MULTIFUNCTIONAL GATEWAY UNIT, PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A multifunctional gateway unit may connect at least one apparatus, which is in particular used for machining, handling or storing workpieces that preferably consist of, at least in portions, of wood, wooden materials, or plastic. The multifunctional gateway unit may include, at least one data interface for connecting the gateway unit to a data server; at least one computing unit which comprises a CPU and is designed to interchange data with the data interface; at least one sensor interface which is designed to receive data from a sensor, which is associated with the apparatus, and to forward the data to the computing unit; and/or at least one output interface which is designed to receive data from the computing unit and to forward the data to at least one unit of the apparatus.

Claims

1. A multifunctional gateway unit for connecting at least one apparatus, which is configured to be used for machining, handling or storing workpieces that include at least in portions of wood, wooden materials, or plastic, the multifunctional gateway unit comprising: at least one data interface for connecting the multifunctional gateway unit to a data server; at least one computing unit which comprises a central processing unit CPU and is configured to interchange data with the at least one data interface; at least one sensor interface which is configured to receive data from a sensor, which is associated with an apparatus, and to forward the data from the sensor to the at least one computing unit; and at least one output interface which is configured to receive data from the at least one computing unit and to forward the data from the at least one computing unit to at least one unit of the apparatus.

2. The multifunctional gateway unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one computing unit comprises a single-board computer or a multi-board computer.

3. The multifunctional gateway unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one data interface is configured to operate wirelessly and is configured as a wireless local area network WLAN or a mobile communications interface.

4. The multifunctional gateway unit according to claim 1, further comprising an identification means including a near field communication NFC interface or an optical identification means.

5. The multifunctional gateway unit according to claim 1, further comprising a display device, comprising at least one of lighting elements, a screen, a projector, a loudspeaker, and a vibration device.

6. The multifunctional gateway unit according to claim 1, further comprising a housing in or on which components of the multifunctional gateway unit are arranged, the housing forming an individually movable and depositable module.

7. The multifunctional gateway unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plug and play unit configured to identify at least one of the sensor of the apparatus connected to the at least one sensor interface and the at least one unit of the apparatus connected to the at least one output interface, and to configure the at least one computing unit for communication.

8. The multifunctional gateway unit according to claim 7, wherein the plug and play unit is configured to perform at least one of the following: accessing configuration data stored in the multifunctional gateway unit and accessing external configuration data via the at least one data interface.

9. A production system, comprising: the apparatus which is configured to be used for machining, handling or storing the workpieces that include at least in portions of wood, wooden materials, or plastic, or is configured to be used for handling or storing installation material, equipment or tools; and the multifunctional gateway unit according to claim 1 for connecting the apparatus to the data server.

10. The production system according to claim 9, further comprising: a mobile terminal which is designed configured to communicate with the multifunctional gateway unit, in particular via the data server, wherein the mobile terminal comprises an identification means including an NFC interface or an optical identification means.

11. The production system according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises the at least one unit which is coupled to the multifunctional gateway unit and which comprises at least one of a light indicator, a screen, a projector, a loudspeaker, a vibration device, a printer, a machine controller, a controller box, and an actuator.

12. A method for operating the production system according to claim 9, the method comprising: coupling the multifunctional gateway unit to the apparatus via at least one of the at least one sensor interface and the at least one output interface; and coupling the multifunctional gateway unit to the data server via the at least one data interface and via the Internet.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein before the coupling of the multifunctional gateway unit to the apparatus, one or more of the following operations are carried out: the multifunctional gateway unit identifies at least one of the sensor of the apparatus to be coupled and the at least one unit of the apparatus to be coupled; the multifunctional gateway unit checks whether an object is present in the multifunctional gateway unit which is configured for communication with at least one of the sensor of the apparatus to be coupled and the at least one unit of the apparatus to be coupled; if the object is present, coupling between the sensor of the apparatus to be coupled or the at least one unit of the apparatus to be coupled, and the multifunctional gateway unit is established using the object; and if no object is present, another object is obtained via the at least one data interface, and subsequently coupling between the sensor of the apparatus to be coupled or the at least one unit of the apparatus to be coupled, and the multifunctional gateway unit is established using the obtained another object.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein at least one mobile terminal is coupled to the multifunctional gateway unit, via the data server.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein prior to the coupling of the at least one mobile terminal to the multifunctional gateway unit, an identification process is carried out, in which the at least one mobile terminal identifies at least one parameter of at least one of the multifunctional gateway unit, the sensor of the apparatus, and the at least one unit of the apparatus.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein apparatus-related data are passed from the multifunctional gateway unit to at least one of the data server and at least one mobile terminal wherein apparatus-related data or instructions are passed from at least one of the data server and the at least one mobile terminal to the multifunctional gateway unit.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the sensor and the at least one unit of the apparatus is coupled to the multifunctional gateway unit using a mobile terminal.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein the multifunctional gateway unit displays a status of at least one of the sensor and the at least one unit of the apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0031] FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a production system according to the invention, comprising a multifunctional gateway unit according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail in the following, with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0033] A production system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The production system is used for machining, handling (for example relocating or transporting) or storing a wide range of objects, and comprises, for this purpose, at least one apparatus 20. The objects can for example be workpieces, but for example also tools, consumable materials, equipment, or the like. In the present embodiment, the apparatus 20 is designed for machining, handling and storing workpieces that consist, at least in portions, of wood, wooden materials, plastic or the like, as are widely used in the field of furniture and component industry. Specifically, the apparatus 20 can thus for example be a machine tool, for example for machining or coating workpieces, or for example a conveying device, or a shelving or storage system.

[0034] In order to be able to acquire various parameters of the apparatus 20, the apparatus 20 comprises at least one, but preferably a plurality of, sensors 22, such as acceleration sensors, image sensors (for example cameras), sound sensors (for example microphones), movement sensors, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, the apparatus 20 comprises at least one coupled unit 24 which is used for implementing or supporting various functions on the apparatus. The coupled unit 24 can thus for example be a light indicator, for example LED light strips, which can for example assist an operator with positioning a workpiece in the machining region or depositing it in a particular storage compartment, or removing it therefrom. The coupled unit 24 can, however, also be a wide range of other devices, such as an output device in the form of a screen, projector, loudspeaker, a vibration device, or a printer, in order to output information or instructions to the machine and/or an operator. A controller box or a part of a machine controller can also function as the coupled unit 24. It is optionally also possible for actuators or other active components of the apparatus 20 to be addressed directly as the coupled unit 24. The communication with the coupled unit 24 will be explained in greater detail in the following.

[0036] Furthermore, the production system 100 comprises the functional gateway unit 10 which, in the present embodiment, comprises a substantially cuboidal housing 13 and is thus designed as a gateway cube. The components of the multifunctional gateway unit 10 which are shown in FIG. 1 are arranged in the housing 13, the “cube” being designed, in terms of size and weight, such that it can be moved without problem by an operator, and can be deposited at any desired location. The housing 13 furthermore comprises, although not shown in FIG. 1, fittings such as eye arrangements, magnet holders, or the like, in order to attach the housing 13, if required, at least temporarily, to the apparatus 20 or to another suitable location.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunctional gateway unit 10 comprises a data interface 12 which is used to connect the gateway unit 10 to a data server 30. The data server 30 can in principle be arranged locally (for example in the production hall). However, the data server 30 is frequently provided in the “cloud”, i.e. the data interface 12 is designed to access the data server 30 via an Internet connection or a similar connection. In this respect, it is preferable for the data interface 12 to operate wirelessly, and for example to be designed as a WLAN or mobile communications interface. Alternatively or in addition, however, the gateway unit 10 can also comprise a LAN interface for connection to the data server 30.

[0038] Furthermore, the multifunctional gateway unit comprises a computing unit 14 which, in the present embodiment, is designed as a single-board computer, for example of the Raspberry Pi type. The computing unit 14 is used to interchange data with the data interface 12 and further units and interfaces of the multifunctional gateway unit 10, and to process these data.

[0039] Furthermore, in the present embodiment the multifunctional gateway unit 10 comprises two further interfaces, specifically a sensor interface 16 and an output interface 18. The sensor interface 16 is used to receive information and/or data from one of the above-described sensors 22 of the apparatus 20 and to forward these to the computing unit 14. In contrast, the output interface 18 is used to receive data from the computing unit 14, and to in turn forward these to at least one of the above-described coupled units 24 of the apparatus 20.

[0040] In view of the sensors 22 or units 24 to be connected to said interfaces 16 and 18, respectively, the multifunctional gateway unit 10 comprises a plug and play unit 15. This is used to identify a sensor 22 of the apparatus 20 connected to a sensor interface 16 or a unit 24 of said apparatus connected to the output interface 18, and to configure the computing unit for communication. Thus, in principle no user intervention is required for bringing a connected sensor 22 or a connected unit 24 into operation, although depending on the use case user interventions may be expedient.

[0041] In the course of a configuration procedure, the plug and play unit 15 either accesses configuration data stored in the gateway unit 10 or downloads said data via the data interface 12 from an external source, such as the data server 30 or another suitable data server.

[0042] Furthermore, in the present embodiment the multifunctional gateway unit 10 comprises an NFC interface 19 which is used for rapid identification and for rapid data exchange with external devices. Alternatively, other identification means, such as optical identification means, can also be used.

[0043] Furthermore, in the present embodiment the multifunctional gateway unit 10 comprises a display device in the form of LED lighting elements 11. These are used, in the present embodiment, for displaying the status of connected sensors 22 or units 24, or also of the gateway unit 10 itself, and optionally for outputting warning messages or other indications. However, more complex display devices, such as a screen, a projector, a loudspeaker, or a vibration device, as well as combinations thereof, can also be provided.

[0044] Furthermore, in the present embodiment the production system 100 comprises a mobile terminal 40, which may be designed for example in the manner of a smartphone, tablet computer, or other portable computers. The mobile terminal 40 is designed to communicate with the multifunctional gateway unit 10, it being possible for this communication to take place for example directly via the data interface 12 of the gateway unit 10, or indirectly via the data server 30. In this respect, it should be noted that, if necessary, it is also possible to switch between the two types of communication, so that for example communication takes place via the data server 30 only if data from the data server 30 are required for the current action, while in other cases direct communication between the mobile terminal 40 and the gateway unit 10 takes place, for example via a WLAN or Bluetooth connection.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the terminal 40 comprises an NFC interface, so that identification and an exchange of basic data, as a basis for the coupling procedure, can already take place before coupling of the mobile terminal 40 to the gateway unit 10. As a result, the mobile terminal can in particular also receive information relating to the current location and the components of the production system 100.

[0046] The operation of the production system 100 according to the invention takes place for example as follows: An operator equipped with a mobile terminal 40 approaches the multifunctional gateway unit 10 and carries out a first identification of the gateway unit 10 by means of the NFC interfaces 42 and 19. In this respect, the mobile terminal 40 receives information relating to the location and the operating state of the gateway unit 10, but optionally also information relating to units connected to the gateway unit 10, such as sensors 22, coupled units 24, data servers 30, provided these are already coupled to the gateway unit 10.

[0047] Subsequently, optionally after reconfirmation by an operator, coupling between the mobile terminal 40 and the gateway unit 10 at the data interface 12 takes place, optionally with interposition of the data server 30. The mobile terminal 40 is now connected to the gateway unit 10 in such a manner that, by using the mobile terminal 40, the operation of the computing unit 14 can be controlled as well as the connected units 22 and 24 can be manipulated/influenced. In this way, various processes of the production system can be controlled using the mobile terminal. For example, in a first phase the configuration of the production system can also be assisted, for example if a new sensor 22 is connected to the sensor interface 16. In this case, as long as it is in principle possible for automatic coupling of the sensor 22 to be achieved by means of the plug and play unit, the operator can be requested, by the mobile terminal 40, to approve the coupling of the sensor 22, to confirm the sensor type, to perform specific sensor configurations, etc. The mobile terminal 40 can, of course, also carry out or assist corresponding procedures in view of the coupling of units 24 to the output interface 18 or the coupling of the data server 30 to the data interface 12.

[0048] In addition to these configuration procedures, the mobile terminal 40 can, however, also be used for monitoring, and optionally also for purposefully controlling, the entire production system 100, and in particular the apparatus 20. It is thus possible for apparatus-related data, such as the state of the apparatus 20 or the type and number of workpieces already machined, handled and stored, to be displayed on the mobile terminal 40. In addition, the operator or optionally also a software module can also issue instructions to the apparatus 20, for example what workpieces are to be machined, handled or stored in what way. In this way, the mobile terminal fulfils its central role in the control and monitoring of the production system 100.

[0049] In this respect, it is particularly important for the mobile terminal, which is usually temporarily associated with a particular operator, to be able to be coupled quickly and without problem to any multifunctional gateway units 10. Thus, an operator equipped with a mobile unit 40 can move through a larger production system 100 comprising a plurality of multifunctional gateway units 10 and can couple, as required and quickly, to the relevant gateway unit, for example in order to check the status of the connected devices or to issue instructions. In the further progression, the operator can also quickly decouple form said gateway unit 10 again, and subsequently couple without problem and quickly to a further gateway unit.

[0050] The same considerations apply correspondingly for the gateway units 10, which can also be used quickly and without problem at different locations of a production system, and optionally installed, coupled and operated in a manner assisted by a mobile terminal 40.