ARRANGEMENT WITH A TERMINAL DEVICE AND A HAND CONTROL AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE TERMINAL DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating, setting up, commissioning and / or testing an end device used in building technology, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 10 2014 103 367 A1 it is known that a control unit can communicate with an actuator unit, whereby the actuator unit must first be registered with the control unit, the registration being carried out by entering a unique address, such as an IPv6 network address, into the control unit.

[0003] From the source "MAC address - Wikipedia - Version of July 8, 2016", (20160708), URL: https: / / de.wikipedia.org / w / index.php?title=MAC-Adresse&oldid=155964461, (20210323), XP055788929 [A] "Determining and assigning a MAC address", page 3, it is known to integrate a MAC address, namely a hardware address of each individual network adapter, which serves as a unique identifier of the device in a computer network, into a serial number.

[0004] From Anonymous ET AL: "KNX Application Domain specific Standards - Logical Tag Extended", XP055576363 it is known that a report contains the serial number of a transmitter.

[0005] Devices connected to a KNX system, for example, typically include manual controls. Input and output devices, in particular, may have manual controls. These are usually provided to assist with the initial setup of individual KNX system devices.

[0006] However, for devices that do not yet have manual controls, operation proves difficult, for example during testing during and after commissioning, for diagnostic purposes and for simulating events or states.

[0007] KNX is a technical term for a fieldbus used in building automation. In a KNX system, such a fieldbus is used for communication between system components.

[0008] Manual operation is integrated into the end devices themselves. This manual operation can include mechanical buttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, and / or graphic displays in the form of screens or LEDs.

[0009] More complex devices are often only partially and / or not intuitively operable due to the technology used.

[0010] Input and display options are often limited by the size of the end devices. Furthermore, costs arise for functions that are usually only used once during the lifespan or operating period of the end device.

[0011] Furthermore, especially with DIN rail-mounted devices (REG), the installation location is rarely the location of the effect, so that testing the function or effect of a terminal device may be difficult.

[0012] The installation location also affects the usability of the terminal device and can prevent or restrict manual operation, for example if a terminal device is installed in a hard-to-reach location.

[0013] Furthermore, there are known end devices, particularly decentralized control units, whose sensors are either not present or not usable at the time of commissioning. The sensors may, for example, include button interfaces to which no rocker switch has yet been attached, as these are usually high-quality design components that are only installed after the completion of a construction phase.

[0014] While sensors can provide real-time environmental data, testing often requires simulating other variables. For example, temperature, wind speed, CO2 concentrations, or similar parameters must be simulated to monitor the response of the connected devices.

[0015] The invention is therefore based on the objective of reliably testing and / or commissioning an end device as independently as possible from its configuration state and its environment.

[0016] According to the invention, the foregoing problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0017] According to the invention, it has been recognized that functions of a manual operation of an end device can also be performed by an external input device, which is not mechanically connected to it by physical lines or cables.

[0018] Functions of a handheld control, such as displaying, controlling, and simulating operating functions, can be outsourced to an external input device. This input device can be transported to a specific location to allow for immediate on-site testing of the effects caused by the device.

[0019] Furthermore, sensor values ​​can be easily simulated without using real components. This allows for better system testing.

[0020] Furthermore, an external hand control is significantly more flexible and therefore easier to handle, as it is freely configurable and not limited by the number or, in particular, the structural arrangement of the available input and output options.

[0021] The input device is advantageously designed as a smartphone or tablet PC. It is conceivable to use a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a similar input device. An operator of the end device can purchase such an input device once or, ideally, already owns one. This can save costs.

[0022] The procedure makes it possible to access systems remotely, especially systems that are not yet configured at all or only incompletely configured at the time of access.

[0023] Newly installed devices all have the same target address upon delivery. This target address cannot be used for remote control or commissioning if it is present multiple times within a system, as it is not unique.

[0024] Against this background, the connection is established by using the serial number of the terminal device to uniquely identify it as the communication partner for the input device. This enables an addressing method that does not require address changes in the terminal devices. The terminal devices are addressed by extending the addressing space with the serial number. This communication method also works in the factory default state, even if the target addresses of the terminal devices are not yet distinct, but their serial numbers are.

[0025] Manufacturer-specific communication extensions are used, eliminating the need to change the destination address. Specifically, telegrams are sent within the manufacturer-specific range, using the device's serial number as an address extension, thus enabling unambiguous identification of the communication partner.

[0026] For this purpose, the manufacturer-specific extensions of the application layer services "A_SystemNetworkParameter" or "A_NetworkParameter" can be used if communication takes place via a KNX system and is sufficient. Manufacturer-specific messages or standard messages can be integrated into these messages and extended with the serial number of the end device.

[0027] All devices receive the same telegram, but can identify the intended recipient using the added serial number. Only the device addressed by that serial number then processes the received telegram.

[0028] The connection is established advantageously by manually entering the serial number of the end device into the input device. This makes the process a serial number-based addressing method. This communication method also works in the factory default state, even if the destination addresses of the end devices are not yet distinct, but their serial numbers are. Entering both the destination address and the serial number into the input device ensures that, in the case of multiple destination addresses, the serial number is used for extended and unique addressing.

[0029] A further advantage is that the serial number of the terminal device is read from the input device by scanning a barcode. For example, a built-in camera in the input device can be used for this purpose. An application running on the input device then allows the serial number of the terminal device to be read. This serial number does not necessarily have to be located on the terminal device itself. Alternatively, the serial number can also be placed at the location where remote control is to take place. This can be done, for example, with stickers that are supplied with the terminal device. Using the serial number of the terminal device obtained from the barcode, the target address of the terminal device can be found, for example, using the service "A_IndividualAddressSerialNumber_Read" (reading a KNX-specific address via serial number). This is possible when a KNX system is used.If the input device knows the target address and serial number, these can be used for remote control.

[0030] A further advantage of establishing the connection is the use of a broadcast telegram. A broadcast telegram reaches all end devices of a system without requiring them to be explicitly specified as recipients. A broadcast is a message in which data packets are transmitted from a single point to all participants in a communication network. For remote control, commissioning, or diagnostics of individual components, point-to-point connection-oriented or connectionless telegrams are used between the input device and the end devices. In the case of extended addressing via serial number, broadcast or system broadcast telegrams are advantageously used. Determining the destination address and serial number via a broadcast telegram is achieved by locating end devices with the programming button pressed and transmitting the serial number.

[0031] A further advantage of establishing the connection is the use of at least one communication medium integrated into the input device. This communication medium can be an interface built into the input device, such as Wi-Fi (brand), Bluetooth (brand), Near Field Communication (NFC), or similar technologies. If a communication medium is used that establishes a direct connection between the input device and the end device, such as Bluetooth (brand) or NFC, manufacturer-specific communication extensions for remote control can be used directly.

[0032] The connection is most effectively established using a media coupler. For devices that do not have any of the aforementioned interfaces, communication with the building automation system is established via a media coupler, such as a KNX IP router and / or a standard Wi-Fi access point. This communication method can be extended with manufacturer-specific protocol extensions. These manufacturer-specific extensions can be used when implementing the procedure described here.

[0033] Even end devices that do not yet have a handheld control, but for which a handheld control would be advantageous for testing during and after commissioning, for diagnostic purposes and for simulating events or states, could be equipped with a handheld control.

[0034] The procedure described here can be implemented as a standard procedure applicable to already configured systems to establish communication between individual components. If such a standard procedure is not feasible, the procedure can be implemented as an addressing method, which leads to successful communication even if a system is not yet configured.

[0035] The advantage is that the end devices remain reachable despite topological inconsistencies, even across system components that are not yet fully parameterized, such as couplers. To enable point-to-point communication, both communication partners must know each other's address; this is made possible by the method described here.

[0036] The drawing shows Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a process carried out in the input device to determine the most effective method for executing remote control; Fig. 2 schematically shows point-to-point communication over the same communication medium; Fig. 3 schematically shows standard communication over the fieldbus protocol; Fig. 4 schematically shows communication over the fieldbus protocol where a temporary target address is assigned; and Fig. 5 schematically shows another communication over the fieldbus protocol.

[0037] Fig. 1 This diagram provides a schematic representation of the process carried out in the input device to determine the most effective method for executing remote control. The numbers in parentheses describe the sequence of steps.

[0038] Such a procedure for operating, setting up, commissioning and / or testing an end device used in building technology comprises the following steps: Establishing a connection between an end device with a first hand control and a separate input device with a second hand control,

[0039] Operating the second hand control to remotely control and operate the terminal from an operating location that is far from the installation location of the terminal.

[0040] First, the second handheld device is started (1). It checks whether a direct connection can be established between the input device and the terminal device (2). If this is possible, operation takes place directly via the provided protocol (3).

[0041] If this is not possible, the aforementioned procedure must be carried out by performing an addressing operation (4).

[0042] The system checks whether the terminal device has a valid destination address (5). If so, operation is carried out directly via the procedure with manufacturer-specific extensions to simulate manual operation (8).

[0043] If this is not the case, it is checked whether the terminal can be correctly addressed via a temporary destination address (6). If this is possible, a temporary destination address is set in the terminal (7) and the aforementioned procedure is carried out.

[0044] The connection is then established by the input device assigning a temporary destination address to the terminal device in order to uniquely identify it as the communication partner for the input device.

[0045] If a temporary destination address cannot be correctly assigned, the system checks whether the terminal can be reached via a broadcast or a system broadcast (10). If this is not possible, communication is not possible (9). Remote control is also not possible (12).

[0046] If the terminal device can be reached via a broadcast or system broadcast, operation is carried out directly via a manufacturer-specific extension of the procedure with manufacturer-specific extensions to simulate manual operation (11).

[0047] The connection is established by sending a broadcast telegram. Alternatively, the connection can be established by using the serial number of the terminal device to uniquely identify it as the communication partner for the input device.

[0048] Fig. 2shows an arrangement comprising at least one terminal device 14 for use in building technology, wherein the terminal device 14 has a first manual operation with which the terminal device 14 can be operated locally.

[0049] An input device 13 is provided which has a second hand control, wherein the terminal device 14 can be remotely controlled by the second hand control and wherein the input device 13 is physically and structurally separated from the terminal device 14.

[0050] The connection between input device 13 and terminal device 14 is established using the same communication medium. Point-to-point communication takes place over this same communication medium. Wi-Fi (brand), Bluetooth (brand), Near Field Communication (NFC), or similar technologies can be used.

[0051] Manufacturer-specific protocol extensions or manufacturer-specific remote control data are also used.

[0052] Fig. 3 schematically shows a standard communication via the fieldbus protocol.

[0053] An input device 13 can use a communication medium to establish a connection with the terminal device 14 via an access point 16. The input device 13 can use a media coupler 17 to establish a connection with the terminal device 14. The input device 13 can use a fieldbus-specific coupler 18 to establish a connection with the terminal device 14. A connection to the terminal device 14 can be established via fieldbus addressing. The fieldbus addressing is performed using manufacturer-specific remote control data.

[0054] Fig. 4 This schematically shows communication via the fieldbus protocol, where a temporary target address is assigned.

[0055] An input device 13' can use a communication medium to establish a connection with the terminal device 14' via an access point 16'. The input device 13' can use a media coupler 17' to establish a connection with the terminal device 14'. The input device 13' can use a fieldbus-specific coupler 18' to establish a connection with the terminal device 14'. A connection to the terminal device 14' can be established via fieldbus addressing. The fieldbus addressing is carried out using manufacturer-specific remote control data and the assignment of a temporary target address for the terminal device 14'.

[0056] In this respect, the connection is established by the input device 13' assigning a temporary destination address to the terminal device 14' in order to uniquely identify it as the communication partner for the input device 13'.

[0057] Fig. 5The diagram schematically shows communication via the fieldbus protocol, using a broadcast telegram or a broadcast or system broadcast for addressing.

[0058] An input device 13" can use a communication medium to establish a connection with the terminal device 14" via an access point 16". The input device 13" can use a media coupler 17" to establish a connection with the terminal device 14". The input device 13" can use a fieldbus-specific coupler 18" to establish a connection with the terminal device 14". A connection to the terminal device 14" can be established via fieldbus addressing. Fieldbus addressing is performed using manufacturer-specific remote control data and a broadcast telegram or a broadcast or system broadcast for addressing.

[0059] In this respect, the connection is established by sending a broadcast telegram. Preferably, the connection is established by using the serial number of the terminal device 14" to uniquely identify it as the communication partner for the input device 13". Reference symbol list

[0060] 13, 13', 13" Input device 14, 14', 14" Terminal device 16, 16', 16" Access point 17, 17', 17" Media coupler 18, 18', 18" Fieldbus-specific coupler

Claims

1. Method for operating, setting up, commissioning and / or testing a terminal (14, 14', 14'') that is used in buildings engineering, comprising the following steps: making a connection between a terminal (14, 14', 14'') and an input device (13, 13', 13"), which is separate from said terminal, using a hand-held control, operating the hand-held control in order to remotely control and operate the terminal (14, 14', 14'') from an operating location, which is remote from the installation location of the terminal (14, 14', 14"), characterized in that the connection is made by using the serial number of a terminal (14, 14', 14'') to uniquely define said terminal as a communication partner for the input device (13, 13', 13"), the connection being made, if the destination addresses of terminals in a system do not yet differ, yet the serial numbers of said terminals do, by sending a broadcast communication that uses a manufacturer-specific communication extension for addressing the terminal (14, 14', 14"), the serial number of the terminal (14, 14', 14'') being used as an address extension.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connection is made by manually entering the serial number of the terminal (14, 14', 14'') into the input device (13, 13', 13'').

3. Method according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the serial number of the terminal (14, 14', 14'') is read by the input device (13, 13', 13'') by acquiring a barcode.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection is made by sending a broadcast telegram as the broadcast communication.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection is made by using at least one communication medium provided in the input device (13, 13', 13''), and / or in that the connection is made by using a media coupler (17, 17', 17").