Method for operating an asset in an industrial environment

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an asset (110) in an industrial environment (100), comprising: providing or receiving an input data set comprising user instructions (132) acquired by means of a user communication interface (122); determining whether the user instructions of the input data set comprise one or one of a plurality of predetermined execution instructions; determining (212) whether the user instructions of the input data set comprise one or one of a plurality of predetermined asset parameters; if the user instructions of the input data set comprise the one or one of the plurality of predetermined execution instructions and the one or one of the plurality of predetermined asset parameters: providing or outputting operating instructions to the asset (110) in order to operate the asset according to the user instruction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an asset such as an industrial device in an industrial environment, a unit, as well as a computing system and a computer program for carrying out the same. Background of the invention

[0002] In different industrial environments, such as factories, various assets or units such as industrial equipment can be deployed. With increasing networking and automation, especially in the context of so-called Industry 4.0, it may be desirable to simplify the operation of such industrial equipment. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] According to the invention, a method for operating an asset, as well as a computing system and a computer program, are proposed with the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0004] The invention relates to industrial environments such as factories or production environments and the industrial devices used there, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automation robots, or even simpler devices such as screwdrivers (e.g., so-called measuring screwdrivers) or drills for manual (or automated) operation. Such an industrial device can be integrated into an industrial environment so that all available functions can be used. This is particularly useful with increasing networking and automation, within the framework of so-called Industry 4.0. So-called digital twins can be used for this purpose.

[0005] Industry 4.0 offers a wealth of use cases and solutions for a wide variety of challenges. This particularly concerns the end-to-end digitalization of manufacturing processes. Industry 4.0 is primarily driven by innovations in software systems for industrial plants and by the transfer and transformation of knowledge from the IT sector to manufacturing. However, the implementation of new concepts such as the digital twin requires a rethinking of the architecture and infrastructure of industrial plants. Until now, automation has been implemented using the reference architecture of the so-called "automation pyramid" defined by the IEC 62264 standard. The architecture comprises separate layers with defined interaction points. However, this can make cross-layer interaction in the automation pyramid difficult, as each layer can only access the information provided by neighboring layers.Changes require modifications at all layers. In contrast, Industry 4.0 promotes peer-to-peer communication to enable device-to-device communication.

[0006] Eclipse BaSyx is an Industry 4.0 middleware; the initial project was "Basic System Industry 4.0" (BaSys 4.0 for short). This middleware enables the digitization of production or industrial environments, thus easily implementing Industry 4.0. The middleware is essentially structured like a kind of construction kit, each containing a collection of well-defined building blocks. These can be linked and integrated into a centralized or decentralized system architecture. For example, to initially connect the shop floor (area with production equipment) with the office floor (area with offices), cross-network and cross-protocol peer-to-peer communication between the production machines and the IT system can be used.

[0007] In order to prepare all data models and protocols in such a way that they are interoperable, a uniform "language" is useful. For this purpose, BaSyx envisages the principle of so-called asset administration shells (AAS for short). These are, in particular, standardized digital twins that are structured in a uniform manner. Each administration shell contains, for example, submodels that both virtually map the state of a real asset or unit, e.g., an (industrial) device, a product, a sensor, a tool, or generally a hardware and / or software component, and also provide live data and / or controllable functions when required. In general, the administration shell can also be referred to as a (particularly complete) digital image. The image then provides, for example, all data, properties, characteristics, functions, and events of the asset in question.Instead of an asset, one can also speak of a unit or a system.

[0008] Standardization of data and / or interfaces to assets can be an important factor that can also be transferred to the digital world. It is therefore expedient to use a standardized format for the representation of digital twins. The administration shell is one such format. Standardized interfaces enable access to properties and functions. An administration shell integrates and / or implements and / or references submodels, each of which offers a specific view of the digital twin. A submodel can, for example, have or map properties and / or functions and / or events of the asset. In particular, a submodel of the asset can also be a standardized submodel, i.e. a submodel that meets certain predefined criteria and can, for example, be used multiple times and interchangeably.

[0009] For better understanding, a simple administration shell for a drilling machine will be explained as an example. Such an administration shell can, for example, comprise three sub-models: a first sub-model "digital nameplate", a second sub-model "asset control", and a third sub-model "asset status". The first sub-model "digital nameplate" can, for example, comprise static data (as properties) such as serial number, manufacturer name, date of manufacture, etc. The second sub-model "asset control" can, for example, comprise the functions "switch on", "switch off", and "drill". The third sub-model "asset status" can, for example, comprise properties and / or events (particularly those that have been read out) such as "drill broken", "drill drilling".

[0010] By adding specialized submodels, administration shells can be used, for example, to implement different versions of the digital twin. The use of administration shells and submodels makes it possible to provide a harmonized, service-based interface to the entire production system, in which all physical and virtual devices, products, and other assets are represented by their own object instance.

[0011] The administration shell is, in particular, a standardized self-description of a technical or logical component in production. Essentially, it is a machine-readable, technology- and device-agnostic description of a component or unit that provides access to all its properties and functions.

[0012] As has now been shown, the operation of an asset in an industrial environment can be particularly simplified and improved using, for example, such an asset management shell by integrating a user control system for the asset, i.e., a user communication interface. An audio interface (and thus speech recognition) is particularly preferred as the user communication interface, but other communication interfaces are also conceivable, such as receiving and / or outputting user instructions in text form, e.g., using a chatbot (i.e., a text communication interface).

[0013] For this purpose, an input data set (e.g., an audio input data set) is provided or received, e.g., in an executing computer system. The input data set comprises user instructions captured via a user communication interface. A user can, for example, issue a voice command in the form of a sentence (the user instructions), which is digitized via the user communication interface or, more specifically, the audio interface. An example of such a user instruction, with reference to the above example of the drill, is "Start drilling."

[0014] It is then determined (or checked) whether the user instructions of the input data set comprise one or one of a plurality of predefined execution instructions. This can be done in particular by comparing it with a syntax data set (the syntax data set can be in the form of a database, for example), the syntax data set comprising the one or more predefined execution instructions. The syntax data set can comprise the plurality of predefined execution instructions, for example, in a plurality of groups of different types of execution instructions, each in particular in the form of a list with a plurality of semantic entries. Such groups of execution instructions can be, for example: "Execute function", "Execute function with parameters", "Set properties", "Output properties", "Receive event", and the like.The terms “function”, “properties” and “event” can be used to refer to properties, functions and events of the asset, which are mapped, for example, in a submodel.

[0015] Such a group, in turn, can, for example, include specific syntax that falls under the group's execution statements. For example, the group "Execute Function" can include the execution statements "Start," "Execute," "Carry Out," and the like, particularly those related to a function.

[0016] In this step, for example, it is determined or checked whether the user instruction includes a syntax stored in the syntax record. In the above example with the user instruction "Start Drilling," this is the case; the execution instruction "Start" is included.

[0017] In addition, it is determined (or checked) whether the user instructions of the input data record comprise one or one of several predefined asset parameters. This can be done in particular by comparing it with an asset data record that comprises the one or more predefined asset parameters. The asset data record can in particular be the aforementioned administration shell or at least its specification. It should be noted, however, that an administration shell or its specification does not necessarily have to be used; rather, it can be sufficient if the asset is described via the asset data record or otherwise with regard to, for example, properties, functions and events of the asset (only one or two of these parameters could be sufficient).

[0018] The multiple predefined asset parameters can be assigned to a submodel or distributed across multiple submodels. As mentioned, such asset parameters can be or include properties and / or functions and / or events of the asset, as explained above with the submodels of the drilling machine.

[0019] In this step, for example, it is determined or checked whether the user instructions include or address an asset parameter stored in the asset record. In the above example with the user instruction "Start drilling," this is the case; the asset parameter "Drilling" is included.

[0020] If both conditions are met—that is, if the user instructions in the input data set include the one or more specified execution instructions and the one or more specified asset parameters—operation instructions are provided or issued to the asset to operate the asset according to the user instructions. This may, for example, include generating and transmitting control instructions to the drilling machine.

[0021] In this way, an asset can be operated particularly quickly and easily via voice or audio. By combining the user communication interface or user data with the asset administration shell or a comparable asset data set, this can also be created particularly quickly and easily. A syntax data set can easily be used together with various asset data sets, and asset data sets can be added as required. Likewise, the syntax data set can be supplemented as needed, for example.

[0022] In one embodiment it is also provided that if the user instructions of the input data set comprise the one or one of the several predefined execution instructions and the one or one of the several predefined asset parameters, an output data set is provided, i.e. is output, for example. The output data set here comprises confirmation information to be output by means of the or another user communication interface. For example, the user can receive confirmation via voice output that their user instruction was successful. Such confirmation information can be, for example, the term "OK" or "successful". In this regard, she mentions that various types of user communication interfaces are also possible; the input can, for example, be made via an audio interface, the output via a text communication interface (e.g. with the aforementioned chatbot) or vice versa.The confirmation information can be assigned to the execution instructions contained in the input data set; this can also be determined, in particular, by comparison with the syntax data set. For example, the "Execute Function" group can include not only the execution instructions "Start," "Execute," and "Carry Out," but also confirmation information to be output when such an execution instruction has been received. In the case of a "Output Properties" group, such confirmation information can, for example, be "has the value" in the sense of ". <eigenschaft>has the value <xyz>" include.

[0023] A computing system according to the invention, e.g. a central or local computing system or a combination of several individual computing systems or computing units, is configured, in particular in terms of programming, to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0024] Implementing a method according to the invention in the form of a computer program or computer program product with program code for performing all method steps is also advantageous, as this entails particularly low costs, especially if an executing control unit is also used for additional tasks and is therefore already present. Suitable data storage devices for providing the computer program include, in particular, magnetic, optical, and electrical storage devices, such as hard disks, flash memories, EEPROMs, DVDs, and others. Downloading a program via computer networks (Internet, intranet, etc.) is also possible.

[0025] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0026] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0027] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using an embodiment and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing. Character description Fig. 1 schematically shows an industrial environment with an asset to explain the invention. Fig. 2 shows schematically a flow of a method in one embodiment. Detailed description of the drawing

[0028] In Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an industrial environment 100 with an asset 110 for explaining the invention. The asset 110 is, for example, a tool embodied as a drilling machine. The drilling machine 110 has a control unit 112, which is connected to a central computing system 120 for data transmission, e.g., via a wireless communication link. In this way, the control unit 112 can, for example, receive control instructions for operating the drilling machine and also transmit data, e.g., from the drilling machine, to the computing system 120.

[0029] Furthermore, a user communication interface 122 configured as an audio interface is provided. This can be, for example, a microphone and speaker system that can capture and digitize speech or audio in general. An audio data set obtained in this way can then be transferred to the computing system 120. For this purpose, the audio interface 122 can be integrated into the computing system 120 or otherwise connected to it via data transmission.

[0030] A user designated 130, who wants to operate the drilling machine 110, for example, can now generate a user instruction 132, e.g. in the form of a voice command, which is then processed accordingly. This will be explained below with reference to Fig. 2 will be explained in more detail.

[0031] In Fig. 2 schematically shows a sequence of a method in one embodiment that is used to operate an asset in an industrial environment, such as the drilling machine 110 according to Fig. 1. For this purpose, an asset data set, e.g. in the form of a so-called administration shell, and a syntax data set, e.g. in the form of a database, are used. Both the asset data set and the syntax data set can be stored, e.g., on a computer system such as the computer system 120 according to Fig. 1 and can be accessed during operation of the computer system. It is understood that the asset record and syntax record can also be provided in other ways.

[0032] In step 200, a user issues user instructions 202, such as in Fig. 1. This can be done, for example, in the form of a voice command. For the following explanations, the voice command should be: "Start drilling." The user instructions 202 include execution instructions 202.1 - here "Start" - and asset parameters 202.2 - here "Drilling." This voice command is then transmitted by an audio interface such as in Fig. 1, is captured, converted (digitized) into an input data set or, more specifically, an audio input data set 204, which is then made available, for example, in the computing system in step 206.

[0033] In step 208, it is then determined or checked whether the user instructions 202 comprise one or more predefined execution instructions. This is done, for example, by comparing them with a syntax data set 210 that comprises several predefined execution instructions. Specifically, such a syntax data set 210 can have the following structure, for example: Signal words - Group "Execute Function" 210.1 ◯ Execution instructions ▪ “Start <funktionsname>" 210.11 ▪ “Lead <funktionsname>from" 210.12 ▪ “Lead <funktion>through" 210.13 ▪ ... ◯ Confirmation information ▪ "OK" 224 - Group "Execute function with parameters" 210.2 ◯ Execution instructions ▪ “Start <funktionsname>with<Parameter xy> " ▪ ... ◯ Confirmation information ▪ "OK" - "Set Properties" group ◯ Execution instructions ▪ “Set < property name > to <wert>" ▪ ... ◯ Confirmation information ▪ "OK" - Output Properties group ◯ Execution instructions ▪ “Give <eigenschaftsname>out of" ▪ ... ◯ Confirmation information ▪ “Value of <eigenschaftsname>is on <wert>" - Group "Event Receive" ◯ Execution instructions • “Receive <ereignisname>" ▪ ... ◯ Confirmation information ▪ “< event name > with value <eigenschaftswert>received"

[0034] It should be noted here that the groups contained in the syntax data set, as well as the execution instructions and / or confirmation information contained therein, can also be modified or expanded. For example, the syntax data set is explained with German as the language, but the syntax data set can also be provided in another language or even in multiple languages, e.g., German and English. In the latter case, for example, the same commands are executed for certain commands regardless of the language used, and confirmations are output in the language used.

[0035] The syntax data set can therefore include a list of signal words, in particular predefined execution instructions, which are in turn grouped together. The execution instructions are the terms listed under the heading "Execution Instructions", excluding the terms enclosed in brackets <>; the latter refer to the specific group, e.g., functions.

[0036] For example, it checks whether the execution statement 202.1 "Start" appears as a term in the syntax data set or the syntax database, in particular as a predefined execution statement. However, it can also check whether any part of the user statement appears in the syntax data set, which will lead to the same result.

[0037] In step 212, it is determined or checked whether the user instructions 202 include one or more predefined asset parameters. This is done, for example, by comparing them with an asset data record 214 that includes several predefined asset parameters. Specifically, such an asset data record 214 can have the following structure, for example: - Submodel "Digital Nameplate" 214.1 ◯ Property "Serial Number" 214.11 ◯ Property "Manufacturer Name" 214.12 ◯ Property "Date of manufacture" 214.13 - Submodel "Asset Management" 214.2 ◯ "Switch on" function 214.21 ◯ "Switch off" function 214.22 ◯ Function "Drill" 214.23 - “Asset status” submodel 214.3 ◯ Event "Drill broken" 214.31 ◯ Event "Drill drills" 214.32

[0038] For example, it is checked whether the execution instruction 202.2 "Drilling" appears as a (semantic) term or entry in the asset data record 214 or in a submodel there, in particular as an asset parameter. However, it can also be checked, for example, whether any part of the user instruction appears in the asset data record, which will lead to the same result.

[0039] If the user instructions of the audio input data set include the one or more predetermined execution instructions and the one or more predetermined asset parameters, in step 216, operation instructions 218 are provided or issued to the asset to operate the asset according to the user instruction.

[0040] For example, if the user instructions do not include any corresponding execution instructions or any corresponding asset parameters, the operating instructions will not be provided. It is also conceivable that if the user instructions do not include any corresponding execution instructions, no check will be performed to determine whether the corresponding asset parameters are included.

[0041] Optionally, in step 220, if the user instructions of the audio input data set include the one or one of the several predefined execution instructions and the one or one of the several predefined asset parameters, an output data set, or specifically an audio output data set 222, can be provided or output. The audio output data set 222 includes confirmation information 224, which is output via the audio interface for the audio input data set (or possibly also another audio interface). This confirmation information 224 can also be included in the syntax data set 210 and, for example, be assigned to the execution instruction "Start" 210.11.

[0042] It should also be mentioned that the audio interface here is or can be connected directly to existing asset records, for example. This also applies generally to user communication interfaces instead of the audio interface. It is also conceivable, however, that the audio interface is implemented generically so that any asset records can be connected later. In this case, the audio interface can be connected to asset records that are to be added later, for example, via a registry for asset records. This enables, for example, that an asset record added later to the registry can be connected directly, even automatically, to the audio interface. In this case, it can also be useful for the user instruction to also include or address the asset in question, for example in the form "Start drilling with the drill."< / eigenschaftswert> < / ereignisname> < / wert> < / eigenschaftsname> < / eigenschaftsname> < / wert> < / funktionsname> < / funktion> < / funktionsname> < / funktionsname> < / xyz> < / eigenschaft>

Claims

[1] Method for operating an asset (110) in an industrial environment (100), comprising: Providing (206) or receiving an input data set (204) comprising user instructions (132, 202) captured via a user communication interface (122); Determine (208) whether the user instructions of the input record include one or one of several predefined execution instructions, in particular by comparison with a syntax record (210) that includes the one or the several predefined execution instructions; Determine (212) whether the user instructions of the input record include one or one of several predefined asset parameters, in particular by comparing with an asset record (214) that includes the one or more predefined asset parameters; if the user instructions of the input record include one or more of the predefined execution instructions and one or more of the predefined asset parameters: Provide (216) operating instructions (218) to the asset to operate the asset (110) according to the user instruction. [2] Method according to claim 1, further comprising, if the user instructions of the input data set include one or one of the several predefined execution instructions and one or one of the several predefined asset parameters: providing (220) or outputting an output data set (222) which includes confirmation information (224) to be output via the or another user communication interface. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the confirmation information is assigned to the execution instructions included in the input data set, and in particular is determined by comparison with the syntax data set (210). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein determining (208) whether the user instructions of the input data set comprise one of several predefined execution instructions is carried out by comparison with the syntax data set (210), and wherein the syntax data set comprises the several predefined execution instructions in several groups of different types of execution instructions, in particular in the form of a list with several semantic entries. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein determining (212) whether the user instructions of the input data set include one of several predefined asset parameters is done by comparison with the asset data set (214), wherein the asset data set includes one or more sub-models (214.1, 214.2, 214.3) of the asset, wherein the several predefined asset parameters are assigned to one sub-model or distributed among the several sub-models. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the several predetermined asset parameters of the one or at least one of the several sub-models is assigned to at least one of the following categories: properties of the asset, functions of the asset, events of the asset. [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein one or at least one of the multiple sub-models of the asset is a standardized sub-model of the asset. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the asset is a hardware and / or software component, an industrial device, a product, a sensor or a tool of the industrial environment. [9] Computing system (120) configured to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims. [10] Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computing system, cause it to execute the method according to claims 1 to 8. [11] Computer-readable data carrier on which the computer program according to claim 10 is stored.

Images