Method for setting up data exchange

Abstract

The invention relates to field devices, in particular a sensor unit and a display and operating module, furthermore to a method for setting up data exchange between the display and operating module and the sensor unit. The method comprises the following steps: providing the sensor unit (200); connecting the sensor unit (200) to the display and operating module (100) via a communication interface (300); transmitting basic information about properties of the display and operating module (100) to the sensor unit (200), wherein transmission is triggered by connecting; determining, on the basis of the basic information, a specialised driver which supports the data exchange between the display and operating module (100) and the sensor unit (200); and loading and installing the specialised driver on the display and operating module (100) such that the data exchange is set up by means of the driver.

Description

[0001] Procedure for setting up a data exchange

[0002] Reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority from German patent application No. 10 2023208219.5, filed on August 28, 2023, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference into this document.

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to field devices, in particular a sensor unit and a display and operating module, as well as a method for establishing data exchange between the display and operating module and the sensor unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium and its use.

[0006] background

[0007] In at least some devices, especially field devices, for measuring process variables, a sensor unit can be separated from a display and control module, i.e., designed as two separate device components. While this advantageously allows for a high degree of flexibility, on the other hand, a suitable driver must first be found and installed for each display and control module. This can be time-consuming and error-prone. Summary

[0008] The object of the invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0009] One aspect relates to a method for setting up a data exchange between a display and operating module and a sensor unit, comprising the steps:

[0010] Providing the sensor unit;

[0011] Connecting the sensor unit to the display and operating module via a communication interface;

[0012] Sending basic information about properties of the display and control module to the sensor unit, whereby the sending is triggered by the connection;

[0013] Determining, based on the basic information, a specialized driver that supports the data exchange between the display and control module and the sensor unit; and

[0014] Loading and installing the specialized driver on the display and control module so that data exchange is set up using the driver.

[0015] The data exchange between the display and control module and the sensor unit can be used, for example, to display measured values ​​and / or to input instructions, particularly control instructions, to the sensor unit. Optionally, the display and control module can also have an external interface via which external instructions, e.g., parameterization, can be received and forwarded. Furthermore, the external interface can also be used, for example, to forward measured values ​​and / or other data, e.g., from the sensor unit. A system comprising the display and control module and the sensor unit can form a field device.

[0016] The display and adjustment module can, for example, be arranged on the sensor unit, for example for an initial installation or for an update, e.g. to replace an existing display and adjustment module with a device with more functions and / or a higher display resolution. The sensor unit can be connected to the display and adjustment module via a communication interface. The communication interface can, for example, be a two- or four-wire cable or another type of cable, so that the display and adjustment module and the sensor unit are connected via the cable, e.g. by means of a plug. In one embodiment, the display and adjustment module and the sensor unit can have contacts that correspond to one another. The display and adjustment module can be screwed onto the sensor unit. The display and adjustment module can, for example, correspond to a device from the PLICSCOM series from Vega.The display and control module can be removable and intrinsically safe. The connection provides an electrical connection between the display and control module and the sensor unit and can optionally also provide a mechanical connection between the modules. Data exchange can be implemented using any protocol.

[0017] Connecting the modules - i.e. the display and operating module and the sensor unit - can trigger the sending of basic information about the properties of the display and operating module to the sensor unit. For triggering, the communication interface can, for example, have special contacts that initiate an interrupt. Alternatively or additionally, the connection of the modules can also be detected, for example, by measuring current and / or voltage, and in this way, recognition of a new display and operating module can be realized, which triggers the connection. After the connection, basic information, for example about the properties of the display and operating module, can be sent to the sensor unit. A default driver or a generic driver can be used, which enables at least an "elementary" data exchange, for example. The basic information can, for example,include a device type of the display and adjustment module, and / or information about the type of display, e.g. whether black and white or color display, a resolution of the display (e.g. in pixels), type and number of control elements, etc. The default driver can, optionally, also be used to show messages on the display, such as "Establish connection", "Send device data", etc. Furthermore, the default driver can optionally be used to display measured values, e.g. in a simple alphanumeric representation, such as "Fill level 12.3 m". Based on the basic information, a specialized driver can now be determined which supports the data exchange between the - newly added - display and adjustment module and the sensor unit. The specialized driver can, for example, be supplied together with the display and adjustment module, for example on a flash memory of the display and adjustment module.This advantageously makes it possible to adapt to the most suitable driver even for devices that are not connected to a communication module that could load a driver, e.g., via the Internet. In these cases, in addition to consistently loading the most suitable driver, the device can also save energy because a (energy-intensive) communication module is not required and / or such a module could advantageously be switched off for an extended period.

[0018] The specialized driver can, alternatively or additionally, be present on the sensor unit and / or loaded from an external server, e.g., from a cloud. For access to the external server, an external connection and / or an external wireless interface can be used, for example. Information from the sensor unit may also be relevant for the display / control module, e.g., at which energy level certain functions are available. This can vary depending on the measuring principle.

[0019] After loading the specialized driver, it can be installed on the sensor unit. In at least some cases, an update of a (e.g., corresponding) driver on the display and control module may also be required and / or performed. After installing the specialized driver on the sensor unit and—if necessary and / or appropriate—updating the display and control module, data exchange between the display and control module and the sensor unit is established.

[0020] This process not only eliminates the time spent searching for a suitable or even optimal driver, but also reduces the risk of using an unsuitable driver, which could be caused by an accidental typo or other error. Furthermore, this process—or at least parts of it—can also be advantageously used to update the driver(s).

[0021] In some embodiments, the method comprises a further step, namely carrying out the data exchange between the display and control module and the sensor unit. This allows for - potentially bidirectional - communication between the display and control module and the sensor unit to be realized using the specialized driver. The communication protocol can also be changed during the lifetime of the devices involved, e.g., to a protocol that requires less energy, enables faster transmission, and / or offers better interference immunity, e.g., through redundancy or similar. The described method can advantageously make it possible to upgrade from the transmission of "low-level" data - e.g., pixel information - to the transmission of "high-level" data, e.g., a description of text and / or an image.Another advantage is that the update driver is (so to speak “automatically”) consistent with its counterpart on the sensor unit.

[0022] In some embodiments, the basic information includes a device type of the display and control module and / or properties of the display and / or the input unit of the display and control module. Examples may include information such as "PLICSCOM.XW 1 , "PLICSCOM.XB" and / or other device types and / or manufacturers. Display properties may include information about the type of display, e.g., whether it is a monochrome or color display, a display resolution (e.g., in pixels), and / or details about graphic elements (e.g., bar charts). Furthermore, this information may also include details about other optical and / or acoustic signaling devices, e.g., LEDs for status indication and / or a loudspeaker for alarms, and / or other information.

[0023] In some embodiments, the driver is loaded using a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The URL can, for example, reference a location in the memory of the display and control module, in the memory of the sensor unit, and / or on a database of a server. For access to the server, an external interface can be provided in the display and control module, e.g., in the form of a wireless and / or wired communication unit. The URL can, for example, be stored in the form of a matrix, e.g., as a "device type - driver URL" assignment table. The matrix can be designed to be changeable, so that, for example, a driver from the sensor unit is used to initially set up data exchange, but a driver from a server is used for updates. The changeability of the matrix also makes it easy to manage updates.

[0024] In some embodiments, after connecting the modules, data exchange between the display and control module and the sensor unit is established using a default driver and / or a generic driver. The generic driver can include "placeholders" that can be overwritten after loading and before installation.

[0025] In some embodiments, the loading and / or installation of the specialized driver is only performed if a specialized driver is available for the display and control module. In this case, the existing driver, e.g., the default driver, can continue to be used. If the specialized driver for the display and control module and / or for the sensor unit is not available, an action can be performed, for example, sending a message (e.g., "Driver for XY not found"), and / or initiating a search for a driver, e.g., using a search command in a database.

[0026] In some embodiments, the loading and / or installation of the specialized driver is only performed when a power source of the display and control module and / or a power source of the sensor unit has sufficient energy. This can advantageously ensure that the loading and / or installation, particularly in the case of a self-contained field device, does not lead to an unforeseen load on the power source(s), which may be associated with a risk of malfunction. This can be particularly advantageous if, for example, an energy-intensive device such as a radio module is used for charging. In some embodiments, the specialized driver supports an energy-saving mechanism of the display and control module. The energy-saving mechanism can, for example, comprise a reduction in the refresh rate of the display, switching off the backlight and / or switching off a status display.For example, in devices of the PLICSCOM series from Vega, special energy-saving mechanisms can be effectively utilized to ensure the functionality of the field device even under low power conditions. The PLICSCOM can then be supplied and / or operated with less power than would be possible with the default driver. Examples could include updating the communication protocol, e.g., to one that transmits less data and / or transmits data faster, which can reduce energy consumption.

[0027] In some embodiments, the communication interface is implemented as a dedicated contact arrangement, a two-wire line, a three-wire line, a four-wire line, and / or as a radio or optical interface. The dedicated contact arrangement can, for example, have contacts that correspond to one another. The display and control module can be screwed onto the sensor unit, which can advantageously simplify installation and enable a water-resistant design of the field device. The communication interface can support proprietary and / or standardized protocols.

[0028] One aspect relates to a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium having a program stored therein which, when executed on a processor of a sensor unit or a display and control module, instructs the sensor unit and / or the display and control module to perform the steps as described above and / or below.

[0029] One aspect relates to a removable display and operating module comprising the following elements: A display unit or display configured to display text and / or graphics, and / or an operating unit with operating elements. A controller configured to control the display unit and / or the operating unit and to at least partially carry out a method as described above and / or below. The module also comprises a memory and an energy source. The energy source can be designed as a simple energy storage device, e.g., as a battery and / or as a capacitor. The energy source can, alternatively or additionally, comprise an energy generation unit, e.g., a solar module, and / or obtain energy from outside, e.g., via a two-wire line or four-wire line. At least some of the energy supply solutions can comprise current limitation; for example,Some types of two-wire cables use a 4-20 mA protocol. With such current-limited power supplies, efficient energy management can be essential, so energy-optimizing drivers can significantly increase the usability of the display and adjustment module. The display and adjustment module can be removable and intrinsically safe. The display and adjustment module can, for example, correspond to a device from the PLICSCOM series from Vega.

[0030] Optionally, the module can have an external communication port, e.g., in the form of a connection to a two-wire line and / or in the form of a radio module. The radio module can be configured to transmit and / or receive data to a server and / or another level measuring device. The radio module can, for example, support the protocols of a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), LoRa (Long Range), LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), NB-loT, LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines), and / or a low-power wide area network (LPWAN).

[0031] One aspect relates to a sensor unit comprising the following elements: A sensor front end configured to measure process variables. The process variables may, for example, include measured values ​​and / or other data that are required and / or useful, for example, for level measurement, topology determination, limit level determination, flow measurement, pressure measurement, and / or temperature measurement. Furthermore, the sensor unit comprises a controller configured to at least partially carry out a method as described above and / or below. Furthermore, the sensor unit comprises a program memory—for example, a non-volatile one—and, optionally, a volatile memory. In addition, the sensor unit may comprise a power source that may be configured similarly to the power source of the display and operating module. It is also possible for only one of the modules to comprise a power source, i.e.either only the display and operating module or only the sensor unit.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sensor unit is configured for level measurement, topology determination, limit level determination, flow measurement, pressure measurement and / or temperature measurement.

[0033] One aspect relates to the use of a system comprising a display and operating module as described above and / or below and a sensor unit as described above and / or below for level measurement, topology determination, limit level determination, flow measurement, pressure measurement, and / or temperature measurement. The system comprising the display and operating module and the sensor unit can form a field device. The use of the system can depend on a measurement front end of the system. The measurement front end can be, for example, an impedance limit switch, a vibration limit switch, a level measuring device with a high-frequency front end, an ultrasonic front end, a LiDAR or laser front end, or a radiometric front end.

[0034] For further clarification, the invention is described using embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are to be understood as examples only and not as limitations.

[0035] Short description of the characters

[0036] It shows:

[0037] Fig. 1 schematically shows a field device according to an embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 2 schematically shows a display and operating module and a sensor unit according to an embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 3 schematically shows a display and operating module according to an embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment. Detailed description of embodiments

[0041] Fig. 1 schematically shows a field device with a display and operating module 100 and a sensor unit 200 according to one embodiment. The display and operating module 100 has a display unit or display 115. The display 115 is configured to display text and / or graphics. The module 100 can furthermore have, for example, optical and / or acoustic signal generators (not shown), e.g. LEDs for a status display and / or a loudspeaker for alarms. Furthermore, the module 100 has an operating unit 110 with operating elements 112, e.g. buttons. Other embodiments can have only one display 115 or only one operating unit 110. The display unit 115 and / or the operating unit 110 are controlled by means of a controller 102. The controller 102 can furthermore be configured to at least partially carry out a method as described above and / or below.Controller 102 is connected to a memory 104 and a power source 108. Module 100 may optionally include an external port 150. External port 150 may be connected to controller 102 and / or another subsystem of display and control module 100.

[0042] In addition, the controller 102 is connected to a communication interface 300 via contacts 310. The communication interface 300 is connected to the sensor unit 200 via corresponding contacts 320. The communication interface 300 can support proprietary and / or standardized protocols. The communication interface 300 can be used for data exchange between the display and operating module 100 and the sensor unit 200.

[0043] The sensor unit 200 has a sensor front end 210, which is symbolically shown in Fig. 1 - without being limited to this exemplary embodiment - as a radar module with a horn antenna. The sensor front end 210 is configured to measure process variables. The process variables can include, for example, measured values ​​for level measurement, topology determination, limit level determination, flow measurement, pressure measurement and / or temperature measurement. The process variables can include further data, e.g., for parameterizing the sensor front end 210 or the further processing components, e.g., the controller 102 or 202. The controller 202 controls the sensor front end 210 and is, furthermore, configured to at least partially carry out a method as described above and / or below. The sensor front end 210 has a program memory 204 and, optionally, a volatile memory 206. The program memory 204 can, for example,Include algorithms for processing the process variables. The volatile memory 206 can be used as main memory, e.g., for calculations. In embodiments in which no volatile memory 206 is available, the calculations can be performed in the memory 204 and / or outsourced, e.g., to the controller 102 of the display and control module 100 and / or to a server. The sensor front end 210 further includes a power source 208. In some embodiments, the sensor front end 210 can, alternatively or additionally, use the power source 108 of the display and control module 100.

[0044] Fig. 2 schematically shows a display and control module 100, a sensor unit 200, and a communication interface 300 according to one embodiment. The modules 100 and 200 can be designed, for example, as a dedicated contact arrangement and / or connected via a two-wire line, a three-wire line, a four-wire line, and / or via a radio or optical interface. After connecting the sensor unit 200 to the display and control module 100 via the communication interface 300, a method as described above and / or below can be performed.

[0045] Fig. 3 schematically shows a display and adjustment module 100 according to one embodiment. The display and adjustment module 100 is designed similarly to a PLICSCOM module from Vega. The display and adjustment module 100 has a display 115. Furthermore, the module 100 has an adjustment unit 110 with control elements 112, which can be implemented, for example, as keys.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart 400 with a method according to one embodiment. The method 400 enables the establishment of a data exchange between a display and operating module 100 (see, for example, Fig. 1, 2 or 3) and a sensor unit 200. In a step 402, the sensor unit 200 is provided. In a step 404, the sensor unit 200 is connected to the display and operating module 100 via a communication interface 300. In a step 406, basic information about properties of the display and operating module 100 is sent to the sensor unit 200, wherein the sending is triggered by the connection (step 404). In a step 408, based on the basic information, a specialized driver is determined which supports the data exchange between the display and operating module 100 and the sensor unit 200. In a step 410, the specialized driver is loaded, e.g.from a memory 104 of the display and control module 100, from a memory 204 of the sensor unit 200, and / or from an (external) server. In a step 412, the specialized driver is installed on the display and control module 100, so that the data exchange between the display and control module 100 and the sensor unit 200 is established using the driver.

[0047] List of

[0048] 100 display and control module

[0049] 102 controllers

[0050] 104 memory

[0051] 108 Energy source

[0052] 110 Control unit

[0053] 112 controls

[0054] 115 Display unit, display

[0055] 150 external connection

[0056] 200 sensor unit

[0057] 202 controllers

[0058] 204 program memory

[0059] 206 volatile memory

[0060] 208 Energy source

[0061] 210 Sensor front end

[0062] 300 communication interface

[0063] 310 contacts display and control module

[0064] 320 contacts sensor

[0065] 400 Flowchart

[0066] 402 - 412 steps

Claims

1. Method for setting up a data exchange between a display and operating module (100) and a sensor unit (200), comprising the steps: Providing the sensor unit (200); Connecting the sensor unit (200) to the display and operating module (100) via a communication interface (300); Sending basic information about properties of the display and operating module (100) to the sensor unit (200), wherein the sending is triggered by the connection; Determining, on the basis of the basic information, a specialized driver which supports the data exchange between the display and operating module (100) and the sensor unit (200); and Loading and installing the specialized driver on the display and control module (100) so that data exchange is set up using the driver.

2. Method according to claim 1, with the further step: Carrying out the data exchange between the display and operating module (100) and the sensor unit (200).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic information comprises a device type and / or properties of the display (115) and / or the input unit (110) of the display and operating module (100).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading of the driver is carried out by means of a Uniform Resource Locator, URL.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after the connection the data exchange between the display and operating module (100) and the sensor unit (200) is set up by means of a default driver.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading and / or installation of the specialized driver is only carried out if a specialized driver for the display and control module (100) is present.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, if the specialized driver for the display and operating module (100) and / or for the sensor unit (200) is not present, an action is performed, the action comprising sending a message and / or searching for a driver.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading and / or installation of the specialized driver is only carried out when a power source of the display and operating module (100) and / or a power source of the sensor unit (200) has sufficient power.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the specialized driver supports an energy saving mechanism of the display and control module (100).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface (300) is designed as a dedicated contact arrangement, as a two-wire line, as a three-wire line, as a four-wire line and / or as a radio or optical interface.

11. A non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium having a program stored therein which, when executed on a processor of a sensor unit (200) or a display and operating module (100), instructs the sensor unit (200) and / or the display and operating module (100) to carry out the steps according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. Removable display and operating module (100), comprising: a display unit or display (115) configured to display text and / or graphics, and / or an operating unit (110) with operating elements (112), a controller (102) configured to control the display unit (115) and / or the operating unit (110), and to at least partially carry out a method according to one of claims 1 - 10, a memory (104), and an energy source (108).

13. Sensor unit (200), comprising: a sensor front end (210) configured to measure process variables, a controller (202) configured to at least partially carry out a method according to one of claims 1-10, a program memory (204); optionally, a volatile memory (206); and a power source (208).

14. Sensor unit (200) according to claim 13, wherein the sensor unit (200) is configured for level measurement, topology determination, limit level determination, flow measurement, pressure measurement and / or temperature measurement.

15. Use of a system comprising a display and operating module (100) according to claim 12 and a sensor unit (200) according to claim 13 or 14 for level measurement, topology determination, limit level determination, flow measurement, pressure measurement and / or temperature measurement.

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