DE102015214742A1 - Uniform initialization of applications for industrial plants - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for initializing applications (A) for devices (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) of an industrial plant (20) of different types of devices, the different types of devices each requiring different initializations of an application (A). The system comprises a detection module (30) adapted to extract initialization requirements of the devices (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and to store them centrally for the industrial plant (20); an instruction module (40) configured to generate, based on the extracted initialization requirements, uniform initialization instructions for each one application (A) deployed on multiple devices (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) of the same device type; an initialization module (50) which is designed to apply the generated initialization commands to the respective application (A) before it is deployed on the device (11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

Description

The invention is in the field of automation technology in the field of industrial plants and relates in particular to a system for initialization of applications for devices or components of the respective industrial plant. In principle, the industrial plant comprises a large number of different technical devices, such as actuators, sensors, PLC components (Programmable Logic Controllers) or mechatronic units which themselves function as an electronic module or as a mechanical component (eg valve, Valve control, clamping jaw of a pressing tool, component of a CNC milling machine, etc.) are formed with a data interface. The devices include an application installed on them or are in data exchange with an application.

The devices usually have several applications installed. Furthermore, some applications are installed on several devices of the industrial plant (and thus distributed).

To install or deploy the respective application on one or more device (s) from a set of devices (with matching device type or of different device type), certain preparation measures are necessary on the application. Thus, the application must be initialized for the intended purpose on a device of a specific device type. The devices of the industrial plant consist - as already mentioned above - of different electronic, mechatronic or physical components (sensors, actuators, control modules, etc.). These components (also called devices) are each assigned to a specific device type. Depending on the device type, the application must be initialized differently.

In the field of mobile apps, it is known to obtain different apps from different manufacturers and install them on their mobile device (e.g., smartphone). This may require configurations (e.g., language selection or device-specific configurations such as the determination of the operating system, etc.). These settings are usually made manually on the device itself to provide the user with as much configuration as possible and to configure the device user or device specific. This procedure is not exactly desired in the field of process automation or in the field of industrial plant control. In fact, in some scenarios it is even necessary to ensure that uniform settings are used for all devices of the same device type in the applications to be installed. Furthermore, a manual procedure on the device itself is unacceptable due to the high inefficiency and the risk of inconsistencies.

The problem now is how to automate the process of initializing applications for devices used in an industrial plant for the identical device type. It is desirable to centralize the process, accelerate it and make it robust.

This object is achieved by the attached, independent claims, in particular by an initialization system and by a computer-implemented initialization method. In addition, the object is also achieved with a computer program product and a data carrier with a computer program that performs the initialization process.

Next, the solution to the problem will be described with respect to the claimed initialization system. Features, advantages, and / or alternative embodiments mentioned herein are also to be applied to the other claimed subject matter, and vice versa. In other words, the method or the computer program product can also be developed with the features that are described and / or claimed in connection with the system. The corresponding functional features of the method are thereby formed by corresponding representational computer-implemented modules, in particular microprocessor modules of the system. The initialization system and the method can also be integrated as embedded systems in the industrial plant or in the overall system for the purpose of process control or discrete manufacturing.

• – Einen Erfassungsbaustein, der ausgebildet ist, Initialisierungserfordernisse der Geräte der Industrieanlage zu extrahieren und zentral für die Industrieanlage zu speichern;
• – Ein Instruktionsmodul, das ausgebildet ist, auf Basis der extrahierten Initialisierungserfordernisse einheitliche Initialisierungsbefehle für alle Applikationen für Geräte eines übereinstimmenden Gerätetyps zu erzeugen;
• – Einen Initialisierungsbaustein, der dazu ausgebildet ist, die erzeugten Initialisierungsbefehle auf die jeweilige Applikation anzuwenden, bevor diese auf dem Gerät oder den Geräten deployed bzw. aufgespielt wird.

According to one aspect of the invention, the task solution relates to a system for initializing applications for industrial plants with a plurality of devices of different types of devices, wherein the different types of devices each require different initializations of an application. The initialization system includes:

• A detection module which is designed to extract initialization requirements of the devices of the industrial plant and store them centrally for the industrial plant;
• An instruction module configured to generate, based on the extracted initialization requirements, uniform initialization instructions for all applications for devices of a matching device type;
• An initialization module which is designed to apply the generated initialization commands to the respective application before it is deployed or loaded on the device or devices.

The terms used in the context of this application are explained in more detail below.

The term "initialization" refers to a preparatory action for applying the application, which is usually executed on the device before the application is deployed or the application is loaded. The application is functionally related to the operation of industrial equipment or automation equipment. The preparatory action is used to define criteria that must be taken into account when the application is executed on the device. In particular, the initialization includes the assignment of defined parameters of the respective application with values. The application is designed so that it can be put into operation for several applications. The application is thus generic. The initialization now aims to make the application fit for a specific application. These include, for example, setting references and links to specific addresses (for example, setting the URI to a plant engineering system such as COMOS). In one embodiment of the invention, the initialization is designed such that one and the same application should also run on different device types.

If the initialization component has access to the target device (on which the application is to be loaded), it can be included in an advantageous embodiment of the invention that values are set in a program memory such that the application is executed on the target device or system can be. As part of the initialization, configured settings are read into the device memory.

In one embodiment of the invention, the initialization is also an application-specific initialization. This initialization does not have to be device-specific. It involves setting values such that the application serves a specific application context.

The applications are intended for devices in an automation system and thus part of an industrial plant or a plant engineering system, such as. COMOS. The applications are designed to be loaded on the device or the machine or component. The application determines how the outputs are to be switched depending on the inputs. The operating system ensures that the application always has the current status of the input sensors or signal generators at its disposal. Based on this information, the application can switch the outputs so that the machine or plant functions as intended.

The devices are electronic or mechatronic devices of different types used in an industrial plant or machine or e.g. a robotics system are operated. This may be e.g. to act programmable logic devices (PLC or PLC), sensors or actuators that perform a technical task (recording of compressed air data or other sensor data, actuators for driving machinery or other components, etc.). The devices can basically be realized differently, z. B. as a single device ("module"), as plug-in module, as software emulation, etc. Modular solutions are also within the scope of the invention, in which the devices from individual plug-in modules (also referred to as "module") are composed. Single devices offer advantages in miniaturization and are cheaper for smaller automation tasks. A modular design offers the typical advantages of a modular system: High flexibility, expandability, cost savings in larger systems through the use of many identical modules that can be produced in large quantities.

Depending on the type, the devices can take over control and regulation tasks for the industrial plant or machine. In addition, the devices may e.g. also serve as a human-machine interface, for alerting or for data logging.

The industrial plant may be e.g. also be a production or manufacturing plant or a logistics system. Furthermore, it can be process automation systems or systems for energy production.

The classification of devices in different device types can be done, for example, according to the functionality of the device. Furthermore, the device type can be determined by means of input and output interfaces and / or by its spatial location within the factory (Hall A or Hall B). Finally, the device type can be delimited by the logical production process it supports, e.g. Production for customer A or for customer B or production of product 1 or production of product 2.

The acquisition module, the instruction module and / or the initialization module are electronic modules, each be provided as a single device or integrated in an assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the acquisition module, the instruction module and / or the initialization module have inputs, outputs, an operating system (eg firmware) and at least one interface via which the application or other user programs can be loaded.

The acquisition block reads data, in particular sensor data, from the engineering system in order to initialize the application accordingly. During the actual operation of the system, the acquisition module then does not necessarily have to fulfill a further functionality and preferably remains passive. The acquisition block can be powered by sensors or in data exchange with them. The sensors can be part of the engineering system and switched to the inputs of the acquisition block and capture corresponding sensor data of the device or the industrial plant. Examples of sensors are e.g. Photocells, incremental encoders, limit switches or even temperature sensors, level sensors, etc. The actuators can be connected to the outputs of the acquisition block and offer the possibility of controlling the machine or the industrial plant or parts thereof. Examples of actuators are contactors for switching on electric motors, electric valves for hydraulics or compressed air.

The initialization module is designed to apply the generated initialization commands to the respective application. The initialization commands are uniform for one application each, but this is distributed or deployed to several devices of one type (device type). For different applications, the initialization commands are usually also different. In a modified embodiment of the invention, the initialization commands may not be type specific and thus same for a group of devices, but may even be device specific to allow for device specific and even finer initialization.

The data exchange of the modules and components of the system preferably takes place via a fieldbus or via a network system. This reduces the wiring effort.

According to one aspect of the invention, the system is advantageously operated in combination with a plant engineering system. In an absolute basic version, the entry block could also allow the manual setting of parameters without a plant engineering system. The system communicates with the industrial plant and includes devices for electrical engineering, measuring and control technology as well as devices for automation. Alternatively, hydraulic or pneumatic devices can be integrated into the system.

Preferably, the initialization module is provided centrally for all devices of the industrial plant.

According to another aspect of the invention, the initialization commands are stored in an initialization file which is deployed and installed with the application.

In a variant of the invention, access is made from the respective device via an interface to a remote initialization application. The remote initialization application is designed to carry out the initialization after the application has been deployed on the device.

In a further variant of the invention, an initialized version of the application is generated with initialization commands already executed. Then this initialized version of the application is deployed on the device instead of the application.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the initialization device is provided remotely on all or selected devices of the industrial plant (or machine).

According to a further aspect of the invention, the instruction module is provided centrally for all or selected devices of the industrial plant.

• – Extrahieren von Initialisierungserfordernissen der Geräte der Industrieanlage und zentrales Speichern der extrahierten Initialisierungserfordernisse;
• – Erzeugen von einheitlichen Initialisierungsbefehlen für jeweils eine Applikation, die auf mehrere Geräte eines identischen Gerätetyps deployed wird, auf Basis der extrahierten Initialisierungserfordernisse;
• – Anwenden der erzeugten Initialisierungsbefehle auf die jeweilige Applikation.

The object is further achieved with a method for initializing applications for devices of an industrial plant with a plurality of devices of different types of devices, wherein the different types of devices each require different initializations of an application, comprising the following method steps:

• Extracting initialization requirements of the industrial equipment and centrally storing the extracted initialization requirements;
• Generating uniform initialization commands for each one application that is deployed on multiple devices of an identical device type, based on the extracted initialization requirements;
• - Applying the generated initialization commands to the respective application.

According to one aspect of the invention, the generated initialization commands are applied to the respective application before it is deployed on the device or devices. In another embodiment of the invention, particularly when accessing a remote initialization application, the generated initialization instructions become applied to the particular application after it is deployed on the device or devices.

It is also within the scope of the invention not necessarily to carry out the above-mentioned steps of the method in the order described above. Alternatively, it is also possible, for example, for the method steps of extraction, generation and / or application to be interleaved (interleaving).

Moreover, it is possible that individual sections of the method described above may be formed as single salable units and remaining sections of the method as other salable units. Thus, the method according to the invention can be executed as a distributed system on different computer-based instances (for example client-server instances). For example, it is possible for the acquisition module, the initialization module or the initialization module to be embodied in separate electronic or computer-based instances or to be merged into an assembly. Furthermore, the blocks and modules themselves may in turn comprise different sub-modules that may be distributed.

Another solution to the above object relates to a computer program product according to the appended claim. Another task solution is a computer program that includes computer instructions. The computer instructions are stored on a memory of a computer and include computer readable instructions designed to carry out the method described above when the instructions are executed on the computer. The computer program can also be stored on a storage medium or it can be downloaded from a server via a corresponding network.

In the following detailed description of the figures, non-limiting exemplary embodiments with their features and further advantages will be discussed with reference to the drawing. In this show:

1 A schematic representation of an initialization system according to an advantageous, exemplary embodiment of the invention and

2 a flowchart according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG 1 explained.

An industrial plant 20 includes a variety of different devices, such as components, modules and machines. The devices include, among others, sensors 11 , Actuators 12 , PLC 13 , electromechanical drives, valves 14 or further components, denoted by the reference numeral 15 should be represented. Further examples of devices or components are cookers, mixers, heating and cooling systems, extruders, air separators, conveyor belts, cutting and separating devices, welding devices, punches or other devices in which sensors, actuators, PLCs and drives are installed.

The devices 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 need in the industrial plant or machine 20 operated, regulated and / or controlled. For this purpose, it is provided that an application A in the memory of the device 11 - 15 read in and installed or deployed there. The application A thus serves to control and / or regulation of the device 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 , in the 1 Of course, only examples are listed. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that other device types of electronic and / or mechatronic components can also be regulated or controlled here and that other or further devices are also integrated in the industrial plant. 1 thus shows an example of a sensor module 11 , an actuator 12 , a mechatronic or electronic component 13 , eg a PLC, a valve 14 and an electronic drive 15 ,

Before installing application A, it must first be initialized. In a variant of the invention, this also includes configuration measures, for example for the assignment of (pre-) defined parameters of the application A with values such that the application A designed for different applications fits for a specific application, such as e.g. setting a link, e.g. a URI on a plant engineering system like COMOS.

An entry module 30 serves to initialize the devices 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 to extract and central to the industrial plant 20 save.

An instruction module 40 , It serves to generate based on the extracted initialization requirements uniform initialization commands for each application A, which on several devices 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 one and the same device type is deployed.

An initialization block 50 is adapted to apply the generated initialization commands to the respective application A, preferably before these on the device 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 is deployed. In a variant, however, this can also be done afterwards.

As in 1 As shown, the devices of the industrial plant or machine exchange via one or more data interfaces or protocols and are via a bus system B or a network with a control system 60 which is used to initialize application A. In one embodiment of the invention, the control system may be the acquisition device 30 , the instruction module 40 and the initialization block 50 include. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the components become 30 . 40 . 50 provided in separate components.

In 2 a flow chart according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown. After the start will be in step 100 Initialization requirements of the devices 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 the industrial plant 20 extracted and centralized for the industrial plant 20 saved.

In step 200 On the basis of the extracted initialization requirements uniform initialization commands for each application A are generated, which are based on several devices 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 the same device type is deployed.

In step 300 the generated initialization commands are applied to the respective application A. This is preferably done before this on the device or devices 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 is deployed.

Then the process ends.

The applications A, which is based on groups of devices 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 of the same type (eg PLCs, sensors, actuators) can be initialized in one embodiment such that on the device 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 the metrics used in the factory or manufacturing facility are set or that the correct branding appears, for example by fading in the correct logo. The information can be taken from a central engineering database and charged.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the initialization may result in a plant engineering system, such as e.g. COMOS is initialized with a COMOS URI (Uniform Resource Identifier URI) for the unambiguous identification of resources. This can e.g. the retrieval of device information from a central server (COMOS server). Furthermore, it would be possible to use the reference configured and initialized in accordance with the invention in application A for forwarding device-specific information to the central server or to another entity. The URI may in principle be displayed as a QR code in one embodiment of the invention, so that the user may e.g. can access the COMOS server via smartphone and QR code scanner.

In a further embodiment, the application A can be configured with data that are relevant for upstream and / or downstream devices in the fabrication process. In the simplest case, this can be the communication address of the respective device in order to simplify the exchange of data between the devices. Likewise, the functionality of the upstream / downstream device can be transported. This information can also be used to customize the production process, taking into account the additional information from the upstream / downstream equipment.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the application A can also be provided with a link to a technical diagnosis or maintenance server and initialized to exchange maintenance-relevant information. Thus, locally at the respective machine or on the device 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 be read whether and when the machine is to be maintained.

In a further embodiment, the application A can be configured with an error pattern, and accordingly advantageously directly on the device 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 even the device state against the error pattern are checked to decide how long the device is still available (also: lifetime measurement). Also, the application can be configured with a test procedure to ensure after initialization that all devices of the same type in the industrial plant 20 tested using the same test procedure to ensure consistent performance.

In a further embodiment, the application A for example, a valve pump 14 configured and / or initialized with profile data of the downstream devices. This allows the behavior of the valve pump 14 on the downstream devices 11 . 12 . 13 . 15 be adjusted. For example, another device may tell the device which frame rate, resolution, and video or audio codecs are available from a video camera upstream or downstream from the process. Likewise, other quality profiles can be transferred. Furthermore, value ranges for sensor values in the normal range can be transmitted. Thus, it can be analyzed locally on the respective device, for example in the case of a gas flow sensor, if the measured value for the flow rate lies in the plausible normal range, or if, for example, a repeated sensor data acquisition has to be initiated because it is a faulty measurement. It is also possible to provide data which enables the respective device to determine which operations can be performed on eg an actuator (angle of rotation about which axes, to what degree, etc.).

The initialization also makes it possible to run a specific test, which actual values exist for certain preselectable parameters and whether and to what extent they deviate from nominal values. The parameters to be checked may be e.g. value ranges, language selection, error patterns, set protocols for signal exchange etc. Further parameters are limit values, threshold values or measuring intervals.

In summary, the invention serves the purpose of apps not being specifically adapted for the particular application and the user of the device (specifically configuring an app for a mobile phone for their personal preferences), contrary to the trend in mobile technology, but apps should be consistent for a group of devices be adapted to operate consistently across all devices in the group. The device groups are defined by the technical device type (sensors, actuators, valve components, electronic circuits, mechatronic and other components provided with a digital data interface, and assemblies of these components).

Finally, it should be pointed out that the description of the invention and of the exemplary embodiments are in principle not restrictive with regard to a specific physical realization of the invention. All of the features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the article according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

The scope of the present invention is given by the following claims and is not limited by the features illustrated in the specification or shown in the figures.

It is particularly obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention can be used not only for PLCs, actuators and sensors as devices, but also for other technical devices and components or assemblies on which an application for control is to be installed. Furthermore, the components of the system with the acquisition module, the instruction module and the initialization module can be implemented distributed over several physical products.

Claims (11)

System for initializing applications (A) for devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of an industrial plant ( 20 ) with a variety of devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ), whereby the different types of devices each require different initializations of an application (A), comprising: a detection module ( 30 ), which is designed to initialize the devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of the industrial plant ( 20 ) and centrally for the industrial plant ( 20 ) save; - an instruction module ( 40 ), which is designed to generate, based on the extracted initialization requirements, uniform initialization commands for one application (A) that is based on multiple devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of the same device type is deployed; - an initialization block ( 50 ), which is designed to apply the generated initialization commands to the respective application (A) before it is displayed on the device ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) is deployed. System according to claim 1, in which the system is operated in a plant engineering system and the industrial plant ( 20 ) Includes devices of the electrical, measuring, control and regulation technology as well as devices for automation. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the initialization module ( 50 ) central to all devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of the industrial plant ( 20 ) provided. The system of claim 3, wherein the initialization commands are stored in an initialization file that is loaded and installed with the application (A). System according to claim 3, wherein of the respective device ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) is accessed via an interface to a remote initialization application, which is designed to perform the initialization after the deployment of the application (A) on the device. The system according to claim 3, wherein an initialized version (A ') of the application is generated with already executed initialization commands and wherein the initialized version (A') of the application is deployed on the device instead of the application (A). System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the initialization module ( 50 ) decentralized on all or selected devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of the industrial plant ( 20 ) provided. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instruction module is central to all or selected devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of the industrial plant ( 20 ) provided. Method for initializing applications (A) for devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of an industrial plant ( 20 ) with a variety of devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of different types of devices, wherein the different types of devices each require different initializations of an application (A), comprising the following method steps: - Extract ( 100 ) of initialization requirements of the devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of the industrial plant ( 20 ) and centrally storing the extracted initialization requirements; - Produce ( 200 ) of uniform initialization commands for one application (A), which can be applied to multiple devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) of a device type based on the extracted initialization requirements; - Apply ( 300 ) of the generated initialization commands to the respective application (A). Method according to the preceding method claim, wherein the generated initialization commands are applied to the respective application (A) before they are applied to the device or devices ( 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 ) is deployed. A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program can be loaded on a data medium or into an internal memory of a digital computer and comprises software routines with which the steps of the method according to the preceding method claim are executed when the software routines are executed on the digital computer ,

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