Method for operating an electronic device, electronic device, mobile radio device and server

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an electronic device with a state display, in particular for use in the industrial environment, comprising a first arrangement, at least partially accommodated in a housing, for carrying out the intended function of the device and a state display for displaying states, in particular error states, of the device by means of at least one illuminant which can be seen outside of the housing, in which method the illuminant signals at least some of the states of the electric device in a machine-readable coded manner in accordance with a first code rule and forms a first message which is coded in a machine-readable manner in accordance with a second coding rule and is attached to the housing by means of a medium such that the first message can be optically detected, in a machine-supported manner, simultaneously together with the signals of the illuminant, wherein the first message is formed such that it contains at least one first item of information which at least correlates with the first coding rule and by way of the device an interface is operated via which a state change can be triggered on the basis of the signalling and / or the first message. The invention further relates to an electronic device, a mobile radio device and a server.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for operating an electronic device, electronic device, mobile device and server

[0003] The invention relates to a method for operating an electronic device according to the preamble of claim 1, an electronic device according to the preamble of claim 14, a mobile radio device according to the preamble of claim 27 and a server according to the preamble of claim 28.

[0004] It is well known that the usability of technical products and solutions, such as electronic devices used in industrial environments, is often severely limited. This is especially true when it comes to troubleshooting.

[0005] For this purpose, it is known that the devices usually contain one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), as can be seen in Figure 1, which can assume different colors, flashing frequencies or permanent on or permanent off states depending on the operating state.

[0006] The disadvantage here is that in the event of an unusual condition, such as an error condition, the user and / or service technician has to stand in front of the device and need manual tables to decipher the device's condition, since error conditions ideally occur rarely and the coding is therefore usually not known to the user ad-hoc.

[0007] The installation of additional displays in particular is expensive to acquire and has further cost- and complexity-increasing effects on the design of the respective device. For example, interfaces are required for connection, and the design of the device must be modified to comply with standards such as the so-called "Ingress Protection" (IP) protection standard.

[0008] An alternative solution is to use specialized field programming devices (PG devices) and engineering software, including the necessary specialist knowledge. This is also costly, but also time-consuming and may delay the resolution, as personnel and the field PG device usually have to be brought in first.

[0009] The object underlying the invention is to provide a technical solution which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and allows support for users in the treatment of conditions, and is characterized in particular by low complexity of the hardware and software as well as low costs.

[0010] This object is achieved by the method for operating an electronic device starting from the features according to the preamble of claim 1, by its characterizing features, by the electronic device starting from the features of the preamble of claim 14, by its characterizing features, by the mobile radio device according to the generic term of claim 27, by its features and by the server according to the generic term of claim 28, by its features.

[0011] In the method according to the invention for operating an electronic device with status display, in particular for use in an industrial environment, comprising a first arrangement, at least partially housed in a housing, for carrying out the intended function of the device, and a status display for displaying states, in particular error states, of the device by means of at least one illuminant visible outside the housing, the illuminant signals at least parts of the states of the electrical device in a machine-readable manner according to a first coding rule, and a first message, which is machine-readable in accordance with a second coding rule, is formed and attached to the housing by means of a medium in such a way that the first message can be optically detected together with the signals of the illuminant in a machine-supported manner, wherein the first message is formed in such a way that it has at least one,contains first information correlating at least with the first coding rule and an interface is operated by the device via which a state change can be triggered on the basis of the first and / or second information.

[0012] The method according to the invention enables a less complex and more cost-effective way of transmitting status information for electronic devices with status displays than has previously been the case. This is achieved, among other things, by the fact that the light emitting device emits machine-readable signals. Humans are therefore spared the need to directly record and decode status displays. Instead, the first message, with the aid of information affixed to the device and also encoded in a machine-readable manner, ensures that the signaling carried out in accordance with the first code requirement can be decoded by machine. The attachment in such a way that the signaling and the first message can be optically recorded together at the same time saves time, since the signaling and the first message can be decoded by machine when they are recorded together, and the result can be presented to the user, so that the user receives instructions.which assists in handling the status via the operated interface. In particular, when the optical detection is carried out by a mobile radio device, there is the additional advantage that the mobile radio device can be used by implementing the method according to the invention not only for the detection, but also for decoding, displaying the information and / or further actions based on the information, and thus no special devices are required. In the electronic device according to the invention with status display, in particular for use in an industrial environment, comprising a first arrangement, at least partially housed in a housing, for carrying out the intended function of the device, and a second arrangement for displaying states of the device, in particular error states, by at least one light source visible outside the housing, the light source is designed such thatthat the illuminant signals at least parts of the states of the electrical device in a machine-readable code according to a first code specification, and a first message coded in a machine-readable code according to a second coding specification is attached to the housing by means of a medium in such a way that the first message can be optically detected simultaneously with the signals of the illuminant in a machine-supported manner, and is designed in such a way that it contains at least one first piece of information that correlates at least with the first coding specification, and the device has an interface via which a change of state can be triggered on the basis of the first and / or second piece of information.

[0013] The electronic device according to the invention enables the implementation of the method according to the invention and / or its further developments and thus mutatis mutandis also the realization of the advantages of the method and / or its further developments.

[0014] The same applies to the mobile radio device according to the invention, which is designed to interact with the electronic device according to the invention and / or one of its developments with means for carrying out the method according to the invention and / or one of its developments, as well as to the server according to the invention, which is designed to interact with the mobile radio device and / or one of its developments and with means for carrying out the method and / or its developments.

[0015] Due to its architecture and the functional units already available as standard, the mobile radio device offers the possibility of capturing, decoding and / or displaying the machine-readable codes. Due to its range of functions, it also offers the possibility, with an application implementing the method according to the invention, of carrying out further steps using parts of the decoded information, such as retrieving instructions and / or documentation for the device, in particular instructions limited to the current status. This can be done via a link that is transmitted in coded form as part of the information. The link can then lead to the server designed according to the invention, which maintains current documentation.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0017] In a preferred development of the method according to the invention, the lighting means is controlled by a first module in such a way that when a state change into a current, in particular error, state occurs, at least one property of the function of the lighting means is at least temporarily manipulated to signal a second message coded by means of the first coding rule, and the second message is coded in such a way that it contains at least one second piece of information which at least correlates with the current state.

[0018] By manipulating the light source in the manner described, it is possible to signal the second message, which is coded in a machine-readable manner, whereby the control by a module ensures that the message is carried out as planned when a change in state occurs. In particular when the first module is operated as part of an integrated process in the processor architecture of the electronic device, further advantages become possible, such as synergy effects and a reduction in design effort and space requirements through integration. Furthermore, the coding of the second message enables the state to be recorded automatically, since the state is made known indirectly through inferences using the at least correlated second piece of information, particularly if the second piece of information explicitly names the state, or even directly.

[0019] In addition, the method according to the invention can preferably be developed in such a way that an optoelectronically detectable first message generated by means of a second machine-readable code is attached as a plaque in the vicinity of the lighting means in such a way that the lighting means and the plaque can be detected by an external camera at the same time as the lighting means, wherein the second message is coded in such a way that it contains at least a second item of information to support the treatment of conditions and about the position, in particular the position and / or orientation of the lighting means in relation to the position of the code.

[0020] This makes it possible, on the one hand, to provide the user of the electronic device with a message which can be helpful for dealing with the device's conditions, such as references to documentation for dealing with the condition or, depending on the possible information density, directly coded instructions which are at least connected to cameras available on site which are equipped with processor-supported devices which are set up to run applications and a display, so that the instructions and / or references can be called up and / or displayed. This is particularly advantageous when mobile radio devices are used for this purpose, since it can be assumed that every user will carry such a device with them, making this the simplest way of implementing this further training.The information about the location / position relative to the light source helps the capturing camera determine which light sources are signaling the required information and which are not. It also helps the camera determine the orientation and meaning of the individual lights, particularly when multiple light sources are used, for decoding the signaling from the light source. This enables machine-assisted decoding and thus also the automatic retrieval of documentation via the disclosed reference.

[0021] This advantage is further enhanced if the method according to the invention is further developed in such a way that a proprietary, for example, device-specific, code is used as the first machine-readable code, because the second message can then also disclose the second coding rule. A proprietary rule has the advantage that the signaling can be configured so that only authorized persons can use this signaling.

[0022] For forming the first message, it is particularly advantageous if the method according to the invention is further developed such that the second machine-readable code is formed at least as a two-dimensional, in particular stack, matrix, composite and / or dot code, such as the so-called "Quick Response", QR code, data matrix code, PDF417 and / or comparable. These codes are tried and tested and widespread, so that the implementation and execution of the detection and / or decoding according to the invention can be carried out simply and cost-effectively. These codes are generally two-colored and have an information density sufficient for the purposes of the invention. However, it is also conceivable to add a further dimension by allowing different colors. This can enormously increase the information density of the coding and would also be easily detectable by cameras, particularly in mobile radio devices.It is also conceivable to use three-dimensional representation, for example by applying holographic technology.

[0023] As mentioned, it is particularly advantageous if the method according to the invention is further developed such that the first and / or second message is encoded in such a way that a camera integrated in a mobile radio device can be used as an external camera, wherein the mobile radio device is operated in such a way that it is capable of capturing, decoding, and / or displaying the first and / or second information on the display. This ensures accurate interaction with the mobile radio device.

[0024] If the method according to the invention is further developed in such a way that the illuminant is operated according to a so-called "light-emitting diode", LED, or comparable technology, it is equipped for use in common electronic devices, since these usually have one or more LEDs that are used in an inventive manner deviating from the prior art.

[0025] If, according to the further development of the method according to the invention, properties, in particular colour, brightness, switching on and off, frequency of switching on and off and / or the duration of presence and / or absence of the emitted light given by the switching on and off are manipulated, then, depending on the type used, codings of different information densities can be generated and the physical possibilities and limitations of the light source can be taken into account during implementation, since the coding goes beyond pure switching on and off or continuous flashing that is perceptible to humans.For example, a particularly repetitive sequence of switching the light on and off can carry information which is determined, for example, by the respective duration of switching on and off within the sequence and / or the ratio of presence to absence of the emitted light within the sequence, or by comparable manipulable properties which are hardly or not at all accessible to human perception. This type of manipulable property is not restricted to use in sequences; it can therefore also be used for information coding without any temporal or quantitative restriction to discrete sequences.

[0026] If the method according to the invention is further developed in such a way that it is operated as an industrial control device, field device, production device, robot or comparable industrial device, the advantages of the invention can be implemented in an environment in which time and cost savings are much more pronounced than in private use.

[0027] In such an environment, the method according to the invention can be further developed alternatively or additionally in such a way that the first and / or second message is coded in such a way that a camera, in particular a high-speed camera, which monitors the location of the electronic device, in particular in an industrial environment, is used as an external camera, the camera being functionally connected to a second module which is capable of capturing, decoding and / or displaying the first and / or second information on the display. This can be advantageous, for example, if several devices according to the invention work largely autonomously and, for example, only one or a few people in a control center monitor the process, for example production, using such cameras. In this case, it is advisable to realize the inventive advantage of saving time by using this camera.

[0028] The method according to the invention is preferably developed such that the first module is operated such that the lighting means signals states which can be ended by treatment by a user, such as error states and / or data inputs, in particular certificate transmission. This achieves a focus on those states in which the use of the invention comes into its own. Error states or the transmission of certificates are, for example, the states which require the most urgent treatment and generally require further data procurement. This is where the invention fully unfolds its advantages. This focus also allows a corresponding reduction in the resources used, number of LEDs and / or dimensioning of the first message, and procedures, for example required information density, to the bare essentials.

[0029] If you want to transmit data, especially certificates, to the device, the development of the method according to the invention is advantageous, in which the device is enabled for a wireless, especially short-range connection according to, for example, the so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy", Bluetooth LE and / or the so-called "Near Field Communication" (NEC) standard. If you design this connection as a short-range radio connection, this is only possible if you are in the vicinity of the device. Compromise by remote unauthorized third parties is thus prevented or made more difficult because this will usually be noticed by a monitored production facility or the authorized user of the device.

[0030] The method according to the invention is preferably further developed in such a way that the medium used is a coating of the housing which reproduces two- or multi-coloured images, in particular a printed film, a carrier for holographic materials, in particular materials suitable for the representation of microbarcodes, and / or a film-based electronic display.

[0031] Unless otherwise stated, the developments of the electronic device specified below are advantageous simply because they enable the implementation of one of the developments of the method according to the invention and thus, mutatis mutandis, also the realization of the advantages mentioned above in connection with the method according to the invention and / or one of its developments.

[0032] According to a development of the electronic device, a first module is designed such that it controls the lighting means such that when a state change occurs into a current, in particular error, state, at least one property of the function of the lighting means is at least temporarily manipulated to signal a second message coded by means of the first coding rule, the second message is coded such that it contains at least one second piece of information that at least correlates with the current state.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device can be developed in such a way that an optoelectronically detectable first message generated by means of a second machine-readable code is attached as a plaque in the vicinity of the lighting means in such a way that the lighting means and the plaque can be detected by an external camera at the same time as the lighting means, wherein the second information is coded in such a way that at least one second message is included to support the treatment of conditions and about the position, in particular position and / or orientation, of the lighting means in relation to the position of the code.

[0034] The electronic device can further be developed in such a way that the first machine-readable code specification is designed as a proprietary, for example device-specific, code specification.

[0035] In a further development of the electronic device, the second machine-readable code is designed as a two-dimensional, in particular stack, matrix, composite and / or point code, such as the so-called "Quick Response", QR code, data matrix code, PDF417 and / or comparable.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device can be developed in such a way that the first and / or second message are coded in such a way that a camera integrated in a mobile radio device can be used as an external camera, wherein the mobile radio device is designed in such a way that it is capable of capturing, decoding and / or displaying the first and / or second information on the display.

[0037] A preferred development of the electronic device is provided if the light source is designed according to a so-called "light-emitting diode", LED, or comparable technology.

[0038] A further development of the electronic device according to the invention consists in that in particular the color, brightness, switching on and off, as well as the frequency of switching on and off, of the emitted light are designed to be manipulable.

[0039] According to an alternative or supplementary development of the electronic device, this is designed as an industrial control device, field device, production device, robot or comparable industrial device.

[0040] In this case, it is advantageous if the electronic device is designed in such a way that the first and / or second message are coded in such a way that a camera, in particular a high-speed camera, which monitors the location, in particular of an industrial environment, of the electronic device G can be used as an external camera, the camera being designed in such a way that it is functionally connected to a second module which is capable of capturing, decoding and / or displaying the first and / or second information on the display. For example, this can alternatively also be done in addition to the use of a mobile radio device. It is conceivable to distribute tasks depending on the complexity of the states and / or the handling of the states. It is also conceivable to carry out the method according to the invention with the support of this development at times when users of the device are absent.

[0041] It is also advantageous if the electronic device according to the invention is developed in such a way that the first module is designed in such a way that the lighting means signals states which can be ended by treatment by a user, such as error states and / or data inputs, in particular certificate transmission. In particular for the transmission of certificates or other data where manipulation by unauthorized third parties should at least be made more difficult, the development of the electronic device in which it is capable of a wireless, in particular short-range connection in accordance with, for example, the so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy", Bluetooth LE and / or the so-called "Near Field Communication" (NEC) standard is advantageous.

[0042] According to a further development of the electronic device, the medium is designed as a coating of the housing that reproduces two or more colored images, in particular a printed film, a carrier for holographic materials, in particular materials suitable for the representation of microbarcodes, and / or a film-based electronic display.

[0043] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained starting from the prior art shown in Figure 1 by the embodiments of the invention shown or indicated in Figure 2.

[0044] Figure 1 shows schematically various state-of-the-art electronic devices in an industrial environment,

[0045] Figure 2 schematically shows, as an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the structure and the interaction of embodiments of an electronic device according to the invention, a mobile radio device according to the invention and a server according to the invention.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments explained below in Figure 2 are preferred embodiments and developments of the invention.

[0047] In the embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore to be regarded as part of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown.

[0048] Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0049] The same reference symbols have the same meaning in the different figures.

[0050] Figure 1 shows various industrial controllers and extensions of the Siemens Simatic S7 family as an example of the state of the art for such devices.

[0051] As can be seen, all products in this series have LEDs L1...L3, which are generally visible from the outside, regardless of the specific design or the specific product in the family.

[0052] It can also be seen that the individual products have a wide variety of designs, which may include additional light sources L4...L6, L4 '...L5 ', as can be seen in the first two variants starting from the left. These individual light sources, usually designed as LEDs, are labeled and usually indicate partial functions during operation of the respective product.

[0053] However, inserts without lamps can also be provided, as in the third product shown, or even a cover can be provided, so that no lamps other than the three lamps L1...L3, which are also usually designed as LEDs, can be seen.

[0054] The disadvantage here is that, in the case where, as in the examples, no display, especially an additional one, is installed in the respective product, the display of errors—in contrast to the invention—is partly limited to the mere presence of an error. The invention, however, also offers the possibility of displaying relevant information, such as the type of error or instructions for correcting it.

[0055] The invention takes into account and / or overcomes the obstacles that currently stand in the way of further support for the treatment of conditions on such a device.

[0056] One of the reasons for this simplification of error handling, which the invention overcomes, is the attempt to minimize the cognitive load of the viewer, i.e. the user, of the product.

[0057] Other problems that are responsible for the current simplification are higher costs that arise when using individual known measures.

[0058] For example, operating costs increase when troubleshooting errors or their causes require the use of specialized Field PG devices, particularly special laptops, and engineering software to resolve the error. This is generally necessary due to the simplification involved and also requires specialized knowledge, i.e., trained personnel. However, the invention not only reduces costs by providing an alternative or supplement to this solution; it also overcomes the other disadvantages of this type of troubleshooting, which are that this solution, according to the prior art, is more complex and slower than the invention.

[0059] Other alternative solutions to the above-mentioned use of Field PG devices, however, lead to higher production costs. Such measures, which increase unit costs, can be caused by • higher required processor power and interfaces for controlling a, possibly additional, display

[0060] • the display costs themselves,

[0061] • the use of additional control elements on the device, for example buttons for user interaction,

[0062] • resulting development costs, for example to make the device watertight again in accordance with the IP protection standard, especially with regard to the aforementioned measures,

[0063] • the separation of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), such as the control systems mentioned above.

[0064] How these advantages of the invention are achieved will now be explained in more detail in the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0065] An embodiment of the electronic device G can be seen, designed according to the invention, i.e., designed with means for carrying out the method according to the invention. Specifically, it is an industrial control system designed according to an embodiment of the device G according to the invention and carrying out an embodiment of the method according to the invention, starting from an industrial control system as described in the preceding Figure 1.

[0066] According to the illustrated embodiment of the electronic device G according to the invention, the device G has light sources LM which are visible from the outside and are designed as LEDs. In the present case, three LEDs are to be used for this purpose, whereby the number of LEDs used as light sources can vary accordingly depending on the complexity and desired manner of handling the states of the device G. More or fewer LEDs are therefore conceivable. It also depends on the information density that is possible using the light source. Multi-colored LEDs, for example, offer further dimensions in information coding through the possibility of displaying different colors, so that very few LEDs, perhaps even a single one, can be sufficient to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0067] A further feature of the embodiment of the device G according to the invention is the machine-readable code, in this specific case a QR code, which is visible from the outside as a plaque on the device G and is attached near the light source LM according to the embodiment of the device G according to the invention.

[0068] As can also be seen, according to the exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention, a mobile part (mobile phone, cell phone) MP designed according to the invention, which is equipped with a rear camera and a display along with an application implementing the method according to the invention, can be used according to the invention as an external camera and can capture the two externally visible units - LEDs and QR code - simultaneously.

[0069] Furthermore, a server S is shown, which can be located at a remotely accessible location and, for example, stores digital documents D intended for the device G. These can be, for example, troubleshooting instructions for error handling or (updated) certificates, for example for secure communication.

[0070] Also shown is a first connection path VI, which connects the mobile phone MP to the server S. This connection path VI can be a direct or indirect and / or bidirectional wireless communication path. For example, it can be designed and function according to the mobile radio standard according to which the mobile phone MP communicates with the mobile radio network. However, sections of the connection path or the entire path VI can also function according to a wireless radio communication standard, such as one of the WLAN standards designed according to IEEE802.X.It is also shown schematically that the mobile part MP according to an embodiment of the inventive method has a first algorithm QR_A for recognizing, reading and decoding the machine-readable code QR and according to an embodiment of the inventive method has a second algorithm for recognizing the LEDs LM and according to an embodiment of the device G their labeling and after application of the inventive method is enabled for reading and decoding the flashing sequence of the LEDs LM.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, a second possible connection path V2 can also be seen, which, according to a further development of the invention, can be implemented between the mobile part MP and the device G, for example, to transmit data from the mobile part MP to the device G over a short distance. For this purpose, short-range radio communication means of the mobile part can be released. The exemplary embodiment of the device G according to the invention would have to be configured with a corresponding radio interface.

[0072] The exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention is thus as follows. According to the inventive method, the product G configured according to the invention provides information via a machine-readable QR code, which the user can read with their mobile phone MP and the camera and application MP integrated therein upon a state change to a state that the user wants or needs to handle.

[0073] The information stored in the QR code can contain details about the product, such as the type number, the position of the LEDs LM relative to the QR code, as well as configuration information for reaching the device G via the first connection VI and / or configuration information for uploading certificates via the second connection V2.

[0074] By recording the code QR with the handset MP, the type of device G, its accessibility by V2 and the position of the LEDs LM can be decoded using the first algorithm QR_P and applied, i.e. fed, to the second algorithm LM_A, for example.

[0075] For example, in the further course of events, by observing the code QR, which acts as a reference coordinate and was forwarded by the algorithm QR_P, the LED block LM can be observed accordingly and the LED LM activity can be recorded and correctly decoded by the algorithm LM_P, since the second algorithm now knows the position assignment and / or further details of the coding rule, which enable the second algorithm to understand what the LEDs are signaling.

[0076] The information thus acquired is determined, for example, with the aid of the type information, machine type and required data, and transmitted via the communication link VI to the remote server S, which, with the aid of suitable documents D, determines, for example, troubleshooting instructions and returns these to the mobile phone MP via the first connection link VI, which is thus bi-directional, so that the mobile phone MP can provide the document(s) D to the user for instructions on its integrated screen.

[0077] The second connection path V2 is optional and particularly advantageous in the case where a document transfer (certificate) to the device G is to be implemented as a means of handling states of the device G. The case of decoding error information and displaying help for users is also possible without the second connection path V2.

[0078] The invention already offers excellent capture and information density when using existing mobile devices (cell phones), because even older mobile phones of the last generation not only have high resolutions, but also the ability to capture images at high speeds. For example, a Samsung Galaxy S8 from 2017 offers 720p@240fps, 1080p@60fps

[0079] Apple iPhone 8 from 2017: 1080p@30 / 60 / 120 / 240fps

[0080] In 2018 / 2019, there was a temporary peak in super-slow-motion cameras in mobile phones, such as the Xperia XZ2 and Samsung Galaxy S9+, with brief bursts of up to 960fps. Due to cache and memory write limits, the status quo has settled at 1080p@240fps for current models from Apple, Samsung, and others. However, as shown below, this is more than sufficient for the invention.

[0081] If the LED LM blinking according to the invention is considered as approximately digital information with steep edges, half the maximum sampling rate can be assumed as the useful frequency according to the Nyquist-Shannon theorem—i.e., 120 Hz. Assuming an ideally single-color LED as the clock, the exemplary embodiment leaves two bicolor LEDs, for example, which can be used to encode the useful information according to the invention.

[0082] Assuming that a cell phone camera can still distinguish between off, yellow, green, and a yellow / green mix at 240 fps, this results in IByte (2x4bit) * 120 Hz = 120 bytes / s in the ideal case with this simple encoding (without checksums and with a clock pulse) – however, the invention is not limited to this. Numerous encoding options and forms are feasible, which may be faster or offer other advantages, such as greater tolerance. These are also suitable as implementation variants.

[0083] Since there is no real time limit on the camera's capture of information—apart from practicality—significantly more information can be exchanged within a sufficiently long time window, for example, a few seconds, than a human could possibly see or comprehend. One advantage of the example shown is that the MP phone utilizes existing resources, eliminating the need to purchase a separate diagnostic device.

[0084] An alternative for the mobile part MP or the external camera can then be formed alternatively or additionally by a surveillance camera which covers the production site, for example intended for security, which, in conjunction with a device which has a processor capable of carrying out the two algorithms QR_A and LM_A and which has a display, can provide the same procedure according to the invention, provided that it can detect the code QR and the illuminant LM of the device G according to the invention without distortion, whereby the camera must of course be designed with an appropriate resolution.This is particularly advantageous in at least partially autonomously operating production facilities where no operator is provided at the device G and instead one or a few control centers are staffed and where at least some of the devices do not have a data connection to the automation via which the devices can report their status directly to one of the control centers.

[0085] However, for the certificate transmission optionally provided according to the invention, near-field communication is preferred. For this purpose, a corresponding counterpart must be created in the control center and also transmitted to device G via the network.

[0086] A further advantage of the invention is that, in the event of a fault, device G automatically emits its error information via LEDs, eliminating the need for a plug-in diagnostic device. It is sufficient to point a camera at it, or to point a surveillance camera at it.

[0087] The fact that only a unidirectional communication link (via LED LM) is established (in the case of diagnostics) has the advantage that the device G cannot be compromised. Furthermore, the fact that the information D is available digitally means that manuals do not have to be printed and can be constantly and easily updated, or the most current version is automatically available when requested.

[0088] An additional advantageous feature can be provided by the device G transmitting its connection information, i.e., data via the second connection V2, via optical LED pulses and / or QR codes. This allows certificates to be transmitted to the device G.

[0089] This takes into account the increasing networking and the resulting need for secure transfer of encryption certificates to devices—including for initial filling or the renewal of expired certificates. Thanks to the invention, the aforementioned use of field PG and engineering, along with specialist knowledge, is no longer necessary. The process can be carried out faster and more easily.

[0090] It is advantageous if the second connection (V2) is designed as a short-range radio, such as Bluetooth, LE, or the NEC. This requires physical presence to update the certificates, thus preventing corruption of this process.

[0091] The invention also generally reduces the use of displays in PLCs or HMIs on PLCs.

[0092] The invention also overcomes the limitations of the human brain in conjunction with the viewer's attention span and viewing disturbances, such as blinking, which previously meant that only a limited number of flashing LEDs could be counted and recorded, which could convey the type and number of states, particularly error states. The invention enables a more effective use of the technology and thus simultaneously reduces the complexity and costs of the necessary human resources, as well as hardware and software.

[0093] To the extent that expressions have been used above that show, imply or can be perceived as a grammatical gender and / or other characteristics suitable for distinguishing people, it is understood that these expressions have not been used in a separating but inclusive manner, i.e. that all

[0094] People are considered equal, regardless of given, self-assumed or presumed individual characteristics.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for operating an electronic device with status display, in particular for use in an industrial environment, comprising a first arrangement, at least partially housed in a housing, for carrying out the intended function of the device, and a status display for displaying states, in particular error states, of the device by means of at least one illuminant visible outside the housing, characterized in that the illuminant signals at least parts of the states of the electrical device in a machine-readable code according to a first coding rule, and a first message, machine-readable coded according to a second coding rule, is formed and attached to the housing by means of a medium in such a way that the first message can be optically detected together with the signals of the illuminant in a machine-supported manner, wherein the first message is formed in such a way that it has at least one,contains first information correlating at least with the first coding rule and the device operates an interface via which a state change can be triggered on the basis of the signaling and / or first message.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a first module controls the lighting means in such a way that when a state change into a current, in particular error, state occurs, at least one property of the function of the lighting means is at least temporarily manipulated to signal a second message coded by means of the first coding rule, and the second message is coded in such a way that it contains at least one second item of information at least correlating with the current state.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optoelectronically detectable first message generated by means of a second machine-readable code is attached as a plaque in the vicinity of the lighting means in such a way that the lighting means and the plaque can be detected by an external camera at the same time as the lighting means, the first message being coded in such a way that it contains at least first information to support the treatment of conditions and about the position, in particular position and / or orientation, of the lighting means in relation to the position of the code. 4 . Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a proprietary, for example device-specific, code specification is used as the first machine-readable code specification.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second machine-readable code is formed as a two-dimensional, in particular stack, matrix, composite and / or point code, such as the so-called "Quick Response", QR code, data matrix code, PDF417 and / or comparable.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second message are coded in such a way that a camera integrated in a mobile radio device can be used as an external camera, the mobile radio device being operated in such a way that it is capable of capturing, decoding and / or displaying the first and / or second information on the display. 7 . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminous means according to a a so-called "light-emitting diode", LED, or comparable technology.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that properties, in particular color, brightness, switching on and off, frequency of switching on and off and / or the duration of the presence and / or absence of the emitted light given by the switching on and off are manipulated. 9 . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is operated as an industrial control device, field device, production device, robot or comparable industrial device.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second message are coded in such a way that a camera, in particular a high-speed camera, monitoring the location, in particular of an industrial environment, of the electronic device G is used as an external camera, the camera being functionally connected to a second module capable of capturing, decoding and / or displaying on the display the first and / or second information.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first module is operated in such a way that the lighting means signals states which can be terminated by treatment by a user, such as error states and / or data inputs, in particular certificate transmission. 12 . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is connected to a wireless, in particular short-distance, connection according to, for example, the so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy" , Bluetooth LE and / or the so-called “Near Field Communication” (NEC) standard.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium used is a coating of the housing which reproduces two- or multi-colored images, in particular a printed film, a carrier for holographic materials, in particular materials suitable for the representation of microbarcodes, and / or a film-based electronic display.

14. Electronic device with status display, in particular for use in an industrial environment, comprising a first arrangement, at least partially housed in a housing, for carrying out the intended function of the device, and a second arrangement for displaying states, in particular error states, of the device by means of at least one illuminant visible outside the housing, characterized in that the illuminant is designed in such a way that the illuminant signals at least parts of the states of the electrical device in a machine-readable code according to a first coding rule, and a first message, machine-readable coded according to a second coding rule, is attached to the housing by means of a medium in such a way that the first message can be optically detected together with the signals of the illuminant in a machine-supported manner and is designed in such a way that it has at least one,contains first information correlating at least with the first coding rule and the device has an interface via which a state change can be triggered on the basis of the signaling and / or first message.

15. Electronic device according to claim 14, characterized in that a first module is designed such that it connects the illuminant in such a way that controls that when a state change occurs into a current, in particular error, state, at least one property of the function of the luminous means for signaling a second message coded by means of the first coding rule is at least temporarily manipulated, the second message is coded in such a way that it contains at least one second piece of information that at least correlates with the current state, 16. Electronic device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that an optoelectronically detectable first message generated by means of a second machine-readable code is attached as a plaque in the vicinity of the lighting means in such a way that the lighting means and the plaque can be detected by an external camera at the same time as the lighting means, the first message being coded in such a way that at least a first item of information is contained to support the treatment of conditions and about the position, in particular position and / or orientation, of the lighting means in relation to the position of the code.

17. Electronic device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first machine-readable code is designed as a proprietary, for example device-specific, code.

18. Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the second machine-readable code is designed as a two-dimensional, in particular stack, matrix, composite and / or dot code, such as the so-called "Quick Response" code, QR code, data matrix code, PDF417 and / or comparable. 19 . Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the first and / or second message are coded in such a way that a camera integrated in a mobile radio device can be used as an external camera, wherein the mobile radio device is designed in such a way that it is capable of capturing, decoding and / or displaying the first and / or second information on the display. 20 . Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 19 , characterized in that the lighting means is designed according to a so-called "light-emitting diode", LED, or comparable technology. 21 . Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that in particular the color, brightness, switching on and off, as well as the frequency of switching on and off of the emitted light are designed to be manipulable. 22 . Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 21 , characterized in that it is designed as an industrial control device , field device , manufacturing device , robot or comparable industrial device . 23 . Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the first and / or second message are coded in such a way that a camera, in particular a high-speed camera, monitoring the location, in particular of an industrial environment, of the electronic device G can be used as an external camera, wherein the camera is designed in such a way that it can be connected to a second camera for capturing, decoding and / or representation on the display of the first and / or second information-enabled module. 24 . Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that the first module is designed such that the lighting means signals states which can be terminated by treatment by a user, such as error states and / or data inputs, in particular certificate transmission. 25 . Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that it is capable of a wireless, in particular short-distance connection according to, for example, the so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy", Bluetooth LE and / or the so-called "Near Field Communication", NEC, standard. 26 . Electronic device according to one of claims 14 to 25 , characterized in that the medium is designed as a coating of the housing which reproduces two or more coloured representations, in particular a printed film, a carrier for holographic materials, in particular materials suitable for the representation of microbarcodes, and / or a film-based electronic display.

27. Mobile radio device designed to interact with the device according to one of claims 14 to 26 with means for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 13. 28 . Server designed to interact with the mobile radio device according to the preceding claim with means for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 13 .

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