Method, data carrier and system, drive and method for electronic control of a drive

Abstract

Method for commissioning and / or parameterizing a drive, comprising at least one converter and one electric motor, where a design program can be executed on a first computer, where the drive is connected to at least one second computer for data exchange, the second computer includes a graphical user interface that includes display means, where data is exchanged between the second computer assigned to the user interface and the inverter, while the rotor of the electric motor rotates and / or is at rest, the second computer includes means for creating the user interface, where the display means are suitable for displaying images, such as masks or the like, wherein the user interface comprises an executable machine code, after the start of which at least one image, several images or an image sequence can be displayed using the display means, where one or more images include elements for the graphical and / or textual display and / or input of parameter values ​​of the inverter, where the configuration of the inverter can be determined using the parameters and / or information about state variables of the inverter or a component connected to it can be obtained using the parameters, where - the design of the image or images, in particular the arrangement of the elements within the respective image, with operating and / or visualization elements as well as their properties and functions, is specified by a design program on the first computer, in particular graphically and textually, whereby the design is adaptable to the machine or system in which the drive is used, - the relevant information from this design program on the first computer is saved in a configuration file and - source code associated with the graphical user interface is generated from the configuration file, - from the source code of a compiler program on the first computer, the executable machine code is generated by reading and using the configuration file, whereby the integration type of the machine code, such as executable program or plugin for a parent program, can be selected by the operator after starting the compiler program using input devices of the first computer, - the executable machine code, as stored information, is transferred from the first computer to a data storage medium. - the executable machine code is started from the computer as a second computer after reading the data carrier or directly from the data carrier - after starting the executable machine code, the graphical user interface for initializing or configuring the inverter is ready for operation. - and the commissioning and / or parameterization of the drive is carried out via the graphical user interface.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a user interface, a computer program product, a drive and a method for electronically controlling a drive.

[0002] EP 0 813 131 B1 discloses a graphical user interface for programming a converter. A drive, comprising an electric motor and a converter, is connected to a computer having a display. After starting an operating program on this computer, the operating mode of the converter can be selected. The operator can then make the selection by clicking with the mouse and is then guided through input screens that allow them to enter the parameters required for the operating mode. A disadvantage of this is that the operator cannot modify the graphical display of the screens to suit their own purposes, but is forced to enter the parameters on the screen where the graphical user interface requires them to. This is because there is only a single source code for the graphical user interface, and after compilation, only a single executable machine code.The operator is thus guided through screens and images that are irrelevant or insignificant for their specific system with drives, but are important for another system. This results in a lot of time being lost when parameterizing and configuring the system's drive converter.

[0003] From DE 10038441 A1, a flow chart programming for industrial controls is known, in which a user is supported both with regard to PLC functionality and with regard to motion functionality, whereby a textual language (ST) is generated from graphical flow charts (MCC), which is compiled into a processor-independent intermediate code, which is loaded onto the controller and converted into executable code.

[0004] From US 6700097 B1 an arc welding device and a control system for the design of waveforms are known, whereby different platforms can be used.

[0005] Further prior art can be found in DE 697 05 999 T2 and US 6 118 446 A.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of accelerating and / or facilitating the commissioning and maintenance of systems.

[0007] According to the invention, the object is achieved in the method for commissioning and / or parameterizing a drive according to the features specified in claim 1, in the system according to the features specified in claim 5 and in the method for electronically controlling a drive according to the features specified in claim 7.

[0008] Essential features of the invention in the method are specified in claim 1. In particular, it is thus proposed that the method is suitable for producing a user interface for a converter by means of a computer comprising a display means, wherein the display means are suitable for displaying images, such as masks or the like, wherein the user interface comprises a source code, after the start of which at least one image or image sequence can be displayed, where one or more images are suitable for displaying and / or entering parameter values ​​of the inverter, whereby the configuration of the converter can be determined by means of the parameters and / or information about state variables of the converter or a component connected to it can be obtained by means of the parameters, whereby - the design of the image or images, in particular the arrangement of the elements within the respective image, with operating and / or visualisation elements as well as their properties and functions is specified using a design programme, in particular graphically and textually, whereby the design is adaptable to the machine or system in which the drive is used, - this design program saves corresponding information in a configuration file and - a source code associated with the graphical user interface is generated from the configuration file, - the executable machine code is generated from the source code by a compiler program by reading in and using the configuration file, whereby the integration type of the machine code, such as executable program or plug-in for a higher-level program, can be selected by the operator using the computer's input devices after starting the compiler program, - after starting the executable machine code, the graphical user interface is ready for initializing or configuring the inverter.

[0009] The advantage here is that the operator can adapt the design of the images and image sequences to their applications. This creates a user interface that can be created and designed simply and cost-effectively. It is no longer necessary to program a special user interface with images for each application; instead, the operator is able to independently adapt the design of the user interface to their requirements. Designing involves running the design program and using the tools commonly used for state-of-the-art design. These include, for example, tools for measuring ergonomic data such as contrast, color intensity, chromaticity, spacing, background color and brightness, and overall brightness. The design can therefore be carried out professionally.In particular, the sequence of mouse clicks and the distances for mouse positions and similar execution methods can be optimally adapted to the respective system. Advantageously, the executable machine code associated with the user interface is created with a compiler program such that the executable machine code can be generated from extremely diverse configuration files assigned to the respective applications, always by only this single compiler program.

[0010] Applications include not only conveyor belts, lifting devices and bottle filling plants, but any industrial machine or plant.

[0011] The advantage of the invention is that, while only basic software needs to be developed, the operator can design a graphical user interface for their specific application, which can then be optimally adapted to the requirements of the relevant drive application. In particular, not only ergonomics but also the speed of data entry can be optimized. Furthermore, the usability of the input devices for parameterizing the converter is improved.

[0012] The invention thus allows the operator greater freedom than the state of the art. With this increased flexibility, the operator is able to operate, parameterize, and commission their system more quickly, effectively, and ergonomically. Despite this increased flexibility, the operator does not require significantly greater knowledge. The basic interface structures remain the same and can be specified by experts from the converter manufacturer. Only the screens and images, with their color and / or font or font size accentuation, can be changed.

[0013] For example, the color red can be replaced by another color by an operator who has difficulty recognizing this color.

[0014] In summary, it should be emphasized that, in contrast to the prior art, in the invention the operator not only enters the parameter values ​​for the converter but first enters information to design the input device itself. The display and the display method are therefore changeable, which can thus be detected as a technical effect.

[0015] In particular, in a further advantageous embodiment, the interface can also be integrated into a plant control environment, wherein the input means for the converter parameters are then interwoven with the input means and methods for the plant parameters - even to the point of indistinguishability when displayed.

[0016] The invention therefore further develops the use of operating means, including computers and programs.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the integration type of the machine code, such as an executable program or a plug-in for a higher-level program, can be selected after starting the compiler program. This is advantageous because the machine code can not only be made independently executable but can also be integrated into other programs as a plug-in, for example, or even integrated into an Internet browser.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the display and / or input of parameter values ​​is carried out graphically or textually. The advantage here is that the display or input method is highly variable, thus providing the operator with a great deal of flexibility.

[0019] Essential features of the invention for the data carrier, i.e., a computer program product, are that it can be loaded onto a memory of a data processing system and comprises a program code with which at least one of the aforementioned methods is executed when the program is run on the data processing system. Alternatively, the computer program product comprises machine code that is supplied from a first computer to a data carrier for storage and can be executed by a second computer after loading or directly from the data carrier.

[0020] The advantage is that the program can be transported on a floppy disk, a CD or other non-volatile memory.

[0021] Key features of the invention in the system are that it comprises at least one converter and an electric motor, wherein when operating an associated graphical user interface, data can be exchanged between a computer associated with the user interface and the converter. The advantage here is that a powerful computer can be used, wherein the converter only comprises a less powerful microcontroller with a small amount of memory. In a further development, however, the computer is also integrated into the converter, i.e. the converter itself is equipped with such great computing power that it can execute the machine code and / or even the design program and has the display means or can be connected to such means for data exchange, preferably via infrared, for example mobile phones with a display.

[0022] Essential features of the method for electronic control of a drive are that the method uses a control orVisualization and operating application is developed in an application development environment, configuration parameters which represent the properties and functions of the control application are exported to a configuration file, wherein the further steps in which the configuration parameters are imported from the configuration file into a source code generation environment, a generation module of the source code generation environment generates at least one source code file from the configuration parameters, in which the properties and functions of the control application are represented as instructions according to a predetermined source language, the source code file is compiled in a compilation environment by a compiler, whereby an executable file is generated, the executable file is installed on a control device which is connected to the drive in order to control it, the control device controls the drive by means of the control application.The advantage here is that the operator can adapt the design of the images and image sequences to their applications. This creates a user interface that can be created simply and cost-effectively. The advantages mentioned above also apply equally.

[0023] In a preferred configuration, the compiler creates the executable file as a stand-alone application and / or as a plug-in application. This offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing for the creation of completely different executable programs.

[0024] Essential features of the method for electronic control of the drive of a system are that a control or visualization and operating application is developed in an application development environment, Configuration parameters, which represent the properties and functions of the control application, are exported to a configuration file, and the further steps are included in which - the configuration parameters from the configuration file are imported into a source code generation environment, - a generation module of the source code generation environment generates at least one source code file from the configuration parameters in which the properties and functions of the control application are represented as instructions according to a given source language, - the source code file is compiled by a compiler in a compilation environment, producing an executable file, - the executable file is installed on a control device connected to the drive in order to control it, - the control device controls the drive using the control application.

[0025] Advantageously, the system's control system is provided with the executable file, which in turn contains the interface that can be designed by the operator and can thus be optimally adapted to the system. In this way, the graphical user interface of the control system is merged with the graphical user interface of the converter and can be formed into a single unit. Only thanks to the designability of the converter interface images is a completely ergonomic and well-thought-out, effective integration of the interfaces possible.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the method for controlling a plurality of drives by a plurality of control devices based on different platforms by means of the control application comprises a compilation environment comprising a plurality of compilers for generating executable files adapted to different platforms, and the compiler used is selected from the plurality of compilers before the compiling step. This is advantageous in that, in a large industrial plant in which many differently operable drives are provided and which use different operating systems, executable programs can nevertheless be generated in the simple manner according to the invention and integrated into the running control and regulation programs of the plant, particularly in real time.This allows updates and other improvements to be created quickly and easily and then integrated into the existing environment very quickly.

[0027] In particular, this can also be provided via intermediate bus system connections and / or Internet connections.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the source code file is compiled by at least two compilers, generating two executable files adapted to different platforms. This is advantageous because executable machine code can be generated for two or more different platforms and integrated into the systems associated with the respective platforms.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the source code generation environment comprises a plurality of generation modules for generating source code according to a plurality of source languages. Another advantage is that the method according to the invention can be used in systems and installations that include not just one source language, but even several.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is connected to at least one other drive to control them in parallel, and the executable file is installed on the control device without affecting the control of the other drive. The advantage here is that the exchange can be carried out in real time. This allows production processes in the plant to continue operating without interruption.

[0031] Further advantages arise from the subclaims.

[0032] In this application, source code refers to source text. Such text is human-readable in a programming language, for example, a high-level language such as Basic, C, Pascal, Fortran, C+, or C++. After compilation, this results in executable machine code.

[0033] In this application, a data storage medium with a computer program stored thereon is also referred to as a computer program product. Specific examples include a floppy disk, a CD, or a DVD-ROM.

[0034] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of illustrations: In the Fig. 1 the method according to the invention is outlined.

[0035] The operator starts the inventive design program on a computer. Any computer can be used. Within the design program, the operator creates the desired masks in the desired style.

[0036] For example, different screens are advantageous for a drive that powers a conveyor belt than for a drive that powers a hoist. This is because the parameters and sequence control programs required for each drive application are different. Therefore, different screens, i.e., graphical screen displays, are also advantageous.

[0037] The operator can, for example, create the colors and border types, hatching, and similar graphical representations of the respective screen. They also specify the position of input boxes and / or graphical representations. For example, they select an input box in the top left of the screen and specify a red font color with a very large font size, and a corresponding graphical representation in the bottom right of the screen. Furthermore, graphical representations of values ​​provided in input boxes are also possible. Furthermore, a parameter of the converter can be assigned to the respective input box, for example.

[0038] A concrete example of a mask that can be created is in the Fig.6 of EP 0 813 131 B1. Four input boxes and an associated graphic representation are shown there. Using the present invention, however, the operator can now, for example, display the input boxes larger and position them next to each other in the bottom left corner. They can also make elements such as the graphic representation or input box flash or link them to acoustic effects.

[0039] The design program creates a configuration file, which is exported after the masks are completed and then made available to a compiler program, i.e., the ApplicationBuilder. The configuration file is imported by this compiler program. This compiler program generates machine code that is an executable file, for example, an EXE file, i.e., a standard file that runs independently on the existing operating system, such as Microsoft Windows, or, alternatively, a plugin, i.e., a program code that is not executable on its own but can be integrated into another executable program.

[0040] Advantageously, the machine code is generated automatically after the creation of the masks with the operating program has been completed and after triggering, for example by clicking on a symbol.

[0041] When the machine code is started, the generated operating program runs, and the computer displays the selected screens one after the other on the screen. In a first embodiment of the invention, the sequence is predetermined depending on the operator's input. This provides guided input. In a second embodiment of the invention, the sequence can be specified during design. This allows for a design optimized for the application, i.e., a system with drives.

[0042] In this document, the term converter refers not only to converters but also to all programmable and / or parameterizable drive and / or motor controls.

[0043] Computers include PCs, laptops, computers, and the like.

[0044] The converter and computer are not only connected directly but, in other embodiments, via the Internet and / or bus.

[0045] The method can also be used in a system with multiple converters and / or computers that comprise different operating systems, source languages, and the like. A key advantage is that the generated executable program code can be quickly and easily integrated into the system's existing complex software environment. This allows for real-time updates, meaning they do not disrupt production processes. List of reference symbols 1 design program 2 Configuration file, exported 3 Source code file generated from the ApplicationBuilder for which the configuration file is imported 4 compiled executable user interface program code

Claims

[1] Method for commissioning and / or parameterising a drive comprising at least one converter and one electric motor, wherein a design program is executable on a first computer, wherein the drive is connected to at least one second computer for data exchange, wherein the second computer comprises a graphical user interface comprising display means, wherein data is exchanged between the second computer associated with the user interface and the converter, while the rotor of the electric motor rotates and / or is at rest, wherein the second computer comprises means for establishing the user interface, wherein the display means are suitable for displaying images, such as masks or the like, wherein the user interface comprises an executable machine code, after the start of which at least one image, several images or an image sequence can be displayed by means of the display means, wherein one or more images comprise elements for graphically and / or textually displaying and / or entering parameter values ​​of the converter, whereby the configuration of the converter can be determined by means of the parameters and / or information about state variables of the converter or a component connected to it can be obtained by means of the parameters, where - the design of the image or images, in particular the arrangement of the elements within the respective image, with operating and / or visualisation elements as well as their properties and functions is specified with a design programme on the first computer, in particular graphically and textually, whereby the design is adaptable to the machine or system in which the drive is used, - this design program saves the relevant information in a configuration file on the first computer and - a source code associated with the graphical user interface is generated from the configuration file, - the executable machine code is generated from the source code by a compiler program on the first computer by reading in and using the configuration file, whereby the integration type of the machine code, such as executable program or plug-in for a higher-level program, can be selected by the operator using input devices on the first computer after starting the compiler program, - the executable machine code is supplied as stored information from the first computer to a data carrier for storage - the executable machine code is started from the computer as a second computer after reading the data carrier or directly from the data carrier - after starting the executable machine code, the graphical user interface is ready for initialization or configuration of the inverter - and the commissioning and / or parameterization of the drive is carried out via the graphical user interface. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the computer is connected to the inverter via a bus system and / or the Internet for data transfer. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that in at least one image the graphic display is simultaneously brought into line with the textually enterable values, i.e. when values ​​are changed the graphic is adjusted and / or when the graphic is changed with a mouse, touch-sensitive screen or the like, the textual values ​​are changed. [4] Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized bythat the machine code executed as a plug-in is called by the higher-level program after the start of this program, in particular to update a version of a previously called plug-in for a previous version of the graphical user interface, in particular to update the plug-in during the operating time of a system. [5] System comprising at least a first computer on which a design program can be executed, a second computer and a drive comprising at least one converter and one electric motor, where for commissioning and / or configuration and / or parameterization of the drive, the drive is connected to at least the second computer for data exchange, wherein the second computer comprises a graphical user interface comprising display means, wherein data is exchanged between the second computer associated with the user interface and the converter, while the rotor of the electric motor rotates and / or is at rest, wherein the second computer comprises means for establishing the user interface, wherein the display means are suitable for displaying images, such as masks or the like, wherein the user interface comprises an executable machine code, after the start of which at least one image, several images or an image sequence can be displayed, wherein one or more images comprise elements for graphically and / or textually displaying and / or entering parameter values ​​of the converter, whereby the configuration of the converter can be determined by means of the parameters and / or information about state variables of the converter or a component connected to it can be obtained by means of the parameters, where - the design of the image or images, in particular the arrangement of the elements within the respective image, with operating and / or visualisation elements as well as their properties and functions can be specified on the first computer using a means for designing, comprising means for executing a design programme, in particular graphically and textually, - from these means on the first computer, corresponding information can be saved in a configuration file, - further means for generating source code associated with the graphical user interface from the configuration file are provided on the first computer, - the executable machine code can be generated on the first computer from the source code using means for compiling by reading and using the configuration file, wherein, after actuating means for starting the compiler program, input means of the first computer are provided for the operator as means for selecting the integration type of the machine code, such as executable program or plug-in for a higher-level program, - after activating means for starting the executable machine code on the second, the graphical user interface is ready for initialising or configuring the inverter. [6] System according to claim 5, characterized by that the second computer is integrated in the converter, i.e. the housing of the converter is also the housing of the second computer. [7] Method for electronically controlling the drive of a system according to claim 5, in which a control or visualization and operating application is developed in an application development environment, configuration parameters representing the properties and functions of the control application are exported to a configuration file, characterized by the next steps in which - the configuration parameters are imported from the configuration file into a source code generation environment, - a generation module of the source code generation environment generates at least one source code file from the configuration parameters in which the properties and functions of the control application are represented as instructions according to a given source language, - the source code file is compiled by a compiler in a compilation environment, producing an executable file, - the executable file is installed on a control device connected to the drive in order to control it, - the control device controls the drive using the control application. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by that the compiler creates the executable file as a stand-alone application and / or as a plug-in application. [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that for controlling a plurality of drives by a plurality of control devices based on different platforms by means of the control application, the compilation environment comprises a plurality of compilers for generating executable files adapted to different platforms, and the compiler used is selected from the majority of compilers before the compilation step. [10] Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized bythat the source code file is compiled by at least two compilers, producing two executable files adapted to different platforms. [11] Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by that the source code generation environment comprises a plurality of generation modules for generating source code according to a plurality of source languages. [12] Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized by that the control device is connected to at least one other drive in order to control them in parallel, and the executable file is installed on the control device without affecting the control of the other drive.

Images