Module for analogue measurement value logging

Abstract

The invention relates to a module for analogue measurement value logging. The module for analogue measurement value logging comprises: two connections, wherein, for each connection, a measuring transducer, optionally a temperature sensor, can be connected to the module for analogue measurement value logging; and a memory, optionally a non-volatile memory. In the memory, for each of the two connections, a dedicated memory area is provided which is permanently assigned to the associated connection.

Description

[0001] MODULE FOR ANALOGUE MEASUREMENT RECORDING

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a module for analog measured value acquisition and a system for data processing with the module for analog measured value acquisition, a method for operating a module for analog measured value acquisition, a computer program for a module for analog measured value acquisition, a computer-readable medium with the computer program, a method for writing a specification for processing information in a memory of a module for analog measured value acquisition, a method for determining a file with a predefined internal structure for processing a measured variable that can be received from a measuring transducer at a module for analog measured value acquisition, a data processing device having means for executing a method for operating a module for analog measured value acquisition, a computer program for operating a module for analog measured value acquisition, a computer-readable medium with the computer program,a file for use in an analog data acquisition module and / or a computer-readable medium containing the file.

[0003] The discussion of the prior art in the description shall in no way be regarded as an admission that this prior art is generally known or forms part of the general technical knowledge in the field.

[0004] US4403296A describes an electronic measuring device that uses a plurality of different transducers to provide signals having predetermined and typically nonlinear relationships to a plurality of input variables sensed by the transducers. The measuring device includes a microcomputer storing linearization information related to the predetermined nonlinear relationship between the signals provided by the transducers and the variables sensed by the transducers. The microcomputer linearizes each of the signals provided by the transducers, thereby obtaining highly accurate signals indicative of the sensed variables. Depending on the final determination to be achieved by the device, the linearized signals representative of the input variables can be used in a polynomial equation calculation performed by the computer to obtain the output determination.The polynomial equation contains a multitude of constants, and different values ​​of the constants are stored in memory for different segments of the curve defined by the polynomial equation. The constant values ​​also represent stored linearization information, and the different values ​​are available for use in the calculation to achieve the best accuracy in simulating the mathematical curve of the polynomial equation with the actual curve of the quantity to be determined.

[0005] EP 0 692 160 B1 relates to an integrating analog / digital converter for converting an analog signal into a digital representation, comprising a circuit responsive to the analog signal for providing a first output signal which varies at least between first and second levels and has a frequency characteristic as a function of the integral of the analog signal; at least one first counter responsive to the first output signal for counting the signal level changes and providing a first counter output signal representing the count; a first temperature measuring device providing a circuit temperature output signal representative of the temperature of a selected ambient temperature region in the vicinity of the circuit;and a memory for storing first information describing the temperature characteristic of the circuit, so that the first counter can be corrected as a function of the circuit temperature output signal and said information.;

[0006] US 2005 / 0033540 A1 relates to a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement comprises a transducer, a memory element for storing a plurality of transducer signatures, and a processor for identifying the transducer using the transducer signatures, processing the environmental features using the identified transducer signatures and the adaptive algorithm, and outputting the processed environmental features.

[0007] US 2019 / 095381 A1 relates to an electronic device comprising a communication device and a processor. The processor receives sensor type information via the communication device from at least one sensor or an electronic measuring instrument to which the at least one sensor is connected, transmits the received sensor type information to a database that stores a combination of a sensor type and a measurement mode in which measurement contents are defined, determines the measurement mode from the database in accordance with the transmitted sensor type information, and sets the determined measurement mode according to the at least one sensor or the at least one sensor connected to the electronic measuring instrument.

[0008] Against the background of this prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and / or a device which are each suitable for enriching the prior art.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claim. The subordinate claims and subclaims contain optional developments of the disclosure.

[0010] According to this, the task is solved by a module for analogue measured value acquisition, wherein the module for analogue measured value acquisition comprises (at least) two connections, wherein for each connection (each) a measuring transducer, optionally a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor, can be connected to the module for analogue measured value acquisition, and a memory, optionally a non-volatile memory.

[0011] In the present case, a module for analogue measured value acquisition can be understood as a data processing device which is designed to receive information from measuring transducers or sensors via designated connections, to process this information and, optionally via a gateway, to output it to a (process) control system.

[0012] In the memory, a memory area is provided for each of the two connections, which is permanently assigned to the respective connection.

[0013] In other words, a first memory area can be provided or reserved for one of the two connections, and a second memory area, different from the first, can be provided for the other of the two connections. The assignment can be stored, for example, in software, optionally in firmware, of the analog data acquisition module, i.e., the software can "know" which memory area is to be assigned to which connection. The number of connections is not limited to two, and any number of connections, and thus any number of memory areas, is conceivable.

[0014] A connection can be understood as an (input) channel. Analog and / or digital signals can be received via the connection from the module for analog data acquisition. Each connection can have several connection terminals, e.g., four.

[0015] The information from the measuring transducers can, for example, be received as analog signals at the analog data acquisition module, digitized by the analog data acquisition module, and then these digitized signals can be processed.

[0016] In this context, processing can be understood as the digitized signals serving as input data for an algorithm stored in the analog data acquisition module. The algorithm can, for example, be a so-called firmware of the analog data acquisition module.

[0017] In the case where the signals correspond to a measured value of the measuring transducer, e.g. to a temperature and / or a pressure, the processing of the input data can be carried out in such a way that the input data are converted into a measured value, i.e. the temperature and / or the pressure, according to the stored specification.

[0018] Traditionally, the specification, calculation rule, or formula used for conversion or processing is stored for various predefined, usually standardized, measuring transducers in the analog data acquisition module. This means that only predetermined types of measuring transducers can be operated with a conventional analog data acquisition module. Furthermore, the specification used for conversion or processing is traditionally stored in the firmware of the analog data acquisition module for the various predefined measuring transducers. This means that if a measuring transducer is to be operated with the analog data acquisition module for which the specification is not stored in the firmware, the firmware must be adapted. This often requires that this adapted firmware be completely re-validated or tested.

[0019] Because the specification is no longer stored in the firmware itself in the disclosed analog data acquisition module, but rather in the memory, optionally the flash memory, of the analog data acquisition module, this specification can be updated as needed without modifying the firmware. Compared to conventional firmware, the firmware can be enhanced with the ability to load a customer-specific specification for processing sensor data in the field. It is conceivable that the gateway connected to the module uses module parameters to determine which data is transmitted from the analog data acquisition module via the respective module and, if applicable, to the control center.

[0020] In other words, if a transmitter is to be operated with the analog data acquisition module whose specification is not stored in the analog data acquisition module, the specification can be written to the memory and can then be used by the unaltered firmware. This makes it possible to adapt the analog data acquisition module to new sensor types in the field.

[0021] Another advantage is that the specification is stored in a memory area permanently assigned to the respective connection. This allows the firmware to determine which specification should be used to process the received sensor data or the information received from the transmitter without having to specify the sensor type.

[0022] Possible further developments of the analog data acquisition module described above are explained in detail below. The analog data acquisition module can be configured to determine via which of the two ports information, optionally a measured variable, was received from the measuring transducer connectable to the respective port, and based on this, access the memory area permanently assigned to this port.

[0023] In the accessed memory area, a specification for processing the received information may be stored and the analog data acquisition module may be configured to access this specification.

[0024] Accessing can be understood, for example, as calling or loading the specification by software executed by the module for analogue measured value acquisition, optionally the firmware.

[0025] The analogue measurement value acquisition module may be configured to process the received information using the accessed specification for processing the received information and thus generate output information.

[0026] The specification can be based on a transmitter or sensor characteristic curve or represent it in digital form. In other words, the specification can express the sensor characteristic curve in formula notation. A sensor characteristic curve can be understood as a relationship between a measured variable and a sensor's measured value in the form of a so-called characteristic curve. This can mean that a sensor's characteristic curve describes how, within a range defined by a minimum and maximum sensor output variable, a voltage or resistance value is calculated as a function of the sensor output variable (in the unit of the actual physical measured variable, e.g., °C), and vice versa.

[0027] It is conceivable that the specification does not include the function required to describe the sensor characteristic curve itself, but merely or exclusively constants together with a reference to a function stored in the software, in particular firmware, of the module for analogue data acquisition. This means that several functions can be stored in the software of the module for analogue data acquisition, with the firmware selecting one of these functions based on the reference stored in the specification and inserting the constants contained in the specification into the selected function. It is conceivable that only a single constant is provided (e.g. the gradient of a linear function). This means that several constants can be included in the specification, but depending on the function stored in the module for analogue data acquisition, a single constant may also be sufficient.

[0028] It is conceivable that the characteristic curve is divided into several sub-areas with different functions. This means that for each of the sub-areas, a function describing the sensor characteristic curve in the respective sub-area can be called in the analog data acquisition module. It is also conceivable here that the specification does not include the function required in the respective sub-area to describe the sensor characteristic curve itself, but merely or exclusively comprises the respective constants for each of the sub-areas together with a reference to a function stored in the software, in particular firmware, of the analog data acquisition module.This means that several functions can be stored in the software of the module for analogue measured value acquisition, whereby the firmware selects one of these functions for the respective sub-range based on the reference stored in the specification and inserts the constants contained in the specification for the respective sub-range into the selected function.

[0029] If a measured variable is a non-electrical one (e.g. temperature, pressure, etc.), a sensor is first required that generates an electrical primary signal correlated with the measured variable, e.g. an electrical voltage. This electrical primary signal can be output by the sensor to the analog data acquisition module, where it is received at the connection connected to the sensor. The primary signal can sometimes be relatively small and can therefore be partially amplified before it is digitized. Digitization converts the analog electrical primary signal into a corresponding digital signal, which can be further digitally processed by an algorithm in the analog data acquisition module, in particular its firmware.Digital signal processing is often also used to correct deficiencies on the analog side, especially non-ideal characteristic curves. The final output can be a measured value, such as a temperature in °C and / or a pressure in Pa.

[0030] The module for analog measured value acquisition can have an interface and be designed to output the generated output information via the interface to an external data processing device, optionally a gateway, that can be connected to the interface.

[0031] The analog data acquisition module can be equipped with a microprocessor. The analog data acquisition module can be an intelligent processor-controlled unit that can communicate with other modules (optionally for analog data acquisition) and / or a control system, for example, via the interface and a gateway.

[0032] The interface can be an input / output (I / O) interface, i.e. an interface through which information can be both received and sent.

[0033] The specification may contain or consist of a file, optionally binary, that is in a file format with a predefined (internal) structure.

[0034] In electronic data processing, the content of each file is initially a one-dimensional sequence of bits that are interpreted together in byte blocks. The file format defines the syntax (permitted values, formal structure / "grammar") and semantics (meaning and interpretation) of data within the file. It thus represents a bidirectional mapping of information to a one-dimensional binary memory. By using a file format or a (computer-implemented) file structure with a predefined structure, the file becomes interpretable for a user, in this case, for example, software executed by the module for analog measured value acquisition. A predefined structure can be understood as the file being made up of byte blocks of a predetermined size (i.e.It is constructed from a predetermined number of bytes arranged in a predefined sequence, with each of the byte blocks being assigned a predetermined information type. The specification or characteristic curve can be contained in one or more of these byte blocks. The structure of the byte blocks can also be specified.

[0035] The analog data acquisition module can be configured to process files that are in the file format with the predefined structure.

[0036] In other words, the analog data acquisition module, or optionally the software executed by the analog data acquisition module (e.g., the firmware), can "know" where in the file which information is stored. This offers several advantages, one of which is that it ensures that the analog data acquisition module can process sensor data from any sensor, as long as its characteristic curve is stored in the specified file format.

[0037] In other words, the above description can be summarized with reference to a specific embodiment as follows, whereby this following description is given merely by way of example and thus does not restrict the disclosure as such: A sensor description comprising a sensor characteristic curve can be stored in a rear part of the flash of the module for analog measured value acquisition designed as a temperature input module, which is reserved for non-volatile variables. Polynomials that describe the characteristic curve of a sensor previously unknown to the module for analog measured value acquisition can be stored in the same structure as the already stored characteristic curves. In addition to the characteristic curve, the sensor description can have an identification number for the sensor, a string for naming the sensor (optional parameterizations) and / or a CRC value for verifying a valid sensor description.In the case of four connections for temperature sensors, four identical flash areas can be reserved for the sensor description, each of which counts for a channel or connection. This allows an individual characteristic curve to be set for each channel and thus for each sensor. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a data processing system, wherein the data processing system comprises a control system, a gateway connected to the control system, and the above-described device connected to the control system via the gateway.

[0038] In this context, a gateway can be understood as a component comprising hardware and software that establishes a connection, particularly a bidirectional one, between the analog data acquisition module and the (process) control system. The gateway establishes intercompatibility between communication standards. For example, the gateway can communicate with the control system via Ethernet and with the analog data acquisition module via a CAN interface using the CANopen protocol. The data received from the respective device is transformed or translated into the other communication standard.

[0039] What has been described above with reference to the analogue data acquisition module also applies analogously to the data processing system and vice versa.

[0040] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for operating a module for analog measured value acquisition, wherein the module for analog measured value acquisition comprises two connections, wherein a measuring transducer, optionally a temperature sensor, can be connected to the module for analog measured value acquisition at each connection, and a memory, optionally a non-volatile memory.

[0041] The method comprises receiving information from one of the transducers via one of the two ports, determining via which of the two ports the information was received, and accessing a memory area of ​​the memory that is permanently assigned to the port via which the information was received.

[0042] The method may be a computer-implemented method, meaning that one, several, or all steps of the method can be carried out at least partially by a computer or a data processing device. Possible further developments of the method described above are explained in detail below.

[0043] A specification for processing the received information may be stored in the accessed memory area, and the method may include accessing this specification.

[0044] The method may include processing the received information using the specification for processing the accessed received information to generate output information.

[0045] The method may comprise outputting the generated output information via an interface of the module for analog measured value acquisition to an external data processing device connected to the interface.

[0046] The specification may include or consist of a (digital) file that is in a file format with a predefined internal structure.

[0047] The specification can be called by means of a computer program executed by the analog data acquisition module, which is configured to process files in the file format with the predefined internal structure.

[0048] The above description with reference to the analogue data acquisition module and the data processing system also applies analogously to the procedure for operating the analogue data acquisition module and vice versa.

[0049] Furthermore, a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by the above-described module for analog measured value acquisition, cause the module to execute a method which includes determining via which of the at least two connections information was received and accessing the memory area permanently assigned to the connection via which the information was received. A program code of the computer program can be in any desired code, in particular in a code suitable for controlling modules for analog measured value acquisition (e.g., in a hardware-related programming language such as the C programming language).

[0050] The accessed memory area may store a specification for processing the received information, and the method may include accessing that specification.

[0051] The method may include processing the received information using the specification for processing the accessed received information to generate output information.

[0052] The method may comprise outputting the generated output information via an interface of the module for analog measured value acquisition to an external data processing device connected to the interface.

[0053] The target may contain or consist of a file that is in a file format with a predefined internal structure.

[0054] The computer program can be configured to process files that are in the file format with the predefined internal structure.

[0055] The computer program can be firmware of the analog data acquisition module. Firmware can be understood as software that is (permanently) embedded in electronic devices, such as the analog data acquisition module in this case, and performs basic functions there. The firmware can occupy an intermediate position between the hardware of the analog data acquisition module (i.e., the physical components of the analog data acquisition module) and any existing application software (the possibly replaceable programs of the analog data acquisition module). The firmware can be stored in the memory of the analog data acquisition module. This memory can be a flash memory, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a ROM.The above descriptions with reference to the module for analogue measured value acquisition, method for operating the module for analogue measured value acquisition and system for data processing also apply analogously to the computer program and vice versa.

[0056] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium, in particular a computer-readable storage medium, comprising the computer program described above.

[0057] The computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, a hard drive, a flash memory, a CD-ROM, an SD card or an SSD card.

[0058] The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium in order to be made available to the module for analogue measured value acquisition, but can also be obtained via the Internet or otherwise externally.

[0059] The above description with reference to the module for analogue measured value acquisition, method for operating the module for analogue measured value acquisition, system for data processing and computer program also applies analogously to the computer-readable medium and vice versa.

[0060] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for writing a specification for processing information into the memory of the above-described module for analog measured value acquisition.

[0061] This procedure can also be a computer-implemented procedure.

[0062] The method comprises determining which of the at least two ports of the analog data acquisition module the specification is to be assigned to, and writing the specification into the memory area of ​​the analog data acquisition module that is permanently assigned to this port. The connection can be determined, for example, via a web server of the gateway. The information as to which channel or port the specification is to be assigned to is then transmitted from the gateway to the analog data acquisition module when the specification is sent. If the specification is split up into multiple data packets, one or more, or optionally all, of the data packets can contain this information. When using SDO (described in detail below), this can mean that each SDO transfer is preceded by a so-called sub-index (= 1 byte), which determines the channel or port the data packet is directed to.for which connection it should be used.

[0063] Whenever we talk about accessing memory, we understand this to be memory access. The manner of memory access is referred to as the access type. The above-mentioned access to memory for the purpose of accessing the specification or characteristic curve (ndata) is a read access. Writing the specification, on the other hand, can also be referred to as a write access.

[0064] The method may include sending the specification from an external data processing device, optionally a gateway, to an interface of the analog data acquisition module, and receiving the specification at the interface of the analog data acquisition module. The specification may be sent to the interface in several, optionally equally sized, data packets.

[0065] Splitting the message into several data packets has the advantage that a message bus from the gateway to the analog data acquisition module is not overloaded.

[0066] It is conceivable that the specification is only written into the memory area of ​​the memory when the entire specification has been received at the interface.

[0067] The specification can be a file or consist of a file in a file format with a predefined internal structure. In other words, the individual data packets can be assembled into the file in the analog data acquisition module so that it has the file format described above, and then this file can be written to the designated memory location.

[0068] The above description with reference to the module for analogue measured value acquisition, method for operating the module for analogue measured value acquisition, system for data processing, computer program and computer-readable medium also applies analogously to the method for writing the specification and vice versa.

[0069] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for determining a file with a predefined internal structure for processing a measured variable that can be received from a measuring transducer on a module for analog measured value acquisition,

[0070] The method comprises determining information that characterizes a relationship between the measured variable and a measured value of the measuring transducer, and storing the determined information at a predefined location in the file.

[0071] In other words, the file containing the specification or characteristic curve, also referred to above as the sensor description, can be generated using an external tool and then available as a binary file. In one example, this binary file can then be transferred to the analog data acquisition module via a CAN bus using SDOs (SDO for service data object for parameterizing object directory entries), for example, as part of the procedure described above for writing the specification to the memory of the analog data acquisition module.

[0072] Determining the information characterizing the relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the measuring transducer can comprise receiving a user input regarding the relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the measuring transducer. Determining the information characterizing the relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the measuring transducer can comprise displaying an input mask, optionally on a display of a control system, a personal computer, a tablet, and / or a smartphone, in which the user input regarding the relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the measuring transducer can be entered at predefined locations.

[0073] An input mask can be understood as a graphical user interface that has fields in which values ​​can be entered or selected by a user.

[0074] The graphical user interface or graphical user interface fulfils the technical task of making it possible for a user to create (application) software for generating a file with a predefined internal structure for processing a measured variable on a computer using graphical symbols, control elements or widgets. This task is achieved by the fact that the reproduction of information in the form of an input mask allows a user to identify, guided, i.e., under instructions, information from a data sheet of any measuring transducer that characterises the relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the measuring transducer and, by entering the information into the graphical user interface, to convert this information into the file format required by the module for analog measured value acquisition. The user interface enables the user of the module for analog measured value acquisition, e.g.a process engineer to benefit from the technical effect of the universally applicable module for analogue data acquisition and thus serves the technical purpose of the software-side setup of the module for analogue data acquisition.

[0075] As described above, the specification can include constants or coefficients together with a reference to a function stored in the software, in particular firmware, of the module for analog data acquisition. It is conceivable that these coefficients are queried as numerical values ​​using the user interface and optionally also which function is involved. The numerical values ​​can then be automatically converted using the method into the file format required for the file and stored in the file at the designated location. Based on the information regarding the function underlying the characteristic curve, a corresponding pointer or corresponding information regarding which function stored in the firmware of the module for analog data acquisition is to be called can be automatically stored in the file at the designated location in the required file format.

[0076] The information can be presented in such a way that the input mask shows the user which information is required from a standard or a data sheet of a measuring transducer and where this information should be entered in the input mask. Specifically, this can mean that a file containing x-order coefficients for an (optionally nonlinear) (sensor) characteristic curve and a "description string" is to be stored in the module for analog data acquisition.

[0077] Depending on the number and type of coefficients (e.g. for a spline function) as well as the required function, a microprocessor of the module for analog measured value acquisition can then calculate a measured value (e.g. a temperature value in °C) on the basis of a measured analog value, e.g. using a numerical method.

[0078] It's also conceivable that the user simply enters the characteristic curve's support points into the input mask, and then a function, such as a spline function, is automatically determined. The file or byte structure can then be generated fully automatically.

[0079] Without the user needing any knowledge of the data format structure, the process allows the file to be generated fully automatically, which the analog data acquisition module can then process. Therefore, the user interface achieves a technical effect because it credibly supports the user in performing a technical task through constant and / or guided human-machine interaction—here, the creation of the (digital) file for processing measured values ​​from a measuring transducer in a required file format. The technical effect is credibly achieved because the user's support in performing the technical task is objectively, reliably, and causally linked to the display of the input mask or user interface, and does not depend on the user's subjective interests or preferences.

[0080] The input mask can be part of a web application. A web application (also known as an online application, web application, or web app for short) is an application program based on the client-server model. Unlike classic desktop applications, web applications are not installed locally on the user's computer. Data processing can be carried out, at least in part, on a remote web server. The results of the data processing are transferred to the user's local client computer (thin client). A web application is usually used via a web browser. Unlike desktop applications, web applications do not require a special operating system on the user's computer. One advantage of web applications in an industrial context is that users do not have to install any software on their computer, thus avoiding any potential security risks.

[0081] The above description with reference to the module for analogue measured value acquisition, method for operating the module for analogue measured value acquisition, system for data processing, computer program, computer-readable medium and method for writing the specification also applies analogously to the method for determining the file and vice versa.

[0082] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a data processing device with means for executing the method for determining the file and / or the method for writing the specification, a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method for determining the file and / or the method for writing the specification, and / or a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when the instructions are executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method for writing the specification and / or the method for determining the file. The descriptions above with reference to the module for analog measured value acquisition, method for operating the module for analog measured value acquisition, data processing system, computer program, computer-readable medium, method for writing the specification and method for determining the file apply analogously here.

[0083] The disclosure further relates to a file for use in a module for analog measured value acquisition, wherein the file has a predefined structure and, at a predefined location in the file, contains information for processing a measured variable that can be received from a measuring transducer on the module for analog measured value acquisition. The file can be or have been determined using the method for determining the file described above. What has been described above with reference to the module for analog measured value acquisition, method for operating the module for analog measured value acquisition, data processing system, computer program, computer-readable medium, method for writing the specification, and method for determining the file also applies analogously to the file for use in the module for analog measured value acquisition, and vice versa.

[0084] The file thus has a data structure or data format, the intended technical use of which is the determination of measured values ​​based on measured variables in a module for analog data acquisition, so that a technical effect is produced as a result of this intended technical use. The data structure defining the file is therefore functional data, i.e., the structure or format of the file has a technical function in a technical system, in this case, the control of the operation of the device that processes the data. As a file containing functional data, the file inherently reflects the corresponding technical characteristics of the module for analog data acquisition.

[0085] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium with the above-described file for use in the analog data acquisition module. The above descriptions with respect to the analog data acquisition module, method for operating the analog data acquisition module, data processing system, computer program, computer-readable medium, method for writing the specification, method for determining the file, and the file for use in the analog data acquisition module apply analogously here.

[0086] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Where a term has multiple definitions, the definitions in this specification prevail unless otherwise noted.

[0087] Wherever the terms "for example," "such as," "including," and the like are used, this shall be construed as if followed by the term "and without limitation," unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, "an example," "exemplary," and the like are to be understood as non-limiting or non-exhaustive. The same applies to numerical references; for example, "comprising two terminals" is to be understood as "comprising at least two terminals."

[0088] The term "substantially" allows for variations that do not adversely affect the intended purpose. Descriptive terms should be understood as being modified by the term "substantially," even if the term "substantially" is not explicitly stated.

[0089] The terms "comprising" and "including" and "having" and "including" (and similarly "comprises," "includes," "has," "having," and "involving") and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. In particular, each of the terms is interpreted as an open-ended or non-exhaustive term meaning "at least the following," and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etc. For example, "an apparatus comprising components a, b, and c" means that the apparatus comprises at least components a, b, and c. Similarly, the phrase "a method comprising steps a, b, and c" means that the method comprises at least steps a, b, and c. Unless the context is clear orexplicitly requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like in the description and claims are consequently to be understood in an inclusive sense and not in an exclusive or exhaustive sense, i.e. in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0090] An embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0091] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a data processing system with a module for analogue measured value acquisition in a measuring operation,

[0092] Fig. 2 shows schematically the module for analogue measured value acquisition from Figure 1 in detail in the measuring mode,

[0093] Fig. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the data processing system from Figure 1 comprising the module for analog measured value acquisition from Figure 2,

[0094] Fig. 4 shows schematically the module for analogue measured value acquisition from Figure 1 in detail during a description or installation of the module for analogue measured value acquisition,

[0095] Fig. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for writing a specification into the module for analog measured value acquisition from Figure 4,

[0096] Fig. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for determining the target, and

[0097] Fig. 7 schematically shows a graphical user interface for use in the method for determining the target value. The data processing system, shown only schematically in Figure 1, comprises a (process) control system 1, a gateway 2 connected to the control system 1, a module for analog measured value acquisition connected to the control system 1 via the gateway 2, and four sensors 4-7, in this case temperature sensors, each of which is connected to the control system 1 via the module for analog measured value acquisition 3 and the gateway 2.

[0098] The module for analog measured value acquisition 2 comprises four channels or connections 34 - 37, each of these connections 34 - 37 being provided for one of the sensors 4 - 7 or being connected to a sensor 4 - 7, a (micro) processor 32 connected to the connections 34 - 37, a non-volatile (flash) memory 38 connected to the processor 32 and an (output / input or I / O) interface 33 via which the module for analog measured value acquisition 3 can communicate bidirectionally with the gateway 2.

[0099] As can be seen in particular from Figure 4, the memory 38 has four substantially equally sized memory areas 381-384. Each of these four memory areas 381-384 is permanently assigned to one of the four terminals 34-37 in a firmware of the analog measured value acquisition module 3 executed by the processor 32.

[0100] This allows the execution of a method for operating the data processing system, in particular the analog measured value acquisition module 3, the flow diagram of which is shown in Figure 3 and which is described in detail below.

[0101] In a first step S1 of the method, the first measuring transducer 4 measures or senses an ambient variable, in this case a temperature, and generates a corresponding electrical, analog signal A4 depending on its measuring transducer characteristic and outputs the generated analog signal A4 to the first terminal 34 of the module for analog measured value acquisition 3.

[0102] In a second step S2 of the method, the information, i.e., the first analog signal A4, is received at the terminal 34 of the analog data acquisition module 3. The analog data acquisition module 3 then converts the first analog signal A4 generated in the first step S1 into a digital signal by means of an A / D converter (not shown) and outputs this digital signal to the processor 32.

[0103] The processor 32 executes software, in this case firmware, which, in the third step S3 of the method, determines via which of the four terminals 34-37 the digital signal corresponding to the first analog signal was received. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the (digitized) measured values ​​of the terminals 34-37 are processed sequentially by the firmware in an endless loop and at a specific interval. For the terminal 34-37 currently being processed, the corresponding memory area 381-384 can then be pointed to or referenced, e.g., via a software pointer.

[0104] In the fourth step S4, based on the connection 34 - 37 determined in the third step S3, the software then accesses the memory area 381 - 384 which is assigned to this specific connection 34 - 37 in the software, ie in the present case the first memory area 381 is accessed.

[0105] In each of the memory areas 381 - 384, a specification K34 - K37 is stored as to how the software has to process the digital signal that was obtained from the analog signal A4 - A7 received via the respective connection 34 - 37 in the manner described above.

[0106] Each of the specifications K34 - K37 is available as a file with a file format having a predefined internal structure, whereby the software executed by processor 32 is configured to process files in this specific file format. At a predefined location in the file, information for processing the measured variable—here, the digital signal obtained from the analog signal A34 - A37 by the respective measuring transducer 34 - 37—is contained. In addition, an (individually assignable) identification number for the respective measuring transducer 34 - 37, an (individually assignable) name for the respective measuring transducer 34 - 37, information about a unit that has a measured value (the so-called output information, e.g. °C, K, Pa, etc.) of the respective measuring transducer 34 - 37, other information (see "Reserved in table") and / or a CRC (code for the so-called cyclic redundancy check).

[0107] Below, a possible internal structure of the file format of the file, which can also be referred to as sensor description, is shown in detail in table form.

[0108] The identification number can serve as a unique identifier for each created sensor description.

[0109] The name can be a string to give the described sensor a readable name.

[0110] The unit can describe the unit of measurement of the process value or measured value. Coding can be done based on the HART specification.

[0111] The sensor header can contain all the sensor information necessary for measuring values ​​and linearization.

[0112] The sensor body can contain the polynomials and constants of the sensor.

[0113] The CRC can be a CRC over byte 0x000 up to and including byte 0x1 FB, polynomial 0x04C11 DB7, initial value 0xFFFFFFFF, 32-bit input reflection, output reflection, and output XOR value 0xFFFFFFFF. In other words, the CRC can be a CRC over the entire content, excluding the CRC itself.

[0114] When accessing the specific memory area 381-384, in this case the first memory area 381, the software loads the specification K34-K37 stored therein, in this case the first specification K34, into the processor 32 for processing the digital signal.

[0115] In a fifth step S5 of the method, the software executed by processor 32 processes the digital signal according to the specification K34 loaded in the fourth step S4 and, in doing so, generates output information T34, the so-called measured value, which comprises the measured variable in a (file) format readable by gateway 2. In other words, since the present example involves a temperature being measured, the measured value corresponds to the temperature in °C that corresponds to the measured variable, e.g., the voltage value contained in the analog signal.

[0116] In a sixth step S6 of the method, the output information T34 generated in the fifth step S5 is output to the gateway 2 via the interface 33 of the module for analog measured value acquisition 3 using a first communication standard, e.g. in the case of a CAN interface, the CANopen (protocol).

[0117] In a seventh step S7 of the method, the output information T34 received from the gateway 2 in the sixth step S6 is output by the gateway to the control system 1 using a second communication standard, e.g. Ethernet-IP, Modbus-TCP, Profinet

[0118] The method for operating the analog data acquisition module 3 was explained in detail above for the first sensor 4, although the method can be carried out equally for all sensors 4 - 7 (i.e., the second sensor outputs the analog signal A5 to the second terminal 35 and the analog data acquisition module processes this using the second specification K35 stored in the second memory area 382, ​​etc.). In order to establish the state of the analog data acquisition module 3 described above, the method described in detail below for writing the specifications K34 - K37 already explained in detail above can be carried out in the field, i.e., when the analog data acquisition module is in operation, for example, in a factory.The method for writing the specifications K34 - K37 essentially comprises four steps S11 - S14, as can be seen from its schematic flow diagram in Figure 5, wherein this method will be described with the aid of the detailed view of the module for analog measured value acquisition 3 in Figure 4.

[0119] The specifications K34 - K37 to be stored in the memory are each a file in the file format described above with the predefined internal structure.

[0120] In a first step S11 of the method, it is determined which of the four connections 34 - 37 of the module for analog measured value acquisition the specification is to be assigned to.

[0121] In a second step S12 of the method, the specification is sent from gateway 2 to interface 33 of the analog data acquisition module, with the specification being sent to interface 33 in several, here equally sized, data packets of 64 bytes each. Splitting the message into several data packets offers the advantage that a message bus from the gateway to the analog data acquisition module is not overloaded or subjected to excessive load.

[0122] In a third step S13 of the method, the specification K34 - K37 is received at the interface 33 of the module for analog measured value acquisition 3.

[0123] In a fourth step S14 of the method, the specification is written to the memory area 381-384 of the memory 38 of the module for analog measured value acquisition 3, which is permanently assigned to the connection 34-37 defined in the first step S1. The specification is only written to this memory area 381-384 of the memory 38 once the entire specification has been received at the interface 33. It is conceivable that the data packets or parts thereof are temporarily buffered in another memory (e.g., the RAM) of the module for analog measured value acquisition 3.

[0124] A method is described in detail below, in which the above-described file for the specification K34 - K35 (i.e., for processing a measured variable that can be received from a measuring transducer 4 - 7 at a module for analog measured value acquisition 3) can be created by means of user interaction via an input mask designed as a graphical user interface 8 (see Figure 7). This method essentially comprises two steps S21 and S22, as can be seen from the flow diagram schematically shown in Figure 6.

[0125] In a first step S21 of the method, information is determined that characterizes the relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the respective measuring transducer 4-7. The relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the respective measuring transducer, e.g., the polynomials of the characteristic curve, can be taken from the standard or the data sheet of the measuring transducer, for example. If only support points and no polynomials are specified, one or more polynomials matching the support points can be determined in an intermediate step, e.g., using a polynomial regression method.

[0126] For this purpose, the input mask 8 shown in Figure 7 is displayed to the user, e.g., via a web application. User input regarding the relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the measuring transducer can be entered at predefined locations. Furthermore, the other information required for the sensor description (see above, e.g., identification number, name, unit, other, etc.) is also requested.

[0127] In concrete terms, this can also mean for a characteristic curve that the user first determines the type or nature of the function using the graphical user interface 8. To do so, the user can be prompted to choose from several options (not shown in Figure 7). For example, the user can be shown several images that depict different curve progressions for different functions (e.g., quadratic function, linear function, etc.). By selecting the function, e.g., by clicking on the respective image, the type of function can be determined by the user.

[0128] The coefficients required to define the function (e.g., the gradient of a linear function) can then be queried via the user interface. Which coefficients are required for which function can be stored in the computer program underlying the user interface.

[0129] The user input received via the user interface 8 shown in Figure 7, including the relationship between the measured variable and the measured value of the measuring transducer 4-7, is then fully automatically converted into the appropriate file format (see above, sensor header and sensor body). This means that the coefficients and the type of function (e.g., linear, quadratic, etc.) are then saved in the file (as described above), along with the other information requested via the user interface 8. In other words, in a second step S22 of the method, the specific information is saved at the respective predefined or designated location in the file.

[0130] If the user knows any (optionally non-linear) characteristic curve range (e.g. from a standard in which the coefficients are specified), the user can generate the file or the byte structure using the input mask and then this characteristic curve range can be programmed into the module for analog measured value acquisition using the file.

[0131] List of reference symbols

[0132] 1 guidance system

[0133] 2 Gateway

[0134] 3 Module for analogue measured value acquisition

[0135] 32 processor

[0136] 33 Interface

[0137] 34 - 37 Connections for transmitters / sensors

[0138] 38 memory, optional flash

[0139] 381 - 384 memory areas

[0140] 4 - 7 transmitters / sensors

[0141] 8 Input mask / Graphical user interface (GUI)

[0142] A4 - A7 analog signal / measured quantity

[0143] T34 - T37 digital signal / measured value

[0144] K34 - K37 Specification for processing the digital signal, optional function for converting the measured variable into the measured value

[0145] S1 - S7 Steps of the procedure for operating the module for analog measurement value acquisition

[0146] S11 - S14 Steps of the procedure for writing the specification to the analogue data acquisition module

[0147] S21 - S22 Steps of the procedure for determining the target

Claims

Patent claims Module for analogue measured value acquisition (3), wherein the module for analogue measured value acquisition (3) comprises: - two connections (34 - 37), whereby a measuring transducer (4 - 7) can be connected to the module for analogue measured value acquisition (3) for each connection (34 - 37), and - a memory (38), characterized in that - in the memory (38), a memory area (381-384) is provided for each of the two connections (34-37), which memory area is permanently assigned to the respective connection (34-37). Module for analog measured value acquisition (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the module for analog measured value acquisition (3) is designed to determine via which of the two connections (34-37) information, optionally a measured variable (A4-A7), was received from the measuring transducer (4-7) connectable to the respective connection (34-37) and, based thereon, to access the memory area (381-384) that is permanently assigned to this connection (34-37).The analog measured value acquisition module (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that a specification (K34 - K37) for processing the received information is stored in the accessed memory area (381 - 384), and the analog measured value acquisition module (3) is configured to access this specification (K34 - K37). The analog measured value acquisition module (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the analog measured value acquisition module (3) is configured to process the received information using the specification (K34 - K37) for processing the accessed information, thereby generating output information. Module for analog measured value acquisition (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the module for analog measured value acquisition (3) has an interface (33) and is designed to output the generated output information via the interface (33) to an external data processing device, optionally a gateway, connectable to the interface (33). Module for analog measured value acquisition (3) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the specification (K34 - K37) has or consists of a file that is present in a file format with a predefined internal structure. Module for analog measured value acquisition (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that the module for analog measured value acquisition (3) is configured to process files that are present in the file format with the predefined internal structure. System for data processing, characterized in that the system for data processing comprises: - a guidance system, and - a gateway connected to the control system, characterized in that the data processing system comprises: - the analog measured value acquisition module (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is connected to the control system via the gateway. A method for operating an analog measured value acquisition module (3), wherein the analog measured value acquisition module (3) comprises: - two connections (34 - 37), whereby a measuring transducer (4 - 7) can be connected to the module for analogue measured value acquisition (3) for each connection (34 - 37), and - a memory (38), characterized in that the method comprises: - Receiving information from one of the transducers (4 - 7) via one of the two connections (34 - 37), - Determining via which of the two terminals (34 - 37) the information was received, and - Accessing a memory area (381-384) of the memory (38) that is permanently assigned to the connection (34-37) via which the information was received. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that a specification (K34-K37) for processing the received information is stored in the accessed memory area (381-384), and the method comprises accessing this specification (K34-K37). Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the method comprises processing the received information using the specification (K34-K37) for processing the accessed received information, in order to generate output information. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the method comprises outputting the generated output information via an interface (33) of the module for analog measured value acquisition (3) to an external data processing device (2) connected to the interface (33).Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the specification (K34 - K37) comprises or consists of a file that is present in a file format with a predefined internal structure. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the specification (K34 - K37) is called by means of a computer program executed by the module for analog measured value acquisition (3), which is configured to process files that are present in the file format with the predefined internal structure.

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the module for analogue measured value acquisition (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, cause the module to carry out a method, characterized in that the method comprises: - determining via which of the at least two connections (34 - 37) information was received, and - Accessing the memory area (381 - 384) assigned to the connection (34 - 37) via which the information was received.

16. Computer program according to claim 15, characterized in that in the memory area (381 - 384) which is accessed, a specification (K34 - K37) for processing the received information is stored and the method comprises accessing this specification (K34 - K37).

17. A computer program according to claim 16, characterized in that the method comprises processing the received information using the specification (K34 - K37) for processing the received information that has been accessed, so as to generate output information.

18. Computer program according to claim 17, characterized in that the method comprises outputting the generated output information via an interface (33) of the module for analog measured value acquisition (3) to an external data processing device (2) connected to the interface (33).

19. Computer program according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the specification (K34 - K37) comprises or consists of a file which is in a file format with a predefined internal structure.

20. Computer program according to claim 19, characterized in that the computer program is configured to process files that are in the file format with the predefined internal structure.

21. A computer-readable medium comprising a computer program according to any one of claims 15 to 20.

22. Method for writing a specification (K34 - K37) for processing information into the memory (38) of the module for analog measured value acquisition (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the method comprises: - Determining which connection (34 - 37) of the at least two connections (34 - 37) of the module for analogue measured value acquisition (3) the specification (K34 - K37) is to be assigned to, and - Writing the specification (K34 - K37) into the memory area (381 - 384) of the memory (38) of the module for analog measured value acquisition (3), which is permanently assigned to this connection (34 - 37).

23. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that the method comprises: - Sending the specification (K34 - K37) from an external data processing device, optionally a gateway, to an interface (33) of the module for analogue measured value acquisition (3), and - Receiving the specification (K34 - K37) at the interface (33) of the module for analogue measured value acquisition (3), - whereby the specification (K34 - K37) is sent to the interface (33) in several, optionally equally sized, data packets.

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the specification (K34 - K37) is not written into the memory area (381 - 384) of the memory (38) until the entire specification (K34 - K37) has been received at the interface (33).

25. Method according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the specification (K34 - K37) comprises or consists of a file which is in a file format with a predefined internal structure.

26. A method for determining a file with a predefined internal structure for processing a measured variable (A4 - A7) that can be received by a measuring transducer (4 - 7) on a module for analog measured value acquisition (3), characterized in that the method comprises: - Determining information that characterizes a relationship between the measured variable (A1 - A7) and a measured value (T34 - T37) of the measuring transducer (4 - 7), and - Saving the specific information at a predefined location in the file.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that determining the information characterizing the relationship between the measured variable (A4 - A7) and the measured value (T34 - T37) of the measuring transducer (4 - 7) comprises receiving a user input concerning the relationship between the measured variable (A4 - A7) and the measured value (T34 - T37) of the measuring transducer (4 - 7).

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that determining the information that characterizes the relationship between the measured variable (A4 - A7) and the measured value (T34 - T37) of the measuring transducer (4 - 7) comprises displaying an input mask, optionally on a display of a control system, a personal computer, a tablet and / or a smartphone, in which the user input regarding the relationship between the measured variable (A4 - A7) and the measured value (T34 - T37) of the measuring transducer (4 - 7) can be entered at predefined locations.

29. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that the input mask is part of a web application.

30. A data processing device, characterized in that the device comprises means for carrying out the method according to one of claims 22 to 25 and / or 26 to 29. Computer program, characterized in that the computer program comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of claims 22 to 25 and / or 26 to 29. Computer-readable medium, characterized in that the medium comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of claims 22 to 25 and / or 26 to 29. File for use in a module for analog measured value acquisition (3), characterized in that the file has a predefined structure and, at a predefined location in the file, contains information for processing a measured variable (A4 - A7) which can be received from a measuring transducer (4 - 7) on the module for analog measured value acquisition (3). File according to claim 33, characterized in that the file was determined using a method according to one of claims 26 to 29.A computer-readable medium, characterized in that the medium comprises the file according to claim 33 or 34.

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