Measuring device and method for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure with operating-authorization control

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device (10) for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure, the measuring device comprising: a measuring sensor (100) which has an operating mode; and a control assembly (200) which has an evaluation unit (210) and is designed to control the measuring sensor (100). The evaluation unit (210) of the control assembly (200) is designed to monitor operating-authorization data for an operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) and to enable or at least partly restrict the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) on the basis of the operating-authorization data. The invention also relates to a control assembly (200) for a measuring device (10), to the use of a control assembly and of a measuring device, to a method by means of a measuring device for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure, and to a computer-readable medium.

Description

[0001] VEGA Grieshaber KG

[0002] Hauptstraße 5, 77709 Wolfach, Germany

[0003] Measuring device and method for measuring a level, a limit level and / or a pressure with operating authorization control

[0004] Reference to related applications

[0005] This application claims priority from German patent application No. 10 2023 123 828.0, filed on September 5, 2023, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference into this document.

[0006] Field of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure, a control arrangement for a measuring device for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure, the use of a control arrangement for a measuring device for the release management of the measuring device of a process plant, the use of a measuring device for a fill level, limit level and / or pressure measurement in a process plant, a method using a measuring device and a computer-readable medium.

[0008] Technical background

[0009] Sensors are frequently used in modern field devices in industrial environments to measure relevant quantities. Typically, such sensors can be activated, deactivated, or locked on-site to adjust the sensor's operating parameters. Factory-locked and non-switchable sensor functions can be activated once, depending on the order. Summary

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a field device with an improved and dynamic operation management system.

[0011] This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claim. Further developments of the invention emerge from the dependent patent claims and the following description of embodiments.

[0012] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a measuring device for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure. The measuring device comprises a measuring sensor having an operating mode and a control arrangement having an evaluation unit and configured to control the measuring sensor.

[0013] The evaluation unit of the control arrangement is designed to monitor operating authorization data for the operating mode of the measuring sensor and to enable or at least partially restrict the operating mode of the measuring sensor based on the operating authorization data.

[0014] In addition, the evaluation unit of the control arrangement can be configured to monitor or determine a change in the operating authorization data for the measuring sensor and, based on the determined change in the operating authorization data, to dynamically adapt or enable, partially restrict, or completely block or lock the operating mode of the measuring sensor.

[0015] The measuring sensor of the measuring device can be put into operation based on the operating authorization data as specific operating authorization prerequisites or operating authorization conditions. The measuring sensor of the measuring device can work or be operated with a plurality of functions in the operating mode. Furthermore, the measuring sensor can have a plurality of sensor parts that can, for example, be fully activated or enabled in the operating mode in order to perform the plurality of functions of the measuring sensor. If the operating mode of the measuring sensor is at least partially restricted, i.e. partially to various degrees or completely, at least one function and / or at least one sensor part of the measuring sensor cannot be enabled or activated, but rather prevented or blocked.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the operating authorization data is location-dependent operating authorization data.

[0017] The location-dependent operating authorization data can be understood as, for example, country- or region-dependent or country- or region-specific operating authorization data, which can define the country-dependent activation conditions for operating the measuring sensor based on the prevailing radio regulations in an individual country.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, for example, the location-dependent operating authorization data for a specific location or an area with an action radius can be implemented as authorization conditions for the complete, partial or blocked activation of the operating mode of the measuring sensor.

[0019] If the location-dependent operating authorization data can be fully completed for the operating mode of the measuring sensor, the numerous functions and the numerous sensor components of the measuring sensor can be fully enabled for use. If the location-dependent operating authorization data can only be partially or not at all completed for the operating mode of the measuring sensor, the numerous functions and the numerous sensor components of the measuring sensor can be partially or completely restricted or blocked. For example, the operating mode of the measuring sensor can be enabled based on the location-dependent operating authorization data if a radio authorization for a first operating location of the measuring sensor is available, so that all functions and / or all sensor components of the measuring sensor can be switched to normal operation.In contrast, the operating mode of the measuring sensor can be at least partially, i.e. partially or completely, restricted based on the location-dependent operating authorization data in the event of a missing radio authorization for a second operating location of the measuring sensor, so that at least one function and / or at least one sensor part of the measuring sensor can be prevented or blocked at the operating location.

[0020] If the radio authorization for the operating location can change, for example if the radio authorization for the first operating location can become invalid or if the radio authorization for the second operating location can be released to operate the measuring sensor, the evaluation unit of the control arrangement can be configured to change the operating authorization data accordingly, so that the operating mode of the measuring sensor can be at least partially restricted for the first operating location or re-enabled for the second operating location.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the operating authorization data is time-dependent operating authorization data.

[0022] The time-dependent operating authorization data can be understood, for example, as operating authorization data by which at least a predetermined period of time can be provided for the operating authorization for the complete or partial or blocked operation of the measuring sensor.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the operating authorization data are event-dependent operating authorization data, based on which the operating mode of the measuring sensor can be enabled or at least partially restricted by a predefined event.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the predefined event for the event-dependent operating authorization data includes a missing radio authorization, an embargo, a violation of a property right, a license violation, a failure to pay an invoice amount, an expiration of a subscription to operate the measuring sensor, the creation or updating of a blacklist for the measuring sensor, an incorrect installation position and / or a change of owner of the measuring sensor.

[0025] It can be provided that the measuring sensor or the operating mode of the measuring sensor can be blocked from the beginning or later during operation in the event of certain events, or that it can be used in a restricted range of functions to be defined, for example based on the degree to which the operating authorization requirements are met.

[0026] For example, the radio approval for the measuring sensor may become invalid. Alternatively or additionally, an embargo, in particular an import and / or export embargo, may apply to the measuring sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring sensor may not be able to operate, or at least not fully functionally, due to a license or patent infringement. Furthermore, if an invoice amount or a final invoice, for example, for a license fee or subscription, is not paid, the operating mode may be restricted or completely blocked, meaning that the measuring sensor cannot be operated or at least cannot be used in fully functional normal operation.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the operating mode of a stolen measuring sensor can be restricted or blocked based on the monitored operating authorization data. If a change of ownership of the measuring sensor is detected or determined by the evaluation unit, the operating mode can be blocked or at least restricted, for example, when the new owner is identified on a blocking list or blacklist. This allows counterfeiting to be blocked quickly and effectively, for example, if the firmware, in particular the measuring device or the measuring sensor, can be copied. The restriction or blocking can occur automatically in the measuring sensor, for example, if other hardware can be connected to the measuring device, or can be remotely controlled.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the predefined event for the event-dependent operating authorization data for restricting or locking the operating mode of the measuring sensor can still be the hardware-based detection of a defective battery, a leak, and / or an overvoltage in the measuring device. Alternatively or additionally, the predefined event can be determined or monitored remotely or remotely by linking an operator and / or manufacturer account, for example, using a smartphone.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the measuring sensor is a free-radiating microwave sensor which, after the operating mode has been enabled, can operate with a plurality of frequencies and / or a plurality of bandwidths.

[0030] In contrast, the free-radiating microwave sensor can be operated with at least partial restrictions on the operating mode, with a limited number or none of the frequencies and / or bandwidths that may be provided for the measuring sensor.

[0031] The measuring device or measuring sensor can have an internal power supply unit and can therefore be designed to be at least partially self-sufficient. The measuring device can be used in a process plant over an extended period of time by means of the control arrangement via the intelligent release management system for the measuring sensor. In addition, the measuring sensor of the measuring system can transmit the measurement data wirelessly, for example via radio communication technology. In comparison to wired communication, in which the energy required for the measurement and the transmission of the measured values ​​must be continuously used, the availability of more advanced, energy-saving wireless technologies can mean that battery-operated sensors, for example for monitoring fill level, limit level or pressure values, can become increasingly important. Particular advantages arise for applications in the field of process automation in industrial environments, such as:there Logistics.

[0032] The term “process automation in industrial environments” can be understood as a branch of technology that includes all measures for operating machines and systems without human intervention. One goal of process automation is to automate the interaction of individual components of a plant in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, petroleum, paper, cement, shipping, or mining industries. A variety of sensors can be used for this purpose. These sensors are particularly adapted to the specific requirements of the process industry, such as mechanical stability, insensitivity to contamination, extreme temperatures, and extreme pressures. Measured values ​​from these sensors are usually transmitted to a control room, where process parameters such as fill level, limit level, flow, pressure, or density are monitored, and settings for the entire plant can be changed manually or automatically.

[0033] One sub-area of ​​process automation in the industrial environment concerns logistics automation. With the help of distance and angle sensors, processes within a building or within an individual logistics facility are automated in the field of logistics automation. Typical applications for logistics automation systems include baggage and freight handling at airports, traffic monitoring (toll systems), retail, parcel distribution, and building security (access control). The above examples mean that the respective application requires presence detection in combination with precise measurement of the size and position of an object. Sensors based on optical measurement methods using lasers, LEDs, 2D cameras, or 3D cameras that measure distances according to the time-of-flight (ToF) principle can be used for this purpose.Another sub-area of ​​process automation in the industrial environment concerns factory / production automation. Applications for this can be found in a wide variety of industries, such as automotive manufacturing, food production, the pharmaceutical industry, and packaging in general. The goal of factory automation is to automate the production of goods using machines, production lines, and / or robots, i.e., to run it without human intervention. The sensors used here and the specific requirements regarding measurement accuracy for detecting the position and size of an object are comparable to those in the previous example of logistics automation.

[0034] The measuring sensor can be designed as a dual-use measuring sensor, which can have a first sensor part that can operate with a first frequency and / or a first bandwidth and / or a first or vertical beam orientation, and a second sensor part that can operate with a second frequency and / or a second bandwidth and / or a second or horizontal beam orientation. Based on the operating authorization data for the measuring sensor, the operating mode can be automatically restricted or blocked, or the transmission power can be throttled or increased, for example, in the event of an incorrect installation position, in particular when the measuring sensor is inserted in a closed container for a vertical measurement or in an open field for a horizontal measurement.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the measuring sensor further comprises a blocking mode in which the operating mode of the measuring sensor is to be partially or completely blocked.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the control arrangement further comprises a switching unit which is configured to switch between the operating mode or the blocking mode of the measuring sensor based on the operating authorization data from the evaluation unit.

[0037] The switching unit can be integrated into the control arrangement. Alternatively, the switching unit can be arranged as an actuator directly on the measuring sensor. Furthermore, the switching unit can be configured to communicate with the evaluation unit of the control arrangement or to receive a switching signal from the evaluation unit.

[0038] It can be provided that the operating authorization data can change during monitoring by the evaluation unit and that the switching between the operating mode and the blocking mode for the measuring sensor when determining the change in the operating authorization data can be carried out dynamically by the measuring sensor itself with the integrated switching unit or by a remote control.

[0039] It can be provided that the activation of the operating mode or the functions and / or the sensor parts of the measuring sensor can be carried out by entering a PIN using an input unit, in particular a local input unit, remotely controlled, via the hardware of the measuring sensor, for example by means of an additional module or by means of an update.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the control arrangement further comprises a communication unit which is configured such that the evaluation unit can communicate wirelessly with an external control system, a cloud system and / or a mobile control device in order to receive the operating authorization data.

[0041] It can be provided that the evaluation unit can have a first or internal evaluation part, which can be arranged on the measuring device or on the measuring sensor, and a second or external evaluation part, which can be arranged in the external control system, the cloud system and / or the mobile control device. Furthermore, the communication unit can be configured to enable wireless communication or data transmission of the operating authorization data between the internal evaluation part and the external evaluation part of the evaluation unit. Thus, switching between the operating mode and the blocking mode for the measuring sensor can be controlled by the switching unit on the sensor side or on the hardware side and / or remotely controlled, for example on the software side. Thus, a user-dependent and / or country-dependent restriction and / or complete blocking during the use and operation of the measuring sensor of the measuring device can be implemented.

[0042] It may be provided that the existing measuring sensor or the operating mode of the measuring sensor is adapted via a remote update, for example a wired or wireless interface, to the changed operating authorization data or operating authorization requirements, for example due to a newly obtained approval, a new embargo, the payment of an invoice amount for the subscription or the license agreement and / or an updated blacklist.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the measuring device further comprises a position sensor which is configured to determine the operating location of the measuring sensor.

[0044] Advantageously, the operating location of the measuring sensor can be determined by the position sensor, for example via GPS or a local radio cell, at a specific location or within a specific operating radius. For example, the evaluation unit can be configured to enable, restrict, or lock the operating mode, or to switch from the operating mode to the locked mode, based on the operating authorization data for the operating location. Furthermore, the enabling, restricting, or locking of the operating mode, or the switching between the operating mode and the locked mode, can be initiated or performed by the measuring sensor itself or remotely, for example, by the external control system, the cloud system, and / or the mobile control unit.

[0045] A further aspect relates to a control arrangement for a measuring device for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure, which comprises an evaluation unit configured to control a measuring sensor of the measuring device. The evaluation unit of the control arrangement is configured to monitor operating authorization data for an operating mode of the measuring sensor and, based on the operating authorization data, to determine the operating mode of the

[0046] to unlock or at least partially restrict the measurement sensor

[0047] A further aspect concerns the use of a control arrangement for a measuring device for the isolation management of the measuring device in a process plant.

[0048] Another aspect concerns the use of a measuring device for level, limit level and / or pressure measurement in a process plant.

[0049] A further aspect relates to a method using a measuring device configured to measure a fill level, a limit level, and / or a pressure. The method comprises the following steps: providing a measuring sensor having an operating mode; monitoring operating authorization data for the operating mode of the measuring sensor using an evaluation unit of a control arrangement; and enabling or at least partially restricting the operating mode of the measuring sensor based on the operating authorization data using the evaluation unit of the control arrangement.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, the step of monitoring the operating authorization data for the operating mode of the measuring sensor further comprises the following step: communicating by means of a communication unit by radio with an external control system, a cloud system and / or a mobile control device in order to receive the operating authorization data.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises the following step: switching between the operating mode and the blocking mode of the measuring sensor, in which the operating mode of the measuring sensor is to be partially or completely blocked, by means of a switching unit.

[0052] A further aspect relates to a computer-readable medium on which a program element is stored which, when executed on a processor of a measuring device, instructs the measuring device to perform the steps of the method according to the invention. Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the figures. Where the same reference numerals are used in the description of the figures, they describe the same or similar elements. The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

[0053] Short description of the characters

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a measuring device according to an embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the location-dependent control for enabling the operating mode of a measuring sensor of a measuring device according to an embodiment.

[0057] Detailed description of embodiments

[0058] Fig. 1 schematically shows a measuring device 10 for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure. The measuring device 10 comprises a measuring sensor 100 and a control arrangement 200, which has an evaluation unit 210 and is configured to control the measuring sensor 100.

[0059] The measuring sensor 100 can have an operating mode. For example, the measuring sensor 100 can be a free-radiating microwave sensor that can operate or be operated with a variety of functions and / or with a variety of bandwidths in the operating mode. Furthermore, the measuring sensor 100 can have a variety of sensor parts that can, for example, be fully activated or enabled in the operating mode to perform the variety of functions of the measuring sensor. For example, the measuring sensor 100 can be designed as a dual-use measuring sensor that can have a first sensor part that can operate with a first frequency and / or a first bandwidth and / or a first or vertical beam orientation, and a second sensor part that can operate with a second frequency and / or a second bandwidth and / or a second or horizontal beam orientation.

[0060] The evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement 200 can be electrically connected to the measuring sensor 100 or communicate wirelessly. The evaluation unit 200 can be arranged with the measuring sensor 100 in a housing of the measuring device 10. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 200 can be provided at least partially outside the housing of the measuring device 10, so that the control of the measuring sensor 100 or the activation of the operating mode can be carried out on the sensor side of the measuring sensor 100 or by remote control using a separate part of the evaluation unit 210, for example, on the software side. Thus, a user-dependent and / or country-dependent restriction and / or complete blocking of the use and operation of the measuring sensor 100 of the measuring device 10 can be implemented.

[0061] It can also be provided that the evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement 200 can be permanently connected to the sensor system or the measuring sensor 100 and can be locked or unlocked via a radio connection with a corresponding counterpart such as a mobile device, a cloud system, a control system or a server.

[0062] The evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement 200 can be configured to monitor operating authorization data for the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 and, based on the operating authorization data, to enable or at least partially restrict the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement 200 can be configured to monitor or determine a change in the operating authorization data for the measuring sensor 100 and, based on the determined change in the operating authorization data, to dynamically adapt or enable, partially restrict, or completely block or disable the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100.

[0063] For example, the free-radiating microwave sensor 100 may operate at least partially restricting the operating mode with a limited number or none of the frequencies and / or bandwidths that may be provided for the measuring sensor 100.

[0064] For example, the operating authorization data can be location-dependent operating authorization data, which can be configured to suit a country or region. For example, a user of the measuring device 100 can often set different frequencies and / or different bandwidths on the measuring sensor regardless of the radio regulations prevailing in a country or region, even though these may be at least partially prohibited due to location. This can lead, for example, to a communication channel existing at a certain frequency and / or bandwidth being disrupted. Using the location-dependent operating authorization data, the location-specific approvals for the measuring sensor can be implemented, for example, as specific prerequisites or authorization conditions for operating the measuring sensor 100 in the operating mode.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 3, the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 can be enabled based on the location-dependent operating authorization data if a radio authorization for a first operating location 211 of the measuring sensor 100 is available, so that all functions and / or all sensor components of the measuring sensor 100 can be put into normal operation. In contrast, the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 can be at least partially, i.e., partially or completely, restricted based on the location-dependent operating authorization data if a radio authorization for a second operating location 212 of the measuring sensor 100 is missing, so that at least one function and / or at least one sensor component of the measuring sensor 100 can be prevented or blocked at the operating location 212.If the radio authorization for the operating location can change, for example if the radio authorization for the first operating location 211 can become invalid or if the radio authorization for the second operating location 212 can be released for operating the measuring sensor 100, the evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement 200 can be configured to change the operating authorization data accordingly, so that the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 can be at least partially restricted for the first operating location 211 or re-enabled for the second operating location 212.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the operating authorization data for enabling or at least partially restricting the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 in Fig. 1 can be time-dependent operating authorization data, which can provide at least a predetermined period of time for the operating authorization for the complete, partial, or blocked operation of the measuring sensor 100. After the expiration of the period, the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 can be changed based on the operating authorization data.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the operating authorization data for enabling or at least partially restricting the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 in Fig. 1 can be event-dependent operating authorization data, based on which the operating mode of the measuring sensor can be enabled or at least partially restricted by a predefined event.

[0068] For example, the predefined event for the event-dependent operating authorization data can include a missing radio license, an embargo, a violation of a property right, a license violation, a non-payment of an invoice amount, an expiration of a subscription to operate the measuring sensor, the creation or updating of a blocking list or blacklist for the operator of the measuring sensor 100, an incorrect installation position, and / or a change of owner of the measuring sensor 100. It can be provided that the measuring sensor 100 can further have a blocking mode in which the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 is to be partially or completely blocked. In other words, in the blocking mode, the plurality of functions and / or the plurality of sensor parts can be partially or completely prevented or blocked.For example, the free-radiating microwave sensor or the dual-use measuring sensor 100 may not operate at least at one frequency and / or one bandwidth in the blocking mode. The blocking mode may have multiple restriction levels, each of which may be provided to block different functions and / or different sensor components of the measuring sensor 100.

[0069] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows that the control arrangement 200 of the measuring device 10 can further comprise a switching unit 220, which can be configured to switch between the operating mode or the blocking mode of the measuring sensor 100 based on the operating authorization data from the evaluation unit 210.

[0070] The switching unit 220 can be integrated into the control arrangement 200. Alternatively, the switching unit 220 can be arranged as an actuator directly on the measuring sensor 100. Furthermore, the switching unit 220 can be configured to communicate with the evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement 200, for example, to receive a switching signal from the evaluation unit 210.

[0071] The control arrangement 200 may further comprise a communication unit 230, which may be configured such that the evaluation unit 210 can communicate wirelessly with an external control system, a cloud system and / or a mobile control device in order to receive the operating authorization data.

[0072] It can be provided that the evaluation unit 210 can have a first or internal evaluation part, which can be arranged on the measuring device 10 or on the measuring sensor 100, and a second or external evaluation part, which can be arranged in the external control system, the cloud system, and / or the mobile control device. The communication unit 230 can be configured to enable wireless communication or the data transmission of the operating authorization data between the internal evaluation part and the external evaluation part of the evaluation unit 210. Thus, switching between the operating mode and the blocking mode for the measuring sensor 100 can be controlled by the switching unit 220 on the sensor side or the hardware side and / or remotely controlled, for example, on the software side.

[0073] The measuring device 10 can further comprise a position sensor 240, which can be arranged, for example, on the control arrangement 200. The position sensor 240 can be configured to determine the operating location of the measuring sensor 100. Thus, the operating location of the measuring sensor 100 can be determined by the position sensor 240, for example, via GPS or a local radio cell, at a specific location or within a specific operating radius. For example, the evaluation unit 210 can be configured to enable, restrict, or block the operating mode based on the operating authorization data for the operating location, or to switch from the operating mode to the blocking mode.Furthermore, the enabling, restricting, locking of the operating mode or switching between the operating mode and the locking mode can be initiated or performed by the measuring sensor 100 itself or remotely, for example by the external control system, the cloud system and / or the mobile control device.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method 500 using a measuring device 10, which can be configured to measure a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure.

[0075] In step 510, a measuring sensor 100 is provided, which may have an operating mode. In the operating mode, the measuring sensor 100 may have a plurality of sensor parts and / or be operated with a plurality of functions, such as with a plurality of frequencies and / or a plurality of bandwidths and / or a plurality of beam directions. The measuring sensor 100 may further have a lock mode in which at least one function and / or a sensor part cannot be activated or can be enabled during normal operation.

[0076] In step 520, operating authorization data for the operating mode of the measuring sensor are monitored or determined by means of an evaluation unit 210 of a control arrangement 200 of the measuring device 10.

[0077] For example, in step 521, it may be provided that the operating location of the measuring sensor 100 can be determined using a position sensor 240, for example, via GPS or a radio cell. In step 522, based on the operating authorization data or the location-dependent operating authorization data, it can be determined whether the measuring sensor 100 can be located at a location that does not require authorization or within a certain operating radius and / or whether a radio authorization for the measuring sensor 100 can exist according to the country- or region-specific radio regulations for operating the measuring sensor 100.

[0078] If the presence of radio authorization for the measuring sensor can be determined in step 522 based on the operating authorization data or the location-dependent operating authorization data, the time-dependent and / or event-dependent operating authorization data for the measuring sensor 100 can be further evaluated by the evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement 200 in step 523. Thus, in step 524, it can be determined whether the operation or blocking of the measuring sensor 100 can be carried out within a predetermined period of time, which can be provided for the operating authorization for the complete, partial, or blocked operation of the measuring sensor.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, in step 524, it can be determined whether a predefined event for the measuring sensor 100 can occur and correspond to the event-dependent operating authorization data for at least partially restricting the operating mode of the measuring sensor. The predefined event can include, for example, a missing radio license, an embargo, a violation of a proprietary right, a license violation, a failure to pay an invoice amount, an expiration of a subscription to operate the measuring sensor 100, the creation or updating of a blocking list or blacklist for the measuring sensor 100, and / or a change of ownership of the measuring sensor.

[0080] Furthermore, the monitoring of the operating authorization data as operating authorization requirements or operating authorization conditions for the operating mode of the measuring sensor in step 520 may further comprise the step in which communication can be carried out by means of a communication unit of the evaluation unit 210 by radio with an external control system, a cloud system and / or a mobile control device in order to receive the operating authorization data.

[0081] In step 530, the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 can be enabled based on the operating authorization data after monitoring in step 520 by means of the evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement of the measuring device 10. In other words, the functions and / or the sensor components of the measuring sensor 100 can be fully enabled after monitoring with the location-dependent, time-dependent, and / or event-dependent operating authorization data or after determining that the operating authorization requirements for normal operation of the measuring sensor have been met.

[0082] Alternatively, in step 535, the operating mode of the measuring sensor 100 can be at least partially restricted based on the operating authorization data by means of the evaluation unit 210 of the control arrangement of the measuring device 10. In other words, the functions and / or the sensor components of the measuring sensor 100 can be partially enabled or completely disabled after monitoring with the location-dependent, time-dependent, and / or event-dependent operating authorization data or after determining the degree of fulfillment of the operating authorization requirements for the measuring sensor. Furthermore, the method 500 can further comprise a step in which a switching unit 220 can switch between the operating mode and the disabled mode of the measuring sensor 100 if the operating authorization data for the measuring sensor 100 can change.

[0083] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered limitations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A measuring device (10) for measuring a fill level, a limit level, and / or a pressure, comprising: a measuring sensor (100) having an operating mode; and a control arrangement (200) having an evaluation unit (210) and configured to control the measuring sensor (100); wherein the evaluation unit (210) of the control arrangement (200) is configured to monitor operating authorization data for the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) and, based on the operating authorization data, to enable or at least partially restrict the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100).

2. Measuring device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the operating authorization data are location-dependent operating authorization data.

3. Measuring device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating authorization data are time-dependent operating authorization data.

4. Measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating authorization data are event-dependent Operating authorization data are data by means of which the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) is to be enabled or at least partially restricted by a predefined event.

5. Measuring device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the predefined event for the event-dependent operating authorization data includes a missing radio authorization, an embargo, a violation of a property right, a license violation, a lack of payment of an invoice amount, an expiration of a subscription for operating the measuring sensor (100), the creation or updating of a blacklist for the measuring sensor (100) and / or the change of owner of the measuring sensor.

6. Measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensor (100) is a free-radiating microwave sensor which operates with a plurality of frequencies and / or a plurality of bandwidths when the operating mode is enabled.

7. Measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring sensor (100) further comprises a blocking mode (530) in which the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) is to be partially or completely blocked.

8. Measuring device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the control arrangement (200) further comprises a switching unit (220) which is configured to switch between the operating mode or the blocking mode of the measuring sensor based on the operating authorization data from the evaluation unit (210).

9. Measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control arrangement (200) further comprises a communication unit (230) which is configured such that the evaluation unit (210) can communicate wirelessly with an external control system, a cloud system and / or a mobile control device in order to receive the operating authorization data.

10. Measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a position sensor (240) configured to determine the operating location of the measuring sensor (100).

11. Control arrangement (200) for a measuring device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 for measuring a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure, comprising: an evaluation unit (210) configured to control a measuring sensor (100) of the measuring device; wherein the evaluation unit (210) of the control arrangement (200) is configured to monitor operating authorization data for an operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) and to enable or at least partially restrict the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) based on the operating authorization data.

12. Use of a control arrangement (200) according to claim 11 for a measuring device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 for the release management of the measuring device (10) in a process plant.

13. Use of a measuring device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 for a level, limit level and / or pressure measurement in a process plant.

14. Method (500) by means of a measuring device (100) configured to measure a fill level, a limit level and / or a pressure, comprising the steps: Providing (510) a measuring sensor (100) having an operating mode; Monitoring (520) operating authorization data for the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) by means of an evaluation unit (210) of a control arrangement (200); Enabling (530) or at least partially restricting (535) the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) based on the operating authorization data by means of the evaluation unit (210) of the control arrangement (200).

15. The method (500) according to claim 14, wherein monitoring (520) the operating authorization data for the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) further comprises the step of: Communicating by means of a communication unit (230) by radio with an external control system, a cloud system and / or a mobile control device in order to receive the operating authorization data.

16. The method (500) according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising the step: Switching between the operating mode and the blocking mode of the measuring sensor (100), in which the operating mode of the measuring sensor (100) is to be partially or completely blocked, by means of a switching unit (220) 17. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a program element which, when executed on a processor of a measuring device (100), instructs the measuring device (100) to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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