Scanning a coded image on a physical object to determine parameters for the manufacturing process

Abstract

The present application relates to scanning a coded image on a physical object to determine parameters for a manufacturing process. A method includes: scanning a first QR code on a first physical object to obtain a first parameter, wherein the first parameter includes specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process, and the specifications include at least one material used to construct the product. The method further includes: scanning a second QR code on a second physical object to obtain a second parameter, wherein the second parameter corresponds to the manufacturing process; comparing the first parameter with a second parameter by a computing device; determining whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameter with the second parameter; and in response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, using the at least one material to construct the product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] At least some embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to scanning of coded images, and more particularly, but not limited to, scanning coded images on physical objects to determine parameters for a manufacturing process. Background Art

[0002] A Quick Response Code is a type of barcode (sometimes referred to as a QR code barcode, or simply a QR code). In some cases, a QR code is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the physical item to which the QR code is attached. A QR code may contain data, such as a locator, identifier, or tracker pointing to a website or application. A QR code may, for example, store data using various standardized encoding patterns. These may include numeric and alphanumeric patterns.

[0003] In some cases, a QR code contains black squares arranged in a two-dimensional square grid on a white background. The QR code can be read by an imaging device such as a camera and processed using error correction until the image can be interpreted. There are several standards covering encoding data into QR codes (e.g., ISO / IEC 18004:2015).

[0004] In some cases, a smartphone can be used as a QR code scanner. The smartphone can convert the QR code into some type of useful data, such as a standard URL for a website. In one example, a user with a camera phone equipped with a reader application can scan an image of a QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in a browser on the phone.

[0005] QR code also can be linked to a certain location to track the location of scanning code.In one example, the application program that scans QR code can retrieve geographic information by using GPS etc.

[0006] In some cases, QR codes are used with mobile device operating systems. Mobile devices may support URL redirection, which allows the QR code to send metadata to existing applications on the device.

[0007] QR codes are different from older one-dimensional bar codes that are designed to be mechanically scanned by a narrow beam of light. For example, a QR code is detected by a two-dimensional digital image sensor and then digitally analyzed by a programmable processor. Summary of the invention

[0008] One embodiment of the present application provides a method, comprising: scanning a first image on a first object to obtain first parameters, wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters include specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process, the specifications include at least one material used to construct the product, and the manufacturing process includes manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scanning a second image on a second object to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image, at least one of the second parameters corresponds to a first step of the manufacturing steps, and the first step uses the at least one material; comparing the first parameter and the second parameter by a computing device; determining by the computing device whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameter and the second parameter; and in response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, performing an action corresponding to the manufacturing process.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present application provides a system comprising: at least one processing device; and a memory containing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processing device to perform the following operations: scanning a first image on a first object to obtain first parameters, wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters include specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process includes manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scanning a second image on a second object to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image, and at least one of the second parameters corresponds to at least one of the manufacturing steps; comparing the first parameters with the second parameters; determining whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameters with the second parameters; and in response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, performing an action corresponding to the manufacturing process.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present application provides a non-transitory computer storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform at least the following operations: scan a first image on a first object to obtain first parameters, wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters include specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process includes manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scan a second image on a second object to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image, and at least one of the second parameters corresponds to at least one of the manufacturing steps; compare the first parameters with the second parameters; determine whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameters with the second parameters; and in response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, perform an action corresponding to the manufacturing process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0012] Figure 1 An example computing system for scanning a coded image on a physical object to determine parameters for a manufacturing process is presented according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 Demonstrating an embodiment Figure 1 An example of a manufacturing process.

[0014] Figure 3 An example label with a QR code on the label is shown according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 Shown is an example Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) document having a QR code on the document according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 A set of example parameter types and corresponding parameter values ​​that may be encoded in a QR code are shown according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 An example computing system for scanning one or more physical objects to determine parameters for a manufacturing process is presented according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 An example computing system is presented in which a mobile device scans a physical object to determine parameters for a manufacturing process, according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 A block diagram is shown of a computing device (eg, a vendor server or a customer server) that may be used in various embodiments.

[0020] Fig. 9 A block diagram of a computing device (eg, a mobile device of a user or a user terminal) according to one embodiment is shown.

[0021] Fig.10 A method for scanning a coded image on a physical object to determine parameters for a manufacturing process is presented according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] At least some embodiments herein relate to scanning a coded image (e.g., a QR code) on a physical object (e.g., a physical component, a printed document, and / or a label) to determine and / or evaluate parameters of a manufacturing process (e.g., silicon chip processing parameters used to make a memory device for an automobile).

[0023] For example, the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is used in the automotive industry production chain to ensure the approval of component suppliers and their production processes. PPAP was created and adopted by three large American companies in the automotive industry (Chrysler, Ford and General Motors). The first version of PPAP was published in February 1993 and was based on the IATF standard 16949:2016.

[0024] When manufacturing a product such as a memory device for an automobile, various aspects of the product are conventionally negotiated / communicated between the supplier, the customer / buyer, and / or the subcontractor by exchanging decks of printed paper. For example, a supplier may produce memory chips for an automobile manufacturing company that is a customer / buyer. Such printed paper may include one or more of the following:

[0025] PPAP (Production Part Approval Process): Used by suppliers to describe various technical and logistical aspects of the product version to be provided by the supplier (e.g., the process of manufacturing the chip, the process of testing the chip, the design parameters of the chip, and / or the materials used in the chip).

[0026] PSW (Part Submission Warrant): A warranty provided by the supplier for product samples.

[0027] PCN (Product Change Notification): Proposed changes made by the supplier to the PPAP.

[0028] · EOL (End of Life): The notification given by the supplier to the customer / buyer.

[0029] CCR (Customer Containment Rules): Which versions of a product can be shipped to which customers.

[0030] BOM (Build-of-Materials or Bill-of-Materials): A document that identifies the components of a product release.

[0031] Conventionally, the supplier makes a batch of samples of the described / documented product using a PPAP, which contains a warranty in the form of a PSW. The customer / buyer inspects / tests the samples. If the sample / PPAP is not accepted, the supplier can make an improved sample with an updated PPAP. ​​If the buyer accepts to purchase a certain version of the sample, the buyer signs its associated PSW and returns the signed PSW to the supplier as approval. The supplier will use the approved PSW and its associated PPAP to organize the manufacturing / production of the product and the delivery of the product to the buyer. Product quality is guaranteed (e.g., to a certain extent) by the specifications set forth in the approved PPAP / PSW and samples produced according to the approved PPAP / PSW and inspected by the buyer for approval given in the PSW.

[0032] If the supplier makes changes to the approved PPAP, the supplier must send the PCN to the buyer for approval. Once the PCN is approved, a set of samples and PPAP can be generated for the approved PSW from the buyer.

[0033] EOL is used by suppliers to notify buyers of the end of life of a particular product. CCR is used by suppliers to organize the shipment of different versions of a product to different customers. BOM is used by suppliers to coordinate with subcontractors to organize the production of a product.

[0034] Because the content of PPAP, PSW, PCN, EOL, CCR and BOM often varies significantly from product to product, the content is usually printed on paper and processed by humans through reading and human intelligence. This can lead to various problems, including increased manufacturing errors when making memory or other devices (e.g., due to human errors in reading wafer processing or device test conditions), time-consuming manual review of paper documents, and inefficiencies in coordinating processing operations and / or logistics between suppliers and their customers, subcontractors and / or distributors.

[0035] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a technical solution to one or more of the above technical problems. In some embodiments, QR codes can be used to improve the use of PPAP, PSW, PCN, EOL, CCR and / or BOM. In general, QR codes can be used to encode at least some of the information printed on paper. Samples of this information to be encoded in QR codes may include identifiers (e.g., identifiers of materials and entities), limitations, parameters, measurements, values, sizes and / or manufacturing facility (e.g., factory) locations. Samples of information that are generally not suitable for encoding in QR codes and therefore need to be read and handled by humans include diagrams and charts.

[0036] In one example, a QR code is a two-dimensional barcode (or 2D code) that is a matrix, which consists of black modules arranged in a white pattern having a square shape. The matrix of a QR code is used to store information, and a QR code is sometimes intended to be read by a mobile device (e.g., by an application executed on a smartphone and using the smartphone's camera). In one example, a coded image of a QR code (e.g., a single ciphertext) may contain up to 7,089 numbers or 4,296 alphanumeric characters. The matrix format is, for example, a 29×29 square and contains 48 alphanumeric characters.

[0037] In one embodiment, once the information is encoded using a QR code, at least some processing of the PPAP and / or other documents may be automated by computer processing. For example, a mobile phone with an application (sometimes simply referred to as an "app") may be used to scan the QR code to extract the information encoded therein. For example, two QR codes from two PPAPs may be compared by the mobile application to show differences and common aspects. Two QR codes from two documents may be compared by the mobile application to determine whether the two documents match for development of a product (e.g., a PPAP and a corresponding PCN).

[0038] In one embodiment, the mobile application may be connected to the server to further link the QR code / PPAP to other information stored in the server (e.g., diagrams and charts). For example, each PPAP may have a unique version identifier encoded in the QR code. Thus, the QR code of the PPAP may be used to look up the identification of the sample. Similarly, the same QR code of the PPAP may be printed on the PSW. Thus, when the PSW is received, the QR code may be scanned to correlate it with the PPAP.

[0039] In one embodiment, based on information encoded in a QR code printed on a PSW (and / or associated information pre-linked to the QR code / PPAP), a computer system may automatically perform at least part of the process of inserting the conditions of a CCR. Generally, the same batch of products may meet the requirements of several buyers. The PPAP / PSW defines the customer's requirements. The QR code may first be added as input to the CCR. The computer system may be programmed to automatically determine whether a batch of products meets (at least part of) the requirements of the PPAP / PSW.

[0040] Similarly, a QR code for the PPAP can be entered as part of the BOM. This allows some component supplier relationships to be automatically identified.

[0041] QR codes with PPAP information can also be printed on other documents to drive production, such as documents shipped with the product to the buyer, orders to subcontractors, and components from subcontractors.

[0042] In one embodiment, each PPAP associated with a batch of samples has a single QR code. The QR code has a set of parameters unique to the sample. Any subsequent documents associated with the sample have the same QR code, so that the information can be accessed using a scanner (e.g., through a mobile application using a camera or other lens) without connecting to a server. However, a server can be used to provide additional information about the PPAP. ​​Access to the additional information may be privileged (e.g., requiring authentication of the device requesting access).

[0043] In some cases, the QR code may include a descriptive message specific to the situation (e.g., data observed and / or collected at one or more steps of the manufacturing process when making the sample). For example, the descriptive message may indicate the reason for the PPAP (e.g., due to a PCN, customer letter / request, etc.).

[0044] In one embodiment, a computer application is executing on a mobile device. A scanner of the mobile device is used to scan one or more QR codes on paper or other printed documents (e.g., PPAP, PSW, and / or PCN on paper, labels, etc.). Based on scanning the QR code and comparing the parameters encoded in the QR code, parameters of the manufacturing process can be negotiated and manufacturing of the physical product can be authorized.

[0045] In one embodiment, PPAP is used to determine whether all requirements of both the design and the product are met, and / or whether the supplier's manufacturing process is capable of maintaining these requirements in mass production. By using QR codes as described herein, it can be ensured that marking is performed to achieve traceability between data information (e.g., parameters and values) for specific customer requirements. QR codes can support faster data comparisons, and / or add key comprehensive information to increase focus when managing data shared by suppliers and automotive customers.

[0046] In view of the above, the use of QR codes on documents can provide various advantages. For example, the traceability of products to documents (e.g., PPAP documents) can be improved. In other instances, extraction parameters and corresponding values ​​can be used in a table format. In addition, incoming inspection can be improved. In addition, the introduction of QR codes in documents (PPAP) and / or on another physical object should have minimal cost. In addition, the traceability of documents to products can be improved. In some cases, products can be delivered to customers faster due to improved handling and / or logistics efficiencies. In addition, the traceability of batch inventory to links with PPAP can be improved.

[0047] Figure 1 An example computing system for scanning coded images 104, 108 on physical objects 102, 106 to determine parameters for a manufacturing process 122 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 1In the present invention, computing device 112 may be used to access, communicate with, and / or interact with manufacturing facility server 116, distribution facility server 130, and / or customer facility server 132 via communication network 121 (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, or other wired or wireless communication network). The access, communication, or interaction may be related to a product (e.g., a memory device for an automobile) made using manufacturing process 122. In some cases, the product is a sample made and approved by a customer before mass production of a commercial product.

[0048] The computing device 112 is coupled to a scanner 110 for scanning coded images. Specifically, the scanner 110 may be used to scan the coded image 104 on the physical object 102, and / or to scan the coded image 108 on the physical object 106. The coded images 104 and 108 are scanned to determine parameters associated with the manufacturing process 122. In some cases, the determined parameters are compared using the computing device 112. In some embodiments, the physical object 102 and the physical object 106 include computing devices that may communicate, for example, using a wireless connection.

[0049] The parameters determined from the coded images 104, 108 relate to a product to be made using the manufacturing process 122. In one example, the physical object 102 is a PPAP document and the physical object 106 is a PSW document or a PCN document. For example, the PCN document may specify a change in one or more materials used to build the product. A comparison of the parameters obtained from scanning the coded images 104, 108 may be used to determine that the PPAP document corresponds to the PCN document so that the change in material is correctly implemented when the product is manufactured in a manufacturing facility including the manufacturing facility server 116.

[0050] In one example, the customer approves the material change by providing the PSW document to the supplier after reviewing the PCN document. The PSW document may include an encoded image (not shown) scanned by scanner 110 and determined by computing device 112 to correspond to the PPAP document. Additionally, computing device 112 may determine from the encoded image of the PSW document that the manufacturing of the product is authorized by the customer. Computing device 112 may communicate this authorization to fab server 116. Furthermore, server 116 may update manufacturing data 114 to reflect the change in material to be used in manufacturing process 122. In one example, the change in material corresponds to material incorporated into the product by manufacturing machine 118 during manufacturing.

[0051] In one embodiment, the physical object 102 is a PPAP document corresponding to a specification 124 used to make a product in a manufacturing process 122. In one example, the product being made is a physical product 126. The coded image 128 can be attached to, integrated with, and / or adhered to the physical product 126. The coded image 128 corresponds to the specification 124. In one example, the coded image 128 encodes parameters related to process conditions observed during the manufacturing process on the manufacturing machine 118. In another example, a scanner 120 coupled to the manufacturing machine 118 scans the coded image 128 to obtain parameters related to the operation of the manufacturing machine 118 when manufacturing the physical product 126. In one example, the obtained parameters control chemical or other process conditions associated with the manufacturing machine 118. In another example, the obtained parameters control a testing process used after manufacturing the physical product 126.

[0052] In one embodiment, the physical product 126 is shipped to a distribution facility having a distribution facility server 130. The server 130 scans the coded image 128 to obtain parameters for handling logistics for the physical product 126. For example, the obtained parameters may be used to determine how to ship or otherwise provide the physical product 126 to a customer facility having a customer facility server 132. In one example, the distribution facility server 130 may transmit a communication to the customer facility server 132 based on the parameters obtained from scanning the coded image 128. In another example, the server 130 may additionally and / or alternatively transmit a communication to the computer device 112 regarding data obtained from scanning the coded image 128.

[0053] In one embodiment, the physical object 102 is a label affixed to the physical product 126, or a label affixed to a container that holds the physical product 126. The computing device 112 may use the scanner 110 to scan the coded image 104 during the manufacture of the product 126.

[0054] In another embodiment, the physical object 102 is a manufacturing machine 118. The coded image 104 may be scanned during the manufacture of the product 126. In one example, the operation of the manufacturing machine 118 may be adjusted or otherwise controlled based on parameters obtained from this scan.

[0055] In one embodiment, computing device 112 prepares a report based on scanning of coded images 104 and 108 by scanner 110. The report indicates the differences between the manufacturing requirements determined from the scan. Computing device 112 sends the report to manufacturing facility server 116 and / or customer facility server 132 via communication network 121.

[0056] In one embodiment, the encoded image 104 includes an identifier. The computing device 112 uses the identifier to look up data about the physical product 126. The looked up data may be stored as manufacturing data 114, for example.

[0057] In one embodiment, the encoded image 104 is a QR code. A mobile phone with an application (e.g., the computing device 112 may be a mobile phone with a scanner 110) is used to scan the QR code to extract the information encoded therein. The two QR codes from the two PPAPs may be compared by the mobile application to show the differences and common aspects. The two QR codes from the two documents may be compared by the mobile application to determine whether the two documents (e.g., PPAP and corresponding PCN) match for the development of a product (e.g., product 126). The mobile application may be connected to a server to further link the QR code / PPAP to other information stored in the server (e.g., diagrams and charts stored in the manufacturing data 114). For example, each PPAP may have a unique version identifier encoded in the QR code. Thus, the QR code of the PPAP may be used to look up the identification of a sample (e.g., a sample made according to the specification 124 using the manufacturing process 122). The QR code has a set of parameters unique to the sample. The same QR code may be provided to any subsequent document associated with the sample so that the information may be accessed using a scanner without connecting to a server. However, in some cases, a server may be used to provide additional information about the PPAP. ​​Access to the additional information may be privileged (e.g., requiring authorization and / or authentication). In some cases, the QR code may include a descriptive message specific to the situation associated with the manufacturing process 122 and / or customer requirements prior to manufacturing.

[0058] In one embodiment, physical product 126 is a silicon chip. Each silicon wafer processed using manufacturing process 122 receives a unique laser scribe (eg, for product traceability). Encoded image 128 and / or another encoded image includes parameters corresponding to this laser scribe.

[0059] Figure 2 Demonstrating an embodiment Figure 1 1. An example of a manufacturing process 122 of a product. The manufacturing process 122 includes manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility (not shown). These steps include fabrication 202, probing 204, assembly 206, testing 208, and delivery 210. These steps are implemented according to specification 124. One or more of these steps may include corresponding rules 203, 205, 207, 209, and 211. These rules may customize and / or further constrain the manufacturing requirements for a particular product. For example, these rules may be CCRs for a particular customer. For example, these rules may specify product versions that may be shipped to certain customers.

[0060] In one embodiment, at the conveying step 210, a label 214 is applied to or otherwise accompanies a product made using the manufacturing process 122. The label 214 includes a coded image 216 that includes parameters associated with one or more of the manufacturing steps. In another embodiment, the coded image 216 includes one or more parameters corresponding to a logistics conveying operation. For example, the parameters may indicate the location of the shipping destination and / or the location of the shipping origin for the product. In one example, the manufacturing facility server 116 uses a scanner 212 to scan the coded image 216. The parameters obtained from this scan are transmitted to the distribution facility server 130 and / or the customer facility server 132 via the communication network 121.

[0061] Figure 3 An example label 301 is shown with a QR code 302 on the label 301 according to one embodiment. In addition to the QR code 302, the label 301 may also include a barcode 304. In one example, the barcode 304 is a one-dimensional barcode. The label 301 may also further include alphanumeric data 306, which includes alphanumeric characters printed on the label 301.

[0062] In one embodiment, the label (e.g., label 301) used for module production has standard requirements for each line printed on the label, but may vary in type. In one instance, the supplier's module label content and format may comply with the JEDEC label specification. The supplier may use various packaging labels to achieve faster identification of the package contents. For example, the supplier's label uses a standard barcode label that complies with EIA standard 556. The barcode label enables customers to scan the supplier's container for faster order verification. In one instance, the customer facility server 132 uses a scanner to scan the coded image 128. In one instance, the use of a QR code on the label 301 reduces the differences / gaps among DOM, CCR, inventory, PCN, PSW and PPAP documents.

[0063] In one embodiment, as mentioned above, each PPAP may have a unique version identifier encoded in a QR code. Thus, the QR code of the PPAP may be used to look up the identity of the sample. The QR code has a set of parameters unique to the sample. Any subsequent documents associated with the sample (e.g., label 301 and / or other shipping documents, packaging, or container) are provided with the same QR code so that the information can be accessed using a scanner without connecting to a server.

[0064] Adding a QR code 302 to a label 301 may provide various advantages. For example, compliance of products and related content with potentially applicable laws, customers, and / or internal requirements of suppliers may be improved. Compliance with official requirements of management or authorities (e.g., trade laws) may be improved. Compliance with legal customer requirements related to product content may be improved. Developing, redesigning, and / or deploying new or existing business processes to comply with customer requirements may be made more efficient. Tracking of products shipped to customer facilities may be improved.

[0065] Figure 4 An example production part approval process (PPAP) document 402 is shown with a QR code 404 on it according to one embodiment. In one example, the QR code 404 is printed as part of a paper document. In another example, the QR code 404 is a label attached to the paper or plastic document 402. In one example, the QR code 404 corresponds to Figure 1 The specification 124 of the manufacturing process 122. In other embodiments, the QR code 404 may also be included or placed on other documents, such as PSW, PCN, BOM, CCR, etc.

[0066] Figure 5 A set of example parameter types 502 and corresponding parameter values ​​504 that may be encoded in a QR code are shown according to one embodiment. In one example, the QR code is an encoded image 104, an encoded image 108, and / or an encoded image 128. For each of these examples, the QR code encodes parameters that may be later obtained from scanning the encoded image as parameter values ​​for evaluation by a computing device (e.g., computing device 112 or fab server 116). In another example, the QR code is an encoded image 216.

[0067] In one example, parameters 502 include one or more parameters related to materials used in the manufacture of a product. In another example, parameters 502 include one or more parameters related to assembly, testing, and / or manufacturing location.

[0068] Figure 6 An example computing system for scanning one or more physical objects to determine parameters for a manufacturing process is shown according to one embodiment. A vendor server 6150 uses a scanner 6151 to scan a QR code on a physical object, as described herein. A rule 6116 may include a list of attributes to ensure that a customer receives the correct product that the customer has ordered. In one example, the rule 6116 is a CCR.

[0069] As described herein, the customer server 6170 scans the QR code using the scanner 6152. The customer server 6170 can communicate with the vendor server 6150 over the communication network 121 based on the parameters obtained from this scan. Similarly, the vendor server 6150 can initiate communication with the customer server 6170 based on the parameters obtained from scanning one or more QR codes.

[0070] In one embodiment, the supplier server 6150 and / or the customer server 6170 may send one or more communications to the mobile device 6147 or 6149 via the communication network 121 based on parameters obtained from scanning a QR code on one or more physical objects (e.g., a product, label, or PPAP document). In one example, such communications provide data displayed to the user of the mobile device regarding the status of the product in the manufacturing process. Communications may also occur with other types of computing devices (e.g., user terminals 6141, 6143, 6145).

[0071] In one embodiment, the mobile device 6149 executes the application 6013. As described herein, the application 6013 can be used to scan a QR code (e.g., using a camera of the mobile device 6149).

[0072] In one embodiment, the supplier server 6150 stores manufacturing data 6127. In one example, the manufacturing data 6127 is manufacturing data 114. The manufacturing data 6127 may be updated in response to one or more parameters obtained using the scanner 6151. The manufacturing data 6127 may also be updated in response to communications received from the mobile device 6149 and / or the customer server 6170.

[0073] In one embodiment, a supplier's automotive customers purchase products such as, for example, memory (e.g., DDR, NAND, eMMC, SSD) through a distributor. Each customer is identified by a customer number, and products are identified using a customer part number (CPN). This code (CPN) can be used as a link between the supplier code (e.g., supplier part number) and the customer.

[0074] The CPN can be inserted into the PPAP document (e.g., using a QR code) as an identification code for the product and an identification code for the customer requirements (e.g., shipping location, country, etc.). This can be done for those customers who ship through a distributor. For these customers, a PPAP is prepared for the distributor and sent to the customer. The shipment of the product is sent to the distributor with a link to the distributor's CPN, which redirects the product to the distributor.

[0075] In some cases, the customer purchases through a distributor and also requests and approves the PPAP. ​​In this case, the distributor guarantees that the supplier's product complies with the PPAP approved between the supplier and the customer.

[0076] In another embodiment, the distributor repackages the product batch from the supplier according to the minimum batch size (e.g., in a tape and tray box, the maximum number of trays is 1000 units, and for a shipping package, the maximum number of trays is 980 units). In one example, a customer requests an order of 500 units. These 500 units are repackaged in another box (without the supplier's label). As described herein, by using QR codes on documents, packaging, and / or products, it can be ensured that all products (including shipments made through the distributor) are PPAP compliant.

[0077] In one example, suppliers use a special label, Supplier PPAP. ​​Distributors can also use the same label. The use of Supplier PPAP ensures customer compliance.

[0078] Figure 7 An example computing system is shown in which a mobile device 7201 scans a physical object (not shown) to determine parameters for a manufacturing process according to one embodiment. In one example, the manufacturing process is Figure 1 Manufacturing process 122.

[0079] The mobile device 7201 includes a scanner 7060 that scans a coded image on a physical object (not shown). This scan obtains parameters encoded in the image. In one example, the parameters include values ​​for processing conditions used when manufacturing the product. In another example, the parameters may further include values ​​for a testing algorithm used to test the product during and / or after manufacturing, assembly, and / or packaging. Other examples include values ​​for design parameters and / or parameters used to identify materials used to make the product.

[0080] In one embodiment, the data obtained from scanning the QR code is stored in stored data 7215 in the memory 7212 of the mobile device 7201. One or more of the applications 7209 executed on the mobile device 7201 can control the scanner 7060 during this scan and perform various calculations and control processes. In one example, the stored data 7215 is processed to create a table 7213 that includes parameter types and corresponding values ​​for the manufacturing process 122.

[0081] In one embodiment, the mobile device 7201 communicates the parameters to the vendor server 6150 over the communication network 121. The server 6150 requires the mobile device 7201 to be authenticated. In one example, the mobile device 7201 authenticates itself by accessing a computing device in the network 7172, which communicates authorization to the vendor server 6150 after the mobile device 7201 has been authenticated. In response to this authentication, the vendor server 6150 changes the manufacturing data 114 to adjust one or more steps of the manufacturing process 122. In one example, the security software 7207 controls this authentication process and the communication with the network 7172 and the vendor server 6150.

[0082] In one embodiment, the facility server 7160 is coupled to a scanner 7040 that is used to scan a first QR code on a PPAP or other document. The mobile device 7149 includes a lens 7020 that scans a second QR code on the PPAP or other document. The parameters obtained from scanning the QR codes are compared. Based on this comparison, the facility server 7160 and / or the mobile device 7149 determines that the PPAP or other document corresponds to the manufacturing process 122.

[0083] although Figure 7 An exemplary system implemented in a client-server architecture is described, but embodiments of the invention may be implemented in various alternative architectures. For example, in some embodiments, the facility server 7160 may be implemented via a peer-to-peer network of computing devices, wherein data / information from the computing devices is shared via a peer-to-peer communication connection.

[0084] In some embodiments, a combination of client-server architecture and peer-to-peer architecture may be used, where one or more centralized servers may be used to provide some information and / or services, and peer-to-peer networks are used to provide other information and / or services. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particular architecture.

[0085] Figure 8 A block diagram showing a computing device (e.g., a vendor server 6150 or a customer server 6170) that may be used in various embodiments. Figure 8 Various components are illustrated, but are not intended to represent any particular architecture or manner of interconnecting the components. Other systems with fewer or more components may also be used. In an embodiment, the supplier server, customer server, and distributor server may each reside on a separate computing system, or one or more may be run on the same computing device in various combinations.

[0086] exist Figure 8 In FIG. 8 , computing device 8201 includes interconnect 8202 (e.g., bus and system core logic) that interconnects microprocessor 8203 and memory 8208. Figure 8In the example, microprocessor 8203 is coupled to cache memory 8204.

[0087] The interconnect 8202 interconnects the microprocessor 8203 and memory 8208 together, and also interconnects them with the display controller and display device 8207 and with peripheral devices such as input / output (I / O) devices 8205 through the input / output controller 8206. Typical I / O devices include a mouse, keyboard, modem, network interface, printer, scanner, camera, and other devices well known in the art.

[0088] The interconnect 8202 may include one or more buses connected to each other through various bridges, controllers and / or adapters. In one embodiment, the I / O controller 8206 includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter for controlling USB peripheral devices, and / or an IEEE-1394 bus adapter for controlling IEEE-1394 peripheral devices.

[0089] The memory 8208 may include ROM (Read Only Memory), volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) and non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, etc.

[0090] Volatile RAM is usually implemented as dynamic RAM (DRAM), which continuously requires power in order to refresh or maintain the data in the memory. Non-volatile memory is usually a solid-state drive, a magnetic hard drive, a magnetic optical drive or an optical drive (such as DVD RAM), or other types of memory systems that can maintain data even after power is removed from the system. Non-volatile memory can also be random access memory.

[0091] The non-volatile memory may be a local device directly coupled to the rest of the components in the computing device. Non-volatile memory remote from the computing device may also be used, such as a network storage device coupled to the computing device through a network interface (e.g., a modem or Ethernet interface).

[0092] In one embodiment, Figure 8 The computing devices described in the figure may be used to implement computing device 112, provider server 6150, customer server 6170, facility server 7160 and / or other servers.

[0093] In another embodiment, if Figure 8 The computing device described in the embodiment is used to implement a user terminal or mobile device on which an application is installed or being installed. The user terminal may be in the form of a laptop or notebook computer or a personal desktop computer, for example.

[0094] In some embodiments, one or more servers may be replaced with the services of a peer-to-peer network of multiple data processing systems or a network of distributed computing systems. A peer-to-peer network or distributed computing system may be collectively referred to as a computing device.

[0095] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented via a microprocessor 8203 and / or memory 8208. For example, the functions described may be implemented in part via hardware logic in the microprocessor 8203 and in part using instructions stored in the memory 8208. Some embodiments are implemented using a microprocessor 8203 without additional instructions stored in the memory 8208. Some embodiments are implemented using instructions stored in the memory 8208 for execution by one or more general purpose microprocessors 8203. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to a specific configuration of hardware and / or software.

[0096] Fig. 9 A block diagram of a computing device (e.g., a user's mobile device or user terminal) according to one embodiment is shown. Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the computing device includes an interconnect 9221 connecting a presentation device 9229, a user input device 9231, a processor 9233, a memory 9227, a positioning identification unit 9225 and a communication device 9223.

[0097] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the location identification unit 9225 is used to identify the geographic location. The location identification unit 9225 may include a satellite positioning system receiver, such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, to automatically identify the current location of the computing device.

[0098] exist Fig. 9 In one embodiment, the communication device 9223 is configured to communicate with the server to provide data, which includes parameter data (e.g., values ​​for manufacturing specifications obtained from the QR code). In one embodiment, the user input device 9231 is configured to receive or generate user data or content. The user input device 9231 may include a text input device, a still image camera, a video camera, and / or a voice recorder, etc.

[0099] Fig.10 A method for scanning a coded image on a physical object to determine parameters for a manufacturing process is presented according to one embodiment. For example, Fig.10 The method can be implemented in Figure 1 , 6 And 7 systems.

[0100] Fig.10The method may be performed by processing logic, which may include hardware (e.g., a processing device, a circuit, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, an integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions running or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof.

[0101] In some embodiments, Fig.10 The method is at least partly based on Figure 6 In one embodiment, the use of one or more processors of the supplier server 6150 Figure 8 or 9's processor and memory to implement the supplier server 6150.

[0102] Although shown in a particular sequence or order, the order of the processes may be modified unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be understood as examples only, and the illustrated processes may be performed in a different order, and some processes may be performed in parallel. In addition, one or more processes may be omitted in various embodiments. Therefore, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

[0103] At block 1001, a first image on a first object is scanned to obtain a first parameter. The first parameter is encoded in the first image. The first parameter includes specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process. In one example, the first image is a QR code and the first object is a PPAP or other document.

[0104] At box 1003, a second image on a second object is scanned to obtain a second parameter. The second parameter is encoded in the second image and corresponds to a manufacturing process. In one example, the second image is a QR code, and the second object is a PSW, PCN or other document.

[0105] At block 1005, the first parameter is compared to the second parameter. In one example, the values ​​for the manufacturing specification obtained from the first and second parameters are compared. In one example, computing device 112 and / or fab server 116 performs the comparison.

[0106] At block 1007, based on comparing the first parameter to the second parameter, it is determined whether the first object corresponds to the second object. In one example, the supplier server 6150 determines that the approval associated with the PSW document corresponds to the PPAP document. In one example, the PPAP document includes a Figure 1 Specifications 124 of the manufacturing process 122 .

[0107] In response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, an action corresponding to the manufacturing process is performed at block 1009. In one example, the manufacturing facility server 116 updates the manufacturing data 114. In one example, the server 116 authorizes the production of the product using the manufacturing process 122. In one example, the server 116 sends a communication regarding the scanning parameters to the customer facility server 132 via the communication network 121.

[0108] In one embodiment, a method includes: scanning a first image (e.g., encoded image 104) on a first object (e.g., physical object 102) to obtain first parameters (e.g., parameter type 502 and / or value 504), wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters include specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process (e.g., manufacturing process 122), the specifications include at least one material used to construct the product, and the manufacturing process includes manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scanning a second image (e.g., encoded image 108) on a second object (e.g., physical object 106) to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image, at least one of the second parameters corresponds to a first step of the manufacturing steps, and the first step uses at least one material; comparing the first parameters with the second parameters by a computing device (e.g., computing device 112); determining by the computing device whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameters with the second parameters; and in response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, performing an action corresponding to the manufacturing process.

[0109] In one embodiment, the first image is a two-dimensional barcode; the second image is a two-dimensional barcode; the first object is a document containing specifications for making a product; the second object is a document containing revisions to the specifications; and the action includes updating the specifications based on comparing the first parameter to the second parameter, and using the updated specifications to make the product.

[0110] In one embodiment, the first image includes alphanumeric characters, the first object is a label, and the alphanumeric characters are printed on the label.

[0111] In one embodiment, the first object is: a paper or plastic document (e.g., PPAP document 402); a card; a label that is adhered to a product made by a manufacturing process; a label that is adhered to a container that holds a product made by a manufacturing process; a machine that is used in a manufacturing process; or packaging that is used for a product made by a manufacturing process, wherein the first image is engraved on the packaging.

[0112] In one embodiment, the action includes printing a label (eg, label 301), and the label is associated with a product produced by a manufacturing process.

[0113] In one embodiment, the actions include making a product using a manufacturing process, and the method further includes attaching a third image to the product, the third image encoding third parameters corresponding to specifications for making the product.

[0114] In one embodiment, the specifications for making a product include at least one of: chemical processing conditions for making the product; a testing procedure for testing the product; design parameters for the product; or materials used to construct the product.

[0115] In one embodiment, the scanner is used to scan the first image, and the scanner is: a camera configured to scan a barcode; a mobile device including a lens for scanning the first image, the mobile device executing software to decode the first image to obtain the first parameter; or a barcode reader.

[0116] In one embodiment, the first image is a two-dimensional barcode, the product is a memory device; the first object is a document that includes specifications for making the memory device using a manufacturing process; the second object is a document that authorizes the specifications for making the memory device; and the action includes sending authorization to another computing device to make the memory device.

[0117] In one embodiment, the computing device is a mobile device (e.g., mobile device 7 201), the first parameter further includes a link, and the server (e.g., fab server 116) stores data associated with the manufacturing process. The method further includes accessing the stored data (e.g., manufacturing data 114 or manufacturing data 6 127) using the link via the mobile device.

[0118] In one embodiment, the first object is a Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) document that specifies manufacturing requirements for making a product; the second object is a Part Submission Warrant (PSW) document that approves the product, or a Product Change Notification (PCN) document that updates manufacturing requirements for the product; determining that the first object corresponds to the second object includes determining that the PSW document authorizes the manufacture of the product as specified in the PPAP document, or determining that the PCN document updates the manufacturing requirements; and the action includes manufacturing the product according to the manufacturing requirements specified in the PPAP document or according to the updated manufacturing requirements.

[0119] In one embodiment, a PPAP document is provided by a supplier to a customer, a PSW document is received by the supplier from the customer in response to the PPAP document, and a product is manufactured by the supplier.

[0120] In one embodiment, the actions include generating a report indicating differences between first manufacturing requirements for a manufacturing process encoded by the first parameters and second manufacturing requirements for the manufacturing process encoded by the second parameters.

[0121] In one embodiment, the first image encodes an identifier, and the method further comprises using the identifier to look up data related to a product made using the manufacturing process.

[0122] In one embodiment, determining that the first object corresponds to the second object includes associating the first image with the second image, and the action includes displaying specifications for making the product in a user interface of the mobile device.

[0123] In one embodiment, determining that the first object corresponds to the second object includes determining that a Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) document matches at least one of a Part Submission Warrant (PSW) document or a Product Change Notification (PCN) document.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first parameter further includes one or more process, product, or test characteristics observed during manufacture of a product made using the manufacturing process, and the method further includes adhering the first image to at least one of the product, a container or packaging holding the product, or a document shipped with the product.

[0125] In one embodiment, the first parameter further includes at least one of: an identifier of a material used in a manufacturing process; an identifier of an entity that makes a product using the manufacturing process; an identifier of a physical facility that receives a product made using the manufacturing process; an identifier that identifies a product made using the manufacturing process; a measurement associated with the manufacturing process; the size of a component of the product; the size of a manufacturing device associated with one of the manufacturing steps; a link to a server that stores data associated with the manufacturing process, wherein the stored data includes drawings, diagrams, graphs, or charts related to the product made using the manufacturing process; a link to a server that stores data associated with the manufacturing process for access by a computing device using a link, wherein access to the stored data requires authentication of the computing device; or the location of the manufacturing facility.

[0126] In one embodiment, a system includes: at least one processing device; and a memory containing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processing device to perform the following operations: scanning a first image on a first object to obtain first parameters, wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters include specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process includes manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scanning a second image on a second object to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image, and at least one of the second parameters corresponds to at least one of the manufacturing steps; comparing the first parameters with the second parameters; determining whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameters with the second parameters; and in response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, performing an action corresponding to the manufacturing process.

[0127] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform at least the following operations: scan a first image on a first object to obtain first parameters, wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters include specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process includes manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scan a second image on a second object to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image, and at least one of the second parameters corresponds to at least one of the manufacturing steps; compare the first parameters with the second parameters; determine whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameters with the second parameters; and in response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, perform an action corresponding to the manufacturing process.

[0128] Conclusion

[0129] The present invention includes various apparatuses for performing the methods described above and implementing the systems described above, including data processing systems that perform these methods, and computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed on the data processing system, cause the system to perform these methods.

[0130] The description and drawings are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding. However, in some cases, well-known or conventional details are not described to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present invention are not necessarily references to the same embodiment; and such references mean at least one.

[0131] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. In addition, various features are described that may be embodied by some embodiments but not others. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements of some embodiments but not others.

[0132] As used herein, "coupled to" generally refers to a connection between components, which may be an indirect communication connection or a direct communication connection (eg, without intervening components), whether wired or wireless, including, for example, electrical, optical, magnetic, and the like.

[0133] In this description, various functions and operations may be described as being performed by or caused by software code to simplify the description. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that such expressions mean that the functions are derived from the execution of code by one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), graphics processors, and / or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)). Alternatively or in combination, dedicated circuits (e.g., logic circuits) with or without software instructions may be used to implement the functions and operations. Embodiments may be implemented using hardwired circuits without software instructions or using hardwired circuits in combination with software instructions. Therefore, the technology is not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuits and software, nor is it limited to any particular source of instructions executed by a computing device.

[0134] Although some embodiments may be implemented on fully functional computers and computer systems, the various embodiments may be distributed as a computer product in various forms and may be used regardless of the specific type of machine or computer readable media used to actually implement the distribution.

[0135] At least some aspects disclosed may be embodied at least in part in software. That is, the techniques may be implemented in a computing device or other system in response to a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) of the computing device or other system executing sequences of instructions contained in a memory such as ROM, volatile RAM, nonvolatile memory, cache, or remote storage device.

[0136] The routines executed to implement the embodiments may be implemented as part of an operating system, middleware, service delivery platform, SDK (software development kit) component, network service or other specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions called a "computer program". The calling interface of these routines may be provided to the software development community as an API (application programming interface). A computer program typically includes one or more instructions set in various memories and storage devices in a computer at different times, and when read and executed by one or more processors in a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the operations required to perform the elements involved in various aspects.

[0137] Machine-readable media can be used to store software and data, which, when executed by a computing device, causes the device to perform various methods. Executable software and data can be stored in various places, including, for example, ROM, volatile RAM, non-volatile memory and / or cache. Portions of this software and / or data can be stored in any of these storage devices. In addition, data and instructions can be obtained from a centralized server or a peer-to-peer network. Different portions of data and instructions can be obtained from different centralized servers and / or peer-to-peer networks at different times and in different communication sessions or in the same communication session. Data and instructions can be obtained as a whole before executing an application. Alternatively, portions of data and instructions can be obtained dynamically and in a timely manner when execution requires. Therefore, data and instructions do not need to be on machine-readable media as a whole at a specific time instance.

[0138] Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, recordable and non-recordable types of media, such as volatile and nonvolatile memory devices, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory devices, solid-state drive storage media, removable disks, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media (e.g., compact disk read-only memory (CD ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), etc.), etc. A computer-readable medium may store instructions.

[0139] Generally speaking, a tangible or non-transitory machine-readable medium includes any mechanism that provides (e.g., stores) information in a form accessible by a machine (e.g., a computer, a mobile device, a network device, a personal digital assistant, a manufacturing tool, any device with a set of one or more processors, etc.).

[0140] In various embodiments, hardwired circuits may be used in combination with software instructions to implement the techniques.Thus, the techniques are neither limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software nor to any specific source of instructions executed by a computing device.

[0141] Although some of the figures illustrate several operations in a particular order, operations that are not order-dependent may be reordered, and other operations may be combined or decomposed. Although some reordering or other groupings are specifically mentioned, others will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus no exhaustive list of alternatives is presented. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the stages may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof.

[0142] In the foregoing description, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent that various modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0143] Various different types of computing devices may be used to implement the various embodiments described herein. As used herein, examples of "computing devices" include, but are not limited to, servers, centralized computing platforms, systems with multiple computing processors and / or components, mobile devices, user terminals, vehicles, personal communication devices, wearable digital devices, electronic kiosks, general-purpose computers, electronic document readers, tablet computers, laptop computers, smart phones, digital cameras, residential home appliances, televisions, or digital music players. Additional examples of computing devices include devices that are part of what is known as the "Internet of Things" (IOT). Such "things" may occasionally interact with their owners or administrators, who may monitor things or modify the settings of these things. In some cases, such owners or administrators play the role of users with respect to "thing" devices. In some instances, with respect to paired "thing" devices (e.g., Apple Watches) worn by users, the user's primary mobile device (e.g., an Apple phone) may be an administrator server.

[0144] In some embodiments, the computing device may be a host system implemented as, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a network server, a mobile device, or other computing device including a memory and a processing device. The host system may include or be coupled to a memory subsystem such that the host system can read data from or write data to the memory subsystem. The host system may be coupled to the memory subsystem via a physical host interface.

[0145] Examples of physical host interfaces include, but are not limited to, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface, a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, Fibre Channel, Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), a Double Data Rate (DDR) memory bus, and the like. The physical host interface may be used to transfer data between a host system and a memory subsystem. When a memory subsystem is coupled to a host system via a PCIe interface, the host system may further utilize an NVM Express (NVMe) interface to access memory components of the memory subsystem. The physical host interface may provide an interface for passing control, address, data, and other signals between a memory subsystem and a host system. In general, a host system may access multiple memory subsystems via the same communication connection, multiple separate communication connections, and / or a combination of communication connections.

[0146] In one embodiment, the host system includes a processing device and a controller. The processing device of the host system may be, for example, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit, a central processing unit (CPU), an FPGA, a processing core of a processor, an execution unit, etc. In one example, the processing device may be a single package that combines an FPGA and a microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor performs most of the processing but passes certain predetermined specific tasks to the FPGA block. In one example, the processing device is a soft microprocessor (sometimes also referred to as a soft-core microprocessor or soft processor), which is a microprocessor core implemented using logic synthesis. The soft microprocessor can be implemented via different semiconductor devices containing programmable logic (e.g., ASIC, FPGA, or CPLD).

[0147] In some examples, the controller is a memory controller, a memory management unit, and / or an initiator. In one example, the controller controls communications over a bus coupled between a host system and a memory subsystem.

[0148] In general, the controller may send commands or requests to the memory subsystem to perform desired access to the memory component. The controller may further include interface circuitry that communicates with the memory subsystem. The interface circuitry may convert responses received from the memory subsystem into information for the host system. The controller of the host system may communicate with the controller of the memory subsystem to perform operations such as reading data, writing data, or erasing data at the memory component, as well as other such operations.

[0149] In some cases, the controller may be integrated into the same package as the processing device. In other cases, the controller is separate from the packaging of the processing device. The controller and / or the processing device may include hardware, such as one or more integrated circuits and / or discrete components, buffer memory, cache memory, or a combination thereof. The controller and / or the processing device may be a microcontroller, a dedicated logic circuit (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), or another suitable processor.

[0150] The memory components may include any combination of different types of non-volatile memory components and / or volatile memory components. Examples of non-volatile memory components include negative AND (NAND) type flash memory. Each of the memory components may include one or more memory cell arrays, such as single-level cells (SLC) or multi-level cells (MLC) (such as triple-level cells (TLC) or quad-level cells (QLC)). In some embodiments, a particular memory component may include both an SLC portion and an MLC portion of a memory cell. Each of the memory cells may store one or more data bits (e.g., data blocks) used by a host system. Although non-volatile memory components such as NAND type flash memory are described, the memory components may be based on any other type of memory such as volatile memory.

[0151] In some embodiments, the memory component may be, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a phase change memory (PCM), a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), a spin transfer torque (STT)-MRAM, a ferroelectric random access memory (FeTRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), a conductive bridge RAM (CBRAM), a resistive random access memory (RRAM), an oxide-based RRAM (OxRAM), a negative-OR (NOR) flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a nanowire-based nonvolatile memory, a memory incorporating memristor technology, and a cross-point array of nonvolatile memory cells. The cross-point array of nonvolatile memory can perform bit storage based on changes in bulk resistance together with a stackable cross-grid data access array. In addition, compared to many flash-based memories, the cross-point nonvolatile memory can perform write-in-place operations, where nonvolatile memory cells can be programmed without having to erase the nonvolatile memory cells in advance. Furthermore, memory cells of a memory component may be grouped into memory pages or data blocks, which may refer to cells of the memory component used to store data.

[0152] The controller of the memory subsystem may communicate with the memory components to perform operations such as reading data, writing data, or erasing data at the memory components, as well as other such operations (e.g., in response to commands dispatched by the controller on a command bus). The controller may include a processing device (processor) configured to execute instructions stored in a local memory. The local memory of the controller may include an embedded memory configured to store instructions for performing various processes, operations, logic flows, and routines for controlling the operation of the memory subsystem, including handling communications between the memory subsystem and the host system. In some embodiments, the local memory may include memory registers that store memory pointers, fetch data, etc. The local memory may also include a read-only memory (ROM) for storing microcode. Although the example memory subsystem includes a controller, in another embodiment of the present invention, the memory subsystem may not include a controller, but may rely on external control (e.g., provided by an external host or by a processor or controller separate from the memory subsystem).

[0153] In general, the controller may receive commands or operations from the host system and may convert the commands or operations into instructions or appropriate commands to achieve the desired access to the memory component. The controller may be responsible for other operations such as wear leveling operations, garbage collection operations, error detection and error correction code (ECC) operations, encryption operations, cache operations, and address conversion between logical block addresses and physical block addresses associated with the memory component. The controller may further include host interface circuitry to communicate with the host system via a physical host interface. The host interface circuitry may convert commands received from the host system into command instructions to access the memory component, and convert responses associated with the memory component into information for the host system.

[0154] The memory subsystem may also include additional circuits or components not illustrated. In some embodiments, the memory subsystem may include a cache or buffer (e.g., DRAM or SRAM) and address circuits (e.g., row decoders and column decoders) that can receive addresses from a controller and decode the addresses to access memory components.

Claims

1. A method for determining parameters for a manufacturing process, comprising: scanning a first image on a first object to obtain first parameters, wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters comprising specifications for making a product using the manufacturing process, the specifications including at least one material used to construct the product, and the manufacturing process comprising manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scanning a second image on a second object to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image, at least one of the second parameters corresponds to a first step of the manufacturing steps, and the first step uses the at least one material; Comparing the first parameter and the second parameter by a computing device; determining, by the computing device, whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameter and the second parameter; as well as In response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, performing an action corresponding to the manufacturing process, in: The first object is a Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) document that specifies the manufacturing requirements for making the product; The second object is a Part Submission Warrant (PSW) document for approving the product, or a Product Change Notification (PCN) document for updating the manufacturing requirements for the product; Determining that the first object corresponds to the second object includes determining that the PSW document authorizes manufacture of the product as specified in the PPAP document, or determining that the PCN document updates the manufacturing requirements; and The action includes manufacturing the product according to the manufacturing requirements specified in the PPAP document or according to the updated manufacturing requirements.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first image is a two-dimensional barcode; The second image is a two-dimensional barcode; The second object is to update the PCN document for the manufacturing requirements of the product; and The actions include updating the specification based on comparing the first parameter and the second parameter, and manufacturing the product using the updated specification. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first image includes alphanumeric characters, the first object is a label, and the alphanumeric characters are printed on the label.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first object is: Paper or plastic documents; Card; a label adhered to said product produced by said manufacturing process; a label adhered to a container containing said product produced by said manufacturing process; machinery used in such manufacturing process; or A package for the product produced by the manufacturing process, wherein the first image is engraved on the package.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the action comprises printing a label, and the label is associated with the product produced by the manufacturing process.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the action comprises using the manufacturing process to make the product, the method further comprising: A third image is attached to the product, the third image encoding third parameters corresponding to the specification for making the product.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the specification for making the product comprises at least one of: chemical processing conditions used to make said products; the testing process used to test the product; or Design parameters for the product described.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein a scanner is used to scan the first image, and the scanner is: a camera configured to scan a barcode; A mobile device comprising a lens for scanning the first image, wherein the mobile device executes software to decode the first image to obtain the first parameter; or Barcode reader.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first image is a two-dimensional barcode, The product is a memory device; The second object is the PSW document approving the product; and The actions include sending authorization to make the memory device to another computing device.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the computing device is a mobile device, the first parameter further comprises a link, and a server stores data associated with the manufacturing process, the method further comprising: The link is used by the mobile device to access the stored data.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the PPAP document is provided by a supplier to a customer, the PSW document is received by the supplier from the customer in response to the PPAP document, and the product is manufactured by the supplier.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the action comprises generating a report indicating differences between first manufacturing requirements for the manufacturing process encoded by the first parameters and second manufacturing requirements for the manufacturing process encoded by the second parameters.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first image encodes an identifier, the method further comprising using the identifier to look up data related to the product made using the manufacturing process.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the first object corresponds to the second object comprises associating the first image with the second image, and the action comprises displaying the specification for making the product in a user interface of a mobile device.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first parameter further comprises one or more processing, product, or testing characteristics observed during manufacture of the product made using the manufacturing process, the method further comprising adhering the first image to at least one of the product, a container or packaging containing the product, or a document shipped with the product.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first parameter further comprises at least one of: Identifiers of materials used in the manufacturing process; an identifier of an entity that made the product using the manufacturing process; receiving an identifier of a physical facility where said product is made using said manufacturing process; an identifier identifying said product made using said manufacturing process; measurements associated with said manufacturing process; the size of the components of the product; the size of a manufacturing apparatus associated with one of the manufacturing steps; a link to a server storing data associated with the manufacturing process, wherein the stored data includes drawings, diagrams, graphs or charts related to the product produced using the manufacturing process; or a link to a server storing data associated with the manufacturing process for access by a computing device using the link, wherein access to the stored data requires authentication of the computing device; or The location of the manufacturing facility.

17. A system for determining parameters for a manufacturing process, comprising: at least one processing device; and A memory containing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processing device to: scanning a first image on a first object to obtain first parameters, wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters include specifications for making a product using the manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process includes manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scanning a second image on a second object to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image and at least one of the second parameters corresponds to at least one of the manufacturing steps; comparing the first parameter with the second parameter; determining whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameter with the second parameter; as well as In response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, performing an action corresponding to the manufacturing process, in: The first object is a Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) document that specifies the manufacturing requirements for making the product; The second object is a Part Submission Warrant (PSW) document for approving the product, or a Product Change Notification (PCN) document for updating the manufacturing requirements for the product; Determining that the first object corresponds to the second object includes determining that the PSW document authorizes manufacture of the product as specified in the PPAP document, or determining that the PCN document updates the manufacturing requirements; and The action includes manufacturing the product according to the manufacturing requirements specified in the PPAP document or according to the updated manufacturing requirements.

18. A non-transitory computer storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform at least the following operations: scanning a first image on a first object to obtain first parameters, wherein the first parameters are encoded in the first image, the first parameters comprising specifications for making a product using a manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process comprising manufacturing steps performed in a manufacturing facility; scanning a second image on a second object to obtain second parameters, wherein the second parameters are encoded in the second image and at least one of the second parameters corresponds to at least one of the manufacturing steps; comparing the first parameter with the second parameter; determining whether the first object corresponds to the second object based on comparing the first parameter with the second parameter; as well as In response to determining that the first object corresponds to the second object, performing an action corresponding to the manufacturing process, in: The first object is a Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) document that specifies the manufacturing requirements for making the product; The second object is a Part Submission Warrant (PSW) document for approving the product, or a Product Change Notification (PCN) document for updating the manufacturing requirements for the product; Determining that the first object corresponds to the second object includes determining that the PSW document authorizes manufacture of the product as specified in the PPAP document, or determining that the PCN document updates the manufacturing requirements; and The action includes manufacturing the product according to the manufacturing requirements specified in the PPAP document or according to the updated manufacturing requirements.

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