Method for a computer-aided installation of spatially decentralized electrical components of a machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for computer-supported installation of spatially decentralised electrical components (4) of a machine (1), in particular an electrical system (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for computer-aided installation of spatially decentralized electrical components of a machine

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of planning and assembly of machines such as automation systems, and in particular to a computer-aided installation of spatially decentralized electrical components of a machine.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The complexity and variety of automation systems that must be developed, planned, installed, maintained, and repaired are continually increasing. In all phases of the life cycle of such systems – be it development, planning, production, commissioning, operation, or maintenance – efficient and effective support for installers and planners through comprehensive and complete documentation is becoming increasingly important. Unfortunately, in practice, the existing documentation often falls short of this requirement. For example, poorly coordinated work processes or the use of inadequate documentation tools can lead to inadequate or incomplete recording of installation activities. These well-known circumstances inevitably lead to gaps in system documentation, which in turn makes reliable maintenance or repair of a system difficult, or in the worst case, even impossible.

[0006] The underlying object of this invention is in particular to provide a solution that enables a simple, fast, safe and error-free installation of electrical components and at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The subject matter of the invention is a method having the features of claim 1, a system having the features of claim 13, a computer program having the features of claim 14, and a device having the features of claim 15. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the system according to the invention, the computer program according to the invention, and the device according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made to each other.

[0009] The invention particularly relates to a preferably computer-implemented method for computer-assisted installation of spatially decentralized electrical components of a machine, in particular an electrical system, preferably an automation system. The following steps of the method can be provided, which are preferably carried out sequentially and / or repeatedly:

[0010] According to a first method step, provision can be made of an installation specification, in particular an electrical circuit diagram. The installation specification can specify an assignment of the respective components to one or more installation locations of the machine. The installation specification can, for example, be provided in digital form and, for this purpose, stored non-volatilely in a data storage device and / or a database. The electrical circuit diagram can, for example, have been created using software via a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface enables, for example, the selection and placement of symbolic representations of electrical equipment of the machine, e.g. the components. By using algorithms for connection detection and automatic connection routing, the equipment can be connected to one another in order to represent the electrical connections in the circuit diagram.In addition, data structures and validation rules can be implemented to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the circuit diagram. Installation locations for components can be defined in the circuit diagram and, if necessary, indicated in a connection diagram. The connection diagram can specify the exact positions and connections of these installation locations to enable a clear and unambiguous representation of the electrical wiring and connections. This allows installers to efficiently and correctly establish the connections between the equipment and the corresponding slots. The installation locations include, for example, physical slots and / or physical connections and / or local areas of the machine.The installation specification can specify an installation marking, in particular a device marking, and an article marking, in particular an article number, for each of the one or more installation locations, preferably as a unique marking. This enables a clear assignment of the components to the installation locations, which preferably represents the actual installation of the components on the machine.

[0011] Installation marking and, preferably, equipment marking refers in particular to the marking of components or, more generally, electrical equipment to provide information about their type and / or identity and / or function and / or properties and / or safety features. These markings can traditionally be indicated not only in the circuit diagram but also in the form of physical identification means such as stickers, signs, labels or markings affixed to the equipment itself. The installation or equipment marking can include important information such as the device designation and / or serial number and / or voltage range and / or power consumption and / or manufacturer's specifications and / or warnings and / or other relevant information. The installation or equipment marking can be determined during the planning of the machine and stored in the circuit diagram.In conventional solutions, the installation or equipment marking is also physically attached to the equipment such as the component.

[0012] According to a further method step, receiving an identifier of a component to be installed can be provided. In this case, the identifier can differ from the installation marking in the installation specifications and, in particular, from the conventionally used installation or equipment markings. As with these, the identifier can also be attached to the component via a physical identification means, e.g., printed on it. However, this can be done originally and generically for the components, independent of a specific circuit diagram or a specific installation. For example, components such as cables can originally be provided with a series and / or article marking, or a network-capable connection module can originally have a network address.The use of a physical identification means, such as a print of this information, enables simple, machine-based reading of the identifier in order to receive the read-in identifier in the form of digital data. Subsequently, according to a further method step, the received identifier can be assigned to at least one of the installation markings based on the article markings in the installation specification. In other words, the article markings can be used to determine which of the installation markings the received identifier can be assigned to. The installation markings can also indicate different installation locations for which the installation markings are specified by the installation specification.

[0013] The assignment thus enables, in a further process step, at least one of the installation locations for the installation of the component to be installed to be determined based on the assignment of the received identifier. In this case, several of the installation identifiers can be considered for the assignment, and thus also several installation locations, so that the desired installation location or installation identifier can be selected if necessary.

[0014] Thus, the invention not only makes it possible to dispense with the otherwise usual and complex subsequent attachment of the installation marking to the component, but it even allows a dynamic selection of suitable installation locations during installation.

[0015] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if the received identifier comprises a component identifier for the component to be installed, wherein the component identifier comprises a series identifier and / or an article identifier and / or a manufacturer identifier and / or network address, wherein preferably the article identifier of the component identifier and / or the article identifiers specified in the installation specification are each embodied as generic identifiers of the components. In contrast to conventional identifiers such as an equipment identifier, the component identifier can exclusively comprise original and thus generic identifiers of the component. This can reduce the effort and susceptibility to errors due to the subsequent application of such identifiers.

[0016] Furthermore, assigning the received identifier can further comprise: determining the generic suitability of the component to be installed for installation at at least one of the installation locations. For this purpose, the component to be installed can be assigned to at least one of the article identifiers specified for the installation locations in the installation specification based on the article identifier of the component identifier of the received identifier. For example, this can be done by simply comparing the article identifier of the component identifier with the article identifiers in the installation specification. The article identifiers in the installation specification are also assigned to the installation identifiers and thus to the installation locations (“specified for the installation location”), so that a (suitable) installation location for the component can also be determined in this way.The definition of the article markings and installation markings for the installation locations can be provided in such a way that the article markings indicate the suitability of the type specified by the article markings for installation at these installation locations. Suitability can therefore preferably be determined if the article markings indicate a match.

[0017] As a further step, at least one of the installation locations for which the component to be installed is suitable for installation can be selected. Since the article identifiers only indicate the type suitable for installation and not a specific component, several installation locations for the installation of the component can be considered. After the selection, the component identifier of the received identifier can be assigned, at least in part, in particular at least the series identifier, to the installation identifier specified for the selected installation location. In this way, the component can be specified for installation at the installation location and can therefore receive the installation identifier specified for the selected installation location.

[0018] For example, it can be provided that a respective type of component is specified both by the received identifier and by the article identifications in the installation specification, wherein, to determine the at least one installation location for the component to be installed, it can further be provided: determining a generic suitability of the component to be installed for installation at at least one of the installation locations by comparing the type of component to be installed with the types according to the article identifications in the installation specification in order to classify the component to be installed as suitable for installation at at least one of the installation locations. This enables dynamic and flexible assignment of the components, since a predetermined assignment to fixed installation locations can be dispensed with.In a further embodiment, the identifier may comprise an at least unique and preferably one-to-one identification for the component to be installed. Thus, although subsequent identification with conventional identifications is not necessary, the component to be installed can nevertheless be clearly and preferably one-to-one distinguished from other components, in particular also from other component manufacturers, as with conventional identification. This advantage over known solutions is preferably achieved by providing a combination of a serial identification and manufacturer identification or a network address to identify the component and preferably functionally replacing a component-side installation identification for the component to be installed.

[0019] It may optionally be possible for the procedure to include the following further steps:

[0020] - Selecting one of the determined installation locations for installing the component to be installed, preferably manually by a user, preferably via a graphical user interface, Determining a serial identification based on the received identifier, wherein the serial identification provides at least a unique identification of the component to be installed, Assigning the determined serial identification to the installation identification which is defined for the selected installation location, Storing, preferably non-volatilely storing, the assignment in the installation specification in order to update the installation specification, Providing the updated installation specification for further installation and / or maintenance of the machine.

[0021] The updated installation specification can thus be used for further installation of the machine. If necessary, the updated installation specification can also be accessed at least partially automatically in order to carry out and / or check the physical installation of the machine at least partially automatically, e.g., to check for correctness with respect to the installation specification. The serial marking can be designed to uniquely identify the component, and in particular a piece of equipment, and thus distinguish it from other components or equipment. Each of the serial markings used can therefore be unique to avoid confusion. For example, the serial markings can be designed as serial numbers with a combination of numbers and / or letters.

[0022] Furthermore, it is optionally provided that the procedure includes the following further step:

[0023] Initiating an output of installation information based on the assignment of the received identifier, wherein the installation information preferably comprises an indication of the at least one determined installation location and preferably of the at least one of the installation locations for which the component to be installed is suitable for installation.

[0024] Initiating the output may include at least one of the following steps:

[0025] Initiating a display of the at least one determined installation location on a user interface of a computer, wherein the user interface visualizes a digital twin of at least part of the machine, and preferably visualizes a topology and / or a mechanical and / or an electrical connection plan of at least part of the machine,

[0026] Initiating a display of at least one determined installation location using virtual and / or augmented reality,

[0027] Initiating an acoustic output, in particular a voice output, of the installation information,

[0028] Initiating a graphical display of the installation information, preferably with a graphical user interface, preferably in conjunction with a visualization of the machine.

[0029] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if the method comprises the following further steps:

[0030] - Selecting at least one or exactly one of the determined installation locations, wherein only a part of the determined installation locations is selected, identifying at least one installation suggestion for the installation of the component to be installed on the basis of the determined installation locations, wherein the at least one installation suggestion specifies the at least one or exactly one selected installation location, and initiating an output of installation information based on the at least one identified installation suggestion.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the installation information comprises installation instructions to assist a user during installation, and / or that initiating the output comprises at least one of the following steps:

[0032] Initiating a display of the at least one selected installation location for the component to be installed on a user interface of a computer, wherein the user interface visualizes a digital twin of at least one part of the machine, and preferably visualizes a topology and / or a mechanical and / or an electrical connection diagram of the part of the machine, Initiating a display of the at least one selected installation location of the component to be installed using virtual and / or augmented reality, Initiating an output of the installation instruction as an instruction for the user to use a desired installation location from a list of the plurality of selected installation locations for the installation and / or to mount the component to be installed at the, preferably desired, installation location,

[0033] Initiating an acoustic output, in particular a voice output, of the installation instructions,

[0034] Initiating a graphical display of the installation instructions, preferably with a graphical user interface, preferably in conjunction with a visualization of the machine,

[0035] Initiate a graphical display of a list of the multiple selected installation locations based on the installation suggestion.

[0036] Advantageously, the invention can provide that the components are designed as electrical operating means of the machine in the form of an electrical system, which are assigned to different types, wherein the components according to a first type comprise a plurality of decentrally arranged connecting elements, in particular cables, and according to a second type comprise a plurality of decentrally arranged connecting modules, wherein the connecting modules each comprise a plurality of connection points for electrical connection to the connecting elements in order to control further devices of the machine, in particular sensors and / or actuators, via the connecting elements.

[0037] Furthermore, the components and devices can be interconnected decentrally (in relation to a control cabinet otherwise intended for central installation) via the connection modules.

[0038] It is also possible for the received identifier to comprise a component identifier for the component to be installed, wherein the component identifier may comprise different ones of the following identifiers depending on the type of component to be installed: a unique identifier, a serial identifier, an article identifier, a manufacturer identifier, a network address, preferably a MAC address, a machine-readable code, preferably a QR code.

[0039] An identifier can comprise a physical identifier, e.g., a printed code and / or label affixed to a component, and in particular to a housing or other element for the component. If the component is, for example, a sensor, actuator, or module, the identifier can be affixed directly to a housing of the component, e.g., glued or printed thereon. If the component is a cable, the identifier can be attached to the cable, e.g., with cable ties or cable clips. Alternatively, the identifier can be printed or glued directly onto the cable. The identifier can be affixed to a label, which may contain additional information. This additional information could be, for example, references to a functionality of the component, further manufacturer information, or other product markings.

[0040] In addition, the physical identifier may include and / or display a code such as a barcode and / or Data Matrix Code (DMC). This may have the advantage that the physical identifier is more compact and can preferably be easily and quickly scanned to verify the identity of the product or component. It is also possible for the physical identifier code to be processed with other systems, such as a warehouse management system, to facilitate traceability. The Data Matrix Code (DMC) is a particularly suitable technology as it enables a high density of information in a small space and can still be used even in poor lighting conditions or if the code is damaged. The code may, for example, indicate a manufacturer-specific information and / or a serial number and / or an item number and / or a manufacturer's number and / or a network address for the component.

[0041] Furthermore, the identifier can also comprise a digital identifier. In particular, the received identifier is embodied as a digital identifier. The digital identifier can result from digitizing the physical identifier and can therefore represent the content represented by the physical identifier in digital form. Digitization is possible, for example, by reading and / or capturing an image and / or scanning the physical identifier. It is also possible for the physical identifier to be embodied as an NFC tag or the like and can therefore be read and digitized by electromagnetic detection. Converting the identifier from its physical to its digital form enables digital processing of the identifier and thus a high degree of automation. Conversion / digitization orReading may also include OCR (Optical Character Recognition) of the physical identifier and / or recognition of the data matrix.

[0042] The received (digital) and / or physical identifier can include a component identifier for the component to be installed. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the component identifier includes a serial identifier and / or an article identifier and / or a manufacturer identifier and / or network address for the component. The component identifier and / or the serial identifier and / or the article identifier and / or the manufacturer identifier and / or the network address can each be specified on the physical identifier, for example in text form and / or as a code, in particular as a data matrix code (DMC). This can have the advantage that the components can be identified quickly and uniquely, thus enabling quick and efficient checking of the components and the installation process. A mixed form is also conceivable. For example:Specifically, the serial number can be specified as a code and the article and / or manufacturer identification and / or the network address can be specified as text.

[0043] Since the code may not be sufficient to provide a unique or one-to-one identifier, the received identifier may also result from reading in additional text information. Thus, the physical identifier may also include text, possibly located next to the code, which is recognized, for example, by optical character recognition (OCR). During reading, the recognized text can be combined with the recognized code to provide the digital identifier. For this purpose, the physical identifier is scanned as an image containing the text and the code, for example, using a mobile device such as a smartphone, a camera, or a scanner.Using the scanned image, the code can then be decoded, and the remaining image can be evaluated using text recognition to determine the information for the digital identifier, such as the serial number, the article number, the manufacturer's number, and / or the network address. Processing, i.e., text recognition and / or decoding, can take place locally on the mobile device and / or cloud-based. It is also possible for the information to be processed in real time, which further increases efficiency. Using mobile devices such as smartphones or cameras, mobile identification can be performed directly in the field and, if necessary, on the already installed component, increasing flexibility and mobility.

[0044] It is conceivable for the identifier to have a serial identification, in particular a serial number, in order to identify the component to be installed - preferably uniquely - for the manufacturer of the component. The serial identification can be manufacturer-specific and thus ensure unique identification only for the manufacturer. Furthermore, it is possible for the identifier to have an article identification, preferably an article number, in order to identify the type and / or technical properties of the component. The article identification can also identify the component for the manufacturer - preferably uniquely. The article identification can also be manufacturer-specific and thus ensure unique identification only for the manufacturer of the component. In addition, the identifier can have a manufacturer identification that identifies the manufacturer of the component.The combination of article identification and manufacturer identification, or series identification and manufacturer identification, can also result in a unique identification for different manufacturers. This makes it possible to uniquely or uniquely identify components from different manufacturers using the identifier. It is also conceivable that the article number could be used to determine the technical properties of the component, and then automatically check the suitability of a component, such as a device from another manufacturer with a different article number.

[0045] Furthermore, it is possible for the method to comprise the following further steps: Verifying a selected installation location of the component to be installed based on the received identifier and the installation specification, in particular to determine whether a user has correctly implemented the installation information in the form of installation instructions for the selected installation location, wherein preferably, depending on the verification, an identifier for the installation specification is stored, and particularly preferably, in the case of a positive verification, the following step is carried out: Storing the identifier of the installation location as a correctly selected installation location in the installation specification; wherein advantageously, in the case of a negative verification, at least one of the following steps is carried out:

[0046] Storing an identification of the installation location as a changed selected installation location in the installation specification, preferably based on an installation parameter entered by the user, in particular a reason for the change, wherein preferably an indication of the reason for the change is also stored; and preferably:

[0047] Initiate a correction of the selected installation location according to the installation specification.

[0048] These steps can be carried out at least partially automatically to ensure the safest and most error-free installation possible.

[0049] Furthermore, it is possible that the installation specification includes a predefined specification on a modular and / or decentralized structure of the machine, in particular the electrical system, preferably an electrical and / or mechanical and / or network connection plan.

[0050] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the component to be installed is a connecting element, in particular a cable, and / or a connecting module for the decentralized connection of sensors and / or actuators via connecting elements to a control device.

[0051] Furthermore, it may be advantageous within the scope of the invention that the received identifier and / or preferably a component identification of the received identifier, in contrast to the installation identification, is an original identification of the component to be installed, wherein preferably the identifier and in particular the component identification has been attached to the component to be installed at the time of manufacture and / or at the time of assembly, in particular printed and / or applied and / or glued by laser engraving and / or laser inscription, wherein the identifier preferably comprises a code, in particular a barcode or QR code, in order to be detected for reception by a reading device.

[0052] The invention also relates to a system comprising at least: one or more components (each) with an identifier, wherein the identifier is designed to identify the component at least uniquely and according to the type, a reading device for detecting the identifier, a device (in particular according to the invention) for data processing which is designed to receive the detected identifier and to assign it to at least one installation identifier on the basis of type-specific identifiers, in particular an article identifier, in an installation specification for a computer-supported, decentralized installation of the electrical component in a machine.

[0053] The system according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention. Furthermore, the system can be suitable for carrying out the steps of a method according to the invention.

[0054] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of a method according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention may relate to a data processing device comprising means for executing the steps of a method according to the invention.

[0055] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show:

[0056] Fig. 1 A central connection in a machine using a control cabinet.

[0057] Fig. 2 A decentralized interconnection according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 3 A schematic representation of embodiments of the invention.

[0058] Fig. 4 A schematic visualization of process steps.

[0059] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0060] Planning, installing, and setting up machines and electronic automation technology is a complex task. This applies to centralized control cabinet systems (see Fig. 1) as well as to decentralized systems (see Fig. 2), in which control modules are attached directly to the equipment. The corresponding processes are carried out by different people, such as system planners, electrical engineers, installers, system programmers, etc. A special feature of decentralized systems is the distribution of modules at different locations within a machine compared to centralized control cabinet systems.

[0061] Fig. 1 schematically shows a central interconnection by means of a control cabinet 9 in order to compare this with a decentralized interconnection by means of spatially decentralized, electrical components 4 of a machine 1 in Fig. 2. The components 4 can, according to embodiments of the invention, comprise various types such as connecting elements 60, for example cables, and connecting modules 50. Instead of connecting all devices 5, such as sensors and actuators, directly to the control cabinet 9 - as shown in Fig. 1 - in the decentralized interconnection in Fig. 2, several components 4, in particular the connecting modules 50, can be used to interconnect the devices 5 in the field. The connecting modules 50, like the control cabinet 9, enable the devices 5 to be coupled to a control device 8, such as a PLC (i.e. a programmable logic controller).However, the connection modules 50 can be provided in a decentralized manner and distributed near the devices 5. In other words, a central control cabinet 9 is at least partially divided into several decentralized connection modules 50. The connection modules 50 thus only partially interconnect the devices 5, whereby the connection modules 50 together or, for example, one and / or more connection modules 50 can each perform the entire interconnection via one and / or more hubs 6. To enable the configuration and / or control of the connection modules 50 centrally, a controller module 3 (also referred to as master module 3) can be connected upstream of several of the individual connection modules 50. The controller module 3 can then configure the connection modules 50 connected to it via a data connection and preferably a data network. The connection modules 50 connected to it can accordingly be regarded as peripheral connection modules 50.It is also possible for the interconnection to be further subdivided by means of at least one hub 6.

[0062] Fig. 3 shows parts of a system 2 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The system 2 can be provided for computer-assisted installation of spatially decentralized electrical components 4 of a machine 1. The components 4 can thus comprise at least some of the operating resources required for the installation and thus for providing the function of the machine 1. To improve the installation, the components 4 can each comprise an identifier 11 which is designed to identify the component 4 at least uniquely and / or generically. For this purpose, the identifier 11 can have a component identifier 200 which can result from a combination or compilation of several individual identifiers such as an article identifier 201 and / or a series identifier 202 and / or a manufacturer identifier 203 and / or a network address 208.It is also possible for the component identifier 200 to have only one of these identifiers, e.g., the network address 208. Furthermore, the system 2 may include a reader 22 for detecting the identifier 11. The reader 22 may be embodied as a mobile, portable device that a user can use directly on the component 4, such as a cable 60, to detect the identifier 11.

[0063] According to embodiments of the invention, a device 30 can be provided in the system 2 for data processing. The device 30, specifically a computer program 20 in a data memory 33 of the device 30, can receive the detected identifier 11 and assign it to at least one installation identifier 230 based on generic identifiers 201 in an installation specification 300 for the computer-assisted, decentralized installation of the electrical components 4 in a machine 1.

[0064] The installation specification 300 can be embodied as an electrical circuit diagram and provided digitally. For this purpose, the installation specification 300 is stored at least partially in the data memory 33 of the device 30 and / or in an external data memory (e.g., a cloud-based database) in a non-volatile manner. For this purpose, the installation specification 300 is embodied, for example, as a digital electrical circuit diagram 300, which in particular has a (digitized) connection plan. In Fig. 3, the installation specification 300 is schematically illustrated such that a plurality of installation markings 230, in particular each in the form of an equipment marking, and article markings 201, in particular each in the form of an article number, are assigned to one another and defined for a plurality of installation locations 301. The installation locations 301 are, for example, the connections of the machine 1 provided for the installation and include, for example, the connections shown in Fig.3 shown connection points 42 of the connection modules 50. The components 4 can comprise connecting elements 60 such as cables or also the connection modules 50, which, depending on the type, can be connected to one or more of the connections of the machine 1 according to the connection plan. The article identification 201 can specify the type and the installation identification 230 can be uniquely assigned to the installation location 301, i.e., for example, one of the connection points 42. Thus, based on the assignment of the installation identifications 230 to the article identifications 201 in the installation specification 300, it is possible to recognize at which installation locations 301 a certain component 4 can be connected based on its type. Thus, a specific component 4, e.g.A specific cable of a specific type and with a specific serial number cannot be assigned to a specific installation location 301 in the installation specification 300 from the outset – it is sufficient to make this assignment flexibly during installation. Once the assignment is made, e.g., triggered by scanning the identifier 11 (so that the device 30 can receive the identifier 11) and after selecting one of the subsequently determined installation locations 301, the assignment can be permanently stored in the installation specification 300 in order to document the installation accordingly.

[0065] It is conceivable that an automated check is subsequently performed to determine whether component 4 has actually been connected to the selected installation location 301. For this purpose, for example, the component identification 200 of the connected component 4 can be determined and compared with the stored assignment in the installation specification 300.

[0066] Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows a computer program 20 according to embodiments of the invention, which includes instructions which, when executed by a computer 30, cause the computer 30 to carry out the steps of the method 100 according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4 visualizes method steps of the method 100. According to a first method step 101, it can be provided that the installation specification 300 is first provided. The installation specification 300 is used for installation, as it assigns the components 4 to one or more installation locations 301 of the machine 1. In other words, the installation specification 300 specifies the installation locations 301 at which the components 4 are to be installed according to a predefined plan.This assignment can be specified step by step for all components 4 during installation, but previously only with regard to the required type of components 4 in the installation specification 300. Therefore, the installation specification 300 can specify an installation identifier 230, in particular a device identifier, and an article identifier, in particular an article number, for each of the one or more installation locations 301, preferably as a unique identifier. The article identifier 230 can specify the required type of component 4 for one of the installation locations 301, and the installation identifier 230 can unambiguously assign the yet-to-be-specified component 4 to this installation location 301 according to the required type.

[0067] In order to carry out the above-mentioned specification of component 4, the identifier 11 of a component 4 to be installed of the components 4 can first be received according to a second method step 102 and assigned according to a third method step 103 to at least one of the installation identifiers 230 on the basis of the article identifiers 201 in the installation specification 300. Subsequently, according to a fourth method step 104, at least one of the installation locations 301 for the installation of the component 4 to be installed can be determined on the basis of the assignment 103 of the received identifier 11. In other words: those installation locations 301 for the installation of the component 4 to be installed and thus as installation locations 301 suitable for installation can be determined for which an article identifier 201 is specified in the installation specification 300 that indicates the type of component 4 to be installed.For one of these determined installation locations 301 and the installation identifier 230 defined for this installation location 301, the component 4 that is installed at this installation location 301 can then be specified. The installation at this installation location 301 can further be documented, e.g., by storing at least part of the identifier 11 in the installation template 300 assigned to the installation identifier 230 defined for the selected installation location 301. The received identifier 11 can be used to enable the determination of the installation locations 301 for which such an article identifier 201 is defined in the installation specification 300, which indicates the type of component 4 to be installed.For this purpose, the received identifier 11 can comprise a component identifier 200 for the component 4 to be installed, wherein the component identifier 200 preferably comprises a serial identifier 202 and / or an article identifier 201 and / or a manufacturer identifier 203 and / or network address 208 (see Fig. 3). This makes it possible to determine the generic suitability of the component 4 to be installed for installation at at least one of the installation locations 301. For this purpose, the component 4 to be installed can be assigned to at least one of the article identifiers 201 specified for the installation locations 301 in the installation specification 300 based on the article identifier 201 of the component identifier 200 of the received identifier 11, for example by determining which of the article identifiers 201 in the installation specification 300 the article identifier 201 of the component identifier 200 matches.The installation locations 301 for which these matching article identifiers 201 are defined are determined in this way and can be selected for installation. In order to document the installation at the selected installation location 301, the component identifier 200 of the received identifier 11 can then be assigned at least partially, in particular at least the serial identifier 202, to the installation identifier 230 defined for the selected installation location 301. The selection can be made manually by a user, e.g., via a graphical user interface 32 (see Fig. 3). The installation specification 300 updated after the documentation can then be used for the further implementation of the installation of the machine 1 and can be successively updated again with each installation of one of the components 4.

[0068] The method 100 according to embodiments of the invention not only enables a dynamic specification of the components 4 to specific installation locations 301, but also further support for a user (e.g., an installer) during installation. For example, according to Fig. 3, installation information can be output based on the assignment 103 of the received identifier, in particular on a graphical user interface 32 and / or via display elements 41 of the connection modules 50. The installation information enables an indication of the at least one determined installation location 301 and preferably of the at least one of the installation locations 301 for which the component 4 to be installed is suitable for installation. The installation locations 301 include, for example, the connection points 42, to which one of the display elements 41 can each be assigned.The assignment can be made clearer to a user by the corresponding spatial arrangement of the display elements 41 in proximity to the respectively assigned connection points 42 on the connection module 50, as can be seen by way of example in Fig. 3. For the output of the installation information, for example, the display elements 41 can be activated to display the associated connection points 42 that correspond to the determined installation locations 301. The user can then make the selection, which can again be visually confirmed by the display elements 41 if necessary.

[0069] The installation location 301 can also be selected automatically, e.g., according to predefined criteria to determine the best fit. The selected installation location 301 can then be output as an installation suggestion.

[0070] For displaying the at least one determined installation location 301 on the user interface 32 of a computer 31, it can be provided that the user interface 32 visualizes a digital twin of at least part of the machine 1, and preferably visualizes a topology and / or a mechanical and / or electrical connection diagram of at least part of the machine 1. Thus, it is possible to visually indicate a type of map with the installation locations 301, on which the determined installation locations 301 are highlighted. Similarly, the determined installation locations 301 can be displayed using virtual and / or augmented reality or communicated via an acoustic output.

[0071] According to Fig. 3, the received identifier 11 and / or preferably a component identifier 200 of the received identifier 11, in contrast to the installation identifier 230, can be an original identifier of the component 4 to be installed. This means, in particular, that the identifier 11 does not have to be subsequently generated based on an installation specification 300. On the contrary, the identifier 11 can always be the same for different installations and installation specifications 300, in particular since it is unique for the specific component 4. For example, the identifier 11 can have been attached to the component 4 to be installed at the time of manufacture and / or at the time of assembly, in particular printed and / or by laser engraving and / or laser inscription, wherein the identifier 11 can comprise a code, in particular a barcode or QR code.

[0072] The method 100 may provide at least one of the following support options for an installation:

[0073] Supporting the user during installation, especially cabling,

[0074] Supporting the user in documenting the installation,

[0075] User support during testing / automated testing,

[0076] Supporting the user during disassembly,

[0077] Engineering support in planning,

[0078] Support for the PLC programmer.

[0079] To avoid errors in installation documentation that can arise from manually entering information, the automated storage described above can be advantageous. For example, all information is stored in the correct location in the various installation specifications documents, such as the circuit diagram or the connection plan. The person performing the respective step then only needs to acknowledge the entries.

[0080] Relevant information that the installation documentation may include includes:

[0081] Which component was used (unique, preferably one-to-one identifier)?

[0082] On which machine and at which location on the machine was the specific component attached?

[0083] Who connected it and when?

[0084] To which port or connection point was the cable connected?

[0085] How was the cable connected?

[0086] Was the component connected correctly?

[0087] Were there any deviations from the plan? The components mentioned could be, for example, components 4 and / or other components of machine 1. The installation documentation can, for example, document at least one of the following information: User work steps with additional information on the work steps such as processing time, which machine is being worked on, which user, for example which installer or fitter, carried out the activities and when, which component has been wired and / or cabled, has the assembly step been completed, which port / connection point was used, are there any open cables and what are the properties of the open cable, e.g. length, ambient parameters, e.g. temperature, humidity, current project status, protection class, e.g. IP67. The user, in particular the worker, can also enter the reason for the deviation from the plan. The installation documentation can, for example,stored in a database. A user can trigger the documentation with physical actions (keystroke, screen, double-click).

[0088] Furthermore, an evaluation unit can be provided that evaluates the documented information, preferably the user's processing times for the respective work steps. An artificial intelligence method can also be used for this purpose, which, for example, optimizes the results of the evaluation unit. The results show the user optimization potential for making a machine more efficient in the future, optimizing components or assemblies, and improving assembly and disassembly processes. Furthermore, the comments are taken into account in the event of deviations from the plan.

[0089] It is also possible for the documentation to work with components 4 that are not preconfigured or connected to a PLC. This avoids errors that can arise from using modules that are externally identical but differently configured. Due to the communication capability of the connection modules 50 and the integration of all relevant information, the system can also be used to guide the user during the installation of the automation technology. The systematic collection and documentation of all relevant information, such as the components used, the execution of installation and maintenance tasks, or any problems that have occurred, further leads to reliable knowledge of the current system status.By automatically collecting and assigning this information, the process is significantly accelerated and human installers are relieved of the documentation task. By automatically collecting and storing information to be documented, the risk of missing and / or incorrect documentation can be significantly reduced.

[0090] The system 2 shown in Fig. 3 according to embodiments of the invention may further comprise at least one information interface in order to be able to provide the method steps of a method 100. The at least one information interface may comprise at least one of the following information interfaces for transmitting information:

[0091] Between the system 2 and the user, in particular a worker and / or a planner and / or a programmer, e.g. for the transmission of work instructions and / or project status and / or for the optimization of planning,

[0092] Between the user and system 2, e.g. to transmit confirmations of the completed work steps and / or comments on the completed work steps,

[0093] Between system 2 and components 4,

[0094] Between the system 2 via a component 4 to one or more devices 5 such as actuators and / or sensors,

[0095] Between system 2 via a component 4 to a hub 6.

[0096] The information can be transmitted as a bidirectional information transfer between the system 2 and the components 4, in particular connection modules 50. This can be carried out without the individual components 4 being connected to a control system of the machine 1 (PLC 8) and / or being preconfigured for their future tasks in the machine 1.

[0097] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, with an element or device corresponding to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, element, or feature of a corresponding device.

[0098] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented on a computer system. The computer system may be a local computing device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, or mobile phone) having one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or a distributed computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system having one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed at different locations, e.g., at a local client and / or one or more remote server farms and / or data centers). The computer system may include any circuitry or combination of circuitry. In one embodiment, the computer system may include one or more processors of any type. As used herein, the term "processor" may refer to any type of computing circuitry, e.g.,a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a multi-core processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other type of processor or processing circuit. Other types of circuitry that may be included in the computer system may be a custom circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or similar, such as one or more circuits (e.g., a communications circuit) for use in wireless devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems.The computer system may include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more storage elements suitable for the particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disks, and / or one or more drives that handle removable media such as compact disks (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), and the like. The computer system may also include a display device, one or more speakers, and a keyboard and / or a control device, which may include a mouse, a trackball, a touchscreen, a speech recognition device, or other device that enables a system user to input information to and receive information from the computer system.

[0099] Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as a processor, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the key method steps may be performed by such a device. Depending on particular implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation may be performed using a non-transferable storage medium such as a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a FLASH memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored that interact (or can interact) with a programmable computer system to perform the respective method.Therefore, the digital storage medium can be computer-readable.

[0100] Some embodiments of the invention comprise a data carrier with electronically readable control signals capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system so that one of the methods described herein is carried out.

[0101] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with program code, wherein the program code serves to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer. The program code can, for example, be stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0102] Other embodiments include the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0103] In other words, one embodiment of the present invention is therefore a computer program having a program code for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0104] A further embodiment of the present invention is therefore a storage medium (or a data carrier or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein is stored when executed by a processor. The data carrier, the digital storage medium, or the recorded medium is typically tangible and / or non-transferable. A further embodiment of the present invention is a device as described herein, comprising a processor and the storage medium.

[0105] A further embodiment of the invention is therefore a data stream or a sequence of signals that represent the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein. The data stream or signal sequence can, for example, be designed such that it can be transmitted via a data communication connection, e.g., via the Internet.

[0106] Another embodiment comprises a processing means, e.g., a computer or a programmable logic device, configured or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0107] A further embodiment comprises a computer on which the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein is installed.

[0108] A further embodiment of the invention comprises a device or system configured to transmit a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a recipient (e.g., electronically or optically). The recipient may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, or the like. The device or system may, for example, comprise a file server for transmitting the computer program to the recipient.

[0109] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field-programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware device.

[0110] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0111] machine, plant

[0112] system

[0113] Master module

[0114] Component, connection module, module, switch, cable

[0115] Devices, sensors, actuators

[0116] Hub

[0117] Control device, PLC

[0118] control cabinet

[0119] Identifier

[0120] computer program

[0121] Detection device, reader

[0122] device

[0123] computer

[0124] user interface

[0125] Data storage

[0126] Display element

[0127] connection point, slot, connection point

[0128] Connection module

[0129] Connecting element, cable Process first process step second process step third process step

[0130] Component labeling

[0131] Article labeling

[0132] Serial marking

[0133] Manufacturer labeling

[0134] Network address

[0135] Installation marking

[0136] Installation specifications

[0137] Installation location

Claims

Claims 1. Method (100) for a computer-aided installation of spatially decentralized electrical components (4) of a machine (1), in particular of an electrical system (1), comprising: Providing (101) an installation specification (300), in particular an electrical circuit diagram (300), which specifies an assignment of the respective components (4) to one or more installation locations (301) of the machine (1), wherein the installation specification (300) specifies an installation marking (230), in particular an operating equipment marking, and an article marking (201), in particular an article number, for each of the one or more installation locations (301), Receiving (102) an identifier (11) of a component (4) to be installed of the components (4), Assigning (103) the received identifier (11) to at least one of the installation identifiers (230) on the basis of the article identifiers (201) in the installation specification (300), Determining (104) at least one of the installation locations (301) for the installation of the component (4) to be installed on the basis of the assignment (103) of the received identifier (11).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the received identifier (11) comprises a component identifier (200) for the component (4) to be installed, wherein the component identifier (200) comprises a serial identifier (202) and / or an article identifier (201) and / or a manufacturer identifier (203) and / or a network address (208), wherein preferably the article identifier (201) of the component identifier (200) and / or the article identifiers (201) defined in the installation specification (300) are each designed as generic identifiers of the components (4), wherein the assignment (103) of the received identifier (11) further comprises: determining a generic suitability of the component (4) to be installed for installation at at least one of the installation locations (301),wherein for this purpose the component (4) to be installed is assigned to at least one of the article identifiers (201) defined for the installation locations (301) in the installation specification (300) based on the article identifier (201) of the component identifier (200) of the received identifier (11), and preferably the suitability is determined when the article identifiers (201) indicate a match, - selecting at least one of the installation locations (301) for which the component (4) to be installed is suitable for installation, assigning the component identifier (200) of the received identifier (11) at least partially, in particular at least the serial identifier (202), to the installation identifier (230) defined for the selected installation location (301).

3. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective type of components (4) is specified both by the received identifier (11) and by the article identifiers (201) in the installation specification (300), wherein for determining the at least one installation location (301) for the component (4) to be installed, it is further provided: Determining a generic suitability of the component (4) to be installed for installation at at least one of the installation locations (301), by comparing the generic type of the component (4) to be installed with the generic types according to the article markings (201) in the installation specification (300) in order to classify the component (4) to be installed as suitable for installation at at least one of the installation locations (301).

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identifier (11) comprises an at least unique and preferably one-to-one identification for the component (4) to be installed in order to clearly and preferably one-to-one distinguish the component (4) to be installed from the other components (4), in particular also from other manufacturers of the components (4), preferably in that a combination of a serial identification (202) and manufacturer identification (203) or a network address (208) is provided for identifying the component (4) and preferably functionally replaces a component-side installation identification (230) in the component (4) to be installed for the installation.

5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) comprises the following further steps: - selecting one of the determined installation locations (301) for installing the component (4) to be installed, preferably manually by a user, determining a serial identifier (202) based on the received identifier (11), wherein the serial identifier (202) provides an at least unique identifier for the component (4) to be installed, assigning the determined serial identifier to the installation identifier (230) which is defined for the selected installation location (301), storing, preferably non-volatilely storing, the assignment in the installation specification (300) in order to update the installation specification (300), providing the updated installation specification (300) for further installation and / or maintenance of the machine (1).

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) comprises the further following step: Initiating an output of installation information based on the assignment (103) of the received identifier, wherein the installation information preferably comprises an indication of the at least one determined installation location (301) and preferably of the at least one of the installation locations (301) for which the component (4) to be installed is suitable for installation, wherein the initiation of the output preferably comprises at least one of the following steps: Initiating a display of the at least one determined installation location (301) on a user interface (32) of a computer (31), wherein the user interface (32) visualizes a digital twin of at least part of the machine (1), and preferably visualizes a topology and / or a mechanical and / or an electrical connection plan of at least part of the machine (1), Initiating a display of the at least one determined installation location (301) by means of virtual and / or augmented reality, Initiating an acoustic output, in particular a voice output, of the installation information, Initiating a graphical display of the installation information, preferably in a graphical user interface (32), preferably in connection with a visualization of the machine (1).

7. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) comprises the following further steps: - selecting at least one or exactly one of the determined installation locations (301), wherein only a part of the determined installation locations (301) is selected, Identifying at least one installation suggestion for the installation of the component (4) to be installed on the basis of the determined installation locations (301), wherein the at least one installation suggestion specifies the at least one or exactly one selected installation location (301), and Initiating an output of installation information based on the at least one identified installation suggestion.

8. The method (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the installation information comprises an installation instruction for assisting a user in the installation, wherein initiating the output comprises at least one of the following steps: Initiating a display of the at least one selected installation location (301) for the component (4) to be installed on a user interface (32) of a computer (31), wherein the user interface (32) visualizes a digital twin of at least a part of the machine (1), and preferably visualizes a topology and / or a mechanical and / or an electrical connection plan of the part of the machine (1), Initiating a display of the at least one selected installation location (301) of the component (4) to be installed by means of virtual and / or augmented reality, Initiating an output of the installation instruction as an instruction for the user to use a desired installation location (301) from a list of the plurality of selected installation locations (301) for the installation and / or to mount the component (4) to be installed at the preferably desired installation location (301), Initiating an acoustic output, in particular a voice output, of the installation instructions, Initiating a graphical display of the installation instructions, preferably in a graphical user interface (32), preferably in connection with a visualization of the machine (1), Initiating a graphical display of a list of the multiple selected installation locations (301) based on the installation suggestion.

9. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components (4) are designed as electrical operating means of the machine (1) in the form of an electrical system, which are assigned to different types, wherein the components (4) according to a first type comprise a plurality of decentrally arranged connecting elements (60), in particular cables, and according to a second type comprise a plurality of decentrally arranged connecting modules (50), wherein the connecting modules (50) each comprise a plurality of connection points (42) for electrical connection to the connecting elements (60) in order to control further devices (5) of the machine (1), in particular sensors and / or actuators, via the connecting elements (60), and wherein the components (4) and devices (5) are interconnected decentrally via the connecting modules (50).wherein the received identifier (11) comprises a component identification (200) for the component (4) to be installed, wherein the, Component identification (200) comprises, depending on a type of component (4) to be installed, different ones of the following identifications: a unique identification, a serial identification (202) and an article identification (201) and a manufacturer identification (203), a network address (208), preferably a MAC address, a machine-readable code, preferably a QR code.

10. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) comprises the following further steps: Verifying a selected installation location (301) of the component (4) to be installed on the basis of the received identifier (11) and the installation specification (300), in particular to determine whether a user has correctly implemented the installation information in the form of installation instructions for the selected installation location (301), wherein an identifier for the installation specification (300) is preferably stored as a function of the verification, and particularly preferably in the case of a positive verification the following step is carried out: Storing the identifier of the installation location (301) as a correctly selected installation location (301) in the installation specification (300);wherein, in the case of a negative verification, at least one of the following steps is advantageously carried out: Storing an identification of the installation location (301) as a changed selected installation location (301) in the installation specification (300), preferably based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular a reason for the change, wherein preferably an indication of the reason for the change is also stored; and preferably: Initiating a correction of the selected installation location (301) according to the installation specification (300).

11. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the installation specification (300) comprises a predefined specification about a modular and / or decentralized structure of the machine (1), in particular of the electrical system (1), preferably an electrical and / or mechanical and / or network connection plan, and / or that the component to be installed (4) is a connecting element (60), in particular a cable, and / or a connecting module for the decentralized connection of sensors and / or actuators via connecting elements to a control device (8).

12. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the received identifier (11) and / or preferably a component identification (200) of the received identifier (11), in contrast to the installation identification (230), is an original identification of the component (4) to be installed, wherein preferably the identifier (11) and in particular the component identification (200) has been attached to the component (4) to be installed at the time of manufacture and / or at the time of assembly, in particular printed and / or applied and / or glued by laser engraving and / or laser inscription, wherein the identifier (11) preferably comprises a code, in particular a barcode or QR code, in order to be detected for reception (102) by a reader (22).

13. System (2), comprising: - at least one component (4) with an identifier (11), wherein the identifier (11) is designed to identify the component (4) at least uniquely and according to the type, a reading device (22) for detecting the identifier (11), a device (30) for data processing which is designed to receive the detected identifier (11) and to assign it to at least one installation identifier (230) on the basis of generic identifiers in an installation specification (300) for a computer-assisted, decentralized installation of the electrical component (4) in a machine (1).

14. A computer program (20) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (20) is executed by a computer (31), cause the computer (31) to carry out the steps of the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A data processing device comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.