Field device and method for unlocking a field device

Abstract

The invention relates to a field device (100) comprising: a measuring arrangement (10) which is designed to detect a process measurement variable; a touch screen (20) which is designed to detect an operating input from a user; and a control arrangement (30) which is designed to process the operating input for operation of the field device (100). The field device (100) has a locked state (A) in which the touch screen (20) does not detect any operating inputs and / or the field device (100) does not process any operating inputs, the field device (100) has an unlocked state (B) in which the touch screen (20) detects operating inputs and / or the field device (100) processes the operating inputs for operation of the field device (100), and the field device (100) is designed to detect an operating pattern (1) for protecting against an unintended operating input, in order to change the field device (100) from the locked state (A) into the unlocked state (B).

Description

VEGA GRIESHABER KG Our ref.: V11086WO / CGS FIELD EQUIPMENT AND METHOD FOR UNLOCKING A FIELD EQUIPMENT TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of process automation. In particular, the invention relates to a field device and a method for unlocking a field device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In industrial measurement technology, particularly in process automation and control, field devices are regularly used to acquire one or more process variables or measured values, for example, in process vessels or other environments. These process vessels or environments may be used in, or be part of, industrial plant engineering systems where various process vessels and / or environments are monitored with regard to process variables or measured values ​​within the framework of process automation and control. Field devices include, in particular, flow rate, pressure, differential pressure, temperature, and level measuring devices. Using one or more corresponding sensors in a measuring arrangement, the field devices typically acquire one or more measured values.

[0003] Modern level gauges typically offer a wide range of settings to be configured for specific measurement tasks. Parameter settings can include, for example, the type of communication between a level gauge and a control system, fault behavior, access protection, or fine-tuning of the measurement itself. With this multitude of settings comes a greater need for ease of use and intuitive operation. Field devices can be equipped with a display and additional input fields, such as buttons, knobs, and / or switches, for parameterization. Intuitive operation is achieved using touchscreens. Here, the touchscreen itself responds to touch and registers input. Additional input fields for parameterizing the field device are not required in this case.

[0004] In industrial environments, field devices are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, both indoors and outdoors. Contamination, adverse weather conditions such as rain, hail, or snow, and unintentional contact (e.g., during cleaning of an industrial plant) are everyday challenges faced by modern field devices. It has been observed that touchscreens, in particular, can be susceptible to accidental or, in other words, unintentional contact. This means that the contact is not intended for operating the field device, for example, during cleaning or due to external weather conditions. Rain, hail, flying stones, water, or similar substances can, in particular, damage a touch-sensitive sensor. CGS:AFE The touchscreen may be falsely registered as being touched by an operator. It has been observed that such erroneous interactions can be registered, particularly when the touchscreen is freely accessible. This can, for example, lead to incorrect field device settings that render the field device's measurement results unusable and potentially have a detrimental effect on the entire plant process.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to protect a field device with a touchscreen from unintentional operation. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention advantageously provides a field device and a method for unlocking a field device, in which the touchscreen is protected against unintentional operation in a simple and effective manner.

[0007] The invention is defined in the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and / or embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in the preceding and following description and disclosure.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a field device comprising: a measuring arrangement configured for acquiring a process measurement variable, a touchscreen configured for acquiring user input, and a control arrangement configured for processing the user input to operate the field device. The field device has a locked state in which the touchscreen does not acquire user input and / or the field device does not process user input. Furthermore, the field device has an unlocked state in which the touchscreen acquires user input and / or the field device processes the user input to operate the field device. In addition, the field device is configured to acquire an operating pattern to protect against unintentional user input and to transition the field device from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0009] Advantageously, this specifies a field device that can switch from a locked to an unlocked state, thereby preventing unintentional operation of the field device (in the locked state) and allowing for simple, intentional operation (in the unlocked state). The operating pattern is designed to protect against unintentional input, not against unauthorized input as would be possible with a password. Advantageously, an operating pattern to protect against unintentional input can be significantly simpler and, in particular, accessible to everyone, so that no password, coded device, or specific coded device, such as an electronic card or a user device with coding, is required.It has turned out that while passwords, codes or the like can protect against unauthorized parameterization of the field device, such protection is often unnecessary because many field devices are located in secured systems. or buildings, so the disadvantage of cumbersome access control due to the need to know passwords or carry certain electronic devices may outweigh the advantage of straightforward operation. However, with field devices without access control, it has been shown that unintentional user input can be a problem because field devices can be unintentionally parameterized.

[0010] The terms "locked state," "unlocked state," and "operating pattern" are to be interpreted broadly. The locked state serves to prevent the touchscreen from capturing operator input and / or the field device from processing operator input, specifically to prevent unintentional manipulation of the field device, such as parameterization of settings. In particular, or at least, operator input that involves changes to the field device's parameters and / or settings will not be captured or processed. In contrast, other operator inputs, especially those used to capture the operating pattern, may be permitted, captured, and / or processed.The unlocked state, in turn, enables the field device to capture user input and / or process user input, particularly in such a way that intentional manipulation of the field device, such as parameterizing settings, is possible. The operating pattern serves to protect against unintentional user input, so that when the field device captures the operating pattern, the locked state is changed to the unlocked state, or, in other words, the field device switches from the locked to the unlocked state. The operating pattern can, for example, comprise one or more operating actions that must be performed, particularly on the field device itself, such as on the touchscreen, by touching it, perhaps in a predefined sequence in the case of multiple operating actions.Furthermore, the operating pattern can be predefined in such a way that the field device must detect this exact or approximate pattern to move the field device from the locked to the unlocked state. If, for example, a deviating operating pattern is detected in such a case—for instance, an incorrect sequence of operating actions is performed, indicating an unintentional input—the field device can remain in the locked state. If necessary, a warning about the deviating or, in other words, incorrect operating pattern can be displayed on the touchscreen or by an acoustic means, such as a speaker on the field device (if present), or by another means on the field device, such as a light (e.g., one or more LEDs, if present). This warning can be displayed graphically, audibly, and / or visually.

[0011] The locked state can serve one or both purposes: preventing the touchscreen from capturing user input and preventing the processing of user input. Accordingly, either the touchscreen itself can be locked to prevent user input, meaning it cannot capture any input. Alternatively or additionally, the field device, particularly the control unit, can be prevented from processing user input. This means, in particular, that the touchscreen does not accept any user input and / or convert it into control commands, for example, for parameterizing the field device or generally for making adjustments to the field device. The locked state can be displayed on the touchscreen, for example, permanently or after being touched, so that the user knows that the touchscreen and / or the processing of user input, especially by the control panel, is locked. The same applies accordingly to the unlocked state, which can serve one or both purposes: enabling the touchscreen to receive user input and enabling the processing of user input, depending on what is locked.

[0012] The measuring arrangement can generally include one or more sensors. For example, the one or more sensors can be configured for flow rate, flow velocity, pressure, differential pressure, temperature, and / or level measurement, such as limit level or quantitatively determined level. Depending on the sensor type or field device, the sensor(s) can be of various designs, for example, radar sensors, vibration sensors, acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, and similar types. Accordingly, the field device can be a flow rate, flow velocity, pressure, differential pressure, temperature, and / or level measuring device.

[0013] In principle, a touchscreen, or in other words, touch display, can include one or more sensors to detect user input when the screen is touched. Any system can be used to implement the touch sensitivity of the touchscreen, such as, but not limited to, resistive systems, surface capacitive systems, projected capacitive systems, inductive systems, and optical systems.

[0014] The control arrangement can be partially or completely integrated into the touchscreen. In particular, the touchscreen can be designed as an operating unit that may be detachable from the rest of the field device. When designed as an operating unit, the touchscreen can include control electronics, such as part or all of the control arrangement. The control arrangement can include or be designed as a computing unit, a control unit, and / or an evaluation unit. Most specifically, the control arrangement can include or be designed as one or more computers, one or more processor units such as CPUs, one or more microcontrollers, or the like. Furthermore, the control arrangement can include a data memory on which a predefined operating pattern and / or a program for switching between states based on the detected operating pattern can be stored.Furthermore, each sensor in the measuring arrangement can only acquire one measurement signal, which then needs to be evaluated to determine the process measurement variable. The control arrangement of the field device can then determine the measured value for the respective process measurement variable(s) based on the measurement signal. For this purpose, the control arrangement can, for example, use the same computer. Use a processor unit or the same microcontroller or similar as for processing operator input, or another one.

[0015] The field device can also include a communication arrangement for wired and / or wireless communication with a data processing system, which can comprise one or more data processing devices in the form of servers or cloud-based computers. For example, the data processing system can be implemented as a control system for multiple field devices. Wireless communication can be achieved using any transmission technology, such as WLAN, cellular networks, etc. Through wireless communication with the data processing system, the field device can transmit the acquired measurement signals and / or process parameters, which can also be referred to as sensor and / or measurement data, to the data processing system, where they can then be used for process automation or process control of a higher-level process in which the process vessel is integrated.Alternatively, or on the touchscreen, the acquired measurement signals and / or process parameters can be displayed. It may also be possible to display a history of the acquired measurement signals and / or process parameters, which can be stored in the measurement setup's data memory. Furthermore, the field device can have its own power supply unit, such as a primary or secondary battery, or at least be equipped to accommodate one, enabling it to operate autonomously.

[0016] Furthermore, the field device may have a mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement may include any number of mounting sections and / or fastening means, such as one or more threads, a flange, a rotary lock, and the like. In particular, the mounting arrangement of the field device may include a mounting section corresponding to a process connection of a process vessel, which may, for example, include a thread (e.g., an internal thread), with a matching thread (e.g., an external thread).

[0017] The field device can be configured to capture an operating pattern that is freely accessible on the field device. Freely accessible means that the operating pattern can be used by anyone. It is therefore, in particular, an obvious operating pattern, unlike, for example, a password or key combination, which is not obvious or freely accessible. Specifically, the operating pattern is password-free or, in other words, key combination-free. In particular, the operating pattern is also free of special devices or electronic equipment that are coded or otherwise not freely accessible or obvious, used to capture the operating pattern on the field device.

[0018] The operating pattern can be set up as a predefined pattern for the touchscreen. This means, on the one hand, that the operating pattern is captured on the touchscreen itself. On the other hand, it means that the operating pattern is predefined in its nature, or in other words, predefined. Accordingly, the predefined operating pattern must be captured to achieve the transition between states. In particular, the Operating patterns must be predefined in such a way that the touchscreen must detect this pattern exactly or approximately in order to move the field device from the locked to the unlocked state. If, for example, a different operating pattern is detected in such a case, such as an incorrect sequence of actions indicating unintentional input, the field device may remain in the locked state.

[0019] The operating pattern may exhibit at least some of one of the following: - a path to be traced by touching the touchscreen, - a string of characters, in particular a string of numbers or letters, of at least two characters, which can be touched on the touchscreen, - at least one display element on the touchscreen that must be touched for a predetermined duration, in particular in the form of a key. For example, the operating pattern could consist of the user tracing a specific, predefined path on the touchscreen by touching it with a finger or using a touchscreen input device, such as a stylus. The path could be a straight line, but it could also include curved or angular sections, such as zigzag sections, which must be traced partially or completely with a predefined precision, i.e., without deviation, in order for the touchscreen to register the operating pattern. Alternatively or additionally, the user could be required to register a specific, predefined, character sequence on the touchscreen by tapping it with their finger or using an input device.The character sequence can be, for example, a sequence of numbers, allowing the user to capture the operating pattern by touching numbers displayed on the touchscreen in descending or ascending order. Alternatively, it can be a sequence of letters or other characters, where, for example, letters or other characters must be touched in alphabetical or other logical or displayed order to capture the operating pattern. Finally, the touchscreen may display an indicator element, such as a key, which must be touched for a predetermined duration, particularly without releasing it, and possibly with pressure in the case of a pressure-sensitive touchscreen, to capture the operating pattern.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the operating pattern may include at least one of the following: touching the field device housing, touching the field device with a magnet, a voice command, a hand gesture, a communication command transmitted wirelessly via near-field communication, rotating the touchscreen relative to the field device, or removing the touchscreen from the field device. For example, the operating pattern may consist of touching the field device housing instead of, or in addition to, touching the touchscreen, which can be registered by a corresponding sensor on the field device, such as an accelerometer. It is also possible for the field device to register magnetization when touched with a magnet. A user voice command in the form of a speech phase is also possible. For example, commands like "unlock" can be used as operating patterns, for which the field device may include one or more microphones to record the voice command. A hand gesture, particularly a predefined hand gesture such as a user swiping their hand or finger in front of the field device, especially a sensor (e.g., a camera), is also possible as an operating pattern. Furthermore, it may be possible for a user device, such as a smartphone, to communicate wirelessly with the field device via near-field communication. For example, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and similar technologies can be used for near-field communication. In this case, a general unlock command can be transmitted as a communication command, which can be sent from any user device.For example, the field device can also send a request to the user device when the user device is in close proximity to the field device. The request can ask the user device whether the field device should be unlocked. The user can then confirm the unlocking on the user device or, optionally, decline it. With a rotating touchscreen, rotating the touchscreen can also be used as an operating pattern, which is typically not unintentional due to external influences, similar to other variants mentioned herein, such as voice commands, hand gestures, etc. Therefore, these operating pattern variants, like the other variants, are particularly robust against unintentional unlocking of the field device. Finally, with a field device or...The remaining field device, for example, a housing of the field device in which the measuring arrangement may be located, or a removable touchscreen, may also constitute the operating pattern. It is also possible that removing the touchscreen represents the operating pattern. In principle, the operating pattern may comprise a combination of any of the operating pattern variants described herein as examples, or that one of the variants alone constitutes the operating pattern.

[0021] The field device can be configured to display an indication and / or part of the operating pattern on the touchscreen. For example, the path to be followed, the characters, and / or the indicator element can be displayed on the touchscreen for an operating pattern. In addition to such a part of the operating pattern, contextual information can be displayed as an indication, for example, through an explanation and / or images, such as what the user must do to record the operating pattern. For example, for a path to be followed, the message "To unlock, please trace the path with your finger" or something similar can be displayed. For operating patterns not executed on the touchscreen, at least the indication of the operating pattern can be displayed, for example, as a short video or a sequence of hand gestures, touching the housing, bringing a user device near, and the like.The indication can also be given additionally or alternatively as text or explanation. In principle, any medium can be used for the indication, i.e., text, image, sound, video, and the like.

[0022] The field device can be configured to display the indication and / or part of the operating pattern after touching, and in particular only after touching, the field device, especially the touchscreen. Otherwise, the touchscreen cannot, for example, display anything. The touchscreen can display information or be in energy-saving mode. Alternatively, it can display the recorded process parameters. This prevents the touchscreen and its display from becoming cluttered and avoids unnecessary energy consumption by continuously displaying an indication or part of the operating pattern. Instead, the indication and / or part of the operating pattern is only displayed after a touch, which is intuitive for every user, even if they are unfamiliar with the field device or the unlocking function using the operating pattern.

[0023] The field device can also be configured to simultaneously display the indication and / or part of the operating pattern and a process measurement acquired by the measuring setup on the touchscreen. This ensures that the acquired process measurement(s) are always visible and accessible to the user, preventing interference from the operating pattern. Displaying the acquired process measurement(s) can be a standard touchscreen display that is shown by default.

[0024] The field device may also be configured to automatically return from the unlocked state to the locked state, for example, after one or more parameter settings or adjustments have been made. Additionally or alternatively, the field device may be configured to return from the unlocked state to the locked state after a predetermined period, particularly after a period without any user input detected by the touchscreen. This eliminates the need for the user to manually prevent the device from being returned to the locked state, thus ensuring that unintentional user inputs are avoided. This prevents the field device from being unintentionally parameterized later due to a forgotten lock. Furthermore, depending on the predetermined time period, this allows the user sufficient time to make multiple parameter settings or adjustments.For example, you can be given a duration of several seconds or several minutes. The specified duration could, for instance, be between 20 seconds and 15 minutes, particularly between 30 seconds and 10 minutes, and especially between 1 minute and 5 minutes.

[0025] It is also possible that the field device is configured to display an indication of the locked or unlocked state on the touchscreen. For example, symbols can be used as indicators, such as a closed padlock for the locked state and an open padlock for the unlocked state. These symbols, or at least the symbol or indicator for the locked state, can also be part of the user interface, for example, as an indicator that must be touched for a predetermined duration. Alternatively or additionally, the indication can be presented as text or in another format. This allows a user to intuitively determine why, for example, their input is not being registered and / or processed. However, it is also possible that this indication is only displayed or highlighted, for example, enlarged, after the touchscreen has been touched.

[0026] Furthermore, it is possible that the field device is configured to communicate its transition from a locked to an unlocked state to a remote data processing system. This remote data processing system can be configured for multiple field devices, as described, and function as a control system. Such a control system can monitor when and which field device is unlocked. This allows for the monitoring of any parameter settings made by users or service technicians and the detection of malfunctions.

[0027] It is also possible for the field device to be configured so that the locked state can be deactivated. In other words, it can be specified that the field device is always unlocked, meaning that user inputs on the touchscreen are detected and / or detected by the field device, particularly the control unit. This allows the operating pattern for field devices to be disabled, for example, if unintentional operation is not possible in a particular environment, such as because the field device is enclosed, used in a cleanroom environment, or similar.

[0028] The control system can be configured to process user input for parameterizing the field device. Accordingly, the field device can be parameterized via user input. Parameterization, in this context, is broadly understood as changing a parameter and / or setting on the field device. Such a setting on the field device can affect various aspects and / or units of the field device, for example, energy consumption (such as setting an energy-saving mode), adjusting the brightness of the touchscreen, and so on. It can also affect settings of the measurement setup, adjusting parameters relevant to the measurement by the sensor(s), such as setting environmental conditions or measurement parameters (such as measurement frequency, measurement accuracy, and so forth).

[0029] The field device can also be configured to retain a displayed process measurement while unlocked. This advantageously ensures that the user can identify the process measurement that was last displayed and / or recorded at the time of unlocking. This allows the user to parameterize the field device or use it in other ways, particularly based on this process measurement, without the process measurement fluctuating over time with user input and thus potentially corrupting the parameterization or other use.

[0030] The field device can have an initial locked state in which the touchscreen does not register any user input. The field device can also have an initial unlocked state in which the touchscreen does register user input. The field device can be configured to register an initial user pattern to protect against unintentional user input and transition from the initial locked state to the initial unlocked state. The field device can also have a second locked state in which it does not process any user input. The field device may also have a second unlocked state in which it processes operator input. Furthermore, the field device can be configured to detect a second operating pattern to prevent unintended input, transitioning from the second locked state to the second unlocked state. In other words, there can be two operating patterns: one must be detected to unlock the touchscreen for input capture, and another must be detected to enable the processing of that input. For example, this allows the field device to first capture input and then ensure that the subsequent processing of that input, such as making a setting or parameter change, is intentional.The operating patterns can be the same or different. For example, the two operating patterns can be of the same variant, as described here, but designed differently, such as a different path to be followed. Alternatively, the two operating patterns can be of different variants, for example, following a path and touching a string of characters.

[0031] The field device can be configured such that it must be in the first unlocked state to detect the second operating pattern. This ensures that the user is not confronted with two operating patterns simultaneously, nor does it require the field device to detect two patterns at the same time, thus simplifying the unlocking process.

[0032] The field device can also be configured to detect whether a detected operating pattern was performed by a human, in particular by a human finger, and / or whether a detected operating pattern was performed by a cleaning action. If the detected operating pattern was performed by a human, in particular by a finger touching the touchscreen, it can be assumed to be intentional operation. In contrast, a cleaning action is typically unintentional operation, for example, with a rag, a jet of water from a pressure washer, or similar. By detecting both, the field device can differentiate between the two operating patterns, particularly through the touchscreen.Accordingly, if the operating pattern originates from a human, in particular from operating the touchscreen with a finger, the field device can be moved from the locked state to the unlocked state. Alternatively, or if the operating pattern is associated with a cleaning action, the field device can remain in the locked state. The distinct operating patterns—that is, those performed by a human, in particular their finger, and those performed by the cleaning action—can advantageously be differentiated by recording parameters relating to the operating pattern and analyzing them to determine the nature of the operating pattern. For an operating pattern on the touchscreen, such parameters could include, for example, absolute pressure, in particular operating pressure, on the touchscreen, the speed of the operating pattern, consistency, and a uniform distribution of pressure on the screen. This could include touchscreens and similar devices. For example, a specific range of absolute operating pressure can be correlated with a conscious human interaction of the touchscreen with a finger, and thus be distinguished from operating pressures outside this range, which can be recorded accordingly as cleaning actions, or where one or more other areas may be known that correlate with the cleaning action.

[0033] The field device can also incorporate an algorithm based on artificial intelligence or machine learning to recognize whether a detected operating pattern was performed by a human, particularly a human finger, and / or whether a detected operating pattern was performed by a cleaning action. This algorithm can, for example, be executed by and stored within the control unit. The operator inputs and / or the detected operating patterns can serve as training data. Specific areas that correlate with a human finger or a cleaning action can also be defined as training data for the algorithm. The algorithm can be pre-trained and / or trained or further trained directly on the field device itself.Accordingly, the algorithm can increasingly learn to make more precise distinctions between cleaning that unintentionally captures the operating pattern and conscious operation by a human that intentionally captures the operating pattern.

[0034] The touchscreen can be exposed. This means that the touchscreen is at least partially, predominantly, or completely unenclosed, framed, and / or covered. In fact, the touchscreen is so exposed that it can be operated freely from the outside without having to remove a cover or anything similar. This results in a high risk of unintentional operation of the touchscreen. At the same time, user comfort is increased because the touchscreen does not need to be exposed first, for example, by removing a cover, and additional parts and weight are avoided on the field device.

[0035] The touchscreen can be detachable from the field device. In particular, the touchscreen can be designed as an operating unit that can be detached from the rest of the field device or at least from the field device housing. The connection between the touchscreen and the field device can be implemented in any way, for example, mechanically, such as by a rotary lock, spring mechanism, and the like, or alternatively or additionally magnetically and / or similarly. Designed as an operating unit, the touchscreen can include control electronics, such as part or the complete control arrangement.

[0036] The touchscreen can be essentially sealed tightly against the field device's housing. This prevents contaminants, moisture, and the like from entering the field device's interior through the touchscreen. In particular, this allows the touchscreen to be designed with an exposed surface, without incurring potential risks related to contamination, moisture, etc.

[0037] For example, the field device can be configured as a flow, flow velocity, pressure, differential pressure, temperature and / or level measuring device. In particular, the The field device may be any of the aforementioned measuring devices or any combination thereof. For the combination, the measuring arrangement may accordingly comprise several sensors of different types.

[0038] Advantageously, this provides a field device that further reduces the risk of unintentional operation. By reducing the usable area of ​​the touchscreen, the likelihood increases that unintentional touches or similar actions on the touchscreen, which could trigger operation, will occur on the touch-sensitive part of the screen and thus actually trigger an operation. The risk can be further reduced by making individual parts, such as touch areas of the touchscreen, activatable and deactivatable, as described in more detail below. The terms "touchscreen" and "screen" are used interchangeably here. The term "touchscreen" also includes the second, non-touch-sensitive area of ​​the screen.

[0039] Furthermore, this makes the field device particularly cost-effective to manufacture, because the entire touchscreen does not need to be a touchscreen with corresponding touch technology (for example, with capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, pressure sensors, and the like). Instead, it is sufficient to provide the touch technology only in the touch-sensitive area, i.e., to include one or more sensors or sensor areas in or on the touchscreen only there. In principle, any touch technology can be used.

[0040] Furthermore, this advantageously provides a field device that has significantly lower energy consumption compared to field devices with conventional touchscreens. In particular, less screen area needs to be powered to capture user input. The second screen area can thus be used solely for displaying content. This second screen area is not touch-sensitive, meaning it is not equipped with any touch technology and cannot capture user input. Compared to conventional touchscreens, this eliminates the need to equip and power any screen area with touch technology that is not actually used for that purpose.One of the inventors' findings is that it is sufficient in the field device if a screen area is touch-insensitive and can then display corresponding screen content that is not intended to be touched, such as, but not limited to, the recorded process parameters or measured values, status information of the field device, instructions or requests for the user, and other notices and information.

[0041] Finally, a particularly intuitive field device is advantageously provided because, unlike classic touchscreens, it only has a limited touch-sensitive area. Users can recognize this boundary with the non-touch-sensitive area or learn to do so over time, making operation even more intuitive in the first screen area than in the second. when operation is possible across the entire screen. In other words, the capture of user input can be limited to a specific area, so that this area is intuitively perceived as the operating area.

[0042] The first screen area can have at least one touch surface that can be activated and deactivated by means of the control arrangement for capturing user input. Activation means creating a state for the touch surface so that it can capture user input. Activation can also be achieved by unlocking the touchscreen as described herein, or it can mean unlocking, or vice versa. Similarly, deactivation can also be achieved by locking the touchscreen, or it can mean locking, or vice versa. However, other methods for locking and unlocking besides activation and deactivation are conceivable and can be used additionally or alternatively. For example, the touch-sensitive first screen area can be locked even when the touch surface is activated or enabled, by preventing user input from being processed on it.In particular, activation can include supplying energy, especially in the form of electricity, to the corresponding touch technology (for example, the sensor or sensor area) of the touch surface. Deactivation, on the other hand, means that the touch surface is put into a state where it no longer detects any user input, even if a user touches it. Accordingly, at least one touch surface can be selectively activated and deactivated to detect user input or not. This can save energy during times or situations where no user input is required, expected, or desired. It can also prevent unintentional user input when it is not required or expected. In the case of multiple touch surfaces, one or more of them can be selectively activated or deactivated.This allows only the touch surfaces required for a specific operation or user input to be activated and supplied with energy, while other touch surfaces that are not required at the present time do not need to be supplied with energy, thus providing a particularly energy-efficient field device.

[0043] The screen can be configured to display initial screen content on a touch surface activated by the control arrangement. This initial screen content is indicative of a user input option. This input option could, for example, be the operating pattern or inputs for the operating pattern. The initial screen content can include classic controls, such as those typically used on traditional keypads or touchscreens, like ESC for an escape command and +, -, >, <, OK, and similar controls. Such controls can be visually embedded in corresponding fields, boxes, or any other visual elements on the touch surface.Such initial screen content is indicative of the input options available to the user, such as exiting a menu with ESC or a... Confirmation with OK is required. This allows the user or operator of the field device to easily and reliably identify the first screen area or the activated touch surface.

[0044] The initial screen content can be set to be smaller or larger than the activated touch area. Of course, it's also possible for the initial screen content to be the same size as the activated touch area. The advantage of a smaller initial screen content compared to the activated or activatable touch area is that it's easier for the user to recognize, while operation is typically sufficient on a smaller area, thus saving material and energy. Conversely, the advantage of a larger initial screen content compared to the activated or activatable touch area is that it allows for inputs to be registered even if the user doesn't place their finger precisely on the initial screen content.This can be particularly relevant if the first screen area or the screen as a whole is rather small, for example to save space or costs, or for other reasons.

[0045] The control arrangement can be configured to activate and / or deactivate at least one touch surface depending on a second screen element displayed in the second screen area. In other words, the activation or deactivation of at least one touch surface, particularly one or more touch surfaces from a plurality of touch surfaces, depends on the second screen element of the second screen area. If the second screen element is, for example, one or more parameter settings or similar, one or more touch surfaces, particularly those with corresponding first screen elements, can be activated to parameterize the field device. Conversely, if the second screen element is, for example, a display of the first process measurement variable, then different, fewer, or more touch surfaces can be activated. The second screen element can also be dependent on the second screen element.

[0046] The second screen content can be visually distinguished from the first screen content within the first screen area. This visual distinction refers specifically to visual elements on the screen that can be used to differentiate between the two screen content elements, or within one or both of them. Such a visual distinction can be achieved, for example, by using different colors for the first and second screen content. It can also be achieved by using higher screen brightness for either the first or second screen content. Other visual elements, such as lines, 3D effects, and the like, can also be used for this purpose. This makes it easier for the user to identify the usable area of ​​the screen.

[0047] As previously described, the screen area can have multiple touch surfaces. These can be distinct touch surfaces, for example, adjacent to or separated from each other. Each touch surface can also be equipped with its own touch technology, in particular its own sensor or sensor section, or the touch surfaces can share a common touch surface. or feature interconnected touch technology that can differentiate between user inputs on the individual touch surfaces. For example, there can be 2 to 12, especially 4 to 10, and particularly 6 to 9 touch surfaces on the first screen area. Thus, for example, 8 touch surfaces can be provided, offering both diverse operating options and a clear user interface.

[0048] The multiple touch surfaces can be arranged around the second screen area. In particular, the touch surfaces can be arranged in a ring or circle around the second screen area. This allows for an intuitive distinction between the touch-sensitive and non-touch-sensitive parts of the screen. This distinction is also easy to implement from a manufacturing perspective. The first and second screen areas can be contiguous, especially if they are from the same screen panel, or they can be spaced apart, separate, or individual screen panels. The screen as a whole is referred to here as a screen, specifically as a surface of the field device.

[0049] The second screen area can be configured to display a second screen element that is indicative of the process parameter acquired by the measuring system. For example, this second screen element could display the acquired process parameter or the measured value, such as the current or most recently measured value. However, other displays are also possible, such as the status of the field device (e.g., operational or non-operational), parameter settings, or more generally, settings, warnings, information, and the like. Therefore, the second screen area is particularly suitable for displaying such secondary screen elements that provide user guidance via the displayed information and / or for providing information regarding the field device.

[0050] The field device may further comprise at least one light element, which may be embedded in the screen or a screen housing. The control arrangement may also be configured to control the at least one light element depending on a detected user input. In particular, the light element may be a continuous light element, such as a light strip, straight, curved, or of any shape. The field device may also comprise multiple light elements. The at least one light element may be embedded in the screen itself, i.e., be a part of it or integrated into the screen, or it may be embedded in a screen housing in which the screen is located. The control arrangement may control the at least one light element depending on the detected user input.For example, at least one of the lighting elements can be controlled to illuminate, set a specific light color, change color, and so on. This allows information or indications related to the user input to be displayed by at least one lighting element on the field device.

[0051] The at least one lighting element can be designed as a ring of light, at least partially, which can be arranged around the first and second screen areas. As a ring of light, the element can, in particular, have a ring-shaped, circular, round, spiral, or similar shape, especially around the two screen areas. "Partially" in this context means that the ring of light forms at least a partial, but not necessarily a complete, ring or traces such a ring shape. The specific arrangement as a ring of light, and especially around the two screen areas, achieves a visually simple and intuitive separation between them, making the information related to user input particularly easy to recognize by controlling the ring of light.Particularly when the illuminated ring is positioned at least partially around the screen area, increased visibility can be achieved at the edge of the field device or any control unit of the field device. This ensures that the color, illumination, flashing, or similar behavior of the illuminated ring remains reliably visible even at wide viewing angles. The high viewing angle stability guarantees that the control of the illuminated ring is reliably visible from various user positions relative to the field device. In particular, the illuminated ring can be positioned at or near the edge of the field device, while still remaining on the screen surface. At the edge, the illuminated ring is not, or only minimally, affected by the screen and thus remains clearly visible.

[0052] The control arrangement can be configured to operate at least one indicator light in a first lighting mode when the field device is locked, and in a second lighting mode when it is unlocked. For example, the first lighting mode could be a mode in which at least one indicator light glows red or emits a red light. This allows the indicator light to signal that the screen or the first screen area is locked, for which the signal color red could be used. Of course, the first lighting mode could also be any other type, including different light colors, flashing, and so on. The second lighting mode, on the other hand, could be, for example, a mode in which at least one indicator light glows green or emits a green light.This allows at least one light element to indicate that the screen, or at least the first screen area, is unlocked, for which, for example, the signal color green could be used. Of course, the first light mode can also take any other form, including different light colors, flashing of the light element, and so on.

[0053] The operating pattern can be indicative of the second lighting mode. For example, the first screen area might activate several touch surfaces, each displaying different numbers. The second lighting mode could then consist of at least one lighting element flashing with multiple light pulses. The operating pattern could then be to touch the touch surface or number corresponding to the number of... The system consists of light pulses per sequence of light pulses or per illumination. Accordingly, the operating pattern can be chosen to include the second illumination mode, which must be recognized in order to successfully execute the operating pattern. Another example would be selecting the color emitted on the first screen area according to the second illumination mode.

[0054] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for unlocking a field device according to the first aspect, wherein the method comprises: detecting the operating pattern to protect against unintentional input, and, after detecting the operating pattern, transferring the field device from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0055] Features, elements, functions and / or advantages of the field device described herein may also be applied to the procedure described herein, and vice versa, and in any combination.

[0056] Accordingly, the method may, for example, include displaying an indication and / or part of the operating pattern on the touchscreen, particularly after the field device has been touched or a touch has been detected. Simultaneously, a process measurement variable acquired by the measuring arrangement may be displayed. The method may also include transitioning the unlocked state to the locked state after a predetermined period, particularly after a predetermined period without any operator input detected by the touchscreen. Furthermore, the method may include displaying an indication of the locked or unlocked state on the touchscreen. Finally, the method may include communicating the transition of the field device from the locked to the unlocked state to a data processing system located remotely from the field device.Alternatively, the method may also include deactivating the locked state, for example, by means of the touchscreen or the data processing system. The method may also include processing the operator input for parameterizing the field device. Furthermore, the method may include maintaining a displayed process measurement variable during the unlocked state. The method may also include detecting whether a detected operating pattern was performed by a human, in particular by a human finger, and / or whether a detected operating pattern was performed by a cleaning action, in particular by executing a computer logic (CL) or machine learning (ML) based algorithm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a field device in a perspective view.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows a field device and a data processing system in a schematic view.

[0060] Figures 3a to 3c show different screen displays of the field device's touchscreen in a schematic view.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows another screen display of the field device's touchscreen in a schematic view.

[0062] Fig. 5 shows another field device in a perspective view.

[0063] Fig. 6 shows touch surfaces of a first screen area of ​​a touchscreen of the field device from Fig. 5.

[0064] Similar, similar-looking, identical or equivalent elements in the figures may be provided with similar or identical reference symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0065] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary field device 100 for acquiring a process measurement variable, for example, within a process vessel (not shown). The field device 100 is shown here as an example of a radar level gauge, but can alternatively be any other field device 100 as described herein. In this example, the field device 100 has a corresponding transmitting and receiving antenna as a sensor 12 for acquiring radar measurement signals, which can be evaluated by the field device 100 to acquire a process measurement variable, for example, a fill level in the process vessel in or on which the field device 100 can be mounted.

[0066] The field device 100 is equipped with a touchscreen 20, or in other words, a touch display, on which user input can be registered by touch and various information, indications, and the like can be displayed. Electronics, in particular a measuring arrangement 10 and / or a control arrangement 30 (see Fig. 2), are located within a housing 50 of the field device 100. The touchscreen 20 is attached to the housing 50 and is sealed to the housing 50, in particular by means of a seal 60, to be dustproof and watertight. The touchscreen 20 can be detachable from the housing 50. Furthermore, the touchscreen 20 is shown exposed here.

[0067] Figure 2 shows the field device 100 in a schematic view. "Schematic" here means that the arrangement or components of the field device 100 are shown schematically, without any construction details.

[0068] The field device 100 comprises the measuring arrangement 10 for acquiring one or more process measurements. The measuring arrangement 10 includes, for example, one or more sensors 12, such as the radar sensor for measuring the fill level in the process vessel, and optionally one or more additional sensors 12, such as for measuring the pressure within the process vessel. The sensor(s) 12 can, for example, acquire measurement signals which, in turn, can be evaluated by the measuring arrangement 10, in particular by a processing unit thereof and / or by the control arrangement 30, in order to acquire the process measurement. The control arrangement 30 can itself comprise a processing unit 32 and / or a data storage device 34. The control arrangement 30 can be a central control unit of the field device 100 and / or at least partially or completely part of the touchscreen 20 to form an operating unit. Thus, the control arrangement 30 at least be equipped to process user input captured by the touchscreen 20 in order to operate the field device 100 accordingly, especially to parameterize it or make adjustments to it.

[0069] Furthermore, the field device 100 here includes, by way of example, a wireless communication arrangement 40, for example with one or more antennas for radio transmission, in order to transmit, for example, the recorded process measurements to a remote data processing system 200 in the form of a server, edge device, computer or the like, from which an industrial or plant engineering process can be controlled, in which the field device 100 and / or the process vessel is integrated, in particular as part of a plant, for example a chemical production plant or other plant.

[0070] Figures 3a to 3c show different exemplary screen displays of the touchscreen 20 of the field device 100 in a schematic view. For example, the screen display in Figure 3a can be shown after touching the touchscreen 20. As indicated in Figure 3a by a circled letter A, the field device 100 is in a locked state A, in which the touchscreen 20 does not register any user input when touched and / or the field device 100 does not process any user input to parameterize it. User input in this context refers specifically to input aimed at changing settings or parameterizing the field device 100.In contrast, the touchscreen 20 can indeed function in the locked state A, but in particular to capture the operating pattern 1 explained below and not to make settings on the field device 100.

[0071] The field device 100 can detect the operating pattern 1 shown in order to unlock the field device 100 and thus bring it into an unlocked state B, in which the touchscreen 20 detects operating inputs and / or the field device 100 processes the operating inputs to operate the field device 100, as shown by way of example in Fig. 4, including an indication of the unlocked state B with a circled letter B. The operating pattern 1 is designed to protect against unintentional operating input and is freely accessible to everyone, i.e., password-free and, in particular, intuitively designed, meaning easily accessible or logically solvable for every user. The unlocked state B can be communicated by the field device 100 to the data processing system 200.

[0072] The operating pattern 1 is shown by way of example on the touchscreen 20 in Figures 3a to 3c. By way of example, the operating pattern 1 in Figure 3a is a path to be traced by a user touching the touchscreen 20 with a finger or stylus. In Figure 3b, the operating pattern 1 is by way of example a sequence of characters in the form of a number sequence to be touched in a specific order, so that the operating pattern 1 is divided into several display elements in the form of numbers, which are circled here by way of example. In Figure 3c, a display element is shown on the touchscreen 20, which can be represented by way of example as a key or lock, and which must be touched, in particular pressed, for a predetermined duration in order to unlock the field device 100.

[0073] In principle, operating patterns 1 can alternatively or additionally also be detected outside the touchscreen 20, for example by a voice command, a hand gesture in front of the field device 100, removing the touchscreen 20 and the like, which is not explicitly shown here.

[0074] Furthermore, Fig. 3c shows, by way of example, that the touchscreen 20 can display other information or indications in addition to the operating pattern 1, such as, for example, the recorded process measurement. The recorded process measurement is shown here, by way of example, as an absolute value, in this case, 1.234 m fill level, and as a percentage fill level from 0 to 100%. Of course, the recorded process measurement can also be displayed differently, for example, as a relative percentage, or similarly. Another piece of information displayed here is, for example, the name of the measuring point "M-501". Additionally or alternatively, other information or indications, such as status information or other measured values ​​like pressure and temperature, can be displayed. Furthermore, explanations or information on recording the operating pattern 1 can be displayed, or warning messages can be shown if the operating pattern 1 is not recorded correctly.

[0075] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of another screen display of the touchscreen 20 of the field device 100, which can be displayed after the operating pattern 1 has been recognized. Here, a menu 2 is shown, which displays various example parameters (Parameter 1, Parameter 2, Parameter 3, and Setting 4, or in other words, one or more settings). Thus, different parameters or settings can be set or parameterized directly in menu 2, or submenus can be accessed by corresponding inputs on the touchscreen 20, in which the parameters, for example, relating to the measuring arrangement 10, or settings can be adjusted. As an example, the previously displayed process measurement variable is retained and displayed in the screen display of Fig. 4.

[0076] Optionally, the menu display of menu 2 itself may include, for example, a further operating pattern 1 for recording, in order to enable the processing of an operator input within it. This provides double protection for the field device 100 against unintentional operator input for parameterizing the field device 100: firstly, the touchscreen itself must be unlocked to prevent operator input outside of operating pattern 1, and secondly, the input for parameterizing the field device 100 must be unlocked by recording an operating pattern 1.

[0077] For example, the touchscreen 20 in Figures 2 to 4 does not distinguish between different screen areas 21, 25, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 5. Nevertheless, the screen 20 in Figures 2 to 4 can be touch-sensitive only on a first screen area 21, on which the operating inputs described below can then be received, as explained in more detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0078] Figure 5 shows another exemplary field device 100 in a perspective view. The field device 100 can alternatively be configured like the field device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4. The field device 100 comprises the touchscreen 20, which has the first screen area 21 and the second screen area 25. The first screen area 21 is a touch-sensitive area for detecting the user's input 1 (see Figure 6, which shows the user's finger touching the first screen area 21). The second screen area 25 is a non-touch-sensitive area.

[0079] On the second screen area 25, a second screen content 26 is displayed as an example, which is furthermore an example of a process measurement variable acquired by the measuring arrangement 10. On the first screen area 21, three touch surfaces 22 are activated as an example, which can be operated or actuated by the user by touch, for example with their finger, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, a schematic view of the first screen area 21, the number of activatable touch surfaces 22 can be greater (and also less) than three. For example, eight touch surfaces 22 are arranged in a ring around the first screen area 21. Some or all of these touch surfaces 22 can be assigned initial screen content 23, which is shown here as an example with symbols for operation, such as +, -, <, >, and OK for operating the field device 100. These symbols indicate the user's input options, such as confirming with OK or controlling with +, -, <, or >. The touch surfaces 22 can be activated and displayed with the respective screen content 23, as required for controlling or operating the field device 100.Similarly, the touch surfaces 22 can be deactivated if necessary; in particular, the entire first screen area 21 can be deactivated if necessary, so that it can no longer register any user input, either completely or partially, thus saving energy. The energy to operate the screen 20 can be supplied, for example, by a wired power supply or battery (not shown) of the field device 100.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 5, the field device 100 here features, by way of example, a light element 29 in the form of at least a partial light ring, which runs around the two screen areas 21, 25. The light element 29 can, for example, be set to different lighting modes to indicate the previously described locked state A or unlocked state B, such as glowing red or green. Furthermore, the light element 29 can be used in connection with locking and / or unlocking the first screen area 21 or, more generally, the touchscreen 20, as explained herein.

[0082] It should be further noted that "comprehensive" and "comprising" do not exclude other features or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered limitations.

[0083] As used herein, the expression "indicative of" can mean, for example, "reflective" and / or "comprehensive." Accordingly, a unit, element, and / or step referred to here as "indicative of [...]" may be used synonymously or interchangeably with one, two, or all of the aforementioned units, elements, and / or steps "comprehensive [...]" and the aforementioned unit, element, and / or step "reflective [...]".

[0084] Furthermore, expressions such as "based on," "related," "associated," and similar expressions are not to be understood exclusively in relation to the units, elements, and / or steps to which they refer, unless otherwise specified. Instead, unless otherwise specified, these expressions are to be understood as meaning that, for example, a unit, element, or step to which one of these expressions or a similar expression refers, e.g., "based on" one or another unit, element, or step, does not preclude the possibility that the unit, element, or step in question may also be "based" on a different unit, element, or step than the one to which it refers.

[0085] Any designation of procedures, steps, and elements as first, second, etc., as indicated herein, serves only to make the procedures, their steps, and elements referable and distinguishable from one another. The designation of methods, steps, and elements in no way constitutes a limitation of the scope of this disclosure. For example, if a third step of a procedure is described in this disclosure, a first or second step of the procedure need not be present, and certainly need not be performed before the third step, unless it is expressly stated that they are required per se or prior to the third step. Furthermore, the presentation of procedures or steps in a particular order is intended only to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and in no way constitutes a limitation of the scope of this disclosure.In general, the procedures and steps can be carried out in any conceivable order unless an expressly prescribed order is stated. In particular, the terms "first," "second," "third," or "a), "b)," "c)," and the like are used in the description and in the claims to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. It is to be assumed that the terms used in this way are interchangeable under suitable circumstances and that the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may also function in orders other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0086] Within the scope of this disclosure, each specified numerical value is typically associated with an accuracy interval which the person skilled in the art understands to be such that the technical effect of the feature in question is still guaranteed. Within the scope of this disclosure, the deviation from the specified numerical value is at least in the range of ± 10%, preferably ± 5%. The aforementioned deviation from the specified numerical interval of ± 10%, preferably ± 5%, can also be expressed by terms such as "about", "approximately", and the like, as used here in relation to a numerical value.

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Field equipment (100), comprising: - a measuring arrangement (10) which is set up to record a process measurement variable, - a touchscreen (20) which is set up to capture a user's input, and - a control arrangement (30) which is configured to process the operator input for operating the field device (100), wherein the field device (100) has a locked state (A) in which the touchscreen (20) does not detect any operator inputs and / or the field device (100) does not process any operator inputs, the field device (100) has an unlocked state (B) in which the touchscreen (20) detects operator inputs and / or the field device (100) processes the operator inputs for operating the field device (100), and the field device (100) is configured to detect an operator pattern (1) for protection against unintentional operator input in order to transfer the field device (100) from the locked state (A) to the unlocked state (B).

2. Field device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the field device (100) is configured to detect an operating pattern (1) freely accessible on the field device (100).

3. Field device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating pattern (1 ) is configured as a predefined operating pattern (1) of the touchscreen (20).

4. Field device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the operating pattern (1) at least partially comprises one of the following: - a route to be traced by touch on the touchscreen (20), - a string of characters, in particular a string of numbers or letters, of at least two characters, to be touched on the touchscreen (20), - at least one display element to be touched on the touchscreen (20) for a specified duration, in particular in the form of a key.

5. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating pattern (1) at least partially comprises one of the following: - touching a housing of the field device (100), - touching the field device (100) with a magnet, - a voice command, - a hand gesture, - a communication command transmitted wirelessly via near-field communication, - a rotation of the touchscreen (20) relative to the field device (100), - removing the touchscreen (20) from the field device (100).

6. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) is configured to display an indication and / or part of the operating pattern (1) on the touchscreen (20).

7. Field device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the field device (100) is configured to display the indication and / or the part of the operating pattern (1) after touching the field device (100), in particular the touchscreen (20).

8. Field device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the field device (100) is configured to simultaneously display on the touchscreen (20) the indication and / or part of the operating pattern (1) and a process measurement variable detected by the measuring arrangement (10).

9. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) is configured to transfer the unlocked state (B) to the locked state (A) after a predetermined period of time, in particular after a predetermined period of time without any operator input detected by the touchscreen (20).

10. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) is configured to display an indication of the locked state (A) or the unlocked state (B) on the touchscreen (20).

11. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) is configured to communicate the transition of the field device (100) from the locked state (A) to the unlocked state (B) to a data processing system (200) located remote from the field device (100).

12. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) is configured such that the locked state (A) can be deactivated.

13. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control arrangement (30) is configured to process the operator input for parameterizing the field device (100).

14. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) is configured to maintain a displayed process measurement variable during the unlocked state (B).

15. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) has a first locked state in which the touchscreen (20) does not detect any operator inputs, the field device (100) has a first unlocked state in which the touchscreen (20) detects operator inputs, and the field device (100) is configured to detect a first operator pattern (1) to protect against unintentional operator inputs in order to transfer the field device (100) from the first locked state to the first unlocked state, and wherein the field device (100) has a second locked state in which the field device (100) does not process any operator inputs, the field device (100) has a second unlocked state in which the field device (100) processes the operator inputs to operate the field device (100), and the field device (100) is configured to detect a second operator pattern (1) to protect against unintentional operator inputs is set up to prevent unintentional user input,to transfer the field device (100) from the second locked state to the second unlocked state.

16. Field device (100) according to claim 15, wherein the field device (100) is configured such that the field device (100) must be in the first unlocked state to detect the second operating pattern (1).

17. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) is configured to detect whether a detected operating pattern (1) was performed by a human being, in particular by a human finger, and / or a detected operating pattern (1) was performed by a cleaning action.

18. Field device (100) according to claim 17, wherein the field device (100) has an algorithm based on artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) to detect whether a detected operating pattern was performed by a human, in particular by a human finger, and / or a detected operating pattern was performed by a cleaning action.

19. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the touchscreen (20) is exposed.

20. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the touchscreen (20) is detachable from the field device (100).

21. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the touchscreen (20) seals substantially tightly with a housing of the field device (100).

22. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) is configured as a flow, flow velocity, pressure, differential pressure, temperature and / or level measuring device.

23. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the touchscreen (20) has a first screen area (21) and a second screen area (25), wherein the first screen area (21) is a touch-sensitive area for detecting the user's operating input, and wherein the second screen area (25) is a touch-insensitive area.

24. Field device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (100) further comprises at least one luminaire element (29) which is embedded in the touchscreen (20) or a screen housing, wherein the control arrangement (30) is further configured to control the at least one luminaire element (40) depending on a detected user input.

25. Field device (100) according to claim 24, wherein the control arrangement (30) is configured to operate the at least one light element (29) in a first light mode when the field device (100) is locked (A) and to operate the at least one light element (29) in a second light mode when the field device (100) is unlocked (B).

26. Field device (100) according to claim 25, wherein the operating pattern is indicative of the second lighting mode.

27. Method for unlocking a field device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: - Recording the operating pattern (1) to protect against unintentional operating input, and - Transferring the field device (100) from the locked state (A) to the unlocked state (B) after detecting the operating pattern (1).

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