Measuring device for automation technology with optical data transmission

Abstract

Measuring device (100) comprising a level, limit level, pressure, temperature or flow sensor or a non-contact measuring radar sensor, for automation technology, comprising: a measuring instrument control (140), an optical transmitting and receiving device (130) comprising a transmitting device (131) and a receiving device (132) for optical data transmission between the measuring device (100) and a mobile communication device (120); a data interface (110) configured for connecting the measuring device control (140) to the optical transmitting and receiving device (130), wherein the transmitting device (131) of the optical transmitting and receiving device (130) is configured for optical transmission of measurement data and / or parameterization data to the mobile communication device (120); wherein the receiving device (132) of the optical transmitting and receiving device (130) is configured for optically receiving parameterization or control data from the mobile communication device (120); and wherein the data are transmitted in encrypted form.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to wireless, bidirectional data transmission. In particular, the invention relates to a measuring device for automation technology, a mobile communication device for communicating with a measuring device, an optical transmitting and receiving device, the use of a measuring device and a mobile communication device for visualizing a fill level in a container, a container comprising a measuring device, a method for automation using a measuring device and a mobile communication device, a program element, a computer-readable medium, and a mobile communication device. Technological background

[0002] Wireless data transmission such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly important for modern process industries and factory automation in the age of the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. However, the high radio cell density, especially in high-tech environments, poses a significant challenge to the use of conventional radio-based data transmission methods. Furthermore, radio-based data transmission may be undesirable or even prohibited in plants.

[0003] DE 10 2016 108 837 A1 describes a method for controlling an electrical base meter, which comprises a data release device with an optical sensor, via which a control and / or release code for the data display is received in the form of light pulses, and a readout system for implementing the method. A smartphone or a portable computer with an optical transmitter or a camera is used for this purpose. Summary

[0004] It is an object of the invention to further develop communication in automation technology.

[0005] This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a measuring device for automation technology. The measuring device comprises a measuring device controller, an optical transmitting and receiving device, and a data interface. The optical transmitting and receiving device has a transmitting device and a receiving device. The data interface is configured to connect the measuring device controller to the optical transmitting and receiving device.

[0007] The term automation technology refers to a branch of technology that encompasses all measures for operating machines and systems without human intervention. One goal of the associated process automation is to automate the interaction of individual components of a plant in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, petroleum, paper, cement, shipping, or mining industries. A variety of sensors can be used for this purpose, which are specifically tailored to the specific requirements of the process industry, such as mechanical stability, insensitivity to contamination, extreme temperatures, and extreme pressures. Measured values ​​from these sensors are typically transmitted to a control room, where process parameters such as fill level, limit level, flow rate, pressure, or density are monitored, and settings for the entire plant can be changed manually or automatically.

[0008] Logistics automation is a sub-area of ​​automation technology. With the help of distance and angle sensors, processes within a building or within a single logistics facility are automated in the field of logistics automation. Typical applications for logistics automation systems include baggage and freight handling at airports, traffic monitoring (toll systems), retail, parcel distribution, and building security (access control). What the above examples have in common is that the respective application requires presence detection in combination with precise measurement of the size and position of an object. Sensors based on optical measurement methods using lasers, LEDs, 2D cameras, or 3D cameras that measure distances according to the time-of-flight (ToF) principle can be used for this purpose.

[0009] Another subfield of automation technology concerns factory / production automation. Applications for this can be found in a wide variety of industries, such as automotive manufacturing, food production, the pharmaceutical industry, and packaging in general. The goal of factory automation is to automate the production of goods using machines, production lines, and / or robots, i.e., to run it without human intervention. The sensors used here and the specific requirements regarding measurement accuracy for detecting the position and size of an object are comparable to those in the previous example of logistics automation. Therefore, sensors based on optical measurement methods are commonly used on a large scale in factory automation.

[0010] Optical sensors currently dominate in logistics automation, factory automation, and security technology. These sensors are fast (for rapid filling processes with more than 10 measurements per second) and inexpensive, and can reliably determine the position and / or distance to an object thanks to the relatively easily focusable optical radiation used for the measurement.

[0011] The transmitting device of the optical transmitting and receiving device is configured for optical or visual transmission of measurement data to a mobile communications device. The receiving device of the optical transmitting and receiving device is configured for optical reception of parameterization or control data from the mobile communications device.

[0012] The measuring device can be a level, limit, pressure, temperature, or flow sensor, but also a non-contact radar sensor designed for plant automation in an industrial environment or for object detection in a factory. For example, the measuring device can be configured as a level radar or limit level sensor for installation in, on, on, or above a container. The measuring device can also be configured as a sensor for room monitoring. In particular, it can be configured to monitor a machine's safety area or as a replacement for a light barrier. The use of semiconductor technology allows the electronics of the measuring device to be designed efficiently and space-savingly.In particular, the radar sensor can be configured as a 3D radar, which can control the direction of the transmitted signal through electronic beam steering to scan a measurement area and thus capture the topology of an object within the measurement area. The measurement data can either be stored in the measuring device or transmitted during a measurement, preferably in real time.

[0013] Bidirectional data transmission is carried out via optical wireless data transmission, for example in the form of Li-Fi (light fidelity) technology.

[0014] Data can be transmitted using different color spectra. This can reduce external influences, for example, if data is to be transmitted in a very brightly lit hall or outdoors in daylight. The color spectrum can then be adjusted so that it can also be captured in brightly lit rooms. For example, in a room lit in chalky white, the devices can transmit data in the red color spectrum. It can also be configured for the devices to automatically detect the ambient color spectrum using a sensor and automatically select a suitable color spectrum for data transmission that is clearly visible / recognizable.

[0015] It's also possible to use multiple color spectra in parallel to increase the data transmission bandwidth. For example, the blue color spectrum could transmit the fill level in percent, while the red color spectrum could transmit the absolute fill level.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the measuring device comprises a switching device which is configured to activate or deactivate the transmitting device of the optical transmitting and receiving device of the measuring device based on a trigger signal of the mobile communication device.

[0017] The measuring device can be set up to continuously operate the transmitting and receiving devices in a continuous mode. Alternatively, the measuring device can be set up to switch selectively between a standby mode and an active mode. In standby mode, no parameter or control data can be transmitted from the mobile communication device to the measuring device. Therefore, the transmitting device of the measuring device can be switched off and only the receiving device can be in operation. A trigger signal from the mobile communication device sent to the receiving device of the measuring device switches the measuring device to active mode and activates the transmitting device in order to send or transmit the measurement data from the measuring device to the mobile communication device. Once the measurement data has been received by the mobile communication unit, the measuring device can switch back to standby mode and the transmitting device deactivated.

[0018] This can save energy. This is particularly advantageous for a measuring device with a limited power source, such as a battery. It also prevents extraneous light from triggering unintentional data transmission.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the measuring device can be arranged in a container such that access to the measurement data by a mobile communication device arranged outside the container is only possible within a preset range or within a preset angular range.

[0020] For optical data transmission, an uninterrupted line of sight between a light emitter and a light receiver is considered essential. To prevent or at least impede unauthorized access, the measuring device can be offset inward, for example, when installed in a container, so that the line of sight between the optical transmitting and receiving device of the measuring device and a transmitting and receiving unit of the mobile communication device is only possible within a predefined area.

[0021] To further increase security, data can also be transmitted encrypted. For example, symmetric encryption can be used, which uses the Bluetooth PIN as a secret key.

[0022] The senders / receivers then only accept data encrypted with the correct key. All other data is discarded / ignored.

[0023] This means that a third party cannot view the data or decrypt or manipulate the content and resend it.

[0024] To prevent replay attacks, the data can be extended with a "counter" that increments with each message. If a message has been successfully decrypted but the content contains a counter that has already been received, the message would be discarded or ignored.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the optical transmitting and receiving device is integrated in the measuring device.

[0026] Alternatively, the optical transmitting and receiving device can be detachable from the measuring device. The optical transmitting and receiving device can be connected to the measuring device via the data interface. For example, the measuring device control can be configured to detect the transmitting and receiving device immediately after it is connected to the measuring device.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention relates to a mobile communication device for optical communication with the measuring device described above and below, wherein the mobile communication device has a visualization device. The visualization device of the mobile communication device is configured to visualize measurement data from the measuring device.

[0028] The mobile communication device can be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop / PC, a wearable smart watch or VR (virtual reality) data glasses.

[0029] For example, the visualization device can be a display.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the mobile communication device has an optical receiving unit.

[0031] The optical receiving unit of the mobile communication device can be a camera or a brightness sensor.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the mobile communication device is configured to transmit parameterization or control data to the measuring device by means of a light source or by flashing the visualization device.

[0033] The light source or the visualization device can also be configured to send an optical trigger signal to the receiving device of the measuring device in order to activate the transmitting device of the measuring device.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the mobile communication device further comprises an augmented reality system. The augmented reality system is configured to store virtual environment information, convert the measurement data from the measuring device into augmentation information, and merge and visualize the virtual environment information and the augmentation information.

[0035] A further aspect of the invention relates to an optical transmitting and receiving device for connection to an interface of a measuring device.

[0036] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a measuring device and a mobile communication device for visualizing a fill level in a container.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention relates to a container comprising a measuring device for automation.

[0038] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for automation using a measuring device and a mobile communications device. The method comprises the following steps: optically transmitting parameterization or control data from the mobile communications device to a receiving device of the measuring device; optically transmitting measurement data and / or parameterization data from a transmitting device of the measuring device to an optical receiving unit of the mobile communications device.

[0039] A further aspect of the invention relates to a program element which, when executed on a processor of a mobile communication device, instructs the mobile communication device to perform the following steps: optically transmitting parameterization or control data from the mobile communication device to a receiving device of the measuring device; optically receiving measurement data and / or parameterization data from a transmitting device of the measuring device to an optical receiving unit of the mobile communication device.

[0040] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable medium on which the program element described above is stored.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to a mobile communication device on which the program element described above is stored.

[0042] Further embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. Short description of the characters

[0043] The figures are schematic and not to scale. Where the same reference numerals appear in different figures in the following description, they indicate identical or similar elements. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a measuring device and a mobile communication device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a measuring device according to another embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a container with a measuring device and a mobile communication device according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for process automation using a measuring device and a mobile communication device according to one embodiment. Detailed description of embodiments

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a measuring device 100 and a mobile communication device 120.

[0045] The measuring device 100 is designed for process automation and is connected to an optical transmitting and receiving device 130 via the data interface 110.

[0046] The optical transmitting and receiving device 130 comprises a transmitting device 131 and a receiving device 132. The optical transmitting and receiving device 130 is connected to the data interface 110 of the measuring device 100 and can be detachable from the measuring device 100. For example, the measuring device 100 can be a pressure, temperature, or flow sensor, a limit level sensor, a level radar, or a non-contact radar sensor for plant automation or object detection. The device 130 can be configured to be connected to various types of sensors.

[0047] The communication device 120 is designed to communicate with the optical transmitting and receiving device 130 of the measuring device 100 and includes a display (see Fig. 3) configured for data visualization. The communication device has an optical receiving unit 122, which may be, for example, a camera or a brightness sensor. A light source 121 may be provided for this purpose.

[0048] Bidirectional data exchange can occur wirelessly between the measuring device 100 and the mobile communication device 120 by optically (visually) transmitting data between the optical transmitting and receiving device 130 of the measuring device 100 and the mobile communication device 120. The mobile communication device can be configured to optically transmit parameterization or control data to the receiving device 132 of the measuring device in order to query measurement data and / or parameterization data of the measuring device 100. The measuring device 100 is configured to receive the parameterization or control data of the mobile communication device 120 via the receiving device 132 and to optically transmit the corresponding measurement data and / or parameterization data via the transmitting device 132 to the receiving unit 122 of the mobile communication device 120.

[0049] In addition, the measuring device 100 and the mobile communication device 120 can each be configured to encrypt and / or decrypt the parameterization or control data or the measurement data so that the data can be transmitted securely.

[0050] The measuring device 100 can be configured to operate the transmitting device 131 and the receiving device 132 in a continuous mode. Alternatively, the measuring device can have a switching device configured to selectively switch the measuring device between a standby mode and an active mode. If no parameterization or control data is to be transmitted from the mobile communication device 120 to the measuring device 100, the transmitting device 131 of the optical transmitting and receiving device 130 is switched off and only the receiving device 132 is in operation. Based on a trigger signal from the mobile communication device 120 indicating that the optical transmission of the parameterization or control data has been performed, the transmitting device 131 of the measuring device 100 is activated to transmit the corresponding measurement data and / or parameterization data from the measuring device 100 to the receiving unit 122 of the mobile communication device 120.If no further measurement data can be received by the mobile communication unit 120, the transmitting device 131 of the optical transmitting and receiving device 130 is deactivated or switched to standby mode. The trigger signal for activating the transmitting device 131 of the optical transmitting and receiving device 130 can be generated, for example, by the flashing of the light source 121 or by the flashing of the display 129 of the mobile communication device.

[0051] In addition, the communication device 120 has a program element 124 that is executed on a processor 125 of the mobile communication device to instruct the mobile communication device 120 to perform the bidirectional optical data transmissions.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a measuring device 100 in which the optical transmitting and receiving device 130 is integrated with the transmitting device 131 and the receiving device 132. The compact measuring device 100 can, for example, be used in a spatially restricted container.

[0053] In Fig. 3 shows a measuring device 100 in which a modular, detachable optical transmitting and receiving device 130 is connected to the data interface of the measuring device 100, which is installed in a container 210. The optical transmitting and receiving device 130 is located outside the container 210. Through the bidirectional optical data transmission, the mobile communication device 120 has access to the measurement data and / or parameter data of the measuring device 100.

[0054] The mobile communication device 120 may further comprise an augmented reality system 127. The augmented reality system 127 is configured to store virtual environment information, for example, about the container 210, convert the received measurement data from the measuring device 100 into augmentation information, and finally merge it with the virtual environment information and visualize it by the visualization device 129.

[0055] In addition, the augmented reality system 127 has a user interface 128 on which the parameterization data and the measurement data are virtually displayed with the container 210.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for automating processes using a measuring device and a mobile communication device.

[0057] In the first step 401, a program element stored on the mobile communication device 120 is started. In step 402, the parameterization or control data is optically transmitted from the mobile communication device to the receiving device 122 of the measuring device 100.

[0058] In step 403, an optical transmission takes place from the measuring device to the communication device to indicate that the received parameterization and control data have been correctly received and accepted by the measuring device.

[0059] This can additionally ensure that the mobile communication device 120 is also authorized to send parameterization or control data to the measuring device, for example by encrypting the data using a password that is known only to these two devices.

[0060] In particular, a readout of the parameter data from the measuring device to the communication device should be provided (for subsequent archiving of the parameter file or for correct operation). Since the parameters are often interdependent, all parameters often have to be read out before the device can be operated.

[0061] Alternatively, the optical transmission from the measuring device 100 to the communication device 120 can also be carried out non-automatically, via an optical feedback signal from the measuring device, for example, in the form of a defined LED flashing sequence, which can be immediately visually evaluated by the user. Thus, bidirectional communication can be significantly simplified and efficient in practical implementation, for example, for the exchange of small amounts of information.

[0062] In step 404, the parameterization or control data from the measuring device are used and a measurement is performed. In step 405, the measurement data are optically transmitted by the transmitting device 131 of the measuring device to the optical receiving unit 122 of the mobile communication device 120. In step 406, the received measurement data from the measuring device 100 are visualized by the visualization device 129 using the augmented reality system of the mobile communication device 120.

[0063] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" or "having" does not exclude other elements, and "a" or "an" excludes a small plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

[1] Measuring device (100) which is a level, limit level, pressure, temperature or flow sensor or a non-contact radar sensor for automation technology, comprising: a measuring device control (140), an optical transmitting and receiving device (130) comprising a transmitting device (131) and a receiving device (132) for optical data transmission between the measuring device (100) and a mobile communication device (120); a data interface (110) configured to connect the measuring device control (140) to the optical transmitting and receiving device (130), wherein the transmitting device (131) of the optical transmitting and receiving device (130) is configured to optically transmit measurement data and / or parameterization data to the mobile communication device (120); wherein the receiving device (132) of the optical transmitting and receiving device (130) is configured to optically receive parameterization or control data from the mobile communication device (120); and wherein the data is transmitted in encrypted form. [2] Measuring device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the data is transmitted by means of symmetric encryption. [3] Measuring device (100) according to claim 2, wherein a Bluetooth PIN is used as a secret key for encryption. [4] Measuring device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data is extended by a counter element which is incremented with each message in order to discard or ignore a successfully decrypted message. [5] Measuring device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching device configured to activate or deactivate the transmitting device (131) of the optical transmitting and receiving device (130) of the measuring device (100) based on a trigger signal of the mobile communication device (120) in order to selectively switch the measuring device between a standby mode and an active mode, wherein energy is saved in the standby mode and / or the transmitting device is deactivated. [6] Measuring device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting and receiving device is arranged on the outside of a container (210) in such a way that access to the measurement data by a mobile communication device (120) arranged outside the container is only possible within a preset range or within a preset angular range. [7] Measuring device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical transmitting and receiving device (130) is integrated in the measuring device (100). [8] Mobile communication device (120) for communication with a measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a visualization device (129), wherein the visualization device (129) of the mobile communication device (120) is configured to visualize measurement data and / or parameterization data from the measuring device (100). [9] Mobile communication device (120) according to claim 8, further comprising: an optical receiving unit (122); wherein the optical receiving unit (122) of the mobile communication device (120) is a camera or a brightness sensor. [10] Mobile communication device (120) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising: a light source (121); wherein the mobile communication device (120) is configured to transmit parameterization or control data to the measuring device (100) by means of the light source (121). [11] Optical transmitting and receiving device (130) for connection to a data interface (110) of a measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [12] Use of a measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a mobile communication device (120) according to one of claims 8 to 10 for visualizing a fill level in a container (210). [13] A container (210) comprising a measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the measuring device is installed offset inwards into the container such that a line of sight between the optical transmitting and receiving device of the measuring device and a transmitting and receiving unit of the mobile communication device is only possible within a predefined area. [14] Method for automating optical data transmission by means of a measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is a level, limit level, pressure, temperature or flow sensor or a non-contact measuring radar sensor, and a mobile communication device (120), comprising the steps: optical transmission of parameterization or control data from the mobile communication device (120) to a receiving device (132) of an optical transmitting and receiving device (130) of the measuring device (100); optical transmission of measurement data and / or parameterization data from a transmitting device (131) of the optical transmitting and receiving device (130) of the measuring device (100) to an optical receiving unit (122) of the mobile communication device (120). [15] A program element (124) which, when executed on a processor (125) of a mobile communication device (120), instructs the mobile communication device (120) to perform the following steps: optical transmission of parameterization or control data from the mobile communication device (120) to a receiving device (132) of an optical transmitting and receiving device (130) of a measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7; optical reception of measurement data and / or parameterization data from a transmitting device (131) of the optical transmitting and receiving device (130) of the measuring device (100) to an optical receiving unit (122) of the mobile communication device (120).

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