Control system and operating method for said control system

EP4735966A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-06HAUG THOMAS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
HAUG THOMAS
Filing Date
2024-05-22
Publication Date
2026-05-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing remote control systems for machines are not universally adaptable and require manufacturer-specific configuration, limiting their flexibility and user comfort, as the virtual input elements are not configurable, making them difficult to use across different machine types and environments.

Method used

A control system with a machine control program and an application program that separates the application level from the machine control level, allowing users to configure virtual input and output elements independently, enabling universal use across different machines and environments, with wireless transmission options for enhanced flexibility.

Benefits of technology

The system allows for customizable user interfaces, reducing the need for manufacturer consultation and enabling quick adaptation to various work environments, improving user comfort and operational safety by allowing flexible use of remote-controlled machines.

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Abstract

A control system (2) for the remote control of a machine (6) comprises: a mobile computer (4), which has a transmission means (32) for transmitting control information and a touch and / or gesture-sensitive display (14) serving as an input interface, on which a plurality of virtual input elements (16) for user input of control instructions, and output elements (24) for displaying system information, can be generated; a remotely controlled machine (6), on which receiving means (34) for detecting the transmitted control information and execution means (35) for executing functions of the machine (6) depending on the detected control information are provided; and, system software, by means of which the execution means (35) of the remote-controlled machine (6) can be controlled depending on the control instructions input on the display (14). The system software has a machine control program (40) and an application program (30) stored and executable on the mobile computer (4), which interacts with the machine control program (40) and has a first program part for generating control information that can be transmitted by means of the transmission means (32) and processed by the machine control program (40) in an operating mode, and a second program part for user configuration of the virtual input and / or output elements (16, 24) in a configuration mode.
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Description

[0001] Control system and operating procedures for the control system

[0002] The invention relates to a control system for the remote control of a machine, such as in particular a lifting and / or transport machine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a control system. The control system comprises a portable computer, such as in particular a tablet computer or a smartphone, wherein the mobile computer comprises transmission means for transmitting control information. A touch- and / or gesture-sensitive display is provided, which serves as an input interface. Several virtual input elements for the user-side input of control instructions as well as output elements for displaying system information can be generated on the display. The control instructions entered via the input elements on the display can be converted into control information and transmitted externally via the transmission means.The control system further comprises a remote-controlled machine on which receiving means are provided for detecting the transmitted control information. Furthermore, execution means are provided for executing functions of the machine depending on the detected control information. The control information transmitted by the transmitting means can thus be received by the receiving means of the remote-controlled machine. The execution means in the remote-controlled machine use the detected control information to execute functions of the machine. The remote-controlled machine can, in particular, be a vehicle, a lifting device, an industrial or commercial facility, or an agricultural device. The control system is further equipped with system software by means of which the execution means of the remote-controlled machine can be controlled depending on the control instructions entered on the display.The system software uses the control instructions entered on the display and transmits corresponding control information such that the execution means of the remote-controlled machine are controlled and trigger corresponding functions of the machine. In such control systems, a safety control device is useful so that a safety protocol is executed in the event of an interruption in data transmission between the transmitting means and the receiving means. Such a safety protocol can, in particular, include the immediate stopping of the remote-controlled machine. One possibility for improving the operational reliability of remote-controlled machines by means of a correspondingly adapted control system is disclosed, for example, in EP 3 665 117 B1. Another possibility for increasing security, particularly against software manipulation, is described in DE 10 215 220 229 A1.

[0003] In previous control systems, it is common for the virtual input elements for user-side input of control instructions to be specified on the display by the control system manufacturer. The design, number, and arrangement of the virtual input elements are individually adapted to the functions of the remote-controlled machine. The design of the virtual input elements is not configurable by the user, as the control instructions associated with the virtual input elements are directly linked to a machine control program. Changes to the user interface, in particular the number, selection, and arrangement of the input and / or output elements, have a direct impact on the control instructions and the control information generated from them.

[0004] As a result, existing control systems are generally not universally applicable to multiple different machine types. Furthermore, individual adaptation to the specific work environment is difficult or only possible through the control system manufacturer. This reduces operating comfort and the possibility of flexible use of the remote-controlled machine, for example, in different work areas. Individual adaptation to the needs of each user is also difficult.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a control system for remotely controlling a machine that enables more convenient and simultaneously safe control via a display input on a mobile computer. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a method for operating such a control system.

[0006] This object is achieved by a control system having the features of claim 1. The system software comprises a machine control program and an application program stored and executable on the mobile computer. The application program interacts with the machine control program. The application program comprises a first program part for generating control information that can be transmitted by means of the transmission means and processed by the machine control program in an operating mode. Furthermore, the application program comprises a second program part for user-side configuration of the virtual input and / or output elements in a configuration mode. The control system thus separates an application level from the machine control level in the system software.In this way, the machine control program and application program are sufficiently independent of each other that changes to the application program do not directly affect the control of the remote-controlled machine by the machine control program. The application program can be placed into an operating mode in which input control instructions are converted into control information, which is then made available to the machine control program. The machine control program uses this control information to control the execution means, which then activate the machine functions. In operating mode, the application program thus interacts directly with the machine control program. Furthermore, the system software of the control system includes an application program that can be placed into a configuration mode.In this configuration mode, the direct interaction between the application program and the machine control program is essentially interrupted, allowing the user to customize the application program according to their specific needs. The virtual input and / or output elements can be configured using the second part of the application program. In particular, the user can customize the number, arrangement, and design of the virtual input and / or output elements, and thus the input and communication interface generated on the display, in configuration mode.

[0007] The control system according to the invention is therefore universally applicable, particularly for different remote-controlled machines, since the user can configure the user interface or the graphical user interface on the display accordingly. This eliminates the need for time-consuming consultation with the manufacturer of the control system or the remote-controlled machine. Furthermore, the control system can be easily and quickly adapted to different working conditions by the user, allowing the corresponding remote-controlled machine to be used quickly and flexibly in different work areas. The ability to individually adapt the input interface to each user also reduces the training effort and familiarization time for a new control system.A further advantage of the control system according to the invention is that the control system can be individually combined with different remote-controlled machines. For example, a mobile computer can be used for several different remote-controlled machines. With regard to the mobile computer, it is advantageous if the user can input control instructions via touch or gesture input. Furthermore, the transmitting means of the mobile computer are preferably configured to transmit the control information via radio, WLAN, infrared, and / or Bluetooth transmission signals. The receiving means of the remote-controlled machine can be designed to receive such transmission signals. In general, wireless transmission of control information is preferred in order to improve the mobile and flexible use of the application program.Alternatively or in addition to this, cable transmission may also be provided, for example for safety reasons in certain working environments.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the application program can be modified independently of the machine control program via a server. The server can be a local server or an internet-accessible server to which the mobile computer can be connected. The application program can be updated via the server, for example, through updates or upgrades. The possibility of server-supported modification of the application program also opens up the possibility of adapting or updating multiple control systems. This simplifies the administration, maintenance, and updating of multiple control systems.

[0009] To make it easier for the user to configure the virtual input and / or output elements in a configuration mode, it is advantageous if the application program has a library with configurable input and / or output elements. Such a library can, for example, contain a keypad configuration, a system field configuration, a field background selection, a field frame configuration, a slider field configuration, a

[0010] A message locker configuration, an SMS configuration, an email configuration, a joystick configuration, and / or a status field configuration. In this way, the user can easily and quickly retrieve various configuration elements from the library to adapt the input and / or communication interface to the respective application. The configuration elements stored in the library are preferably selected so that they can be used for different application cases. Furthermore, the provided library can be coordinated with the user or selected by the user.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the control system, the application program includes a swipe function, by means of which the display can be switched between different control / display modes, each with different input and / or output elements, by swiping. In particular, the swipe function can be configured to switch between different modes of the application program. Such a swipe function is particularly user-friendly and intuitive.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the control system comprises a transmitter device separate from the mobile computer, at which the control signals transmitted by the transmitting means, which contain the control information, can be converted. The transmitter device converts the control signals received by the transmitting means into other control signals, in particular to achieve a range extension, while the control information is retained during the conversion process.

[0013] For this purpose, the transmitter device preferably has primary receiving means for receiving the control signals transmitted by the transmitting means and containing the control information in the form of primary signals, wherein the primary signals are taken from the group of Bluetooth, WLAN, and / or infrared signals. Furthermore, the transmitter device can have modulation means for converting and / or modulating the primary signals into radio signals containing the control information, as well as radio transmission means for transmitting the radio signals to the remote-controlled machine. The radio signals transmitted by the radio transmission means can have a frequency range that is customary or approved in industry. Possible frequency ranges include, for example, between 433 MHz and 435 MHz, between 863 MHz and 870 MHz, between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, and between 5.8 GHz and 60 GHz.

[0014] In order to increase the operational reliability of the control system, in particular of the remote-controlled machine, it can advantageously be provided that a transmission protection device is provided on the transmitter device, by means of which control of the execution means of the remote-controlled machine can be switched off or blocked. The transmission protection device can comprise a time monitor and / or a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). For example, it can be provided that the time monitor checks whether the primary receiving means of the transmitter device receives a corresponding primary signal from the mobile computer within predetermined time intervals. If a deviation is detected during this process, the transmitter device can transmit a radio signal with a switch-off command to the execution means of the remote-controlled machine or prevent a signal for activating the execution means.Alternatively or additionally, a cyclic redundancy check can be provided. For this purpose, for example, a check value can be specified, which is then evaluated in the transmitter device. If, during the check, it is determined that the check value does not match the transmitted primary signal, a transmission error is assumed. In this case, the transmitter device sends a shutdown command to the execution means of the remote-controlled machine or interrupts the current transmission of radio signals containing the control information.

[0015] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for operating a control system in one of the above-mentioned embodiments. In the method according to the invention, the application program is installed on the mobile computer and the machine control program is installed on the remotely controlled machine in an installation step. In an assignment step following the installation step, the remotely controlled machine is identified and assigned to the mobile computer. Subsequently, in a control step following the assignment step, the operating mode of the application program is started, in which the execution means of the remotely controlled machine can be controlled. In this case, in a configuration step preceding the control step, the configuration mode for the user-side configuration of the input and / or output elements of the mobile computer is started.After linking the application program on the mobile computer with the machine control program on the remote-controlled machine, the user can first configure the input and / or output elements on the mobile computer's display. To do this, the application program is initially placed in configuration mode. The user can exit configuration mode after completing the user-side configuration and then place the application program into operating mode. In operating mode, the inputs or control instructions issued via the input elements of the mobile computer are transmitted to the machine control program as control information. This controls the execution means of the remote-controlled machine, and activates the corresponding machine functions.

[0016] Advantageously, before the assignment step, an identifier is read into the mobile computer, which can be used to establish a connection between the application program and the machine control program. This allows the application program to be assigned to the respective machine control program in a simple and secure manner. Such an identifier can be a barcode or a QR code, for example. It is also possible for the identifier to be exchanged via a near-field radio connection (NFC). In this case, the identifier can be provided on the remotely controlled machine, for example, by an RFID chip that can be read via the mobile computer.

[0017] Preferably, the assignment step is initiated by an identification request sent from the mobile computer to the remote-controlled machine via the transmitter device. This allows assignment to be implemented over longer distances, i.e., via remote assignment, if necessary.

[0018] It is advantageous if the identification and assignment are performed using an individual MAC address stored on the remote-controlled machine and communicated by the machine control program. The user can select the respective remote-controlled machine based on the assigned MAC address, for example, from a list of MAC addresses of available remote-controlled machines generated by the mobile computer. The remote-controlled machine is then identified and assigned to the mobile computer. This significantly simplifies and speeds up the assignment step. Furthermore, the user can control different remote-controlled machines one after the other via the mobile computer.

[0019] In the method according to the invention, it is preferably provided that, in operating mode, the control signals are generated based on the control instructions entered on the display and transmitted to the transmitter device. The transmitter device converts the control signals into radio signals and transmits them to the assigned machine, where the execution means are controlled depending on the received radio signals. This allows the control signals generated by the mobile computer to be transmitted to the machine to be controlled, even over long distances, independently of its own transmission means.

[0020] In order to increase the operational reliability of the assigned machine, it is further advantageously provided that in the operating mode the transmission security carries out a time monitoring and / or a cyclic redundancy check and, if an error is detected in the signal transmission from the mobile computer to the machine, aborts or blocks the control of the execution means in order to ensure safe remote control operation.

[0021] Preferably, an update of the application program can be performed from a server, if necessary, prior to the configuration step, allowing the configuration options to be changed. The application program update can be performed from a local server or a server available on the Internet. This allows the control system to be updated regularly and provided with vendor-provided control and / or safety-related enhancements.

[0022] The invention further extends to a system program product for operating the control system for remotely controlling a machine in one of the embodiments described above. The system program product is preferably stored and executable in the control system, in particular in the machine and / or the transmitter device. The system program product preferably comprises an application program stored and executable on the mobile computer, as well as a machine control program stored on the machine. The machine control program has an open protocol that enables interaction with the control information generated by the application program. In this way, configurations in the application program can be changed without requiring technical changes to the machine control program.

[0023] It is preferred if the interaction between the application program and the machine control program takes place via a Serial Port Profile over Bluetooth Low Energy (SPP over BLE) interface. This type of transmission protocol is particularly secure and energy-efficient.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system program product, an identification program component is provided, in which the application program sends an identification request to the remote-controlled machine, and the machine control program transfers the individual MAC address of the remote-controlled machine to the application program. This enables clear and rapid identification between the mobile computer and the remote-controlled machine. This allows the application program to be quickly coupled with a machine control program of a remote-controlled machine and thus interact with this machine control program.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a safety program part is provided by means of which the transmission security is carried out by means of time monitoring and / or the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) in order to ensure safe operation of the control system.

[0026] All features of the control system according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention as well as of the system program product described above are interchangeable and / or combinable with one another, provided that an exchange or a combination of these features is not excluded for technical reasons.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment in the following schematic drawings. They show:

[0028] Fig. 1 is a view of a control system according to the invention comprising a mobile computer, a transmitter device and a remote-controlled machine in an operating mode, Fig. 2 is a view of the mobile computer according to Fig. 1 in an alternative control display mode of the virtual input and / or output elements,

[0029] Fig. 3 is a view of the mobile computer according to Fig. 1 in a

[0030] Configuration mode and

[0031] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a control system executable

[0032] operating procedure.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a control system 2 with a mobile computer 4 in the form of a tablet computer or a smartphone. The control system 2 further comprises a remote-controlled machine 6 in the form of a lifting device and a transmitter device 8, which is provided, for example, as part of a safety device 10. The safety device 10 is designed as an emergency stop device, with an operating element 12 in the form of a commercially available emergency stop button, in particular in a mushroom head configuration. The operating element 12 can be mechanically actuated to generate an abort signal. Alternatively, the transmitter device 8 can also be designed independently of a safety device 10 or without an emergency stop device.

[0034] The mobile computer 4 comprises a display 14, which is preferably designed as a touch-sensitive display, in particular as a so-called touchscreen. The display 14 is configured such that it can generate various virtual input elements 16 for the user's input of control instructions. In the configuration according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the input elements 16 are formed by virtual joysticks 18, virtual sliding elements or sliders 20, and virtual control buttons, in particular in the form of click buttons 22.

[0035] The display 14 also enables the display of virtual output elements 24 that provide system information. For example, a virtual output element 24 can display a current mode 26 of the mobile computer 4. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the mobile computer 4 is, for example, in a first control / display mode (Mode 1) of an operating mode.

[0036] The mobile computer 4 comprises electronics 28 in which an application program 30 is stored. The application program 30 has a first program part that serves to generate control signals S in an operating mode and send them to the remote-controlled machine 6. The control signals S are sent either directly to the remote-controlled machine 6 or, particularly preferably, to the transmitter device 8, which receives the control signals S as primary signals PS via primary receiving means PE and converts them using modulation means MM. For example, the transmitter device 8 can receive Bluetooth signals, in particular Bluetooth Low Energy signals, WLAN signals, or infrared signals, transmitted by the transmitting means 32 as primary signals PS.The transmitter device 8 preferably converts these received control signals S into radio signals FS based on a different radio standard than the primary signals PS by means of the modulation means MM. The remotely controlled machine 6 comprises receiving means 34 configured to receive the control signals S and / or the radio signals FS. It is preferred if the receiving means 34 of the remotely controlled machine 6 can only receive radio signals FS transmitted by the transmitter device 8.

[0037] The receiving means 34 can, for example, comprise a machine-side transceiver 36 which receives the radio signals FS and transmits control commands transmitted by the radio signals FS to execution means 35 of the remote-controlled machine 6, which then trigger corresponding functions of the machine 6, for example raising or lowering a lifting device.

[0038] Furthermore, a safety control connection can be established between the mobile computer 4 and the safety device 10, wherein this connection preferably comprises a wireless connection. The wireless connection is essentially established via the control signal connection, which is thus bidirectional. The transmitting means 32 of the mobile computer 4 can therefore also be suitable for receiving signals. The radio connection between the safety device 10 or its transmitter device 8 and the remote-controlled machine 6 is also preferably bidirectional. In this way, system information about the remote-controlled machine 6 can be sent to the transmitter device 8 via the radio signals, converted there, and transmitted to the mobile computer 4 via the control signal connection. This system information can be displayed on the display 14 of the mobile computer 4 using the virtual output elements.

[0039] Furthermore, an indicator 38 can be provided on the display 14 of the mobile computer 4, which signals whether the safety control connection exists or not. If such a connection to the safety device 10 does not exist, this is indicated accordingly. In this way, a user is informed that the remote control operation of the machine 6 is not activated or stopped. If, however, the display 38 indicates that a safety control connection to the safety device 10 exists, the user can see that the remote control operation is activated via the virtual input elements 16.

[0040] The safety device 10 can transmit not only control information generated by the mobile computer 4 to the remote-controlled machine 6 via the radio signals FS. Rather, a blocking control signal BS can be transmitted to the remote-controlled machine 6, preferably with a higher priority. The blocking control signal BS can be generated, for example, when the operating element 12 is actuated. In such an emergency stop situation, the transmitter device 8 transmits the blocking control signal BS to the remote-controlled machine 6. The transceiver 36 there forwards the blocking control information received via the blocking control signal BS to the execution means 35 in the remote-controlled machine 6, whereby a current execution of a function of the remote-controlled machine 6 is stopped and / or an initial position provided in the event of deactivation of operation is assumed.

[0041] The safety device 10 or the transmitter device 8 further comprises a transmission safeguard that monitors the quality or reliability of the control signals S received by the transmitter device 8. For this purpose, the monitoring safeguard can provide a time monitor that monitors a time interval within which a control signal S is received by the transmitter device 8. If a deviation from predetermined time criteria is detected, the transmitter device 8 automatically generates a blocking control signal BS and sends it to the remote-controlled machine 6 and / or stops the signal transmission. Furthermore, the transmitter device 8 checks, preferably using a check code as part of a cyclic redundancy check, whether the transmitted control signal S is faulty.If a faulty control signal S is detected, the transmitter device 8 generates a blocking control signal BS and transmits it to the remote-controlled machine 6 and / or stops the signal transmission. However, as long as a correct control signal S is received within the predetermined time window, it is forwarded by the transmitter device 8 to the remote-controlled machine 6, triggering the corresponding function of the remote-controlled machine 6.

[0042] As already described above, the virtual input elements 16, as well as the virtual output elements 24, are specified by the application program 30. The application program 30 is independent of a machine control program 40, which is stored in the remote-controlled machine 6, in particular in the electronics containing the receiving means 34. In the operating mode, the application program 30 can have several different and individually selectable control and display modes (Mode, Mode 2) according to Figures 1 and 2, in which inputs are transmitted to the remote-controlled machine 6 via the virtual input elements 16 of the application program 30.

[0043] The application program 30 also has a second program part comprising a library 42, which is displayed in a configuration mode (Config) according to Figure 3 and which can contain, for example, selectable keypad configurations, system field configurations, a field background selection, field frame configurations, slider field configurations, message logger configurations, SMS configurations, email configurations, joystick configurations, status field configurations, and the like. In this configuration mode, the input elements 16 and / or output elements 24 displayed on the display 14 in the individual operating modes can be individually selected or adapted by the user using the library.The application program 30 can be updated or provided with an update as needed, independently of the machine control program 40, via a server or the Internet, for example in order to receive new configuration options or input elements 16 or output elements 24.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows the arrangement and design of the virtual input elements 16 in the first control / display mode (Mode 1). The application program 30 is preferably designed such that it recognizes a swipe gesture 44, which the user performs on the display 14, as a signal to switch between the control / display modes. Furthermore, as shown, the switch from the operating mode to the configuration mode can also be provided by a swipe gesture 45. Alternatively, the switch between the operating mode or its control / display modes (Mode 1, Mode 2) and the configuration mode (Config) can also be provided by any other known and suitable control input, such as by actuating a virtual or physical switch that is intended exclusively for switching between the operating mode and the configuration mode (not shown).

[0045] In any case, in configuration mode, the application program 30 does not output any control signals S via the transmitting means 32. The application program 30 blocks the generation of control signals S, while the user can select or adjust the configuration of the virtual input elements 16 and the virtual output elements 24 for the various control Z display modes via the library 42 displayed on the display 14.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows the mobile computer 4 with the display 14 in a second control / display mode 26 (Mode 2) in which the virtual input elements 16 and the virtual output elements 24 are configured differently than in the first control / display mode according to Figure 1. In operating mode, the user can switch between these different control / display modes by entering a swipe gesture 42 in order to adapt the display 14, which serves as an input and output interface, to different applications or different control situations. The user can set up or adapt the respective arrangement of the virtual input elements 16 and output elements 24 in the configuration mode for each control / display mode.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of the control process of the control system 2. The control system 2 can generally be provided for several mobile computers 4 and for several remote-controlled machines 6. In particular, after the installation of the application program 30 and the machine control program 40, the mobile computer 4 can be coupled successively to different remote-controlled machines 6 in an installation step S1. For this purpose, it is necessary that the mobile computer 4 is first clearly coupled to a single remote-controlled machine 6 before starting a control process, so that control instructions generated on the mobile computer 4 are transmitted by means of control signals S only to this remote-controlled machine 6 and lead to a function execution there.

[0048] For this purpose, an identification program part of the application program 30 is executed on the mobile computer 4. In an assignment step SZ, this identification program part first generates an identification request and sends it via the transmission means 32. The identification request preferably reaches all transmitter devices 8 available within signal range of the transmission means 32. The transmitter devices 8 generate an identification signal from this, which is transmitted to all remote-controlled machines 6 located within radio range of the transmitter device 8. The remote-controlled machines 6 that receive the identification request then send an identifier, preferably comprising an individual MAC address, back to the mobile computer 4 via the transmitter device. If it is recognized in the assignment step SZ that such an identifier has been received, the application program 30 assigns the remote-controlled machine 6 to the mobile computer 4.If such an identifier is not received, the application program 30 generates a new identifier request and sends it via the transmission means 32.

[0049] If the assignment of the remote-controlled machine 6 has been made in the application program 30 of the mobile computer 4, the application program 30, upon corresponding activation in a configuration step SK, starts the configuration mode in which no control signals are generated by the application program 30 and sent via the transmission means 32.

[0050] In configuration mode, the user can now configure the display for at least one control display mode, preferably for several switchable control display modes. Once the configuration is complete, the application program 30 can be switched to operating mode by the user.

[0051] In operating mode, the application program generates corresponding control information based on the control instructions entered by the user via the virtual input elements 16 of the selected control display mode and controls the transmitting means 32 such that it transmits the control information in a transmitting step SS in the form of control signals S to the transmitter device 8. In a further step, the transmitter device 8 checks the reliability of the received control signals S using a safety program part. If no deviations from predetermined criteria are detected, the transmitter device S sends a radio signal containing the control information to the remote-controlled machine 6.If, however, deviations are detected, the transmitter device sends a stop signal or a blocking control signal BS via the radio connection to the remote-controlled machine 6 according to step S10 or interrupts the signal transmission, thereby triggering an immediate stop of all functions in the remote-controlled machine 6.

Claims

1. A control system (2) for the remote control of a machine (6), such as in particular a lifting and / or transport machine, comprising a mobile computer (4) having transmitting means (32) for transmitting control information and a touch- and / or gesture-sensitive display (14) serving as an input interface, on which a plurality of virtual input elements (16) for user-side input of control instructions and output elements (24) for displaying system information can be generated, comprising a remote-controlled machine (6) on which receiving means (34) for detecting the transmitted control information and execution means (35) for executing functions of the machine (6) depending on the detected control information are provided, and comprising system software by means of which the execution means (35) of the remote-controlled machine (6) can be controlled depending on the control instructions entered on the display (14), characterized in thatthat the system software comprises a machine control program (40) and an application program (30) stored and executable on the mobile computer (4), which interacts with the machine control program (40) and which has a first program part for generating control information that can be transmitted by means of the transmission means (32) and processed by the machine control program (40) in an operating mode, and a second program part for user-side configuration of the virtual input and / or output elements (16, 24) in a configuration mode (config).

2. Control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the application program (30) can be changed independently of the machine control program (40) via a server.

3. Control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the application program (30) has a library (42) with configurable input / output elements (16, 24).

4. Control system according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the application program (30) can be switched between different control Z display modes (Mode, Mode 2) with different input and / or output elements (16, 24).

5. Control system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a transmitter device (8) separate from the mobile computer (4) is provided, at which transmitter device control signals (S) transmitted by the transmitting means (32) and comprising the control information can be converted.

6. Control system according to claim 5, characterized in that the transmitter device (8) Primary receiving means (PE) for receiving the control signals (S) transmitted by the transmitting means (32) and containing the control information in the form of primary signals (PS) taken from the group of Bluetooth, WLAN and / or infrared signals, Modulation means (MM) for converting and / or modulating the primary signals (PS) into radio signals (FS) containing control information and Radio transmission means (FM) for transmitting the radio signals (FS) to the remote-controlled machine (6).

7. Control system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a transmission safety device is provided on the transmitter device (8), by means of which a control of the execution means (35) of the remote-controlled machine can be switched off or blocked.

8. Control system according to claim 7, characterized in that the transmission protection comprises a time monitoring and / or a cyclic redundancy check.

9. A method for operating a control system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in an installation step (SI) the application program (30) is installed on the mobile computer (4) and the machine control program (40) is installed on the remotely controlled machine (6), in an assignment step (SZ) following the installation step (SI) an identification and assignment of the remotely controlled machine (6) to the mobile computer (4) is carried out, in a control step (SS) following the assignment step (SZ) the operating mode of the application program is started, in which the execution means (35) of the remotely controlled machine (6) can be controlled, wherein in a configuration step (SK) preceding the control step (SS) the configuration mode (Config) for the user-side configuration of the input and / or output elements (16, 24) of the mobile computer (4) is started.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that before the assignment step (SZ) an identifier is read into the mobile computer, by means of which a connection can be established between the application program (30) and the machine control program (40).

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the assignment step (SZ) is started by an identification request sent from the mobile computer (4) via the transmitter device (8) to the remote-controlled machine (6).

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the identification and assignment is carried out on the basis of an individual MAC address stored on the remote-controlled machine (6) and communicated by the machine control program (40).

13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that in the operating mode the control signals (S) are generated on the basis of the control instructions entered on the display (14) and are transferred to the transmitter device (8), which converts the control signals (S) into radio signals (FS) and sends them on to the assigned machine (6), on which the control of the execution means (35) takes place depending on the received radio signals (FS).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that in the operating mode the transmission security carries out a time monitoring and / or a cyclic redundancy check and, if an error is detected in the signal transmission from the mobile computer (4) to the machine (6), aborts or blocks the control of the execution means (35).

15. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that before the configuration step (SK) an update of the application program (30) is carried out by a server, if necessary, by means of which the configuration options can be changed.

16. System program product for the operation of the control system (2) for the remote control of a machine (6) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which is stored and executable in the control system (2), characterized in that the system program product comprises an application program (30) stored and executable on the mobile computer (4) and a machine control program (40) stored on the machine (6) which has an open protocol that enables interaction with the control information generated by the application program (30).

17. System program product according to claim 16, characterized in that the interaction between the application program (30) and the machine control program (40) takes place via a Serial Port Profile over Bluetooth Low Energy interface (SPP over BLI).

18. System program product according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that an identification program part is provided, in which an identification request is made to the remote-controlled machine (6) by the application program (30) and the individual MAC address of the remote-controlled machine (6) is transferred to the application program (30) by the machine control program (40).

19. System program product according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that a safety program part is provided by means of which the transmission security is carried out by means of time monitoring and / or the cyclic redundancy check (CRC).