AR Field Device Commissioning With Visual Parameter Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commissioning field devices in automation technology, particularly level measuring devices, requires technical expertise due to the need for parameterization and identification of complex parameters through text-based entry, which can be cumbersome and unintuitive for operators without technical experience.
Innovation Solution
A method using an operating unit with a display and camera to visualize parameters as virtual symbols overlaid on the field of view, allowing operators to easily identify and set parameters through intuitive gestures or input, with automatic retrieval from databases and transmission to the field device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If text-based parameter entry is used for field device commissioning, then parameterization can be completed, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to technical expertise requirements and cumbersome input processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/text-based parameter entry process with an optical/gesture-based system. The camera captures visual information from the field device, and gesture recognition substitutes for manual text input, transforming the commissioning process from text-based to vision-based interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the field device parameters through camera imaging. Instead of requiring operators to read and enter parameter names textually, the system captures images of the device display or labels and uses optical character recognition to extract parameter values directly from the visual copy.
2Productivity
If traditional commissioning methods are used, then field devices can be parameterized, but the time required for commissioning increases due to manual parameter identification and entry
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing images of the field device and pre-processing the visual data before the operator needs to set parameters. The camera continuously monitors the device display, and parameters are pre-identified through image recognition, so that when the operator needs to set a parameter, it is already ready for quick selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device itself serves as the source of parameter information through its display or labels. The camera captures information directly from the device, eliminating the need for separate documentation or manual lookup tables. The system extracts parameter names and values directly from the device's own visual output.
3Measurement precision
If manual parameter identification is required, then accurate parameterization can be achieved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring parameters increases for operators without technical experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the camera and image recognition software that mediates between the field device parameters and the operator. Instead of requiring the operator to directly interpret technical parameters, the intermediary automatically captures, processes, and presents parameter information in a more accessible visual format.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual differentiation through color or highlight changes to indicate different parameter states. Parameters that need to be set are highlighted or color-coded in the captured images, making them easily distinguishable from other device elements. This visual emphasis guides the operator's attention to the correct parameters without requiring deep technical knowledge.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for starting up an automation field device (FG) which is attached to a component (KO), in particular a container, of a measuring location (MS) using an operating unit (BE), said operating unit (BE) having a display unit (AE) and a camera (KA), wherein the method has the steps of: - identifying the field device (FG) using the operating unit (BE); - visualizing at least one parameter to be set by means of the display unit (AE), said at least one parameter to be set being ascertained using the identification of the field device (FG); wherein the field of view of the operator (BD) is displayed on the display unit (AE), and the parameter is displayed as at least one virtual symbol (SMax, SMin, SM1, SM2, SM3), said virtual symbol (SMax, SMin, SM1, SM2, SM3) at least partly overlapping with the field of view displayed on the display unit (AE); - selecting at least one specified parameter value or entering at least one parameter value; - confirming the selected or entered parameter value; and - transmitting the confirmed parameter value to the field device (FG) and storing the parameter value in the field device (FG).