METHOD AND MOBILE TRANSPORT UNIT FOR COMMISSIONING A FIELD DEVICE OR A SERVICE JOB ON THE FIELD DEVICE IN AN AUTOMATION ENGINEERING INSTALLATION

Abstract

A method for commissioning a field device or a service job on the field device uses a mobile transport unit having a position determination unit designed for navigation and further having an output unit. The method includes: transmitting a commissioning or service notification to the mobile transport unit, wherein the notification contains the identification of the field device and an operating action to be carried out on the field device; locating the installation position of the field device by the mobile transport unit based on the identification of the field device; guiding an operator to the installation position via autonomous navigation of the mobile transport unit through the installation; and assisting the operator when performing the operating action, wherein the mobile transport unit specifies and/or explains to the operator all operations or actions to be carried out.

Claims

1-23. (canceled)

24. A method for commissioning a field device or a service job on the field device in an installation of automation technology, said method comprising: providing a mobile transport unit having a position determination unit and designed for navigation in the installation, wherein the mobile transport unit has at least one output unit; transmitting a commissioning notification or a service notification to the mobile transport unit, wherein the commissioning notification or the service notification contains an identification of the field device and at least one operating action to be carried out on the field device; locating the installation position of the field device in the installation by the mobile transport unit on the basis of the identification of the field device; guiding an operator to the installation position of the field device via autonomous navigation of the mobile transport unit through the installation, using the position determination unit, wherein the operator follows the mobile transport unit; and assisting the operator when performing the operating action, wherein the mobile transport unit specifies and/or explains to the operator all operations or actions to be carried out in order to successfully perform the operating action, via the at least one output unit.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, in the course of the assistance, the mobile transport unit establishes a wireless first communication link and reads out data, including parameter, configuration settings, a device status, or measured values, from the field device via the communication link, wherein the specification and/or explanation of the operations or actions to be carried out is adapted to the read-out data.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the mobile transport unit is at least temporarily in a second communication link, via the Internet, with a cloud-based platform, wherein the commissioning notification or the service notification is transmitted via the second communication link from the cloud-based platform to the mobile transport unit.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the mobile transport unit, in the event that the second communication link cannot be established at the current location position of the mobile transport unit, navigates to a defined location position in the installation, at which defined location position the second communication link can be established, wherein the mobile transport unit establishes the second communication link after the navigation to the defined location position, and wherein the mobile transport unit temporarily stores data to be transmitted to the cloud-based platform and/or the commissioning notification or service notification transmitted from the cloud-based platform, before or after the establishment of the communication link at the defined location position.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein the mobile transport unit has a camera unit and wherein the mobile transport unit monitors the operator during the guidance of the operator to the installation position of the field device and adjusts a speed during navigation to a speed of the operator.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the mobile transport unit indicates movable and/or stationary obstacles to the operator during navigation by means of the output unit, wherein the mobile transport unit detects and identifies the movable or stationary obstacles via the camera unit, and/or wherein the stationary obstacles have been previously made known to the mobile transport unit, for example by means of an installation map stored on the mobile transport unit.

30. The method according to claim 24, wherein a display or a projector is used as the output unit, wherein, for specifying and/or explaining the operations or actions to be carried out, installation information and/or product information of the field device are visualized.

31. The method according to claim 24, wherein an acoustic reproduction means, in particular a loudspeaker, is used as the output unit, wherein the specification and/or explanation of the operations or actions to be carried out takes place via voice output.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the artificial voice used for the voice output varies depending on the criticality of the operation or action to be carried out, in particular with respect to the volume, the voice color and/or the speech speed.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the mobile transport unit has an additional output unit in the form of a laser pointer, wherein the mobile transport unit points, by means of the additional output unit, during the specification and/or explanation of the operations or actions to be carried out, to points or components of the field device and/or the installation important for carrying out the operations or actions.

34. The method according to claim 24, wherein, in the course of the assistance, the operator asks questions on the mobile transport unit with respect to the operations or actions to be carried out, and wherein the mobile transport unit outputs, to the operator, further information regarding the operations or actions to be carried out, via the output unit, depending on the questions.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the mobile transport unit has an input unit, including a microphone unit or a touch display, for inputting the questions, wherein the mobile transport unit analyzes the questions using an AI algorithm or using additional data retrieved from the field device and/or from the cloud-based platform, and wherein the mobile transport unit generates the further information by means of the AI algorithm or the additional data.

36. The method according to claim 34, wherein the mobile transport unit has an input unit, including a microphone unit or a touch display, for inputting the questions, and wherein the mobile transport unit transmits the questions via the second communication link to the cloud-based platform, wherein the cloud-based platform analyzes the questions by means of the AI algorithm or the additional data, wherein the cloud-based platform generates the further information via the AI algorithm or the additional data, and wherein the cloud-based platform transmits the further information via the second communication link to the mobile transport unit.

37. The method according to claim 24, wherein the commissioning notification or the service notification contains information about at least one auxiliary required for carrying out the operations and/or actions, including a tool, a replacement part or a safety means.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, after the reception of the commissioning notification or the service notification and before the step of guiding the operator to the installation position of the field device, the mobile transport unit navigates to a storage location and collects the auxiliary from the storage location and carries it with it.

39. The method according to claim 37, wherein the mobile transport unit has a camera unit, wherein the transport unit checks, via the camera unit, whether the operator is carrying the required auxiliary with him, and wherein, in the event of the operator not carrying the required auxiliary with him, the mobile transport unit transfers the auxiliary to the operator and, in particular before the transfer, navigates to a the storage location and collect the auxiliary from the storage location.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the commissioning notification or the service notification contains information about a correct use of the auxiliary, wherein the mobile transport unit checks, using the camera unit, whether the auxiliary is correctly used by the operator, and wherein in the case that the operator is not use the tool or is not using it correctly, the mobile transport unit informs the operator of the correct application of the auxiliary via the output unit.

41. The method according to claim 24, wherein the mobile transport unit has a camera unit, wherein the mobile transport unit monitors the operator during the execution of the operating action using the camera unit and, in the event of an incorrect performance of operations or actions, informs the operator, via the output unit, about the incorrect performance.

42. The method according to claim 24, wherein the mobile transport unit has a camera unit, wherein the mobile transport unit observes the operator during the execution of the operating action by means of the camera unit or checks the result of the operating action and confirms the correct execution by means of the output unit.

43. The method according to claim 24, wherein in the course of the assistance, the mobile transport unit performs at least one operation or action, and wherein the operator is requested to confirm each performed execution.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein, in the event that the confirmation does not occur, the corresponding operation or action is reversed.

45. A mobile transport unit designed for commissioning a field device or a service job on the field device in an installation of automation technology, the mobile transport unit comprising: a position determination unit; at least one output unit; an input unit, including a microphone unit or a touch display; a camera unit; a first wireless communication interface; and a second wireless communication interface, wherein the mobile transport unit is designed for navigation in the installation.

46. The mobile transport unit according to claim 45, wherein the mobile transport unit is an airworthy drone or an automated guided vehicle.

Description

[0058] The invention is explained in greater detail with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0059] FIG. 1: shows an example for carrying out the first method step of the method according to the invention; and

[0060] FIG. 2: shows a plurality of examples for carrying out the second method step of the method according to the invention.

[0061] The method according to the invention consists of two essential method steps: [0062] 1). guidance of an operator BN by means of a mobile transport unit MT to a field device FG on which an operating action is to be carried out, and [0063] 2) assistance of the operator BN by means of the mobile transport unit MT while performing the operating action.

[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates the first method step by way of example. A field device FG in the form of a flowmeter is installed in an installation A. During operation, an error occurs on the field device FGthe measured values of the flow are outside a permitted range, the field device FG delivers the error message out of spec. Since measurements by a secondary flowmeter do not show any deviation and the process is also taking place normally otherwise, the error is on the field device FG itself. Thereupon, a service notification IN is created in an application of a cloud-based platform CP, in the control room. In order to eliminate the service case as quickly as possible, an operator BN, specifically a service personnel employee, is sent to the installation A.

[0065] The installation A has a plurality of different measuring points, each having a plurality of field devices. For an operator BN who is not familiar with the installation A, it is a time-consuming procedure to identify, locate and find the field device FG to be found, by means of an installation map. For this reason, a mobile transport means MT in the form of a rotary drone is made available to the operator BN. Via a communication link, for example established by a mobile radio network, the service notification IN is transmitted from the cloud-based platform CP to the mobile transport unit MT. The service notification IN contains the identification of the relevant field device FG, as well as at least one operating action to be carried out on the field device FG, or information about said action, in order to be able to remedy the error at the field device FG.

[0066] Based on the identification of the field device FG, the mobile transport unit determines the location position of the field device FG or its installation position in the installation A. For this purpose, an installation map, which contains the location position of all field devices in the installation A, is stored in the mobile transport unit MT. If the installation map is not current or the field device FG is not yet present (for example if it is still to be commissioned), the mobile transport unit MT retrieves the location position of the field device FG from the cloud-based platform. Alternatively, the location position of the field device FG can also be included in the service identification.

[0067] By means of a position determination unit, in particular a GPS system, the mobile transport unit MT determines its current location position and creates a route RT to the field device FG using the installation map. The installation map also has location positions and dimensions of stationary obstacles HS, HS, in this example a switch cabinet as a stationary obstacle HS, a measuring point comprising a tank and a pipeline as stationary obstacle HS' The route RT is planned in such a way that the route RT leads past the stationary obstacles HS, HS' at a sufficiently large distance.

[0068] After the creation of the route RT, in particular after a confirmation by the operator BN, the navigation of the mobile transport unit MT through the installation A along the route RT begins. For navigating, the mobile transport unit uses the position determination unit and one or more built-in camera units KA. The mobile transport unit MT navigates autonomously along the route RT through the installation, the operator BN following the mobile transport unit. By means of the camera unit KA, the mobile transport unit MT firstly checks whether the operator BN is still following or that the distance from the operator does not become too great, and adjusts the navigation speed accordingly.

[0069] Secondly, the path lying ahead of the mobile transport unit, or the environment, is scanned for further obstacles HB, HS, HS. In particular, the path or the environment is scanned with respect to further stationary obstacles HS, HS, for example cable ducts, thresholds, tensioned cables, pallets, etc., which are difficult for the operator to identify, in particular in the dark, and could cause injury. Scanning is also carried out with regard to movable obstacles HB, for example further personnel in the installation or further mobile transport units. When a further obstacle HS, HS, HB is detected, the operator BN is made aware of the obstacle HS, HS, HB by means of an output unit AE, AE, AE of the mobile transport unit MT, in particular by voice output. Furthermore, the route RT is adapted accordingly, such that the obstacle HS, HS, HB is bypassed.

[0070] The navigation ends upon reaching the field device FG. Subsequently, the mobile transport unit assists the operator BN when performing the operating action to overcome the error.

[0071] FIG. 2 shows a plurality of examples of how the mobile transport unit MT can assist the operator BN when performing the operating action. The following list is not exhaustive, and therefore the invention comprises a plurality of further assistance processes.

[0072] a) Retrieving Further Data DA from the Field Device FG:

[0073] In order to support the operator BN in the best possible manner when performing the operating action, further data DA of the field device FG, which are not included in the service notification IN, are required, in particular parameter or configuration settings, a device status or measured values. For this purpose, the mobile transport unit MT establishes a wireless communication link to the field device FG and reads out the corresponding data DA. For this purpose, it can be provided that the mobile transport unit MT must authenticate itself with the field device FG. For this purpose, the operator BN is requested to input login data or a biometric feature via an input unit of the mobile transport unit or via an operating unit that is connected (wirelessly) to the mobile transport unit MT, for example a smartphone. Alternatively, the mobile transport unit MT retrieves the required authentication information from the cloud-based platform CP.

[0074] b) Explaining the Error:

[0075] The mobile transport unit MT has an output unit AE in the form of a projector, by means of which the error is explained to the operator BN. For this purpose, the mobile transport unit MT projects the name of the error, a description of the error, as well as first suggestions for the elimination of the error in a suitable area in the installation, in the vicinity of the field device FG, for example on a wall. The suggestions for eliminating the error are received by the mobile transport unit MT from the cloud-based platform CP. For this purpose, provision can be made for the mobile transport unit MT to transmit the data DA of the field device FG, retrieved in example a), to the cloud-based platform CP. The cloud-based platform CP generates, for example by means of an AI algorithm, on the basis of the type of error or the data of the field device FG, the suggestions for the elimination of the error. Alternatively, it is provided that the mobile transport unit MT itself has a corresponding intelligence, in order to automatically create the suggestions for the elimination of the error and/or the description of the error.

[0076] In addition to the information mentioned, the mobile transport unit MT can visualize installation information and/or product information of the field device FG by means of the projector AE, which the mobile transport unit MT retrieves, in particular from the cloud-based platform CP.

[0077] It can furthermore be provided that the service notification, or the suggestions for the elimination of the error, contain an indication of the required auxiliaries, for example a tool in the form of a screwdriver HM. By means of the camera unit KA, the mobile transport unit MT checks whether the operator BN carries the corresponding auxiliary HM with him. If this is not the case, the mobile transport unit MT automatically navigates to a defined location position OP in the installation A, for example to a storage location LS, retrieves the tool from there, and brings it back to the operator BN.

[0078] Provision can be made for one or more such defined location positions OP to be present in the installation. Additionally or alternatively to a storage location LS, it can be locations at which the mobile radio network is guaranteed to be provided. In the event that the mobile transport unit MT cannot receive the mobile radio network and cannot establish a communication link to the cloud-based platform CP at the location position of the field device FG, the mobile transport unit MT navigates to this location position OP, in the event that data must be transmitted to or received from the cloud-based platform CP. Alternatively or additionally, the location has a charging option for the mobile transport unit MT, in order to charge the electrical energy stores thereof.

[0079] c) Assistance by Means of Voice Output:

[0080] The operating action for eliminating the error requires one or more operations or actions to be undertaken by the operator BN. By means of a voice output via a loudspeaker AE, the mobile transport unit MT guides the operator through the various operations or actions to be carried out. In the present example, the mobile transport unit MT instructs the operator to open the housing cover of the field device FG and to switch off the field device FG. By means of a laser AE, the mobile transport unit MT points to locations or components relevant for the operation or action to be carried out, in the present case on the housing cover.

[0081] It may be the case that, despite assistance by the mobile transport unit, certain actions or operations are unclear to the operator BN. For this purpose, said operator can ask the mobile transport unit MT questions, for example via a microphone built into the mobile transport unit MT. By means of an AI algorithm, which is executed in the mobile transport unit MT or the cloud-based platform, the questions are analyzed, corresponding responses are generated, and the generated responses are output via one or more of the output units AE, AE, AE.

[0082] d) Checking the Correct Use of an Auxiliary:

[0083] Provision can be made for the mobile transport unit MT to observe the operator BN during the execution of the operating action, by means of the camera unit KA.

[0084] For example, the service notification contains the indication that one or more auxiliaries HM, HM in the form of safety means are mandatory for performing the operating action. In the present case, these are a protective helmet HM and safety glasses HM.

[0085] The mobile transport unit MT checks, by means of the camera unit KA, whether the operator BN is carrying these safety means HM, HM with him, and retrieves them from the storage location LS, analogously to example b), in the event that the operator BN is not carrying one or more of the safety means HM, HM with him.

[0086] Furthermore, the mobile transport unit MT checks, by means of the camera unit KA, whether the operator is correctly wearing or using the safety means HM, HM. In the present case, the operator BN is using the protective helmet HM correctly, but is not wearing the safety glasses HM. The mobile transport unit MT makes the operator BN aware of this via the output unit AE, AE.

[0087] The mobile transport unit MT checks, by means of the camera unit KA, whether the operator BN is correctly performing the operations or actions to be carried out, and makes the operator BN aware, if necessary, by means of the output unit AE, AE, that certain operations or actions are not being carried out correctly.

[0088] It can also be provided that the mobile transport unit MT itself performs actions or operations on the field device FG, in particular when the field device FG is accessible only with difficulty. In this case, the mobile transport unit MT must be able to have the operator BN confirm any operation or action carried out, in order to avoid errors.

[0089] The method steps and operations described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are to be understood as being by way of example. The method according to the invention allows a large number of further applications. The field device FG and the mobile transport unit MT can also be designed differently than described, for example with respect to the type of field device FG and/or with respect to the type of mobile transport unit MT used.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0090] A automation engineering installation [0091] AE, AE output unit [0092] AE further output unit [0093] BN operator [0094] CP cloud-based platform [0095] DA data of the field device [0096] FG field device [0097] HB movable obstacle [0098] HM, HM, HM auxiliaries [0099] HS, HS' stationary obstacles [0100] IN commissioning/service notification [0101] KA camera unit [0102] LS storage location [0103] MT mobile transport unit [0104] OP defined location position