OPERATING AND DISPLAY UNIT FOR A FIELD DEVICE

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to an operating and display unit for identifying a field device, a field device with an operating and display unit, a method, a use, a program element and a computer-readable medium. background

[0002] In process and factory automation, field devices are used to monitor and control processes. These devices are identified, for example, by a nameplate. Such field devices can be used to determine a fill level, limit level, or type of a filling medium, and / or to monitor other process parameters. The identification of such field devices can be impaired if the nameplate is damaged or becomes illegible.

[0003] WO 2014 / 023468 A1 discloses a method and an access control system for authorizing a user by means of a portable communication device on a field device.

[0004] US 10 460 221 B1 discloses a method for displaying a set, constantly updating identifier in a QR code and a QR code display and replay attack prevention device that displays a set, constantly updating identifier that is displayed in a QR code.

[0005] US 2013 / 0136263 A1 discloses a system for registering a personal computer device with a service processor. Summary

[0006] One objective of the invention is to improve the identification of a field device.

[0007] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] A first aspect concerns an operating and display unit for identifying a field device. The operating and display unit has an internal register configured to store the field device's identification. This identification can be stored exclusively within the field device itself; alternatively or additionally, it can be stored on a server, a database, and / or on another electronic device and / or medium, and / or, for example, as a label on the device. The field device identification can be implemented or supported by, for example, a serial number and / or other identifying characteristics. The operating and display unit has an internal register. This internal register can be implemented, for example, as non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, or as WORM (Write Once Read Many) memory.The internal register can be stored in various formats, including EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and / or as unalterable memory, such as PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory). The register can also contain, for example, an authentication code, such as a private key. The register contents can be read using a camera, for example, by scanning a nameplate. The nameplate can contain, for example, a QR code and / or a barcode.

[0009] Furthermore, the operating and display unit includes a display unit configured for a coded representation of the identification. This coded representation can be, for example, plain text, a partially encrypted display, a barcode, a QR code (QR: "Quick Response" code), and / or another format. The display unit can be implemented as a display, for example. It can also be implemented as a flashing LED that emits a light signal—for example, in the form of a sequence like Morse code or another encoding. Additionally, the display unit can be implemented as a near-field communication module that transmits the coded signal, for example, via RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification). The display unit can include a processing unit, which is used, for example, to encode the identification.

[0010] The coded representation of the identification comprises an identification feature and an authentication feature. The coded representation of the identification can be determined, for example, by a computing and control unit, which may be part of the display unit and / or the field device. The coded representation may contain a first, generally readable field, such as a serial number and the type of field device, as well as another field that may be evaluated by a control unit of a two-wire loop, i.e., for communication with the field device. At least part of the coded representation of the identification may be encrypted. The coded representation may, for example, always appear on the display, during startup, and / or on request. In at least some cases, only the serial number may be displayed. In some cases, the coded representation may be deleted after a predefined period.Advantageously, the field device identification can always be displayed, for example in conjunction with a low-energy indicator such as an e-paper display. This can advantageously contribute to the field device identification being more frequently (e.g., always) and / or more legible, for example compared to a label on the device.

[0011] The operating and display unit can, for example, include a display that can be connected to a field device. This can, for example, display a QR code from the field device's nameplate. The display can show the QR code or another representation or encoding of the respective device on which it is mounted. This QR code can, for example, be displayed on the nameplate according to a standard – e.g., DIN SPEC 91406:2019-12 "Automatic identification of physical objects and information about the physical object in IT systems, in particular IoT systems; text in German and English". The QR code on the display can establish a connection between the device and a so-called "digital twin," for example, by providing a link to documentation, parameter settings, history, firmware, test reports, drawings, device status, etc., of the field device.Furthermore, the QR code on the display can be used to obtain authorization for device access ("login").

[0012] A further advantage of this disclosure may arise from secure authentication on the field device. In a case where the field device has a remote access interface, the QR code on the display can, for example, serve as an indicator that the user is very close to the device – e.g., within line of sight of the device. This can advantageously reduce the risk of dialing in and / or authenticating on the wrong device.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the authentication feature is configured to authenticate a user device. The user device can be, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the authentication feature is variable. For example, the authentication feature can be encoded as a nonce or in some other way. The variable authentication feature can be stored exclusively in the field device; alternatively or additionally, the identification can be stored on a server, a database, and / or on another electronic device and / or medium. To increase security, the authentication feature can change after each connection is established. For example, the QR code can be dynamically updated for security reasons.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the identification of the field device by means of the display unit is receivable over a distance between 0 m and 2 m, in particular between 0 m and 0.5 m, for example between 0 m and 20 cm.

[0016] This can help ensure that the field device can only be identified over a short distance, i.e., in a close-range area. A first advantage of this embodiment is the establishment of visual contact, i.e., a clear association between the field device and the controlling device. A second advantage of this embodiment is that, because the field device can only be identified in the close range, another device is not accidentally controlled.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the display unit is configured as a display, a near-field communication module, a light signal, and / or in some other way. The term "display" is to be understood broadly. The display can be, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), electronic paper (e-paper), an LED (light-emitting diode) display, e.g., in the visible or infrared range, and / or another type of display. The light signal can alternatively or additionally be, for example, a flashing LED. It can prove advantageous that the near-field identification of the field device, which facilitates visual contact with the field device, prevents the incorrect field device from being operated. A further advantage is that only authorized personnel can operate the field device.

[0018] The encoded information can also be generated in the form of a 1D code type (e.g., Code128) or a 2D code type (e.g., DataMatrix) and displayed on the screen. Alternatively, instead of a QR code, the information can be transmitted via short-range wireless technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication), RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), Bluetooth, and / or others.

[0019] According to the invention, the display unit is designed as part of a detachably connected unit of the field device and / or as part of an external display device. For example, the display unit can be pluggably connected directly to the field device and / or via the two-wire loop.

[0020] The QR code can also be advantageously displayed on an external display unit, for example, if the device is mounted in an inaccessible location. An external display unit such as the VEGADIS 81 or VEGADIS 82 from VEGA can be used. A detachably connected display unit is easily interchangeable, for example, between field devices. This allows for the correct display of the identification in a familiar format. The detachably connected display unit can be implemented on the field device, for example, as a plug-in, screw-on, bayonet-style connector, etc.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the operating and display unit is designed as part of a device that is arranged in a two-wire loop.

[0022] The two-wire loop connects the device, at least indirectly, to a server and / or database. This two-wire loop connection can be used to authenticate the user device.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the operating and display unit includes a communication module configured for authenticating the user device and / or for communication with the user device. The communication module can, for example, be a radio module suitable for communication between the field device and the user device. The reading of the register contents can be performed, at least partially, via a camera, which can, for example, be pointed at the device's nameplate.

[0024] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a field device which includes an operating and display unit and / or a display unit.

[0025] One aspect concerns a procedure for representing the identification of a field device. The procedure comprises the following steps: Providing the identification in an internal register of the field device; encoding the identification into an identification feature and an authentication feature; representing the encoded identification by means of a representation unit, wherein the encoded representation of the identification comprises the identification feature and the authentication feature.

[0026] The aim of this procedure is to identify the field device, e.g. for a unique assignment between the field device and the control unit.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the following steps are performed: Capture the identification feature and / or authentication feature using a capture unit in a mobile device; transmit the identification feature and / or authentication feature to a server; authenticate communication between the field device and the mobile device.

[0028] The data acquisition unit can be located in a mobile device, such as a smartphone, which may include a camera, a near-field communication module, and / or a dedicated Bluetooth module. The server can be either a program or a physical device, such as a control center or power supply module. The server can also be a control room and the control module for the two-wire loop. Authentication can have multiple levels, ranging from a low level like "read only measured values," through "maintenance," etc., up to "admin."

[0029] According to one embodiment, the identification is provided during the manufacture of the field device by means of a transmission in a two-wire loop and / or by means of a detection unit. The detection unit can, for example, be a camera unit configured to capture a QR code of the device or near-field communication.

[0030] One aspect concerns the use of an operating and display unit of a field device to display an identification of the field device and / or to authenticate a user device.

[0031] One aspect concerns a program element that, when executed on a field device, mobile device, server, and / or other computing unit, instructs the field device, mobile device, server, and / or computing unit to perform the procedural steps described above and below. For example, the program element may be executed as an app on at least one of these devices.

[0032] One aspect concerns a computer-readable medium on which a program element as described above is stored.

[0033] For further clarification, the invention is described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are to be understood as examples only, and not as limitations. Brief description of the characters

[0034] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically the identification of a field device on a server. Fig. 2aschematically, an operating and display unit with a control and supply module of the two-wire loop according to one embodiment. Fig. 2b schematically, an operating and display unit with a control and supply module of the two-wire loop according to a further embodiment. Fig. 3a A schematic representation of an operating and display unit according to one embodiment in perspective view. Fig. 3b A schematic representation of an operating and display unit according to one embodiment in perspective view. Fig. 3c A schematic representation of an operating and display unit according to one embodiment in perspective view. Fig. 4 a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment. Detailed description of embodiments

[0035] Fig. 1Figure 1 schematically shows the identification of a field device 100 on a server 300 by means of transmitting an identification feature and / or an authentication feature of the field device 100 between an operator control and display unit 110, a data acquisition unit 220, a user device 200, and a server 300. The operator control and display unit 110 has an internal register 102, which is configured to store an identification of the field device 100. The identification of the field device 100 can be implemented, for example, as a serial number or as another identification feature. The internal register 102 can be implemented, for example, as non-volatile memory, e.g., as flash memory, as WORM memory (WORM: Write Once Read Many, such as EEPROM, EPROM, etc.), and / or as immutable memory. The internal register 102 can also contain, for example, an authentication code, e.g., a private key.The register contents can be read via a data acquisition unit 220 of the user device 200, for example by reading the type plate. The data acquisition unit 220 can be a camera.

[0036] Furthermore, the operating and display unit 110 includes a display unit 112, which is configured for a coded representation of the identification. The display unit 112 can, for example, be a display. The display unit 112 can be a flashing LED that emits a light signal. The display unit 112 can also include a near-field communication module 114. The display unit 112 can contain a processing unit, which, for example, serves to encode the identification. The coded representation of the identification comprises an identification feature and an authentication feature. The coded representation of the identification can be determined, for example, by means of a processing and control unit, which can be part of the display unit 112 and / or the field device 100. The coded representation can contain a first generally readable field, e.g., serial number and type of the field device, as well as a second field, which may contain...The data is evaluated by a control unit of a two-wire loop, i.e., for communication with the field device. At least part of the coded representation of the identification can be an encrypted representation.

[0037] The LCD display 112 can, for example, display the QR code from the nameplate of the field device 100. The display 112 can show the QR code of the respective field device 100 on which it is mounted.

[0038] Furthermore, the operating and display unit 110 includes a communication module 120. The communication module 120 can be configured for authentication of the user device 200 and / or for communication with the user device 200. The communication module 120 can, for example, be implemented as a radio module. The radio module 120 can be used for communication between the field device 100, the user device 200, and / or the server 300.

[0039] The authentication attribute can be variable. For example, the authentication attribute can be encoded as a nonce and / or in some other way. To increase security, the authentication attribute can change after each connection is established.

[0040] In this embodiment, an identification feature and / or authentication feature is a QR code from the nameplate of the field device 100. To increase security, the QR code can change after each connection is established and can be dynamically adapted. For example, the user device 200 can be a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

[0041] Server 300 can refer to both a program and a device, e.g., a control station, a control and / or power supply module of a two-wire loop, etc., e.g., the two-wire loop in the Fig. 2a or Fig. 2b .

[0042] Server 300 can store various databases that allow the identification of the field device in a backend system. Reference 310 denotes the identification of field device 100 in a PLM system (PLM: Product Lifecycle Management). 320 denotes the identification of field device 100 in an IoT system (IoT: Internet of Things). The QR code can link the identification of the field device to a digital twin (documentation, parameter settings, history, firmware, test reports, drawings, device status) in a database. For example, the coding standard DIN SPEC 91406:2019-12 "Automatic identification of physical objects and information about the physical object in IT systems, in particular IoT systems; text in German and English" allows physical objects to be uniquely identified via a link stored in a QR code.310 refers to the identification of field device 100 in a BBB system (BBB: BigBlueButton, an open-source web conferencing system).

[0043] Fig. 2a Figure 1 shows a field device 100 with an operating and display unit 110 according to a further embodiment. The display unit 112, 114 is designed as part of a detachably connected unit 111 of the field device 100. Advantageously, the detachably connected unit 111 is interchangeable between field devices. The detachable unit allows the correct display in a standard format for the field device, e.g., DIN SPEC 91406:2019-12. The detachable unit 111 can be attached, for example, by plugging it in using terminals 105 or by screwing it in using contacts 108.

[0044] Fig. 3aFigure 1 shows an embodiment in which the field device 100 is connected to the operating and display unit 110 by means of electrical connections 105. It is evident that this operating and display unit 110 is designed as a detachable unit 111.

[0045] Fig. 3b Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the detachable unit 111 comprises electrical contacts 108 which correspond to the terminals 105 on the field device for attachment to the field device 100.

[0046] Fig. 3c Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the display unit 112 is implemented as an LCD display or as e-paper. The display unit 112 shows, as an example, a QR code used to identify the field device. The QR code can, for example, be implemented as a "lock or idle screen" that is displayed when, for example, no measured value and / or other values ​​are being displayed.

[0047] Fig. 4Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method for displaying the identification of a field device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step S1, an identification is provided in an internal register 102 of the field device 100. In step S2, the identification is encoded into an identification feature and an authentication feature. In step S3, the encoded identification is displayed by means of a display unit 112, wherein the encoded representation of the identification comprises the identification feature and the authentication feature. The display unit 112 may include a processing unit, which, for example, serves to encode the identification. In this method, a unique assignment is made between, for example, the field device and the control unit.

[0048] In an optional step S4, the identification feature and / or the authentication feature is captured using a data acquisition unit 220 in a mobile device 200. In an optional step S5, the identification feature and / or the authentication feature is transmitted to a server 300. In an optional step S6, communication between the field device 100 and the mobile device 200 is authenticated. Authentication can have multiple levels, e.g., the "read only measured values" level, or via "maintenance," "admin," etc.

[0049] The provision of the field device 100's identification in an internal register 102 can be performed during the manufacturing of the field device 100. The field device's identification can be provided by means of a transmission in a two-wire loop 140 and / or by means of a detection unit 220. The detection unit 220 can, for example, be a camera unit used to capture a QR code of the field device. The detection unit can also capture a near-field communication module, such as an RFID chip or a Bluetooth antenna. List of reference symbols

[0050] 100 Field device 102 Internal register 105 Connections for an operator and display unit 108 Contacts of an operator and display unit 110 Operator and display unit 111 Detachably connected unit 112 Display unit 114 Display unit, near-field communication 120 Communication module 140 Two-wire loop 150 External display device 180 Control and power supply module of the two-wire loop 200 User device, mobile device 220 Acquisition unit 300 Server S1 - S6 Steps

Claims

1. An operating and display unit (110) for identifying a field device (100), comprising: an internal register (102), configured to store an identification of the field device (100); and a display unit (112, 114), configured to display the identification in coded form, wherein the display unit (112, 114) is selectively designed as part of a detachably connected unit (111) of the field device (100) and / or as part of an external display device (150), characterised in that the coded representation of the identification comprises an identification feature and an authentication feature.

2. The operating and display unit (110) according to claim 1, wherein the authentication feature is configured to authenticate a user device (200).

3. The operating and display unit (110) according to claim 2, wherein the authentication feature is variable.

4. The operating and display unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification of the field device (100) can be received, by means of the display unit (112, 114), over a distance between 0 m and 2 m, in particular between 0 m and 0.5 m, for example between 0 m and 20 cm.

5. The operating and display unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit (112, 114) is designed as a display (112), as a near-field communication (114) and / or as a light signal.

6. The operating and display unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating and display unit (110) is designed as part of a device arranged in a two-wire loop (140).

7. The operating and display unit (110) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication module (120), wherein the communication module (120) is configured to authenticate the user device (200) and / or to communicate with the user device (200).

8. A field device (100) comprising an operating and display unit (110) and / or a display unit (112, 114) according to one of the preceding claims.

9. A method for displaying an identification of a field device (100), the method comprising the steps of: providing the identification, in an internal register (102) of the field device (100); encoding the identification into an identification feature and an authentication feature; and displaying the encoded identification by means of a display unit (112, 114) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the encoded display of the identification comprises the identification feature and the authentication feature.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: capturing, by means of a capture unit (220) in a mobile device (200), the identification feature and / or the authentication feature; transmitting the identification feature and / or the authentication feature to a server (300); and authenticating communication between the field device (100) and the mobile device (200).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein providing the identification during the manufacture of the field device (100) is done by means of a transmission in a two-wire loop (140) and / or by means of a detection unit (220).

12. Use of an operating and display unit (110) according to one of claims 1 to 7 of a field device (100) for displaying an identification of the field device (100) and / or for authenticating a user device (200).

13. A programme element which, when executed on a field device (100), a mobile device (200), a server (300) and / or on another computing unit, instructs the field device (100), the mobile device (200), the server (300) and / or the computing unit to perform the method according to claim 9, 10 or 11.

14. A computer-readable medium on which a program element according to the preceding claim is stored.