Method for commissioning an electrical device, electrical device, mobile commissioning device, commissioning apparatus and commissioning system

Abstract

A method for commissioning one or more electrical devices (10) which are installed or are to be installed comprises the following steps: for an electrical device (10) to be commissioned, a mobile commissioning device (20) is used to carry out, for the generation of first detection data, a first electronic and preferably wireless detection of a first indicator (17, 18 - QR, bar, RFID) which has been previously applied to the electrical device (10) and which can be electronically detected, said first indicator representing individual data (3, 4) of the electrical device (10), and, for the generation of second detection data, a second electronic and preferably wireless detection of a second indicator (19) which has been previously applied to the electrical device (10) and which preferably can be electronically detected, said second indicator representing actual installation location data (2) of the electrical device (10), and sending the detection data to a commissioning apparatus (12), and, in the commissioning apparatus (12), storing the individual data (3, 4) regarding the electrical device (10) in association with installation location data (2) of the device (10) in a device list (1).

Description

[0001] Method for picking an electrical device, electrical device, mobile picking device, picking device and picking system

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method for picking one or more installed or to-be-installed electrical devices, an electrical device, a mobile picking device, a picking apparatus and a picking system.

[0004] The commissioning of electrical devices refers to certain steps that are necessary or at least highly desirable for the systematic commissioning and inventory of an installed electrical device.

[0005] Electrical devices, as discussed here, have an electrical or electronic function. They can be, for example, hardware switches or semiconductor switches, dimmers, motor controls (e.g., for blinds, gates, or similar), controllers, computers, and the like. In addition to their actual function, which they can perform by connecting to other electrical devices such as lights, motors, or similar, they are network-capable in the sense that they can communicate selectively with each other and / or with a controller. Network capability can be implemented, for example, using the Internet Protocol and can utilize IoT technologies. It can be wired or wireless. However, other protocols can also be used, such as ripple control technology. The devices can be part of a KNX environment or an EIB environment.With these electrical devices, it is often desirable or necessary to make settings before actual commissioning, such as setting parameters, thresholds, or similar. It may also be necessary to set network addresses in a reliable and clearly traceable manner. The electrical devices in question each have an encoded identifier. This identifier is unique for the device in the sense that it is uniquely identifiable at least within a construction project, and the same identifier is not assigned twice. However, the identifier can also be more broadly unique. It can be globally unique. For KNX-capable devices, for example, it is agreed that these have unique identifiers encoded as data across all manufacturers.These identifications then encompass various data areas, such as a manufacturer's identification and a manufacturer-unique identification. Accordingly, the electrical devices have built-in components for communication and processing. These components are preferably digital components. They can include a small processor or an ASIC. These components are suitable for implementing the necessary communication protocols for sending and receiving, performing internal data processing, inputs, outputs, and processing as required, and the like.

[0006] The picking can therefore include at least the reliable recording of identification information and installation location information of an electrical device.

[0007] A well-known picking technique involves a first person at a central location working together with a second person at the installation site. Common KNX devices have a picking button, which, when pressed, causes the device to send its registered identification data via the interface accessible to it. During picking, this button is pressed by the person at the installation site. At the same time, this person records the installation location and communicates it to another person sitting centrally at a system component, which receives the identification information triggered by the button press. In this way, a combination of installation location and identification information is received centrally, which can then be stored and assigned to one another.The identification information stored in this way can then be used at least for initial communications between the central controller and the electrical device, for example, to store a different network address assigned to the electrical device by the central controller, which can then be used for further communications. Device settings can also be configured in this way.

[0008] Disadvantages of the procedure are that at least two people are required and, in order not to jeopardize the uniqueness of the centrally received data, only one person can work on site.

[0009] EP 3822 834 A1 describes a method for securely commissioning a device. A certificate and a key are communicated in a specific manner.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a reliable, inexpensive and quick picking method as well as the equipment required for this purpose.

[0011] This problem is solved with the features of the independent patent claims.

[0012] During order picking, it is desirable to have a precise centralized list of installed devices and their installation locations. It is also particularly desirable to compare the actual installation situation of the electrical devices with the planned installation situation in order to identify any similarities or, if necessary, deviations.

[0013] A method for picking one or more installed or to-be-installed electrical devices has the following steps: Using a mobile picking device for an electrical device to be picked, to generate first picking data, a first electronic and preferably wireless capture of an electronically captureable first piece of information previously attached to the electrical device, which represents individual data of the electrical device, assigning the first capture data to second capture data, which represent installation location data of the electrical device, sending the associated data to a picking device using the mobile picking device, and storing the individual data of the electrical device associated with installation location data of the device in a device list at the picking device.

[0014] The second acquisition data may have been received in advance by the mobile order picking device, e.g., as part of a list that may have been created, for example, from electrical planning data, in particular a work list of devices to be picked, and can thus function as second acquisition data relating to the installation location. Or they may be derived from a second electronic and preferably wireless acquisition of a second, preferably optical, piece of information previously attached to the electrical device, preferably electronically detectable. It is also conceivable for the second acquisition data to be generated ad hoc on-site and then entered for acquisition, e.g., by a person operating the mobile order picking device.

[0015] The term "electronically recordable first / second information" can mean that an optical path can also be included, i.e. in particular the digital image recording, for example with a camera, with subsequent evaluation of the electronically recorded image.

[0016] The mobile order picking device is operated by a person working at the installation site. Several people can work with several different order picking devices at different installation locations at the same time. It may also be unnecessary to have a person working centrally at the central control system. Depending on the circumstances, this person(s) can be one or more people specifically responsible for order picking, and / or it is / are the electrician who installs the electrical devices and, as part of this work, also carries out the picking activities described. The mobile order picking device can be a specially built device or a general, suitably equipped and programmed device, such as a smartphone or PDA with a camera, network connection and suitable software.The first electronically recorded piece of information can, for example, be applied directly to the device during device manufacture, such as as a printed sticker or as a surface texture or imprint. The second piece of information can be applied or have been applied to the device during installation, on the device, or with the device in a clearly identifiable manner.

[0017] The first and / or second capture data may comprise image data and / or data from an evaluated image, e.g., an evaluated graphic coding such as a barcode or QR code, or label and / or data received via an RFID or NFC interface, or data from a user input.

[0018] The image data of the first acquisition data may have been recorded by the mobile order picking device, in particular by its camera. The first acquisition data may include the evaluation of such recorded image data. The recorded image data may, for example, be the image of a barcode or a QR code, which is decoded into a character string in the mobile order picking device in accordance with relevant decoding specifications. It is also conceivable for the first acquisition data to represent a label, which is converted into corresponding electronic data using OCR at a suitable location. The second acquisition data may also be or include image data, such as the image of an installation location label, or it may include user input made by the person working at the installation location. The user input may be menu-driven.

[0019] The installation location is preferably specified within or according to a predefined nomenclature. When electrical equipment is to be commissioned in large construction projects, this can include multiple buildings, each with multiple wings, each with multiple floors, each with many rooms, each with multiple installed electrical devices. A predefined nomenclature can represent these dimensions. An installation location specification could, for example, look like this:

[0020] B01W02L03R04N05 where BOI denotes a building ("Building") 01, W02 denotes a wing ("Wing") 02 of building 01, L03 ("Level") denotes a floor in wing 02, R04 ("Room") denotes a room on floor 03, and N05 ("Number") denotes the device number in the respective room. Using such installation location information, it is possible to locate the device if a malfunction or similar is detected on the control side. It is therefore desirable to know such installation location information clearly assigned to the respective device and to store it centrally. The installation location information can be printed out during the actual installation of the electrical device using suitable equipment in a suitably durable manner and then attached to or on the installed electrical device, for example, glued, printed, or engraved. The installation location information can be provided in plain text within the specified nomenclature and / or coded, for example, using an optically readable barcode.The installation location information can be taken from an electrical plan drawn up prior to installation, which specifies the nomenclature and, below it, the installation locations of the individual electrical devices planned. If both the first and second acquisition data are image data or require image data to generate them, these image data can be acquired consecutively or as part of a single large image. They can also be parts of a video. Using suitable image processing methods, which may refer to previously known pattern information, the respective deformations are then extracted from the images. The extraction can be the aforementioned barcode decoding, QR code decoding, or OCR decoding.

[0021] It is important that it is ensured, either technically or by the person working at the installation site, that the recording data for the individual data is correctly combined with the recording data for the installation site data and sent to the picking device.

[0022] The picking device can be a centrally located computer with various network interfaces. It can be a dedicated device or hardware, or it can be part of or a functionality of a general network-connected device management device. It can communicate with one or more mobile picking devices, e.g., using the Internet Protocol, such as Wi-Fi or mobile data. The mobile picking device can be a specialized device or it can be a smartphone, PDA, or similar device equipped with suitable programming ("app").

[0023] In or with the picking device, individual data associated with the device's corresponding installation location data is stored in a device list. This way, the picking device knows the installation location of each electrical device, which is also listed in an identified manner.

[0024] The individual data may include unique identification data of the electrical device and, optionally, preferably also device-specific encryption data. The installation location data may include geographical information and / or logical information, preferably from a plan according to a certain nomenclature, standardization, or specification, or from a map and / or GPS data.

[0025] As already mentioned, the individual data includes at least unique identification data of the electrical device, at least in the construction project to be commissioned. It may also include encryption data that is encoded in the device as well as the identification data. The encryption data may be part of a cryptosystem. It may represent a symmetric key or an asymmetric key. This encryption data may be recorded together with the identification data during the initial electronic recording. It may be represented in the electronically recordable first item of information, together with or without the identification data.

[0026] It is also conceivable to read the individual data from the device to be picked via an RFID interface or an NFC interface. However, it must be ensured in an appropriate way that it is known which device the respective shipment comes from. If two electrical devices to be picked are installed next to each other, it is a priori difficult or even impossible to distinguish which of the two is transmitting via an RFID or NFC interface, because both can transmit without it being visible which. The installation location data can also contain GPS data. This can be useful, for example, if the GPS resolution is sufficiently accurate for precise location recording. This can be the case, for example, if picking includes or means the location-resolved inventory of distributed objects.

[0027] The picking device is designed to receive pairs of related individual data and installation location data as first and second acquisition data, or to generate related individual data and installation location data from received first and second acquisition data. Once these data pairs are available, they are stored in an electronically managed device list. This can be a table. It can be maintained locally as a file or in a database, which can be considered part of the picking device. The pairs of individual data and installation location data can be entered in several ways:

[0028] • The entry can easily be made in the respective table columns.

[0029] • The entry can be made in the respective table columns after comparing it with previously made entries to detect duplicate entries. If duplicate entries are detected based on the unique individual data, the respective data will not be entered again. Generally speaking, and especially in this case, feedback can be sent to the mobile picking device.

[0030] • A device list with listed planned installation location data for electrical devices to be picked can be created in advance and stored in the picking device. The picking device then processes the individual data and installation location data according to the received acquisition data by comparing the installation location data from the acquisition results with the planned installation location data and, depending on the comparison result, saving the individual data associated with the matching listed planned installation location data. The comparison can be performed automatically, and the associated storage only occurs if a match is found when comparing the installation location data. In this latter method, the actual installation situation found is compared with the planned installation situation (target situation).Here, too, feedback can be sent to the mobile picking device, for example, that an entry has been made or that a specified installation location cannot be found in the planned installation location data.

[0031] The equipment list can be generated in advance, preferably automatically, from planning data and then fed to the picking device or made accessible. As already mentioned, the equipment list can be a database table. Physically, it can be separate from a computer in the picking device and accessible via a network connection. Logically, it is considered part of the picking device.

[0032] The first acquisition data can be data from an evaluated graphic code (bar, QR code) or label. The second acquisition data can be data from a user input on the mobile picking device or data from an OCR analysis of an image or image area in the mobile picking device.

[0033] The first and second acquisition data can also be image data and can also be regions of a single image or images or image regions of a video. The acquisition data is then evaluated in the picking device to generate one or more related pairs of individual data and installation location data for further processing.

[0034] One or more work lists, each containing several listed installation location data for electrical devices to be picked, can be created automatically in advance, with different work lists being assigned different installation location data. The work lists can be generated, for example, from the initially empty device list, i.e., containing only plan installation location data, by splitting this device list into sublists, e.g., of approximately the same length corresponding to approximately the same number of devices to be picked.

[0035] The work lists are sent to one or more mobile picking devices and can be used there as work directives by displaying location information on the picking device based on the location data in the received work list. For example, a graphic or other information can be generated on the mobile picking device indicating in which building / wing / floor / room picking activities have already been performed or are still to be performed.

[0036] An electrical device itself is designed to support the method described above. It has a functional part corresponding to its primary function. It also has an internal controller for controlling the functional part, but also for controlling network communications via a provided interface. In addition, the device has a first piece of information that can be read electronically, preferably without electrical addressing, and which contains at least individual data assigned to the device in an electronically recordable manner, for example as a print, sticker, or surface structuring. If the first piece of information cannot be directly processed electronically, for example because it is optically encoded, the individual data is also written into the electrical device in a directly digitally processable manner. In this case, the individual data encoded in the first piece of information is identical to the individual data digitally stored in the device.clearly convertible into one another.

[0037] In this way, the electrical device to be commissioned stores the individual data to be recorded directly and, in particular, without knowledge of a network address. Furthermore, an installation location indication is provided on or near the electrical device, which provides the aforementioned second information regarding the installation location of the electrical device. This second information on or near the electrical device can be understood as part of the electrical device. It can also be a sticker, a print, a label, an engraving, a surface structuring, or similar. The electrical device is designed to be individually

[0038] To receive messages and only consider them if they directly or indirectly contain the individual data, in particular the identification data of the electrical device. "Directly contained" means that individual data is sent along with the message, such as the identification data. "Indirectly contained" means, for example, that the message has been encrypted with the encryption data contained in the individual data of the electrical device and can therefore only be decrypted in the associated electrical device. Likewise, the electrical device can be designed to directly or indirectly integrate the individual data into sent messages, so that it directly or indirectly acts as a sender identifier.

[0039] The first piece of information can, as mentioned, be or include an optically readable pattern, in particular a QR code or a barcode, or an OCR-readable label. It can also include an NFC interface for transmitting stored data.

[0040] Preferably, the electrical device has an addressable network interface for a data network. The network interface is configured to recognize its own unique device identifier in a message received from the network and to act based on the recognition, and / or to integrate its own unique device identifier as the sender information in a message sent to the network.

[0041] A mobile order picking device has a first interface for electronically and preferably wirelessly capturing, preferably without electronic addressing, an electronically captureable first piece of information previously attached to the electrical device, which represents individual data of the electrical device, in order to generate first capture data, and for electronically and preferably wirelessly capturing or receiving a preferably electronically captureable second piece of information previously attached to or associated with the electrical device, which represents installation location data of the electrical device, in order to generate second capture data, and a second interface for preferably wirelessly transmitting the capture data to a predetermined address. The first interface can have a camera that digitally photographs optical markings and generates digital images, for example in JPEG format or in .PNG format or similar.This image data can represent the initial captured data. However, the mobile picking device can also have an evaluation device that evaluates the captured images, for example, to extract data from a barcode or QR code and thus generate a character string. This character string then corresponds to the initial captured data.

[0042] The first interface also serves to record second data relating to the installation location. It can also use the aforementioned camera for this purpose, for example, by photographing the installation location information on or near the electrical device being commissioned, and then evaluating the photo accordingly, for example, using OCR or similar. It can also be an input mask for manually entering the installation location information. It can be menu-driven.

[0043] The first interface can also have an RFID or NFC interface to receive the individual data of the electrical device. However, it must be ensured that it is clear from which electrical device the data received via these interfaces originates.

[0044] The second interface serves to forward the recorded first and second acquisition data to a predetermined address. The predetermined address can be the address of a picking device or a buffer, which in turn can communicate with the picking device. Communication with the picking device is preferably addressed. The Internet Protocol can be used as the protocol. The connection of the mobile communication device can be wireless. It can use WLAN or WiFi. It can also use mobile data via wireless telephony. The mobile picking device can be a portable computer, a PDA, or a smartphone. It can be equipped with suitable software or a suitable "app." A picking device has a processor, a display, at least one

[0045] Interface to at least one data network for the preferably addressed sending and receiving of data, and a memory for storing program data and table data, wherein the processor and the stored program data are designed to configure the picking device such that it receives pairs of first and second acquisition data sent from the interface by a picking device, which pairs represent pairs of individual data and installation location data of an electrical device to be picked, and stores the individual data associated with associated installation location data in a device list.

[0046] The picking device is designed to interact with one or more of the described mobile picking devices. Depending on the nature of the data received from the mobile picking device, the picking device can either process the data consisting of installation location data and individual data directly or must derive this data from the received data, for example, through image processing to evaluate a barcode, a QR code, and possibly text using OCR.

[0047] The equipment list can be locally stored data or, for example, a table in an accessible database. A "pre-received" equipment list can also refer to pre-received access to such a stored list or table in a database. As previously explained, saving can occur immediately or after comparison with previously stored installation location data received from a mobile picking device or after comparison with installation location data in a pre-received equipment list.

[0048] The picking device can be designed to generate one or more work lists, preferably based on the previously obtained device list, and to send these work lists to several mobile picking devices. The picking device can furthermore have an interface designed to address a network-connected electrical device using its individual data. The individual data can be used directly as an address, for example the identification data, or can be used indirectly, for example the key data for encrypting a message so that it can only be decrypted by the addressed electrical device. The picking device can send the electrical device to be picked a further network address, in particular a network address according to a different protocol, in particular, for example, an IP address.IoT standards can be followed here.

[0049] In addition to creating a list of devices with their installation location, a bootstrap mechanism can be established in this way: First, individual data, in particular identification data of an electrical device, is sent to a picking device along with the installation location data. This device uses the received or determined identification or individual data to address the electrical device and sends it a further network address, which is then stored in the electrical device and used there as an address in a further protocol. The further protocol can be, for example, the Internet Protocol. The picking device and the electrical device can then communicate with each other according to the further protocol, such as the Internet Protocol. In addition, the picking device is designed to make settings on the electrical device if necessary.The necessary communication can be based on the individual's data or on the higher-level channel established in the bootstrap process described above. The picking device can switch to encrypted communication with the device as soon as it knows the device's key data, for example, during the communication required for the bootstrap mechanism.

[0050] Communication between the picking device and the device to be picked can be encrypted using the key data. Even if the electrical device to be picked has been assigned a further address by the picking device, subsequent communication using this assigned address can be encrypted or decrypted using the key data contained therein.

[0051] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0052] Fig. 1 a picking system,

[0053] Fig. 2 a still largely undescribed device list,

[0054] Fig. 3 several work lists,

[0055] Fig. 4 the information flow away from an electrical device to be commissioned,

[0056] Fig. 5 shows schematically an image as it can be taken by a mobile order picking device,

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a schematic screenshot of a mobile picking device, and

[0058] Fig. 7 the communication process, and

[0059] Fig. 8 shows a device list as it can be constructed using the described methods and components.

[0060] First, an example of how a device list 1 can be generated is described with reference to Fig. 8. As already mentioned, it can be a database table, a local file, or a hybrid of both.

[0061] Device List 1 can have multiple columns. It can have a number column on the far left, in which the devices listed are consecutively numbered. The number then corresponds to an identification in the respective object.

[0062] Column 2 lists the installation location data of the devices in Device List 1. These are preferably written according to a predefined nomenclature and are consistent with each other so that they can be further processed using the entry rules. Device List 1 has a column 3, "ID," for identification data. The entries in Fig. 7 are only schematic; they do not correspond to a real format. *1) indicates identification information for device number 933, which is based on the KNX format.

[0063] Device list 1 may contain a key column 4 for key data. Here, too, the entries are randomly formatted in Fig. 1. The key data may be specified in hex code.

[0064] The list may contain a device type column 5. This column may contain a device designation. It may contain manufacturer information and, below it, further type identification.

[0065] A date column 6 can indicate when the last entries were made or when identification data 3 or key data 4 were entered.

[0066] Column 7 can hold an additional address of the device assigned during the aforementioned bootstrap process. This address can be used in subsequent communications with the device. Bootstrapping, or adding the device 10 to a network 14, 14a, 14b, or address assignment, can be considered part of the commissioning of the device 10.

[0067] A column not shown can contain information about the picking progress, in the simplest case, for example, a flag that indicates "picking completed yes / no".

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a picking system. The picking system comprises at least one mobile picking device 20, an electrical device 10 to be picked, and a picking device 12. They are connected to each other via one or more networks 14, 14a, 14b. A planning system 13 can also be integrated into the picking system or communicate with it.

[0069] The device 10 to be commissioned has a functional part 15, such as an electromechanical switch or a semiconductor power switch, a dimmer, a motor controller, or the like. It also has a controller 16. The controller can control the actual device function 15 and can also control communications via device interfaces. The electrical device can be connected to the network 14, 14a, 14b. This can be the internet 14a and / or a fieldbus 14b. A connection to a KNX-capable network (not shown separately) can be provided.

[0070] The device 10 has a first piece of information 17, which represents at least individual data. The individual data can include identification data and, if necessary, encryption data. The first piece of information can be an optically readable marking, such as a barcode or a QR code. It can be suitably attached to the device 10, for example, as a printed sticker or as a detectable surface structure. It can also, but does not have to, represent type data that provides information about the device type. The electrical device can be designed for flush mounting or for control cabinet mounting, e.g., as a so-called "DIN rail device," or for other mounting.

[0071] During installation, the device to be picked is installed at the intended installation location and connected to the hardware as required. During installation, a second marking 19 is then applied to or on the electrical device 10, representing the installation location. This can also be a visual marking. The installation location can be text, which can be written according to a specific nomenclature, for example. The device to be picked can have an NFC interface or RFID interface 18. The interface can be designed to transmit individual data, in particular identification data and key data. 20 symbolizes a mobile picking device. It can be a specialized device with relevant functionalities or, for example, a PDA or a smartphone equipped with suitable programs / apps.The mobile picking device 20 has an interface for capturing the first piece of information 17 and the second piece of information 19 on the electrical device 10 to be picked. This can be a camera 21. It can also be an NFC interface or RFID interface 23. It can also be a manual input option, which can operate, for example, via a touchscreen. The touchscreen can display input masks, a keyboard, menu prompts, or the like. The mobile picking device 20 also has a controller 25 for controlling the internal functionalities and the interface functionalities.

[0072] The mobile picking device also has a second interface 22, via which it can communicate with the picking station 12. This can be an internet connection, such as WLAN / WiFi, mobile data, or similar.

[0073] Via the first interface 21, 23, the mobile order picking device 20 retrieves the first acquisition data concerning individual data and the second acquisition data concerning installation location data from the electrical device to be picked, or retrieves data (such as images) suitable for generating this data. If the data retrieved directly from the first interface 21, 23, such as image data, are not to be immediately forwarded as first and second acquisition data, the data retrieved via the first interface can be evaluated in the mobile order picking device 20. For example, the image of the QR code 17 can be evaluated to generate a corresponding character string. The same applies, if applicable, to a possibly recorded image of the second piece of information 19 concerning the installation location. The installation location data corresponding to the second piece of information 19 can, however, also be entered manually, for example, via the touchscreen 24.Once the desired first and second acquisition data are available in the mobile order picking device 20, they are sent to the order picking device 12 via the second interface 22. The order picking device 12 has suitable interfaces 9. They can include an internet connection based on the Internet Protocol or similar. They can also include simpler interfaces for a fieldbus, ripple control technology, I2C, KNX-capable components, and the like.

[0074] The picking device 12 can be or comprise a separate device or hardware. It can be implemented using software and run on any suitable computer. It can also be part of or a functionality of a general network-connected device management device that manages and / or controls and / or monitors the devices 10 during normal operation, particularly after their picking.

[0075] 1 symbolizes the device list to be created or filled in the picking device 12. As mentioned, this can be a local file or a database table, preferably accessible via a network. The acquisition data received from the mobile picking device 20 is used to gradually fill the device list 1 with pairs of related installation location data 2 and individual data 3, 4, in particular identification data 3. The list may initially contain installation location data that was received or made accessible electronically from a project planning system 13. Such already entered installation location data can then be used for comparison with installation location data derived from the second information 19 or the second acquisition data resulting from it.For each individual electrical device 10 to be picked, a data exchange can occur between the picking device 12 and the mobile picking device 20, in particular feedback from the picking device 12 to the mobile picking device 20. This feedback can be used in the mobile picking device 20 to provide a user with information about the successful entry, work progress, to-do lists, and the like. If an entry has been made in the device list 1 in the picking device, the picking device can then communicate directly with the device 10 to be picked. The electrical device 10 can be a device built according to the KNX standard. Communication can take place via a network connection between the electrical device 10 and the picking device 12. This does not necessarily have to be the Internet.It can also be a simpler connection, such as a fieldbus, ripple control technology, KNX-compatible communication, I2C, or similar. In particular, the picking device 12 can use the identification data of the electrical device 10 to be picked as address data. In the device 10 to be picked, they can be used as sender identification when it sends.

[0076] If a key has also been transmitted, the messages can be exchanged in encrypted form. The initial communication between the picking device 12 and the electrical device 10 to be picked can be used for bootstrapping. The picking device 12 can send the electrical device 10 a network address of a more complex network. In particular, an internet address can be assigned and sent to the device to be picked. This address is also entered in the device list 1 for the respective device and can then subsequently be used for communication via the protocol using the assigned address, i.e., in particular, the internet protocol.

[0077] In these embodiments, both the electrical device to be commissioned and the commissioning device 12 are designed to communicate with each other according to at least two protocols, namely initially a simpler one, as already mentioned, to effect bootstrapping, and later, after bootstrapping, a more complex one for regular communication.

[0078] The communication between the picking device 12 and the electrical device 10 can also be used initially or later, before or after bootstrapping, to make settings in the electrical device 10. This can be done under the control of the picking device 12, as far as digitally replaceable settings are concerned, and can be part of the device picking process.

[0079] Fig. 2 shows a device list 1 as it may have initially been received by the picking device 12 or as it may have initially been made accessible to it. It only has a list of installation locations 2 without any other entries. Such a list can be generated from planning data of a planning point 13, in particular automatically generated and then made accessible to the picking device 12. In the further course of the process, the further data for the respective installation location is then entered, in particular the individual data already mentioned, namely identification data 3 and key data 4. Further data, such as type information of the electrical device or a date, can then also be entered. If bootstrapping occurs, a further assigned address, in particular an internet address according to the IP protocol, can be assigned and then entered in the device list 1.

[0080] Fig. 3 shows several work lists, such as those that can be generated, for example, in the picking device 12 or possibly also in the planning station 13. Lists 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are shown. According to the listed installation locations, they are each part of the initial device list 1. Together, they represent all devices in device list 1. They can be created to be approximately the same length, i.e., with the same number of electrical devices to be picked. These work lists are electronically readable data, in particular tables. Here, too, they can be database entries or local files. The individual work lists 31a to 31d are sent to different picking devices 20, which then carry out their work with reference to these lists.

[0081] Unlike what is shown in Fig. 3, the work lists 3 can also have additional columns that are populated by the mobile picking device 20 or the picking device 12, for example, to document the work progress, etc. The work lists 31 can be used to provide work instructions to the person working with the mobile picking device by generating corresponding outputs on the mobile picking device 20 that refer to the work list 31 applicable to the mobile picking device 20.

[0082] Fig. 4 schematically shows the data structure as it is collected from an electrical device to be picked. The first piece of information 17 and the second piece of information 19 are shown schematically. The first piece of information 17 can, for example, be an optically readable piece of information that can be captured by the mobile picking device 20. It can be a barcode or a QR code. This is written in such a way that it represents the desired data. In particular, it represents the individual data, namely the identification data 42 and, if applicable, the key data 43. It can also, but does not have to, contain type data that provides information about the device type. If the image of the first piece of information 17 was captured in the mobile picking device, it can be evaluated there immediately to generate the respective character strings.

[0083] The second piece of information 19 can be a character string written according to the nomenclature. The nomenclature can be specified by the planning center 13 and can already be contained in the planning data. The second piece of information 19 can also be optically readable and can then be evaluated and converted into digital format, for example, using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). However, it can also be entered manually via a suitable interface, such as a touchscreen, possibly menu-driven, of the mobile picking device 10.

[0084] In this way, data packets are created with at least an identification information 42 and an installation location information 44. They may also contain a key information 43. Depending on the system design, this data packet 45 is either created in the mobile picking device 20 and then sent to the picking device 12, or it is created in the picking device 12 itself, which then evaluates the first information 17 and the second information 19. They are entered into device list 1 as already described.

[0085] Fig. 5 shows one possibility that can arise during order picking. Several electrical devices 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, ... to be picked can be physically located close to one another, for example, on DIN rails in control cabinets or similar. Logically, they have different installation locations and can accordingly have different second pieces of information 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, and 19e, unless one wishes to physically distinguish them based on the first pieces of information with the different individual data represented by different QR codes 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17e. For the sake of simplicity, they are not drawn differently in Fig. 5.

[0086] In principle, in such a situation, the procedure can be as already described, namely that the first piece of information 17c and the second piece of information 19c are recorded by the mobile picking device from an electrical device, for example 10c, in order to then communicate accordingly with the picking device 12. However, it is also conceivable to record a uniform image of the entire installation, as symbolized by number 52. The uniform image has several first pieces of information 17 and several second pieces of information 19 for several electrical devices 10. Such an image 52 can serve as first recording data and as second recording data for several devices 10a-e or can be used to derive this data.In particular, by means of suitable image processing, the individual electrical devices with their respective first and second pieces of information can be identified and isolated from the others and then evaluated separately according to the respective associated first piece of information 17 and second piece of information 19.

[0087] In this context, and more generally, it should be noted that, as far as image recordings by the mobile order picking device 20 are concerned here, these can actually be still images. However, they can also be individual frames from a video. Dividing a recording of several electrical devices 10, each with several first and second pieces of information, into information relating to individual electrical devices can take place in the mobile order picking device 20 or in the order picking device 12. In this way, a single image or video frame produces several pairs of related individual data and installation location data, which can then be entered accordingly into several positions in the device list 1.

[0088] Fig. 6 shows a schematic example of a mobile order picking device 20. It can be a suitably programmed electronic device with suitable interfaces, which are not indicated graphically in Fig. 6. It can be a PDA or a smartphone. 61 symbolizes a touchscreen that allows inputs. 64 symbolizes an on-screen keyboard. Not shown is an existing camera that can capture optically readable patterns and convert them into digital images. This allows the first piece of information 17 to be captured and converted on an electrical device 10, and possibly also the second piece of information 19.

[0089] Fig. 6 shows an example of an input mask for entering installation location information. Specifications can be specified here according to the applicable nomenclature, and entries can be made accordingly. Shown are the entries already made: 62a for the building number, 62b for the wing number, 62c for the floor, and 62d for the room number. The device number 62e has not yet been entered. An Enter key 63 can be pressed once the entries have been completed.

[0090] Input checks can be performed in the mobile picking device 20, for example, to determine whether inputs match the given nomenclature. Initiated by the operator of the mobile picking device 20 or automatically, the first acquisition data concerning individual data and the second acquisition data concerning the installation location can then be sent from the mobile picking device 20 to the picking device 12. Fig. 7 schematically shows a sequence of events that can occur overall. At least the communications according to numbers 73 and 74 are carried out. Further communications 71 and / or 72 and / or 75 and 76 and / or 77 and / or 78 can take place.

[0091] Communication 73 refers to the recording of the first piece of information 17 and the second piece of information 19 on or near the electrical device 10 by the mobile picking device 20. The measures can be carried out as described above. They preferably take place at a time before the two pieces of information 17, 19 have been obscured due to obstruction. If, however, the first and / or second pieces of information 17, 19 are obscured due to obstruction before they have been read, the electrical device can be mechanically removed again to read this information. After reading, it is mechanically reinstalled.

[0092] Preferably, the first and second pieces of information 17, 19 are read after the device to be commissioned has been electrically connected. This physically defines the installation location and can no longer be confused. However, this order is not technically necessary. All that is technically necessary is that the first and second pieces of information 17, 19 are readable. Depending on where and how the first and / or second pieces of information 17, 19 are attached, they can be read or recorded using the mobile commissioning device 20 before the electrical device 10 is mechanically installed at the installation location, for example, before it is mounted in the flush-mounted box, and also before it is electrically connected. This recording can be done by the installing electrician as part of their installation work. If the first and / or second pieces of information 17, 19 are also readable after the mechanical installation of the electrical device 10, reading can take place after the mechanical installation.

[0093] 74 is the forwarding of the first acquisition data and the second acquisition data from the mobile picking device 20 to the picking device 12. As already mentioned, this can be image data or video data or already evaluated data, such as character strings relating to individual information and installation location information. In the picking device, this information is entered into the device list 1, possibly after prior comparison as already described. 75 describes further communication between the mobile picking device 20 and the communication device 12 concerning the acquired electrical device 10. This can be feedback information from the picking device 12 to the mobile picking device 20.

[0094] As already described, after the information about the electrical device 10 has been entered into the device list 1 in the picking device 12, the picking device 12 can communicate directly with the electrical device 10. This is indicated by 76. This can either be communication for further picking of the electrical device 10, for example, to digitally configure possible settings there. However, it can also be bootstrap communication to assign and register a further network address to the electrical device, so that communication can take place with reference to this address using another protocol, such as the Internet Protocol, which is indicated by 77.

[0095] First, 71 indicates that a planning unit 13 sends or makes accessible a device list 1 to the picking device 12. This can appear as shown in Fig. 2. 72 indicates that the picking device 12 sends a work list 31 generated by it to the mobile picking device 20. 72a indicates that other work lists 31 can be sent to other mobile picking devices 20.

[0096] In Fig. 7, communications 73 to 77 denote communications between the electrical device 10, the mobile picking device 20, and the picking device 12 concerning a single electrical device 10 to be picked. They can subsequently be qualitatively repeated or played out in a similar manner for any number of additional electrical devices 10. This can result, for example, from the work list 31 that the mobile picking device 20 may be using.

[0097] However, the second acquisition data does not necessarily have to be read from or on the electrical device to be picked. It can also be received in advance, e.g., as part of a digitally usable list, e.g., a work list consisting of electrical planning data, in particular a work list of electrical devices 10 to be picked. The first acquisition data read on-site can be assigned to this pre-received second acquisition data concerning the installation location; the combination can then be further used as described by sending it to the picking device 12. It is also conceivable for the second acquisition data to be generated ad hoc on-site and then entered for acquisition, e.g., by a person operating the mobile picking device. This ad hoc generation can also be based on a predefined nomenclature.

[0098] After successful completion of the picking process, a release flag can be set for the respective electrical device 10 in a column of the device list 1, indicating that the device is ready for use. Then, or later, normal operation can be transitioned for further device management. If the picking device 12 is a separate device or hardware, it can inform a device management device accordingly, or it can set corresponding status information in a combined device. The relevant device data collected, compiled, or set during the picking process are communicated or transmitted if necessary. This can be omitted if the device list 1 is a network-connected database table that can be directly accessed by multiple devices.

[0099] For example, if a work list of a picking device has been processed or if a device list 1 is completely filled, this can be made available to the planning device 13 via a communication 78.

[0100] Fig. 8 shows what a recently completed device list 1 might look like. The information there is not formatted, but merely qualitative placeholders. Data is preferably entered for all table entries. The device type can indicate the type of device, for example, a switch, a motor controller, a dimmer, or similar. The device type can be derived from the data read from the device, in particular from the individual data. The individual data can therefore contain type data for the electrical device. The type data is not unique for the electrical device because device types, such as a dimmer, are manufactured and used in many different ways.It is equally conceivable that the unique identification data of the device 10 are used to retrieve device information, such as manufacturer, device type, instructions for use or a link to them, and the like, from a database maintained by the device manufacturer, and then to enter this retrieved data for the respective device 10 in a column of the device list 1.

[0101] *1) indicates an example of identification information 3 that is close to the KNX format, as all can be entered in the identification information column 3. Since this information is unique, it is not repeated, at least in device list 1. Preferably, as mentioned, it is globally unique.

[0102] An electrical device 10 to be picked can also have a further electronically readable type identifier not shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, encoded, for example, as a QR code, bar code, plain text, or similar. This identifier can be or have a link to a type-specific website. The link identifier can be type-specific, but not individual-specific, information and can be or have an internet link to type-specific information for the electrical device 10 to be picked. This link identifier can also be read by the mobile picking device 20. It can be decoded and / or forwarded to the communication device 12 together with the other information.The mobile picking device 20 can use the decoded link information itself to retrieve device information at the linked location if necessary and, if necessary, also forward this retrieved information to the communication device 12. The received type information can also be used for control within the mobile picking device 20 itself, for example, to list devices of the same type.

[0103] The features described in this description and the claims or illustrated in an illustration are to be considered as combinable with each other, even if their combination is not expressly described, as long as the combination is technically possible. Features described in a particular context, embodiment, figure, or claim are also to be considered as separable from that claim, context, embodiment, or figure and as combinable with any other figure, claim, embodiment, or context, as long as this is technically possible. Embodiments and figures are not to be understood as necessarily exclusive of each other.Descriptions of a method or a process or a process step or a process step are also to be understood as a description of devices and / or possibly program instructions of executable code on a data carrier that are suitable for implementing the method or the process or the process step or the process step, and vice versa.

[0104] List of reference symbols:

[0105] 1 Device list

[0106] 2 Installation location data

[0107] 3 Identification data

[0108] 4 Key data

[0109] 5 Type data

[0110] 6 Date data

[0111] 7 Address data

[0112] 9 Interface

[0113] 10 electrical device

[0114] 12 picking device

[0115] 14, 14a, 14b Network, Networks

[0116] 15 functional part

[0117] 16 Control

[0118] 17 first statement

[0119] 18 Interface 19 second specification

[0120] 20 mobile order picking devices

[0121] 21, 23 first interface

[0122] 21 Camera

[0123] 22 second interface

[0124] 23 Near-field interface, RFID interface

[0125] 24 ad

[0126] 25 Control

[0127] 31a - 31d Work lists

[0128] 42 Identification data

[0129] 43 Key data

[0130] 44 Installation location data

[0131] 45 Data group

[0132] 51a - 51e connections

[0133] 52 Image

[0134] 61 ad

[0135] 62a - 62e Input fields

[0136] 63 Enter key

[0137] 64 keyboard

[0138] 71 - 78 Communications

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Method for picking one or more installed or to be installed electrical devices (10), comprising the steps of using a mobile picking device (20) to generate initial acquisition data from an electrical device (10) to be picked, by first electronically and preferably wirelessly acquiring an electronically acquirable first indication (17, 18 - QR, Bar, RFID) previously attached to the electrical device (10), which represents individual data (3, 4) of the electrical device (10), Assigning the first acquisition data to second acquisition data, which represents installation location data (2) of the electrical device (10), whose first specification (17, 18 - QR, Bar, RFID) was previously electronically recorded, using the mobile picking device (20) sending the first and second acquisition data to a picking device (12), and at the picking device (12) storing the individual data (3, 4) of the electrical device (10) associated with installation location data (2) of the device (10) in a device list (1).

2. Method according to claim 1, comprising the step of generating second acquisition data by second electronic and preferably wireless acquisition of a second, preferably electronically identifiable, indication (19) previously attached to or near the electrical device (10), which represents the installation location data (2) of the electrical device (10), wherein the first acquisition data are assigned to the second acquisition data.

3. The method of claim 1 or, comprising the preliminary step of receiving second acquisition data from an electrical device (10), preferably as part of a list of several second Acquisition data from several electrical devices (10) in the mobile picking device (20), where the first acquisition data are assigned to the second acquisition data.

4. Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first and / or the second acquisition data comprise image data or data from an evaluated graphic coding (bar, QR) or label or data from a user input.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual data (3, 4) comprise unique identification data (3) of the electrical device (10) and optionally also individual encryption data (4), and / or the installation location data (2) comprise geographical information and / or logical information, preferably from a plan or map and / or GPS data.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of creating a device list with listed plan installation location data (2) of electrical devices (10) to be commissioned, and Storing the device list at the picking device, wherein the picking device processes individual data (3, 4) and installation location data (2) according to the acquisition data received from the mobile picking device (20) by comparing installation location data (2) from the acquisition results with the planned installation location data (2) and, depending on the comparison result, storing the individual data (3, 4) associated with matching listed planned installation location data (2), wherein the comparison can be done automatically and the associated storage only takes place if a match is found when comparing the installation location data.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first acquisition data are data from an evaluated graphic coding (bar, QR) or labeling, the second data collection data are data from a user input on the mobile picking device (20) or data from an OCR evaluation of an image or image area.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first acquisition data and the second acquisition data are image data and can be areas of a single image or images or image areas of a video, wherein the acquisition data are evaluated in the picking device (12) to generate one or more pairs of individual data (3, 4) and installation location data (2) for further processing.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of creating one or more work lists, each containing several listed installation location data (2) of electrical devices to be picked, wherein different installation location data (2) are assigned to different work lists, Sending the work lists to one or more mobile picking devices (20), displaying a placement indication in the picking device (20) according to placement location data (2) in the received work list.

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the step Sending a feedback from the picking device (12) to the mobile picking device (20) after the associated saving of the individual data (3, 4) and the installation location data (2) of the device (10) in the device list (1).

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, comprising the steps Output of information, preferably a graphic representation, concerning installation locations to be processed and / or already processed.

12. Electrical device (10) with a functional part (15), an internal control (16), and a first piece of information (17) which can be read electronically, preferably without electronic addressing, and which contains at least individual data (3, 4) which can be recorded electronically.

13. Electrical device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the first specification (17) is an optically readable pattern, in particular a QR code or a barcode, or an OCR-processable inscription, or has an NFC interface for sending stored data.

14. Electrical device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, with a digitally readable memory in which the individual data (3, 4) are written.

15. Electrical device (10) according to one of claims 12 to 14, comprising an addressable network interface for a data network.

16. Electrical device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the network interface is designed to recognize its own unique device identification in a message received from the network and to act depending on the recognition, and / or to integrate its own unique device identification as sender information into a message sent to the network.

17. Mobile order picking device (20) with a first interface (21, 23) for electronically and preferably wirelessly capturing, preferably without electronic addressing, a previously attached electronically captureable first piece of information (17, 18 - QR, Bar, RFID), representing individual data (3, 4) of the electrical device (10), for generating first capture data, and for electronically and preferably wirelessly capturing or receiving a previously attached or associated, preferably electronically captureable second piece of information (19), representing actual installation location data (2) of the electrical device (10), for generating second capture data, and a second interface (22) for preferably wirelessly transmitting the capture data to a predetermined address.

18. Picking device (12) comprising a processor, a display (24), at least one interface (9) to at least one data network (14) for preferably addressed sending and receiving data, and a memory for storing program data and table data, wherein the processor and the stored program data are designed to configure the picking device (12) to receive acquisition data sent from the interface (9) by a picking device (20), representing individual data (3, 4) and installation location data (2) of an electrical device (10) to be picked, and to store the individual data (3, 4) associated with the associated installation location data (2) in a table (1).

19. Picking device (12) according to claim 18, wherein the processor and the stored program data are designed to configure the picking device in such a way that it receives and stores a device list with listed installation location data (2) of electrical devices (10) to be picked from the interface (9) in advance, and upon receipt of acquisition data compares the installation location data according to the received acquisition data with the listed installation location data (2) and, depending on the comparison result, stores the individual data (3, 4) according to the received acquisition data associated with matching listed installation location data (2), wherein the comparison can be carried out automatically and the associated storage only takes place if a match is found when comparing the installation location data.

20. Picking device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the processor and the stored program data are designed to configure the picking device such that it one or more work lists (31) each containing several listed installation location data (2) creates electrical equipment to be picked, and sends the created work lists (31) to different picking devices (20).

21. Picking device according to one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the processor and the stored program data are designed to configure the picking device so that, after the associated storage of the received individual data (3, 4) and associated installation location data (2) of an electrical device (10) to be picked, it uses the identification data (3) contained in the individual data (3, 4) of the device as address data of the device in a data network (14) connected via an interface of the device or to determine the address of the device (10)) in a data network (14) connected via an interface of the device.

22. Picking device according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the processor and the stored program data are designed to configure the picking device (12) to exchange messages with a picked device (10) which are encrypted or decrypted using the key (4) assigned to the device.

Images