Cross-functional selection of installation parts during an operation and observation process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a technical installation, in particular a production installation or process installation, by means of a control system (18) of the technical installation, the control system comprising an operator station server (19) and an operator station client (20). The method has the steps of: a) generating, by means of the operator station server (19), visualization information which is designed and intended for operating and observing a plurality of components of the technical installation and transmitting the visualization information to the operator station client (20), b) generating, by means of an operator of the control system (18), a selection of a part of the visualization information, which is assigned to some of the plurality of components of the technical installation, by directing a corresponding request to the operator station client (20) or automatically generating, as a result of the occurrence of an event, a selection of the part of the visualization information, and c) transmitting the selection from the operator station client (20) to the operator station server (19) and storing the selection in a selection data memory (25) which is accessible to the operator station server (19) such that the selection can be retrieved from the operator station server (19) again at a later point in time and transmitted to the operator station client (20). The method is characterized in that in response to the generation of the selection, the operator station client (20) directs a request to the operator station server (19) that the operator station server (19) provide the part of the visualization information comprised by the selection with a digital marking which allows the operator or another operator to detect a respective relationship between the part of the visualization information comprised by the selection and the selection during the runtime of the technical installation.

Description

[0001] 202421574 Foreign version

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Cross-functional selection of plant components during operation and monitoring

[0005] The invention relates to a method for operating a technical plant, in particular a manufacturing plant or process plant, by means of a control system of the technical plant, which comprises an operator station server and an operator station client. The invention also relates to an associated control system.

[0006] For the operation and monitoring of (process) engineering plants, symbolic plant diagrams are created that abstractly represent the process engineering relationships – especially between individual process objects. Plant diagrams consist of static symbols (e.g., pipes, rectangles, etc.), dynamic symbols (e.g., pipes changing color depending on process values, rectangles showing fill levels, etc.), block symbols (for the dynamic visualization of process engineering objects), complex controls (e.g., trend indicators, message sequence indicators, etc.), and containers to visualize content from independent and self-contained sources (e.g., webcams, plant diagrams of modular plant components, or applications such as a controller optimizer or KPI calculations).

[0007] Technical systems, particularly manufacturing and process plants, are typically monitored and controlled by complex control systems, known as master control systems. These systems generally include a central server that generates visualization information for a multitude of plant components, as well as one or more clients through which operators can control and monitor the plant. The visualization information can include various types of data, such as process measurements, alarm messages, trend indicators, and schematic diagrams of the plant components.

[0008] As the complexity of technical systems increases, so does the amount of visualization information made available to operators. This can lead to challenges in effectively monitoring and controlling the system. Operators often need to quickly switch between different views and levels of information to find relevant data and react to events. The sheer volume of information can make it difficult to recognize important relationships and maintain an overview of the overall system status. 202421574 Foreign version

[0009] 2

[0010] Another problem is that important information or conditions that were relevant at a particular time may later be difficult to find or trace. This can be especially problematic when analyzing malfunctions or optimizing processes. Operators often struggle to locate specific visualization configurations or data relationships that they previously considered important, or to place them within a broader context.

[0011] Operator-configured combinations of plant images, plant image windows, complex controls, faceplates and similar elements can be stored in the form of so-called "Operator Station Client Persistences" and serve two use cases:

[0012] • Reusing persistence for further operation and observation

[0013] • Documentation of historical “states”, whereby in addition to the compilation, the states (process values ​​and alarms for visualization) can also be recorded in order to, for example, o record anomalies, o create routine documentation, o involve other operators / shift supervisors etc. in analyses and decisions, o create a “before-and-after” basis for comparison.

[0014] Operator station client persistences can be archived and accessed again at any time. However, it has been difficult for operators to assign created persistences to the operational and monitoring processes, as cross-functional integration between these processes is lacking. Often, numerous persistences exist which, although containing important information about past anomalies, etc., are no longer available for retrieval due to the lack of a (process-)technical association.

[0015] EP 4 089 489 A1 discloses an exemplary control system which serves for the operation and monitoring of a technical plant.

[0016] EP 4 290 326 A1 discloses a further control system for a technical plant, with which trend curves can be displayed together with associated alarm messages from the technical plant.

[0017] The invention is based on the objective of providing a control system for a technical plant that increases the efficiency and flexibility of its operation and monitoring. 202421574 Foreign version

[0018] 3

[0019] This problem is solved by a method for operating a technical plant, in particular a production plant or process plant, with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a control system for operating a technical plant, in particular a production plant or process plant, according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0020] A method according to the invention for operating a technical plant, in particular a production plant or process plant, by means of a control system of the technical plant, which comprises an operator station server and an operator station client, comprises the following steps: a) Generation of visualization information, which is designed and intended for the operation and monitoring of a plurality of components of the technical plant, by the operator station server and transmission of the visualization information to the operator station client; b) By an operator of the control system, generation of a selection of a portion of the visualization information that is assigned to a portion of the plurality of components of the technical plant, by sending a corresponding request to the operator station client, or by the occurrence of an event, automated generation of a selection of the portion of the visualization information.c) Transferring the selection from the Operator Station Client to the Operator Station Server and storing the selection in a selection data store accessible to the Operator Station Server, such that the selection can be retrieved by the Operator Station Server and transferred back to the Operator Station Client at a later time.

[0021] The method is characterized in that, in response to the generation of the selection, the Operator Station Client sends a request to the Operator Station Server, such that the Operator Station Server marks the part of the visualization information included in the selection with a digital marker. This marker enables the operator, or another operator, to determine the relationship between the selected part of the visualization information and the selection itself at runtime of the technical system. 202421574 Foreign version

[0022] 4

[0023] The visualization information can include, for example, a trend display for a process measurement value or a message sequence display for messages and / or alarm messages from the control system.

[0024] The technical installation can be a plant from the process industry, such as a chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, or food and beverage industry plant. This also includes any plant from the manufacturing industry, such as factories where cars or goods of all kinds are produced. Technical installations suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention can also originate from the field of energy generation. Wind turbines, solar power plants, or power plants for energy generation are likewise included in the term "technical installation."

[0025] In this context, an "Operator Station Server" is understood to be a server that centrally collects data from an operator control and monitoring system, as well as typically alarm and measurement archives from a control system of a technical plant, and makes this data available to users. The Operator Station Server usually establishes a communication link to the automation systems of the technical plant and forwards data from the plant to so-called Operator Station Clients, which are used to operate and monitor the operation of the individual functional elements of the technical plant. The Operator Station Server can have client functions to access the data (archives, messages, tags, variables) of other Operator Station Servers. This allows for combining images of the technical plant's operation on the Operator Station Server with variables from other Operator Station Servers (server-to-server communication).The Operator Station Server can be, but is not limited to, a SIMATIC PCS 7 Industrial Workstation Server from SIEMENS.

[0026] In this context, a control system is understood to be a computer-aided, technical system that includes functionalities for displaying, operating, and controlling the technical plant. The control system can also include sensors for acquiring measured values ​​as well as various actuators. Furthermore, the control system can include so-called process- or production-related components that serve to control the actuators or sensors. In addition, the control system can include, among other things, means for visualizing the process plant and for engineering purposes. The control system can optionally also include additional computing units for more complex control systems and systems for data storage and processing. 202421574 Foreign version

[0027] 5

[0028] The control system generates visualization information in a familiar manner, which is provided to a control system operator via the Operator Station Client. This visualization information can include plant diagrams with graphical representations of individual process objects such as boilers, motors, robots, valves, mixers, or packaging stations. The visualization information can also include lists of control system messages, so-called message sequence displays, or time-based trend diagrams of one or more process measurements. It should be noted that the visualization information not only relates to current information about the process being carried out, but can also include, for example, historical process measurements or messages.

[0029] It is further assumed that, according to one possibility, an operator of the control system selects or filters a portion of the visualization information. The operator can submit the necessary request to the operator station client using familiar IT methods, such as selecting individual parts of the visualization generated by the operator station client based on the visualization information, particularly by mouse click or finger tap.

[0030] A second, equally valid option is to automate the selection process based on the occurrence of an event. For example, the occurrence of a specific state within the technical system can trigger an automated selection of the portion of visualization information currently displayed to the operator. The events that lead to the automated generation of the selection can be defined by the operator during the system's operation or by a project engineer during the design phase.

[0031] The selection can be stored in a selection data store accessible to the Operator Station Server, which is itself part of the Operator Station Server and therefore obviously known to it. However, the selection data store can also be implemented on any separate storage medium, particularly a cloud-based storage medium. The only important thing is that the storage can be permanent and that the Operator Station Server can retrieve the selection from the selection data store. This means, among other things, that the Operator Station Server can communicate with the selection data store. 202421574 Foreign version

[0032] 6

[0033] According to the invention, in response to the generation of the selection, the Operator Station Client sends a request to the Operator Station Server. This request causes the Operator Station Server to mark the parts of the visualization included in the selection with a digital marker. This digital marker is designed such that the operator or another operator can immediately recognize that the generated selection is available for a respective part of the visualization information.

[0034] This allows the operator to directly establish a procedural connection between a given visualization piece of information, such as a message, a flow chart of process values, or a graphical representation of a process object, and a previously generated selection of parts of the visualization information. This enables the operator to identify problems in the automated operation of the technical system in a targeted and efficient manner and, if necessary, initiate appropriate measures.

[0035] Preferably, the operator station client also specifies in the request the time range for which the digital marker is valid. By specifying a time range for the digital marker, the operator can understand the relevance of marked parts of the visualization information more quickly and efficiently. For example, in the case of a time-series diagram of a process measurement, the operator can immediately see in which time range the selection, and thus the particular relevance, was made, especially due to an anomaly in the process flow. The creation time of the selection does not necessarily have to lie within the specified time range. Rather, the selection can also refer to historical data, in which case the creation time lies outside the specified time range.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operator station client additionally stores information in the request indicating for which further components of the technical system, not included in the selection of the associated visualization information, the digital marker is also valid. Preferably, these further components are processually related to those components whose associated visualization information is included in the generated selection.

[0037] This functionality allows the digital marking to be extended to (e.g., process-related) related components and offers a more comprehensive overview of interconnected processes or systems. In particular, process-related events such as a pressure loss due to venting often have an impact not only on an immediately affected component.

[0038] 7

[0039] The measuring point, such as a pressure measuring point, is not the only factor; it also indirectly affects the surrounding process, for example, a flow regulator or level sensor. By specifying other affected components, the digital marker is set not only for a specific area but also for a higher-level plant area. This allows the Operator Station Client to quickly identify and access information about components that may be indirectly affected by or connected to the originally selected components.

[0040] The control system can alert the operator to the presence of digital markers within the selected portions of the visualization information. This alert can be visual and / or audible. This functionality ensures that operators are notified of the presence of digital markers, thereby directing their attention to important or previously selected information. It improves the efficiency of information retrieval and, in particular, helps prevent potentially critical process data from being overlooked.

[0041] The indicator need not be limited to the parts of the visualization information included in the selection, but can also be provided for visualization information belonging to other components. This leads to a further increase in the operator's ability to direct their attention to particularly relevant visualization information.

[0042] The presence of a digital marker can be indicated by the control system using a visually displayed control element. This visual control element provides the operator with a clear and interactive way to identify the indicator and query the corresponding portion of the visualization information. This user-friendly interface element can also improve the overall usability of the control system.

[0043] Preferably, the control system visually presents the operator with the selection of visualization information after indicating the presence of the digital marker. In other words, the control system first indicates the presence of the selection and then displays it. This sequence occurs particularly when the operator activates the visually displayed switching element. The control system, more precisely: the Operator Station Server in conjunction with the Operator Station Client, therefore presents the generated selection to the operator in response to the activation of the switching element – ​​that is, precisely when the 202421574 foreign version

[0044] 8

[0045] This is exactly what the operator intended. As a result, the control system enables a seamless transition from displaying the warning to thoroughly checking the parts of the visualization information affected by the selection.

[0046] The previously formulated task is also solved by a control system for the operation of a technical plant, in particular a manufacturing plant or process plant, which comprises an operator station server and an operator station client, a) wherein the operator station server is configured to generate visualization information that is designed and intended for the operation and monitoring of a large number of components of the technical plant, b) and wherein the operator station server is configured to transmit the visualization information to the operator station client, c) and wherein the operator station client is configured, in response to a request directed to it by an operator of the control system, to generate a selection of parts of the visualization information that are assigned to a part of the large number of components of the technical plant, or wherein the operator station client is configured toin response to the occurrence of an event, to automatically generate the selection of parts of the visualization information, d) and wherein the Operator Station Client is configured to transfer the selection from the Operator Station Client to the Operator Station Server, e) and wherein the control system is configured to store the selection in a selection data store accessible to the Operator Station Server, such that the selection can be retrieved by the Operator Station Server and transferred to the Operator Station Client at a later time.

[0047] The control system is characterized in that the Operator Station Client is configured to send a request to the Operator Station Server in response to the generation of the selection, such that the Operator Station Server is configured to provide the parts of the visualization included by the selection with a digital marker that enables the operator or another operator to recognize a respective relationship between the part of the visualization information included by the selection and the selection at runtime of the technical system.

[0048] The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, are explained more clearly and understandably in the summary. 202421574 Foreign version

[0049] 9. This is accompanied by the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawings. They show:

[0050] FIG 1 shows a graphical display of an operator station client of a control system for a technical plant;

[0051] FIG 2 shows a time course of process measurements;

[0052] FIG 3 shows a list-like representation of messages from a control system; and

[0053] FIG 4 shows a guidance system in a schematic representation.

[0054] FIG 1 shows a graphical display 1 of an operator station client of a control system for a technical plant configured as a process plant. The generation of the content of graphical display 1 is explained in detail with reference to FIG 4, which follows below.

[0055] In the right-hand area 2 of FIG. 1, a plant diagram 3 is shown. The plant diagram 3 includes, among other things, a multitude of graphical representations 4 of individual process objects of the process plant, such as pumps, pipelines, reactors, or tanks. Furthermore, the plant diagram 2 includes a first time series 5 of a process measurement value and a second time series 6 of another process measurement value. The plant diagram 2 also includes a status display 7. An operator of the control system can, by means of a corresponding selection element 8 and by selecting specific parts of the graphical display, such as the status display 7 and the time series 5, 6, generate a selection of specific parts of the graphical display 1.

[0056] In the left-hand area 9 of FIG. 1, a configuration field 10 is shown. In this configuration field 10, the operator can specify whether the selection he defines should be marked with a digital indicator. If he selects the corresponding control field 11, the control system (for details see FIG. 4) marks the components affected by the selection (e.g., status indicator 7 and the two time series 5, 6) with a digital indicator that refers to the selection created by the operator. Furthermore, in configuration field 10, the operator can specify for which time range and for which additional components (besides those already included in the selection) the selection should be valid. 202421574 Foreign version

[0057] 10

[0058] Figure 2 shows a superimposition of the two time series 5 and 6 from Figure 1. The horizontal x-axis represents an arbitrary unit of time, such as minutes, and the y-axis represents a percentage value of a process parameter of the process plant. It can be seen that the control system (Operator Station Server in conjunction with Operator Station Client) visually displays a switching element 12. When the operator opens one or both time series 5 and 6 at any time during operation and monitoring (displays them visually), the control system visually displays the switching element 12. The operator can then select the switching element 12, which results in the time range previously defined by the operator (or another operator) when creating the selection being highlighted in the time series s or in the two time series 5 and 6.This highlighting can be achieved through known methods such as contrast or color changes. A frame 13 around the affected time range, as indicated in FIG. 2, can also be created. Additionally, alarms present within the affected and highlighted time range can be displayed using appropriate symbolization (e.g., colored markings). This provides the operator with immediate information about potential events or problems affecting plant operation, such as anomalies. By strategically providing digital markings, the operator can identify, based on the components of the graphical display 1 affected by the previous selection, where the potential cause of the event / problem might be found.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a message display 14 with listed messages from the control system. These messages can be, for example, alarm messages relating to one or more process objects and exhibiting various statuses regarding criticality or activity. In this embodiment, the message display 14 was also subject to selection by the operator. When the operator opens the message display 14 at any time during operation and monitoring (i.e., allows it to be displayed visually), the control system also visually displays a switching element 15. The operator can then select the switching element 15, which results in the messages relating to components of the process plant, which the operator previously defined when generating the selection, being labeled as blocks 16 and 17 on the right side next to the messages.This also provides the operator with immediate information about potential events or problems affecting plant operation, such as anomalies. By strategically placing digital markers, the operator can identify, via the components affected by the previous selection in graphical display 1, where the potential cause of the event / problem might be found. 202421574 Foreign version.

[0060] 11

[0061] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a control system 18 according to the invention for a process plant. The control system 18 comprises an operator station server 19 and an operator station client 20. The operator station server 19 has a device interface 21 which is connected to a plant bus 22. Via this device interface 21, the operator station server 22 can be connected to an automation device as well as to other components of the process plant, such as peripheral devices, and can communicate with them. The plant bus 22 can, but is not limited to, be configured as Industrial Ethernet.

[0062] The Operator Station Server 19 implements (among other things) a visualization service 23, a process image 24, and a selection data store 25. The Operator Station Server 19 also includes a local archive 26. The visualization service 23 integrated into the Operator Station Server 19 initiates the transmission of visualization information to the Operator Station Client 20. The Operator Station Client 20 is configured to display a visualization, i.e., a graphical display 1, in particular including plant images, measured value trends, operating elements, and similar elements, for operating and monitoring the process plant.

[0063] Process image 26 of the Operator Station Server 19 contains a snapshot of the (signal) states of devices and / or applications connected to the Operator Station Server 19. These can be transmitted from an automation device to the Operator Station Server 19.

[0064] The Operator Station Server 19 also implements an alarm service 27, a history service 28, and the first part of a selection service 29a. The second part of the selection service 29b is implemented on the Operator Station Client.

[0065] Upon the operator's generation of the selection, the second part of the selection service 29b transmits a corresponding request to the first part of the selection service 29a on the operator station server 19. This creates a selection alarm in the process image 24 of the operator station server 19, which includes as accompanying values ​​the time range (related time span) for which it should be retrospectively active, as well as the relevant plant area (the other affected components). Similar to conventional alarms, the selection alarm is stored in the local archive 26. 202421574 Foreign version

[0066] 12

[0067] If, as described, message displays 14 or time series 5, 6 are opened by the operator, these also include, in addition to the process alarms or process value series to be displayed, the digital markers of the selection for a corresponding identification, provided they are available for the required time range and plant section.

[0068] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

[0069] 202421574 Foreign version

[0070] 13

[0071] Reference symbol list

[0072] 1 Graphic display

[0073] 2 Right area

[0074] 3 Plant image

[0075] 4 Process object

[0076] 5 First timeline

[0077] 6 Second timeline

[0078] 7 Status display

[0079] 8 Selection element

[0080] 9 Left area

[0081] 10 Configuration field

[0082] 11 Control Panel

[0083] 12 switching elements

[0084] 13 Framework formation

[0085] 14 Reporting

[0086] 15 switching element

[0087] 16 Block

[0088] Block 17

[0089] 18 Guidance system

[0090] 19 Operator Station Server

[0091] 20 Operator Station Client

[0092] 21 Device interface

[0093] 22 plant bus

[0094] 23 Visualization service

[0095] 24 Process diagram

[0096] 25 Selection data storage

[0097] 26 Local Archive

[0098] 27 Alarm service

[0099] 28 Progress Service

[0100] 29a First part of the selection service

[0101] 29b Second part of the selection service

Claims

202421574 Foreign version Patent claims 1. Method for operating a technical plant, in particular a manufacturing plant or process plant, by means of a control system (18) of the technical plant, which comprises an Operator Station Server (19) and an Operator Station Client (20), comprising: a) generating visualization information designed and intended for the operation and monitoring of a multitude of components of the technical plant by the Operator Station Server (19) and transmitting the visualization information to the Operator Station Client (20), b) by an operator of the control system (18), generating a selection of a portion of the visualization information assigned to a portion of the multitude of components of the technical plant by sending a corresponding request to the Operator Station Client (20), or by the occurrence of an event, automatically generating a selection of the portion of the visualization information.c) Transferring the selection from the Operator Station Client (20) to the Operator Station Server (19) and storing the selection in a selection data memory (25) accessible to the Operator Station Server (19), such that the selection can be retrieved by the Operator Station Server (19) and transferred back to the Operator Station Client (20) at a later time, characterized in that the Operator Station Client (20), in response to the generation of the selection, sends a request to the Operator Station Server (19) such that the Operator Station Server (19) provides the part of the visualization information included by the selection with a digital marker, which enables the operator or another operator to recognize a respective relationship between the part of the visualization information included by the selection and the selection at runtime of the technical system.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the operator station client (20) additionally stores information in the request about the time range for which the digital marking is valid.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Operator Station Client (20) additionally stores information in the request about which other components of the 202421574 Foreign version 15 technical installations that were not included in the selection of the associated visualization information, for which the digital marking is additionally valid.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the further components are in a procedural relationship with those components whose associated visualization information is included in the generated selection.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (18) indicates to the operator of the control system (18) in the parts of the visualization information included by the selection the presence of the digital marker.

6. Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control system (18) indicates to the operator of the control system (18) in the visualization information belonging to the further components the presence of the digital marking.

7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control system (18) indicates the presence of the digital marking to the operator of the control system (18) by means of a visually represented switching element (12, 15).

8. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control system (18) visually presents the selection of the visualization information to the operator after indicating the presence of the digital marker, in particular when the operator operates the visually displayed switching element (12, 15).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein part of the visualization information comprises a time course (5, 6) of a process measurement value or a message sequence display (14) for messages and / or alarm messages of the control system (18).

10. Control system (18) for the operation of a technical plant, in particular a manufacturing plant or a process plant, comprising an operator station server (19) and an operator station client (20), a) wherein the operator station server (19) is configured to generate visualization information designed and intended for the operation and monitoring of a large number of components of the technical plant, b) and wherein the operator station server (19) is configured to transmit the visualization information to the operator station client (20), 202421574 Foreign version 16 c) and wherein the Operator Station Client (20) is configured to generate a selection of parts of the visualization information assigned to a part of the multitude of components of the technical system in response to a request directed to it by an operator of the control system (18), or wherein the Operator Station Client (20) is configured to automatically generate the selection of parts of the visualization information in response to the occurrence of an event, d) and wherein the Operator Station Client (20) is configured to transmit the selection from the Operator Station Client (20) to the Operator Station Server (19), e) and wherein the control system (18) is configured to store the selection in a selection data store (25) accessible to the Operator Station Server (19), such thatthat the selection can be retrieved again at a later time by the Operator Station Server (19) and transmitted to the Operator Station Client (20), characterized in that the Operator Station Client (20) is configured to send a request to the Operator Station Server (19) in response to the generation of the selection, such that the Operator Station Server (19) is configured to provide the parts of the visualization included by the selection with a digital marker that enables the operator or another operator to recognize a respective relationship between the part of the visualization information included by the selection and the selection at runtime of the technical system.

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