Control system for a technical installation
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/056588
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-25
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2026056588_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0002] 1
[0003] Description
[0004] Control system for a technical plant
[0005] DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION
[0006] The invention relates to a control system for a technical plant. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a control system for operating a technical plant and to a method for creating and displaying trend curves by a control system for a technical plant.
[0007] STATE OF THE ART
[0008] Measurement values assigned to specific technical objects, such as sensors within a system, can be visually displayed to an operator during operation and for system monitoring. To easily identify changes, the temporal progression of these measurements is often shown. These displays are also known as trend curves or trend curve diagrams. Using these curves, operators can review and monitor the current or historical development of measurement values.
[0009] For operators, historical periods with particular process-related relevance are of special interest. Process-related relevance exists, for example, when there have been deviations, frequent deviations, or serious deviations from normal operation. It is time-consuming and difficult for the operator to identify process-related trend curve segments with specific events or anomalies that are responsible for deviations from normal operation. Often, suspected events correlate with specific plant states or with the transitions between plant states. However, over long time periods, process values must be aggregated, which can alter the shape of the curve and make anomaly detection more difficult.
[0010] In the invention, aggregation refers to the combining of multiple process values over a specific period to reduce the amount of data and enable a clear presentation in trend curves. Since there are often more process values than can be displayed on the available drawing area (pixels), these values are aggregated to ensure meaningful visualization. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0011] 2
[0012] Aggregation helps to represent longer periods in trend curves without the curve becoming cluttered with excessive data. This involves combining the raw data in a specific ratio. For example, four process values could be aggregated into a single aggregated value.
[0013] EP 3805882 A1 discloses a control system for a technical plant which includes an operator station client that is trained to generate so-called XY trend diagrams to visualize measured values of technical objects of the technical plant.
[0014] EP 4092502 A1 discloses a control system of a technical plant which includes an operator station server which is designed to generate image information about a time course from a measured quantity belonging to a technical object of the technical plant.
[0015] The publication "Runtime-Suitable Aggregations of Process Data for Visualizing Process Engineering Trend Curves without Loss of Significance" (Prior Art Publishing GmbH, Berlin, June 3, 2020, XP007023222) discloses an aggregation method in which an arithmetic mean, as well as the smallest and largest measured values, are determined within an aggregation interval. The process value exhibiting the greatest deviation from the mean is then selected. This method, also known as "Most Significant Point Aggregation (MSPA)," serves for the efficient online and offline aggregation of process data to display trend curves in control systems. The publication further describes the integration of the MSPA algorithm into the operator station server of a control system, enabling the visualization of aggregated trend points without loss of significance.
[0016] The Siemens AG documentation “SIMATIC HMI WinCC V7.4 - Working with WinCC” (February 29, 2016, XP093315207, URL: https: / / cache.industry.siemens.com / dl / fi-les / 220 / 109736220 / att_879787 / v1 / WinCC_Working_with_WinCC_de-DE_de-DE.pdf) discloses a system for visualizing process data that can display trend curves from online and archived variables and provides functions such as color highlighting, limit value displays, and message information in conjunction with curve representations. In particular, it discloses that a WinCC Online TrendControl can be used to display measured values in the form of curves, points, or other graphical representations. Furthermore, the document describes mechanisms for color-coding limit violations, displaying historical data, assigning axes, and supplementing the 202503251 foreign version 06.03.2026
[0017] 3
[0018] Curve display via messages and tooltips. However, the aggregation logic of the measured values is not changed; only visualization and operating functions for trend curves are provided.
[0019] EP 4163741 A1 discloses a control system for a technical plant designed to generate documentation information and store it in memory in response to an operator's instruction. The control system comprises an Operator Station Server, which creates visualization information, and an Operator Station Client for displaying a plant image with at least one image element in which plant data can be visually represented. The documentation information includes both the plant image displayed at the time of acquisition and the measured values or messages associated with this image. The document thus describes a system for generating and storing contextualized plant states, but not a specific aggregation method for selecting individual measured values within an aggregation interval.
[0020] Furthermore, various methods for aggregating process values are used in the prior art to enable their representation in trend curves. These methods include calculating mean, minimum, or maximum values within an aggregation interval. However, these aggregation methods have the disadvantage of altering the curve shape and smoothing important extreme values, which makes anomaly detection more difficult. Operators must also manually search for deviating values, which is time-consuming and error-prone. The limited display capacity leads to a reduction in the level of detail, which can cause important anomalies to be overlooked. Moreover, many systems lack automatic anomaly detection, which reduces monitoring efficiency.
[0021] Based on the previously described prior art and disadvantages, the invention aims to provide a control system for a technical plant which increases the efficiency and flexibility of the operation and monitoring of the technical plant.
[0022] SOLUTION TO THE TASK
[0023] This problem is solved by a control system for a technical plant with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by the use of a control system for operating a technical plant, in particular a manufacturing or process plant according to claim 10, and by a method for creating and displaying trend curves. [202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026]
[0024] 4
[0025] by a guidance system for a technical plant according to claim 11. Advantageous further developments result from the dependent claims.
[0026] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The control system for a technical plant comprises at least one Operator Station Server and one Operator Station Client. The Operator Station Server includes a visualization service for outputting image information to the Operator Station Client. The Operator Station Server is configured to generate a trend curve of measured values and a trend curve of time-aggregated measured values from a measured quantity belonging to a technical object of the plant. The Operator Station Client is configured to visually display the trend curve of the measured values and the trend curve of the time-aggregated measured values to an operator of the technical plant.
[0028] The control system is characterized by the fact that the operator station server is configured to determine, for each measurement within an aggregation interval during the calculation of an aggregated measurement value, a significance level as the deviation of the respective measurement value from the arithmetic mean of the measurements within the aggregation interval. The largest absolute significance level within the aggregation interval is determined, and the corresponding measurement value is defined as the time-aggregated measurement value of the aggregation interval. For this defined time-aggregated measurement value, a significance level is additionally determined, which indicates the relative deviation of the arithmetic mean of the measurements from the aggregated measurement value.The significance level serves as a measure of how much the aggregated measurement value deviates from the average value of the measurements and thus provides an indication of potential anomalies or unusual process states.
[0029] The guidance system is designed to visually highlight measured values or time-aggregated measured values that have a specific or calculated degree of significance within the respective trend curves.
[0030] The visualization service is designed to transmit the trend curve of the measured values and the trend curve of the time-aggregated measured values to the Operator Station Client.
[0031] The technical installation in question can be a plant from the process industry, such as a chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical plant, or a plant from the food and beverage industry. This also includes any plants from the [202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026]
[0032] 5
[0033] The manufacturing industry includes factories where, for example, cars or goods of all kinds are produced. Technical facilities can also come from the energy generation sector. Wind turbines, solar panels, or power plants for energy production are likewise encompassed by the term "technical facility."
[0034] In this context, a control system is understood to be a computer-aided, technical system that includes functionalities for displaying, operating, and controlling the technical plant. The control system can also include process objects. Process objects are, in particular, components of a control system that are operable and / or observable and generate messages. These can include, for example, peripheral devices such as sensors for determining measured values, as well as various actuators. Furthermore, the control system can include so-called process- or production-related components that serve to control the actuators or sensors. In addition, the control system can include, among other things, means for visualizing the process plant and for engineering purposes. Optionally, the control system can also include additional computing units for more complex control systems and systems for data storage and processing.
[0035] In this context, an "Operator Station Server" is understood to be a server that centrally collects data from an operating and monitoring system, as well as typically alarm and measurement data archives from a control system of a technical plant, and makes this data available to users (so-called operators). The Operator Station Server usually establishes a communication link to the automation systems of the technical plant and forwards data from the plant to the so-called Operator Station Client, which is used to operate and monitor the individual functional elements of the technical plant. An Operator Station Client can be a standard computer with a monitor. However, an Operator Station Client can also be a smartphone, a tablet, or similar device.
[0036] The Operator Station Client can be located within the technical facility along with the Operator Station Server. However, it is also possible for the Operator Station Server and / or the Operator Station Client to be located remotely, i.e., outside the technical facility. In particular, the Operator Station Client can be implemented in a cloud, i.e., in a computer network outside the technical facility.
[0037] The Operator Station Server can have client functions to access the data (archives, messages, tags, variables) of other Operator Station Servers. This allows images 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0038] 6
[0039] The operation of the technical system on the Operator Station Server can be combined with variables from other Operator Station Servers (server-to-server communication). The Operator Station Server can be, but is not limited to, a SIMATIC PCS 7 Industrial Workstation Server from Siemens.
[0040] An operator is a human operator of the technical equipment. The operator interacts with the technical equipment and its control system via special user interfaces and controls specific technical functions of the equipment. For this purpose, the operator can use an operating and monitoring system (the Operator Station Client in conjunction with the Operator Station Server) of the control system.
[0041] In a manner familiar to most, the control system is designed to visually represent the temporal progression of measured values (also known as "trend curves") in a corresponding trend graph. This visual representation can be displayed, for example, on a computer screen, a tablet, or a smartphone. A temporal progression of a measured value in a trend graph refers to a trend curve or a visual representation of the progression of measured values over a specific time period. For example, the trend graph might show that the first measured value at time t=5s from a given starting time is 10 bar (in the case of a pressure quantity as the measured value).
[0042] Aggregated measured values play a crucial role in the operation and monitoring of process plants. Trend curves are integrated into symbolic plant diagrams used to visualize the process relationships between process objects. These trend curves represent the progression of measured values over an adjustable time range. If more measured values are available for the set time range than the available drawing area (pixels), aggregation methods are typically applied. These methods combine multiple individual measured values into a single value, the aggregated measured value, to make the data manageable and understandable. Aggregation can be performed using various methods, such as summation, averaging, median, maximum and minimum values, or standard deviation.In the invention described, the aggregated measured value is determined by identifying the largest absolute significance value for an arithmetic mean value within an aggregation interval.
[0043] The Operator Station Server is designed to determine the significance of each measurement within an aggregation interval when calculating an aggregated measurement value. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0044] 7
[0045] Determine the significance. This significance is calculated as the deviation of the respective measured value from an arithmetic mean of the measured values within the aggregation interval.
[0046] To ensure the most precise anomaly detection, the Operator Station Server determines the largest significance value within the aggregation interval. The corresponding measurement value is then defined as the time-aggregated measurement value of the aggregation interval.
[0047] The control system according to the invention is characterized by a method for calculating and displaying aggregated measured values. The operator station server is configured to determine the significance of each measured value within an aggregation interval when calculating an aggregated measured value. This significance is calculated as the deviation of the respective measured value from the arithmetic mean of the measured values within the aggregation interval.
[0048] For example, a control system has a defined aggregation interval of 5 minutes. Within this interval, the following measurements were recorded: 10, 12, 15, 14, and 10. First, the arithmetic mean of these measurements is calculated as follows: (10 + 12 + 15 + 14 + 10) / 5 = 12.2. Then, the significance for each measurement is determined by calculating the deviation from the mean. For measurement 10, the significance is -2.2, for measurement 12 it is 0.2, for measurement 15 it is +2.8, for measurement 14 it is +1.8, and for measurement 10 it is -2.2.
[0049] To ensure the most precise anomaly detection, the Operator Station Server determines the largest absolute significance within the aggregation interval. In the example above, the largest absolute significance is 2.8, which applies to measurement 15. The corresponding measurement with the highest significance is then defined as the time-aggregated measurement of the aggregation interval. In this case, measurement 15 is defined as the time-aggregated measurement.
[0050] In addition, a significance level is determined for the defined aggregated measurement. The significance level can be the relative deviation of the arithmetic mean of the measurements from the aggregated measurement within a specific aggregation interval. It is calculated by determining the absolute difference between the respective measurement and the mean of all measurements in the aggregation interval and dividing by the mean. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0051] Measured value - mean of the aggregation interval significance level =
[0052] Mean of the aggregation interval
[0053] The calculation of the significance level is explained below using an example. The following measurements are available within an aggregation interval: 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, and 100°C. First, the arithmetic mean of this aggregation interval is determined. The mean is 62°C.
[0054] To determine the anomaly of each measurement, the significance is calculated in the next step, i.e., the absolute difference between the respective measurement and the mean value. The significance is as follows: The measurement at 45°C has a significance of 17, the measurement at 50°C a significance of 12, the measurement at 55°C a significance of -7, the measurement at 60°C a significance of 2, and the measurement at 100°C a significance of 38. Therefore, the measurement at 100°C has the greatest absolute significance compared to the mean value of 62°C.
[0055] To calculate the significance level, the relative significance is determined by dividing the significance level by the mean. The significance level indicates how much each measurement deviates from the mean. The significance levels are: The measurement at 45°C has a significance level of 0.27, the measurement at 50°C a significance level of 0.19, the measurement at 55°C a significance level of 0.11, the measurement at 60°C a significance level of 0.03, and the measurement at 100°C a significance level of 0.61. The measurement at 100°C thus has the highest significance level of 0.61 and indicates a possible anomaly in the operation of a technical system.
[0056] The significance level serves to identify particularly striking deviations within the measured values and is preferably expressed as a percentage. A high significance level indicates that a measured value deviates significantly from the average and thus potentially represents an anomaly. The measured value(s) exhibiting a certain significance level are visually highlighted for the operator in the trend curve of the measured values or the time-aggregated measured values.
[0057] The operator can thus immediately identify which data points within the trend curve are particularly striking and may therefore indicate anomalies or unusual process patterns. This increases the efficiency of monitoring and analysis. (202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026)
[0058] 9
[0059] Operators no longer need to painstakingly check all data points manually, but can instead focus specifically on the highlighted or aggregated measurements. This saves time and reduces the likelihood of errors in anomaly detection.
[0060] The visualization service of the control system is designed to transmit the trend curve of the measured values, as well as the trend curve of the time-aggregated measured values, to the operator station client. This enables the operator to identify the most significant deviations within these measured values. This detailed representation can help the operator efficiently identify anomalies and take appropriate action.
[0061] Preferably, the control system is designed such that the operator station client is trained to visually highlight the aggregated measured values with the greatest significance in absolute value within an aggregation interval when a trend curve of the measured values is displayed.
[0062] This means that the Operator Station Client is able to clearly highlight the most important and conspicuous measured values within a specific time period on the trend curve, providing the operator with a clear and concise overview. This can happen automatically, for example, or upon request from the operator. This functionality allows the operator to quickly and efficiently identify the most significant deviations in the measured values. This facilitates the identification of anomalies and enables targeted data analysis. The visual highlighting of the aggregated measured values with the greatest significance helps the operator to immediately become aware of critical changes in the process and take appropriate action.
[0063] Visual highlighting could be implemented via a feature preferably integrated into the user interface of the control system or the operator station client. This feature can be accessed through a simple user interface, such as a selection field, a toolbar, or a context menu. The operator can activate the visual highlighting of aggregated measured values to immediately identify significant deviations in the trend curve. If the operator does not require the visual highlighting or wishes to view the trend curve without this additional information, they can just as easily deactivate the feature. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0064] 10
[0065] Preferably, the control system is designed to visually highlight the measured values displayed in the trend curves or time-aggregated measured values, depending on their significance level. For this purpose, the operator station client can specifically mark measured values whose significance level reaches or exceeds a predefined or calculated value. This visual highlighting can be achieved through color coding, special symbols, a modified line or dot representation, or a combination of these methods. This immediately draws the operator's attention to those measured values that exhibit a particularly striking deviation compared to the arithmetic mean of the measured values.The highlighting helps the operator to quickly identify potential anomalies or unusual process trends, thus contributing to more efficient monitoring and analysis of the technical system without having to manually check all measured values.
[0066] In an advantageous further development of the invention, the control system is designed to provide the operator with a selection functionality by means of which the operator can switch the visual highlighting of measured values on or off based on the degree of significance in the trend curve of the time-aggregated measured values.
[0067] This selection functionality is preferably integrated into the user interface of the control system or the operator station client and can be accessed via a simple interface, such as a selection field, a toolbar, or a context menu. The operator has the option to activate the visual highlighting of aggregated measured values to immediately identify significant deviations in the trend curve. If the operator does not require the visual highlighting or wishes to view the trend curve without this additional information, they can just as easily deactivate the functionality. This provides the operator with the flexibility to adapt the trend curve display to their current needs and preferences, thereby increasing the usability of the control system and supporting the operator in efficiently monitoring and analyzing measured values.This functionality allows the operator to decide, depending on the situation, whether to focus on the significant deviations or prefer an undisturbed view of the aggregated measurements. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026.
[0068] 11
[0069] The control system can advantageously be designed to provide the operator with a preselection functionality by means of which the operator can specify the degree of significance, in particular by specifying a percentage value.
[0070] This functionality allows the operator to individually define the significance threshold for measured values, particularly by specifying a percentage. For example, the operator can enter a specific percentage via the control system's user interface to serve as the significance threshold. For instance, the operator could specify that only measured values with a significance level of at least 10% are highlighted or displayed. This means that the highlighted measured values deviate by at least 10% from the mean of the respective aggregation interval. By increasing or decreasing the significance level, the operator can adjust the sensitivity of anomaly detection to the specific requirements and conditions of the monitored system, either to detect more potential anomalies or to highlight only the most conspicuous deviations.It would also be conceivable that the threshold for the significance level is predefined in the Operator Station Server, so that the operator does not have to select it.
[0071] The default functionality can be configured, for example, via an input mask, a selection field with various predefined values, or a slider in the user interface of the control system or the operator station client. The operator can enter or select the desired percentage, and the system adjusts the visual highlighting of the measured values in the trend curve accordingly.
[0072] Preferably, the control system is designed to provide the operator with a display functionality by means of which the operator can display assigned measured values of the aggregated measured values in the trend curve of the time-aggregated measured values.
[0073] The display functionality can also be referred to as loop-in functionality. This functionality can be integrated into the user interface of the control system or the operator station client and can be accessed via a user interface, such as a button. When the operator clicks on or selects a specific aggregated measurement value in the trend curve, they can activate the loop-in function. The measurements used to calculate the aggregated measurement value are then displayed in detail. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0074] 12
[0075] This display functionality allows the operator to analyze the underlying measurements in detail and gain a better understanding of the aggregated data. In particular, when identifying and evaluating anomalies, it is helpful to examine the measurements to recognize the causes of unusual deviations. The operator can quickly and efficiently switch between the aggregated view and the individual measurements without having to manually search for the relevant values.
[0076] In an advantageous further development of the invention, the control system is designed to provide the operator with an export functionality by means of which the operator can export the associated measured values of the aggregated measured values in order to subsequently process them externally.
[0077] The export functionality can be integrated into the user interface of the control system or the operator station client and can be accessed via a simple interface, such as a button or a menu. The operator can then select the desired measured values and start the export process. The data can be exported in a suitable format, such as CSV, Excel, or another common data format.
[0078] This functionality allows the operator to use the aggregated measurement data for further analysis, reports, or other external applications. This is particularly useful when detailed evaluations or specific investigations are required that go beyond the capabilities of the control system. The exported data can be further processed, visualized, or archived in external software tools.
[0079] Preferably, the control system is designed to provide the operator with a navigation functionality based on the previously configured significance level, by means of which the operator can navigate between the aggregated measured values in the temporal course of the trend curve.
[0080] This functionality allows the operator to navigate the trend curve selectively and identify and analyze the aggregated measurements that exceed the significance level set by the operator. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0081] 13
[0082] Navigation is accomplished via a button, allowing the operator to quickly and efficiently switch between aggregated measurements. Measurements exceeding the configured significance level can be highlighted, enabling the operator to immediately identify potentially anomalous data points.
[0083] This functionality can help the operator concentrate on, or focus on, the most important deviations in the trend curve over time. Through navigation, the operator can identify patterns and trends that indicate potential problems or unusual developments.
[0084] The control system can advantageously be designed to accommodate the fact that the technical plant is a manufacturing or process plant.
[0085] The previously formulated technical task is also solved by using a control system as previously explained for the operation of a technical plant, in particular a manufacturing or process plant.
[0086] An inventive method for creating and displaying trend curves by a control system for a technical plant can comprise several steps. The control system can include at least one operator station server and one operator station client. The operator station server can have a visualization service for outputting image information to the operator station client.
[0087] First, the Operator Station Server determines the significance of each measurement. This is done by calculating the deviation of each measurement from the mean of the measurements within an aggregation interval. The Operator Station Server then determines the measurement with the highest absolute significance. The measurement with the largest deviation is then defined as the aggregated measurement within the aggregation interval.
[0088] Subsequently, a significance level is determined for the defined aggregated measurement value. This level represents the relative deviation of the arithmetic mean of the individual measurements from the aggregated measurement value within the aggregation interval. The significance level serves as a standardized measure of how much the aggregated measurement value deviates from the average and thus provides an indicator of potential anomalies within the measurement data. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0089] 14
[0090] The Operator Station Server then generates a trend curve of the measured values and the time-aggregated measured values of the measured quantity. This trend curve is transmitted to the Operator Station Client.
[0091] The Operator Station Client is further trained to visually highlight measured values or aggregated measured values that exhibit a predefined or calculated significance level within the displayed trend curves. This highlighting can be achieved through color coding, special symbols, or altered line or point representations. This visual highlighting makes particularly conspicuous data points immediately identifiable, enabling the operator to more quickly identify unusual process patterns.
[0092] Finally, the Operator Station Client visually displays the trend curve of the measured values and the aggregated measured values for an operator of the technical system.
[0093] Preferably, the method is designed such that the measured values with the greatest absolute significance in the aggregation interval are displayed in the trend curve.
[0094] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method is designed such that the Operator Station Server first calculates a significance level. This significance level indicates how much a measured value or an aggregated measured value deviates from a mean value within a specific aggregation interval. The operator then sets a value for the significance level in the Operator Station Client. This value serves as a threshold to determine which measured values or aggregated measured values should be highlighted in the trend curve. Based on the previously defined significance level, the Operator Station Server highlights one or more measured values or aggregated measured values in the trend curve of the measured values or the time-aggregated measured values. This enables the operator to quickly and efficiently detect anomalies or significant deviations in the measured values and react accordingly.
[0095] FIGURE DESCRIPTION
[0096] Further features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying figures. These schematically depict: 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0097] FIG 1 a) to c) the principle of the aggregation of measured values according to the invention
[0098] FIG 2 shows different functionalities in the progress chart window.
[0099] FIG 3 shows the display functionality in the history chart window.
[0100] FIG 4 shows a guide system according to the invention in a schematic representation
[0101] FIG 1 shows various trend diagrams 1 that illustrate the aggregation of measured values 4 according to the invention in more detail.
[0102] To observe measured values 4 originating from a technical system, operators use trend diagrams 1 with so-called trend curves 8, in which the progression of measured values 4 over an adjustable time range is displayed in a trend diagram 1. The x-axis represents time t in arbitrary time units, for example, minutes. The y-axis depends on the respective measured value 4 and could, for example, represent a pressure P, a temperature T, or a flow rate Q.
[0103] FIG 1 a) shows a trend diagram 1, which includes a trend curve 8 with measured values 4. If there are more measured values 4 for the set time range than the drawing area (pixels) of an operator station client 18, aggregation methods are applied to enable the display of the trend curve 8.
[0104] In FIG. 1 b), the aggregation principle according to the invention was carried out. This is based on the measured values 4 from FIG. 1 a). Several individual measured values 4 were aggregated over a specific period to reduce the amount of data and enable a clear presentation. In FIG. 1 b), for example, an aggregation of 1:4 was carried out, meaning that four individual measured values 4 in an aggregation interval 7 are considered and combined into an aggregated measured value 3.
[0105] In order to determine the aggregated measured value 3 within an aggregation interval 7, an arithmetic mean 5 of the measured values 4 within the aggregation interval 7202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0106] 16
[0107] The measurement value 4, which deviates most from the mean 5 in an aggregation interval 7 – and thus has the greatest absolute significance – is defined as the aggregate measurement value 3 of the aggregation interval 7. The absolute difference between the aggregate measurement value 3 and the mean 5 of all measurement values 4 in the aggregation interval 7 yields a significance level of 9.
[0108] The representation shown in FIG 1 b) is already advantageous, since the aggregated measured values 3, i.e. potentially critical points, are highlighted in the trend curve 8 of the trend diagram 1.
[0109] In FIG. 1 c), only the aggregated measured values 3 in the trend diagram 1 are then displayed in an aggregated trend curve 2. This representation makes it possible to highlight the most striking deviations within the aggregated trend curve 2 particularly well and thus enable more precise anomaly detection.
[0110] In the trend chart 1 of FIG. 2, the aggregated measured values 3 from FIG. 1 c) are shown. In a window 10 of the trend chart, an operator is offered a selection function 12 in a menu bar 11, which includes the activation of a visual highlighting 15 of aggregated measured values 3. When opening a trend chart 1, the operator first sees a trend curve 2 aggregated by the aggregation according to the invention with aggregated measured values 3 displayed via the operator station client 18 (see FIG. 1 a)). Using the activation field of the selection function 12, the operator can switch the visual highlighting 15 of aggregated measured values that have or exceed a certain significance level 9 on or off.
[0111] Subsequently, the desired significance level 9 (see FIG. 1) can be configured via a preset function 13. The significance level 9 is the relative deviation of an individual measured value 4 from the aggregated measured value 3 within a specific aggregation interval 7. It is calculated by determining the absolute difference between the respective measured value 4 and the mean 5 of all measured values 4 in the aggregation interval 7.
[0112] Subsequently, the aggregated measured values 3 that meet or exceed the desired significance level 9 are visually highlighted 15 in the trend curve 8. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0113] 17
[0114] Furthermore, the operator can scroll along the time domain using a navigation function 14 to initiate the anomaly evaluation, i.e. the aggregation according to the invention as well as the visual highlighting 15 according to the significance level 9, for other time domains in the trend diagram 1.
[0115] Figure 3 illustrates the display functionality 16, the loop-in function. In window 10 of the trend diagram, a display functionality 16 is provided to an operator in the ribbon 11. This function allows an operator to view the measured values 4, which form the basis for the aggregation of a labeled aggregated measured value 3, in the trend curve 8.
[0116] If the operator wants to view the measured values 4 for a selected aggregated measured value 3, this can be initiated using the display functionality 14, the loop-in function. After activation, the operator sees the measured values 4 that are linked to the selected aggregated measured value 3 and form the basis of the aggregation. In addition, the measured values from aggregation intervals 7 that precede and follow it are also displayed.
[0117] Figure 4 schematically depicts a control system 20 for operating and monitoring the technical plant, which is designed as a process plant. The control system 20 comprises an operator station client 18 and an operator station server 17. The operator station server 17 and the operator station client 18 are connected to each other via a terminal bus 21 and optionally to other components of the control system 20 (not shown), such as an archive server or an engineering station server.
[0118] For the purpose of operation and monitoring, a user or operator can access the Operator Station Server 17 via the Terminal Bus 21 using the Operator Station Client 18. The Terminal Bus 21 can be configured as, for example, Industrial Ethernet, but is not limited to this.
[0119] The Operator Station Server 17 has a device interface 27 which is connected to a plant bus 28. Via this device interface 27, the Operator Station Server 17 is connected to an automation device 6, a transmitter 26, and thus to process objects 29 of the technical plant, such as peripheral devices, and can communicate with them. The transmitter 26 converts a physical quantity from the process objects, such as temperature, pressure, or electrical voltage, into a 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0120] 18
[0121] standardized electrical signals. The plant bus 28 can, but is not limited to, be configured as Industrial Ethernet, for example.
[0122] The Operator Station Server 17 implements, among other things, a visualization service 22, a process image 24, and a configuration memory 23. The visualization service 22, integrated into the Operator Station Server 17, initiates the transmission of visualization information to the Operator Station Client 18. The Operator Station Client 18 is configured to display a visualization, i.e., a graphical representation, particularly of plant images, for operating and monitoring the process plant. The process flowcharts 1 are integrated into the plant images. The Operator Station Client 18 has a display unit 19 for visual representation.
[0123] An aggregation service 25 is also implemented on the operator station server 17, which performs the aggregation of measured values 4 according to the invention and the calculation of the significance level 9 (see FIG. 1). The aggregation service 25 also handles the transmission of the values to the visualization service 22. The visualization service 22 initiates a transmission of visualization information to the operator station client 18. Finally, the visual representation of the aggregation according to the invention takes place in the operator station client 18.
[0124] The process image 24 of the Operator Station Server 17 contains, firstly, a snapshot of the (signal) states or measured values 4 of devices and / or applications or process objects 29 connected to the Operator Station Server 17. Secondly, the process image 24 contains an assignment or configuration of plant states for different plant areas depending on conditions.
[0125] CONCLUDING REMARKS
[0126] Although the invention has been further illustrated and described by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples. Variations thereof can be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the subsequent claims. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026
[0127] 19
[0128] Reference symbol list
[0129] 1. Progress chart
[0130] 2 aggregated trend curve
[0131] 3 aggregated measured values
[0132] 4 measured values
[0133] 5 Average
[0134] 6 Automation device
[0135] 7 Aggregation interval
[0136] 8 Trend curve
[0137] 9 Significance level
[0138] 10 windows of the progress chart 11 ribbon
[0139] 12 Selection functionality
[0140] 13 Default Functionality
[0141] 14 Navigation functionality
[0142] 15 visual highlights
[0143] 16 Display functionality
[0144] 17 Operator Station Server
[0145] 18 Operator Station Client
[0146] 19 units of representation
[0147] 20 Guidance system
[0148] 21 Terminal bus
[0149] 22 Visualization service
[0150] 23 Configuration memory
[0151] 24 Process diagram
[0152] 25 Aggregation service
[0153] 26 measuring transmitters
[0154] 27 Device interface
[0155] 28 plant bus
[0156] 29 process objects
Claims
202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026 20 Patent claims 1. Control system (20) for a technical plant, comprising at least one Operator Station Server (17) and one Operator Station Client (18), which Operator Station Server (17) comprises a visualization service (22) for outputting image information to the Operator Station Client (18), wherein the operator station server (17) is designed to generate a trend curve (8) of measured values (4) and time-aggregated measured values (3) of the measured value from a measured quantity belonging to a technical object of the technical system, wherein the Operator Station Client (18) is trained to visually present the trend curve (8) of the measured values (4) and the time-aggregated measured values (3) to an operator of the technical system, characterized by the fact that the operator station server (17) is trained to determine, within the framework of calculating an aggregated measurement value (3), for each measurement value (4) within an aggregation interval (7), a significance as the deviation of the respective measurement value (4) from an arithmetic mean of the measurement values (4) within the aggregation interval (7), to determine the largest significance in absolute value within the aggregation interval (7), and to define the corresponding measurement value (4) as the time-aggregated measurement value (3) of the aggregation interval (7). and wherein a significance level (9) is determined for the specified time-aggregated measurement value (3) which represents a relative deviation of the arithmetic mean (5) of the measurements (4) from the aggregated measurement value (3) within the aggregation interval (7), and wherein the Operator Station Client (18) is trained to visually highlight measured values (4) or time-aggregated measured values (3) that have a predefined or calculated significance level (9) in the trend curves (8), wherein the visualization service (22) is configured to transmit the trend curve (8) of the measured values (4) and the time-aggregated measured values (3) to the operator station client (18).
2. Control system (20) for a technical plant according to claim 1, wherein the operator station client (18) is configured to visually highlight, in a visual representation of a trend curve (8) of the measured values (4), the aggregated measured values (3) with the greatest absolute significance within an aggregation interval (7). 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026 21 3. Guidance system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to visually highlight the measured values (4) or the time-aggregated measured values (3) depending on the significance level (9) by means of a color marking, a special symbolism, a modified line or dot representation or by a combination of these representation types.
4. Control system (20) for a technical plant according to claim 3, which is configured to provide the operator with a selection functionality (12) by means of which the operator can switch on or off the visual highlighting (15) of measured values (4) based on the significance level (9) in the trend curve (8) of the time aggregated measured values (3).
5. Control system (20) for a technical plant according to claim 3 or 4, which is configured to provide the operator with a preselection functionality (13) by means of which the operator can specify the significance level (9), in particular by specifying a percentage value.
6. Control system (20) for a technical plant according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to provide the operator with a display functionality (16) by means of which the operator can display assigned measured values (4) of the aggregated measured values (3) in the trend curve (8) of the time aggregated measured values (3).
7. Control system (20) for a technical plant according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to provide the operator with an export functionality by means of which the operator can export the associated measured values (4) of the aggregated measured values (3) in order to subsequently process them externally.
8. Control system (20) for a technical plant according to at least claim 3, which is configured to provide the operator, based on the previously configured significance level (9), with a navigation functionality (14) by means of which the operator can navigate between the aggregated measured values (3) in the time course of the trend curve (8).
9. Control system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the technical plant is a manufacturing or process plant.
10. Use of a control system (20) according to one of the preceding claims for the operation of a technical plant, in particular a manufacturing or process plant. 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026 22 11. Method for creating and displaying trend curves (8) by a control system (20) for a technical plant, which control system (20) has at least one Operator Station Server (17) and one Operator Station Client (18), which Operator Station Server (17) has a visualization service (22) for outputting image information to the Operator Station Client (18), comprising: • Determining the respective significance of the measured values (4) as the deviation of a respective measured value (4) from a mean value (5) of the measured values (4) within an aggregation interval (7) by the operator station server (17), • Determining the largest absolute significance by the Operator Station Server (17), • The Operator Station Server (17) determines the measured value with the greatest significance in absolute value as the aggregated measured value (3) within an aggregation interval (7). • Determining a significance level (9) for the specified aggregated measurement (3), wherein the significance level (9) represents a relative deviation of the arithmetic mean (5) of the measurements (4) from the aggregated measurement (3) within the aggregation interval (7), • Generating a trend curve (8) of the measured values (4) and the time-aggregated measured values (3) of the measured quantity by the Operator Station Server (17), • Transferring the trend curve (8) of the measured values (4) and the time-aggregated measured values (4) of the measured quantity to the Operator Station Client (18), • and visual highlighting of such measured values (4) or aggregated measured values (3) that have a predefined or calculated significance level (9) in the trend curves (8) displayed by the Operator Station Client (18), wherein the highlighting is done by color marking, special symbolism or other visual distinction, • Visual presentation of the trend curve (8) of the measured values (4) and the aggregated measured values (3) for an operator of the technical system by the Operator Station Client (18).
12. Method for creating and displaying trend curves (8) according to claim 11, wherein the measured values (4) are displayed in the trend curve (8) with the greatest significance in absolute value in the aggregation interval (7).
13. Method for creating and displaying trend curves (8) according to one of claims 11 or 12, comprising: 202503251 Foreign version 06.03.2026 23 • Calculation of a significance level (9) by the Operator Station Server (17), • Setting a significance level value (9), in particular by the operator in the Operator Station Client (18), • Highlighting one or more measured values (4) or aggregated measured values (3) in the trend curve (8) of the measured values (4) or the time-aggregated measured values (3), based on the significance level (9) previously set by the operator.