System for processing containers with a central control unit and processing machines and corresponding method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for processing containers, which system comprises a plurality of processing machines (BM1-BM3) that are functionally connected to one another, in particular wherein one of the processing machines (BM1-BM3) is a shaping device, wherein the system (1) also comprises: a central control unit 2) for the processing machines (BM1-BM3), which is coupled to the processing machines (BM1-BM3) and is designed to execute an operation of the processing machines (BM1-BM3) in such a way that a respective user interface for a processing machine (BM1–BM3) is displayed and can be operated on one or more displays (3) of the central control unit (2), wherein the system (1) comprises at least one mobile terminal (E1-E3) having a screen (5), on which a respective at least one user interface (BO1-BO3) for one of the processing machines (BM1-BM3) can be displayed and can be used for operation, wherein the processing machines (BM1-BM3), the central control unit (2) and the terminal (E1-E3) are located in a network (NW) and are communicatively coupled via said network, and wherein the respective display entropy (HB) of a user interface for a processing machine (BM1-BM3) is provided substantially by the terminal (E1-E3) and not by an operating device (T1-T3) of the processing machine (BM1-BM3). The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] Plant for treating containers with central control unit and treatment machines and corresponding process

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for treating containers by means of a plurality of machines or treatment machines that are functionally coupled, according to the preambles of claims 1 and 15.

[0004] background

[0005] Machines or processing machines for the manufacture, filling and labeling of containers, in particular by forming a preform into a finished container, have been known for a long time.

[0006] This typically involves the use of technical systems in which a number of processing machines (also called machines) are functionally linked. The individual processing machines perform one or more steps of the manufacturing process and transfer the processed containers to the next processing machine until the finished product is ready.

[0007] The production of containers by stretch blow molding from preforms in blow molds made of a thermoplastic material, for example, from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) preforms, is known, for example, from DE 4340291 A1. The thermally conditioned preforms are fed to different processing stations or treatment machines within a system used for this purpose (in this case, a blow molding machine). Typically, a blow molding machine has a heating unit for tempering or thermally conditioning the preforms, as well as a blow molding unit with at least one blowing station, in which the previously tempered preform is expanded into a container. The expansion is achieved using a pressurized gas, which is introduced into the preform to be expanded under pressure. The process is explained in the aforementioned DE 4340291 A1.The basic structure of a blow molding station is described in DE 42 12583 A1. Temperature control or thermal conditioning means that the preform is brought to a temperature suitable for blow molding.

[0008] 12248 WOT temperature is heated and, if necessary, a temperature profile is imprinted on the preform. In stretch blow molding machines, the blow molding of containers from preforms is carried out with the additional use of a stretching bar to stretch the preforms.

[0009] Containers produced by blow molding are typically fed to a subsequent filling machine (another processing machine) and filled with the intended product or filler material. This involves the use of separate blow molding machines and filling machines. These can also be combined into a single machine unit, although blow molding and filling still occur on separate machine components and sequentially.

[0010] It is also already known to form the containers from the preforms using the contents themselves, i.e., using the contents as a hydraulic pressure medium, see DE 10 2010 007541 A1 and US 7,914,726 B2. Thus, the respective preform is transformed into the container simultaneously with the filling process, i.e., by a hydraulic forming process. This forming process can also be supported by the use of a drawing bar.

[0011] It is also known to seal filled containers in a subsequent operation. For this purpose, the containers are transferred from the filling device to a transport device after filling is complete and then fed to a sealing device. The sealing device can be integrated with preceding machines. However, the sealing of the containers can also take place on a working wheel used for filling, see DE 10 2010 007 541 A1 and WO 2012 / 104019 A1. Both documents disclose the process of sealing the filled containers within the forming and filling device, in which a preform is transformed into a container by introducing the filling material under pressure.

[0012] In addition to these purely exemplary configurations of treatment machines, further treatment machines are usually added, especially for labeling and / or quality control.

[0013] 12248 WOZ Transfer devices may be provided between the individual treatment steps or treatment machines, which are designed to transfer the containers from one treatment machine to the next. It is also possible that the treatment machines themselves perform the transfer of the containers to the next treatment machine, or that a treatment step takes place within transfer devices.

[0014] The control, monitoring, maintenance, and setup of treatment machines are of great importance, with safety and diligence on the one hand, and efficiency, flexibility, and adaptability on the other, playing a major role. Central control stations or computers have also been used for this purpose for some time, as will be illustrated below with a few examples.

[0015] EP 4204203 A1 / DE 102020 131 365 A1, for example, discloses a container which has an identification means by which the container can be uniquely identified. An identifier can be assigned to the identification means, which is stored in a storage device that is at least temporarily connected or connectable to the system for data communication via a public network. The container is processed in a processing device of the system, whereby at least one data value relating to the container and / or relating to at least one processing step of the container is collected. At least one data value is made available for transmission and / or storage in the storage device. The cloud and human-machine interfaces (HMI) are also disclosed.

[0016] EP 3 286 614 A1 discloses an operating system for a machine in the beverage industry, wherein the operating system comprises glasses for a user of the operating system. The glasses have a display module, which is configured in particular as a head-mounted display or virtual retinal display or projector, and is designed to display at least one control element and information from a human-machine interface (HMI). The glasses also have a transceiver for exchanging data between the operating system and the machine; an input module designed to receive one or more user inputs relating to at least one of the controls. The input module also includes at least one microphone for receiving voice input, wherein this includes one or more user inputs for controlling the HMI and user inputs for controlling the machine.User input includes voice commands for controlling the HMI and navigating the menu. The glasses have a processing module with a speech recognition module designed to convert the one or more captured user inputs into either an input signal for controlling the machine or an input signal for controlling the HMI. The processing module is further designed to output the input signal for transmission to the HMI or, via the transceiver, to the machine.

[0017] DE 10 2015 221 517 A1 discloses an operating module for dynamically creating the user interface on the operating module for controlling and operating a machine in the food industry, particularly the beverage industry. The operating module comprises a plurality of control elements with attributes that can assume the value of a parameter and can be activated or deactivated depending on the user. Using an operating module context, control elements with specific attributes and values ​​can be selected to be displayed on the operating module. The invention further relates to a method for dynamically creating and displaying a user interface for operating a machine in the food industry.

[0018] DE 102016220544 A1 discloses a machine for processing food and packaging products, with control elements for controlling components of the machine and an operating console for operating the machine by means of the control elements, wherein the operating console of the machine has an RFID interface, in particular an NFC interface and is designed in such a way that authentication of a user terminal device is carried out by means of authentication data received via the RFID interface, wherein the operating console is designed in such a way that it establishes a data connection upon successful authentication.

[0019] In summary, a Human Machine Interface (HMI) is used on every production machine in a production line (1-n machines) to visualize machine and process parameters. Traditionally, monolithic HMI structures are used, meaning each processing machine in a production line has its own HMI, with correspondingly more or less complex hardware, resulting in 1-n hardware units in the form of a PC with a touch panel or similar device. More modern production lines sometimes employ so-called client / server HMI structures with zero or thin clients. Both the classic, monolithic HMI variant and the more modern client / server HMI variant have in common that almost every machine or piece of equipment in the line has its own touch panel for operation.

[0020] Description of the invention

[0021] The present disclosure is based on the finding that the aforementioned systems and processes have in common that, through additional facilities and configurations, they increase the overall complexity of the processes and systems and therefore do not sufficiently reduce efficiency and adaptability (flexibility).

[0022] The object of the present invention is to reduce the complexity of the processes and systems and to improve efficiency and adaptability (flexibility). This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of claims 1 and 15.

[0023] Accordingly, a system for treating containers is provided, which includes a plurality (line, production line) of functionally interconnected machines or treatment machines.

[0024] The term "processing machine" as used in this disclosure is to be understood very broadly. One or more of the following processing machines may be considered: forming devices for manufacturing containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material, in particular stretch blow molding machines, blow molding machines, heating devices such as preform heaters (heating sections), compressors that provide the required compressed air for stretch blow molding, filling machines (fillers) that fill containers with the desired product after the forming or, if applicable, stretch blow molding process, capping machines (cappers) for applying lids to the filled containers, labeling machines (labelers, labeling machines) for applying labels to the containers, bottle conveyor systems, and inspection and quality control systems.

[0025] 12248 WO Checking containers for defects, such as leak detectors, level detectors, closure testers, and optical inspection systems that can monitor shape, labeling, and other visual quality characteristics; drying and cleaning machines for drying and cleaning containers after forming or blow molding, or for removing residual moisture; packaging machines (packers) for packaging containers; machines for forming bundles; and palletizers for stacking the packaged containers onto pallets to prepare them for transport. Treatment machines also include coating machines, sterilization machines, sterilizers, and process machines such as mixers, carbonators, or degassing devices. Treatment machines can also perform combinations of one or more of the above functions.Furthermore, the term "treatment machine" also includes transfer devices such as transport wheels or conveyor belts, provided these require an operating device.

[0026] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “container” includes any form of container and in particular the preforms for the containers, as well as finished and possibly filled containers, such as bottles, cans and barrels (especially so-called “kegs”).

[0027] The system can advantageously include a central control unit (also called a control station) for operating and controlling the treatment machines. This unit is coupled to and configured with the treatment machines to perform operation (e.g., via control software). In this context, the term "control unit" is to be understood very broadly. The functions of the control units encompass not only control in the narrow technical sense, but every type of operation, including control, regulation, data communication, storage, and much more, that is necessary to operate, maintain, inspect, test, regulate, and evaluate the system and the functionally related treatment machines, enabling them to use and perform their functions.

[0028] The central control unit can be configured so that a user interface for each treatment machine can be displayed and operated on one or more screens (displays) of the central control unit. The user interface of each treatment machine (12248 WO) can therefore be hosted virtually on the central control unit, which is configured like a server. The user interface can provide all the functions necessary for the operation, maintenance, care, testing, etc., of a treatment machine.

[0029] The user interface used for operating, controlling, and / or monitoring a treatment machine can therefore advantageously not be installed locally on a physical device that is spatially and / or mechanically exclusively assigned to the treatment machine. In the context of this disclosure, an operating device of the treatment machine is an operating device that is an integral part of the treatment machine and is, for example, mechanically and electrically coupled to one or more elements of the treatment machine. In particular, such a coupling can include a pivoting arm by which the operating device or a display (panel) of the operating device is pivotably or movably mechanically coupled to the treatment machine. Furthermore, the coupling includes electrical lines for transmitting power and data between the treatment machine and the operating device.

[0030] Instead, the respective user interface of a corresponding treatment machine, as described in the present disclosure, is provided, for example, in a virtual environment on a server. This server can be located in a data center or in the cloud, and access to the user interface is via a network connection, e.g., using a web browser or a remote desktop. The central control system can be understood as a central control station where the user interfaces of the treatment machines are displayed or can be displayed centrally.

[0031] Particularly advantageous is the system's ability to include at least one mobile device with a screen display capable of showing one or more user interfaces for one or more of the treatment machines. In this context, the term "mobile device" refers to a device with a screen (display, screen, panel) that incorporates an energy storage device for storing electrical energy and is configured to communicate with the central control unit and at least one treatment machine via one or more...

[0032] 12248 Networks and / or one or more data communication channels to communicate or exchange data. The network(s) or data communication channels can advantageously be wireless.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mobile device, by providing the user interface of one or more treatment machines, assumes most of the display resolution required for operating the treatment machine. Therefore, the resolution of the treatment machine's control panel display can be significantly reduced or even eliminated entirely.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mobile device, by providing the user interface for one or more treatment machines, assumes most of the display entropy required to operate the treatment machine. Therefore, the display entropy of the treatment machine is significantly reduced.

[0035] In this context, display entropy refers solely to the number of independent pixels in a graphical electronic display (e.g., screens, especially flat screens). This is somewhat related to the information processing concept of entropy, which is based on Claude Shannon's work and is used in a highly simplified form here. In information processing, entropy describes the degree of uncertainty or disorder in a message or data stream. Introduced by Shannon in information theory, it quantifies the average amount of information per symbol contained in a message. Higher entropy signifies greater uncertainty and more potential information, while lower entropy indicates greater predictability of the data.In practice, Shannon's entropy helps to evaluate the efficiency of data compression and encryption methods by determining the minimum number of bits required to encode the information. Shannon uses the logarithm (binary) for this purpose. In this context, it concerns quantifying the information content of a display based on the number of independent pixels (resolution), but also their color and brightness.

[0036] The entropy of a display (e.g., a flat screen) can be calculated analogously to Shannon entropy, taking into account the distribution of brightness and color across the pixels. Here, entropy describes the degree of disorder.

[0037] 12248 WO or information density in the image, which results from the variety and frequency of brightness and color values. In this respect, the resolution, as the total number of pixels / image points / image elements, can contribute to the display entropy as follows: Given a screen with a resolution of N = b x h pixels (b = width and h = height). The total number of pixels is therefore N.

[0038] The color and brightness distribution can be specified as follows. Each pixel value (color and brightness) can be represented in a specific color space, e.g., RGB (Red, Green, Blue), resulting in a total of C possible colors or brightness levels. For example, with a 24-bit color space using 8 bits per color channel, there are C = 2 24 = 16,777,216 possible color combinations. For a black and white screen, C = 2 2 = 4, and for an 8-bit color space, C = 2 8 = 256.

[0039] The Shannon display entropy H for the image can be calculated according to formula (1 ) as the sum of the entropies for each possible color:

[0040]

[0041] where: pi is the probability that a pixel has the color i. pi can be calculated as pi = ni / N, where n is the number of pixels with the colors i and N is the total number of pixels, i.e., the resolution.

[0042] From one perspective, entropy could also be normalized to the number of pixels or the resolution N. That is, Hnorm = H / N. This would make the entropy per pixel comparable across different screens. This also provides a measure for differentiating the quality and thus the cost of displays / panels / screens.

[0043] If brightness is to be considered separately, the total entropy can be represented according to formula (2) as the sum of the entropy of the color distribution and the entropy of the brightness distribution:

[0044]

[0045] Here, the brightness can be divided into L discrete levels (e.g., 256 for 8-bit brightness), and a similar entropy sum is calculated over the brightness levels.

[0046] 12248 WOSuppose an image has a certain color distribution in which each color (of the possible C colors) is distributed approximately evenly, then a maximum entropy results, according to formula (3), which is approximately

[0047] H = log2(C) (3)

[0048] This approximation results in H=8 for an 8-bit color space and H=24 for a 24-bit color space, and so on. In a real image, the entropy is often lower because certain colors and brightness levels occur more frequently. Nevertheless, we use this approximation, among others, for the sake of simplicity.

[0049] The calculations above allow us to quantify the information density of an image and can provide information about the visual complexity or level of detail of a screen display.

[0050] According to one aspect, the display entropy of the display / panel / screen of a terminal device can be HE, and the display entropy of the display / panel / screen of a treatment device can be HB. HE and HB are each to be calculated according to formula (1). Then, advantageously, HE > HB. As a factor expressing the display entropies, FH = HE / HB > 1 can be advantageous, FH = HE / HB => 3, and FH = HE / HB >= 12.

[0051] The ratio of the display entropies can be further normalized to the resolution N (see above Hnorm = H / N), whereby the limit values ​​must then be supplemented by the ratio of the resolution NE of the terminal device and the resolution of the display of the fixed control device NB, so that FHN = FH*(NB / NE). In the case NB < NE, which is preferred here, NB / NE becomes less than 1, thereby reducing the factor FH.

[0052] According to another aspect, the number of displayable visual objects (NOBE) on the mobile device can be greater than the number of displayable objects (NOBB) on the treatment machine's display. (NOBE > NOBB)

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the display diagonal of a screen on the treatment machine can be smaller than the display diagonal of the mobile device. This is advantageous for displays with comparable or identical resolutions.

[0054] 12248 WO In this context, the resolution N of a display / screen / panel, etc., refers to the number of display points / pixels. The resolution of a screen, especially a flat-screen display, indicates how many individual pixels the displayed image consists of. It is usually given as the product of width and height, e.g., 1920 x 1080 pixels. A higher resolution means more pixels and therefore a sharper and more detailed image, as more information can be displayed on the same surface area. The most common resolutions are, for example, HD (1280 x 720), Full HD (1920 x 1080), 4K (3840 x 2160), and 8K (7680 x 4320).

[0055] In addition, there is the pixel density, which is the density of pixels on a given area, often referred to as pixel density or pixels per inch (PPI). This measurement describes how many pixels are located on one inch (approximately 2.54 cm) and thus indicates how fine the image is on a display.

[0056] A display might have a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), but the pixel density (e.g., 300 PPI) varies depending on the screen size. A smaller screen with the same resolution has a higher pixel density than a larger screen, which affects the perceived sharpness of the image.

[0057] The screen diagonal plays a crucial role when it comes to the actual pixel density (PPI) of a screen. While the resolution indicates the total number of pixels across the width and height, the screen diagonal tells you about the physical size of the screen. Combining the resolution with the diagonal allows you to calculate the pixel density, which is measured in pixels per inch (PPI). This is essential for the perceived sharpness of the image.

[0058] For example, both a 24-inch and a 15-inch screen have a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Since the pixels are distributed over a smaller area on the 15-inch screen at the same resolution, its pixel density (PPI) is higher, and the image appears sharper. The screen diagonal, therefore, influences how densely the pixels are packed and how fine the image is perceived.

[0059] The screen diagonal of a terminal device can be larger than the sum of the screen diagonals of all displays on the treatment machine, provided the resolution is sufficient.

[0060] 12248 WOund The display on the mobile device and the display on the treatment machines are comparable / identical.

[0061] In general, the terminal devices or terminal unit provide more independent display points than the user interface or display on the treatment machine.

[0062] The user interface of the terminal device can be configured according to user roles. "Role-specific" means that the user interfaces displayed on a terminal device are configured specifically for the respective operational function (role) of a user. This includes, for example, access rights, setting rights, and configurations of the treatment machine(s). These include troubleshooting, forcing states, setting inputs and outputs, visualizing states or inputs and outputs, and / or intervening in the hardware without a programming device. Certain configurations can be locked (i.e., inaccessible). At least the following basic types can be distinguished among the specific roles:

[0063] - Administrator: Has all rights

[0064] - Operator: Only has rights that relate to the operation of the treatment machine

[0065] - Maintenance: Only has rights relating to the maintenance of the treatment machines.

[0066] - Quality Assurance (QA): Only has rights relating to quality assurance.

[0067] Depending on the user's role, the display on the end device may be reduced compared to the display at the control center. Ideally, all information and access rights should be continuously available only at the control center.

[0068] One, two or more terminal devices can be set up to communicate with each other, preferably only via the control center.

[0069] According to one aspect, the role-specific functions can also include a chat function (chatbot).

[0070] The end device can advantageously be a tablet, notebook, smartphone or AR glasses (augmented reality glasses).

[0071] 12248 WO For the purposes of this disclosure, a screen is a device for the visual display of images, text, or video, which actively displays information and can often be used interactively. It consists of a very large number of picture elements or pixels (also called image elements) that are controlled to display content. The number of individually addressable picture elements is a significant factor for the display entropy. Of course, other factors, such as the number of possible colors, also affect the display entropy. However, the driving cost and innovation factor is still the number of individual picture elements / pixels / image elements of a screen.

[0072] Advantageously, the respective treatment machine can have an electrically and / or mechanically coupled, exclusive operating unit with a display that has a significantly lower number (at least a factor of 10) of image elements / pixels. In other words, the display entropy (information content of the display) is reduced in the treatment machine and transferred to the terminal device.

[0073] A mobile device can be configured to display multiple different user interfaces, which is particularly advantageous. It is further beneficial if the displayable user interfaces are those of several different treatment machines. This synergistic effect, in conjunction with the transfer of display entropy, is especially advantageous because it allows the device to be used for a wide variety of applications on the treatment machines.

[0074] According to the present disclosure, the central control unit is also configured to set up, display, and / or pre-configure the user interfaces of the treatment machines for use or display on one of the end devices. The user interfaces displayed on the end devices can therefore be pre-configured on the central control unit or on the central control unit's virtual server and wirelessly transmitted to the mobile device(s). According to one aspect, the end devices can be configured as web browsers (internet browsers), for example, in the form of a client with a zero or thin web panel. Thus, all (zero web panel) or the essential (thin web panel) functionality can reside on the central control unit and not on the end device. This can offer significant advantages for practical application.

[0075] 12248 WO A further advantage is that the central control unit can set restrictions on the user interface pre-configured for the end devices, thus restricting the operation of the treatment machines. This prevents unauthorized or unqualified service personnel from performing actions on the treatment machine that could lead to problems or malfunctions.

[0076] Thanks to mobile devices, the respective treatment machine—ideally all treatment machines—can then have only a very reduced display or no screen at all for a user interface, thus dispensing with a screen entirely. This makes it possible to provide and operate multiple screen-free treatment machines.

[0077] This significantly reduces the complexity of exclusively controlling the treatment machine directly at the treatment machine's location.

[0078] The treatment machines, the central control unit and the terminal device can advantageously be located in a network and be communicatively coupled (in the sense of data exchange) via this network.

[0079] The system can advantageously include multiple terminal devices, each capable of displaying the user interfaces of the treatment machines. This allows different treatment machines to be operated with different terminal devices, simplifying operation.

[0080] According to another aspect, the respective treatment machine can exclusively comprise an operating device that offers less functionality than the user interface on the end device. This reduced functionality primarily concerns the visual display of information or data on a screen (also called a display or panel), which is not provided on the treatment machine. Therefore, the operating device of the respective treatment machine can be advantageously screen-free (display-free). According to the present disclosure, stationary operating elements, in particular displays in the sense of screens, panels, or similar devices, are largely dispensed with.

[0081] The operating unit of the respective treatment machine may only be equipped with a manual input device, such as a keyboard console, which

[0082] 12248 WO is set up to receive and transmit commands to the treatment machine.

[0083] In an even more simplified form, the operating device of the respective treatment machine can include or be a control element in the form of a push button, in particular an emergency stop switch. A push button, in particular an emergency stop switch, can also be provided in addition to a keypad.

[0084] The present invention, firstly, keeps sensitive electronics away from the production area, so that malfunctions or failures caused by environmental influences (e.g., high temperatures, water, dust, accidents, etc.) have virtually no impact on the failure probability of the operating device (HMI components). This increases the availability of the system.

[0085] According to one aspect, a clearer and stricter separation can also take place between line operation (material supply by operator) and line monitoring (process and quality control by process technologists in QA).

[0086] According to one aspect, for example, an operator can focus on his core tasks (material flow and supply of the machines in the line) and is not irritated / overburdened by complex machine functions, so that incorrect operation at the local HMI of the treatment machine(s) is virtually eliminated.

[0087] Process technologists can analyze line performance from the control room and implement well-considered process optimizations to increase or maintain consistently high line performance. In addition to improved task allocation in plant operation, this concept increases plant availability and efficiency while reducing costs. In particular, the maintenance of the hardware and software used for plant operation becomes significantly simpler.

[0088] The terminal can be configured so that a service technician can operate the treatment machine using the user interface on the terminal. In this respect, the user interface has the appropriate functionality for the respective treatment machine. For example, the user interface can be configured for commissioning, operation, maintenance, control, as well as for testing or data analysis of the respective treatment machine.

[0089] 12248 WOThe user interface can be flexibly adapted for any application and any type of operation.

[0090] The terminal devices and their user interfaces are set up to be particularly advantageous for the commissioning and maintenance of the treatment machines.

[0091] According to one aspect, the end devices can be supported with simple apps (applications, software) for machine-level operation and fault analysis using AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AR (Augmented Reality). A chatbot that provides specific, tailored information can also be advantageously implemented on the end devices. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is proposed to provide specific apps on the end devices for certain applications and uses, and to design the end devices, for example, as a pure web browser (thin or zero client) only for commissioning and maintenance. This allows for gradual changes to the functionality of the end devices, depending on the area of ​​application.

[0092] Another advantageous aspect is the use of the line control system with a central server for connecting end devices, such as mobile clients, with central performance and quality control for the production line.

[0093] The screen of a terminal device can advantageously configure itself automatically when approaching (within a defined distance) the respective treatment machine, so that the user interface for the corresponding treatment machine is displayed on the screen. This can be achieved using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0094] The user interfaces on the terminal devices for the respective treatment machines can each feature a number of individual graphical and / or text-based controls. It is advantageous to define which controls are displayed, accessible, and usable on each terminal device, and to what extent.

[0095] The end devices may also be equipped with an audio and / or video control system, which further improves usability.

[0096] 12248 WOAlternatively or additionally, noise monitoring and / or video surveillance systems can also be installed on the terminal devices to assist in monitoring the individual machines.

[0097] The present disclosure also provides a method for treating containers by means of a system with a plurality of functionally coupled treatment machines, in particular wherein one of the treatment machines is a forming device.

[0098] The treatment machines are operated and controlled by a central control unit, which is coupled to and configured with the treatment machines to run operating and control software. On the one hand, a user interface for each treatment machine can be displayed and operated on one or more screens of the central control unit. On the other hand, at least one mobile device can be provided and configured to display a user interface for each treatment machine on its screen, with the treatment machines, the central control unit, and the mobile device communicating via a wireless network.

[0099] The present disclosure also provides a device and a method in which a plurality of treatment machines, in particular screen-free ones, are set up and functionally coupled to manufacture and / or treat containers. The system is further configured to communicate with a central control unit such that the user interfaces of the treatment machines, in particular screen-free ones, can be displayed on the central control unit in the manner of a virtual server. The system comprises a plurality of mobile devices, each of which can be configured and / or is configured as a non-exclusive mobile operating device for the plurality of treatment machines. Furthermore, the system is configured to flexibly and interchangeably display and make usable the user interfaces of different treatment machines on the screens of the mobile devices.

[0100] The user interfaces can each comprise multiple controls, which can be individually enabled and disabled. These controls can be graphical or text-based input and output options.

[0101] 12248 WO The present disclosure aims to ensure that none of the processing machines (machines / equipment) in a production line (e.g., a beverage line) has its own local, complex panel (screen), such as a touch panel, for comprehensive machine operation and monitoring. This is therefore a "HMI Panelless Machine Operation" (HMI-PLMO). With the help of this disclosure, the individual machines in the production line are equipped only with a minimal operator console (e.g., a keypad) that allows the operator to trigger basic machine functions directly at the machine. All other specific information and settings for each machine in the production line, which were previously accessed or configured via machine-located HMI touch panels, are now managed centrally from a line control station for the production line.In the event that machine-side inspections or adjustments are required, the operator or maintenance technician can use a mobile device (e.g., AR glasses, smartphone, tablet) with corresponding apps provided by the central server in the control room. The mobile devices connect automatically in close proximity to the machine, for example, via RFID or NFC technology, to minimize the connection time.

[0102] The present disclosure enables mobile devices to allow for very local and rapid testing and monitoring of individual plant parts and components in the event of a malfunction of a treatment machine (machine), in contrast to a permanently mounted operating device at one location on the machine.

[0103] Modern AR glasses (augmented reality glasses) also open up new possibilities for fault localization and troubleshooting on the treatment machine(s). Service personnel can be provided with 3D images of the system or 3D component images of the machine via the central server.

[0104] Furthermore, new possibilities are opening up regarding the use of AI or chatbots via AR glasses or smartphone (keyword "speech to text" to overcome language barriers or illiteracy).

[0105] The use of modern audio and video control modules within the machines of a production line can also be supplemented to acoustically detect anomalies in the operation of the system.

[0106] 12248 WOund / or visually, automatically, or analytically detectable. Furthermore, specific apps for mobile devices can be developed and adapted more quickly than in the often complex, monolithic HMI software environments.

[0107] Brief description of the characters

[0108] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description below and from the claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show:

[0109] Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic view of a plant according to the state of the art and

[0110] Fig. 2 shows a simplified schematic view of a system for carrying out the method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0111] Detailed description of exemplary implementations

[0112] Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic view of a plant 100 according to the prior art. The conventional plant 100 comprises several stations and processing machines BM. The processing, in this case the production and filling of the containers 7, takes place from left to right. A highly simplified, combined processing machine BMI (I for Input or In) is used for feeding, singulating, and, for example, sterilizing preforms 6. From the first processing machine(s) BMI, the preforms 6 are transferred to the first processing machine BM1 via transfer devices (not shown). This machine can be a conveying device that orients and feeds the preforms 6 for subsequent forming in BM2. This is particularly true if a heating device for preforms is considered a functional unit of a blow molding machine BM2. However, other perspectives are also possible. For example, forming can take place in BM2.It could therefore be a blow molding machine or a stretch blow molding machine.

[0113] The shaped containers 7 can also be transferred from treatment machine BM2 to treatment machine BM3 via transfer devices.

[0114] 12248 WO could be, for example, a filling machine (filler) which may also include a closing device.

[0115] By means of further transfer devices, the filled and sealed containers 7 are transferred to a final treatment machine BMO (0 for output), which may include a labeler and possibly also a packaging machine.

[0116] The treatment machines BM mentioned are merely examples and are presented in a highly simplified manner to illustrate a conventional plant 100 with a plurality of treatment machines BMx that are functionally coupled. However, the present disclosure expressly relates to all treatment machines BM for containers and is by no means limited to the examples shown and described.

[0117] For the treatment machines BM1-BM3, it is shown by way of example that these operating devices BR1, BR2, and BR3 each have a screen displaying a user interface OB1, OB2, and OB3, respectively. Such operating devices BR1, BR2, and BR3 are referred to within the present disclosure as exclusive operating devices because they are configured both mechanically (and electrically) and in terms of the user interface configuration BO1-BO3 solely for operating the respective treatment machine BM1-BM3. Thus, operating device BR1 serves only to operate treatment machine BM1, operating device BR2 only to operate treatment machine BM2, and operating device BR3 only to operate treatment machine BM3. Furthermore, these operating devices BR1 to BR3 are also mechanically and electrically coupled only to these respective treatment machines BM1-BM3. In this sense, the operating devices BR1 to BR3 of the Fig.1 exclusive. They cannot be arranged or used on other treatment machines BM1-BM3.

[0118] In known further developments of the plant 100 presented here, there are systems in which the treatment machines are located in one or more networks. Mobile devices are also used in these systems, which can be used to operate the treatment machines. The present disclosure goes a step further because it has been recognized that the use of mobile operating devices alone does not yet provide sufficient advantages.

[0119] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic view of a system or device 1 for carrying out the method according to an exemplary embodiment. The central control unit 2 (also called control station) is located in the upper part of the diagram. The central control unit 2 comprises a screen 3 and numerous computing, communication, and storage devices 4 (e.g., databases), which are simplified and represented as a single block. The central control unit 2 communicates via a data or communication link with one or more networks NW, which are also simplified and symbolized by a cloud.

[0120] In the lower part, on the right-hand side, are the exemplary treatment machines BM1, BM2, and BM3. These are functionally coupled in the same way as illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, here too, under certain circumstances and without limiting the generally applicable teaching of the present disclosure, preforms 6 and containers 7 are conveyed from one treatment machine BM1, BM2, and BM3 to the next. Of course, further treatment machines, such as the BMI and BMO shown in Fig. 1, or others, can also be provided here and coupled and configured in the same way as the three exemplary treatment machines BM1, BM2, and BM3.

[0121] In the lower part, on the left side, there are now three mobile terminals E1, E2 and E3 as examples, in contrast to Fig. 1. The double arrows symbolize electrical communication paths for data or information between the central control unit 2, the terminals E1-E3 and the treatment machines BM1, BM2 and BM3.

[0122] Communication takes place via one or more networks NW. However, direct communication or data exchange between the end devices E1-E3 and the treatment machines BM1-BM3 is also possible. The double arrows KE1, KE2, and KE3 symbolize the communication or data exchange between the mobile end devices E1, E2, and E3 with the central control unit 2 and the treatment machines BM1, BM2, and BM3 via the network(s) NW.

[0123] The double arrows KEB1, KEB2 and KEB2 symbolize a possible direct communication with specific data / information about the treatment machines BM1, BM2 and BM3 via further data or communication channels.

[0124] 12248 WOSince the terminal devices E1-E3 are mobile, the communication paths KE1 to KE3 between the central control unit 2, as well as the channels KEB1 to KEB3 between the terminal devices E1-E3 and the treatment machines BM1-BM3, are designed according to known communication standards for wireless data transmission. For mobile communication, i.e., the data exchange between terminal devices E1-E3 and treatment machines BM1-BM3 as well as the central control unit 2, one or more of the following standards are considered within the scope of this disclosure, although this list is not exhaustive:

[0125] 1. Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 standards), such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax (Wi-Fi 6), IEEE 802.11 be (Wi-Fi 7),

[0126] 2. Bluetooth: such as Bluetooth 1.0 to 5.4 (latest version), Bluetooth LE (Low Energy),

[0127] 3. Mobile communications standards: such as 2G (GSM, GPRS, EDGE): Global System for Mobile Communications, 3G (UMTS, HSPA): Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, 4G (LTE, LTE-A): Long-Term Evolution, 5G (NR): 5th Generation New Radio,

[0128] 4. Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4): A standard for wireless networking of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT),

[0129] 5. Z-Wave: Wireless communication standard, primarily for smart home applications,

[0130] 6. NFC (Near Field Communication): Short-range communication standard for data transmission (e.g. mobile payment),

[0131] 7. LoRa (Long Range): A low-energy standard for long-distance communication, especially for IoT.

[0132] 8. Sigfox: Low data rate wireless communication service, specifically for IoT applications,

[0133] 9. WiMAX (IEEE 802.16): Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, especially for wireless broadband internet access,

[0134] 10. UWB (Ultra-Wideband): Short-range communication, especially for high-precision location determination,

[0135] 11. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Standard for wireless communication for the identification and tracking of objects,

[0136] 12. DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications): Standard for cordless phones,

[0137] 12248 WO13 I rDA (Infrared Data Association): Communication using infrared light for data transmission over short distances,

[0138] 14. Thread: Mesh network standard specifically for smart home devices.

[0139] The end devices E1-E3 also have their own electrical energy storage devices (e.g., rechargeable batteries, batteries), which temporarily make them independent of a wired power supply. The mobile end devices E1-E3 can advantageously be notebooks or tablets.

[0140] For wired communication or data exchange that may exist between the treatment machines BM1-BM3 and the central control unit 2, one or more standards from the following non-exhaustive list may be considered:

[0141] 1. Ethernet (IEEE 802.3): Ethernet is the most widely used standard for wired networks. There are 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet), 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet), 40GBASE-T, and 100GBASE-T: various transmission speeds from 10 Mbps up to 100 Gbps. Furthermore, there is Power over Ethernet (PoE, IEEE 802.3af / at / bt) for transmitting power and data over a single Ethernet cable.

[0142] 2. Token Ring (IEEE 802.5): Network standard originally developed by IBM, but now largely replaced by Ethernet.

[0143] 3. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): ADSL, VDSL: Technologies for using existing copper telephone lines for fast internet connections.

[0144] 4. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): Technology that transmits voice and data digitally over normal telephone lines.

[0145] 5. FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface): A standard for networks that uses fiber optic cables and was mainly used in backbone networks.

[0146] 6. Fiber Optic Networks (Fiber Optic Standards): these include SONET / SDH: Synchronous Optical Networking, for the transmission of large amounts of data over fiber optics and Gigabit Ethernet over fiber optics: IEEE 802.3z (1000BASE- LX / SX), as well as 10G, 40G, 100G Ethernet, the standards for high transmission rates over fiber optics.

[0147] 12248 WO7. Powerline Communication (PLC): Standards such as HomePlug AV and G.hn for the transmission of data over electrical lines.

[0148] 8. MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance): Standard for data transmission over coaxial cable, often used for home networks and TV signal transmission.

[0149] 9. G.hn (ITU-T G.9960): A universal standard that enables data transmission over different lines (power lines, coaxial cables, telephone cables).

[0150] 10. Serial Communication Standards: these include RS-232, RS-422, RS-485: Serial communication standards for point-to-point connections and industrial applications.

[0151] 11. USB (Universal Serial Bus): USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1: Wired connections mainly for peripheral devices.

[0152] 12. Thunderbolt: A high-speed interface primarily used for connecting monitors and external storage devices.

[0153] 13. IEEE 1901: Standard for broadband powerline communication, for data transmission over electrical lines at high data rates.

[0154] Compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 according to the prior art, the operating surfaces BO1-BO3 have been moved from the fixed position and functionality on a treatment machine BM1-BM3 to the terminal devices E1-E3.

[0155] Due to the end devices E1-E3 and the provision of the functionality of the user interfaces BO1-BO3 on the end devices E1-E3, the user interfaces and thus the complex screens / displays can be dispensed with on the treatment machines BM1-BM3.

[0156] Firstly, this reduces the complexity and cost of a dedicated control system for the treatment machines BM1-BM3. Secondly, it enables centralized monitoring and updating of the treatment interfaces on the central control unit 2 and thus also on the mobile devices E1, E2, and E3.

[0157] The increasing resolution, and consequently the rising costs and technical complexity of screens and displays, has developed dramatically in recent decades. Older LCD displays, such as 7-segment LCD displays, do not have a high resolution.

[0158] 12248 WPs. Their resolution is not specified in pixels, but by the number of segments. Monochrome LCD displays (text displays) typically have 128x64 pixels. They are commonly found in older calculators or measuring instruments. Earlier laptop LCDs had 640x480 (VGA) pixels and were the standard for early laptops in the 1990s. Earlier portable TV LCDs (also in the 1990s) had 320x240 (QVGA) pixels. Classic computer monitors (CRTs and early LCDs) typically had 800x600 (SVGA) or 1024x768 (XGA) (for CRTs), and LCD monitors in the early 2000s had 1024x768 (XGA) or 1280x1024 (SXGA) pixels. Current HD monitors have 1920x1080 (Full HD) pixels, which is the standard for many desktop monitors today. WQHD monitors with 2560x1440 (Quad HD) pixels are common in larger and higher-quality monitors.4K monitors have a resolution of 3840x2160 (Ultra HD) and are very popular for graphic design, gaming, or for large screens. Older notebooks (from the 2000s) have 366x768 pixels, and current Full HD notebooks have 1920x1080 pixels. Both tablets and modern laptops have resolutions well above 1000x1000 pixels, even exceeding 2000x2000 pixels. Accordingly, the resolution limits for the treatment machine display can be 2560x1440 pixels, 1920x1080 pixels, 1280x1024 pixels, 1024x768 pixels, 1024x768 pixels, 800x600 pixels, 640x480 pixels, 320x240 pixels, or 128x64 pixels. However, it is also possible to allow only very simple displays with fewer than 20, 10, or 5 individually adjustable segments / pixels. It is also possible to omit the treatment machine display entirely and, if necessary, provide only a single warning light.

[0159] The screens 5 of the terminal devices E1, E2 and E3 advantageously have a resolution that exceeds the limits specified above.

[0160] If there is any display on the operating machines BM1-BM3, it is advantageously located below the limits specified above.

[0161] The treatment machines BM1-BM3 can also be almost or completely screen-free, meaning that the treatment machines BM1-BM3 do not have a display in the sense of a screen.

[0162] 12248 Although shifting the display entropy of the user interfaces BO1-BO3 from the treatment machines BM1-BM3 to the end devices E1-E3 does not necessarily appear to reduce the number of screens, surprising positive and synergistic effects are evident. Updating or replacing the end devices E1-E3 is simpler than with fixed operating units (BR1 to BR3 in Fig. 1) on the treatment machines BM1-BM3. Furthermore, the end devices E1-E3 can be used much more flexibly and provide a greater number of different functions. There are also significant advantages for retrofitting the operating units of the treatment machines when these are essentially provided by mobile end devices E1-E3.

[0163] The user interfaces BO1 to BO3 are displayed, or can be displayed, on screen 3 of the central control unit 2 and on screen 5 of one or more mobile devices E1-E3. The user interfaces BO1-BO3 feature control elements BE11 to BE33. Control elements BE11 to BE33 can be graphical or text-based input and output elements, as well as voice-controlled (e.g., chatbot) and video elements, which enable the operation of a treatment machine BM1-BM3. Advantageously, the control elements BE11 to BE33 are freely configurable. Pre-configuration can be performed by or on the central control unit 2.

[0164] The control elements BE11, BE12 and E13 are assigned to the user interface BO1, the control elements BE21, BE22 and BE23 to the user interface OB2 and the control elements BE31, BE32 and BE33 to the user interface BO3.

[0165] Individual operating elements BE11 to BE33 may be unavailable on the terminal devices if the operating process does not permit it or if it is not required for that process. In particular, the availability and / or display of one or more operating elements may be made dependent on authorization by a service employee. Accordingly, the central control unit 2 can specify which user interfaces BO1-BO3 and / or operating elements BE11 to BE33 are available on a terminal device E1-E3.

[0166] The treatment machines BM1-BM3 advantageously retain only a very simple operating unit T1 to T3. The operating units T1 to T3 can be configured as ma-

[0167] 12248 WOTI

[0168] Manual input devices, such as a keyboard console or a simple push button, may be used. At best, an emergency light (also included in T1 to T3) may be provided, which, however, by definition, is not a screen within the meaning of this disclosure, or at least only displays with a resolution below the limit of XX x YY pixels.

[0169] Therefore, an installation 1 for the treatment of containers 6, 7 is disclosed here, comprising a plurality (line) of functionally interconnected treatment machines BM1-BM3. The installation 1 includes a central control unit 2 for the treatment machines BM1-BM3, which is coupled to and configured with the treatment machines BM1-BM3 to operate them, such that a respective user interface BO1-BO3 for each treatment machine BM1-BM3 is displayed and operable on one or more displays 3 of the central control unit 2.

[0170] The system 1 has several mobile terminal devices E1-E3, each of which has a screen 5 on which at least one user interface BO1-BO3 for one of the treatment machines BM1-BM3 can be flexibly displayed and used to operate the treatment machines BM1-BM3.

[0171] The treatment machines BM1-BM3, the central control unit 2 and the terminal unit E1-E3 are located in one (or more) wireless network NW and are communicatively coupled via this network.

[0172] The respective display entropy of a user interface BO1-BO3 for a treatment machine BM1-BM3 is essentially applied by the terminal device E1-E3 and not by an operating unit T1-T3 of the treatment machine BM1-BM3. The display entropy at an operating unit T1-T3 of the treatment machine BM1-BM3 is therefore significantly lower than at screen 5 of the terminal device E1-E3, where the display entropy is defined by the number of independent pixels.

[0173] The respective user interface BO1-BO3 is virtually hosted on the central control unit 2, similar to a server, and can be flexibly transferred to the end devices E1-E3. The end devices E1-E3 can then be configured as web browsers (internet browsers), for example, as clients with a zero or thin web panel. Therefore,

[0174] 12248 The entire (Zero Web Panel) or the essential (Thin Web Panel) functionality can reside on the central control unit 2 or 4, and not on the end device. The central control unit 2 or 4 can also be used to set up and utilize a database system tailored to the requirements of a production line in this area. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are suitable here; these are software systems that monitor and control production processes at the operational management level in real time. Alternatively, a Basic Line Monitoring (BLM) system with software components for acquiring and displaying performance data from various processing machines in one or more production lines (e.g., error correlations, a kind of small MES) can be used.Finally, a system of HMI / SCADA (Human-Machine Interface / Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software can be provided on the central control unit, which is used for monitoring and controlling the processes. It is also possible to transfer certain data / information (performance / errors) to an end device.

[0175] The T1-T3 operating unit has less functionality compared to the BO1-BO3 user interface on the E1-E3 terminal device.

[0176] The operating unit T1-T3 of the respective treatment machine BM1-BM3 can also be completely screen-free (display-free).

[0177] The operating unit T1-T3 of the respective treatment machine BM1-BM3 may include a keyboard console.

[0178] The operating device T1-T3 may include an operating element in the form of a push button, in particular an emergency stop switch, or may consist solely of this.

[0179] Each of the terminal devices E1-E3 is set up to allow a service employee to operate the treatment machine BM1-BM3 using the user interface BO1-BO3 on the terminal device E1-E3.

[0180] The user interface BO1-BO3 on screen 5 of each terminal device is automatically configured by the respective treatment machine BM1-BM3 when approached, especially within a defined distance, so that the user interface BO1-BO3 for the corresponding treatment machine BM1-BM3 can be displayed or is shown on screen 5.

[0181] 12248 WOThe user interfaces BO1-BO3 each have a plurality of control elements BE11 to BE33, each of which can be individually transferred to one of the terminal devices E1-E3 and can be individually switched on and off.

[0182] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the display entropy HE of a mobile device can be greater, in particular a factor of 3 or more greater, than the display entropy HB of the fixed user interface of the operating device of the treatment machine BM1-BM3. The operating device T1-T3 is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to one or more elements of the treatment machine BM1-BM3. The display entropy is calculated according to formula (1) H = -Sf=iPi * log2pi~), where C is the number of possible colors in the color space and pi is the probability of color i occurring. For simplification, the display entropy can also be calculated according to formula (2) H = log2(C), where C is the number of possible colors in the color space.

[0183] The user interface of the E1-E3 terminal can be flexibly configured, specifically for controlling the respective treatment machine BM1-BM3. Depending on the type of treatment machine BM1-BM3, the E1-E3 terminal will adopt a configuration specific to that machine and display a suitable user interface BO1-BO3. Accordingly, one E1-E3 terminal can be used flexibly for multiple or any treatment machine.

[0184] The resolution N of the display of the terminal device E1-E3 can be greater than the resolution N of the fixed (mechanically and / or electrically coupled) display of the operating device of the treatment machine BM1-BM3.

[0185] The screen diagonal of an end device E1-E3 can be larger than the screen diagonal of a display on the operating unit of the treatment machine BM1-BM3. This also simplifies the permanently installed components.

[0186] The user interface BO1-BO3 of the terminal device E1-E3 can be configured according to user roles, with the role-specific configuration including the roles "Administrator", "Operator", "Maintenance", and "Quality Assurance". In particular, the role-specific configuration can be defined for multiple treatment machines simultaneously, and this configuration must be adhered to.

[0187] 12248 WO The present disclosure also provides a system and a method for treating containers, within which a plurality of functionally interconnected treatment machines BM1-BM3 are used. There is a central control unit 2 for the treatment machines BM1-BM3, which is coupled to and configured with the treatment machines BM1-BM3 to operate the treatment machines BM1-BM3, such that a respective user interface for a treatment machine BM1-BM3 is displayed and operable on one or more displays 3 of the central control unit 2. There is at least one mobile terminal E1-E3 with a screen 5 on which at least one user interface BO1-BO3 for one of the treatment machines BM1-BM3 can be displayed and operated.The treatment machines BM1-BM3, the central control unit, and the terminal devices E1-E3 are located in a network NW and are communicatively coupled via this network. The resolution N and / or the respective display entropy HB of a user interface for a treatment machine BM1-BM3 is essentially provided by the terminal device E1-E3 and not by an operating unit of the treatment machine BM1-BM3.

[0188] 12248 WO reference number list

[0189] 1. Plant, technical plant, device for the treatment of containers

[0190] 2 central control unit

[0191] 3. Screen, display, screen of the central control unit

[0192] 4 Operating and computing devices of the central control unit

[0193] 5. Screen, display, screen of a terminal device

[0194] 6. Preform

[0195] 7. Shaped container (also filled and sealed container)

[0196] 100 plant in accordance with the state of the art

[0197] E1 first mobile device

[0198] E2 second mobile device

[0199] E3 third mobile device

[0200] BMI treatment machine(s) at the beginning of a system

[0201] BMO treatment machine(s) at the output of a plant

[0202] BM1 first treatment machine

[0203] BM2 second treatment machine

[0204] BM3 third treatment machine

[0205] BO1 first user interface

[0206] BO2 second user interface

[0207] BO3 third user interface

[0208] BE11, BE12, BE13 first, second and third control element of a user interface BE21, BE22, BE23 first, second and third control element of a user interface BE31, BE32, BE33 first, second and third control element of a user interface H Display entropy

[0209] HB Display entropy of the display of the fixed control unit HE Display entropy of the display of the terminal device

[0210] N Resolution in bxh pixels (b=width and h=height of the display) 12248 WOL brightness levels (Optional)

[0211] C Number of possible color levels in the color space of a display Pi Probability of the occurrence of color i

[0212] K1 first communication channel

[0213] KE1 First communication path between terminal device and network NW KE2 Second communication path between terminal device and network NW KE3 Third communication path between terminal device and network NW KEB1 Communication path between first terminal device and first treatment machine

[0214] KEB2 communication path between second terminal and second treatment machine

[0215] KEB3 communication path between third terminal and third treatment machine

[0216] T 1 Operating unit for BM1

[0217] T2 operating unit for BM2

[0218] T3 control unit for BM3

[0219] 12248 WO

Claims

Claims 1. System (1) for treating containers, comprising a plurality of functionally interconnected treatment machines (BM1-BM3), in particular wherein one of the treatment machines (BM1-BM3) is a forming device, wherein the system (1) further comprises: a central control unit (2) for the treatment machines (BM1-BM3), which is coupled to and configured with the treatment machines (BM1-BM3) to operate the treatment machines (BM1-BM3) in such a way that a respective user interface for a treatment machine (BM1-BM3) is displayed and operable on one or more displays (3) of the central control unit (2), wherein the system (1) comprises at least one mobile terminal device (EIES) with a screen (5) on which at least one user interface (BO1-BO3) for one of the treatment machines (BM1-BM3) can be displayed and operated, wherein the treatment machines (BM1-BM3),the central control unit (2) and the terminal device (E1-E3) are located in a network (NW) and are communicatively coupled via this network (NW), and wherein the respective display entropy (HB) of an operator interface for a treatment machine (BM1-BM3) is applied essentially by the terminal device (E1-E3) and not by an operator unit (T1-T3) of the treatment machine (BM1-BM3).

2. System (1) according to claim 1, wherein the display entropy (HE) of a mobile terminal device (E1-E3) is larger, in particular by a factor of 3 or more, than the display entropy (HB) of the user interface of the operating device (T1-T3) of the treatment machine (BM1-BM3).

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation of the display entropy is performed according to the formula H = - ,i=iPi * log2(.Pi) where C is the number of possible colors of the color space and pi is the probability of the occurrence of color i.

4. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation of the display entropy is simplified according to the formula H = log2(C), where C is the number of possible colors of the color space. 12248 WO5. Plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface of the terminal device (E1-E3) is specifically configurable, in particular flexibly configured, for controlling the respective treatment machine (BM1-BM3).

6. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the resolution (N) of the display of the terminal device (E1-E3) is greater than the resolution (N) of the display of the operating device (T1-T3) of the treatment machine (BM1-BM3).

7. Annex (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a screen diagonal of an end device (E1-E3) is larger than a screen diagonal of a display of the operating device of the treatment machine (BM1-BM3).

8. Annex (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface (BO1-BO3) of the terminal device (E1-E3) is role-specific and the role-specific configuration includes in particular the roles “Administrator”, “Operator”, “Maintenance” and “Quality Assurance”.

9. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective user interface (BO1-BO3) is virtually hosted on the central control unit (2) in the manner of a server and can be flexibly transferred to the terminal devices (E1-E3).

10. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (T1-T3) of the respective treatment machine (BM1-BM3) is screen-free.

11. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (T1-T3) of the respective treatment machine (BM1-BM3) comprises or is a keyboard console.

12. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (T 1 -T3) comprises or is an operating element in the form of a push button, in particular an emergency stop switch. 12248 WO13. Annex (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal device (EIES) is configured to make the treatment machine (BM1-BM3) operable by a service employee via the user interface (BO1-BO3) on the terminal device (E1-E3), in particular to make it operable in a role-specific manner.

14. Annex (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen of the terminal device (E1-E3) automatically configures itself upon approach, in particular within a defined distance, to the respective treatment machine (BM1-BM3) so that the user interface for the corresponding treatment machine (BM1-BM3) can be displayed or is displayed on the screen.

15. Method for treating containers using a system (1) with a plurality of functionally coupled treatment machines (BM1-BM3), in particular wherein one of the treatment machines (BM1-BM3) is a forming device, the method comprising: controlling the treatment machines (BM1-BM3) by means of a central control unit which is coupled and configured with the treatment machines (BM1-BM3), executing control software for controlling the treatment machines (BM1-BM3) such that a respective user interface for a treatment machine (BM1-BM3) is displayed and operable on one or more displays of the central control unit, wherein at least one mobile terminal (E1-E3) is provided and configured to display a user interface (BO1-BO3) for a treatment machine (BM1-BM3) on a display of the terminal (E1-E3) in the form of a screen (5), wherein the treatment machines (BM1-BM3),the central control unit (2) and the terminal device (E1-E3) communicate via a network (NW), and wherein a respective display entropy of an operator interface for a treatment machine (BM1-BM3) is provided by a display entropy of the terminal device (E1-E3), so that the display entropy of an operator unit (T1-T3) of the treatment machine (BM1-BM3) is significantly reduced compared to the display entropy of the terminal device (E1-E3). 12248 WO16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the user interfaces (BO1-BO3) each comprise a plurality of control elements (BE11 to BE33) which are each individually transmitted to one of the terminal devices (E1-E3) and can be individually switched on and off. 12248 WO

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