GUI and method for commissioning drives

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for commissioning drives (101, 102, 103), comprising - a memory for storing at least one machine-executable component, - a processor that is coupled operatively to the memory and is configured to execute the at least one machine-executable component, and - a display device (105), wherein the at least one machine-executable component is designed as a commissioning tool for drives, wherein the commissioning tool has a user guidance component that is configured to generate a sequence of configuration steps, comprising at least two configuration steps (201 to 206), for commissioning at least one drive (101, 102, 103) and to visualize the sequence of configuration steps in the form of a non-modal wizard (200) using the display device (105).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] GUI AND PROCEDURES FOR COMMISSIONING DRIVES

[0003] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a system for commissioning drives comprising a memory for storing at least one machine-executable component, a processor which is operatively coupled to the memory and is configured to execute the at least one machine-executable component, and a display device, wherein the at least one machine-executable component is designed as a commissioning tool for drives, in particular for systems consisting of a converter, for example a frequency converter, and an electrical rotary machine, for example an electric motor.

[0005] Furthermore, the disclosure concerns a method for commissioning drives, as well as an engineering platform and a machine-readable medium.

[0006] The automation of processes and systems is an important component of many industries. To enable this automation, engineering platforms are often used, allowing engineers to develop, test, and implement applications.

[0007] An automation engineering platform is a comprehensive software system that enables engineers and developers to plan, design, and implement automation projects more effectively. Such a platform typically includes various tools for programming, testing, simulating, and monitoring automation systems. A key step in the implementation of automated systems is commissioning, which involves coordinating various system components to ensure they function as planned. During this commissioning process, the various system components can be connected and put into operation, for example, to test the functionality of the entire system and its individual components.

[0008] To facilitate and accelerate the commissioning process, special tools are often used. These tools can help identify and resolve potential sources of error early on, improve system efficiency, and shorten commissioning time.

[0009] Such a commissioning tool for an automation engineering platform could include a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the user to commission the system step by step. The GUI could include various steps that the user must complete to ensure that all system components are functioning properly.

[0010] These steps could include, for example, checking wiring, calibrating sensors and actuators, and setting up controllers and controls. The tool could also enable test runs of the system to ensure it is functioning properly and delivering the desired results.

[0011] Another important aspect of such a tool could be system monitoring. The tool could enable real-time monitoring of the system's performance and send notifications to the user when problems occur. It could also collect and analyze data to provide the user with valuable insights into the system's performance and identify possible improvements. A commissioning tool for an automation engineering platform could also offer a number of features to facilitate collaboration between different engineers and teams. For example, it could provide a common database for all system components to ensure that everyone involved is up to date and has the latest information.

[0012] Overall, a good commissioning tool for an engineering platform should have the following features:

[0013] 1. Easy configuration: The tool should allow for quick and easy configuration and connection of the various system components. This can be achieved through an intuitive user interface and simple drag-and-drop functionality.

[0014] 2. Automated verification: The tool should be capable of performing automated verifications to ensure that all components are functioning properly and are correctly connected. This can be achieved by integrating diagnostic tools and automated testing capabilities.

[0015] 3. Comprehensive documentation: The tool should be able to generate comprehensive documentation about the system and its components. This makes it easier for engineers and developers to understand and maintain the system.

[0016] 4. Integration into the overall platform: The tool should be able to be seamlessly integrated into the overall platform to ensure smooth collaboration with other tools and components.

[0017] Overall, an effective commissioning tool is essential for an automation engineering platform to accelerate and simplify the process of implementing automation projects. Such a tool should be easy to configure, offer automated testing and diagnostic tools, provide comprehensive documentation, and be able to be seamlessly integrated into the overall platform. A commissioning tool for drives that must be integrated into an automation system has several special features that distinguish it from other commissioning tools. Some of these special features are described below:

[0018] Compatibility with the automation system: The commissioning tool is preferably compatible with the automation system into which the drive is to be integrated. It should be able to read and write the drive configuration settings required by the automation system.

[0019] Drive parameter configuration: A drive commissioning tool is preferably capable of configuring the drive parameters. This includes setting speed, torque, acceleration, braking, and other relevant parameters.

[0020] Fault diagnosis: The commissioning tool should preferably be able to read and interpret diagnostic data from the drive. This helps identify errors and problems during commissioning. The tool should also be able to generate error codes and error messages to facilitate troubleshooting.

[0021] Real-time monitoring: The commissioning tool should be able to read and display real-time data from the drive. This allows for quick verification of the drive's performance and behavior during commissioning.

[0022] Interfaces with other automation components: A commissioning tool should preferably be able to communicate with other components of the automation system. This includes integration with the controller, other drives, sensors, and other components. User-friendliness: The commissioning tool should be user-friendly and have an intuitive user interface. It should be easy to use and allow the user to interact with the drive quickly and efficiently.

[0023] Overall, a commissioning tool for drives that need to be integrated into an automation system should offer a comprehensive suite of features that allows the user to commission and monitor the drive quickly and efficiently. It should also be able to communicate with other components of the automation system, enabling seamless integration.

[0024] Ease of use is an important factor for a drive commissioning tool, as it allows users to quickly and easily utilize the tool's features. Below are some aspects that can contribute to ease of use.

[0025] A commissioning tool can include an intuitive user interface. For example, an intuitive user interface can make the commissioning tool easier to use. The user interface should be simple and easy to understand so the user can navigate quickly and efficiently.

[0026] The configuration of the commissioning tool should be simple and allow the user to quickly and easily make the required settings. A well-designed user interface can help simplify configuration.

[0027] The commissioning tool should also be available on various platforms, such as PCs, tablets, and mobile devices. This allows users to use the tool with the platform that is most convenient for them. In summary, a user-friendly drive commissioning tool facilitates drive configuration and monitoring. It should have an intuitive user interface, be easy to configure, and offer support for different languages ​​and platforms. Comprehensive documentation and support resources can help users work with the tool quickly and effectively.

[0028] Commissioning tools for drives are well known in the art. For example, such tools can have a user interface in the form of a modal wizard.

[0029] A modal wizard allows users to perform interactive steps to achieve a specific goal. This can take the form of dialog boxes, buttons, drop-down lists, and other interactive elements.

[0030] The modal wizard guides the user through a sequence of steps, often referred to as "wizard steps." Each step is typically presented on its own page and guides the user through a specific task or selection.

[0031] Wizards are often used to help users perform complex tasks that require a number of settings or options.

[0032] In order to increase the flexibility of commissioning the drives, a system of the type mentioned above is proposed, in which the commissioning tool has a user guidance component which is configured to generate a configuration step sequence comprising at least two configuration steps for commissioning at least one drive and to visualize the configuration step sequence in the form of a non-modal wizard using the display device. A non-modal wizard allows the user to interrupt or exit any individual configuration step before it is completed. The non-modal wizard is therefore less stringent with regard to the sequence, so that the user is always flexible with regard to the sequence of the settings. The user can easily make any change to the setting.

[0033] The user guidance component does not block the entire commissioning tool, as can be the case with other wizards, so that the user can switch to other programs within the engineering platform.

[0034] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the user guidance component is configured to pre-assign at least one parameter value in at least one of the configuration steps based on data that directly characterize, for example, the at least one drive or an application / operation intended for the at least one drive.

[0035] In this case, the user can work much more efficiently because values ​​are presented and the user does not have to do everything manually, but only has to check the automatically made settings.

[0036] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the user guidance component is configured to generate a configuration step sequence optimized with regard to the time of commissioning.

[0037] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the user guidance component is configured to interact with a user by means of the non-modal wizard visualized on the display device, to submit requests to the user, to receive inputs from the user in response to the requests, and to adopt the inputs as settings for the at least one drive. It can be expedient if the user guidance component is configured to visualize each configuration step of the configuration step sequence in the form of a clickable area on the display device, with different, non-overlapping areas corresponding to different configuration steps.

[0038] It can advantageously be provided that the user guidance component is configured to visualize a request directed to a user on the display device when one of the clickable areas is clicked, the request relating to a configuration step corresponding to the clicked area.

[0039] It may be intended that the request contains a request to carry out the configuration step.

[0040] Furthermore, the flexibility of commissioning the drives can be increased with a procedure as mentioned above if it comprises the following steps,

[0041] Providing a (virtual or real) drive, executing a user guidance component in a commissioning tool for drives that can be operated via a display device in order to generate a configuration step sequence comprising at least two configuration steps for commissioning the drive and to visualize the configuration step sequence in the form of a non-modal wizard on the display device, executing the configuration steps by using the non-modal wizard to configure the drive.

[0042] It can advantageously be provided that when carrying out a configuration step, the user guidance component pre-assigns at least one parameter value in the configuration step based on data which characterize the at least one drive or an application / operation provided for the at least one drive (for example directly) and, preferably, requests a user to confirm the at least one pre-assigned parameter value or to enter a parameter value which differs from the at least one pre-assigned parameter value.

[0043] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the configuration steps are carried out in an interaction with a user, wherein the user is guided through the configuration steps by the non-modal wizard, wherein the user guidance component makes requests to the user, receives inputs from the user in response to the requests, and adopts the inputs as settings for the at least one drive.

[0044] Commissioning can also be made more flexible with an engineering platform that includes: at least one machine-executable component that is designed as a commissioning tool for drives, wherein the commissioning tool has a user guidance component that is configured to generate a configuration step sequence comprising at least two configuration steps for commissioning at least one drive and to visualize the configuration step sequence in the form of a non-modal wizard by means of the display device.

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. In the following:

[0046] FIG 1 a system for commissioning several converters,

[0047] FIG 2 a non-modal wizard, and

[0048] FIG 3 a method for commissioning converters.

[0049] The reference symbols used in the figures serve solely to improve readability and are not to be interpreted as limiting. The same reference symbols in different figures essentially designate the same elements or objects. FIG. 1 shows a system 100 for commissioning a plurality of converters 101, 102, 103 in an automation system 104. The system 100 is embodied as a computer system and can, for example, monitor and control technical processes in automated production.

[0050] One or more of the converters 101, 102, 103, which may be frequency converters, for example, may be connected to a load, such as an electric rotary machine (not shown here). Such a machine may, for example, drive an axis of a machine tool or a conveyor belt.

[0051] To commission one or more inverters

[0052] 101, 102, 103, an engineering platform 106 is installed on the system 100, which has a display device 105, for example in the form of a screen. In this case, the engineering platform 106 comprises a commissioning tool for converters.

[0053] Furthermore, the system 100 is equipped with an interface 107, via which a user can operate the engineering platform 106 and, in particular, the commissioning tool. This can be configured, for example, as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0054] The commissioning tool includes an executable user guidance component that is used when commissioning the inverters 101,

[0055] 102 , 103 can be executed .

[0056] When the user guidance component is executed, it generates a configuration step sequence that includes at least two configuration steps. When the configuration steps are executed, the corresponding inverter 101, 102, 103 is configured and commissioned. The user guidance component visualizes the configuration step sequence in the form of a non-modal wizard on the display device 105 to enable the user to configure the inverter 101, 102, 103.

[0057] FIG 2 shows a non-modal wizard 200. It shows a configuration step sequence with a total of six wizard steps 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206. The non-modal wizard 200 also has a navigation menu 207. Using the menu 207, the user can navigate to the individual wizard steps and edit them or complete the editing.

[0058] Shown is a configuration step sequence that is optimized with regard to commissioning time and enables the fastest possible commissioning of an inverter.

[0059] The individual configuration steps 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 are visualized in the form of clickable areas on the display device 105 and can, for example, have the form of tiles.

[0060] FIG 2 shows that the first wizard step 201 has been clicked and is currently defining a connection to the PLC (programmable logic controller).

[0061] In response to a user clicking request, the user guidance component may visualize an area 208 on the display device in which concrete configurations corresponding to the configuration step activated by clicking are displayed.

[0062] Menu 207, wizard steps 201 to 206 and area 208 are preferably visualized simultaneously.

[0063] The user guidance component preferably generates predefined questions and / or sets predetermined settings and / or parameters to a predefined value and visualizes these in the area 208.

[0064] FIG 2 shows an example in which the setting "Safety-integrated functions via PROFI safe" has already been activated and the use of a certain telegram with specification "XYZ" is pre-assigned.

[0065] Each configuration step in which the settings have been fully made and / or are already pre-assigned can be marked in the non-modal wizard 200, e.g., by means of a status icon 209.

[0066] These settings and / or the default values ​​correspond to a fully functional configuration of the converter 101, 102, 103. The user can complete commissioning as quickly as possible by accepting the suggested settings and / or the default values. Alternatively, the user can change the settings and / or the default values.

[0067] It can also be provided that, if certain settings in the configuration steps influence each other and this can lead to an impairment or an error, for example, a further status icon in the navigation informs the user where (in which configuration step 201 to 206) data still needs to be checked.

[0068] FIG 3 shows a flow chart of a method 300 for commissioning at least one drive, for example one of the converters 101, 102, 103 of FIG 1.

[0069] In a step 301, a converter is provided. This can also be a virtual converter, i.e., a digital twin of a converter. The converter is to be commissioned using a commissioning tool for drives that can be operated, for example, via the display device 105. For this purpose, in a step 302, a user guidance component is executed in the commissioning tool in order to generate a configuration step sequence comprising at least two configuration steps, for example the sequence in FIG. 2 with six steps 201 to 206. The configuration step sequence is used to commission the converter and is visualized on the display device in the form of a non-modal wizard, see, for example, FIG. 2.

[0070] The individual configuration steps are then carried out using the non-modal wizard to configure the drive. Due to the non-modality of the wizard, the user can switch between the individual steps at will.

[0071] In summary, this publication discloses a commissioning tool with improved user guidance. The system guides the user through the most important steps of configuration, commissioning, and diagnostics using a non-modal wizard. Any other tool within the engineering platform can be opened, for example to look up specific data. The system assigns additional values ​​depending on the user application and inputs. The steps (commissioning steps) can be carried out both sequentially and flexibly by users in any order. This allows quick changes to be made. However, there is also guidance through the steps that the user can follow. This has advantages for both inexperienced and experienced users - flexibility and speed of execution.

[0072] The purpose of this description is merely to provide illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and special features of this invention. Thus, it cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the field of application of the invention or of the patent rights claimed in the claims. In particular, the features disclosed in connection with the methods described herein can be usefully used to further develop the devices described herein, and vice versa.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A system for commissioning drives (101, 102, 103) comprising a memory for storing at least one machine-executable component, a processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the at least one machine-executable component, and a display device (105), wherein the at least one machine-executable component is designed as a commissioning tool for drives, wherein the commissioning tool has a user guidance component configured to generate a configuration step sequence comprising at least two configuration steps (201 to 206) for commissioning at least one drive (101, 102, 103) and to visualize the configuration step sequence in the form of a non-modal wizard (200) by means of the display device (105).

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the user guidance component is configured to pre-assign at least one parameter value in at least one of the configuration steps (201 to 206) based on data characterizing the at least one drive (101, 102, 103) or an application / operation provided for the at least one drive (101, 102, 103).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user guidance component is configured to generate a configuration step sequence optimized with regard to the time of commissioning.

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user guidance component is configured to interact with a user by means of the non-modal wizard (200) visualized on the display device (105), to make requests to the user, to take action in response to the requests, to receive inputs from the user and to adopt the inputs as settings for the at least one drive (101,102, 103).

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the user guidance component is configured to visualize each configuration step (201 to 206) of the configuration step sequence in the form of a clickable area (201 to 206) on the display device (105), wherein different configuration steps correspond to different, non-overlapping areas.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the user guidance component is configured to visualize a request (208) directed to a user on the display device upon clicking on one of the clickable areas (201 to 206), the request relating to a configuration step corresponding to the clicked area (201).

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the request includes a request to perform the configuration step.

8. Procedure for commissioning drives with the following steps, (301) Providing a drive, (302) Executing a user guidance component in a commissioning tool for drives that can be operated via a display device in order to generate a configuration step sequence comprising at least two configuration steps for commissioning the drive and to visualize the configuration step sequence in the form of a non-modal wizard on the display device, (303) Perform the configuration steps by using the non-modal wizard to configure the drive.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein when performing a configuration step, the user guidance component is based based on data which characterise the at least one drive or an application / operation provided for the at least one drive, at least one parameter value is pre-assigned in the configuration step and, preferably, a user is asked to confirm the at least one pre-assigned parameter value or to enter a parameter value which differs from the at least one pre-assigned parameter value.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the configuration steps are carried out in an interaction with a user, wherein the user is guided through the configuration steps by the non-modal wizard, wherein the user guidance component makes requests to the user, receives inputs from the user in response to the requests, and adopts the inputs as settings for the at least one drive.

11. Engineering platform (106) comprising at least one machine-executable component which is designed as a commissioning tool for drives (101, 102, 103), wherein the commissioning tool has a user guidance component which is configured to generate a configuration step sequence comprising at least two configuration steps for commissioning at least one drive and to visualize the configuration step sequence in the form of a non-modal wizard by means of the display device. 12 . A machine-readable medium with an engineering platform according to claim 11 .

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