Procedure for operating a measuring instrument

Abstract

Method for operating a measuring instrument (11), comprising the steps: Providing a large number of parameter identifiers (S10); Assigning at least one index to a parameter identifier from the multitude of parameter identifiers (S20); Output of at least two parameter identifiers from the multitude of parameter identifiers to a display device, wherein at least one parameter identifier is output depending on the assigned index (S30), Providing a user identifier that refers to at least one assignment; Reading assigned indices and parameter identifiers from a storage medium (13) separate from the measuring instrument, depending on the provided user identifier; Transferring the user ID and the read-out assigned indices and parameter IDs to the measuring device; Storing the transmitted user identifier and the associated indices and parameter identifiers in a storage medium of the measuring instrument (11).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a measuring device, an operating unit for operating a measuring device, a system for operating a measuring device and a computer program product. background

[0002] Measuring devices such as level gauges and point level measuring devices are well known in the art. These devices are used, for example, in the process industry to monitor the status of a process. For this purpose, measuring devices usually have to be commissioned and / or regularly maintained. This usually requires a technician to access the control system of the measuring device. During this access process, process boundary conditions such as ambient temperature, unit of measurement, medium to be measured, etc. are then re-entered and / or adjusted. This process is time-consuming and complicated for the technician due to the quantity and complexity of the necessary input parameters and the multitude of different measuring devices from the same or different manufacturers.

[0003] DE 10 2014 111 350 A1 describes a method for creating a preference menu for a field device. The field device is connected to a host computer via a fieldbus, with the host computer having device access software with integrated device drivers. The field device can be parameterized using the device access software and the device drivers. Various parameters of the field device can be displayed on a host computer display using the device access software and the device driver in the form of a menu structure. Since this parameterization offers the user a wealth of setting options, it should be easier for the user to access the parameters that are important to them. This is provided by a preference menu that contains the most important parameters of a field device.To generate the preference menu, an order code is translated into a set of preferred parameters on the production computer using assignment rules or assignment tables. The resulting preference menu is transferred to the field device and stored there in an EEPROM.

[0004] DE 10 2010 042 999 A1 describes a method for providing an operating menu for a field device in process automation technology, which field device has multiple settings that can be configured via parameters. In particular, related parameters should be displayed and arranged together on a user interface.The method comprises the following steps: (a) defining at least a first set of links between at least a first subset of the parameters, (b) defining at least a second set of links between at least a second subset of the parameters, wherein the first set of links differs from the second set of links, and (c) displaying the operating menu on a user interface, wherein the parameters in the operating menu are structured on the basis of the first set of links, wherein in the event that a first parameter is called from the operating menu and the called first parameter is linked to at least one second parameter via the second set of links, this at least one second parameter is additionally displayed on the user interface.

[0005] In this context, it has now become apparent that there is a need to improve the operation of a measuring device, and in particular, there is a need to provide a low-complexity and cost-effective method for operating a measuring device. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for operating a measuring device. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a measuring device that is as low-complexity and cost-effective as possible.

[0006] These and other objects, which will be mentioned upon reading the following description or which may be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop central ideas of the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for operating a measuring device is provided, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of parameter identifiers; assigning at least one index to a parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers; outputting at least two parameter identifiers from the plurality of parameter identifiers on a display means, wherein at least one parameter identifier is output depending on the assigned index.

[0008] The term measuring device is to be understood broadly in this context and includes all devices that are suitable for converting a physical quantity (e.g. pressure) into an electronic signal. The term measuring device includes measuring devices using all measuring principles, such as radar measurement, capacitance measurement, resistance measurement and temperature measurement. For example, the term measuring device includes level measuring devices, point level measuring devices, density measuring devices and mass flow measuring devices. A measuring device includes, for example, a measuring sensor (e.g. capacitive measuring sensor, radiometric measuring sensor) and control electronics, a memory element and a communication interface. The term parameter identification is to be understood broadly in this context and includes all parameters that are suitable or necessary for operating a measuring device. For example, the term parameter identification includes the measuring unit (e.g. density), the application (e.g. density measurement), the measuring point sampling (e.g.Container 5), container height, container width, container shape, medium in the container, attenuation value of the measurement or medium, etc. The term index in this case refers to a pointer that refers to a specific position of a parameter identifier in a structure, outline, list, arrangement, representation or similar. For example, the index for the parameter identifier density refers to the third position in the list (e.g. index 3). For example, the index has several pieces of information (e.g. row and column) and, in a two-dimensional structure / arrangement comprising four rows with 5 columns each, refers to a position in row 3 and column 4 (e.g. index 34). It should be noted at this point that the index is not limited to two pieces of information or entries. The term display means is to be understood broadly in this case and includes all means that are set up to visually represent information.For example, the term display means includes screens, displays, tablets, laptops, mobile phones, and desktop PCs. The display means can, for example, be part of a higher-level host computer system. The display means can be part of the measuring device. The display means can be part of a mobile operating unit that is used for maintenance and / or commissioning of the measuring device. Preferably, the display means are part of a mobile operating unit. The provision of the plurality of parameter identifiers takes place, for example, in the form of storing the plurality of parameter identifiers in a storage means. The storage means can be arranged on the measuring device and / or on the operating device and / or on a third unit that is different from the first two units mentioned.

[0009] The invention is based on the realization that measuring devices must be commissioned before their first use and adapted to changing operating conditions. Due to the increasing complexity in the process industry, a large number of different measuring devices are used in a plant. Furthermore, the measuring devices usually have different manufacturing years and come from different manufacturers. As a result, a technician commissioning or adapting a measuring device must familiarize themselves with a large number of different menu structures of measuring devices. This is time-consuming and can lead to errors during commissioning and / or adapting the measuring device. The method according to the invention solves this problem by enabling the menu structures of different measuring devices to be adapted, for example, to a uniform template.The template is created across all plants, for example, by a work scheduling employee. When creating the template, the work scheduling employee can select a subset from a large number of parameter identifiers and assign indexes to them. This assignment can create a higher-level template. This way, a technician can use the template, regardless of the measuring device, to always find familiar parameter identifiers in the same position in the menu during commissioning and / or adjustment of the measuring device. Alternatively, with appropriate training, the technician can carry out this assignment themselves and thus create a personalized template for the structure according to their needs. New parameter identifiers can also be added.In other words, the method according to the invention enables flexible adaptation of the menu structure for operating a measuring device according to the respective requirements or needs. This allows for a cross-manufacturer, customer-specific menu structure for measuring devices. This can have an overall beneficial effect on the efficiency and quality of commissioning and / or adaptation of the measuring device.

[0010] Preferably, the assignment of the at least one index to a respective parameter identifier results in a specific arrangement of the respective parameter identifier on the display. The specific arrangement can, for example, be a position in a list or a field in a display area. This can result in increased user-friendliness.

[0011] Preferably, the assignment comprises selecting at least one parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers. The selection can result in any desired arrangement of the parameter identifiers in the display means, for example, a display of a mobile control unit. In other words, individual parameter identifiers are specifically selected, which are then displayed at specific positions on the display means. Parameter identifiers not explicitly selected are then, for example, not directly visible on the display means. This can have a positive effect on the clarity of the menu structure on the display means.

[0012] The assignment is preferably carried out using a mobile control unit and is transferred to the measuring device via a communication interface. The mobile control unit can be a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop or similar, for example. The mobile control unit preferably has a digital communication interface. The digital communication interface can transmit information via cable or radio. The communication interface includes Ethernet, ZigBee, WIFI, Bluetooth, Profibus, HART, LoRa, and mobile communications. A technician uses the mobile control unit, for example, to adapt the measuring device to new operating conditions (e.g. a new medium to be measured), whereby communication is established between the measuring device and the mobile control unit via the communication interface.For example, the technician carries out the assignment himself according to his requirements and configures his menu structure himself.

[0013] The assignment is preferably carried out using a central computer unit and is transferred to the measuring device via a communication interface. The central computer unit can, for example, be a master computer or a workstation computer in a workplace preparation department. The assignment is preferably carried out centrally by a technician and then transferred to the measuring device. The communication interface is preferably a digital communication interface. The central computer unit can, for example, also be located in a data center (so-called cloud application), which the technician accesses via computer or mobile phone. Preferably, the assignment is carried out for a large number of measuring devices and is then applied to the large number of measuring devices.

[0014] Centralized assignment allows a template or master to be created or modified for a large number of measuring devices and efficiently transferred to the measuring device(s) via the digital communication interface. A technician who subsequently works with the measuring device and accesses it, for example, via a tablet, will then find the new, centrally created assignment as the menu structure.

[0015] Preferably, the method further comprises storing the assigned indices and parameter identifiers in a storage medium of the measuring device. By storing the assigned indices and parameter identifiers in a storage medium of the measuring device, a technician accessing a measuring device using a mobile control unit can directly access the stored assignment. This can be advantageous if the measuring device otherwise has no permanent communication with another database or a host computer, since the assignment can be loaded locally or modified and saved locally.

[0016] Preferably, the method further comprises transferring and storing the assigned indices and parameter identifiers in a storage medium separate from the measuring device. The storage medium separate from the measuring device is, for example, a mobile control unit (e.g., a tablet), a database, or a host computer. This can be advantageous with regard to standardizing menu structures, since menu structures that have been advantageously modified locally on the measuring device can subsequently be stored centrally.

[0017] The method further comprises: providing a user identifier that refers to at least one assignment; reading out assigned indices and parameter identifiers from a storage medium separate from the measuring device depending on the provided user identifier; transmitting the user identifier and the read-out assigned indices and parameter identifiers to the measuring device; storing the transmitted user identifier and the assigned indices and parameter identifiers in a storage medium of the measuring device. The term user identifier is to be understood broadly here and includes an identifier that is suitable for referring to or inferring a specific customer / user. For example, the user identifier is a binary code (e.g. 01101) or a text (Customer A). The user identifier refers, for example, to an assignment assigned to the user.For example, if a technician logs in with the user ID "Customer A", the process checks whether an entry with a corresponding assignment exists for this user ID in a storage medium separate from the measuring device (e.g. a database). If an entry is present, the process loads the user ID and the assignment onto the measuring device and saves them there in a storage medium of the measuring device. This can advantageously streamline, simplify, or optimize the workflow when operating the measuring device. In this context, measuring devices with the same user ID preferably comprise at least partially identically assigned indices and parameter identifiers. For example, identical measuring devices with the same user ID have the completely identical assignment, while different measuring devices with the same user ID (e.g.Density meter and level meter) only partially have the same assignments, since these measuring devices sometimes require different parameter identifications.

[0018] Preferably, the plurality of parameter identifiers is expandable. This can be advantageous if, for example, new operating conditions arise that were not relevant in the past but now need to be considered. For example, due to a technical change in the measuring device type, the measurement frequency must also be taken into account. The subsequent expandability of the plurality of parameter identifiers increases the flexibility of the method with regard to changes in the measuring device's operation for future applications.

[0019] Preferably, at least two assignments can be stored in the storage means of the measuring device; one of the at least two assignments is non-modifiable. The at least one non-modifiable assignment can, for example, provide a default setting that is always available for operational safety even after all settings of the measuring device have been deleted. The at least one non-modifiable assignment is also initially displayed during initial commissioning for customers without user identification.

[0020] A further aspect of the present invention relates to an operating unit for operating a measuring device, comprising: storage means in which a plurality of parameter identifiers of at least one measuring device are stored; assignment means configured to assign at least one index to a parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers; display means configured to output at least some of the plurality of parameter identifiers depending on the assigned indices. The term assignment means is to be understood broadly here and includes all computing means configured to assign at least one index to a parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers. For example, the term assignment means includes a controller or a CPU. The display means includes, for example, a display. The storage means is, for example, a ROM memory. The operating unit can be mobile or stationary.

[0021] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system for operating a measuring device, comprising: at least one measuring device; at least one operating unit as described in more detail above; at least one storage means in which parameter identifiers, associated indices and parameter identifiers and / or user identifiers are stored.

[0022] A final aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product which, when executed on a processor, is configured to carry out the steps of the method described in more detail above. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0023] Below is a detailed description of the figures, showing Fig. 1 is a flowchart of a first preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention for operating a measuring device; and Fig. 2 a sketch of an embodiment of a system according to the invention for operating a measuring device.

[0024] However, the present invention is not limited to the preceding preferred embodiments as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of a first preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention for operating a measuring device. In a first step S10, a plurality of parameter identifiers is provided. The provision of the plurality of parameter identifiers takes place, for example, in the form of storing the plurality of parameter identifiers in a storage means. In the present case, the storage means is arranged in a mobile operating device. However, it can also be arranged in a stationary master computer or a data center or in the measuring device. In the present case, the measuring device is, for example, a fill level measuring device. Exemplary parameter identifiers include medium, application, container and measuring point sampling. In a step S20, at least one index is assigned to a parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers.The assignment of the at least one index to a respective parameter identifier results in a specific arrangement of a respective parameter identifier on the display means. In the present case, the specific arrangement corresponds, for example, to a position in a list in a display area. The assignment further comprises selecting at least one parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers. In the present case, for example, the parameter identifiers medium, application, container are selected and the indices of the list 2, 1, 3 are assigned to them. In the present case, the assignment is carried out via a communication interface of a mobile operating device by input from a technician. In a step S30, at least two parameter identifiers from the plurality of parameter identifiers are output on a display means, wherein at least one parameter identifier is output depending on the assigned index.In this case, the parameter identifiers medium, application, and container are output according to the indices in the order application, medium, and container. In this specific example, the entries and the order of the list resulting from the assignment are as follows: density measurement, oil, crude oil tank. The display device is the display of the mobile operating device (e.g., tablet) used by the technician to access the measuring device. The assignment is then stored in a storage device on the measuring device and in another storage device separate from the measuring device (e.g., storage device in a central computer).

[0026] Fig.2 shows a sketch of an embodiment of a system according to the invention for operating a measuring device. The system 10 for operating a measuring device 11 comprises: at least one measuring device 11; an operating unit 12 (in this case a tablet); and a storage means 13. The operating unit 12 for operating the measuring device 11 comprises a storage means in which a plurality of parameter identifiers of the measuring device 11 are stored; an assignment means, in this case a CPU, which is configured to assign at least one index to a parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers; and a display means, in this case a display, which is configured to output at least some of the plurality of parameter identifiers depending on the assigned indices. The storage means 13 is in this case a master computer, but can also be a central database or a data server.In this case, the measuring device 11, the operating unit 12, and the storage device 13 communicate with each other via a digital communication interface, for example, Wi-Fi. The mobile operating unit 12 also records, for example, the type of the measuring device 11. Furthermore, the technician enters the user ID via a user interface on the mobile operating device 12, which is compared with the entries in the database 13.

[0027] If there is an associated assignment to the user identification, the assignment is then transferred to the measuring device 11 and stored there so that the associated menu structure is shown on the display of the mobile operating device.

[0028] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, the term "unit" is to be understood broadly; in particular, this term is not to be understood to mean that the respective units must be formed as integral components. The respective units can also be positioned differently. Finally, different units can also be combined in an assembly. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. List of reference symbols 10 systems 11 Measuring device 12 mobile control unit 13 Storage media

Claims

[1] Method for operating a measuring device (11), comprising the steps of: Providing a plurality of parameter identifiers (S10); Assigning at least one index to a parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers (S20); Outputting at least two parameter identifiers from the plurality of parameter identifiers on a display means, wherein at least one parameter identifier is output depending on the assigned index (S30), Providing a user identifier that refers to at least one assignment; Reading out assigned indices and parameter identifiers from a storage means (13) separate from the measuring device depending on the provided user identifier; Transferring the user ID and the read-out assigned indices and parameter identifiers to the measuring device; Storing the transmitted user identification and the associated indices and parameter identifications in a storage means of the measuring device (11). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the assignment of the at least one index to a respective parameter identifier causes / enables a specific arrangement of a respective parameter identifier on the display means. [3] The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the assignment comprises selecting at least one parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assignment is carried out by means of a mobile operating unit and is transmitted to the measuring device via a communication interface. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assignment is carried out by means of a central computer unit and is transmitted to the measuring device via a communication interface. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Storing the assigned indices and the parameter identifiers in a storage means of the measuring device (11). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Transferring and storing the assigned indices and parameter identifiers in a storage means (13) separate from the measuring device. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims; wherein measuring devices with the same user identification comprise at least partially identically assigned indices and parameter identifications. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of parameter identifiers is expandable. [10] Method according to claim 6, wherein at least two assignments are storable in the storage means of the measuring device (11); and wherein one of the at least two assignments is not changeable. [11] Control unit (12) for operating a measuring device (11), comprising: Storage means in which a plurality of parameter identifiers of at least one measuring device (11) are stored; Assignment means configured to assign at least one index to a parameter identifier from the plurality of parameter identifiers; Display means configured to output at least a portion of the plurality of parameter identifiers depending on the associated indices, The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: Providing a user identifier that refers to at least one assignment; Reading out assigned indices and parameter identifiers from a storage means (13) separate from the measuring device depending on the provided user identifier; Transferring the user ID and the read-out assigned indices and parameter identifiers to the measuring device; Storing the transmitted user identification and the associated indices and parameter identifications in a storage means of the measuring device (11). [12] System for operating a measuring device (11), comprising: at least one measuring device (11); at least one operating unit (12) according to claim 11; at least one storage means (13) in which parameter identifiers, associated indices and parameter identifiers and / or user identifiers are stored. [13] A computer program product arranged, when executed on a processor, to carry out the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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