second module capable of detecting, decoding, and / or displaying the first and / or second information on a display. This can be advantageous, for example, when multiple devices according to the invention operate largely autonomously, and, for example, only one or a few personnel are centrally monitoring a process, such as manufacturing, through such cameras. It is suitable to utilize the camera to achieve the time-saving advantages according to the invention.

[0026] Preferably, the method according to the invention is extended to operate the first module such that the light-emitting device signals states that can be terminated by user processing, such as error states and / or data inputs, particularly certificate transmissions. This allows focus to be placed on states where the uses of the invention are fully realized. Error states or certificate transmissions are, for example, states where processing is most urgent and typically requires additional data acquisition. Here, the advantages of the invention are fully realized. This focused attention also allows the resources used, the number of LEDs, and / or the size of the first message, as well as the method (e.g., the required information density), to be correspondingly reduced to the necessary portion.

[0027] If data, particularly certificates, needs to be transmitted to the device, the following extension of the method according to the invention is advantageous: the device is enabled to wirelessly connect, particularly for short range, according to standards such as so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy" (Bluetooth LE) and / or so-called "Near Field Communication" (NFC). If this connection is designed as a short-range wireless connection, it is only possible when the device is near it. This makes it difficult to prevent sabotage by remote, unauthorized third parties, as this would typically be detected by the monitored manufacturer or authorized user of the device.

[0028] Preferably, the method according to the invention is extended to use a housing coating that reproduces two- or multi-color representations, particularly a printed thin film, a carrier suitable for holographic display, particularly suitable for displaying microbarcodes, and / or a thin-film-based electronic display as a medium.

[0029] The extensions to the electronic devices described below (unless otherwise stated) are advantageously superior simply because they enable the implementation of one of the extensions to the method according to the invention, and thus correspondingly enable the advantages described above in combination with the method and / or its extensions according to the invention to be realized.

[0030] According to an extension of the electronic device, the first module is designed to manipulate the light-emitting device such that when a state switch occurs to the current state, particularly an error state, at least one attribute of the light-emitting device's function is temporarily manipulated to signal a second message encoded according to a first encoding rule, the second message being encoded such that it contains at least second information related to the current state.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device may be extended such that a first message generated by a second machine-readable code, detectable by photoelectric means, is applied near the light-emitting device as a sign, such that the sign can be detected simultaneously by an external camera along with the light-emitting device, wherein the second message is encoded such that it includes at least a second message for supporting state processing, and a second message regarding the orientation, particularly the position and / or orientation, of the light-emitting device relative to the code orientation.

[0032] The electronic device can also be extended to allow the first machine-readable encoding rule to be designed as proprietary, such as device-specific encoding rule.

[0033] In another extension of the electronic device, the second machine-readable code is designed as a QR code, particularly a stacked QR code, a matrix QR code, a composite QR code, and / or a dot-matrix QR code, such as the so-called "Quick Response" (QR) code, DataMatrix code, PDF417, and / or similar codes.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device may be extended such that the first and / or second messages are encoded such that a camera integrated in a mobile wireless device can be used as an external camera, wherein the mobile wireless device is designed to detect, decode and / or display the first and / or second information on a display.

[0035] When the light-emitting device is designed according to the so-called "Light-Emitting Diode" (LED) or similar technology, a preferred extension of the electronic device is derived.

[0036] Another extension of the electronic device according to the invention is that, in particular, the color, brightness, on and off states of the emitted light, as well as the frequency of on and off states, are designed to be operable.

[0037] Based on an alternative or supplementary extension of an electronic device, it is designed as an industrial control device, field device, manufacturing device, robot, or similar industrial device.

[0038] In this context, it is advantageous to design the electronic device such that the first and / or second messages are encoded in such a way that a camera, particularly a high-speed camera, monitoring the location of the electronic device G, especially in an industrial environment, can be used as an external camera. This camera is designed to be functionally connected to a second module capable of detecting, decoding, and / or displaying the first and / or second information on a display. This can, for example, replace or supplement the use of mobile wireless devices. It is conceivable that tasks can be assigned based on the complexity of the state and / or the complexity of the state processing. It is also conceivable that this extension can assist in the execution of the method according to the invention when the device user is not present.

[0039] It is also advantageous to extend the electronic device according to the invention such that the first module is designed to enable the light-emitting device to signal states that can be terminated by user processing, such as error states and / or data inputs, particularly certificate transmissions.

[0040] In particular, for the transmission of certificates or other data (where at least manipulation by unauthorized third parties should be difficult), the following extension schemes for electronic devices are advantageous: enabling the electronic device to make wireless connections, especially short-range connections, in accordance with, for example, the so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy" (Bluetooth LE) and / or the so-called "Near Field Communication" (NFC) standards.

[0041] According to an extension of the electronic device, the medium is designed to reproduce a housing coating, particularly a printed thin film, a carrier suitable for holographic display, particularly suitable for displaying microbarcodes, and / or a thin-film-based electronic display. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other advantages and details of the invention will be based on Figure 1 The prior art shown, through Figure 2 The invention will be described using the embodiments shown or illustrated. Wherein: Figure 1 The illustrations schematically depict various electronic devices designed for industrial environments based on existing technologies.

[0043] Figure 2 The construction and interaction of embodiments of an electronic device according to the invention, an embodiment of a mobile radio device according to the invention, and an embodiment of a server according to the invention are illustrated schematically as one embodiment of the method according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following Figure 2The embodiments described herein are preferred and extended forms of the present invention.

[0045] In these embodiments, the components described in the embodiments are individual features of the invention that should be considered independently of each other, and they also extend the invention independently of each other, and therefore should also be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a manner different from the combination shown.

[0046] Furthermore, the embodiments described herein can also be supplemented by other features among the features already described in this invention.

[0047] In all the accompanying figures, the same reference numerals have the same meaning.

[0048] exist Figure 1 The Siemens Simatic S7 series of industrial controllers and extensions are shown as existing technology for such devices.

[0049] As can be seen, all products in this series have LEDs L1…L3, and these LEDs are generally visible from the outside, regardless of the specific implementation or the specific product in the series.

[0050] It can also be seen that the various products have different designs, which may have other light-emitting devices L4…L6, L4'…L5', as shown in the first two variations from left to right. These individual light-emitting devices, usually designed as LEDs, are labeled and typically indicate the part of the product that is in operation.

[0051] However, there may also be slots without light-emitting devices, as in the third product shown, or even a cover plate, so that no other light-emitting devices are visible except for the three light-emitting devices L1…L3, which are also usually designed as LEDs.

[0052] The drawback here is that, as shown in the example, in cases where no additional display is installed in the corresponding product, the indication of error (as opposed to the present invention) is partially limited to simply indicating that an error exists. The present invention also provides the possibility of displaying relevant information, such as the error type or prompts for resolving the error.

[0053] The present invention addresses and / or overcomes the current obstacles to providing more in-depth support for state processing on such devices.

[0054] The reasons for this simplification of error handling that is overcome by the present invention include, for example, an attempt to minimize the cognitive load of the observer, i.e., the user of the product.

[0055] A further problem leading to the current simplification is the higher cost incurred when adopting the various known measures.

[0056] For example, operational costs within the scope of error handling increase when specialized field PG equipment, particularly dedicated laptops and engineering software, are used to resolve errors or their causes (which is often necessary due to the aforementioned simplification and also requires specialized knowledge, i.e., trained personnel). However, this invention not only reduces costs by providing an alternative or supplement to this solution but also enables overcoming other drawbacks of such repairs, which, according to existing technologies, are also more cumbersome and slower than when using this invention.

[0057] Other alternative solutions using field PG equipment, as mentioned above, would lead to higher production costs. These increases in unit cost may be due to the following reasons: • Higher processor performance and interfaces required to control potentially additional displays • The cost of the display itself • Use more active elements on the device, such as buttons for user interaction. • The resulting development costs, for example, to ensure the equipment (especially given the above measures) remains sealed according to IP protection standards. • Separation of information technology (IT) from operational technology (OT) (such as the control system).

[0058] Now will be Figure 2 The embodiments shown illustrate in more detail how these advantages of the invention can be achieved.

[0059] An embodiment of the electronic device G, designed according to the present invention and equipped with means for performing the method according to the present invention, can be seen. Specifically, it is based on the preceding... Figure 1 The industrial controller described herein is an industrial controller designed according to an embodiment of the device G according to the invention and executing an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the electronic device G according to the invention, the device G has externally visible light-emitting devices LM, which are designed as LEDs. In the present case, three LEDs should be used for this purpose, wherein the number of LEDs used as light-emitting devices can vary accordingly due to the complexity of the state of the device G and the desired type and manner of processing. Therefore, more or fewer LEDs can be envisioned. This also depends on the information density achievable by the light-emitting devices. For example, multi-color LEDs provide more dimensions in information encoding by the possibility of displaying different colors, thus making it sufficient to perform the method according to the invention with very few LEDs, or even possibly a single LED.

[0061] Another feature of an embodiment of the device G according to the invention is a machine-readable code, in particular a QR code, which is externally visible on the device G as a sign and is applied near the light-emitting device LM according to an embodiment of the device G according to the invention.

[0062] Thus, as can be seen further, according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mobile device (MP) designed according to the invention is equipped with a rear camera, a display, and an application implementing the method according to the invention, and can be used as an external camera according to the invention to simultaneously detect two externally visible units—LED and QR code.

[0063] Furthermore, a server S is shown, which may be located at a remotely accessible location and, for example, stores a document D in digital form that is determined to be used by device G. Here, these documents may be, for example, error troubleshooting guidelines for error handling, or (updated) certificates, such as certificates for secure communication.

[0064] A first connection path V1 is also shown, which connects the mobile phone MP to the server S. This connection path V1 can be a direct or indirect and / or bidirectional cordless communication design. For example, it can be designed and operated according to a mobile radio standard, in which the mobile phone MP communicates with a mobile radio network according to that mobile radio standard. However, part or all of the connection path V1 can also operate according to a wireless communication standard, such as one of the WLAN standards configured according to IEEE 802.X. It is also schematically shown that, according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mobile component MP has a first algorithm QR_A for identifying, reading, and decoding the machine-readable code QR, and according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, a second algorithm for identifying the LED LM, and according to an embodiment of the device G, identifying its tag, and, after applying the method according to the invention, is capable of reading and decoding the flashing sequence of the LED LM.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, a second possible connection path V2 can also be seen, which can be implemented between the mobile component MP and the device G according to an extension of the invention, so as to transmit data from the mobile component MP to the device G, for example, over a short distance. For this purpose, a short-range radio communication device of the mobile component can be activated. Embodiments of the device G according to the invention must be equipped with a corresponding radio interface for this purpose.

[0066] Therefore, embodiments of the method according to the invention are given below. The product G designed according to the invention provides information via a machine-readable code QR according to the method of the invention. When the state switches to a state that the user wants or must process, the user can read the machine-readable code using their mobile phone MP and its integrated camera and application MP.

[0067] The information contained in the QR code may include detailed information about the product, such as the model number, the location of the LED LM relative to the QR code, and configuration information for accessing the device G via the first connection V1 and / or for uploading the certificate via the second connection path V2.

[0068] By capturing the QR code using the mobile component MP, and applying the first algorithm QR_P, the type of device G, its accessibility via V2, and the orientation of the LED LM can be decoded and, for example, applied to the second algorithm LM_A, i.e., transmitted to it.

[0069] For example, in subsequent processes, the LED block LM can be observed accordingly by observing the code QR (which acts as the reference coordinates forwarded by the algorithm QR_P), and the activity of the LED LM can be recorded and correctly decoded by the algorithm LM_P, because the second algorithm now knows further details of the orientation allocation and / or encoding rules, which enables the second algorithm to understand what the LED is indicating with signals.

[0070] The information detected in this way is determined, for example, by means of type information, machine type and required data, and transmitted to a remote server S via communication path V1. The server determines, for example, error troubleshooting instructions with the help of a suitable document D, and sends it back to the mobile phone MP via the first connection path V1, so that the mobile phone MP can provide the one or more documents D to the user for guidance on its integrated display, wherein the first connection path is therefore designed to be bidirectional.

[0071] The second connection path V2 is optional and is particularly advantageous in situations where it is necessary to transfer documents (certificates) to device G as a means of processing the state of device G. Decoding error messages and displaying help to the user is possible even without the second connection path V2.

[0072] This invention now provides excellent detectability and information density when utilizing known mobile components (mobile phones), because even outdated mobile phones from previous generations not only have high resolution but also high image capture rates. For example, • The 2017 Samsung Galaxy S8 offered: 720p@240fps, 1080p@60fps. • The 2017 Apple iPhone 8 offers: 1080p@30 / 60 / 120 / 240fps. In 2018 / 2019, there was a temporary peak in super slow-motion cameras on mobile phones, such as the Xperia XZ2 and Samsung Galaxy S9+, which briefly reached 960fps. Due to cache and storage write limitations, the current Status Quo for the latest models from Apple, Samsung, and other companies has stabilized at 1080p@240fps. As shown below, this is more than sufficient for the purposes of this invention.

[0073] If the flickering of the LED LM is considered according to the present invention as information approximating a number with steep edges, then according to the Nyquist-Shannon theorem, half of the maximum sampling rate can be considered as the useful frequency—i.e., 120 Hz. Assuming the monochrome LED is ideally used as a clock, then in the described embodiment, for example, two dual-color LEDs remain, which can be used to encode useful information according to the present invention.

[0074] Assuming that at 240fps, a mobile phone camera can still distinguish between off, yellow, green, and a yellow / green mixture, then under ideal conditions of this simple encoding (no checksum, with clock), 1 byte (2x4 bits) * 120Hz = 120 bytes / second is obtained—but the invention is not limited to this. Various encoding possibilities and forms can be implemented that offer faster speeds or other advantages, such as higher fault tolerance. These are also suitable as implementation variations.

[0075] Because there is no real time constraint when detecting information through a camera (aside from practical considerations), significantly more information can be exchanged within a relatively long time window, such as a few seconds, far exceeding the range that humans can see and understand. The advantage of the example shown is that it utilizes existing resources via telephone MP and saves on the cost of purchasing separate diagnostic equipment.

[0076] Alternatives to mobile components (MP) or external cameras can then be alternatively or additionally comprised of surveillance cameras in the manufacturing workshop, for example, those designated for security purposes. These cameras are connected to a device with a processor and display for executing the two algorithms QR_A and LM_A, provided they can unimpededly detect the light-emitting device LM and code QR of the device G according to the invention. The same method according to the invention can be provided, wherein the camera must, of course, be equipped with a corresponding resolution. This is particularly advantageous in manufacturing workshops that operate at least partially autonomously, where there are no operators beside the device G, but rather a control center with one or fewer personnel, and where at least some devices lack an automated data connection through which they can directly report their status to one of the centers.

[0077] However, for certificate transmission optionally provided according to the extended scheme of the invention, near-field communication is preferred. For this purpose, a corresponding peer station needs to be established at the control center, and the data is also transmitted to device G via the network.

[0078] Another advantage of this invention is that the device G automatically emits its error message via LED in case of an error, thus eliminating the need for plug-in diagnostic equipment. Simply point a camera at it, or a surveillance camera at it.

[0079] Since only a single unidirectional communication path (via LED LM) is established (in diagnostic cases), the advantage is that device G cannot be damaged. Furthermore, the fact that information D exists in digital form offers the following advantages: no printed manuals are required, and it can be continuously and easily updated, or automatically updated to the latest version in retrieval cases.

[0080] Additional advantageous features can be derived by the following: device G transmits its connection information, i.e., data regarding the second connection V2, via optical LED pulses and / or via QR. In this way, certificates can be transmitted to device G.

[0081] This leads to the consideration of the increasing networking and the resulting need for securely introducing encryption certificates into devices (including initial population or renewal of expired certificates). With this invention, the aforementioned use of field PGs, engineering software, and expertise is no longer necessary. The process can be performed faster and more simply.

[0082] Here, it is advantageous if the second connection V2 is designed for short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth LE or NFC. This is because physical presence is required to update the certificate, thus preventing the process from being compromised.

[0083] Furthermore, this invention can generally reduce the use of displays in PLCs or HMIs on PLCs.

[0084] This invention also overcomes the limitations imposed by the human brain on the duration of the observer's attention and by distractions during observation (such as blinking), which have limited the number of blinking LEDs that can be counted and detected to date. This limits the types and number of states that can be communicated, particularly error states. This invention achieves more efficient use of technology and thus simultaneously reduces the necessary human resources required, as well as the complexity and cost of the hardware and software.

[0085] If the above uses expressions that may imply or be interpreted as indicating grammatical gender and / or other expressions suitable for distinguishing people, it is considered that these expressions are used in a non-divisive but inclusive manner, that is, all people are considered equal regardless of their existing, self-identified or presumed personal characteristics.

Claims

1. A method for operating electronic equipment with status indicators, particularly for use in industrial environments, said electronic equipment comprising: A first device, at least partially housed within the housing, is used to perform a predetermined function of the device; And a status indicator for displaying the status of the device, particularly an error status, by means of at least one light-emitting device visible from the outside of the housing, characterized in that the light-emitting device signals at least a portion of the status of the electronic device in a machine-readable encoded manner according to a first encoding rule, and forms a first message machine-readable encoded according to a second encoding rule, and applies the first message by means of a medium on the housing such that the first message can be optically detected simultaneously with the signal of the light-emitting device with machine assistance, wherein the first message is formed such that it contains at least one first piece of information at least related to the first encoding rule, and operates an interface through which a state switch can be triggered based on the signal indication and / or the first message.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first module operates the light-emitting device in such a way that when a state switch occurs to the current state, particularly an error state, at least temporarily manipulates at least one attribute of the function of the light-emitting device to signal a second message encoded by the first encoding rule, and the second message is encoded such that it contains at least second information related to the current state.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A first message generated by a second machine-readable code, which is photoelectrically detectable, is applied near the light-emitting device as a sign such that the light-emitting device and the sign can be simultaneously detected by an external camera together with the light-emitting device. The first message is encoded to include at least first information for supporting state processing, and information about the orientation, particularly the position and / or orientation, of the light-emitting device relative to the code.

4. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, Use proprietary, such as device-specific, encoding rules as the first machine-readable encoding rules.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second machine-readable code is formed into a QR code, particularly a stacked QR code, a matrix QR code, a composite QR code, and / or a dot-matrix QR code, such as so-called "quick response" codes, i.e., QR codes, DataMatrix codes, PDF417 codes, and / or similar codes.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first and / or second messages are encoded such that a camera integrated in a mobile wireless device can be used as an external camera, wherein the mobile wireless device is operated such that it can detect, decode and / or display the first and / or second information on a display.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The light-emitting device operates based on so-called "light-emitting diodes," or LEDs, or similar technologies.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Manipulate the properties of emitted light, particularly color, brightness, on and off, frequency of on and off, and / or the duration of the presence and / or absence of emitted light given by on and off respectively.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It is used as an industrial control device, field device, manufacturing equipment, robot, or similar industrial equipment.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first and / or second messages are encoded such that a camera, particularly a high-speed camera, used to monitor the location of the electronic device G, especially in an industrial environment, is used as an external camera, wherein the camera is functionally connected to a second module capable of detecting, decoding, and / or displaying the first and / or second information on a display.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first module is operated in such a way that the light-emitting device signals states that can be terminated by user processing, such as error states and / or data inputs, especially certificate transmissions.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, This enables the device to make wireless connections, particularly short-range connections, in accordance with, for example, the so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy," i.e., Bluetooth LE, and / or the so-called "Near Field Communication," i.e., NFC standards.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The medium is a carrier and / or a thin-film-based electronic display that uses a housing coating that reproduces two or more colors, particularly printed thin films, materials suitable for holographic displays, particularly suitable for displaying microbarcodes.

14. An electronic device with a status indicator, particularly for use in industrial environments, comprising: A first device, at least partially housed within the housing, is used to perform a predetermined function of the device; And a second means for displaying the state, particularly an error state, of the device by means of at least one light-emitting device visible from the outside of the housing, characterized in that the light-emitting device is designed such that it signals at least a portion of the state of the electronic device in a machine-readable encoded manner according to a first encoding rule, and applies a first message encoded in a machine-readable manner according to a second encoding rule by means of a medium on the housing, such that the first message can be optically detected simultaneously with the signal of the light-emitting device with machine assistance, and the first message is designed such that it contains at least one first piece of information at least related to the first encoding rule, and the device has an interface through which a state switch can be triggered based on the signal indication and / or the first message.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first module is designed to operate the light-emitting device in such a way that when a state switch occurs to the current state, particularly an error state, at least temporarily, it manipulates at least one attribute of the function of the light-emitting device to signal a second message encoded by the first encoding rule, wherein the second message is encoded such that it contains at least second information related to the current state.

16. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding two claims, characterized in that, A first message, generated by a second machine-readable code and detectable by photoelectric means, is applied near the light-emitting device as a sign such that the light-emitting device and the sign can be simultaneously detected by an external camera together with the light-emitting device. The first message is encoded such that it contains at least first information for supporting state processing, and information about the orientation, particularly the position and / or orientation, of the light-emitting device relative to the code orientation.

17. The electronic device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first machine-readable encoding rule is designed to be proprietary, such as device-specific encoding rule.

18. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The second machine-readable code is designed as a QR code, particularly a stacked QR code, a matrix QR code, a composite QR code, and / or a dot-matrix QR code, such as so-called "quick response" codes, i.e., QR codes, DataMatrix codes, PDF417 codes, and / or similar codes.

19. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, The first and / or second messages are encoded such that a camera integrated in a mobile wireless device can be used as an external camera, wherein the mobile wireless device is designed to detect, decode and / or display the first and / or second information on a display.

20. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The light-emitting device is designed based on so-called "light-emitting diodes," or LEDs, or similar technologies.

21. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that, In particular, the color, brightness, on / off state, and frequency of the emitted light are designed to be controllable.

22. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that, It is designed as an industrial control device, field device, manufacturing device, robot or similar industrial device.

23. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that, The first and / or second messages are encoded such that a camera, particularly a high-speed camera, monitoring the location of the electronic device G, especially in an industrial environment, is used as an external camera, wherein the camera is designed such that it is functionally connected to a second module capable of detecting, decoding, and / or displaying the first and / or second information on a display.

24. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that, The first module is configured such that the light-emitting device signals states that can be terminated by user processing, such as error states and / or data inputs, particularly certificate transmissions.

25. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that, This enables the electronic device to make wireless connections, particularly short-range connections, according to, for example, the so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy," i.e., Bluetooth LE, and / or the so-called "Near Field Communication," i.e., NFC standards.

26. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that, The medium is designed to reproduce a housing coating, particularly a printed thin film, a carrier of materials suitable for holographic displays, particularly suitable for displaying microbarcodes, and / or a thin-film-based electronic display as a medium.

27. A mobile wireless device designed to interact with a device according to any one of claims 14 to 26 using means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

28. A server designed to interact with a mobile wireless device according to a preceding claim using means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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