Methods for commissioning sensors and / or actuators on industrial plants

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for commissioning sensors and / or actuators on industrial plants. By using a mobile application and AI algorithms, the commissioning of sensors and / or actuators is automated and accelerated. Based on a photograph of the plant, the application determines target and limit values, which are then transmitted to a cloud instance to create pre-configured rules for warnings and alarms. This leads to optimized monitoring and increases plant availability and efficiency.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for commissioning sensors and / or actuators on industrial plants.

[0002] The commissioning and monitoring of systems is a necessary and crucial step for future efficiency. However, this process is often time-consuming and requires specialized technical and mechanical knowledge.

[0003] Document WO 2007 / 143 855 A1 discloses a system and method for real-time preventive maintenance of a molding plant, in which an out-of-tolerance condition is displayed based on the real-time operating status and a notification for preventive maintenance is generated.

[0004] Document US 2011 / 0082569A1 discloses methods and devices for managing data uploads in a process control environment, where an upload of a parameter value change is controlled based on an upload rule profile and a personnel classification to determine whether the upload should take place.

[0005] Document US 2015 0 287 318 A1 discloses an industrial-grade mobile device that wirelessly interacts with industrial equipment to read and write configuration settings, display log data, send commands, and perform analysis of images and videos to, for example, identify devices or translate error codes, as well as to facilitate remote technical support.

[0006] The purpose of the invention is to significantly simplify and accelerate this process.

[0007] The problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention provides a method for commissioning sensors and / or actuators in industrial plants, utilizing a mobile application. This application enables the quick and efficient commissioning of sensors, including wireless sensors, and / or actuators using a smartphone or tablet. According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: ▪ Provision of the application: A mobile application is provided for commissioning the sensors or actuators. ▪ Taking a photo: The user takes a photo of the system using the mobile application. ▪ Determination of target and limit values: AI algorithms analyze the photo and determine the target and limit values ​​of the system, for example for speed, current and vibration. ▪ Transfer to the cloud: The determined target and limit values ​​are automatically transferred to the user's cloud instance. ▪ Pre-configuration of rules: Based on the transmitted data, rules for warnings and alarms are pre-configured.

[0009] An advantageous further development of the invention provides that the mobile application has an interface for connecting to a label printer in order to print a label with the IP address and designation of the sensor. The label is then affixed to the sensor by the user.

[0010] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the mobile application automatically determines the location data of the installation situation via GPS or WLAN in order to store it in the cloud or to take local regulations, such as legal requirements, into account.

[0011] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the mobile application generates a dashboard with a photo of the system, location and widgets for monitoring machine data, which increases user-friendliness.

[0012] The advantages of the invention include, firstly, that the commissioning process of the sensors is accelerated without manual configuration, resulting in time savings. Secondly, user-friendliness is increased because the commissioning process is more intuitive and automated, making it easy for users without specialized knowledge. Furthermore, the AI ​​support eliminates the need for the commissioning engineer to have prior knowledge of the system. Finally, the invention also enables optimized system monitoring, as the automated determination of system parameters allows for the early detection and resolution of problems.

[0013] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

[0014] They show schematically: Fig. 1. Taking a photo of a sensor or actuator using a mobile application and Fig. 2. Connecting the mobile application to a cloud instance.

[0015] In the following description of preferred embodiments, identical reference numerals denote identical or comparable components.

[0016] A mobile application 2 provides users with a way to quickly and efficiently commission sensors 1 – including wireless sensors – or actuators 1 on industrial plants using their smartphone or tablet. Fig. Figure 1 represents a pump as an example of an actuator 1 and thus indirectly also of a sensor 1. Using a smartphone or tablet 2, a photo of the sensor or actuator 1, or of the entire system, is taken. The integration of AI algorithms enables a broad search of the internet and databases based on the photo of the system. This allows target and limit values ​​of the machine, for example, for speed, current, and vibration, to be determined. By simultaneously determining the location data of the installation via GPS or Wi-Fi, local regulations, such as legal requirements, can also be taken into account.

[0017] Fig.Figure 2 shows the connection of the mobile application 2 to a user's cloud instance 3. This allows target and limit values ​​to be automatically transferred to the condition monitoring system, symbolized by a laptop 5, and rules for warnings and alarms to be preconfigured. Furthermore, the mobile application 2 can display a dashboard 4 with a photo of the system, its location, and widgets for monitoring machine data.

Claims

[1] Method for commissioning sensors and / or actuators (1) on industrial plants, comprising the steps: a. Provision of a mobile application (2) for commissioning the sensors and / or actuators, b. Taking a photo of the facility using the mobile application (2), c. Determination of target and limit values ​​of the system based on the captured photo using AI algorithms, d. Transfer of the determined target and limit values ​​to a user's cloud instance (3), e. Preconfiguration of rules for warnings and alarms based on the transmitted setpoint and limit values. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the sensors (1) are wireless sensors. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mobile application (2) has an interface for connecting to a label printer in order to print a label with the IP address and designation of the sensor or actuator (1). [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile application (2) automatically determines the location data of the installation situation via GPS or WLAN. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile application (2) generates a dashboard (4) with a photo of the plant, location and widgets for monitoring machine data. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile application (2) transfers the photo documentation of the installation situation and the selected device designation to the user's cloud instance (3).

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