Method for integrating a camera into a machine network

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for integrating a camera (12, 14) into a machine network of a machine (10), comprising the following method steps: a. the camera (12, 14) reading a code (16), in particular a QR code, containing an IP address to be assigned to the camera (12, 14); b. the camera (12, 14) processing the code (16), and setting the IP address extracted from the code (16) in the camera (12, 14).

Description

[0001] Method for integrating a camera into a machine network

[0002] The invention relates to a method for integrating a camera into a machine network.

[0003] Typically, a camera is registered with only a material number. For security reasons, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) services for automatic address assignment in a machine network are not used. This means that every camera is shipped with the same default IP address. To install multiple cameras in a machine and integrate them into a corresponding machine network, each camera currently has to be manually assigned its own IP address.

[0004] US patent 2018 / 0 130 390 A1 discloses that a camera scanner uses a camera unit to capture an image of a document stand on which an object is placed. The camera scanner obtains the IP address of an electronic device (a smartphone) and an image identifier from the screen of the electronic device placed on the document stand by recognizing and decoding a QR code. Using the IP address, the camera scanner connects to the electronic device and sends a data transmission request, including the image identifier, to the electronic device. It then receives the image data transmitted by the electronic device in response to the data transmission request.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to accelerate the integration of cameras into a machine network.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method for integrating a camera into a machine network of a machine comprising the following steps: a. Reading a code, in particular a QR code, which contains an IP address to be assigned to the camera, by the camera; b. Processing the code by the camera and setting the IP address extracted from the code in the camera.

[0007] This eliminates the need for manually assigning or entering an IP address. Integrating a camera into a machine network can be carried out much more easily and quickly in this way. DHCP services are no longer required. In particular, the inventive method enables simple and error-free commissioning. This results in enormous time savings, especially when a large number of cameras are installed in a machine. The inventive method also differs from the prior art mentioned above, in which the camera is already integrated into a network. The camera detects the encoded IP address of the smartphone in order to send a data request to the smartphone. Specifically, it does not detect the IP address assigned to the camera for integrating it into a network.

[0008] According to one method, the camera can be put into a search mode upon initial startup or power-on. The camera then searches for a code, particularly a QR code, which can be scanned to assign an IP address.

[0009] Advantages arise when the camera restarts automatically after the IP address is set. The camera can then be available on the machine network with the correct address.

[0010] The code can be generated in such a way that, in addition to the IP address, it contains at least one command. For example, for assigning an IP address, the code could contain the command "assign IP address". In particular, instructions can be given to the camera in this way, and actions can be specified for it to be carried out.

[0011] Furthermore, the code can be generated in such a way that it additionally contains at least one parameter of the camera or machine, or a data encoding. For example, an additional parameter could be a camera name assigned to the camera. Passing parameters thus allows further configuration of the camera. However, parameters of the machine can also be passed, enabling further configuration of the machine as well. Since the usage data in a code can be restricted, a data encoding can also be transmitted, allowing access to, for example, a table or specific data stored in a table within the camera, thus enabling further configuration. In particular, security-relevant configurations such as identities and certificates can be securely transmitted using the code.In particular, if security-relevant data is to be transmitted via the code, it may be necessary for a user to authenticate before the code is displayed on a mobile device. Furthermore, it may be necessary for the code to be displayed only for a predetermined period of time.

[0012] The code containing the IP address can be generated depending on the camera's installation location on the machine. This ensures that a camera intended for a specific installation location is assigned the correct IP address and configuration data.

[0013] After successful IP address acquisition, a confirmation can be issued. For example, an audible signal can be emitted. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding signal can be sent to the machine itself or its control system. For example, a service dialog indicating successful parameter transfer can be displayed on the machine's control panel. Furthermore, the camera's communication with the machine or machine control system allows parameters to be transferred directly to the machine. This enables the automatic transfer of hardware parameters into the machine configuration, thus eliminating the need for further manual machine configuration steps.

[0014] The code can be displayed on a mobile device, especially a smartphone or tablet. For example, a service technician can access the camera's location using a corresponding app on the device. A QR code can then be displayed, which the camera at the specified location can scan to configure the camera.

[0015] Particular advantages arise when a layout or site plan of the machine is displayed on a mobile device, and a code for configuring the corresponding camera is generated or displayed by selecting the camera's installation location on the screen. This makes configuring a camera on a machine especially user-friendly.

[0016] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a user / service technician could be guided through the machine's configuration steps on their mobile device. For example, it could display which camera needs to be installed and configured next. A code to be read by the camera could then be displayed for its configuration.

[0017] As an alternative to displaying the code on a smartphone or tablet, a corresponding code could also be generated and printed. The printed code could then be scanned or read using the camera.

[0018] Once the IP address has been set, the camera can register itself in a machine configuration. This eliminates this commissioning step.

[0019] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures in the drawing, which show essential details of the invention, as well as from the claims. The features shown therein are not necessarily to scale and are depicted in such a way that the inventive features are clearly visible. The various features can be implemented individually or in any combination in variants of the invention.

[0020] The schematic drawing shows exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0021] They show:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a highly schematic representation of a machine with cameras to be configured; Fig. 2 is a representation to explain the method according to the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a machine 10, for example, a laser processing machine. The machine 10 has several cameras 12, 14, which are arranged at different positions within the machine 10. The cameras 12, 14 are to be integrated into a machine network, which serves for communication between different machine components. In the factory default state, the cameras 12, 14 are assigned the same IP address. In order to assign an IP address to the cameras 12, 14 depending on their installation location, it is provided that the cameras 12, 14 are put into a search mode during initial startup, in which they can read a code. A code 16 for configuring one of the cameras 12, 14 can, for example, be displayed on a mobile device 18. The code 16 can be read by a camera 12. The code 16 contains an IP address that is to be assigned to the camera 12. Furthermore, code 16 can contain at least one instruction for camera 12.By reading and decoding code 16, camera 12 receives, for example, the instruction to set the IP address contained in code 16. Camera 12 may then be configured to automatically switch off, so that when it is switched back on, it is available on the machine network with the correctly configured IP address. In addition to the IP address and, if applicable, an instruction, further instructions, parameters, certificates, and configuration data for both camera 12 and the rest of machine 20 may be included in code 16.

[0024] Successful IP address assignment can be indicated, for example, by display 22 on machine 10. Alternatively or additionally, an acoustic signal is conceivable.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, in a first step 100, a code 16 can be generated that contains an IP address for a camera 12, 14. The generation of the IP address can depend on the installation location of the camera 12, 14. After a camera 12, 14 is switched on, the code 16 can be captured by the camera 12, 14 to be configured in step 102. In step 104, the camera 12, 14 decodes the code 16 and sets the decoded IP address in the camera 12, 14. If necessary, further commands or data contained in the code 16 can be processed. In step 106, the camera 12, 14 is automatically switched off after the IP address has been successfully set, and a signal indicating the successful setting of the IP address may be output.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for integrating a camera (12, 14) into a machine network of a machine (10) comprising the following steps: a. Reading a code (16), in particular a QR code, which contains an IP address to be assigned to the camera (12, 14), by the camera (12, 14); b. Processing the code (16) by the camera (12, 14) and setting the IP address extracted from the code (16) in the camera (12, 14).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera (12, 14) is put into a search mode upon first starting.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera (12,14) is automatically restarted after the IP address has been set.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code (16) is generated such that it contains at least one command in addition to the IP address.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code (16) is generated such that it additionally contains at least one parameter of the camera (12, 14) or the machine (10) or a data encoding.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code (16) containing the IP address is generated depending on the installation location of the camera (12,14) on the machine (10).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a confirmation is issued after successful acquisition of the IP address.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code (16) is displayed on a mobile device (18), in particular a smartphone or a tablet.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a layout or a site plan of the machine (10) is displayed on the display of a mobile device (18) and a code (16) for configuring the corresponding camera (12, 14) is generated or displayed by selecting the installation location of a camera (12, 14) on the display.

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