Method for computer-supported installation of spatially decentralised components of a machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for computer-supported installation of spatially decentralised components (4) of a machine (1), in particular a system (1), comprising the following steps: receiving (101) an identifier (11) of a component (4), preferably a connection module (4); providing (102) an installation specification (200) specifying an assignment of the component (4) to one or more installation locations of the machine (1); identifying (103) at least one installation recommendation for the installation of the component (4) based on the provided installation specification (200) and the received identifier (11), wherein the installation location (201) or the multiple installation locations (201) are selected on the basis of an evaluation, wherein, in particular, only one portion of the installation locations (201) are selected, wherein the selected installation location (201) or the multiple selected installation locations (201) are provided by the at least one installation recommendation; and initiating (104) the output of at least one item of installation information based on the at least one identified installation recommendation.

Description

[0001] Method for computer-aided installation of spatially decentralized components of a machine

[0002] Technical area

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

[0004] background

[0005] The complexity and variety of automation systems that need to be developed, planned, installed, maintained, and repaired is constantly increasing. In all phases of the life cycle of such a system, such as development / planning, production, commissioning, operation, and maintenance, efficient and effective support for an installer or planner through comprehensive and, above all, complete documentation is becoming increasingly important. However, the documentation available in practice, for example in the form of circuit diagrams, does not always meet this requirement. Due to poorly coordinated work processes or the use of poorly coordinated documentation tools, installation activities are not recorded sufficiently or completely. These well-known circumstances inevitably lead to gaps in the system documentation, which makes reliable maintenance or repair of a system more difficult or even impossible.in the worst case, makes it impossible.

[0006] It is therefore an object underlying the invention to provide a computer-aided method and a system to enable a simpler, faster, safer and error-free installation of components and to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] Description of the invention

[0008] The above object is achieved by a method, system, computer program, and a device for data processing according to the independent patent claims. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. The subject matter of the invention is, in particular, a method for a computer-assisted, preferably electrical, installation of spatially decentralized components, in particular electrical components, of a machine, in particular a system, preferably an electrical system.

[0009] The machine can be designed as at least one of the following machines:

[0010] An automation system, a production system,

[0011] - A logistics facility,

[0012] - A production line,

[0013] - A machining center,

[0014] An industrial robot, a manufacturing plant, an aggregate, an electrical device.

[0015] In particular, the machine can be designed as a modular machine or as a mobile or movable machine, in which individual parts of the machine are installed modularly according to an installation specification. This installation is carried out at least partially manually by a user, such as a worker.

[0016] The components, in particular the electrical components, can comprise installation elements such as cables and / or connectors. Furthermore, the components, in particular the electrical components, can comprise modules such as connection modules, whereby the connection modules can enable a decentralized and modular connection of installation elements. Decentralized can refer to the fact that the connection modules at least partially replace a central control cabinet in that the connection modules only provide some of the connections for the machine, but enable these connections to be made in a decentralized manner in the field. In the case of a central topology, for example a centralized control cabinet concept, reference is made in particular to a point-to-point connection, i.e. the start point, the connection and the end point are clearly defined. In contrast, in decentralized applications it is possible orIt may even be necessary to arrange or connect multiple components between the starting point and the end point. In this case, one can speak of a module-module or module-hub-point connection.

[0017] In principle, a machine can include the following components: devices such as actuators and / or sensors, connection modules, and installation elements, e.g., for cabling. Accordingly, the components can also be designed as installation elements.

[0018] The method according to the invention can comprise the following steps, which are preferably carried out successively or in any order, whereby the steps can also be carried out automatically and / or repeatedly:

[0019] Receiving an identifier of a component, preferably a connection module or a cable or connector or another component such as a sensor or actuator,

[0020] Providing an installation specification that specifies an assignment of the component to one or more installation locations on the machine,

[0021] Identifying at least one installation suggestion for the installation of the component on the basis of the provided installation specification and the received identifier, wherein preferably the installation location or the plurality of installation locations are selected on the basis of an evaluation, particularly preferably automatically, wherein in particular only a portion of the installation locations is selected, wherein the selected installation location or the plurality of selected installation locations are specified by the at least one installation suggestion, and

[0022] Initiating an output of at least one installation information based on the at least one identified installation suggestion.

[0023] The method thus enables simpler, faster, and error-free assignment of components and can thus significantly support a user in installing the machine and simplify the process. Furthermore, in this way, a support system for installation, in particular for installing components, can be provided spatially directly on the machine and / or on machine parts to guide the user. It is possible for a data processing device to carry out the method steps automatically. The data processing device, in particular a data processing device according to the invention, can advantageously communicate with individual components, for example to receive the identifier and / or initiate the output and / or check the installation and / or determine a connection status.For this purpose, the data processing device can have at least one interface for communication.

[0024] A user can be, for example, an installer and / or plant mechanic and / or electrician and / or worker and / or planner and / or mechanical designer or developer and / or electrical designer or developer and / or PLC programmer and / or commissioning engineer and / or maintenance engineer and / or machine operator. It is possible for the user to use the method according to the invention by providing the method and preferably the output to the user at least partially via a computer. For this purpose, a computer program can be executed at least partially by the computer and / or another computer in order to carry out the method steps according to the invention. The computer can be a mobile computer such as a laptop or a tablet.

[0025] Furthermore, it is possible for several users to use the method according to the invention simultaneously or at least partially at the same time. Accordingly, the steps of a method according to the invention can also be carried out multiple times and / or at least partially in parallel. For example, the steps are carried out at least partially simultaneously for at least two or at least three or at least four users. When selecting the installation locations, the locations of the various users at that time can be taken into account (e.g. an installation location close to a user is preferentially selected). It is also possible for the method to use the same installation specification for all users. For this purpose, the installation specification can, for example, be stored centrally, so that all users, for example,can access it via a data network and installation progress can be tracked transparently and centrally for all users.

[0026] Several components can be provided for the installation of the machine. For example, actuators and / or sensors are connected to a control device via the installed components so that the control device, such as a PLC, can control and / or read the actuators and / or sensors. Each of these components can be assigned an identifier by which the components can be uniquely identified. The identifier can accordingly be information that can be processed digitally, for example. The identifier can include a serial number and / or article number, for example. It is therefore also possible for technical properties of the component to be determined using the identifier (e.g., an article number or similar can be determined based on the serial number, for which technical properties are available). It is also possible for the installation specifications to contain, for example:Article numbers or similar indicate which technical requirements apply to a component at which installation location. This allows the component to be assigned to one or more installation locations.

[0027] In the context of the invention, an installation location is defined as, for example, an (electrical) connection point and / or a component and / or a connecting element and / or a machine part of the machine to which the component can be electrically and / or mechanically connected.

[0028] The respective component can have the identifier in that a physical or electronic identification means is provided and / or attached to the installation element. The components can be, for example, installation elements, connection modules, devices, cables, or components that are a functional part of the machine. The identifier advantageously comprises a unique and, in particular, one-to-one identifier. This makes it possible to uniquely identify the component in connection with the machine and / or other machines and / or the machine installation using the identifier. It is also possible for the method according to the invention to initiate a printout of the physical identification means and / or to automatically transmit the digital identification means to the component.

[0029] One or more pieces of information about the component can be assigned to the identifier. The at least one piece of information can comprise at least one of the following pieces of information: at least one piece of status information, the output installation information, an identifier of the identified component, at least one of the documentation specifications described in more detail below, such as component type, machine type, system type, user, designation, name, station name, time stamp such as date and time, installation duration, address in a bus system, application-specific tag, equipment identification, port assignment, port configuration, temperature, humidity, acceleration, emissions, current project status during assembly, schedule deviation and reason, serial number of the component, article number of the component, MAC address of the component, and preferably a network interface of the component.Digitally storing at least one piece of information associated with the identifier thus makes it possible to create a digital twin of the component. This enables passive smartification of the component. An application-specific tag is an identifier, particularly in an IO-Link communication system. IO-Link is defined in the IEC 61131-9 standard as a communication system for connecting intelligent sensors and actuators to an automation system.

[0030] Smartification is understood in particular as the enhancement of an industrial product, such as a component and / or a part and / or an installation element, such as a cable, to include intelligent or automated properties. Information technologies can enable components to process data and offer additional added value. Passive smartification can be provided as a corresponding preliminary stage using a passive intelligent component, such as an NFC chip (near-field communication, abbreviated to NFC) and / or a machine-readable code. This can create a basis for automated recording or for changes and their effects on the function of a machine.The unique, preferably one-to-one, identification in conjunction with access to an external database can enable the active enrichment of information and thus passive smartification.

[0031] In particular, the components are used to operate, i.e., preferably control and / or read, machine devices such as actuators and / or sensors. A control device such as a PLC (programmable logic controller) can be provided for the operation of the devices, which can perform the electrical operation of the devices via the components and installation elements. For this purpose, the control device can be electrically connected to the components.

[0032] The component can preferably comprise a connection module, for example a fieldbus module. The fieldbus module can connect other components in a machine, such as installation elements, components, and / or devices, via a digital bus system, in particular a fieldbus. Several connection modules can be communicatively linked to one another via the bus system. A fieldbus comprises, in particular, a single bus cable and connects all levels, from the field to the control level. Regardless of the type of automation, the fieldbus networks the components in a system. A fieldbus is preferably also a digital communications network that can transmit the various signals of individual components via fieldbus nodes, so-called hubs. Communication via the fieldbus can take place using various communication protocols.

[0033] It may also be possible for the at least one piece of installation information to include installation instructions to assist a user, such as a worker and / or installer, during installation. The installation instructions may also include instructions for the installation, e.g., step-by-step instructions.

[0034] Initiating the output may include at least one of the following steps:

[0035] Initiating a display of the at least one selected installation location for the component on a user interface of a computer, wherein the user interface preferably visualizes a digital twin of at least one part of the machine, and preferably visualizes a topology and / or a mechanical and / or an electrical connection plan of the part of the machine, so that the installation location can be displayed in particular by marking the installation location on the digital twin and / or the topology and / or the connection plan,

[0036] Initiating a display of the at least one selected installation location of the component by means of augmented reality, and thus preferably by marking directly at the physical, real installation location,

[0037] Initiating an output of the installation instruction as an instruction for the user to use a desired installation location from a list of the multiple selected installation locations for the installation and / or to mount the component at the preferably desired installation location,

[0038] Initiating an acoustic output, in particular a voice output, of the installation instructions, preferably a designation of the installation location,

[0039] Initiating a graphical display of the installation instructions, preferably in a graphical user interface, preferably in conjunction with a visualization of the machine,

[0040] Initiate a graphical display of a list of the multiple selected installation locations based on the installation suggestion.

[0041] This allows the user to be informed immediately by the

[0042] Installation instructions specify how the component should be installed. For example, by displaying at least one installation location for the component in the installation specification, it can be indicated where on the machine the component should be connected and / or to which part of the machine the component can be electrically connected. The part of the machine can be, for example, another component and / or a connecting element and / or a part.

[0043] The at least one selected installation location, which is suggested in particular according to the installation specification for connecting the component with the received identifier, can be retrieved, for example, using the received identifier from the installation specification. For this purpose, the installation specification can enable electronic retrieval, e.g., using a database and / or a list and / or the like. It is also possible for the installation specification to provide multiple installation locations for which the component is suitable for installation. For example, the identifier can specify a technical property of the component, e.g., based on an article and / or serial number, and the installation specification can specify a technical requirement, e.g., based on an article number, of the various installation locations.It is possible that an installation location will be selected and suggested for installation of the component by the installation suggestion if the suitability of the component is determined there by means of the evaluation.

[0044] The display of the at least one selected installation location as an installation suggestion on the user interface can, for example, comprise a graphical representation of the one or more installation locations for the component, wherein the at least one selected installation location suggested for connecting the component with the received identifier can be graphically highlighted.

[0045] The user interface can be a graphical user interface displayed on a screen, preferably a computer. The computer can be, for example, a portable computer such as a laptop or tablet.

[0046] The display using augmented reality can, for example, be achieved by a user using VR (virtual reality) glasses to display additional information, and / or by a camera recording the user's surroundings and processing the camera image to incorporate additional information into the camera image. The additional information includes, for example, highlighting the installation location if the physical installation location of the component is visible in the camera image. It is also possible for the user to use an input device to mark the highlighted installation location. The marked installation location can then be captured via an installation message, if necessary, in order to automatically store in the installation specification that the component was installed at this installation location.

[0047] Furthermore, an acoustic output can also be provided, which includes, for example, controlling a loudspeaker. The acoustic output can, for example, be a voice output that speaks the name of the installation location.

[0048] It is conceivable that the at least one piece of installation information is used for computer-assisted installation at least in that the installation information includes information about the at least one installation location at which the component can be connected to another component and / or an installation element such as a cable. The installation information thus supports the installation, as it no longer requires an experienced user to manually evaluate and select suitable installation locations in a circuit diagram. Rather, this task can be performed automatically, as suitable installation locations can be automatically selected and specified by the installation information.

[0049] Furthermore, it can not only be provided that the at least one selected installation location is specified at which a connection of the component, for example with another component and / or an installation element such as a cable, is possible. It can also be advantageous if, within the scope of the invention, the method comprises the following further step: determining a connection status of the component in order to establish whether the connection has been established. This thus offers a type of feedback in order to also provide the computer-aided installation by automatically detecting installation progress. For this purpose, for example, an electrical connection test can be carried out, by which it can be automatically determined whether the electrical component has an electrically conductive connection with and via a bus system, for example a fieldbus system.Additional or alternative options for determining the connection status can also be provided. For example, determining the connection status can further comprise: receiving an installation message based on an input from the user and / or from the component. The received installation message can indicate that the connection to the component has been established. Accordingly, it can be checked that the particular installation location or selected installation location specified in the installation information has actually been connected to the bus system at the installation location. It is possible that documentation is triggered when the connection has been established, e.g. through manual acknowledgment by a user and / or automatic acknowledgment. The documentation can, for example, be stored in installation documentation, as described in more detail below. This documentation can, if necessary,be carried out repeatedly, e.g. each time an activity is acknowledged, in order to gradually build up the documentation of the installation. In order to make the installation instructions visible to the user in the machine on the one hand and to be able to document the work carried out in the system on the other, it is advantageous if the system and preferably the device according to the invention can communicate with the components. Following installation and / or documentation, the control device can optionally be programmed and / or the component(s) configured on the basis of the documentation. For this reason, it is possible that the component does not know in advance what task it has to perform in the future machine. This can also be referred to as "unconfigured".

[0050] A further advantage within the scope of the invention can be achieved if the method comprises the following further steps:

[0051] Verifying the selected installation location of the component based on the received identifier and the installation specification, in particular to determine whether a user has correctly implemented the installation information in the form of installation instructions for the selected installation location, wherein preferably depending on the verification, an identifier for the installation specification is stored, and particularly preferably in the case of a positive verification, the following step is carried out:

[0052] Storing the marking of the installation location as a correctly selected installation location in the installation specification, whereby in the event of a negative verification, at least one of the following steps is advantageously carried out:

[0053] Storing an identification of the installation location as a changed selected installation location in the installation specification, preferably based on an installation parameter entered by the user, in particular a reason or cause for the change, wherein preferably an indication of the reason or cause for the change is also stored.

[0054] Initiating a correction of the selected installation location according to the installation specification. Verification can advantageously be performed based on the determination of the connection status. Verification thus enables the assessment of whether the user has correctly selected the installation location using the identifier information. The result of the verification can be used to store the identification in the installation specification. The installation specification can thus be used at a later time to check which properties the component at the selected installation location includes, for example, to be able to connect a suitable installation element to the checked component and / or to check to what extent the technical properties at the selected installation location in the installation specification have been deviated from during installation.

[0055] Should a user deviate from the installation instructions, this often occurs for a relevant reason or occasion. Therefore, a user can be provided with the option to enter an installation parameter, for example, via the user interface and / or an input device such as voice input and / or a keyboard and / or a mouse and / or a touchscreen.Advantageously, in the event of a negative verification, i.e., if the user has not correctly implemented the installation instructions, at least one of the following steps can be performed: storing a label for the connection point as a changed connected connection point in the installation specification, preferably based on an installation parameter entered by the user, in particular a reason for the change, wherein preferably an indication of the reason for the change is also stored, and preferably: initiating a correction of the connection according to the installation specification. The correction can, for example, comprise an adjustment of the installation specification if the new connection is justified and thus advantageously contributes to the desired installation.

[0056] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one piece of installation information comprises installation instructions to assist a user in rebuilding the machine, wherein initiating the output preferably comprises at least the following step: initiating an output of an installation sequence using the at least one piece of installation information for installing the machine. The installation information can, for example, comprise installation instructions that also specify an installation sequence. This simplifies installation for a user during rebuilding and accelerates installation, since a complex interpretation of a circuit diagram and, in particular, a connection diagram is at least partially no longer required.According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that initiating the output comprises initiating bidirectional communication with the identified component via a bus system. This makes it possible to significantly simplify and accelerate communication, for example, within the context of configuring the component or multiple components. The output can be triggered, for example, by a specific message, preferably a command or a configuration message, being transmitted to the component by means of communication via the bus system. For this purpose, for example, a computer program can be executed by a data processing device, wherein the data processing device is connected to the bus system.

[0057] It may be provided that the identification of at least one installation proposal comprises the following steps:

[0058] Determining at least one technical property of the component based on the received identifier, preferably based on a serial and / or article number,

[0059] Determining at least one technical requirement of the at least one installation location for the component, in particular for the at least one technical property of the component, on the basis of the provided installation specification, preferably based on an article number, wherein the requirement can be a requirement for the installation, e.g. for a connection, of the component at the at least one installation location,

[0060] Carrying out the evaluation to check whether at least one technical property of the component meets at least one technical requirement for the respective installation location,

[0061] - Selection of the installation location(s) for which compliance with the requirement is determined.

[0062] This makes it possible to automatically specify at which installation location or locations a certain component can be installed. For example, it may be possible for technical requirements to be defined in the installation specifications for each installation location. This is possible, for example, by specifying an article number for a component for the respective installation location. However, for correct installation it may not be absolutely necessary to specify the concrete component, e.g. by a serial number, in the installation specifications, since other components with different serial numbers can also have the same technical properties according to the article number. It is also conceivable that for correct installation a component can be installed at one of the installation locations for which a different article number than that of the component is specified.This is because the component can also meet the technical requirements of a component with the same article number. For example, a component in the form of a connecting element with the technical property "8 m length" can also be installed at an installation location that specifies a "5 m length" as the technical requirement, since the connecting element can be shortened accordingly. However, for proper installation, it is not possible for a component in the form of a connection module with the technical property "slave" to be installed at an installation location that specifies a "master" as the technical requirement.

[0063] By marking an installation element with a machine-readable code containing the article number and / or serial number and / or other technical properties, the cable or installation element can be passively smartified. The system is then able to directly check, validate, and document the technical suitability of the installation element. For example, it can be determined whether the installation element is suitable for drag chains or whether it is installed in a location subject to static load and is therefore overqualified as suitable for drag chains at the installation location. Furthermore, by marking the installation element with a serial number, it is clearly assigned to the corresponding installation location according to the documentation and can also be assigned to the corresponding location in the event of later disassembly or replacement.

[0064] The requirement for the technical property can be extracted, for example, based on the installation specification by determining the technical requirement from a (possibly digitized) data sheet for the item number specified in the installation specification for an installation location. This makes it possible to find a suitable installation location even for components that are not explicitly specified in the installation specification. This reduces the technical effort required to procure the components and also allows existing components to be utilized.

[0065] It is possible that the evaluation will determine that at least one of the technical properties of the component does not meet at least one requirement, meaning that the component is underqualified. However, it is also possible that at least one of the technical properties of the component even exceeds at least one requirement (see the above example of the 8 m long connecting element). This may mean that the component is overqualified. This overqualification can be quantified accordingly during the evaluation. When selecting one or more installation locations, it can be provided that an installation location is selected and / or preferred for the installation of the component which has the lowest possible degree of overqualification.It is also possible that a ranking of the selected installation locations is determined based on the quantification of overqualification and / or specified by the installation information.

[0066] It is also possible that the following step is planned:

[0067] - Selecting the installation location(s) for which compliance with the requirement is only partially established, whereby an installation instruction can be generated with an indication of actions and / or instructions in order to nevertheless carry out the installation of the component at the installation location.

[0068] For example, if a component is underqualified, there may still be a possibility of installing the component. For example, the actions can take measures that compensate for the component's underqualification. For example, if a protection class is required, the action can ensure that the component's protection is achieved through other measures.

[0069] The requirement may, for example, include a requirement in the form of a protection class and / or a specification of a physical property and / or a specification of a technical, in particular electrical and / or mechanical, specification. Preferably, the requirement can be formulated as a minimum requirement for the technical property (e.g., a minimum length of the connecting element is specified).

[0070] Furthermore, a ranking of the selected installation locations can be determined based on the comparison. The evaluation can, for example, quantify the degree of fulfillment, so that the determination of fulfillment of the requirement does not have to be specified in binary terms. The installation locations can then be prioritized according to this quantification. It is conceivable that a user is shown the entire ranking as a list of the selected installation locations. It is also conceivable that a user is only shown a portion of the ranking, e.g., only the installation location with the component that has the least overqualification is shown as the selected installation location.

[0071] Furthermore, it is possible that determining the at least one technical property of the component includes reading the technical property from a database. For example, the at least one technical property is assigned to the identifier in the database.

[0072] In addition, determining the at least one technical requirement may include: determining a marking in the installation specification, preferably an article number in a circuit diagram, wherein the marking preferably correlates with predetermined technical properties,

[0073] - Reading the specified technical properties from a database based on the marking in order to determine the technical requirements.

[0074] The identifier can be, for example, an article number. If it is determined that the identifier already corresponds to this article number, the comparison can be skipped, as it is clear that the requirement is met. The database can be accessed via a network and / or the internet, for example. The database can be provided locally or via a cloud.

[0075] It is possible that the method according to the invention comprises at least one of the following further steps:

[0076] Generate another identifier for the component to indicate that the specific component has been installed at the installation location

[0077] Extending the installation specification with the identifier and / or a further specification of the component, preferably a network address such as IP and / or MAC address and / or application specific tag, preferably assigned to the selected installation location used for the installation of the component by a user.

[0078] As already described above, the installation specification may only contain generic information about which component is assigned to which installation location prior to the component being installed. The component may also be suitable for multiple installation locations, so that only after a user has carried out the installation action can it be determined at which installation location the specific component has actually been installed. To indicate this in the installation specification, an additional identifier and / or another specification can be queried. For example, a serial number of the installed component can be stored in the installation specification for the installation location. It is also possible, and may be necessary for control by the control device, for the MAC address or another network address of the installed component, such as the application-specific tag, to be stored in the installation specification.It is also conceivable that a sensor is provided as a component, which receives a device name and / or an application-specific tag. This, too, can be stored as an additional identifier in the installation specification, if necessary. The described storage can lead to the extension of the installation specification in order to record the installation progress and / or status in the installation specification. This means that even during later operation of the machine, e.g. if an error such as a broken cable occurs, the extended installation specification can be used to detect and / or diagnose the error, e.g. by the control device. Furthermore, when the machine is rebuilt and so-called application-specific tags are used as identifiers, the installation of installation elements can advantageously be easier and faster, since these identifiers eliminate the requirement to select the correct connection point.

[0079] Advantageously, the invention can provide for at least one of the following specifications to be received, preferably via the installation message, in order to create a digital twin of the installation element and / or the electrical component based on the received identifier and the identified component: component type, machine type, system type, user, designation, name, I / O link name, station name, timestamp, date and time, installation duration, address in a bus system, equipment identification, port assignment, port configuration, temperature, air humidity, acceleration, emissions, current project status during assembly, plan deviation and / or reason. The at least one specification can also be referred to as a documentation specification in the context of this invention.

[0080] The installation message can, for example, have been generated on the basis of a user input, wherein the user can have specified the at least one specification in the input. It is also possible for the specification to be determined automatically, e.g. by the component and / or a data processing device, in particular based on the received identifier. For this purpose, the at least one specification can, for example, be stored in the component and / or in the installation element. In a further possibility, it can be provided that the installation information comprises an installation configuration and / or installation documentation, preferably for disassembly and / or reassembly of the machine, which is stored for documentation purposes, preferably stored in a data memory and / or transmitted to the electrical component.The data storage can be implemented as a non-volatile data storage device to reliably enable later evaluation of the installation configuration and / or installation documentation. The installation configuration and / or installation documentation can, for example, include the stored label based on the verification.

[0081] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if the installation information comprises a unique identifier which identifies the installation element and / or the identified component, wherein the installation information is stored in the installation specification, in particular in a digitized construction plan, preferably comprising ECAD and / or MCAD data, and / or wherein the installation element is selected from a plurality of similar installation elements based on the identifier and / or the identified component is selected from a plurality of similar components. The installation specification thus makes it possible to query the assignment of the installation elements to the components based on the identifier and / or the identifier. For this purpose, the installation specification can comprise a link between the identifiers and / or with the identifiers.The identifier may optionally be uniquely assigned to one of the identifiers of the installation elements and / or the identifier may correspond to this identifier.

[0082] A further advantage within the scope of the invention can be achieved if the installation specification comprises a predefined specification regarding a modular and / or decentralized structure of the machine, in particular the system, preferably based on predefined ECAD and / or MCAD data, in particular regarding interconnection of the components in the form of connection modules, preferably comprising an electrical connection diagram, wherein the installation specification is preferably determined by linking the ECAD and MCAD data. Thus, the installation specification can include a digital circuit diagram and / or construction plan and / or installation plan of the machine.

[0083] Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that a configuration of the component is carried out on the basis of the identifier in order to transfer the component from a basic configured state, in which the component is preferably configured for bidirectional communication by means of a bus system and / or functional control by a control device, preferably a PLC, is excluded, into a state with an extended configuration for functional control by the control device.

[0084] The received identifier makes it possible to identify which component should be connected to which installation location. This identification can be used to automate the configuration of components required for installation, which significantly reduces the configuration effort required for a component during installation or later during operation of the system. For example, the received identifier and the installation specifications are used to determine which of the components is (or will be) connected to the bus system. The component can then be configured accordingly for this installation location, so that the control device knows which component is connected for later functional control by the control device. This enables the control device, for example, to:to test or operate an installation element and / or at least one device of the machine such as an actuator and / or sensor via this component.

[0085] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if the identifier comprises an identifier, in particular an article number of the connection module and / or a type of the component, in particular of the connection module and / or at least one technical property of the component.

[0086] This has the advantage of ensuring a significantly faster assignment of a component according to the identifier

[0087] In a further possibility, it can be provided that the evaluation for selecting the at least one installation location comprises the subsequent further method step of simulating the technical properties of the component of the at least one selected installation location with regard to an influence on a functionality specified in the installation specification, whereby a result of the simulation with regard to a suitability and / or functionality of the component for the selected installation location is provided, wherein the initiation of an output of at least one piece of installation information comprises the subsequent step of initiating an output of a recommended action as a suggestion for the user to install an alternative component at the at least one selected installation location on the basis of the result of the simulation.This allows for a more flexible and error-free installation of the component.

[0088] Optionally, the machine can be designed as an electrotechnical machine, preferably a system, preferably an automation system, particularly preferably an industrial automation system. The computer-assisted installation can in particular refer to the fact that, during the installation of the (real) machine, a computer program, in particular according to the invention, and / or a device, in particular according to the invention, and / or a system, in particular according to the invention, outputs the installation information to assist a user such as an installer. The output can, for example, be effected by the installation information being output visually and / or acoustically and / or at least partially physically, e.g. in paper form. Furthermore, the installation can optionally be carried out based on an installation specification.The installation specification can be stored in a non-volatile data storage device to enable access to it and to provide the installation specification for the computer-assisted installation. Access can also be provided via a network if necessary. Furthermore, the installation specification can include an overview plan of an installation of decentralized components in a system, for example, in digital form. Based on the installation specification, one or more corresponding installation instructions can be derived from it before, during, or after assembly, dismantling, or reassembly.

[0089] Furthermore, "computer-aided" can preferably refer to the fact that the installation in the form of a real installation, in particular of the components in the form of real electrical components, is supported by a system (in particular the aforementioned) and / or by at least one device (in particular the aforementioned) such as at least one computer, in that the method steps of a method according to the invention are at least partially carried out, preferably in preparation for and / or accompanying the (real) installation. The installation information and / or installation instructions can then be made available, for example, to at least one of the users, such as an installer, for the further implementation of the installation, for example by means of an output, in particular by means of a screen and / or voice output and / or by means of augmented reality.

[0090] Optionally, the machine, in particular in the form of an automation system, can be provided and / or operated to automatically control and / or monitor processes, preferably in industrial applications and / or in a production or manufacturing line, and / or

[0091] To read sensors and / or to control actuators such as motors, preferably by means of a fieldbus and / or by means of connection modules, and / or

[0092] To control and / or monitor production processes, to regulate equipment and / or a production or manufacturing line.

[0093] Furthermore, a data processing device comprising means for executing the steps of a method according to the invention may also be the subject of the invention. The device may be adapted to communicate with the components, in particular modules, of the machine, in particular system, preferably without the modules being preconfigured and / or connected to a control device.

[0094] Furthermore, it is possible for the components and a computer and / or a control device to be connected to one another via a bus system for bidirectional communication, wherein the bidirectional communication is provided on the basis of a communication protocol for a fieldbus system, in particular on the basis of a ProfiNet, Ethernet / IP, EtherCAT or 802.3 standard, and / or the bidirectional communication is provided in a wired manner via a bus system or wirelessly by means of Bluetooth or WLAN, on the basis of a standard according to IEEE 802.11 or on the basis of a mobile radio telecommunications standard.

[0095] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer such as the data processing device according to the invention, cause the computer to perform the steps of a method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0096] It can be provided that several users carry out the (same) method steps simultaneously and / or at least partially at the same time. The simultaneous and / or at least partially simultaneous execution of (same) method steps by several users is also referred to as a multi-user application. In connection with a method according to the invention, in particular in a multi-user application and / or in the further method, a handover between the different users can be provided. In order to enable a handover between the, preferably both, users and to ensure an optimal process, a processing status of the respective user can be digitally documented automatically and in real time. In this way, the two or more users can work on different areas of the machine simultaneously without endangering the integrity of the electrical installation or having to carry out lengthy coordination processes.

[0097] Brief description of the drawings

[0098] For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference is made to the following drawings:

[0099] Fig. 1 : A central connection in a machine using a control cabinet.

[0100] Fig. 2: A decentralized interconnection according to embodiments of the invention.

[0101] Fig. 3 A schematic representation of parts of a system according to embodiments of the invention.

[0102] Fig. 4 A schematic representation of details of a method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0103] Fig. 5 A schematic representation of steps of a method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0104] Description of the embodiments

[0105] Planning, installing, and setting up machines and electronic automation technology is a complex task. This applies to centralized control cabinet systems as well as to decentralized systems in which control modules are attached directly to the equipment. The corresponding processes are carried out by different people, such as system planners, electrical planners, installers, system programmers, etc. A special feature of decentralized systems is the distribution of modules at different locations within a machine compared to centralized control cabinet systems. Especially with larger machines, simultaneous installation—i.e., installation carried out simultaneously by multiple users at the same time—can be advantageous for time and logistical reasons. To ensure a smooth installation process, the work status should be digitally documented automatically, user-specifically, and in real time.Throughout the entire plant life cycle, it is important to have complete documentation of all relevant information for various reasons (such as maintenance planning, system diagnostics).

[0106] Fig. 1 schematically shows a central interconnection using a control cabinet 9 in order to compare this with a decentralized interconnection using spatially decentralized components 4 of a machine 1 in Fig. 2. Instead of connecting all devices 5 such as sensors and actuators directly to the control cabinet 9 as shown in Fig. 1, the decentralized interconnection in Fig. 2 can use multiple components 4, in particular connection modules. Like the control cabinet 9, these enable the devices 5 to be coupled to a control device 8 such as a PLC. However, the connection modules 4 can be provided in a decentralized manner and distributed close to the devices 5. The connection modules 4 therefore only partially interconnect the devices 5, with the connection modules 4 together or, for example, one and / or more connection modules 4 via one and / or more hubs 6 each carrying out the entire interconnection.To enable the central configuration and / or control of the connection modules 4, a master module 3 can be connected upstream of several of the individual connection modules 4. It is also possible for the interconnection to be further subdivided using at least one hub 6.

[0107] Fig. 3 shows parts of a system 2 according to embodiments of the invention, which can be provided for computer-assisted installation of spatially decentralized components 4 of a machine 1. The system 2 can comprise a detection device 22, in particular a scanner 22 or a camera 22, for providing an identifier 11. Furthermore, the system 2 can have at least one component 4, preferably in the form of a connection module 4 for connection to the installation element 10 and further installation elements 10. A device 30 for data processing can also be part of the system 2, wherein this data processing device 30 can comprise means for carrying out the steps of a method 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0108] The identifier 11 can be encoded in a machine-readable code 12 assigned to the component 4, in particular arranged thereon, wherein the machine-readable code 12 is made machine-readable by means of the detection device 22. This allows a user to scan the code 12 using the detection device 22 and thus transmit the identifier 11 to the data processing device 30.

[0109] Furthermore, the components 4 and at least one computer 30, 31 and / or a control device 8 can each be connected to one another via a bus system 21 for bidirectional communication via a bus system, e.g. a fieldbus system, wherein the bidirectional communication can be provided on the basis of a communication protocol for the fieldbus system, in particular based on a ProfiNet, EthernetCat, Ethernet / IP or 802.3 standard, and / or the bidirectional communication can be provided wired via a bus system 21 or wirelessly by means of Bluetooth or WLAN, based on a standard according to IEEE 802.11 or based on a mobile radio telecommunications standard. In order to enable operation of the component 4, the component 4 can further be connected to a power supply 13.

[0110] Furthermore, a computer program 20 is shown, which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer 30, cause the computer 30 to carry out the steps of the method 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0111] Furthermore, an exemplary installation specification 200 and an installation location 201 of a component 4 shown therein are shown.

[0112] Method steps of method 100 are visualized in Figs. 4 and 5. Thus, according to a first method step 101, receiving the identifier 11 of component 4 can be provided. Subsequently, according to a second method step 102, providing 102 an installation specification 200 can be performed, which specifies an assignment of component 4 to one or more installation locations of machine 1.Then, according to a third method step 103, an identification 103 of at least one installation suggestion for the installation of component 4 can be carried out on the basis of the provided installation specification 200 and the received identifier 11, wherein the identification 103 selects the installation location or the plurality of installation locations based on an evaluation, wherein in particular only some of the installation locations are selected, wherein the selected installation location or the plurality of selected installation locations are specified by the at least one installation suggestion. Then, according to a fourth method step 104, an initiation of an output of at least one piece of installation information based on the at least one identified installation suggestion is possible. The at least one piece of installation information can comprise installation instructions to assist a user during installation.

[0113] The method 100 may provide at least one of the following support options:

[0114] Supporting the user during installation, especially the installation of components and cabling,

[0115] Supporting the user in documenting the installation,

[0116] User support during testing / automated testing,

[0117] Supporting the user during disassembly,

[0118] Engineering support in planning,

[0119] PLC programmer support.

[0120] Initiating the output may include initiating a display or a visual highlighting of an installation location 201 of the component 4 shown in Fig. 3, in order to thereby indicate an installation location, in particular a selected installation location 201, for the component 4 to be connected. Alternatively or additionally, initiating the output may include initiating a display of an installation location of the component 4 on a user interface 32 of a computer 31. The user interface 32 may visualize a digital twin of at least part of the machine 1, and preferably a mechanical and / or electrical connection diagram of the part of the machine 1.Further alternatives or additional output options include displaying an installation location 201 of component 4 using augmented reality and / or outputting the installation instructions as an instruction for the user to connect component 4 to a specific installation location 201. Furthermore, an acoustic output of the installation instructions can also be provided, allowing a user to follow the installation instructions without seeing the computer 31. For example, an identifier for the selected installation location 201 of component 4 is output verbally.

[0121] It is also possible for the installation information to include an installation configuration and / or installation documentation, which is stored in a data storage device 33 and / or transferred to component 4. To avoid documentation errors that can arise from manual entry of information, automated storage in the system can be advantageous. For this purpose, for example, all information is stored in the correct location in the various documents of the installation specification, such as the circuit diagram or the connection diagram. The person performing the respective step then only needs to acknowledge the entries.

[0122] Relevant information that the installation documentation may include includes:

[0123] Which component was used (unique, preferably one-to-one identifier)?

[0124] - On which machine and at which installation location of the machine was the specific component installed?

[0125] Who connected it and when?

[0126] How was the cable connected?

[0127] Was the component connected correctly?

[0128] Were there any deviations from the plan?

[0129] The installation documentation can, for example, document at least one of the following pieces of information: User work steps with additional information on the work steps such as processing time, which machine is being used, which user, for example which installer or mechanic, carried out the activities and when, which component has been wired and / or cabled, has the assembly step been completed, which port / connection point was used, are there any open cables and what are the properties of the open cable, e.g. length, environmental parameters, e.g. temperature, humidity, acceleration, emissions, current project status, protection class, e.g. IP67, the user, in particular the worker, can also enter the reason for any deviations from the plan. The installation documentation can, for example, be stored in a database. A user can, if necessary.with physical actions (key press, screen, double click) that trigger documentation.

[0130] Furthermore, an evaluation unit can be provided which processes the documented

[0131] Information, preferably the user's processing times for the respective work steps, is evaluated. An artificial intelligence method can also be used for this, which, for example, optimizes the results of the evaluation unit. The results show the user optimization potential for making a machine more efficient in the future, optimizing components or assemblies, and improving assembly and disassembly processes. Furthermore, the comments are taken into account in the event of deviations from the plan.

[0132] It is also possible for the documentation to work with components that are not preconfigured or connected to a PLC. This avoids errors that can arise from using modules that appear identical but have different configurations. Thanks to the communication capabilities of these components and the integration of all relevant information, the system can also be used to guide the user through the installation of automation technology. The systematic collection and documentation of all relevant information, such as the components used, the execution of installation and maintenance tasks, or any problems that have occurred, also leads to reliable knowledge of the current system status. The automated collection and assignment of this information significantly accelerates the process and relieves human installers of the documentation task.By automatically collecting and storing information to be documented, the risk of missing and / or incorrect documentation can be significantly reduced.

[0133] Fig. 4 visualizes a method 100 according to embodiments of the invention in further detail. A user can first perform a user registration 301 via a computer 31 shown in Fig. 3, such as a tablet or laptop. For this purpose, the user can utilize a graphical user interface 32 provided by the computer 31. A project selection 302 can also be performed via the user interface 32, through which, for example, an installation specification 200 for a desired project is loaded. This makes it possible to initiate a start 303 for instructing the user on how to install the machine 1 by means of at least one installation instruction.

[0134] Optionally, after the start 303, a representation 304 of the last performed step can first be displayed, e.g., the last installation instruction and / or another instruction for the installation. First, an identification 305 of a component 4 can be performed by the user, for example, using a detection device 22 such as a handheld scanner to scan an identification means 12 on the component 4. Based on the scanned identification means 12, the identifier 11 can then be determined and transmitted to the computer 31 and / or a device 30 for data processing. Based on the received identifier 11 and the installation specification 200, an installation location for the component 4 to which the component 4 is to be connected can then be identified. For this purpose, the installation specification 200 comprises, for example, an electrical connection plan 200 in which various components 4 are assigned to installation locations.The installation instruction can then inform the user which of the components 4 has been identified for which installation location or locations in the installation specification 200. For this purpose, the installation suggestion is visually displayed in the connection plan 200. The user can then establish a connection 306 between the component 4 and the bus system. Correct installation can be confirmed 307 based on the installation specification 200. Subsequently, at least partially automated documentation 308 of the correct installation and documentation 309 of the completion of the work step in the installation specification 200 is possible, if necessary. This can be done, for example, by a representation 310 in a machine overview with a green check mark or, for example, by displaying the relevant connection in an electrical circuit diagram and presenting it to the user via the user interface 32.Subsequently, a component 312 can be identified again. By instructing the user, especially the worker, during the installation of the electrical automation technology and by automatically checking whether a suitable component has been properly connected, error-free production of the system to be installed can be ensured.

[0135] The user can then establish a connection between the component and an installation element and then a device, such as an actuator and / or a hub and / or a sensor (not shown). Subsequently, at least partially automated documentation of the correct assembly and documentation of the completion of the work step in installation specification 200 is possible. This can be done, for example, by displaying a green check mark in a machine overview or, for example, by displaying the affected connection in an electrical circuit diagram and presenting it to the user via user interface 32. These work steps essentially correspond to work steps 307 to 311.

[0136] The system 2 according to embodiments of the invention may further comprise at least one

[0137] Have an information interface in order to be able to provide the method steps of a method 100. The at least one information interface can comprise at least one of the following information interfaces for transmitting information:

[0138] Between the system 2 and the user, in particular a worker and / or a planner and / or a programmer, e.g. for the transmission of work instructions and / or project status and / or for the optimization of planning,

[0139] Between the user and system 2, e.g. to transmit confirmations of the completed work steps and / or comments on the completed work steps,

[0140] Between system 2 and components 4,

[0141] Between the system 2 via a component 4 to one or more devices 5 such as actuators and / or sensors,

[0142] Between system 2 via a component 4 to a hub 6.

[0143] The transmission of information can be implemented as a bidirectional information transfer between the system 2 and the components 4. This can be performed without the individual components 4 being connected to a control system of the machine 1 (PLC 8) and / or being preconfigured for their future tasks in the machine 1.

[0144] In a further example during the installation of a machine, after user registration 301, the user scans or records the identifier 11 of a component 4 using a scanner 22 as a reading device 22. The identifier 11 comprises, for example, a serial and / or article number 11 of the component 4. On the basis of the identifier 11 or the serial and / or article number 11, an installation location 201 is assigned and selected in the installation specification 200, for example in a connection plan 200. The selected installation location 201 can correspond to an installation location 201 which was provided with a corresponding serial and / or article number by a planner in a planning phase of the installation.In other words, after receiving the identifier 11, it is analyzed whether the installation specification 200 contains a serial and / or article number matching the scanned identifier 11 at one or more installation locations 201. If the matching serial and / or article number is present, the installation location or the multiple selected installation locations 201 are output to the user as an installation suggestion. The user can now connect component 4 according to the installation suggestion at the selected installation location 201 or at the selected one from the multiple installation locations 201. A serial number and / or a MAC address are then assigned to components 4, 5, 6 and documented and saved in the connection plan. The connected component 4 is thus uniquely assigned to the installation location 201.

[0145] It is also possible for the component 4, 5, 6, in particular a connection module 4, a hub 6 or a sensor 5 and / or actuator 5, in particular an IO-Link device, to be assigned a name, an application-specific tag or other identifiers. After the component 4 has been connected, the user can now also access the technical properties of the connected component 4. This access is enabled, for example, by a stored product database which is communicatively linked to the installation specification 200 via an interface, wherein the product database comprises products and their respective technical properties and can provide this information via the interface. The products can be listed in the product database according to serial and / or article numbers, for example of different components 4 and / or installation elements 10.This allows the user to access the component's technical properties based on the assignment of the component's serial and / or article number to the installation location 201. Optionally, the technical properties can be subsequently assigned to an installation element 10 or cable 10 as an identifier 11, for example, as a machine-readable code. The assignment can be made by arranging or applying the identifier to the installation element.

[0146] In another example, the identifier 11 of a component 4 can be scanned by the user to display the technical properties. The user can then initiate the system 2 to search for an installation element or device in a product database that at least partially meets the technical properties or requirements, and subsequently output installation information for it. It is optionally also possible for the user to read the identifier of a component 4 or an installation element.Based on a comparison of the displayed technical properties of component 4 and installation location 201, installation information can then be output that indicates to the user whether the scanned component 4 is technically suitable for installation location 201 and / or at least partially meets the technical requirements and / or whether more than the technical properties required at installation location 201 are met. In the event that, for example, an installation element or a device such as an actuator and / or sensor is to be connected to a component 4, the installation element can be connected to component 4 based on the aforementioned comparison of the technical information of component 4 and the installation element or device.

[0147] After user login 301, the user may use the graphical user interface 32 to call up an installation specification 200, in particular a connection plan 200, in order to review the tasks performed by one or more users. This may occur, for example, after the installation of a machine has been completed, as part of maintenance and / or inspection. The user may use the scanner 22 or the camera 22, if necessary, to read the identifier 11 of a component 4. Technical information about the component 4, such as a serial number and / or a MAC address, may then be displayed to the user. Furthermore, technical properties of the component 4 installed on the machine may be displayed based on the read identifier.

[0148] It is also possible for the aforementioned steps to be carried out at least partially remotely or remotely controlled by a computer connected to the machine 1. The user can then read out the identifier 11 of an installation element 10 connected to the component 4, wherein the technical properties of the installation element 10 connected to the component 4 are then displayed on the computer 32. The system 2 can now, for example, compare the respective technical properties of the component 4 and the connected installation element 10 and check or validate whether the properties match or whether one or more technical properties differ. This enables a simple check for possible installation errors as part of quality assurance and enables the user to initiate corrections to the installation using the system 2.The user can then, for example, document and store a label and installation information as a reference for the selected installation location. Furthermore, they can create corresponding installation instructions, e.g., a corrective task for eliminating the installation error, which another user can then execute after the check.

[0149] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, with an element or device corresponding to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, element, or feature of a corresponding device.

[0150] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented on a computer system. The computer system may be a local computing device (e.g.,

[0151] The computing system may be a distributed computing system (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, or mobile phone) with one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or a distributed computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system with one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed at different locations, e.g., a local client and / or one or more remote server farms and / or data centers). The computing system may include any circuitry or combination of circuitry. In one embodiment, the computing system may include one or more processors of any type. As used herein, the term "processor" may refer to any type of computing circuitry, e.g.,a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a multi-core processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other type of processor or processing circuit. Other types of circuitry that may be included in the computer system may be a custom circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or similar, such as one or more circuits (e.g., a communications circuit) for use in wireless devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems.The computer system may include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more storage elements suitable for the particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disks, and / or one or more drives that process removable media such as compact disks (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), and the like. The computer system may also include a display device, one or more speakers, and a keyboard and / or a control device, which may include a mouse, a trackball, a touchscreen, a speech recognition device, or other device that enables a system user to input information to and receive information from the computer system. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as aa processor, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the essential method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0152] Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation may be performed using a non-transferable storage medium such as a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a FLASH memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored that interact (or can interact) with a programmable computer system to perform the respective method. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable.

[0153] Some embodiments of the invention comprise a data carrier with electronically readable control signals capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system so that one of the methods described herein is carried out.

[0154] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with program code, wherein the program code serves to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer. The program code can, for example, be stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0155] Other embodiments include the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0156] In other words, one embodiment of the present invention is therefore a computer program having a program code for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program is running on a computer.

[0157] A further embodiment of the present invention is therefore a storage medium (or a data carrier or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein is stored when executed by a processor. The data carrier, the digital storage medium, or the recorded medium is typically tangible and / or non-transferable. A further embodiment of the present invention is a device as described herein, comprising a processor and the storage medium.

[0158] A further embodiment of the invention is therefore a data stream or a sequence of signals that represent the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein. The data stream or signal sequence can, for example, be designed such that it can be transmitted via a data communication connection, e.g., via the Internet.

[0159] Another embodiment comprises a processing means, e.g., a computer or a programmable logic device, configured or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0160] A further embodiment comprises a computer on which the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein is installed.

[0161] A further embodiment of the invention comprises a device or system configured to transmit a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a recipient (e.g., electronically or optically). The recipient may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, or the like. The device or system may, for example, comprise a file server for transmitting the computer program to the recipient.

[0162] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field-programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware device. List of Reference Symbols

[0163] 1 machine, system

[0164] 2 systems

[0165] 3 Master module

[0166] 4 component, connection module, module, switch,

[0167] 5 devices, sensors, actuators

[0168] 6 Hub

[0169] 8 Control device, PLC

[0170] 9 Control cabinet

[0171] 10 Installation element

[0172] 11 Identifier

[0173] 12 means of identification, machine-readable code

[0174] 13 Energy supply

[0175] 20 computer programs

[0176] 21 Bus system

[0177] 22 Detection device

[0178] 30 Device

[0179] 31 computers

[0180] 32 User interface

[0181] 33 data storage

[0182] 41 Display element

[0183] 42 connection point, slot

[0184] 100 procedures

[0185] 101 first procedural step

[0186] 102 second procedural step

[0187] 103 third procedural step

[0188] 104 fourth process step 200 installation specification

[0189] 201 Installation location 301 User login

[0190] 302 Project selection

[0191] 303 Beginning Instructions

[0192] 304 Display of last executed step

[0193] 305 Identification of a component, in particular connection module 306 Connection between component and bus system established

[0194] 307 Confirmation of correct assembly

[0195] 308 Documentation correct assembly

[0196] 309 Documentation work step completed

[0197] 310 Machine overview display 311 Identification of a component

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method (100) for a computer-aided installation of spatially decentralized components (4) of a machine (1), in particular of a system (1), comprising: Receiving (101) an identifier (11) of a component (4), preferably a connection module (4) or a cable (10) or connector or another component such as a sensor or actuator, Providing (102) an installation specification (200) which specifies an assignment of the component (4) to one or more installation locations (201) of the machine (1); Identifying (103) at least one installation suggestion for the installation of the component (4) on the basis of the provided installation specification (200) and the received identifier (11), wherein the installation location (201) or the plurality of installation locations (201) are selected on the basis of an evaluation, wherein in particular only a portion of the installation locations (201) is selected, wherein the selected installation location (201) or the plurality of selected installation locations (201) are specified by the at least one installation suggestion; and Initiating (104) an output of at least one installation information item based on the at least one identified installation suggestion.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one installation information comprises an installation instruction for assisting a user in the installation, wherein preferably the initiation (104) of the output comprises at least one of the following steps: Initiating a display of the at least one selected installation location (201) for the component (4) on a user interface (32) of a computer (31), wherein the user interface (32) visualizes a digital twin of at least a part of the machine (1), and preferably visualizes a topology and / or a mechanical and / or an electrical connection plan of the part of the machine (1); Initiating a display of the at least one selected installation location (201) of the component (4) by means of augmented reality; Initiating an output of the installation instruction as an instruction for the user to use a desired installation location (201) from a list of the plurality of selected installation locations (201) for the installation and / or to mount the component (4) at the, preferably desired, installation location (201); Initiating an acoustic output, in particular a voice output, of the installation instructions; Initiating a graphical display of the installation instructions, preferably in a graphical user interface, preferably in conjunction with a visualization of the machine (1) Initiating a graphical display of a list of the multiple selected installation locations (201) based on the installation suggestion.

3. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one piece of installation information is used for the computer-assisted installation at least in that the installation information comprises an indication of the at least one installation location (201) at which a connection of the component (4) to another component (4) and / or an installation element (10) such as a cable is possible, wherein the method (100) comprises the following further step: Determining a connection state of the component (4) to determine whether the connection has been established, wherein determining the connection state preferably comprises: Receiving an installation message based on an input from the user and / or from the component (4), wherein the received installation message indicates that the connection of the component (4) has been established.

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises the following further steps: Verifying the selected installation location (201) of the component (4) on the basis of the received identifier (11) and the installation specification (200), in particular to determine whether a user has correctly implemented the installation information in the form of installation instructions for the selected installation location (201), wherein preferably depending on the verification, an identifier for the installation specification (200) is stored, and particularly preferably in the case of a positive verification, the following step is carried out: Storing the identification of the installation location (201) as a correctly selected installation location (201) in the installation specification (200); wherein, in the case of a negative verification, at least one of the following steps is advantageously carried out: Storing an identification of the installation location (201) as a changed selected installation location (201) in the installation specification (200), preferably based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular a reason for the change, wherein preferably an indication of the reason for the change is also stored; and preferably: Initiating a correction of the selected installation location (201) according to the installation specification (200).

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one installation information comprises an installation instruction for assisting a user in rebuilding the machine (1), wherein preferably initiating the output comprises at least the following step: Initiating an output of an installation sequence by means of the at least one installation information for the installation of the machine (1).

6. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the installation information comprises an installation configuration and / or installation documentation, preferably for disassembly and / or reassembly of the machine (1), which is stored in a data memory (33) and / or transmitted to the component (4).

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein identifying (103) the at least one installation proposal comprises the following steps: Determining at least one technical property of the component (4) on the basis of the received identifier (11); Determining at least one technical requirement of the at least one installation location (201) to the component (4) on the basis of the provided installation specification (200), wherein the requirement is preferably a requirement for the installation, preferably for a connection, of the component (4) at the at least one installation location (201); Carrying out the evaluation, in which it is compared whether the at least one technical property of the component (4) meets the at least one technical requirement for the respective installation location (201); Selection of the installation location(s) (201) for which compliance with the requirement is determined.

8. The method (100) according to claim 7, wherein the following step is provided: Selection of the installation location(s) (201) for which compliance with the requirement is only partially determined, wherein an installation instruction is generated with an indication of actions and / or instructions in order to nevertheless carry out the installation of the component (4) at the installation location (201); and / or wherein a ranking list of the selected installation locations (201) is determined depending on the comparison.

9. The method (100) according to claim 7 and 8, wherein determining the at least one technical property of the component (4) further comprises: Reading the technical property from a database; and / or wherein determining the at least one technical requirement comprises: Determining a marking in the installation specification (200), preferably an article number in a circuit diagram, wherein the marking correlates with predetermined technical properties; Reading the specified technical properties from a database based on the identification in order to determine the technical requirements; wherein the method (100) comprises at least one of the following further steps: generating a further identifier for the component (4) in order to indicate that the specific component (4) was installed at the installation location (201); Extending the installation specification (200) by the identifier (11) and / or by a further specification of the component (4), preferably a network address such as IP and / or MAC address and / or application specific tag and / or serial number, preferably assigned to the selected installation location (201) which is used for the installation of the component (4) by a user.

10. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following specifications is received, preferably by the installation message, in order to create a digital twin of the component (4) based on the received identifier (11) and the selected installation location (201): component type, machine type, system type, user, designation, name, station name, time stamp such as date and time, installation duration, address in a bus system (21), IO-Link application specific tag, resource identification, port occupancy, port configuration, temperature, humidity, acceleration, emissions, current project status during assembly, plan deviation and / or reason.

11. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a configuration of the component (4) is carried out on the basis of the identifier (11) in order to convert the component (4) from a basic configured state, in which the component (4) is preferably configured for bidirectional communication by means of a bus system (21) and / or an IO-Link system (21) and / or a functional control by a control device (8), preferably a PLC (8), is excluded, into a State with extended configuration is transferred for functional control by the control device (8).

12. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier (11) comprises an identifier, in particular an article number of the connection module (4), and / or a type of the component (4) and / or at least one technical property of the component (4).

13. The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation for selecting the at least one installation location (201) comprises the following further method step: Simulating the technical properties of the component (4) of the at least one selected installation location (201) with regard to an influence on a functionality specified in the installation specification (200), thereby providing a result of the simulation with regard to a suitability and / or functionality of the component (4) for the selected installation location (201); wherein initiating an output of at least one piece of installation information comprises the following step: Initiating an output of a recommended action as a suggestion for the user to mount an alternative component (4) at the at least one selected installation location (201) based on the result of the simulation.

14. A computer program (20) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer (30), cause the computer (30) to carry out the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A data processing device (30) comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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