Method for linking dashboard data with the three-dimensional model of a production line that consists of multiple modules

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for linking dashboard data with the three-dimensional model of a production line that consists of multiple modules, and to a system for carrying out said method.

Description

[0001] Method for linking dashboard data with the three-dimensional model of a multi-module production plant

[0002] background

[0003] Modern production plants, such as a continuous casting plant in the steel industry, consist of numerous individual systems or modules, to which numerous sensors and actuators are attached. These production plants can be considerably large and have a complex structure or geometry. Furthermore, numerous process parameters must be adjusted or taken into account during plant operation.

[0004] Therefore, in order to evaluate a single piece of information, e.g. from a temperature sensor (strand surface) within a continuous casting plant, additional information (from other sources) must be used, such as:

[0005] Process parameters (casting speed, steel grade, secondary cooling water quantity, etc.)

[0006] Plant geometry (strand routing (segment rollers and bearings), installation concept for secondary cooling (nozzle positions and types, control loops). This has so far mostly been done by "manual" (analog) retrieval and linking of data from scattered, individual data sources, the exact designations of which the user must know. Such a procedure is inaccurate, error-prone, labor-intensive, dependent on personnel, and time-consuming.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of enabling the integration of data from different sources (design, process engineering, process control, automation, external data sources, etc.) and storing and linking these in an intuitive and uniform manner.

[0008] Short description of the characters

[0009] Fig . 1 shows a three-dimensional model of a continuous casting plant consisting of module models with a first indicator as a slider through a module model .

[0010] Fig. 2 shows a dashboard representation for data from the production plant depending on a second indicator.

[0011] Fig . 3 shows a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the module model shown in Figure 1 with the position of the first indicator .

[0012] Fig. 4 shows the representations from figures 1, 2, and 3 in summary, with additional dashboard representations shown.

[0013] Summary

[0014] The invention is defined by the subject matter of the appended claims. Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for linking dashboard data with the three-dimensional model of a multi-module production plant, comprising:

[0015] Providing and displaying the three-dimensional model of the production plant, wherein the three-dimensional model comprises three-dimensional module models and wherein each of the three-dimensional module models corresponds to a module of the production plant,

[0016] Determining data for the production plant modules of the production plant and displaying the determined data for the production plant as dashboard data,

[0017] Providing a first indicator movable by a user, the movable position of which lies within the three-dimensional model and is displayed together with the three-dimensional model,

[0018] Displaying a second indicator in the dashboard data, where the position of the second indicator marks the data of the dashboard data that applies to the model module marked by the first indicator.

[0019] The three-dimensional model shown allows the viewer to easily orient themselves in the production facility and to select the areas that are relevant to them.

[0020] These dashboards illustrate two-dimensional data available for the modules of the production plant. Multiple (at least 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) dashboard data charts can be displayed.

[0021] It is possible to display all data sources available for the production plant simultaneously as two-dimensional dashboards arranged side by side, so that a direct association or linking of a specific location in the production plant with the associated data is possible. The first indicator only shows those areas or

[0022] Modules are selected that are relevant to the viewer. The data belonging to this module in the dashboard data that is assigned to this module and available is then automatically displayed by the second indicator. For example, the first indicator can be a visually represented, delimited (e.g. rectangular) plane that can be moved through the three-dimensional model. This makes it easy for the viewer to determine the location about which they require information. The second indicator can be a line in a two-dimensional data plot, where the position of the first indicator in the three-dimensional model corresponds to the position of the second indicator on one of the axes of the two-dimensional data plot (e.g. the x-axis of the two-dimensional data plot).This makes it immediately clear to the viewer which data value from the two-dimensional data plot is assigned to the module, while at the same time it is clear which values ​​the data of the other modules have.

[0023] The production facility has a production direction, meaning that successive modules process a product from an initial state to a final state. This production direction is reflected in the corresponding three-dimensional model.

[0024] However, the production plant can also have a transverse direction, which means that each individual module has different properties and devices (e.g. sensors and actuators) across the production direction.

[0025] Each two-dimensional data plot can have an x-axis whose points correspond to points on the production line in the direction of production. The y-axis therefore shows values ​​for these respective points. However, it is also possible to display two-dimensional data plots with an x-axis where the points on the x-axis correspond to points in the transverse direction of the production line. This means that values ​​for the cross-section through a module are displayed in the two-dimensional data plot. For example, the temperature values ​​or water leakage rates for a module or a location on a module can be displayed in the transverse direction. A cross-section is selected depending on the position of the first indicator.

[0026] This enables the quick and efficient derivation of instructions for hardware-technical modifications of the production plant (e.g., maintenance instructions) or for modifying the operating parameters of the production plant. For example, it is easy to recognize and act accordingly if a displayed value deviates too significantly from the values ​​of the neighboring module.

[0027] Local dashboard data is thus placed in a larger, global context within the three-dimensional model, enabling a higher-level analysis of the data.

[0028] The procedure makes it possible to create a common knowledge base for discussions and work on the relevant system with discussion participants in the shortest possible time.

[0029] Furthermore, it is possible to quickly and intuitively evaluate individual pieces of information, which are now presented in a context with other information (from other data sources), such as the validation of engineering data, the interpretation of process data, the interpretation of plant sensor data, and the interpretation of actual wear data from the plant. Thus, the process contributes overall to faster decision-making. The first indicator can be designed so that it has a predetermined direction of movement along the three-dimensional model.

[0030] The first indicator is designed as a slider. This allows the user to move the first indicator only along the specified direction, simplifying the process.

[0031] Additionally, it is also possible to provide a "Jump-To-Object" function. The modules can be consecutively identified by numbers. A representation of these numbers identifying the module can be provided in the representation of the three-dimensional model so that the number for a module of interest can be easily read in the representation. The "Jump-To-Object" function is a function that includes an input window that allows the user to enter the numbers. When the numbers are entered into the "Jump-To-Object" function, the function moves the first indicator to the position that identifies the number. Thus, manual movement of the first indicator is not necessary.

[0032] It is also possible to provide a display that hierarchically shows the structure of the production plant as a tree structure ("tree view"). With the help of the so-called "tree view", the individual modules and their sub-modules of the continuous casting machine can be identified. Using the tree structure, the individual sub-modules can be assigned to the respective parent module. Modules subordinate to this module are also directly recognizable. By marking the modules or sub-modules in the tree structure, modules or sub-modules in the three-dimensional module can be visually highlighted. The dashboard data displayed can be two-dimensional data plots, in particular line plots and bar charts.

[0033] By linking the easy-to-interpret data plots with the three-dimensional model, the analysis of the output data is made easier for the expert.

[0034] The data from the production plant modules can include sensor data, process parameters, plant geometry data and wear data.

[0035] This means that data from a wide variety of sources can be clearly displayed in one place or in one presentation.

[0036] The three-dimensional module models shown may also include a representation of the position and / or extent of subunits of the module models, in particular sensors and actuators.

[0037] This makes it easier for the viewer to interpret the data displayed in the dashboards, as they can already see in the three-dimensional image to which location (in the module) it is assigned.

[0038] The computer-implemented method may further comprise displaying a two-dimensional sectional image of the module model depending on the position of the first indicator, wherein the sectional image includes representations of the position and / or extent of the subunits of the module models, in particular the sensors and actuators.

[0039] In addition to the three-dimensional model and the dashboards, the two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the module model represents a third viewing or linking level between the data of the production plant and the three-dimensional shape of the production plant.

[0040] The section plane and the 3D model show where the sensors or actuators are located within the module. This makes it easier for the viewer to interpret the data displayed in the dashboards, as they can see in the section plane which location (in the module) the data is assigned to.

[0041] The subunits of the module models or the module models that have a selectable property, parameter or value within a parameter range can be visually highlighted in the displayed three-dimensional model.

[0042] This makes it possible, for example, to display or highlight sensors or actuators in the three-dimensional model.

[0043] Multiple subunits with a common selectable property can be visually highlighted, especially the subunits of the module models. Such subunits can include those of a control loop. This enables a filter function, which will be discussed below.

[0044] This makes it possible, for example, to display or highlight the sensors or actuators present in a control loop simultaneously in the three-dimensional model and / or to display the data available for all sensors and / or actuators in this control loop simultaneously in a dashboard. The method is therefore equipped with a filter function to display sensors and / or actuators with the same properties (e.g. control loops, nozzle types, roller bodies with the same property (rotatability)). A control loop consists of sensors and / or actuators that are subject to a control process together.

[0045] For example, the amount of water supplied by the nozzles in a control loop can be shown in the dashboard plot. The representation of the three-dimensional model shows for this control loop where and how many nozzles are located, and more precisely in which module or modules the nozzles are located, and the arrangement of the nozzles (actuators) is also shown. The type of nozzles is also recognizable. At the same time, it is possible to see which other control loops are in the immediate vicinity and which other control loops interact with the first-mentioned control loop. The nozzles are just one example, and other sub-units of the module models can also be represented accordingly.

[0046] The production plant can be a continuous casting machine.

[0047] The modules of the continuous casting machine can be the roller units of the continuous casting machine.

[0048] Furthermore, a data carrier comprising instructions which cause a computer system to carry out the method as described above is disclosed.

[0049] Furthermore, a computer system comprising a data carrier as described above is disclosed, wherein the instructions on the data carrier cause the computer system to carry out the method as described above.

[0050] Furthermore, a system is disclosed, comprising a production plant comprising a plurality of modules and a computer system as described above. In a system as described above, the production plant can be a continuous casting machine, and the modules of the continuous casting machine can be the roller units of the continuous casting machine.

[0051] Features and sub-features of the various aspects of the invention can be freely combined. For example, preferred embodiments of the computer or computing device can be configured to include functionality corresponding to one or more preferred features of the methods.

[0052] The invention may be implemented in computer hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. Embodiments may be implemented as a computer program or computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, such as a non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium or a transmitted signal, for execution by one or more hardware modules or for controlling the operation of these modules.

[0053] A computer program may be in the form of one or more computer programs and may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a library, a stand-alone program, or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

[0054] Method steps of the invention can be carried out by programmable processors executing a computer program to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating outputs. Therefore, a computer program product suitable for performing one of the described methods and / or a data carrier containing the computer program product is also disclosed.

[0055] Also disclosed is a computer comprising one of the computer program products or data carriers described above, and which is suitable for carrying out one of the methods described above.

[0056] Detailed description of the characters

[0057] Fig. 1 gives a schematic overview of a production plant, in this case a continuous casting plant. The right-hand part of the figure shows a plan view of the successive (module) modules 2 located in the production direction x, which have further sub-units 4. The transverse direction is designated by y. The left-hand part of the figure shows a cross-section through the production plant. Various points xl and x2 of the production plant are shown, which follow one another in the production direction. The position of the first indicator 3 can, for example, be at the height of xl or x2.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows a dashboard representation 6 with a second indicator 7 at the top. The positions along the production direction of the production plant are marked on the x-axis. The values ​​f (x ) on the y-axis correspond to the values ​​determined for the respective points along the production plant in the production direction. The second indicator 7 is shown, whose position xl depends on the position of the first indicator in the three-dimensional model.

[0059] Fig. 2 below shows a dashboard representation 6 . The x-axis shows the positions along the transverse direction y of the production line. The values ​​g ( y) on the y-axis correspond to the values ​​determined for the respective points along the transverse direction of the production line.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional model 1 of a continuous casting plant consisting of modular models 2 with a first indicator 3 as a slider through a modular model 2 and Fig. 4 shows a dashboard representation 6 for the data of the production plant and a second indicator 7, whose position depends on the position of the first indicator in the representation of the three-dimensional model 1. In Fig. 3, the rollers for the three-dimensional model of the continuous casting plant are represented as modular models.

[0061] Furthermore, in Fig. 3 the other subunits (4,5) of the

[0062] Module models are shown, which here are sensors and / or actuators.

[0063] The vertical line (second indicator, 7) in Fig. 4 marks the same position (as the plane 3 in the 3D environment (second indicator) . This enables a direct assignment of the information in the two-dimensional plot 6 to the geometry of the three-dimensional model 1. The evaluation of the information (Fig. 3 4) in combination with local information (Fig. 3, measuring position of the sensors, which segment, which role in the segment, segment transition, relationships with other local subunits nozzles) is possible directly and intuitively.

[0064] Fig. 5 shows a two-dimensional cross-sectional view 8 of the module model shown in Figure 3.

[0065] The section plane view 8 enables a detailed view of the information at the corresponding section plane, which can be intuitively moved from roll to roll using the slider in the three-dimensional model display. For example, the section plane view shows sensor points 4, 5, and 9 of a measuring instrument. In addition to the exact position, the type of measuring sensor can be indicated by different color coding or by selecting a corresponding symbol. Sensor points with the same color or design are of the same sensor type.

[0066] Actuators such as nozzles can also be displayed in the section plane view. In the section plane view, the nozzle data can be intuitively evaluated from nozzle level to nozzle level. The correct positioning of the nozzles relative to one another can be assessed for accuracy solely on the basis of the displayed nozzle pattern, without having to look at a single number. This is particularly true when evaluating rows of nozzles directly behind one another, which are usually offset by half a nozzle pitch (not shown). Here, too, validation is possible solely on the basis of the nozzle pattern.

[0067] Fig. 6 shows the representations from Figures 3, 4, and 5 in conjunction with the display of additional dashboards 6. This is the representation that would be made available to a user. Reference symbols have been omitted for clarity.

[0068] Moving the slider in the display of three-dimensional model 1 (right) causes the second indicator in all data dashboards selected for the three-dimensional model (left) to move along the data. At the same time, the section plane through the modules (center) is adjusted.

[0069] An anomaly in the left-hand diagram (at the position of the vertical line, the second indicator, 7) can be assessed more closely by displaying detailed information (right) of affected objects such as the selected role body (section plane view, middle). Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a further evaluation option provided by the method. The determined dashboard data can be data that encompasses various groups of sub-units of the module models. For example, this can be the specific data for various control loops. In the three-dimensional model, one or more of the groups of sub-units can be selected by input from the user. These one or more groups can be highlighted in the three-dimensional model. At the same time, the data determined for this group(s) is displayed in the dashboard. In Fig.In Fig. 7, control loop 10 is highlighted on the right. This loop comprises several subunits from different module models. In Fig. 7, on the left, the values ​​for various groups—here control loops, in particular cooling loops, GL—are plotted as a bar chart along the x-axis. The corresponding bar in the representation of the three-dimensional model is highlighted in the dashboard data. The value h(CL) determined for the respective control loop is plotted on the y-axis.

[0070] Where appropriate, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented with hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof. Where appropriate, the various hardware components, software components, and / or firmware components may be combined into composite components. Where possible, the various hardware, software, and / or firmware components described herein may be divided into subcomponents that include software, firmware, hardware, or all of the above. Furthermore, it is conceivable that software components may be implemented as hardware components, and vice versa.

[0071] Application software according to the present disclosure, such as computer programs, may be stored on one or more computer-readable media. It is also contemplated that the application software described herein may be networked and / or otherwise implemented with one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers and / or computer systems. Where appropriate, the order of various steps described herein may be altered, combined into composite steps, and / or divided into substeps to provide the features described herein.

[0072] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these embodiments illustrate but do not limit the disclosure. It should also be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments, but that numerous modifications and variations may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and are included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed hereinafter.

[0073] List of reference symbols

[0074] 1: three-dimensional model

[0075] 2: Model module 3: first indicator, indicator level, slider

[0076] 4: Subunit of the model module, sensor, actuator

[0077] 5: Subunit of the model module, sensor, actuator

[0078] 6: Dashboard display

[0079] 7 : second indicator, indicator line 8: cross-sectional view of the model module, sensor, actuator

[0080] 9: Display of the three-dimensional model, cross-sectional view and the two-dimensional plot

[0081] 10: Cooling circuit (CL)

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Computer-implemented method for linking dashboard data with the three-dimensional model of a multi-module production plant comprising: Providing and displaying the three-dimensional model of the production plant, wherein the three-dimensional model comprises three-dimensional module models and wherein each of the three-dimensional module models corresponds to a module of the production plant, determining data for the production plant modules of the production plant and displaying the determined data for the production plant as dashboard data, providing a first indicator which can be moved by a user and whose movable position lies within the three-dimensional model and is displayed together with the three-dimensional model, displaying a second indicator in the dashboard data, wherein the position of the second indicator marks the data of the dashboard data which apply to the model module marked by the first indicator.

2. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the displayed dashboard data are two-dimensional data plots, in particular line plots and bar charts.

3. Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data of the production plant modules comprise sensor data, process parameters and data on the plant geometry.

4. Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the displayed three-dimensional module models also include a representation of the position and / or extent of subunits of the module models, in particular of sensors and actuators.

5. A computer-implemented method according to claim 4, further comprising: - Displaying, depending on the position of the first indicator, a two-dimensional sectional image of the module model, wherein the sectional image includes representations of the position and / or extent of the subunits of the module models, in particular the sensors and actuators.

6. Computer-implemented method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the subunits of the module models or the module models which have a selectable property, parameter or value within a parameter range are displayed in a visually highlighted manner in the displayed three-dimensional model.

7. Computer-implemented method according to 6, wherein several subunits with jointly selectable properties are displayed in a visually highlighted manner, in particular the subunits of a control loop.

8. Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the production plant is a continuous casting machine. 9 . Computer-implemented method according to claim 8 , wherein the modules of the continuous casting machine are the roller units of the Continuous casting machines are .

10. A data carrier comprising instructions that cause a computer system to carry out the method according to one of the above claims.

11. A computer system comprising a data carrier according to claim 10, wherein the instructions on the data carrier cause the computer system to carry out the method according to one of the above claims.

12. A system comprising a production plant comprising a plurality of modules and a computer system according to claim 11.

13. System according to claim 12, wherein the production plant is a continuous casting machine and the modules of the continuous casting machine are the roller units of the continuous casting machine.

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