METHOD FOR PERFORMING OPERATING ACTIONS ON A FIELD DEVICE OF AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY BY MEANS OF AN OPERATING UNIT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for performing operating actions on a field device of automation technology by means of an operating unit.

[0002] Field devices are already known from the state of the art and are used in industrial plants. They are widely employed in process automation as well as in manufacturing automation. In principle, field devices are defined as all devices used close to the process that provide or process process-relevant information. Thus, field devices are used to acquire and / or influence process variables. Measuring instruments or sensors are used to acquire process variables. These are used, for example, for measuring pressure and temperature, conductivity, flow rate, pH, level, etc., and acquire the corresponding process variables such as pressure, temperature, conductivity, pH value, level, and flow rate. Actuators are used to influence process variables.These include, for example, pumps or valves that can influence the flow of a liquid in a pipe or the fill level in a container. In addition to the aforementioned measuring devices and actuators, field devices also include remote I / Os, radio adapters, and generally any devices located at the field level.

[0003] A large number of such field devices are produced and distributed by the Endress+Hauser Group.

[0004] In modern industrial plants, field devices are typically connected to higher-level units via communication networks such as fieldbuses (Profibus®, Foundation® Fieldbus, HART®, etc.). These higher-level units are usually control systems or automation units, such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The higher-level units are used, among other things, for process control, process visualization, process monitoring, and commissioning of the field devices. The measured values ​​acquired by the field devices, especially sensors, are transmitted via the respective bus system to one (or possibly several) higher-level unit(s). Data transmission from the higher-level unit to the field devices via the bus system is also necessary, particularly for configuring and parameterizing field devices and controlling actuators.

[0005] To operate field devices, appropriate operating programs (operating tools) are required. These programs either run independently on the higher-level units (Endress+Hauser FieldCare, Pactware, AMS Fisher-Rosemount, Siemens PDM) or are integrated into control system applications (Siemens PCS7, ABB Symphony, Emerson Delta V). It is also possible to run the operating programs on a mobile operating device to control the field devices. Operation specifically involves parameterizing, configuring, and reading data from a field device.

[0006] US20150135117A1 discloses a device and a method for the user-defined viewing and control of field devices through user-defined groups and actions in a process control system. The user-defined groups can be used to trigger various actions, including user-defined actions that may not be required for other groups of field devices (e.g., non-critical field devices or ungrouped field devices).

[0007] EP3296826A1 discloses a method for using mobile communication terminals to connect to control and regulating devices in building automation systems and to document their status, solving the problem of inadequate documentation and improving the efficiency and transparency of commissioning processes by enabling efficient data acquisition and navigation to the device locations.

[0008] To execute a use case (for example, commissioning a field device, a loop test – i.e., testing the correct function of the communication loop connected to the field device – maintenance of a field device, replacing an old device with a new one, a firmware update of a field device, etc.), the operator must perform a multitude of actions. The following example describes the problem of performing a loop test on a field device: During commissioning, an operator must connect to each field device to be commissioned and its device driver via an operator interface (for example, a device configuration tool such as the Field Xperts produced and distributed by the applicant). This connection can be made via a frame application running on the operator interface, in particular an FDT frame application.

[0009] US20180024847A1 discloses a method for performing operator actions on field devices using portable industrial devices. The portable industrial device is configured to send and receive communication signals with a field device.

[0010] Within this device driver (for example, a DTM if used as an FDT frame application), the operator selects the loop test function. However, the correct location of the loop test function is often different in the drivers of various field device types. Finding the correct function within the device driver can therefore be time-consuming.

[0011] The exact operating procedures also differ for field devices that use different communication methods: For a field device using the classic 4 to 20 mA standard, various mA values ​​must be tested (e.g., 4 mA, 8 mA, 16 mA, 20 mA). For a field device connected to a fieldbus, however, the measuring range for the outputs must be simulated (e.g., at 50%). The loop test itself is therefore very time-consuming and prone to errors. Furthermore, different tools / media must be carried for different device types.

[0012] During the loop test, feedback from the control room is required, e.g., via mobile phone or radio, to confirm various steps and to enter the results into the relevant process control systems. Misunderstandings or unreliable feedback in this context can lead to risks.

[0013] After a successful loop test, a report must also be created manually.

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the objective of presenting a method which allows a simplified and fully integrated implementation of operating functions on a field device of automation technology.

[0015] The problem is solved by a method for performing operating actions on a field device of automation technology by means of an operating unit according to claim 1.

[0016] The method according to the invention enables the harmonized, automated, and fully integrated execution of use cases concerning a field device. The actions to be performed by an operator are reduced to a minimum.

[0017] Field devices which are mentioned in connection with the method according to the invention have already been listed by way of example in the introductory part of the description.

[0018] A "cloud-based platform" is a server that can be contacted by an operator via the Internet, on which one or more applications are run that enable the display, processing and management of data of the assets of a plant.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the operating action is one of the following: An automatic functional check of at least one hardware component of the field device; a functional check of the field device's communication capability, in particular concerning a communication loop connected to the field device or a communication network into which the field device is integrated; an automatic determination or modification of at least one parameter value of the field device;

[0020] A use case typically consists of several operating actions to be performed. The majority of these actions are intended to be performed automatically by the control unit, without any operator intervention. How the operating actions are to be carried out and which components of a field device must be addressed by the control unit is defined in an operating program running on the control unit.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a configuration assistant is executed on the operating unit, which presents the first operator with the use cases available for the field device for selection. The configuration assistant determines the available use cases based on the identification information read from the field device. Use cases differ for field device type and field device configuration, as do the operating actions defined in a use case. For example, a loop test differs in the types of operating actions for different communication types. Various available use cases are stored in the operating unit or in the application program executed on the operating unit.Alternatively, the operator unit can transmit the read identification information to the cloud-based platform, and the cloud-based platform can transmit the use cases available for the field device and the operating actions defined therein to the operator unit. Program code for executing the respective operating actions can also be transmitted from the cloud-based platform to the operator unit via the second communication channel.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the configuration assistant guides the operator through the step of performing the operating action by specifying and / or explaining the actions to be carried out by the operator. Most operating actions defined in a use case are performed automatically by the operating unit, i.e., independently. However, some (mechanical) actions must be performed by the operator, for example, using tools, connecting devices, cables, etc. The operator receives instructions for correct execution, thereby minimizing errors.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the application of the cloud-based platform creates a new virtual image if no digital image belonging to the field device can be determined based on the identification information. This eliminates a further manual step, for example, when a field device is newly commissioned.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a tablet, a mobile device, a PC, or smart glasses are used as the control unit. An application program is executed on the control unit, which includes the functionalities required to perform the control actions. Depending on the type of control unit used, the application program can be a frame application (for example, an FDT frame application) with the corresponding device drivers (for example, DTM, etc.) or an app (for example, in the sense of the "SmartBlue" app released by Endress+Hauser).

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the report contains the date and / or time of the execution of the operating action, the identity of the first operator and / or the identity of the second operator. This ensures traceability with regard to the use case and increases transparency.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figure. It shows Fig. 1: an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0027] A large number of field devices FG2, FG3, and FG1 are to be commissioned in a new section of an automation system. These field devices are Coriolis flowmeters. However, the method according to the invention is not limited to specific field device types or field devices from specific manufacturers.

[0028] For commissioning, in process step a), an operator BN1 connects to the field device FG2 via an operating unit BE to establish an initial communication link. In this case, the operating unit BE is an industrial tablet with an app for operating the field device FG2. However, other types of operating units, such as laptops, other mobile devices, etc., can also be used. The communication link is wired in this case, for example, via a service interface of the field device FG2. Alternatively, the initial communication link can also be wireless, for example, using the Bluetooth standard.

[0029] In process step b), the operating unit BE reads the identification information IF of the field device FG2. The identification information IF serves to uniquely identify the field device FG2 and contains, for example, the serial number of the field device FG, the tag of the field device FG2, the device type of the field device FG and / or the field device type of the field device FG2.

[0030] In process step c), the operating unit BE establishes a second communication connection to a cloud-based platform CP via the Internet, for example via a mobile connection.

[0031] In process step d), the operating unit BE provides the first operator BN1 with a multitude of possible use cases UC for operating the field device FG2. Each of the use cases UC contains at least one operating action to be performed on the field device FG2. The operating unit BE identifies the use cases UC available for the field device FG2 based on the identification information IF read from the field device FG2. Alternatively, the operating unit BE transmits the identification information IF to the cloud-based platform CP, which then transmits the available use cases UC to the operating unit BE.

[0032] The first operator, BE, then selects one of the use cases, UC. In this case, the first operator selects a loop test of the field device FG's communication link as use case UC, which is part of the commissioning process. Alternatively, the first operator, BN1, could select a use case UC "Commissioning," which includes the loop test. The loop test comprises several operator actions, such as simulating multiple output process values, with the field device FG outputting the corresponding value (e.g., in mA) via the communication loop.

[0033] In process step e), the first of the operating actions defined in use case UC is executed on the field device FG. The operating unit BE accesses the field device FG via the first communication link. The operating unit BE performs this operating action essentially automatically. If an action by the first operator BN1 is required, the operator is informed accordingly. If necessary, the operating unit BE1 presents the necessary steps to the first operator BN1, particularly by means of a wizard.

[0034] After completion of the first operating action, the operating unit BE creates a status information ST about the use case in process step f) (for example, "first operating action successfully completed") and transmits this status information ST to the cloud-based platform CP via the second communication link. A second operator BN2, for example, the plant operator, then checks the output value of the field device FG in the control center for correctness and, if correct, confirms the status information ST in the cloud-based platform CP.

[0035] After confirmation, the cloud-based platform CP creates a confirmation information BS in a process step g) and transmits this confirmation information BS to the operating unit BE via the second communication link.

[0036] Only after successfully receiving the confirmation information BE does the operating unit BE proceed to process step h). Here, it is checked whether further operating actions are defined in use case UC, for example, the simulation of a process value of varying magnitude. If this is not the case, process step i) is executed. However, if this is the case, process steps e) to g) are repeated until all operating actions have been carried out and confirmation information is available for all operating actions defined in use case UC.

[0037] Subsequently, in process step i), the operating unit BE generates a report BR about the executed use case UC. Report BR contains all operating actions performed on the field device FG, the corresponding timestamp, and the identification, for example, the name, of the first and second operators BN1 and BN2. The report is then transmitted to the cloud-based platform CP, stored there, and, in particular, assigned to a digital representation, or digital twin, of the field device FG2.

[0038] The method according to the invention enables convenient use cases UC to be performed on a field device FG1, FG2, FG3. The operating unit BE performs almost all operating actions automatically. This solution is fully integrated, as the operator does not require any additional tools or software programs besides the operating unit BE. Reference symbol list

[0039] a), ..., j)Procedure steps BEOperating unit BRReport BSBConfirmation information BN1, BN2First operator, second operator CPCloud-based platform FG1, FG2, FG3Field device IFIdentification information STStatus information regarding the use case UCUse Case

Claims

1. Method for performing operating actions on a field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) in automation technology by means of an operating unit (BE), comprising: a) establishing a first communication connection between the operating unit (BE) and the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3); b) reading identification information (IF) of the field device from the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) by means of the operating unit (BE) via the first communication link; c) Establishing a second communication connection between the operating unit (BE) and a cloud-based platform (CP), in particular via the Internet or a local network, wherein digital images of a plurality of field devices (FG1, FG2, FG3) are stored on the cloud-based platform (CP), which digital images represent at least a portion of all parameter and configuration settings of the respective associated field devices (FG1, FG2, FG3); d) Selecting a use case (UC) by a first operator (BN1) using the control unit (BE), wherein a use case (UC) contains at least one or more tasks to be performed on the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) operating actions to be performed on the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3); e) Accessing the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) via the first communication link and executing the operating action defined in the selected use case (UC); characterized in that the method also comprises the following steps: f) transmitting status information (ST) relating to the use case (UC) from the operating unit (BE) to the cloud-based platform (CP) via the second communication link, wherein the status information (ST) contains the operating action performed on the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) and its result, wherein each operating action must be confirmed by a control center; g) Confirming the status information (ST) in the control center by a second operator (BN2) on an application running on the cloud-based platform (CP) and transmitting confirmation information (BS) after confirmation by the cloud-based platform (CP) to the operating unit (BE) via the second communication link; h) After successful receipt of the confirmation information (BS), repeating the procedure steps e) to g) for each of the use cases (UC) ; i) creating a report (BR) by the control unit (BE) when confirmation information (BS) has been transmitted to the control unit (BE) for each of the control actions defined in use case (UC) and transmitting the report (BR) from the control unit (BE) to the cloud-based platform (CP) via the second communication link, wherein the report (BR) contains at least a description or a designation of the operating actions performed; and j) identifying the digital image belonging to the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) on the basis of the identification information (IF) and linking the report (BR) with the digital image of the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the operating action is one of the following: - An automatic function check of at least one hardware component of the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3); - A functional check of the communication capability of the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3), in particular with regard to a communication loop connected to the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) or a communication network in which the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) is integrated; - Automatic determination or modification of at least one parameter value of the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a configuration wizard is executed on the control unit (BE), which provides the first operator (BN1) with the the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3), wherein the configuration wizard determines the available use cases (UC) on the basis of the identification information (IF) read out from the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3).

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the configuration wizard guides the first operator (BN1) through the step of performing the operating action by specifying and / or explaining actions to be performed by the first operator (BN1).

5. Method according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the application of the cloud-based platform (CP) creates a new virtual image if no digital image belonging to the field device (FG1, FG2, FG3) can be determined based on the identification information (IF).

6. Method according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein a tablet, a mobile terminal device, a PC, or data glasses are used as the operating unit (BE).

7. Method according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the report (BR) contains the date and / or time of the operating action, the identity of the first operator (BN1) and / or the identity of the second operator (BN2).