Production line controller and method for controlling a production process

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a production line controller is provided, comprising: a production information retrieval unit configured to obtain motion data of at least one worker and machine settings of a production tool used in a production process that executes a customer order; a database information retrieval unit configured to retrieve information about a proprietary process; a work analysis unit configured to compare the production process with the proprietary process to detect that a process step in a proprietary process is used in the production process; and a message transmission unit configured to send a notification message to instruct the production line to remove the process step from the production process, or to send a payment request to a payment gateway to facilitate payment from the customer to the knowledge owner of the process step in exchange for using the process step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments relate to a production line controller and a method for controlling a production process. Background Art

[0002] Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find it challenging to enter overseas markets. Unlike large multinational corporations, SMEs cannot reap the benefits of economies of scale from mass production in overseas markets or from large-scale shipments of their products to overseas markets. The cost of setting up overseas production facilities is an important barrier to entry for SMEs. Given their small exports, exporting their products to overseas markets may not be cost-effective after taking into account transportation costs and tariffs. SMEs can turn to shared factories to solve these challenges. Shared factories, also known as smart factories as a service (SFaaS), can use the same production facilities to produce goods for various SME customers. Shared factories can use production know-how received from customers to produce their customers' products. Considering that the same employees in a shared factory may use the same production facilities to produce goods for multiple customers, there is a risk of knowledge transfer between customers, in other words, there is a risk of leakage of customers' know-how or confusion of customers' proprietary information. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to various embodiments, a production line controller may be provided. The production line controller may include: a production information retrieval unit configured to obtain first information about a production process ordered by a customer; a database information retrieval unit configured to retrieve second information about a proprietary process owned by a knowledge owner other than the customer from a knowledge database; a work analysis unit configured to compare the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information to detect that a process step in one of the proprietary processes occurs during the production process; and a messaging unit configured to send a notification message to the production line via a messaging server, or to send a payment request message to a payment gateway via a messaging server. The first information may include motion data of at least one worker performing the production process, and machine settings of a production tool used in performing the production process. The notification message may instruct the production line to remove the process step from the production process. The payment request message may facilitate payment from the customer to the knowledge owner of the process step via a payment gateway in exchange for using the process step.

[0004] According to various embodiments, a method for controlling a production process may be provided. The method may include obtaining first information about a production process ordered by a customer; retrieving second information about a proprietary process owned by a knowledge owner other than the customer from a knowledge database; comparing the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information; and upon detecting that a process step in one of the proprietary processes occurs in the production process, sending a notification message via a messaging server to instruct a production line to remove the process from the production process, or sending a payment request message via a messaging server to a payment gateway to facilitate payment from the customer to the knowledge owner of the process step in exchange for using the process step. The first information may include movement data of at least one worker performing the production process, and machine settings of a production tool used in performing the production process.

[0005] According to various embodiments, a production line controller may be provided. The production line controller may include: a production information retrieval unit configured to obtain first information about a production process ordered by a customer; a database information retrieval unit configured to retrieve second information about a proprietary process owned by a knowledge owner other than the customer from a knowledge database; a work analysis unit configured to compare the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information; and an evaluator configured to identify knowledge sharing opportunities based on the comparison. The first information may include motion data of at least one worker performing the production process, and machine settings of a production tool used in performing the production process. The knowledge sharing opportunity may include introducing a process step from one of the proprietary processes into the production process. Introducing the process step into the production process may improve the cost efficiency of the production process. The contract of the knowledge owner of the process step may allow sharing of knowledge about the process step.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a method for controlling a production process may be provided. The method may include: obtaining first information about a production process ordered by a customer; retrieving second information about a proprietary process owned by a knowledge owner other than the customer from a knowledge database; comparing the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information; and identifying knowledge sharing opportunities based on the comparison, wherein the knowledge sharing opportunities include introducing a process step from one of the proprietary processes in the proprietary process into the production process. The first information may include motion data of at least one worker performing the production process, and machine settings of a production tool used to perform the production process. Introducing the process step into the production process may improve the cost efficiency of the production process. A contract of the knowledge owner of the process step may allow sharing of knowledge about the process step. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts in different views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but emphasis is generally placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of a Smart Factory as a Service (SFaaS) according to various embodiments is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 Shown is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a knowledge management system according to various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating a knowledge management system applied to a production site according to various embodiments is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A working data table according to various embodiments is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A work schedule according to various embodiments is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 A knowledge information table according to various embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 A flow chart illustrating a method for creating knowledge transfer information according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8 A knowledge transfer table according to various embodiments is shown.

[0016] Fig. 9 A contract information table according to various embodiments is shown.

[0017] Fig.10 A flow chart illustrating a method for creating a transfer query from work information, knowledge transfer information, and contract information according to various embodiments.

[0018] Fig.11 Examples of query messages according to various embodiments are shown.

[0019] Fig.12 A flow diagram illustrating the process that occurs after a working client responds to a query message in accordance with various embodiments.

[0020] Fig.13 An example of an updated knowledge information table is shown.

[0021] Fig.14 An example of a work data table according to various embodiments is shown.

[0022] Fig.15 An example of a knowledge information table according to various embodiments is shown.

[0023] Fig.16 A simplified block diagram of a production line controller is shown in accordance with various embodiments.

[0024] Fig.17 A simplified block diagram of a production line controller is shown in accordance with various embodiments.

[0025] Fig.18 A flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a production process according to various embodiments is illustrated.

[0026] Fig.19 A flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a production process according to various embodiments is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The embodiments described below in the context of a controller or system are similarly valid for the corresponding methods, and vice versa.In addition, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, part of one embodiment may be combined with part of another embodiment.

[0028] It will be understood that any property described herein for a particular controller or system may also apply to any controller or system described herein. It will be understood that any property described herein for a particular method may also apply to any method described herein. In addition, it will be understood that for any controller or system or method described herein, not all components or steps described may necessarily be placed in the device or method, but only some (but not all) components or steps may be placed in.

[0029] In this context, a controller or system as described in this specification may include a memory, which is used, for example, in a process performed in the controller or system. The memory used in the embodiments may be a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic random access memory)) or a non-volatile memory, such as a PROM (programmable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable PROM), an EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM) or a flash memory, such as a floating gate memory, a charge trap memory, an MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) or a PCRAM (phase change random access memory).

[0030] In an embodiment, a "controller" may be understood as any kind of logic implementation entity, which may be a dedicated circuit system or a processor that executes software stored in a memory, firmware, or any combination thereof. Thus, in an embodiment, a "controller" may be a hardwired logic circuit or a programmable logic circuit, such as a programmable processor, for example, a microprocessor (e.g., a complex instruction set computer (CISC) processor or a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor). A "controller" may also be a processor that executes software (e.g., any kind of computer program, for example, a computer program using a virtual machine code (such as, for example, Java)). According to alternative embodiments, any other kind of implementation of the corresponding functions described in more detail below may also be understood as a "controller".

[0031] The term "coupling" (or "connection") in this document may be understood as electrical coupling or mechanical coupling, for example, attachment or fixation, or just contact without any fixation, and it will be understood that both direct coupling or indirect coupling (in other words: coupling without direct contact) may be provided.

[0032] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into effect, various embodiments will now be described, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In the context of various embodiments, the phrase "knowledge transfer" may refer to the knowledge or know-how of a client (the knowledge owner) being used in the production process of another client (the work client).

[0034] Figure 1A conceptual diagram 100 illustrating the concept of a smart factory as a service (SFaaS) according to various embodiments is shown. A shared factory 104 (also referred to herein as a shared factory) can provide the services of SFaaS. A shared factory 104 can be participated by multiple customers 102 to generate their respective products 114. Customers 102 can design their products, but outsource the production process to the shared factory 104. Customers 102 can provide work instructions 112 that can include detailed product design and production information to the shared factory so that the shared factory 104 can produce the product 114 to the exact specifications specified by the customer 102. The shared factory 104 can have a production facility 110. The production facility 110 can include an assembly line. In addition to producing the customer's product 114, the shared factory 104 can also provide services related to data analysis 120, procurement and warehouse management 122, human resource management (including the employment of workers 124), and logistics 126 including transportation. The shared factory 104 can install cameras 108 and sensors 118 in the production facility 110 to collect data about the production process. The shared factory 104 may analyze the collected data to provide a data analysis report to the customer 102. The data analysis report may include metrics or information such as failure rate, production speed, etc.

[0035] According to various embodiments, a production line controller may monitor a production process in a shared factory to detect whether the production process involves knowledge provided by other customers, for example, a production worker inadvertently applies his / her knowledge from producing a first customer's product in the process of producing a second customer's product. The production line controller may perform detection by analyzing the movements of the production workers and the machine settings of the production tools. Upon detecting a knowledge transfer (i.e., the use of a customer's knowledge in another customer's production process), the production line controller may determine whether the knowledge transfer is authorized or permitted based on a contractual agreement with the customer. If the knowledge transfer is not permitted under the contractual agreement, the production line controller may terminate or suspend the production process so that the production process may be changed to remove the knowledge transfer. If the knowledge transfer is permitted under the contractual agreement, the production line controller may facilitate payments between customers whose production knowledge is being used and customers whose production processes are benefiting from the production knowledge of other customers.

[0036] Figure 2A diagram 200 illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a knowledge management system 208 according to various embodiments is shown. The knowledge management system 208 may also be referred to herein as a production line controller. Alternatively, the knowledge management system 208 may include the production line controller, or may be part of the production line controller. The knowledge management system 208 may reside on a memory 206 in a data processing server 202. The data processing server 202 may include a computer 204. The computer 204 may have computer components including a central processing unit (CPU) 212, a memory 206, a storage device 214, and an input / output interface 216. The computer 204 may include a computer bus 210 connecting the computer components. The data processing server 202 may be connected to a network 240, which may also be connected to a camera 220, a facility 230, a sensor 250, and a client computer 260. The data processing server 202 may exchange data with the camera 220, the facility 230, the sensor 250, and the client computer 260 through the network 240. The camera 220 may acquire images, images, and may send them to the data processing server 202. Facility 230 may acquire log data 232 and may send log data 232 to data processing server 202. Sensor 250 may generate sensor data 252 and may send sensor data 252 to data processing server 202. Client computer 260 may be capable of running a graphical user interface (GUI) 262 of knowledge management system 208. GUI 262 may facilitate input of data and settings for knowledge management system 208.

[0037] Figure 3A diagram 300 illustrating a knowledge management system 208 applied to a production site according to various embodiments is shown. The knowledge management system 208 may include a knowledge database 306, a work analysis unit 312, a contract checking unit 314, an effect analysis unit 316, a price calculation unit 318, and a query processing unit 320. The knowledge management system 208 may receive data from a data acquisition unit 304. The data acquisition unit 304 may acquire production data, such as images and / or images of at least a portion of a production process, such as video data 222, for example, through closed-circuit television (CCTV). The data acquisition unit 304 may also acquire sensor data, such as sensor data 252, from sensors 118 at the production line 110 (e.g., thermometers, pressure gauges, photometers, etc. that measure conditions of the production process). The data acquisition unit 304 may also acquire log data, such as log data 232, from a test tool or data logger. The log data may record production tool settings, messages, etc. The data acquisition unit 304 may also acquire work plan information. The work plan information may include a set of production instructions. The production line 110 can be manufactured according to the production instructions. The data received from the data acquisition unit 304 can be processed by the work analysis unit 312. The work analysis unit 312 can request information from the knowledge database 306. The requested information can be related to the existing production process or the proprietary technology of other customers (also referred to as knowledge owners in this article). As an example, the data acquisition unit 304 can acquire production data of customer A, and the work analysis unit 312 can request information related to customer B. The work analysis unit 312 can compare the acquired data with the requested information to detect any knowledge transfer. For example, the work analysis unit 312 can detect that the acquired data indicates that the production process of customer A includes a special process that the requested information indicates is a proprietary process owned by customer B. The work analysis unit 312 can identify customer A's use of customer B's proprietary process as knowledge transfer. Alternatively, or in addition, the work analysis unit 312 can detect knowledge transfer opportunities. The work analysis unit 312 can detect the opportunity by comparing the data received from the data acquisition unit 304 with the data received from the knowledge database 306. The work analysis unit 312 can identify production specifications that are the same or at least substantially similar to corresponding production specifications belonging to another customer or production site or production process, such as a desired outcome or product, a production step or sub-process, or a production tool or instrument. The contract checking unit 314 can then determine whether the identified knowledge transfer or knowledge transfer opportunity is permissible based on the contract of the customer that owns the knowledge that is used or may be used by another company. The contract can be a contract between the customer and the shared factory, or it can be a contract between the customer and a third-party organization.If the contract checking unit 314 determines that the knowledge transfer is not allowed, the contract checking unit 314 may send a notification message to the work instruction unit 302, indicating that the knowledge transfer is not allowed. The work instruction unit 302 may send the notification message to the production site so that the staff at the production site can be made aware that the process involving the knowledge of another company should be stopped. If the knowledge transfer evaluated by the contract checking unit 314 is only a knowledge transfer opportunity, the contract checking unit 314 may not send any notification message.

[0038] If the contract checking unit 314 determines that the knowledge transfer may be allowed according to the contract, it may pass the knowledge transfer information to the effect analysis unit 316. The effect analysis unit 316 may evaluate the effectiveness of the knowledge transfer applied to the production line. The effectiveness of the evaluation may include the calculation of cost savings. The price evaluation unit 318 may determine an appropriate price for the production line to pay the company that owns the knowledge based on the effectiveness of the evaluation and the contract information.

[0039] The query processing unit 320 may send a query message to a client operating a production site. The query message may indicate the price for using the knowledge and the validity of the assessment, and may seek the client's consent to pay for the knowledge. If the client responds affirmatively, i.e., pays for the knowledge, the query processing unit 320 may receive a reply indicating consent. The query processing unit 320 may update the client's knowledge information to include the knowledge transfer. The query processing unit 320 may update the knowledge information database 306, which may then notify the work instruction unit 302 to change the production process at the production site. The query processing unit 320 may also deduct the associated price of the knowledge transfer from the client, for example, through the client's bank account or cash holding account, and remit the payment to the owner of the knowledge.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the knowledge management system 208 may be applied in the back office instead of the production site.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the contract checking unit 314 and the effect analysis unit 316 may operate simultaneously. In other words, the checking of the contract and the analysis of the effect of the knowledge transfer may be performed in parallel. Alternatively, the effect analysis may be performed after the contract checking.

[0042] Figure 4A work data table 400 according to various embodiments is shown. Each row in the work data table 400 may include information about a corresponding process in a production method. The work data table 400 may include a start time column 402 and an end time column 404. The work data table 400 may also include a worker column 406, which indicates an employee who performs a work task. The work data table 400 may also include a setting column 408, which indicates settings for a production tool or machine. The work data table 400 may also include a movement column 410. The movement column 410 may list the movements that an employee may perform during the production process. It should be understood that the work data table 400 merely illustrates an example of data acquired and / or generated by the data acquisition unit 304, and is not limited to Figure 4 The type of information displayed.

[0043] Figure 5 A work schedule table 500 is shown according to various embodiments. Each row in the work schedule table 500 may include information about a corresponding work plan executed in a production site. In the case of a shared factory, the production site may execute work plans for multiple different work clients. The work schedule table 500 may include a time column 502, which may indicate the duration of the work plan. The work schedule table 500 may also include a work client column 504, which indicates the work client. The work schedule table 500 may also include a worker column 506, which indicates the employee who will execute or has executed the work plan. The work analysis unit 312 may generate the work schedule table 500 based on the data received from the data acquisition unit 304 or the knowledge information database 306. It should be understood that the work schedule table 500 only shows an example of the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 304 and is not limited to Figure 5 The type of information displayed.

[0044] Figure 6 A knowledge information table 600 is shown according to various embodiments. Each row in the knowledge information table 600 may include information about a corresponding process. The knowledge information table 600 may include a customer column 602 indicating a customer that provides process information (e.g., to a shared factory). The knowledge information table 600 may also include a knowledge owner column 604 indicating an organization or person that owns the knowledge of the process. The knowledge information table 600 may also include details of the process, such as settings in a machine setting column 606 and worker movements in a motion column 608. It should be understood that the knowledge information table 600 merely illustrates an example of data received by the work analysis unit 312 and is not limited to Figure 6 The type of information displayed.

[0045] Figure 7A flowchart 700 of a method for creating knowledge transfer information according to various embodiments is shown. The work analysis unit 312 may create knowledge transfer information based on the work information and the knowledge information. In 704, the work analysis unit 312 may receive the work information obtained by the data acquisition unit 304 from the production process of the first customer through the camera 108 and the sensor 118. In 706, the work analysis unit 312 may then identify the machine settings and motion data in the work information and then compare them with the machine settings and motion data in the information of the first customer. The customer's information may be stored in the knowledge information database 306. If the machine settings or motion data match the information of the first customer, in other words, the production process is performed according to the work instructions of the first customer, the work analysis unit 312 may proceed to 712 to stop. If in 706, any transfer from the information of the first customer is found, in other words, the production process deviates from the work instructions of the first customer, the work analysis unit 312 may proceed to 708 to compare the work information (specifically, the deviation) with the information of other customers. If the work analysis unit 312 finds that the transfer matches the information of another customer, in other words, the deviation is part of the work order of the second customer, then the work analysis unit 312 can proceed to 710 to generate knowledge transfer information indicating the first customer as the "work customer" and the second customer as the "knowledge owner." The contract checking unit 314 can verify whether there is an existing agreement between the work customer and the knowledge owner that allows the work customer to use the knowledge owner's knowledge.

[0046] Figure 8 A knowledge transfer table 800 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. Each row in the knowledge transfer table 800 may include information about a corresponding process that has been transferred from its owner. The knowledge transfer table 800 may include a time column 802 indicating when the transfer occurred. The knowledge transfer table 800 may also include a work customer column 804 indicating a customer whose product was manufactured using the process. The knowledge transfer table 800 may also include a knowledge owner column 806 indicating an organization or person that owns the knowledge of the process. It should be understood that the knowledge transfer table 800 merely illustrates an example of data generated by the work analysis unit 212 and is not limited to Figure 8 The type of information displayed.

[0047] Fig. 9A contract information table 900 is shown according to various embodiments. Each row in the contract information table 900 may include information about a corresponding contract. The contract information table 900 may include a company column 902 indicating the company that signed the contract. The contract information table 900 may also include a transfer column 904 indicating whether the contract allows knowledge transfer. The contract information table 900 may also include a price column 906 indicating the price in consideration of the knowledge transfer. The contract information table 900 may also include an expiration date column 908 indicating the expiration date of the contract. It should be understood that the contract information table 900 merely illustrates an example of data stored in the contract information database 310 and is not limited to. Fig. 9 The type of information displayed.

[0048] Fig.10A flowchart 1000 is shown of a method for creating a transfer query from work information, knowledge transfer information, and contract information according to various embodiments. The method may be performed by a contract checking unit 314, an effect analyzing unit 316, a price calculating unit 318, and a query processing unit 320. In 1004, the contract checking unit 314 may check whether the contract of the knowledge owner has expired. If the contract has expired, the contract checking unit 314 may proceed to 1008 to output "price" as 0. If the contract has not expired, the contract checking unit 314 may proceed to 1006 to determine whether the contract terms allow knowledge transfer. If the contract terms do not allow knowledge transfer, the contract checking unit 314 may proceed to 1010. In 1010, the work instruction unit 302 may stop the production process, or at least prohibit the worker from continuing to use the knowledge belonging to the knowledge owner. In various embodiments, the work instruction unit 302 may send instructions to a production controller, which may be a processor that operates a production tool. If the knowledge transfer is allowed according to the contract, then in 1012, the contract checking unit 314 may determine the price of the transferred knowledge specified in the contract. In 1014, the effect analysis unit 316 may calculate the cost savings of using the transferred knowledge. The cost savings may be caused by a reduction in production time, or a reduction in manpower, or a reduction in raw material waste, etc. The effect analysis unit 316 may compare the production cost without using the transferred knowledge and the production cost when the transferred knowledge is used, so as to reach the calculation. In 1016, the price calculation unit 318 may calculate a fair price, in other words, a reasonable price, to pay for the use of the transferred knowledge based on the calculated cost savings and the price stated in the contract. The price calculation unit 318 may also consider the increase in output or the increase in product value as a result of the transferred knowledge when calculating the fair price. In 1018, the query processing unit 320 may send a query message to the work client. The query message may indicate the calculated cost savings, the contract price, and the calculated fair price. The query message may include a transaction proposal, that is, paying the contract price in exchange for using the transferred knowledge. The work client can respond to the query message by either accepting the trade proposal or rejecting it. Alternatively, the knowledge management system can automatically reject the trade proposal if the contract price exceeds the cost savings, or if the calculated fair price is lower than the contract price. Additionally, the knowledge management system can automatically accept the trade proposal if the cost savings exceed the contract price, or if the calculated fair price is higher than the contract price.

[0049] As an example, a specific knowledge transfer can shorten the production process by 10 seconds. The effect analysis unit 316 can calculate the shortening of the production process by comparing the average production time when the transferred knowledge is used with the average production time when the transferred knowledge is not used. In this example, the initial production time can be 30 seconds on average, and when the transferred knowledge is used, the production time can be shortened to 20 seconds. The knowledge owner stipulates in the contract that the price is $100 for each second of shortened production time. Therefore, the price payable to the knowledge owner can be $100x10=$1,000. On the other hand, the cost savings for each second of shortened production time for the work customer can be $80. In addition, the knowledge transfer can also reduce the material cost by $300. As such, the effect analysis unit 316 can calculate the total cost savings as $80x10+$300=$1,100. In this case, the knowledge management system can execute a transaction of paying $1,000 in exchange for using the transferred knowledge because the cost savings are higher than the contract price.

[0050] Fig.11 An example of a query message 1100 according to various embodiments is shown. The query message 1100 may indicate the effect of the knowledge transfer, for example, in terms of time savings or cost savings, and the price required to use the knowledge.

[0051] Fig.12 A flowchart 1200 is shown that illustrates the process that occurs after the work client responds to the query message according to various embodiments. In 1204, if the work client accepts the trade proposal in the query message, then in 1206, the query processing unit 320 may notify the work instruction unit 320 to update the work client's work instructions to include the transferred knowledge. In 1204, if the work client rejects the trade proposal, then in 1208, the query processing unit 320 may notify the work instruction unit 302 to remove the process steps from the knowledge transfer from the production process.

[0052] Fig.13 An example of an updated knowledge information table 1300 is shown. In this example, work client ABC accepts the use of knowledge from knowledge owner DEF. Compared with the knowledge information table 600, the query processing unit 320 has updated the work instructions for work client ABC and also updated the knowledge owner to DEF.

[0053] Fig.14An example of a work data table 1400 according to various embodiments is shown. Work data table 1400 can be similar to work data table 400, except that it stores information acquired from an office instead of from a production line. Each row in work data table 1400 can include information about a corresponding process in the office. Work data table 1400 can also include an application settings column 1408, which indicates settings for an application (e.g., using a single tab or multiple tabs). Work data table 1400 can also include an operation column 1410. Operation column 1410 can list actions that an employee may perform in an office, such as steps to manipulate a computer application. It should be understood that work data table 1400 merely illustrates an example of data acquired and / or generated by data acquisition unit 304, and is not limited to. Fig.14 The type of information displayed.

[0054] Fig.15 1500 according to various embodiments. The knowledge information table 1500 may be similar to the knowledge information table 600, except that it stores information obtained from an office rather than from a production line. The knowledge information table 1500 may include details of the process, such as application settings in column 1506 and worker operations in column 1508. It should be understood that the knowledge information table 1500 merely illustrates an example of data received by the work analysis unit 312 and is not limited to Fig.15 The type of information displayed.

[0055] Fig.16A simplified block diagram of a production line controller 1600 according to various embodiments is shown. The production line controller 1600 may include a production information retrieval unit 1602, a database information retrieval unit 1604, a work analysis unit 1606, and a messaging unit 1608. The production information retrieval unit 1602 may be configured to obtain first information about the production process ordered by a customer. The first information may include motion data of at least one worker performing the production process, and machine settings of a production tool used to perform the production process. The database information retrieval unit 1604 may be configured to retrieve second information about a proprietary process owned by a knowledge owner other than the customer from a knowledge database. The work analysis unit 1606 may be configured to compare the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information to detect that a process step in one of the proprietary processes occurs during the production process. The messaging unit 1608 may be configured to send a notification message to the production line via a messaging server, or to send a payment request message to a payment gateway via a messaging server. The notification message may instruct the production line to remove the process step from the production process. The payment request message may facilitate payment from the customer to the knowledge owner of the process step via a payment gateway in exchange for using the process step. The production information retrieval unit 1602, the database information retrieval unit 1604, the work analysis unit 1606, and the message transmission unit 1608 may be coupled to each other, as indicated by line 1660, for example, electrically (e.g., using a wire or cable), and / or mechanically and / or communicatively.

[0056] In other words, according to various embodiments, the production line controller 1600 may include a production information retrieval unit 1602, which is configured to obtain first information about a production process ordered by a customer (also referred to herein as a work customer). The production information retrieval unit 1602 may include the data acquisition unit 304, or may be a part of the data acquisition unit 304. The first information may include motion data of at least one worker performing the production process, and machine settings of a production tool used to perform the production process. The first information may include at least one of the sensor data 252, the video data 222, and the log data 232. The first information may also include a work plan provided by the customer. The product information retrieval unit 1602 may include an image processor, which is configured to extract information from a video clip of the production process. The video clip may be recorded by a camera 108 placed in a production site. The image processor may be configured to identify a worker in each image frame in the video clip, and may be configured to track the worker across the image frames of the video clip to extract motion data. The image processor may be configured to identify at least one display screen of the production tool to extract the machine settings. The production information retrieval unit 1602 may include a receiver. The receiver may be configured to receive measurements from a plurality of motion sensors coupled to at least one worker, or machine settings recorded by a data logger connected to a production tool, or a work plan recording machine settings. The production line controller 1600 may include a database information retrieval unit 1604, which may be configured to retrieve second information about proprietary processes owned by other customers from a knowledge database. The production line controller 1600 may also include a work analysis unit 1606, which may be configured to compare the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information to detect a common process step between at least one of the production process and the proprietary process based on the comparison. The database information retrieval unit 1604 and the work analysis unit 1606 may include the work analysis unit 312, or may be a part of the work analysis unit 312. The production line controller 1600 may further include a messaging unit 1608, which may be configured to send a notification message to the production line via a messaging server, or to send a payment request message to a payment gateway via a messaging server. The messaging unit 1608 may be further configured to send the trade offer to the client (ie, the working client) via the messaging server if the calculated cost savings is higher than the calculated price.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the production line controller 1600 may further include an evaluator 1614. The evaluator 1614 may include the effect analysis unit 316 and / or the price calculation unit 318, or may be a part of the effect analysis unit 316 and / or the price calculation unit 318. The evaluator 1614 may be configured to calculate a price for obtaining permission to use the process step based on the extracted contract terms. The evaluator 1614 may be further configured to calculate the cost savings of using the process step in the production process compared to removing the process step from the production process. The evaluator 1614 may include at least one of the effect analysis unit 316 and the price calculation unit 318. The evaluator may be further configured to search for alternative process steps in proprietary processes owned by other customers in the knowledge database, and determine whether the contract between another customer who owns the alternative process step and the shared factory allows sharing of knowledge about the alternative process step, wherein the alternative process step at least achieves an effect substantially similar to the process step.

[0058] Fig.17 A simplified block diagram of a production line controller 1700 according to various embodiments is shown. The production line controller 1700 may include a production information retrieval unit 1602, a database information retrieval unit 1604, a work analysis unit 1706, and an evaluator 1708. The work analysis unit 1706 may be configured to compare the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information. The evaluator 1708 may be configured to identify knowledge sharing opportunities based on the comparison performed by the work analysis unit 1706. The knowledge sharing opportunity may include introducing a process step of a proprietary process from a proprietary process of a knowledge owner into a production process of a customer (i.e., a work customer). Introducing a process step of a proprietary process from a proprietary process into a production process may improve the cost efficiency of the production process. The contract of the knowledge owner who owns the process step may allow sharing of knowledge about the process step. The work analysis unit 1706 may include the work analysis unit 1606, or may be a part of the work analysis unit 1606. The evaluator 1708 may include the evaluator 1614, or may be a part of the evaluator 1614. The production information retrieval unit 1602, the database information retrieval unit 1604, the work analysis unit 1706 and the evaluator 1708 can be coupled to each other, as indicated by line 1770, for example, electrically coupled (e.g., using wires or cables) and / or mechanically coupled and / or communicatively coupled.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the production line controller 1700 may further include a messaging unit 1714. The messaging unit 1714 may be configured to send a trade offer to the first customer. The trade offer may include a benefit cost analysis based on improved cost efficiency of introducing the process step into the production process, and a price payable to other customers who own the process step. The messaging unit 1714 may include the messaging unit 1608, or may be a part of the messaging unit 1608.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the production line controller 1600 or 1700 may further include a contract analyzer 1610. The contract analyzer 1610 may include the contract checking unit 314, or may be a part of the contract checking unit 314. The contract analyzer 1610 may be configured to parse the contracts of other customers (i.e., knowledge owners) that own the process step to extract contract terms associated with sharing of proprietary information. The contract analyzer 1610 may include the contract checking unit 314, or may be a part of the contract checking unit 314. The contract analyzer 1610 may be further configured to determine whether the contract allows sharing of knowledge about the process step based on the extracted contract terms.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the production line controller 1600 or 1700 may further include a transaction processor 1612. The transaction processor 1612 may include the query processing unit 320, or may be a part of the query processing unit 320. The transaction processor 1612 may be configured to initiate payment from the first customer to other customers who own the process steps via the payment gateway in exchange for using the process steps after receiving an approval message from the customer approving the transaction proposal. The approval message may be, for example, as in 1204.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the production line controller 1600 or 1700 may further include a production controller 1616. The production controller 1616 may include the work instruction unit 302, or may be a part of the work instruction unit 302. The production controller 1616 may be configured to control the production tool to stop the production process after receiving a rejection message rejecting the transaction proposal from the customer.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the production line controller 1600 or 1700 may further include a work plan updater 1618. The work plan updater 1618 may include the work instruction unit 302, or may be a part of the work instruction unit 302. The work plan updater 1618 may be configured to update the work plan of the production process to include the process step into the production process after payment from the customer to the knowledge owner in exchange for using the process step in the production process is completed.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the production process may be a work process that occurs in a factory. Alternatively, the production process may be a work process that occurs in an office (eg, on a computer).

[0065] Fig.18 1800 illustrating a method for controlling a production process according to various embodiments. Element 1802 may include obtaining first information about a production process ordered by a customer. Element 1802 may include 704, or may be a part of 704. The first information may include motion data of at least one worker performing the production process, and machine settings of a production tool used in the production process. Element 1804 may include retrieving second information about a proprietary process owned by a knowledge owner other than the customer (also referred to herein as other customers) from a knowledge database. Element 1806 may include comparing the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information. Element 1806 may include 706 and / or 708, or may be a part of 706 and / or 708. Element 1808 may include, after detecting that a process step in one of the proprietary processes occurs in the production process, sending a notification message to the production line via a messaging server to remove the process step from the production process (e.g., 1010), or sending a payment request message to a payment gateway via a messaging server to facilitate payment from the customer to the knowledge owner of the process step in exchange for using the process step.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the method for controlling a production process may further include parsing a contract of a knowledge owner of the process steps to extract contractual clauses associated with sharing of proprietary information.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the method for controlling a production process may further include calculating a price for obtaining a license to use the process step based on the extracted contract terms, and calculating the cost-efficiency of using the process step in the production process compared to removing the process step from the production process, such as in 1014, 1016 and 1018.

[0068] Fig.19Flowchart 1900 illustrating a method for controlling a production process according to various embodiments. Element 1902 may include obtaining first information about a production process ordered by a customer. The first information may include motion data of at least one worker performing the production process, and machine settings of a production tool used in performing the production process. Element 1904 may include retrieving second information about proprietary processes owned by other customers from a knowledge database. Element 1906 may include comparing the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information. Element 1908 may include identifying knowledge sharing opportunities based on the comparison, wherein the knowledge sharing opportunities include introducing a process step from one of the proprietary processes into the production process. The knowledge sharing opportunities may improve the cost efficiency of the production process and may be permitted by a contract of the knowledge owner of the process step.

[0069] Although embodiments of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The scope of the present invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims, and all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent forms of the claims are therefore intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that common numerals used in the associated drawings refer to components for similar or identical purposes.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing various embodiments and are not intended to be limitations of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "said" are intended to also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0071] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the blocks in the disclosed process / flowchart is an illustration of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the blocks in the process and / or flowchart can be rearranged. In addition, some blocks can be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present the elements of the various blocks in a sample order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0072] This specification is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be clear to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but will be given the entire scope consistent with the language claims, wherein the reference to the singular element is not intended to mean "one and only one", unless clearly stated, but "one or more". The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, instance or illustration". Any aspect described as "exemplary" in this article is not necessarily interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless otherwise clearly stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Combinations such as "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B and C" and "A, B, C or any combination thereof" include any combination of A, B and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B or multiple C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. The words "module," "mechanism," "element," "device," and the like may not be substitutes for the word "means." As such, no claim element is to be interpreted as means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for..."

Claims

1. A production line controller, comprising: a production information retrieval unit configured to obtain first information about a production process ordered by a customer, wherein the first information includes movement data of at least one worker performing the production process and machine settings of a production tool used in performing the production process; a database information retrieval unit configured to retrieve second information about proprietary processes owned by knowledge owners other than the client from a knowledge database; a work analysis unit configured to compare the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information to detect that a process step in one of the proprietary processes occurs during the production process; and a message transmission unit, the message transmission unit being configured to send a notification message to a production line via a message transmission server, or to send a payment request message to a payment gateway via a message transmission server, wherein the notification message instructs the production line to remove the process step from the production process, and Wherein the payment request message facilitates payment from the customer to an owner of knowledge of the process step via a payment gateway in exchange for use of the process step.

2. The production line controller of claim 1, wherein the production information retrieval unit comprises an image processor configured to extract information from video footage of the production process.

3. The production line controller of claim 2, wherein the image processor is configured to: identify the at least one worker in each image frame of the video footage and track the at least one worker across the image frames of the video footage to extract the motion data.

4. The production line controller of claim 2, wherein the image processor is configured to recognize at least one display screen of the production tool to extract the machine settings.

5. The production line controller of claim 3, wherein the image processor is configured to recognize at least one display screen of the production tool to extract the machine settings.

6. The production line controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the production information retrieval unit comprises a receiver configured to receive at least one of: Measurements from a plurality of motion sensors coupled to the at least one worker, machine settings recorded by a data logger connected to the production tool, or a work plan documenting the machine settings.

7. The production line controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: A contract analyzer is configured to parse a contract of a knowledge owner of the process steps to extract contractual clauses associated with sharing of information about the proprietary process. 8 . The production line controller of claim 7 , wherein the contract analyzer is further configured to determine whether the contract allows sharing of knowledge about the process steps based on the extracted contract terms.

9. The production line controller according to claim 8, further comprising: An evaluator is configured to calculate a price for obtaining permission to use the process step based on the extracted contract terms and is further configured to calculate a cost savings of using the process step in the production process compared to removing the process step from the production process.

10. The production line controller of claim 9, wherein the messaging unit is further configured to send a trade offer to the customer via the messaging server for payment to a knowledge owner of the process step in exchange for using the process step if the calculated cost savings is greater than the calculated price.

11. The production line controller according to claim 10, further comprising: A transaction processor configured to, upon receiving an approval message from the customer approving the transaction proposal, initiate payment from the customer to a knowledge owner of the process step via the payment gateway in exchange for using the process step.

12. The production line controller according to claim 10, further comprising: A production controller is configured to control the production tool to remove the process step from the production process after receiving a rejection message from the customer rejecting the transaction proposal.

13. The production line controller according to claim 11, further comprising: A production controller is configured to control the production tool to remove the process step from the production process after receiving a rejection message from the customer rejecting the transaction proposal.

14. A production line controller according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the evaluator is further configured to: search the knowledge database for alternative process steps in proprietary processes owned by other knowledge owners, and determine whether a contract of another knowledge owner owning the alternative process step allows sharing of knowledge about the alternative process step, wherein the alternative process step at least achieves an effect substantially similar to that of the process step.

15. A method for controlling a production process, the method comprising: acquiring first information about a production process ordered by a customer, wherein the first information includes movement data of at least one worker performing the production process and machine settings of a production tool used in performing the production process; retrieving second information about proprietary processes owned by knowledge owners other than the client from a knowledge database; comparing the production process to the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information; as well as Upon detecting that a process step in one of the proprietary processes occurs in the production process, a notification message is sent via the messaging server to instruct the production line to remove the process from the production process, or a payment request message is sent via the messaging server to a payment gateway to facilitate payment from the customer to the knowledge owner of the process step in exchange for using the process step.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The contracts of the knowledge owners of the process steps are parsed to extract the contractual terms associated with information sharing of the proprietary process.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: calculating a price for obtaining a license to use the process step based on the extracted contract terms; as well as The cost effectiveness of using the process step in the production process compared to removing the process step from the production process is calculated.

18. A production line controller, comprising: a production information retrieval unit configured to obtain first information about a production process ordered by a customer, wherein the first information includes movement data of at least one worker performing the production process and machine settings of a production tool used in performing the production process; a database information retrieval unit configured to retrieve second information about proprietary processes owned by knowledge owners other than the client from a knowledge database; a work analysis unit configured to compare the production process with the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information; as well as an evaluator configured to identify a knowledge sharing opportunity based on the comparison, wherein the knowledge sharing opportunity comprises introducing a process step from one of the proprietary processes into the production process; wherein introducing said process step into said production process improves the cost efficiency of said production process; and A contract among the knowledge owners of the process steps allows sharing of knowledge about the process steps.

19. The production line controller according to claim 18, further comprising: A messaging unit configured to send a trade offer to the customer, the trade offer comprising a benefit cost analysis based on improved cost efficiency of introducing the process step into the production process and a price that can be paid to a knowledge owner of the process step.

20. The production line controller according to claim 19, further comprising: A transaction processor configured to, upon receiving an approval message from the customer approving the transaction proposal, initiate payment of a payable price from the customer to a knowledge owner of the process step via a payment gateway in exchange for using the process step.

21. The production line controller according to claim 20, further comprising: A work plan updater is configured to update the work plan of the production process to include the process step into the production process after the payment is completed.

22. A method for controlling a production process, the method comprising: acquiring first information about a production process ordered by a customer, wherein the first information includes movement data of at least one worker performing the production process and machine settings of a production tool used in performing the production process; retrieving second information about proprietary processes owned by knowledge owners other than the client from a knowledge database; comparing the production process to the proprietary process based on the first information and the second information; as well as identifying a knowledge sharing opportunity based on the comparing, wherein the knowledge sharing opportunity comprises introducing a process step from one of the proprietary processes into the production process; wherein introducing said process step into said production process improves the cost efficiency of said production process; and A contract among the knowledge owners of the process steps allows sharing of knowledge about the process steps.

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