Method for setting up and / or managing a work area for trades, computer program and data processing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for setting up and / or managing a working area for trades, in particular the electrical trade, motor vehicle trade, plumbing trade, joinery trade and the like, in particular workshops, storage rooms, assembly lines, social areas, using a data processing system having at least one data memory, at least one input unit and at least one display device, comprising the following steps: providing a catalogue having a plurality of digital three-dimensional models of workshop fittings, in particular shelves, cabinets, workbenches, workstations, workshop trolleys and / or placeholders for large special tools or machines; providing a catalogue having a plurality of three-dimensional digital models of workshop equipment, in particular inserts for tools, storage boxes and cartons for consumables, for example screws and / or placeholders for special inserts or special containers; providing a catalogue having a plurality of three-dimensional digital models of workshop filling materials, in particular tools, liquids, consumables, small parts and / or placeholders for special tools; providing a three-dimensional digital room plan of the workshop; selecting at least one workshop fitting from the catalogue of workshop fittings and arranging the selected workshop fitting in the digital room plan of the work area; selecting at least one item of workshop equipment from the catalogue of workshop equipment and arranging the selected item of workshop equipment in or on the digital model of an already selected workshop fitting; selecting at least one workshop filling material from the catalogue of workshop filling materials and arranging the selected workshop filling material in the digital model of an already selected item of workshop equipment, thereby creating a digital model of the work area.

Description

[0001] Procedure for setting up and / or managing a workspace for the trade, computer program and data processing system

[0002] The invention relates to a method for setting up and / or managing a work area for tradespeople, in particular electrical trades, automotive trades, plumbing trades, carpentry trades, and the like, especially workshops, storage rooms, assembly lines, and break rooms, using a data processing system with at least one data storage device, at least one input device, and at least one display device. The invention also relates to a computer program with which the method according to the invention is carried out when executed on a data processing system, and to a data processing system configured for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0003] The invention aims to improve a method for setting up and / or managing a work area for crafts using a data processing system with at least one data storage device, at least one input device and at least one display device.

[0004] According to the invention, a method with the features of claim 1, a computer program with the features of claim 31, and a data processing system with the features of claim 32 are provided for this purpose. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] In an inventive method for setting up and / or managing a work area for the trades, in particular electrical trades, automotive trades, plumbing trades, carpentry trades and the like, in particular workshops, storage rooms, assembly lines, social rooms, using a data processing system with at least one data storage device, at least one input device and at least one display device, the following steps are provided:

[0006] Providing a catalogue with several digital three-dimensional models of workshop equipment, in particular shelves, cabinets, workbenches, workstations, workshop trolleys and / or placeholders for large special tools or machines,

[0007] Providing a catalogue with several three-dimensional digital models of workshop equipment, in particular inserts for tools, storage boxes and cartons for consumables, for example screws and / or placeholders for special inserts or special containers,

[0008] Providing a catalogue with multiple three-dimensional digital models of workshop supplies, in particular tools, liquids, consumables, small parts and / or placeholders for special tools,

[0009] Providing a three-dimensional digital floor plan of the workshop,

[0010] Selection of at least one piece of workshop equipment from the catalog of workshop equipment and arrangement of the selected workshop equipment in the digital space plan of the workshop,

[0011] Select at least one piece of workshop equipment from the catalog of workshop equipment and arrange the selected workshop equipment in or on the digital model of an already selected workshop facility,

[0012] Selecting at least one workshop fill item from the catalog of workshop fill items and arranging the selected workshop fill item in the digital model of an already selected workshop equipment, thereby creating a digital model of the work area.

[0013] A process with these steps can create a complete model of the real workspace, in particular a real workshop, or a partially complete model of the workspace with at least one workshop fixture, in particular a shelf, at least one workshop equipment, in particular a storage box, and at least one workshop item, in particular a tool or small parts.

[0014] With this complete or partially complete model of the workspace—in other words, a digital twin of the workspace—an operator, administrator, or setup technician has a wide range of options for setting up and / or managing the workspace. For example, order numbers are assigned to the digital three-dimensional models of workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and workshop materials, and the selected workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials can then be ordered from a supplier very easily.Above all, the initial setup of the workspace can be done entirely digitally. This is particularly important when equipping workshop equipment, especially shelves, cabinets, workbenches, tool trolleys, and the like. Instead of relying on trial and error with the actual workshop setup, the workshop equipment for the selected workshop can be placed in the digital model. This allows you to determine, even before ordering individual items, whether the products will fit in the workspace, be easily accessible, and, for example, be safe to use. Ultimately, the products can then be ordered or reordered based on the digital model of the workspace.A regular comparison of the digital model of the workspace with the actual workspace keeps the digital model up-to-date, thus significantly simplifying and accelerating workspace management, particularly the retrieval of specific products or tools, as well as the reordering and restocking of consumables and / or tools. When fully setting up a workspace, workshop equipment can be selected from the catalog until all necessary workshop equipment is arranged in the digital model of the workspace. Of course, within the scope of the invention, the selection of a single workshop piece is also sufficient. The display device provides a three-dimensional representation of the workshop equipment.To save storage space, workshop equipment and supplies can be shown as top-down photographs, for example, lying in a drawer or on a shelf. However, even these two-dimensional representations are based on a three-dimensional model, which may be very rough. This is necessary, for example, with tools, to determine whether a particular tool will fit in its designated drawer or whether the drawer is too shallow. With very rough 3D models, only a 3D volume may be used as the digital model. Similarly, workshop supplies, also known as contents, are shown two-dimensionally as photographs in the workshop supplies catalog, but these are always based on a three-dimensional digital model, which may be very rough, or even just a three-dimensional volume.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, the optimization of the digital model of the work area, the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies is provided for by means of the digital model of the work area.

[0016] The creation of a digital model of the workspace according to the invention enables the optimization of the workspace, for example, with regard to the weight of workshop equipment, such as the weight of a fully equipped drawer of a workshop trolley, so that this drawer, when extended, does not compromise the stability of the workshop trolley. For example, the positioning of workshop equipment, workshop fittings, and / or workshop supplies can also be optimized using the digital model of the workspace, particularly with regard to space-saving storage, good accessibility for a human operator, or the frequency of use of workshop supplies, especially tools and small parts. Furthermore, the digital model of the workspace can also be used to optimize lighting conditions.The digital model of the workspace can include elements such as windows and light sources, allowing for optimization of lighting conditions, for example, at a workbench. Optimization is also possible regarding the layout, such as arranging workshop supplies, particularly tools, in drawers or on vertical pegboards so that they can be quickly, safely, and effortlessly accessed and replaced by a human operator. Furthermore, workflow optimization within the workspace is possible. A typical workflow can be simulated and then optimized with regard to distances traveled or other factors. Finally, optimization is also possible with regard to compliance with hazardous materials regulations.For example, the digital model of the work area can be used to check whether hazardous materials, such as containers with dangerous liquids, are located in secured areas and whether hazardous materials regulations can be met, for example, by placing hazardous materials away from frequently used work routes. Crucially, the invention allows this optimization to be carried out on the digital model of the work area, rather than through trial and error in the actual work area.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, in the digital models of the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and workshop supplies, each digital model is assigned a volume that is equal to or greater than a real volume and that corresponds to a grid dimension volume or integer multiples of the grid dimension volume.

[0018] Each digital model of a workshop setup, equipment, or product is thus assigned a volume that either corresponds to or is larger than the actual volume. The assigned volume is therefore a circumscribed volume, meaning a volume that corresponds to the external dimensions of the workshop setup, equipment, or product, or within which the setup, equipment, or product can be arranged. This ensures that the actual workshop setup, equipment, or product can be positioned within the digital model of the workspace. This is particularly relevant for workshop setups, equipment, or products with non-cubical volumes, such as an aerosol can, a drill, or similar items.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, in the digital models of workshop facilities, workshop equipment and workshop supplies, each digital model is assigned a maximum of three, in particular a maximum of two, permissible orientations.

[0020] By defining a maximum of two or three possible placement options, the digital model of the workspace can be positioned in a way that corresponds to real-world conditions. For example, a case, such as a toolbox, can typically be placed safely in three different orientations. Aerosol cans, for instance, can be placed in two practical orientations: on their base and lying flat. Silicone cartridges can also be placed safely in two orientations: on their base and lying flat. Furthermore, there are products, such as open storage boxes and paint buckets, that can only be placed safely in one orientation: on their base.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, storage areas, in particular dimensions of storage areas, shelves, workshop trolleys, cabinets, drawers, worktables, drip trays, chairs, floor mats, vertical surfaces such as pegboards, whiteboards or magnetic walls, are assigned a size in the digital models of the workshop equipment that is equal to or smaller than a real size of the storage area and that corresponds to the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume or an integer multiple of the grid dimension volume.

[0022] In this way, a storage area might not be able to be used for storing products across its entire area, but on the other hand, it is ensured that the products arranged in the digital model of the workspace will also fit on the actual storage area. For example, a drawer's storage area might be slightly larger than an integer multiple of its grid volume. In the digital model of the workspace, however, the drawer's storage area is assigned a size that is smaller than the actual storage area and corresponds to an integer multiple of the grid volume. This way, only as many tools, small parts, or similar items can be placed in the drawer as are needed to fill the assigned storage area. Additional space then remains on the actual storage area, which, for example, also facilitates the handling of the stored products.In a further development of the invention, in the digital models of the workshop equipment, the storage areas of the workshop equipment, in particular storage areas for tools, canisters and / or storage boxes, are assigned a size that is equal to or greater than a real size of the storage area and that corresponds to the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume or an integer multiple of the grid dimension volume.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, in the digital models of the workshop facilities and workshop equipment, a volume is assigned to a space, in particular a cavity, especially spaces defined by closed drawers, spaces between shelves and / or spaces in storage boxes, which is equal to or smaller than a real size of the space and which corresponds to the grid dimension volume or a multiple of the grid dimension volume.

[0024] A space within a workshop setup or equipment, particularly a cavity (for example, a cavity defined by a closed drawer), is assigned an inscribed volume. This volume corresponds to the internal dimensions of the space or cavity or can be arranged within it. This ensures that workshop items with an assigned circumscribed volume can be reliably positioned within the space or cavity.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the workshop contents include liquids, screws and other small parts, tools, C-parts, workwear, office supplies, cleaning articles, power tools and / or machines.

[0026] C-parts are standard parts, such as screws, nails and the like.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the creation and / or supplementation of the catalog of workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop filling materials is provided for by creating digital three-dimensional models of workshop equipment, workshop fittings or workshop filling materials.

[0028] In this way, the catalogs used according to the invention can be updated and additional workshop equipment, workshop fittings, and / or workshop supplies can be added. For example, freeform dimensions can be assigned within the grid, and the catalogs can be supplemented with special machines, boxes, production machines, or additional workshop equipment. In a further development of the invention, the three-dimensional digital models of the workshop equipment, workshop fittings, and workshop supplies form a system that is defined by dimensions, in particular of footprints and / or volumes, corresponding to the dimensions of the grid volume or a multiple thereof.

[0029] In a further development of the invention, the creation of an order list, in particular with order numbers and price information for workshop equipment, workshop supplies and / or workshop materials, taking into account the digital model of the work area, is provided.

[0030] In a further development of the invention, the optical detection of an actual state of the real working area is provided, namely the actual state of at least one real workshop facility, at least one real workshop equipment and / or at least one real workshop filling material, in particular detection of a fill level of a workshop filling material or the number of a workshop filling material, detection of the contents of the real workshop facility and / or the real workshop equipment and / or the positioning of workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop filling materials.

[0031] By capturing the current state of the real-world workspace, the prerequisite is created for comparing it with a complete or partially complete digital model of the workspace. Capturing the current state of the real-world workspace thus opens up numerous possibilities for setting up and / or managing a workspace using its digital model.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, the creation of an inventory list of real workshop facilities, real workshop equipment and / or real workshop supplies based on the recorded current state is provided.

[0033] By creating an inventory list, which can be easily generated based on the recorded current state, a quick overview of workshop facilities, workshop equipment and workshop supplies present in the work area can be obtained.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, a comparison of the actual state with a target state is provided, wherein the target state is determined using the digital model of the workspace. Comparing the actual state with the target state opens up further advantageous possibilities for setting up and / or managing the workspace. For example, it can be determined whether workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials are still located in the places specified in the digital model of the workspace. This can, for example, make it easier to locate tools or small parts. Most importantly, however, the digital model can be compared with the real workspace, so that an up-to-date digital model of the workspace is always available.Especially when managing a workspace, comparing the current state with the target state is extremely helpful in order to manage the workspace, and if necessary, to redesign the workspace setup.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, it is possible to create lists of missing parts and / or order lists, in particular with article number and / or price information, based on a comparison of the actual state / target state.

[0036] For example, if workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials are assigned to an employee, missing parts lists and / or order lists can be automatically generated and sent to that employee, enabling them to reorder or track down the whereabouts of their tools. Of course, instead of assigning them to employees, workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials can also be assigned to a cost center.

[0037] In a further development of the invention, the display of actual positions and target positions for workshop equipment and / or workshop fittings is provided based on the comparison of actual state / target state.

[0038] This allows for very quick organization of a work area. The current and target positions are then displayed on a screen, which could be a tablet or smartphone, for example. An employee responsible for managing and maintaining the work area can then easily and quickly move workshop equipment, tools, and / or supplies into the target position specified by the digital model of the work area.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, the automatic optical detection of the current state of real workshop facilities, real workshop equipment and / or real workshop contents is provided, in particular by means of a mobile digital device, especially a smartphone, augmented reality glasses, a drone and / or a robot.

[0040] For example, an application (app) is provided on a smartphone or tablet for optical recognition and for comparing the target state with the actual state. The app can then also be advantageously suitable for ordering missing items and, for example, also display the actual and target positions in order to restore the positioning specified in the digital model of the workspace.

[0041] In a further development of the invention, the creation of stickers or marking sheets for workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop supplies is provided on the basis of the digital model of the workshop, wherein the stickers or marking sheets contain the type, quantity and order number of the workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop supplies and / or pictograms.

[0042] In this way, labels, namely stickers or marking sheets, can be created in a very simple way, since the digital model of the work area knows where which workshop equipment, workshop supplies and / or which workshop materials have their target position.

[0043] In a further development of the invention, the creation of a three-dimensional digital model of an insert and / or a holder for a special tool and the storage of the digital model as workshop equipment in the catalog of workshop equipment are provided, wherein the special tool is optically captured, digitized and stored as a three-dimensional digital model of a workshop filler item in the catalog of workshop filler items, wherein the insert and / or holder is provided for arrangement in or on workshop equipment or workshop fittings, wherein at least one surface area of ​​the insert and / or holder corresponds to the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume or a multiple thereof, and wherein the digital model of the insert and / or holder is positioned as workshop equipment in the digital model of the work area.

[0044] In work environments, particularly workshops, special tools are typically used that are not available as digital models and consequently lack a precisely fitting holder or insert. Such special tools can be optically captured, digitized, and then stored as a three-dimensional digital model. An insert or holder for such a special tool can then be manufactured cost-effectively based on the created digital model. It is essential that the base area of ​​the insert and / or holder fits into the system defined by the grid dimension volume.

[0045] In a further development of the invention, the transfer of the digital model of the insert and / or holder to a production machine, in particular to a 3D printer, a milling machine or a cutting machine, is provided, and the automatic creation of a real insert and / or holder corresponding to the digital model of the insert and / or holder is provided.

[0046] In a further development of the invention, the catalogs contain digital three-dimensional models of the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies in varying levels of detail.

[0047] In this way, the catalogs and ultimately the digital model of the workspace can be created in a size manageable for a data processing system. The different levels of detail (LOD) range from a very coarse level of detail with a cuboid placeholder consisting of several grid volumes with a single orientation, to a very fine level of detail, specifically a detailed CAD model. The digital three-dimensional models can be polygon models based on polygons. This allows even complex spatial shapes, such as those of tools, to be saved in a manageable size for a data processing system.

[0048] In a further development of the invention, the creation of digital three-dimensional decorative and functional elements, in particular doors, windows, lamps, sockets, compressed air outlets, water connections, sinks and the like, is provided, and the storage of the digital decorative and functional elements in a catalog of digital decorative and functional elements is provided, and in particular the insertion of the decorative and functional elements into the digital model of the work area is provided.

[0049] In this way, for example, windows, doors, radiators, sinks, stairs and the like can be taken into account, which influence the setup of a work area and which also affect work processes in the work area.

[0050] In a further development of the invention, the optimization of the digital model of the work area, workshop equipment, workshop supplies and / or workshop materials is provided by simulating and testing lighting conditions, by simulating and testing the accessibility and / or operability of workshop equipment, workshop supplies, workshop materials and / or decorative and functional elements in the digital model of the workshop, by simulating and testing walking paths, work paths and / or work processes within the work area using the digital model of the work area and / or by testing or determining stock quantities of workshop supplies, in particular a daily requirement of consumables, in the digital model of the work area.

[0051] In a further development of the invention, the optimization of the digital model of the work area, the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies is provided by updating the digital model of the work area through regular recording of the current state and in particular at least partial adoption of the current state as the target state in the digital model of the work area.

[0052] In this way, the digital model of the work area can be updated, for example by recording the current state using photos, including workshop equipment such as furniture.

[0053] In a further development of the invention, the optimization of the digital model of the work area, the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies is provided by simulating and testing work processes in the digital model of the work area, in particular the simulation and testing of workers' walking paths.

[0054] In a further development of the invention, the optimization of the digital model of the work area, the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop contents is provided by checking, using the digital model of the work area, whether dangerous goods regulations and / or occupational safety regulations are met.

[0055] In this way, not only can compliance with dangerous goods regulations and / or occupational safety regulations be checked, but it is also possible, for example, to automatically create warning labels and occupational safety instructions.

[0056] In a further development of the invention, the digital model of the work area, workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials is optimized by aligning the workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials with regard to ease of handling, accessibility, and / or removal for a worker within the digital model of the work area. In a further development of the invention, suggestions for workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials are generated based on digital models of work areas stored in the data storage.

[0057] For example, typical work areas, especially workshops, of painters, carpenters, plumbers and the like can be stored, and these stored digital models of typical work areas can then be used for a specific application and adapted for each given application.

[0058] In a further development of the invention, the self-learning generalization and / or typification of already planned work areas and the storage in the data storage as digital models or sub-models of work areas is provided.

[0059] In this way, knowledge is accumulated through the application of the inventive method and stored in the form of digital models or partial models of work areas. When setting up a work area, this allows for targeted suggestions regarding which workshop equipment, workshop fittings, and / or workshop supplies are suitable for a given work area. These suggestions do not need to be modified by the experience of a human operator, but rather update themselves automatically through self-learning generalization and / or typification of already planned work areas.

[0060] In a further development of the invention, the allocation of workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies to cost centers and / or employees in the digital model of the work area is provided.

[0061] In this way, for example, order lists and the costs incurred by the actual order can be immediately assigned to an employee or cost center. Similarly, missing parts lists can be created, and these lists can be used to determine whether certain employees are losing or removing an above-average number of assigned workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials.

[0062] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a computer program that, when executed on a data processing system, carries out the method according to the invention. The computer program can optionally be web-based and can, for example, also provide a connection to external suppliers. For instance, direct data transmission to a production facility for workshop equipment, workshop fittings, and / or workshop supplies is provided. For example, custom-made tool inserts can be produced automatically in this way. Custom-made workshop equipment, such as custom-made furniture for a work area, can also be planned and then manufactured directly by the production facility after data transmission. Track and trace and velocity pricing are also possible in this way.

[0063] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a data processing system that is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0064] Such a data processing system can, for example, have distributed computing units and storage units, such as cloud-based storage, and several personal digital assistants, in particular smartphones or tablets, and it is also possible, for example, that the data processing system has computing units distributed across the network (World Wide Web) in order to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0065] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0066] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation to illustrate the method according to the invention.

[0067] Fig. 1 schematically shows a data processing system 10 with a data storage device 12, a display device 14, and an input device 16. Data exchange is, of course, possible between the data storage device 12, the display device 14, and the input device 16. The data processing system 10 also includes interfaces (not shown) for receiving data, particularly image data, from external sources and for transmitting data, particularly CAD or production data, to external parties, such as suppliers or an order center. The data processing system 10 can, of course, operate in a web-based or cloud-based manner and, in particular, utilize digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and the like. The data processing system 10 is configured to carry out the method according to the invention, and an embodiment of the method according to the invention is explained with reference to Fig. 1.Data storage device 12 contains several catalogs 18, 20, 22, 24 with three-dimensional digital models.

[0068] Catalogue 18 contains several digital three-dimensional models of workshop equipment, in particular shelves, cabinets, workbenches, workstations, workshop trolleys and / or placeholders for large special tools or machines.

[0069] Catalogue 20 contains several three-dimensional digital models of workshop equipment, in particular inserts for tools, storage boxes and cartons for consumables, for example screws and / or placeholders for special inserts or special containers.

[0070] Catalogue 22 contains several three-dimensional digital models of workshop supplies, in particular tools, liquids, consumables, small parts and / or placeholders for special tools.

[0071] Catalogue 24 contains several three-dimensional digital models of decorative and functional elements, such as doors, windows, lamps, sockets, compressed air outlets, water connections, wastewater connections, sinks and the like.

[0072] Catalogs 18, 20, 22, and 24 contain digital models at varying levels of detail (LOD). These different levels of detail make the digital model of the workspace manageable and processable for different purposes. For example, very coarse digital models exist only as solids, while very fine digital models can closely resemble a CAD model. Creating the digital models based on polygons has proven to be a good approach.

[0073] The display device 14 shows a floor plan 26 of a work area, in particular a workshop, which is also stored in the data storage device 12. In the exemplary and non-restrictive representation of Fig. 1, the floor plan 26 contains only the floor plan of the work area. Two decorative and functional elements from the catalog 24 have initially been arranged in the digital floor plan 26, namely a door 28 and a window 30.

[0074] Furthermore, a workshop trolley 32 and a workbench 34 from catalog 18 of workshop equipment have been arranged in the digital floor plan 26. The digital floor plan 26, the door 28, the window 30, the workshop trolley 32, and the workbench 34 form a digital model of the work area, in other words, a digital twin of the work area. Workshop equipment from catalog 20, such as tools and small parts in the drawers of the workshop trolley 32, is also arranged in the digital model of the work area. In addition, workshop supplies from catalog 22, such as small parts like screws, are also arranged in the digital model of the work area. Workshop equipment and supplies are also arranged on the workbench 34, such as an aerosol can 36, a power tool 38, and a vise 40.The digital model of the aerosol can 36 is taken from catalog 22 of workshop supplies, as is the power tool 38 and the digital model of the vise 40. A storage box 42, filled with screws 44, is also arranged on the table 40. The digital model of the storage box 42 is taken from catalog 20 of workshop equipment, and the digital model of the screws 44 is taken from catalog 22 of workshop supplies.

[0075] A complete or partially complete digital model of the work area is displayed on the display device 14. Workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and / or workshop materials can be assigned to cost centers or individual employees within this digital model. As previously mentioned, this digital model of the work area is also stored in the data storage unit 12. The creation and modification of the digital model of the work area is performed using the input device 16. A human operator can select digital models from catalogs 18, 20, 22, and 24 and arrange them in the previously created digital floor plan 26 to create, modify, or update the digital model of the work area.

[0076] An additional catalog can also contain complete and standardized work areas, such as a typical painter's workshop including all necessary workshop equipment, tools, and supplies. Such standardized work areas, which can be adapted automatically as similar work areas are created, significantly simplify the planning of a work area.

[0077] For example, if special tools not listed in the catalogs are to be arranged in the digital model of the workspace, these special tools can be scanned to create a digital model. This digital model is then placed in catalog 22 of workshop supplies. An insert for the special tool can then be automatically created by transferring the digital model, or even the manufacturing data, to a 3D printer, cutting machine, or milling machine. Creating digital models and storing them in the catalogs is, of course, possible for all types of workshop equipment, workshop supplies, and decorative and functional elements.

[0078] The digital models of workshop equipment, workshop fittings, and workshop supplies stored in the catalogs form a system defined by a predefined grid of dimensions. The dimensions of the workshop equipment, workshop fittings, and workshop supplies are sometimes modified in the digital models compared to their actual dimensions to fit within the system defined by the grid of dimensions.

[0079] For example, the digital model of the base area of ​​a circular cylindrical aerosol can is assigned a circumscribed storage area that corresponds to a base area of ​​the grid volume or an integer multiple of the grid volume. In this way, fewer aerosol cans may be arranged in a shelf compartment in the digital model than would be possible with the densest arrangement in reality. This ensures that the number of aerosol cans arranged in the digital model can also be placed in the intended location in the actual work area.

[0080] In the digital model, for example, a storage area is assigned to a drawer of a tool trolley, with this storage area inscribed within the drawer's actual base area. The storage area in the digital model can then be exactly the same size as the actual base area, but it will usually be slightly smaller if the actual base area is not an integer multiple of the base area of ​​the grid volume. The same procedure is applied to the space defined by the drawer when closed. This space, i.e., the drawer's interior, is also assigned a volume inscribed within the actual volume, corresponding to the grid volume or an integer multiple thereof. Consequently, the digital model of the drawer may allow for fewer tools and small parts to be arranged in the drawer than the physical drawer.This ensures that the digital model of the workspace, especially the drawer, can be transferred to the real workspace.

[0081] In the digital model, each piece of workshop equipment, each workshop item, and each workshop product is assigned at least one orientation and a maximum of three permitted orientations. For example, the workshop trolley 32 and the table 34 are each assigned only one permitted orientation. A toolbox, for instance, can have three permitted orientations: lying on its bottom or top, and standing on one of its sides. The aerosol can 36 is assigned two permitted orientations: standing on its bottom or lying on its side. Only one permitted orientation is assigned to the digital model of a paint bucket, namely standing on its bottom.

[0082] Based on the at least partially completed digital model of the workspace, order lists can be generated to set up the real workspace according to the digital model. Prices can be displayed according to the customer's classification, and the order list can be sent directly to a salesperson.

[0083] According to the invention, a target-actual comparison between the real work area and the digital model of the work area is also provided. Using a suitable device, for example, a handheld smartphone or tablet computer, a drone, or a robot, images of the real work area are taken. These images capture not only the workshop equipment, such as the workshop trolley 32 and the table 34, but also all workshop accessories and contents, including by opening the drawers of the workshop trolley and photographing their contents. The images are processed to determine which workshop equipment, workshop accessories, workshop contents, and / or which decorative and functional elements are located where and, if applicable, in what condition within the real work area. In this way, for example, the fill level of a storage box can also be determined.Based on such a target-actual comparison, inventory lists and / or missing parts lists can be created, which can then be used for reordering if necessary. The target-actual comparison can also be used to identify incorrect positioning of workshop equipment, workshop furnishings, and workshop supplies, such as misplaced small parts or power tools. Actual and target positions can be displayed simultaneously on a single device, such as a smartphone. This allows operators to use the target-actual comparison to locate objects in the actual work area.

[0084] According to the invention, optimization of the digital model of the work area is also provided, whereby the results of such optimization can, of course, be transferred to the real work area. Optimizing the digital model can be preceded by simulating work processes within the digital model. For example, a worker's walking paths and workflows can be simulated and then optimized by repositioning workshop equipment, such as the tool trolley 32 and the table 34, in the digital model of the work area and / or by positioning tools in the tool trolley 32 and on the table 34 so that frequently used tools are arranged for easy access. The table 34 can be positioned to provide optimal lighting conditions, taking into account the window 30 and / or work lights.The digital model of the work area can also be used to check compliance with hazardous materials regulations, for example, whether drums containing hazardous liquids are placed outside of walkways. The digital model can then be used to issue hazardous materials warnings and to create corresponding labels or stickers, including for the contents of workshop furniture or storage boxes.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for setting up and / or managing a work area for trades, in particular electrical trades, automotive trades, plumbing trades, carpentry trades and the like, in particular workshops, storage rooms, assembly lines, social rooms, using a data processing system with at least one data storage device, at least one input device and at least one display device comprising the steps: Providing a catalogue with several digital three-dimensional models of workshop equipment, in particular shelves, cabinets, workbenches, workstations, workshop trolleys and / or placeholders for large special tools or machines, Providing a catalogue with several three-dimensional digital models of workshop equipment, in particular inserts for tools, storage boxes and cartons for consumables, for example screws and / or placeholders for special inserts or special containers, Providing a catalogue with multiple three-dimensional digital models of workshop supplies, in particular tools, liquids, consumables, small parts and / or placeholders for special tools, Providing a three-dimensional digital floor plan of the workshop, - Select at least one piece of workshop equipment from the catalog of workshop equipment and arrange the selected workshop equipment in the digital floor plan of the work area, - Selecting at least one piece of workshop equipment from the catalog of workshop equipment and arranging the selected workshop equipment in or on the digital model of an already selected workshop facility, - Selecting at least one workshop fill item from the catalog of workshop fill items and arranging the selected workshop fill item in the digital model of an already selected workshop equipment, thereby creating a digital model of the work area.

2. Method according to claim 1, comprising the step: Optimizing the digital model of the work area, workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies by means of the digital model of the work area.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the digital models of the workshop equipment, workshop fittings and workshop filling materials, each digital model is assigned a volume corresponding to a grid dimension volume or an integer multiple of the grid dimension volume.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein in the digital models of the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and workshop supplies, each digital model is assigned a maximum of three, in particular a maximum of two, permitted orientations.

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein in the digital models of the workshop equipment, storage areas, in particular dimensions of storage areas of shelves, workshop trolleys, cabinets, drawers, worktables, drip trays, chairs, floor mats, vertical surfaces such as pegboards, whiteboards or magnetic walls, are assigned a size which is equal to or smaller than a real size of the storage area and which corresponds to the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume or an integer multiple of the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume.

6. Method according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein in the digital models of the workshop equipment, storage areas of the workshop equipment, in particular storage areas for tools, canisters and / or storage boxes, are assigned a size that is equal to or greater than a real size of the storage area and that corresponds to the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume or an integer multiple of the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume.

7. Method according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein in the digital models of the workshop facilities and workshop equipment, a volume is assigned to a space, in particular a cavity, in particular spaces defined by closed drawers, spaces between shelves of racks and / or spaces in storage boxes, which is equal to or smaller than a real size of the space and which corresponds to the grid dimension volume or a multiple of the grid dimension volume.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workshop contents comprise liquids, screws and other small parts, tools, C-parts, workwear, office supplies, cleaning articles, power tools and / or machines.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by creating and / or supplementing the catalog of workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop filling materials by creating digital three-dimensional models of workshop equipment, workshop fittings or workshop filling materials.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the three-dimensional digital models of the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and workshop supplies form a system that is determined by dimensions, footprints and volumes of the grid dimension volume or an integer multiple of the grid dimension volume.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by creating an order list, in particular with order numbers and price information, of workshop equipment, workshop supplies and / or workshop materials taking into account the digital model of the work area.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by optical detection of an actual state of the real working area, in particular the contents of a real workshop facility and / or a real workshop equipment, in particular detection of a fill level of a workshop fill material or the number of a workshop fill material and / or detection of the contents of the real workshop facility and / or the real workshop equipment, in particular the positioning of workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop fill materials.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by creating an inventory list of actual workshop facilities, actual workshop equipment and / or actual workshop supplies based on the recorded current state.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by comparing the actual state with a target state, wherein the target state is determined by means of the digital model of the work area.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by creating lists of missing parts and / or order lists, in particular with article number and / or price information, based on the comparison of actual state / target state.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by displaying actual positions and target positions for workshop equipment and / or workshop fittings based on a comparison of actual state / target state.

17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by automatic optical detection of the actual state of real workshop facilities, real workshop equipment and / or real workshop contents, in particular by means of a mobile digital device, especially a smartphone, augmented reality glasses, drone and / or robot.

18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by creating labels, in particular stickers or marking sheets, for workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop filling materials based on the digital model of the work area, wherein the labels contain inscriptions, in particular type, quantity, QR codes and order number of the workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop filling materials and / or pictograms.

19. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by creating a three-dimensional digital model of an insert and / or a holder for a special tool and storing the digital model as workshop equipment in the catalog of workshop equipment, wherein the special tool is optically captured, digitized and stored as a three-dimensional digital model of a workshop filler in the catalog of workshop fillers, wherein the insert and / or holder are provided for arrangement in or on workshop equipment or workshop fittings, wherein at least one surface area of ​​the insert and / or holder corresponds to the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume or a multiple of the base area of ​​the grid dimension volume and wherein the digital model of the insert and / or holder is positioned as workshop equipment in the digital model of the work area.

20. Method according to claim 19, characterized by transferring the digital model of the insert and / or holder to a production machine, in particular to a 3D printer, a milling machine or a cutting machine, and automatically creating a real insert and / or holder corresponding to the digital model of the insert and / or holder.

21. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital three-dimensional models of the workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop supplies are stored in the catalogs at different levels of detail.

22. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by creating digital three-dimensional decorative and functional elements, in particular doors, windows, lamps, sockets, compressed air outlets, water connections, wastewater connections, sinks, and the like, and storing the digital decorative and functional elements in a catalog of digital decorative and functional elements and in particular inserting the decorative and functional elements into the digital model of the work area.

23. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of: optimizing the digital model of the work area, workshop equipment, workshop supplies and / or workshop materials by simulating and testing lighting conditions, by simulating and testing the accessibility and / or operability of workshop equipment, workshop supplies, workshop materials and / or decorative and functional elements in the digital model of the work area, by simulating and testing walking paths, work routes and / or work processes within the work area using the digital model of the work area and / or by testing or determining stock quantities of workshop materials, in particular a daily requirement of consumables, in the digital model of the work area.

24. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by optimizing the digital model of the work area, the workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies by updating the digital model of the work area by regularly recording the actual state and in particular at least partially adopting the actual state as the target state into the digital model of the work area.

25. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by optimizing the digital model of the work area, workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies by simulating and testing of Work processes in the digital model of the work area, especially the walking routes of workers.

26. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by optimizing the digital model of the work area, workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop contents by checking, using the digital model of the work area, whether dangerous goods regulations and / or occupational safety regulations are met.

27. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by optimizing the digital model of the work area, workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop filling materials by aligning workshop equipment, workshop fittings and / or workshop filling materials with regard to good handling, accessibility and / or removal for a worker in the digital model of the work area.

28. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by creating proposals for workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies based on digital models of work areas stored in the data storage device.

29. Method according to claim 28, characterized by self-learning generalization and / or typification of already planned work areas and storage in the data storage as digital models or sub-models of work areas.

30. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by assigning workshop facilities, workshop equipment and / or workshop supplies to cost centers and / or employees in the digital model of the work area.

31. Computer program with which, when executed on a data processing system, the method according to one of the preceding claims is carried out.

32. Data processing system, configured to execute the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 30.

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