Location-specific allocation of technical components by means of optical markers

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for the location-based assignment of technical components is provided. The technical components can be, in particular, field devices and / or automation devices and / or building technology devices. The method specifically comprises obtaining a project location based on an optical project location marker, which includes the project location, detected by a detection device of a mobile device. The method specifically comprises obtaining a component identifier of a technical component detected by the mobile device. The method specifically comprises assigning the component identifier to the project location. The assignment of the component identifier to the project location preferably includes an assignment to the project.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the technical field of managing industrial products and in particular to the location-related allocation of technical components, especially field devices and / or automation devices and / or building technology devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Today's technological world is characterized by an ever-increasing degree of networking among a wide variety of devices and components. This is particularly true in highly complex technical environments, such as infrastructure facilities, factories, buildings, and so on. In such environments, a multitude of technical components are often used, for example, field devices, automation devices, or building technology equipment. To efficiently manage and maintain these technical components, it is necessary to assign them to a specific operational context, especially to a project.

[0003] Existing solutions for assigning technical components that are installed as unassigned components after manufacturing are often associated with high costs or significant labor. Therefore, there is a need for a cost-effective and reliable method for assigning technical components that can be easily integrated into existing systems and delivers dependable results.

[0004] The need for building services equipment can be easily explained using the example of building technology equipment. Building services equipment consists of technical components inside and outside buildings that serve the proper functioning of buildings. Examples include sun protection systems, lighting systems, fire alarm systems, burglar alarm systems, photovoltaic systems, and access control systems. Building services equipment is sometimes also referred to as building services systems, technical building equipment, or building services engineering. When building services equipment is supplied for a new building, any commissioning and / or maintenance body, which may be a server, is initially unaware of the specific building services equipment intended for or supplied to the building being equipped.An allocation between the building technology equipment and the building, which can be a project, is required.

[0005] DE 10 2022 100 708 A1 relates to a method for modifying the software data of a field device, wherein the field device has a single- or multi-sided housing, wherein a device code that can be optically detected by an operator with a mobile device is applied to the housing, wherein, in a first identification step, the device code is detected with a reading unit of a mobile device, whereby primary device data is received by the field device and / or retrieved from a (central) data storage device, wherein, in particular, the field device is activated directly or by a higher-level device unit, wherein, in at least one adaptation step, the primary device data is converted to secondary device data, in particular, the primary device data is converted to secondary device data on / by the mobile device, and wherein, in a completion step, the modification is completed by using the secondary device data in the field device.Prior to the completion of the change, a mandatory second identification step takes place, involving a further optical capture of a device code, and subsequently, secondary device data is transmitted from the mobile device to the field device for the second identification step.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2019 105 688 A1 describes a method for verifying the hardware configuration of a physical control system using a mobile device containing a camera and a storage device in which a digital representation of a desired hardware configuration of the control system is stored. The method involves capturing a digital image of a physical control system that has a control module with multiple connection devices. An I / O module is connected to each connection device in such a way that the control module is mechanically coupled to the I / O modules. The control module has an optical marker for its unique identification, and each I / O module has an optical marker for its unique identification.The hardware configuration of the real control system in the mobile facility is then checked by comparing the digital representation stored in the mobile facility with the captured digital image, taking into account the optical markers.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 115 406 A1 describes a system for configuring and / or parameterizing small control devices, wherein configuration and / or parameterization data intended for the small control devices are transmitted wirelessly to them, wherein each small control device has a unique device identifier which is stored in a data memory of this small control device and is optically detectable on or affixed to this small control device, and wherein this unique device identifier can be optically detected by a configuration and / or parameterization device and assigned to configuration and / or parameterization data to be transmitted to a small control device, wherein the configuration and / or parameterization device is further configured such that the configuration and / or parameterization data and the device identifier assigned to them can be transmitted wirelessly to the small control device, wherein configuration and / or parameterization data,Data received by a small control unit from the configuration and / or parameterization device may only be used for configuration and / or parameterization within this small control unit if the device identifier assigned to the received configuration and / or parameterization data matches the device identifier stored in the data memory of the small control unit.

[0008] DE 10 2019 107 119 A1 relates to a method for commissioning a machine via an app of a mobile communication device, wherein the machine comprises a plurality of components and a programmable logic controller (PLC) for controlling the components based on corresponding control parameters, wherein each component has a visible identification (ID) of the component, and wherein the control parameters of the PLC are configurable via a loadable programmable user program, wherein the method comprises the following steps: scanning the visible IDs of the machine components by the mobile communication device app; linking the visible IDs of the components with associated control outputs of the PLC for controlling the respective components; recording a motion sequence of a component of the machine;Linking the recorded motion sequence with the corresponding PLC control output based on the visible ID of the component; and adjusting the PLC control parameters based on the recorded motion sequence of the component and the corresponding PLC control output.

[0009] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a method which allows for a cost-effective and simple allocation of technical components to projects and thus overcomes at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, as well as in the description and the figures.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for the location-based assignment of technical components is provided. The technical components can be, in particular, field devices and / or automation devices and / or building technology devices. The method can include obtaining a project location, in particular based on an optical project location marker captured by a detection device of a mobile device, which includes the project location. The method can include obtaining a component identifier of a technical component captured by the mobile device. The method can include assigning the component identifier to the project location. The assignment of the component identifier to the project location preferably includes an assignment to the project.

[0012] Field devices, as defined in the present invention, are understood to be all types of devices that can be used in industrial applications to perform measurements and / or operations. Examples include electrical switches, bus systems, electrical measuring instruments, and / or the like.

[0013] In the present invention, automation devices refer to devices that can automatically control, regulate, and / or monitor processes without or essentially without human intervention. They can be part of industrial control and regulation systems and can include, for example, PLCs, robotic systems, or manufacturing control systems.

[0014] For the purposes of the present invention, building services equipment is understood to mean all permanently installed and mobile technical systems inside and outside buildings that serve the proper functioning of buildings. Examples of building services equipment include, in particular, sun protection systems, air conditioning systems, heating systems, lighting systems, fire alarm systems, burglar alarm systems, photovoltaic systems, and access control systems.

[0015] The term mobile device refers to a portable device that can use wireless technology for communication and / or data transmission. Examples of mobile devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, handheld scanners, and handheld devices.

[0016] A mobile device's detection unit can be understood as a sensor of the mobile device. In the context of the present invention, this can be understood in particular as a component or device of the mobile device that serves to convert detected data into electrical signals. An example of a detection unit is a camera.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the term "optical project location marker" can be understood as an information carrier that can be optically detected by means of a detection device. Such a marker can, for example, comprise a printed, computer-readable code that identifies the project location. Alternatively or additionally, the optical project location marker can comprise a computer-readable code, such as a QR code and / or a barcode. The optical project location marker can, in particular, be generated beforehand by the mobile device, preferably by physical means, as explained in more detail below.

[0018] The term component identifier of a technical component refers in particular to a unique, i.e., unmistakable, identifier assigned to a technical component. It can be defined, in particular, before commissioning and / or commissioning of the technical component and may, for example, be stored in a memory element on the technical component and / or on a server.

[0019] For the purposes of this invention, the term "project" refers to a functional environment in which technical components can be used or deployed. The term "project location" can, for example, refer to a geographical position assigned to a specific project. The project location can be in the form of GPS coordinates. A project can have multiple project locations, for example, at different geographical positions within an area where the project is located.

[0020] Preferably, the component identifier includes a communication address of the technical component and / or enables the unique definition of a communication address for the technical component. This allows a server and / or mobile device, after assignment, to send signals directly or indirectly to the technical component, as described in more detail below.

[0021] The present invention offers numerous advantages. In an initial state, for example, a number of technical components for a project can be supplied and installed. A server may be aware of the project, but may not have specific information about which technical components, along with their associated component identifiers, are installed for the project. Only some of the technical components, particularly electronic ones, may contain a server address to enable communication with the server. In other words, electronic components, as technical components, can be assigned a component identifier during manufacturing and / or information about the associated server, while conversely, the server does not know any component identifiers and therefore no addresses of the components.Furthermore, the server may be aware of a project, but without information about the assignment of components or component identifiers to that project. The present invention, particularly through the combination of capturing the component identifier and the project location using the mobile device, allows this initial state to be transformed in a simple, efficient, and precise manner into a situation where the server knows the technical components, i.e., has information about the component identifiers, and the server establishes an assignment between technical components and a respective project. Consequently, depending on the type of technical components, the server can communicate with them and, for example, provide software and / or configuration data. Such communication can occur, for example, via the mobile device, which can communicate with both the server and the technical component.Assigning component identifiers to project locations enables clearly structured management of technical components. Furthermore, the system's adaptability ensures a high degree of future-proofing. New devices and components can be easily integrated into the existing system. Moreover, the present invention not only optimizes workflows but also reduces errors during the commissioning and maintenance of technical components, thereby minimizing downtime, which can positively impact efficiency and productivity.

[0022] Preferably, the technical component does not have its own tracking function. By using the method according to the present invention, it is advantageous to dispense with the technical component's own tracking functions and thereby save costs.

[0023] Preferably, the optical project location marker is a project location marker previously created by the mobile device, in particular a physically produced one. The optical project location marker can, in particular, comprise a printed computer-readable code that includes the project location, wherein the computer-readable code can, for example, comprise a QR code and / or a barcode.

[0024] To better understand this, imagine a usage scenario involving an area where an electrical circuit system is to be equipped with various technical components. In the context of the present invention, this is a project. For example, no information about the project location is available at either the site or the electrical circuit system. The technical components are physically installed.

[0025] In the first scenario, a server has knowledge of the project and its location, but not of the specific technical components with their unique component identifiers and addresses for communicating signals to those components. The server could be, for example, a desktop computer at the project site, or a cloud platform accessed via a desktop computer and / or mobile device to communicate the project location. The technical components have, at least partially, a server address, so that theoretically, with an existing communication link, communication of signals to the server would be possible. Furthermore, the technical components have, at least partially, their own unique component identifiers. The mobile device is operated on-site by a service technician who is responsible for assigning the necessary information.He can run a mobile application on his mobile device and communicate with the server. He can select the relevant project and retrieve an optical project location marker. Using a printing device, particularly a printer, the service technician creates the optical project location marker with his mobile device and places and / or attaches it to the site and / or the electrical circuitry. To assign the components, the service technician uses his mobile device to record the unique component identifier for each piece of technical equipment and the optical project location marker. The data is transmitted to the server and processed, thus establishing a correspondence between project location and component identifier, and vice versa.The component identifier can include an address for communication with the respective technical component or be suitable for generating such an address. The server therefore has addresses of the technical components, provided they have communicative functionalities, and is thus able to send data packets, such as configurations or other instructions, to the technical components.

[0026] In a second scenario, the server has no knowledge of the project or its location, nor of the specific technical components with their unique component identifiers and addresses for communicating signals to those components. The technical components do, at least partially, possess a server address, so theoretically, communication with the server would be possible if a communication link existed. Furthermore, the technical components also have, at least partially, their own unique component identifiers. The mobile device is operated on-site by a service technician who is responsible for the assignment. The technician can run a mobile application on the device and communicate with the server. In doing so, they can define a new project with a project location and create a visual project location marker that essentially corresponds to the project location.The project location can be, in particular, a position, for example, a GPS coordinate, of the mobile device. Using a manufacturing device, especially a printer, the service technician uses their mobile device to create the optical project location marker and places and / or affixes it to the site and / or the electrical circuitry. To assign the components, the service technician uses their mobile device to record the unique component identifier for each piece of technical equipment and the optical project location marker. The data is transmitted to the server and processed, thus establishing a correspondence between the project location and the component identifier, and vice versa. The component identifier can include an address for communication with the respective technical component or be suitable for generating such an address.The server therefore has addresses of the technical components, provided these have communicative functionalities, and is thus able to send data packets, such as configurations or other instructions, to the technical components.

[0027] It can therefore preferably be provided that the optical project location marker is created based on obtaining a location of the mobile device and includes the location of the mobile device as the project location.

[0028] It may be provided that the location of the mobile device is obtained based on sensor data from the mobile device, which includes one or more of the following sensor data: - GPS position data; - Image data, wherein the image data is compared with reference image data for location determination, wherein the reference image data is preferably generally available reference image data, in particular from a map service, for example Google Street View; - Cell tower location data, - WLAN data for WLAN-based location tracking (fingerprinting).

[0029] The use of GPS positioning data offers a comparatively precise, reliable, and established method for location determination. Image data, compared with reference image data—especially from a mapping service like Google Street View—creates a visual dimension to location determination, enabling more accurate and intuitive device localization. Cellular location data can serve as an alternative or backup solution when GPS data is unavailable or unreliable, for example, indoors or in areas with poor GPS signal. Location redundancy can preferably be implemented, particularly by using at least two of the aforementioned sensor data sources, to increase the overall reliability of the system.

[0030] Preferably, the step of obtaining the project location is performed at predetermined time intervals and / or before each execution of the step of obtaining a component identifier captured by the mobile device.

[0031] This avoids the likelihood of incorrect assignment when multiple technical devices are to be detected and assigned sequentially. In particular, performing location determination each time a component identifier is obtained makes it possible to completely prevent incorrect assignment.

[0032] Preferably, the step of obtaining the project location is performed once, and the steps of obtaining a component identifier captured by the mobile device and assigning the component identifier to the project location are performed repeatedly for multiple components without requiring a new project location, preferably within a predetermined time period, in particular adjustable by a user, and / or as long as the mobile device is unlocked.

[0033] This improves efficiency and user-friendliness. For example, capturing the location only once is sufficient for projects with a single project location that nevertheless requires and assigns numerous technical components. Instead of repeatedly capturing location information, a single location entry provides a stable starting point, minimizing the mobile device's energy consumption and reducing data traffic. Furthermore, repeatedly performing the other two steps—capturing the component identifier and assigning it to the project location—enables the capture and management of multiple components in a single pass. This saves time and increases productivity by allowing for the efficient simultaneous capture, cataloging, and, in particular, assignment of many technical components.

[0034] Another advantage lies in the flexibility of the usage duration. The ability to define a predetermined or user-adjustable time period, or to make the duration dependent on the mobile phone's lock status, ensures a high degree of adaptability. Users, such as service technicians, can adjust the duration according to their own needs and / or experience. After the specified time has elapsed, location tracking may be required again before the device can be assigned to a new location. This minimizes the potential for errors when switching projects.

[0035] Preferably, the method is performed by a mobile application installed on the mobile device. Alternatively or additionally, the method can be performed by a server that communicates with the mobile device. Alternatively or additionally, the method can be performed by a system comprising the mobile device and a server.

[0036] Preferably, one or more of the following steps are performed in the step of obtaining a component identifier captured from the mobile device: Scanning, using a scanning device of the mobile device, an optical feature of the technical component which includes the component identifier, wherein the optical feature includes in particular a QR code and / or a barcode and / or a light signal emitted by the technical component; Detect, by means of a detection device of the mobile device, an acoustic signal which includes the component identifier, wherein the acoustic signal is in particular an acoustic signal emitted by the technical component; Capture, using a capture device of the mobile device, a manual user input that includes the component identifier.

[0037] Scanning optical features such as QR codes, barcodes, character codes, or light signals offers a fast, accurate, and efficient way to capture component identifiers. Examples of character codes include serial numbers, ASCII characters, and others. This streamlines the process and enables comprehensive digitization and automated processing of device information. Capturing acoustic signals from the technical component allows for the capture of component identifiers even in situations where optical features are inaccessible, unreadable, or unavailable for any reason. The option to use manual user input for capturing component identifiers provides a high degree of user customization and flexibility.It allows users to enter or correct information when automatic methods cannot be used or when additional information or clarification is needed.

[0038] Preferably, the technical component is an electronic component, and the method further comprises: Providing, in particular sending, configuration information and / or instructions to the technical component, based on the successful assignment of the component identifier.

[0039] If the technical components are electronic components that can communicate via wired or wireless connections, for example with the mobile device or the server, then, once paired, they can send and receive signals directly or indirectly to the server and / or the mobile device. For example, a server can provide a configuration data packet for the electronic component via such a communication link after pairing. The electronic component can then execute this data locally to obtain the desired functionalities.

[0040] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a mobile device with a mobile application installed on it is provided and configured to perform a method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a server is provided which is set up to communicate with a mobile device, wherein the server is configured to perform a method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a system comprising a mobile device and a server is provided and configured to perform a method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0043] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer program or a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions that cause a computer, in particular a device according to the second, third and / or fourth aspect of the present invention, to perform a method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0044] All features, technical details and advantages described in relation to one of the aspects of the present invention described herein shall of course apply mutatis mutandis to each of the other aspects of the present invention and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the following figures: Fig. Figure 1: Shows a first schematic representation of embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2: Shows an exemplary flowchart for embodiments of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 is a first schematic representation of embodiments of the present invention. It shows a technical component 100, a mobile device 200, and a server 300. The mobile device 200 and the server 300 are in communicative contact with each other. The communicative contact is preferably established via a mobile data connection.

[0047] In a first step, S101, a sensor on the mobile device 200, configured as a data acquisition device, detects the project location, in particular via a detected optical project location marker. The data acquisition device can, in particular, be a camera on the mobile device 200.

[0048] In a second step, S102, the mobile device 200 uses a sensor designed as a camera to capture the component identifier of the technical component 100. The component identifier can be in the form of a printed and / or affixed identifier, such as a QR code, barcode, serial number, or similar identifier. The captured data, at least the project location data and the component identifier of the technical component 100, are transmitted to the server 300. This transmission occurs via the aforementioned technical communication link between the mobile device 200 and the server 300.

[0049] In a third step, S103, the component identifier is assigned to the project location on the server. For this purpose, 300 projects and their associated project locations can be stored on the server. This facilitates the assignment. Furthermore, the server 300 can derive or generate a communication address for the technical component 100 using the component identifier in order to address and send data to the technical component 100. The transmission of such data can occur, in particular, via a direct communication link between the server 300 and the technical component 100, provided the technical component 100 is an electronic component with a network connection that allows for a communication channel between the server 300 and the technical component 100.Alternatively or additionally, such data can first be transferred from server 300 to mobile device 200, and then from mobile device 200 to technical component 100. Mobile device 200 can act as a gateway in this process. Communication between mobile device 200 and technical component 100 can be established via a dedicated communication link. The transfer of the aforementioned data from mobile device 200 to technical component 100 can occur in real time or with a time delay, i.e., at any point after the data has been transferred from server 300 to mobile device 200. Therefore, mobile device 200 can be configured to temporarily store data received from server 300.

[0050] The aforementioned data, which can be addressed and sent from server 300 to technical component 100 after the assignment has been completed, may include, for example, executable commands that cause technical component 100 to perform a specific operation and / or cause technical component 100 to perform a software reset and / or cause technical component 100 to be configured with configuration information contained in the data and / or the like.

[0051] The optical project location marker can be a project location marker previously created by the mobile device 200, in particular a physically produced one. The optical project location marker can, in particular, comprise a printed computer-readable code. The computer-readable code can, for example, comprise a QR code and / or a barcode. A printed optical project location marker can be produced by a printing device of the mobile device 200 and preferably has an adhesive side that allows the optical project location marker to be attached to a suitable location. The optical project location marker can, for example, be created based on obtaining the location of the mobile device 200 and include the location of the mobile device 200 as the project location. Obtaining the location of the mobile device 200 can be based on sensor data from the mobile device, which is based, for example, on GPS position data.The use of GPS position data offers a comparatively precise, reliable and established method for determining location.

[0052] Fig. 2 includes a flowchart with the three steps mentioned above S101, S102 and S103. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 Technical Components 200 mobile devices 300 servers S101, S102, S103 steps QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 100 708 A1

[0005] DE 10 2019 105 688 A1

[0006] DE 10 2014 115 406 A1

[0007] DE 10 2019 107 119 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] A method for the location-related allocation of technical components, in particular field devices and / or automation devices and / or building technology devices, comprising the steps: Obtaining (S101) a project location of a project based on an optical project location marker comprising the project location detected by a detection device of a mobile device (200); Obtaining (S102) a component identifier of a technical component (100) detected by the mobile device (200); and Assign (S103) the component identifier to the project location. [2] The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the technical components (100) do not have their own locating function. [3] The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical project location marker is a project location marker previously created, in particular physically produced, by the mobile device (200), wherein optionally the optical project location marker comprises a printed computer-readable code comprising the project location, wherein the computer-readable code comprises, for example, a QR code and / or a barcode. [4] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical project location marker is created based on obtaining a location of the mobile device (200) and includes the location of the mobile device (200) as the project location. [5] The method of claim 4, wherein obtaining the location of the mobile device (200) is based on sensor data of the mobile device (200) comprising one or more of the following sensor data: - GPS position data; - image data, wherein the image data is compared with reference image data for location determination, wherein the reference image data is preferably generally available reference image data, in particular from a map service, for example Google StreetView; - Cell phone cell location data. [6] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of obtaining the project location is performed at predetermined time intervals and / or before each performance of the step of obtaining a component identifier detected by the mobile device (200). [7] The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of obtaining the project location is performed once and the steps of obtaining a component identifier detected by the mobile device (200) and assigning the component identifier to the project location are repeatedly performed for a plurality of components without requiring a renewed obtaining of a project location, preferably within a predetermined period of time, in particular one that can be set by a user, and / or as long as the mobile device (200) is unlocked. [8] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is performed by a mobile application installed on the mobile device (200); and / or wherein the method is performed by a server (300) communicating with the mobile device (200); and / or wherein the method is performed by a system comprising the mobile device (200) and a server (300). [9] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of obtaining a component identifier detected by the mobile device (200), one or more of the following steps are performed: Scanning, by means of a detection device of the mobile device (200), an optical feature of the technical component (100) which comprises the component identifier, wherein the optical feature comprises in particular a QR code and / or a barcode and / or a light signal emitted by the technical component (100); Detecting, by means of a detection device of the mobile device (200), an acoustic signal comprising the component identifier, wherein the acoustic signal is in particular an acoustic signal emitted by the technical component (100); Detecting, by means of a detection device of the mobile device (200), a manual user input comprising the component identifier. [10] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the technical component (100) is an electronic component, the method further comprising: Providing, in particular sending, configuration information and / or instructions to the technical component (100) based on the assignment of the component identifier. [11] A mobile device (200) having a mobile application installed thereon, configured to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 10. [12] A server (300) configured to communicate with a mobile device (200), the server (300) being configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [13] A system comprising a mobile device (200) and a server (300) configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [14] A computer program or a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which cause a computer, in particular a device according to one of claims 11 to 13, to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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