Measuring system with voice control and method for voice-based control of a field device

Abstract

A measuring system is disclosed which comprises at least one field device (2) with a control unit (5) and a sensor (6). The control unit (5) and the sensor (6) are communicatively connected to one another, wherein the control unit (5) controls the sensor (6), and wherein the sensor (6) is designed to detect a physical variable. The measuring system (1, 1') also has an acoustic input interface (11) and a speech evaluation unit (12). The acoustic input interface (11) is designed to input acoustic signals, wherein the acoustic signals are representative of sound from an environment of the measuring system (1, 1').The speech evaluation unit (12) is communicatively connected to the acoustic input interface (11) for receiving acoustic signals and is designed to recognize speech signals in the acoustic signals, to check recognized speech signals for the presence of at least one characteristic, and to generate and output a trigger signal if the at least one characteristic is present. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a measuring system with voice control and a method for voice-based control of a field device.

[0002] In process automation technology, field devices are often used to detect and / or influence process variables. Examples of such field devices include level measuring devices, point level measuring devices, and pressure measuring devices with sensors that detect the corresponding process variables (level, limit level, or pressure). Such field devices are often connected to higher-level units, such as control systems or control units. These higher-level units are often used for process control, process visualization, and / or process monitoring.

[0003] Setting up and / or configuring a field device for a specific application scenario usually requires interaction with the field device. Input and output interfaces are provided on the field device for this purpose. Buttons can be provided as input interfaces for entering information. A display and / or LED indicators can serve as output interfaces for outputting information. Due to the size of the field devices, the size of the display, buttons, and / or other input / output interfaces is limited, making operation of the field device difficult and confusing. As a result, interaction with the field device is often not user-friendly, or at least not very user-friendly.

[0004] DE 103 21 775 A1 discloses a measuring device with voice output. An output unit capable of outputting acoustic voice signals can be connected to a control unit of the measuring device. The measuring device has buttons for user input. Using voice output mitigates the limitations of the display. However, the operating options remain limited.

[0005] Some field devices can be connected to mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets. Radio-based technologies such as Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) are typically used to connect to the field device. This allows the displays of the mobile devices to be used for interaction with the field device, keeping the controls on the field device to a minimum and improving operation. However, this creates new challenges. It is important to ensure that only authorized persons have access to the field device. Furthermore, the connections between the mobile device and the field device must be tamper-proof.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a measuring system and a method in which user-friendly interaction with a field device is possible while at the same time ensuring high security for the field device.

[0007] This problem is solved by the feature combinations of the independent claims. Further embodiments are disclosed in the respective subclaims.

[0008] It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner (even across category boundaries, for example, between methods and devices) and demonstrate further embodiments. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures.

[0009] It should also be noted that a conjunction “and / or” used herein between two features and linking them together is always to be interpreted in such a way that in a first embodiment only the first feature is present, in a second embodiment only the second feature is present and in a third embodiment both the first and the second feature are present.

[0010] It has been recognized that interaction with a field device can be particularly user-friendly if an operator is offered an interaction option that is perceived as particularly natural. Since speech represents one of the most natural interaction options for many people, the present disclosure uses interaction via speech. Interaction via speech in this case means that a user can influence the measuring system, in particular the field device, through an acoustic utterance. This influence can occur in various ways, as explained below with various specific embodiments.

[0011] To enable interaction via voice, the measuring system disclosed here has at least one acoustic input interface and a voice evaluation unit. The task of the acoustic input interface is, among other things, to enable the input of acoustic signals into the measuring system. The acoustic input interface can forward input acoustic signals to the voice evaluation unit, with which it is communicatively connected. The voice evaluation unit has the task of evaluating input acoustic signals. To do this, the voice evaluation unit can first check the input acoustic signals for the presence of voice signals. If voice signals have been detected, the voice evaluation unit can check whether the voice signals exhibit at least one predefined characteristic.If one or more characteristics have been detected, the speech evaluation unit can generate and output a trigger signal, whereby the characteristic and trigger signal are likely to be linked. By appropriately defining the at least one characteristic and / or the trigger signal, universal user interaction with the field device can be achieved.

[0012] The term "acoustic signals" is generally understood here to mean a representation of sound in a form that can be processed by the measurement system, in particular by the speech evaluation unit. In practice, these acoustic signals are usually electrical signals, preferably in digital form. An electrical signal enables the acoustic signals to be processed electronically. A digitalized signal enables processing using digital means, such as a processor.

[0013] The sound represented by the acoustic signals originates from an "environment of the measuring system" and can originate from various sources. Such a source can generate background noise and include, for example, a motor, a pump, a fan, a compressor, or a signal generator. However, the background noise can also be caused by wind or the slamming of a door. Since the acoustic signals should at least temporarily include speech signals, the source can also be a person. The sound can generally include tones, noises, acoustic speech utterances of a person and / or other air pressure fluctuations. Acoustic signals preferably describe sound in a frequency range audible to humans.

[0014] The reference point of the “environment of the measuring system” can be a variety of components of the measuring system. The reference point can be formed by a sound detection unit, whereby the sound detection unit detects sound from its environment and converts it into an electrical signal. The sound detection unit can then be considered as part of the measuring system and be formed by a microphone. With regard to the size of the environment, it is important that a source of the sound causing the acoustic signal is within earshot of the reference point, i.e. that the sound arrives at the reference point at a sufficient level to be processed with conventional sound detection units, e.g. a microphone with average sensitivity. This means, on the one hand, that the source should be sufficiently loud.In the present case, it is also important that a person's acoustic utterance is sufficiently distinct from ambient noise and sufficiently easy to detect. In practice, this likely means that the size of the environment is limited. In noisy environments, the size of the environment is likely to be smaller than in quieter environments. Since a person's utterance is of particular importance in this case, a person producing an acoustic signal should be no more than 10 meters from the reference point; in another embodiment, no more than 5 meters; in another embodiment, no more than 3 meters; and in yet another embodiment, no more than 1 meter.

[0015] The "acoustic input interface" can be designed in various ways. The specific design is not crucial as long as the acoustic input interface is suitable for inputting acoustic signals into the measuring system. In one design, the acoustic input interface comprises a sound detection unit, for example a microphone, to convert sound waves from the environment of the measuring system into electrical signals. In this way, the sound waves from the environment of the measuring system can be directly detected by the measuring system and input into the measuring system. In addition to the microphone, filters (for example high-pass, low-pass and / or band-pass), amplifiers, analog / digital converters or other units for processing the electrical signal can be present. In another design, a suitable acoustic signal can be input directly into the acoustic input interface.For example, an external device can be used to capture sound and process it in a suitable form for input into the acoustic input interface.

[0016] The term "speech signals" refers here to the result of a human's acoustic utterance, particularly as distinguished from ambient and / or background noise. The utterances relevant here typically originate from an operator of the measurement system and can take various forms. In principle, the acoustic utterances can also include whistling, clicking, or buzzing sounds. Preferably, however, the utterances consist of words or a sequence of words, which are particularly preferably part of a natural language.

[0017] The specific design of the "speech evaluation unit" and how it recognizes speech signals from the input acoustic signals is not crucial in this case. Speech signals are often distinguished by a certain degree of irregularity, a comparatively broad spectrum, a certain complexity of the signal profile, a certain duration of an utterance, and / or other characteristics. As a rule, a speech signal is also characterized by a sufficiently high level difference relative to the average existing level. The criteria used by the speech evaluation unit and how the distinction between speech signals and other signals, especially background noise, is made are of secondary importance.

[0018] For the recognition of speech signals within the meaning of the present disclosure, it is not crucial that the recognized speech signals actually contain concrete speech content. It is not even crucial that the recognized speech signals actually originate from acoustic utterances of a person. Rather, the focus of speech signal recognition is on recognizing signals that potentially require analysis. Therefore, it may be sufficient if the recognized speech signals appear to be speech signals at first glance. Whether or not they are actually speech signals should be revealed by the subsequent review of the recognized speech signals with regard to the presence of at least one characteristic. Conversely, this means that the speech evaluation unit does not have to exert excessive effort to reliably rule out false recognitions of acoustic utterances of a person.

[0019] The at least one "characteristic" with respect to whose presence the speech signals are to be examined can be designed in different ways. It is important that a characteristic can describe a property of a speech signal. The criterion according to which a recognized speech signal is to be examined is important for the characteristic. If the recognition of a specific voice, a specific speech pattern, a pitch, and / or a speaking tempo is required, the characteristic will be significantly different than if specific speech content and / or the language used are to be recognized. This brief, exemplary list, which should not be considered limiting or exhaustive, shows how diverse and universal the characteristic can be according to the present disclosure.

[0020] It is clear that a speech signal does not necessarily have to be analyzed for just one characteristic. Rather, it may be appropriate to check for the presence of several characteristics. For example, it may be useful to recognize a specific voice, the language used, and the specific speech content. In this case, the speech analysis unit would analyze the speech signal for the presence of at least three characteristics.

[0021] Depending on the characteristic selected for whose presence a speech signal is to be examined, the speech evaluation unit will also handle a recognized speech signal differently. To recognize a specific pitch, a spectral analysis of the recognized speech signal may be necessary. To recognize a speech rhythm, the temporal progression of the recognized speech signal can be analyzed. When it comes to recognizing specific speech content, any speech content present in the recognized speech signal must first be extracted and appropriately processed. This short, exemplary list, which should not be considered limiting or exhaustive, shows how an adaptation of the speech evaluation unit to the characteristic to be examined may be necessary and / or can be used.

[0022] The "trigger signal" can also be designed differently and trigger different things. The trigger signal can be simple binary information, such as "authorized person recognized," "specific person with specific function recognized," or "activation of the field device." The trigger signal can also contain more extensive information, such as "user language is English," "accessing person is a technician," or "accessing person is Ms. X." However, it is also possible for the trigger signal to include recognized speech content from the speech signal, and for the speech content to be further processed upon receipt of the trigger signal, for example, for parameterization or a dialog with the field device. This short, exemplary list, which should not be considered limiting or exhaustive, also shows how universal a trigger signal can be.

[0023] A trigger signal can be directed to a wide variety of components within the measuring system. Since this involves voice control of the field device, an important recipient of a trigger signal is likely to be the field device itself. The specific unit to which a trigger signal is sent and what a trigger signal triggers in the respective unit can depend on various factors. For example, a trigger signal can signal the recognition of a person, the authentication of a person, and / or similar actions, and / or trigger the activation of the field device, the parameterization or configuration of the field device, the selection of a user language, the output of a measured value, the start of a commissioning wizard, and / or similar actions. This brief and exemplary list should not be considered exhaustive or restrictive.

[0024] Overall, it may be advisable to implement subfunctions of the measurement system using artificial intelligence. Since the analysis of speech signals often involves recognizing specific patterns, neural networks in particular can deliver good results in verifying the presence of a characteristic.

[0025] Depending on the processing resources of the speech evaluation unit or other components of the measurement system, it may be advisable to have a buffer memory downstream of the acoustic input interface. In this way, the acoustic signals input into the acoustic input interface can first be temporarily stored in the buffer memory and then processed successively. If a buffer memory is available, it should be large enough to ensure processing of the acoustic signals, in particular the recognition and evaluation of speech signals, under normal conditions. However, for smooth interaction with the field device, the buffer memory does not need to be too large, as too long a delay between input of the acoustic signal and a response to the input is likely to be perceived as unpleasant. A response time of ten seconds is likely to be perceived as too long by many users.In this respect, the number of acoustic signals to be stored is manageable. It would be feasible to achieve response times of less than 5 seconds, or even better, less than 3 seconds.

[0026] A "field device" can comprise a "measuring device" and / or an "actuator." A "measuring device" comprises at least one sensor generally designed to detect a physical quantity. Such a physical quantity can include, for example, a fill level, a limit level, a pressure, a temperature, a flow rate, a flow velocity, a humidity, a distance, a frequency, a light intensity, a spectrum, a pH value, etc., to name just a few conceivable and non-limiting examples.

[0027] An "actuator" can, in principle, be anything that can influence a process chain. This can include active intervention in the process chain. The specific manner in which this intervention occurs is not crucial. Such an actuator can, for example, include a motor, a valve, a pump, a switch, or the like, to name just a few conceivable and non-limiting examples. Such actuators can also include sensors with which a state of the actuator can be detected, for example, a position sensor for a switch or an angle sensor for detecting the rotary position of a valve.

[0028] Field devices typically have a "control unit" that communicates with at least one sensor and / or actuator. This allows the control unit to control the sensor or actuator and at least partially control the measured value acquisition and / or intervention in the process chain.

[0029] Partial functions of the measuring system can also be implemented in a display and / or control unit, which is part of a modular field device and can be mechanically and electrically connected to the housing or control unit of the field device. Such a display and / or control unit is a replaceable electronic module in which functions of the field device are implemented, such as measured value processing, communication interfaces, input keys, a display, or the like.

[0030] By using acoustic speech utterances, the present disclosure allows for particularly user-friendly interaction with the field device. Since an operator's voice is highly individual, good security for the field device can also be achieved. For example, speech can also be used for authentication or multi-factor authentication with the field device. Overall, this creates a user-friendly and universal way of interacting with a field device.

[0031] In one embodiment, the measuring system additionally comprises a memory, wherein at least one identification data set is stored in the memory, wherein the speech evaluation unit is communicatively connected to the memory and is designed to load the at least one identification data set from the memory, and wherein the speech evaluation unit is designed to use an identification data set loaded from the memory when checking recognized speech signals for the presence of a characteristic. In this way, a characteristic can be clearly defined. Furthermore, depending on the design of the memory, adaptability of the at least one characteristic can be achieved. The memory can be designed in various ways.It would be advisable for the memory to be non-volatile so that the memory contents do not have to be reloaded and / or regenerated, for example in the event of a system restart or a power failure. The memory can be located in the field device, at the field device (for example on a mobile device connected to the field device via a local interface), or remotely (for example on a server or in the cloud). Remote storage offers the advantage that the identification data records can be accessed from different devices, which simplifies the handling and updating of the data records. It may be advisable for the memory to be located locally in or at the field device, or for a copy of the memory to be created on a local storage device.In this way, the need for a permanent network connection to a remote storage device can be avoided.

[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one identification data set describes a voice of a specific person, a voice pattern of a specific person, a language, and / or a speech content. The identification data set—particularly for recognizing a specific person—may include biometric characteristics of that person, such as pitch, voice spectrum, volume, vocal cord tension, speaking rate, or the like. For recognizing a language (e.g., English, German, or Spanish) and / or speech content, the identification data set may also include a language model, lexical information, and / or the like.

[0033] In one embodiment, the speech evaluation unit has a speech recognition unit or is communicatively connected to a speech recognition unit, wherein the speech evaluation unit is designed to forward recognized speech signals to the speech recognition unit and wherein the speech recognition unit is designed to extract speech content from recognized speech signals. A speech recognition unit communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit can run, for example, in a mobile device or a cloud system, and the speech evaluation unit can forward the speech signals to this speech recognition unit. The speech recognition unit can be used in various ways by the speech evaluation unit. In one embodiment, the speech evaluation unit uses the speech recognition unit when checking the speech signal for the presence of at least one characteristic. In this case, the characteristic can be multi-layered.For example, in one embodiment, the characteristic can describe that speech content is present in the speech signal at all. In another embodiment, the characteristic can identify the language of the speech content. In a further embodiment, the characteristic can designate certain requirements for the speech content, for example, certain expected words or utterances. In another embodiment, the speech evaluation unit uses the speech recognition unit after checking the speech signal for the presence of a characteristic. For example, checking the speech signal by evaluating the level of the acoustic signal can reveal a pattern that indicates the presence of speech content. The speech evaluation unit could then forward the speech signal to the speech recognition unit and generate a trigger signal using the received speech content.

[0034] In one embodiment, the speech evaluation unit comprises a frequency analysis unit or is communicatively connected to a frequency analysis unit, wherein the speech evaluation unit is configured to forward recognized speech signals to the frequency analysis unit, and wherein the frequency analysis unit is configured to extract one frequency component, multiple frequency components, or a spectrum from recognized speech signals. The frequency information obtained in this way can be used, for example, when recognizing a user. The frequency analysis unit can use, for example, an FFT - Fast Fourier Transformation - for the frequency analysis. Similar to the speech recognition unit, the frequency analysis unit can be used during and / or after checking for the presence of a characteristic.

[0035] In one embodiment, the speech evaluation unit comprises a voice recognition unit or is communicatively connected to a voice recognition unit, wherein the speech evaluation unit is configured to forward recognized speech signals to the voice recognition unit, and wherein the voice recognition unit is configured to recognize a voice and / or a person generating the recognized speech signals from recognized speech signals. In contrast to a speech recognition unit, which is intended to extract concrete speech content, the voice recognition unit is "merely" concerned with recognizing a voice. The concrete speech content is of secondary importance or even unimportant. The voice recognition unit can identify a specific person, which can be used, for example, to authenticate the person.Similar to the speech recognition unit, the voice recognition unit can be used during and / or after checking the presence of a characteristic.

[0036] In one embodiment, the measuring system additionally has an output interface, wherein the output interface preferably comprises a display, light elements, and / or a loudspeaker. In this way, the measuring system can provide feedback on an input acoustic signal. With a display, feedback can be output as text and / or graphics. A light element can provide feedback, for example, as a status indicator, for example "green" (field device active), "red" (field device locked), or a slowly flashing light element (field device in power-saving mode). Acoustic signals can be output via a loudspeaker. These acoustic signals can also include voice content, which can be generated, for example, by a text-to-speech converter or played back from a memory as a pre-recorded response. Such a loudspeaker can, for example, be integrated into the field device or be part of headphones or a headset.

[0037] In one embodiment, the measuring system additionally has a blocking unit that is communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit and is designed to receive a trigger signal, wherein the blocking unit is designed to grant and / or deny access to the field device or parts of the field device, and wherein the blocking unit changes to a blocking or enabling state corresponding to the trigger signal upon receipt of a trigger signal. In this way, access control to the field device can be implemented. For example, upon recognition of the voice of an authorized person, access to the field device can be granted. The authorization can also take into account which authorizations the recognized person has, for example, setup authorizations or user authorizations or authorizations to read out measured values. An authorization can be correspondingly far-reaching.The locking unit can also switch to a locking state if a voice is not marked as authorized. The locking unit can also be part of a two-factor authentication, in which a user proves their authorization using their voice and another authentication method. The additional authentication method could, for example, include a username / password combination, an identification chip read via NFC, or even a PIN (Personal Identification Number).

[0038] In one embodiment, the measuring system additionally comprises a parameterization unit that is communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit and configured to receive a trigger signal. The parameterization unit is configured to adapt and / or generate a parameterization that influences the behavior of at least part of the field device, and the parameterization unit initiates a parameterization process upon receipt of a trigger signal. In this way, parameterization of the field device can be carried out particularly conveniently. Units of the measuring system, such as a speech recognition unit, voice recognition unit, or blocking unit, can be used during the parameterization process.

[0039] In one embodiment, the measuring system additionally has a configuration unit that is communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit and is designed to receive a trigger signal, wherein the configuration unit is designed to adapt a configuration within the measuring system, preferably a configuration of the field device, and wherein the configuration unit sets an output language, a menu structure, a display text and / or an operating structure upon receipt of a trigger signal. In this way, a configuration within the measuring system, in particular a configuration of the field device, can be conveniently influenced by means of speech. To adapt an output language, the trigger signal should contain a recognized language. By adapting the output language, a user can quickly interact with the measuring system without first having to navigate through a language setting menu.Warning messages or other information can be displayed more quickly in the user's language. Adapting the menu or operating structure can include adapting it to the user's authorization level. An operator who is only authorized to retrieve measured values ​​certainly needs to access fewer menu items than a technician. Accordingly, the operating structure can be significantly simplified. The display texts can also be adapted to the respective user and their authorization level.

[0040] In one embodiment, the measuring system additionally comprises an energy control unit that is communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit and configured to receive a trigger signal. The energy control unit is configured to change the energy consumption state of the field device. Upon receipt of a trigger signal, the energy control unit places the field device or parts of the field device into an activity mode, an energy-saving mode, or a sleep mode. In this way, the operating mode of the field device can be conveniently influenced by means of a speech utterance.

[0041] In one embodiment, the acoustic input interface and / or the speech evaluation unit and / or part thereof is / are embodied in the field device. This allows for effective interaction with the field device. By fully implementing the acoustic input interface and the speech evaluation unit in the field device, the entire measurement system can consist solely of the field device.

[0042] In one embodiment, the acoustic input interface comprises a microphone. This allows acoustic signals to be easily input into the measuring system. Various components can be connected downstream of the microphone, such as amplifiers, filters, analog / digital converters, or the like. The microphone can be arranged at various locations. In one development, the microphone is integrated into the field device, allowing interaction with the field device without peripherals. In another development, the microphone is part of a headset that is connected to a component of the measuring system, for example, the field device. In a further development, the microphone is part of a mobile device that is connected, for example, to the field device.

[0043] In one embodiment, the measuring system additionally comprises a mobile device, wherein the mobile device is communicatively connected to the field device and wherein the acoustic input interface and / or the speech evaluation unit and / or parts thereof is / are formed in the mobile device. In this way, the resources of the measuring system can be supplemented by the resources of the mobile device. Since voice control is only required for a short period of the operating life of a field device in many application scenarios, the resources required in the field device can be kept to a minimum. The mobile device can essentially be a component of the measuring system for the duration of the voice control and can then be disconnected again. A connection between the field device and the mobile device can be established in various ways. Wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, NFC or WLAN are preferably used.

[0044] The "mobile device" can be formed by a wide variety of devices. To reduce costs, it is advisable for the mobile device to be as universal as possible, which is made usable for use in the system or method disclosed here by suitable software. Embodiments of such mobile devices include a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or a netbook. In principle, fewer mobile devices can also be used, such as a personal computer. Such mobile devices usually comprise at least a processor, memory (e.g., RAM - Random Access Memory -, flash, or hard disk), input and output devices, communication modules, and other devices whose function and interaction are controlled by an operating system. Such an operating system can be, for example, Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS, iPadOS, or Linux.The function of the mobile device within the system or method disclosed here can be achieved by one or more programs / apps.

[0045] The two aforementioned embodiments can be combined in such a way that some subfunctions of the measuring system are implemented in the field device and other subfunctions of the measuring system are implemented in the mobile device. For example, the acoustic input interface and the speech evaluation unit could be implemented in the mobile device, while trigger signal receivers, such as the previously mentioned parameterization unit, configuration unit, and / or blocking unit, are implemented in the field device.

[0046] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments, which are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 is a block diagram with functional units of an embodiment of a measuring system according to the present disclosure, Fig. 2 shows a representation of a first application scenario of an embodiment of a measuring system according to the present disclosure, in which all essential components of the measuring system are integrated in the field device, Fig. 3 shows a representation of a second application scenario of an embodiment of a measuring system according to the present disclosure, in which the measuring system comprises a mobile terminal in addition to a field device, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing steps of an embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure and Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating steps utilizing a method according to the present disclosure.

[0047] In the different figures, parts that are equivalent in terms of their function are always provided with the same reference symbols, so that they are usually only described once.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram with functional units of an embodiment of a measuring system 1 according to the present disclosure. The measuring system 1 comprises a field device 2 and a mobile terminal 4 connected via a wireless communication link 3. The field device 2 comprises a control unit 5, which is communicatively connected to a sensor 6, a radio receiver 7, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 8, and a blocking unit 9. The control unit 5, the radio receiver 7, the GNSS receiver 8, and the blocking unit 9 can be part of a main electronics system 10 of the field device 2. The radio receiver 7 can be used, for example, for the wireless communication link 3.In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the mobile terminal 4 incorporates an acoustic input interface 11, a speech evaluation unit 12, a speech recognition unit 13, a voice recognition unit 14, a frequency analysis unit 15, and a memory 16. The speech recognition unit 13, the voice recognition unit 14, and the frequency analysis unit 15 are not implemented as components of the speech evaluation unit 12, but rather as separate units communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit 12. Identification data records for identifying at least one characteristic are stored in the memory 16.

[0049] The units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 can be implemented as part of an app on the mobile terminal 4 and use resources of the mobile terminal 4.

[0050] For example, the acoustic input interface 11 can utilize a microphone (not shown) of the mobile device 4. The speech recognition unit 13 can access speech recognition functionalities of the mobile device 4. The memory 16 can be implemented as a sub-area of ​​a memory of the mobile device 4.

[0051] During operation of the measuring system 1, an acoustic signal can be input into the measuring system 1 via the acoustic input interface 11. The acoustic signal can be transferred to the speech evaluation unit 12. Upon receipt of an acoustic signal, the speech evaluation unit 12 accesses the memory 16 and downloads at least one identification data set. Using a downloaded identification data set, the received acoustic signal is checked for the presence of a characteristic defined by the identification data set. If an identification data set is not applicable, another identification data set can be loaded and its applicability to the received acoustic signal checked. In this case, the speech evaluation unit 12 can use the speech recognition unit 13, the voice recognition unit 14, and / or the frequency analysis unit 15.If the presence of a characteristic is detected, the speech evaluation unit 12 generates a trigger signal that is configured according to the detected characteristic and addressed to a unit also defined by the characteristic. For example, the trigger signal can be sent via the wireless communication link 3 to the blocking unit 9 to trigger the enabling or blocking of the field device 2.

[0052] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show two application scenarios of such a measuring system. In both application scenarios, a user 17 directs a speech utterance 18 to a measuring system 1, 1' according to the present disclosure. In the first application scenario according to Fig. 2, the measuring system 1' comprises only one field device 2. In the second application scenario according to Fig. 3, the measuring system 1 comprises, in addition to the field device 2, a mobile terminal 4 which is communicatively connected to the field device 2 via a wireless communication connection 3.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows steps of an embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure. In step S1, acoustic signals are input into the measuring system 1 using an acoustic input interface 11. In step S2, the acoustic signals are forwarded to a speech evaluation unit 12. In step S3, the acoustic signals are received by the speech evaluation unit 12 and analyzed for the presence of speech signals in step S4. If speech signals have been detected in the acoustic signals, the detected speech signals are checked for the presence of at least one characteristic in step S5. If such a characteristic has been detected, a trigger signal is generated and transmitted in step S6.

[0054] Fig.5 shows a flowchart during operation of a measuring system 1, 1' disclosed herein, in which a method according to the present disclosure can be used. In step S10, the field device 2 is in normal operation. It is continuously checked whether an acoustic signal has been input into the acoustic input interface 11 and whether an input acoustic signal comprises a speech signal. In step S11, it is checked whether a speech signal has been received. If this is not the case ("n"), the system returns to step S10. If a speech signal has been received ("y"), the received speech signal is buffered in step S12. The received speech signal is then evaluated for the presence of a characteristic. In step 13, the speech signal is first examined for a language used, for example, English or German.Assuming that a speech has been recognized, a trigger signal is sent, for example, to a configuration unit (not shown in the figures) of the field device 2. The trigger signal triggers an adaptation of the display in the field device to the recognized speech. In step S15, a check is made as to whether voice recognition is active in the measuring system 1. If this is not the case (“n”), the system returns to step S10. If voice recognition is active (“y”), voice recognition is carried out in step S16, and the result of the voice recognition is communicated via a trigger signal. The trigger signal can in turn be addressed to the configuration unit of the field device 2. In step S17, the authorizations and / or the menu structure are adapted. The information stored for a recognized voice or the person belonging to the voice is used for this purpose.

[0055] With regard to further advantageous embodiments, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition. List of reference symbols 1 measuring system 2 field device 3 Communication connection 4 mobile device 5 Control unit 6 Sensor 7 radio receivers 8 GNSS receivers 9 Locking unit 10 Main electronics 11 Acoustic input interface 12 Speech evaluation unit 13 Speech recognition unit 14 Voice recognition unit 15 Frequency analysis unit 16 storage 17 users 18 Speech utterance QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 103 21 775 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Measuring system, comprising at least a field device (2) with a control unit (5) and a sensor (6), wherein the control unit (5) and the sensor (6) are interconnected for communication, wherein the control unit (5) controls the sensor (6) and wherein the sensor (6) is configured to detect a physical quantity, characterized by , that the measuring system (1, 1') additionally has an acoustic input interface (11) and a speech evaluation unit (12), that the acoustic input interface (11) is configured for inputting acoustic signals, wherein the acoustic signals are representative of sound from an environment of the measurement system (1, 1'), and that the speech evaluation unit (12) is connected to the acoustic input interface (11) for receiving acoustic signals and is designed to recognize speech signals in the acoustic signals, to check recognized speech signals for the presence of at least one characteristic and, if the at least one characteristic is present, to generate and output a trigger signal. [2] Measuring system according to claim 1, which additionally has a memory (16) wherein at least one identification data set is stored in the memory (16), wherein the speech evaluation unit (12) is communicatively connected to the memory (16) and is configured to load the at least one identification data set from the memory (16) and wherein the speech evaluation unit (12) is configured to use an identification data set loaded from the memory (16) when checking recognized speech signals with regard to the presence of a characteristic. [3] Measuring system according to claim 2, characterized by that at least one identifier data record describes a voice of a specific person, a voice pattern of a specific person, a language and / or a language content. [4] Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the speech evaluation unit (12) has a speech recognition unit (13) or is communicatively connected to a speech recognition unit (13), that the speech evaluation unit (12) is designed to forward recognized speech signals to the speech recognition unit (13) and that the speech recognition unit (13) is designed to extract speech content from recognized speech signals. [5] Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the speech evaluation unit (12) has a frequency analysis unit (15) or is connected to a frequency analysis unit (15) in a communicating manner, that the speech evaluation unit (12) is designed to forward recognized speech signals to the frequency analysis unit (15) and that the frequency analysis unit (15) is designed to extract a frequency component, several frequency components or a spectrum from recognized speech signals. [6] Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the speech evaluation unit (12) has a voice recognition unit (14) or is communicatively connected to a voice recognition unit (14), that the speech evaluation unit (12) is designed to forward recognized speech signals to the voice recognition unit (14) and that the voice recognition unit (14) is designed to recognize a voice and / or a person producing the recognized speech signals from recognized speech signals. [7] Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which additionally has an output interface, wherein the output interface preferably comprises a display, light elements and / or a loudspeaker. [8] Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 7, which additionally has a locking unit (9) which is communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit (12) and is configured to receive a trigger signal, wherein the locking unit (9) is configured to grant and / or deny access to the field device (2) or parts of the field device (2), and wherein the locking unit (9) switches to a locking or enabling state corresponding to the trigger signal upon receiving a trigger signal. [9] Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 8, which additionally comprises a parameterization unit which is communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit (12) and is configured to receive a trigger signal, wherein the parameterization unit is configured to adapt and / or generate a parameterization influencing the behavior of at least one part of the field device, and wherein the parameterization unit initiates a parameterization process upon receipt of a trigger signal. [10] Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 9, which additionally has a configuration unit which is communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit (12) and is configured to receive a trigger signal, wherein the configuration unit is configured to adapt a configuration of the measuring system (1, 1'), preferably a configuration of the field device (2), and wherein the configuration unit preferably sets an output language, a menu structure, a display text and / or an operating structure upon receipt of a trigger signal. [11] Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 10, which additionally comprises an energy control unit which is communicatively connected to the speech evaluation unit (12) and is configured to receive a trigger signal, wherein the energy control unit is configured to change an energy consumption state of the field device (2), and wherein, upon receiving a trigger signal, the energy control unit puts the field device (2) or parts of the field device (2) into an activity mode, an energy saving mode or a sleep mode. [12] Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the acoustic input interface (11) and / or the speech evaluation unit (12) and / or part thereof is / are formed in the field device (2). [13] Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the acoustic input interface includes a microphone. [14] Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 13, which additionally comprises a mobile terminal (4), wherein the mobile terminal (4) is communicatively connected to the field device (2) and wherein the acoustic input interface (11) and / or the speech evaluation unit (12) and / or parts thereof are formed in the mobile terminal (4). [15] Computer program product which, when executed on a processor of a mobile device (4), makes the mobile device (4) usable in a measuring system (1, 1') according to claim 14. [16] Method for voice-based control of a field device, wherein the field device (2) is part of a measuring system (1, 1'), preferably a measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: Input (S1) of acoustic signals using an acoustic input interface (11), wherein the acoustic signals are representative of sound from an environment of the measurement system (1, 1'). Forwarding (S2) the acoustic signals to a speech evaluation unit (12), Receiving (S3) the acoustic signals by the speech evaluation unit (12), Analyzing (S4) the acoustic signals to recognize speech signals using the speech evaluation unit (12), Checking (S5) detected speech signals for the presence of at least one characteristic and Generating and outputting (S6) a trigger signal when at least one characteristic is present.

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