Processing primary product into secondary product

Abstract

A method (100) for processing a primary product (A) into a secondary product (C), the method comprising the steps of: providing (S15) the primary product (A); providing (S1) access rights to a database (3) configured to comprise a plurality of data structures (4); processing (S19) the primary product (A) by a processing device (11) to form a distinguishable secondary product (C); generating (S20), by a status reporting device (14) associated with the processing device (11), a report indicating a processing status during the processing step (S19); generating (S28) a unique object identifier indicating the distinguishable amount obtained during the processing step (S19); generating (S29) a data structure (4) having a data item (5) holding the object identifier and a data item (5) holding the report; generating (S64) a state indicator indicating a current state of a variable factor of the distinguishable component indicated by the object identifier, the current state is at least one selected state from the group consisting of: expected production date, storage location, ownership, reservation, expected disposal, expected use, percentage of surplus, actual disposal, actual use and price; and setting (S65) a data item (5) of the data structure (4) associated with the secondary product (C) such that the data item holds said status indicator; adding (S67) the data structure (4) associated with the distinguishable amount of the secondary product (C) into the database (3); and providing (S52) the distinguishable amount.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method for generating a data structure, a method for determining a characteristic value of a distinguishable quantity of a product, a method for producing a secondary product with a processing device, and a computer program product.

[0002] Document US 2022 / 237628 A1 discloses a workflow for tracking carbon credits. When a primary product (e.g. a polymer) is transformed into a secondary product (e.g. a resin), a blockchain entry is created which comprises a data package holding details about the secondary product and a data package holding details about the primary product.

[0003] For the production of high-grade products, it is desirable to gain a deeper understanding of the properties of these products. It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide means for transferring more precisely defined properties of a product to the next processing stage within the product life cycle.

[0004] Various solutions for this object are set out below. However, it needs to be emphasized that the aspects and options set out can be implemented together. Thus, any feature disclosed in relation to one aspect and / or option can be combined with every other aspect or option.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product is presented. The method comprises providing at least one primary product; processing the at least one primary product into a distinguishable quantity of secondary products by a processing device; generating a report by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, wherein the report comprises at least one status value indicative of a processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity which is obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the object identifier and wherein one further data item holds the generated report; and providing the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. When the presented method is executed, a data structure is provided which identifies the processing and / or the properties of a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product. The data structure can be transferred together with the associated distinguishable quantity to the next processing stage. Thus, at least one property of a secondary product can be learned with higher precision.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present application, a method for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product is presented. The method comprises: providing at least one primary product; processing the at least one primary product into a distinguishable quantity of secondary product by a processing device; generating a report by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, wherein the report comprises at least one status value indicative of a processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the object identifier and wherein one further data item holds the generated report; signing the data structure by setting the data items of the data structure such that the data items hold a signature indicative of a natural person or a legal person and / or a group thereof; and setting the data items of the data structure such that the data items hold an encrypted representation of the signed data structure; and providing the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. When performing the presented method, a data structure is provided which identifies the processing and / or the properties of a distinguishable quantity of secondary product. The data structure can be transferred to the next processing stage together with the associated distinguishable quantity. Thus, at least one property of the secondary product can be known with higher precision. Further, the signature is preferably an electronic signature. The signature is typically verifiable such that it can be verified which legal or natural person and / or which group has signed the data structure. There are many well-established methods for signing data which can be advantageously employed here. Signing data is typically used for data security purposes.

[0007] The processing device can comprise an arrangement and / or a series of processing devices. The processing device can be any device configured to process at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. Preferably, the primary product is processed into the secondary product by the processing device.

[0008] The primary product is preferably different from the secondary product in at least one product quality. The product quality can be a chemical, physical and / or mechanical property of the product. The product quality of the secondary product can be influenced by the recorded processing status of the processing device.

[0009] The data structure is preferably configured to represent a production process performed during the production of the distinguishable quantity of secondary product. The data structure is associated with one processing and / or one distinguishable quantity from the processing. The association is established by the unique object identifier. Thus, the object identifier is a self-object identifier of the data structure as it identifies and / or indicates the object of the data structure which is specified in depth by the remaining data items.

[0010] The status reporting device can be configured to monitor the status of the process and to report the monitored status and / or a result of a calculation based on the monitored status. Examples of status reporting devices include sensors (including so-called edge devices), drives, actuators and / or evaluation software connected in series therewith. The reporting can include a time series of status values, as this increases the accuracy of the reporting. If more than one process status is reported, it is preferred to have multiple time series of synchronous status values with different or distinguishable status values. This step facilitates the optional step of deriving a status value of the process. The at least one process status is recorded during the step of processing the at least one primary product into the at least one secondary product. That is, the status value is indicative of the conditions at the time of obtaining the secondary product. It is preferred that the recording is generated during the processing step. However, in certain applications of the method, it is preferred that the recording is generated or at least finally determined after obtaining the second product. For example, a back filter can only be applicable after the time series is completed.

[0011] Optionally, during said providing, the distinguishable quantity can be provided separately, and the method can comprise linking the separate distinguishable quantity to the generated data structure. As the processed distinguishable quantity is provided separately and linked to the data structure, the knowledge of the one or more properties and the distinguishable quantity is obtained both separately and in combination. Separately providing the distinguishable quantity comprises at least separating the distinguishable quantity. Separately providing can comprise providing in a transportable form.

[0012] Linking can be understood as creating a bidirectional connection of the separate quantity to the generated data structure. The quantity of the secondary product is a physical or "real world" entity. The data structure can be a physical or "real world" entity (like writing on paper), or it can be a virtual entity (like an entry in a database stored by a computer), wherein a virtual data structure is preferred. Bidirectional connection can mean that the data structure can be found / accessed from the quantity, and the quantity can be found / located from the data structure.

[0013] Said separately providing can optionally comprise packaging the distinguishable quantity obtained from the processing step (i.e. the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product) into a package. If the distinguishable quantity is packaged, it is easier to identify the quantity. "Packaging" preferably comprises one package or at least one package.

[0014] Optionally, the linking comprises attaching a link object to the package. Thus, the user can find the data structure by the attached link. This aspect is beneficial, for example, in handling distinguishable quantities. Preferred examples for attaching the link comprise printing a link object on the package, writing a link object to a data storage device attached to the package, and / or providing a link object within the package. Each of these preferred examples provides a unique combination of accessibility of the link and persistence of the link.

[0015] The method can optionally be applied to a process of processing at least one primary product into a plurality of distinguishable quantities of the same secondary product and / or different secondary products during the processing step, wherein at least the following steps can optionally be performed for each of the plurality of distinguishable quantities: generating a unique object identifier, generating a data structure, providing the distinguishable quantity, and, if applicable, the following steps: linking the individual distinguishable quantities and attaching a link object. Thus, an exact knowledge of the plurality of distinguishable quantities of the secondary product(s) can be obtained.

[0016] Preferably, each quantity of the primary product or the secondary product is a distinguishable quantity.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present application, another method for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product is presented. The method comprises: providing at least one primary product; processing the at least one primary product into distinguishable quantities of a secondary product by a processing device; generating a report by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, wherein the report comprises at least one status value indicative of a processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the object identifier, and wherein one further data item holds the generated report; and providing the distinguishable quantities obtained by the processing during the processing step. When the presented method is performed, a data structure is provided which identifies the processing and / or the properties of the distinguishable quantities of the secondary product. Thus, at least one property of the secondary product resulting from the processing is implicitly recorded in the data structure and it can be transferred with the distinguishable quantities to the next processing stage.

[0018] According to another option, the above methods can be combined such that the object identifier is indicative of the processing during the processing step and of the distinguishable quantities of the secondary obtained from the processing during the processing step. This method can advantageously be applied, for example, in case several secondary products are obtained from the same processing.

[0019] The following options apply both to the above method where the object identifier is indicative of the processing and to the above method where the object identifier is indicative of the distinguishable quantities.

[0020] Now, some method options will be set out below, which can be applied during or after the generation of the data structure. In particular in this regard, setting a "data item" of the data structure such that the data item holds a specific value can comprise one of the following: generating the data item and assigning the specific value to the data item at the same time as generating the data structure, extending the data structure by adding the data item and assigning the specific value to the data item, and / or providing the generated data structure with the data item and assigning the specific value to the data item.

[0021] According to a preferred option, said providing said obtained distinguishable quantity comprises providing the individual distinguishable quantity at an identifiable location; and wherein the method comprises setting a data item of the data structure such that the data item holds a location identifier indicating the identifiable location. Thus, the user can easily locate the distinguishable quantity of the product with the specific product attribute.

[0022] The method can further comprise providing a data owner indicator indicating a natural person or a legal entity and / or a group thereof; and setting a data item of the data structure such that the data item holds the data owner indicator. The data owner indicator preferably represents one or more persons responsible for holding, maintaining, updating, modifying the data structure, etc. This feature makes it easier to centralize precise knowledge (as can be stored on a server, for example) and to make responsibilities explicit. Thus, when granting access to at least one of many data structures to at least one of many parties, the handling of the data structure does not become more difficult.

[0023] The method can comprise providing a distinguishable quantity owner indicator indicating a natural person or a legal entity and / or a group thereof; and setting a data item of the data structure such that the data item holds the distinguishable quantity owner indicator. This feature enables the task of describing the economic attribute of the distinguishable quantity. However, compared to the concept of a parallel data structure having economic attributes of the distinguishable quantity in addition to the process attributes of the data structure described above, it is easier to handle and saves space and computing power to include all features in one data structure. That is, a technical solution to handle technical and economic attributes in a general data structure has the technical advantage of saving resources.

[0024] Further, the method can comprise setting the data item of the data structure such that the data item holds a processing equipment identifier indicative of a processing equipment used to obtain the distinguishable quantity. If there are two separate processing equipment for the same task, it is likely that the secondary product processed in one processing equipment differs from the secondary product processed in the other processing equipment. However, it is also possible that the state recording equipment can not be able to perceive or record these differences, and / or it can be that at the time of processing it is not yet known which difference has which impact later on. Therefore, in many use cases it is beneficial to know which processing equipment participated in obtaining the distinguishable quantity.

[0025] The method can further comprise setting the data item of the data structure such that the data item holds a processing time indicator indicative of when the distinguishable quantity was produced. Preferably, the processing time indicator comprises a start time of the processing such that the other state value can be traced back afterwards from a device log or the like. Preferably, the processing time indicator comprises a stop time of the processing such that the age of the product can be determined. Optionally, the method can comprise determining a production timestamp indicative of a time of said processing step and / or said separate providing step; and setting the data item of the data structure such that the data item holds said production timestamp.

[0026] Preferably, the method can comprise setting the data item of the data structure such that the data item holds a state reporting equipment identifier indicative of the state reporting equipment used to obtain the report. This information also allows to take into account individual sensitivity differences between different state reporting equipment.

[0027] It can be the case that the primary product can not be delivered in a distinguishable quantity, e.g. via a buffer tank or through a pipe. For example, in these cases it can be advantageous that said providing at least one primary product comprises providing a batch of primary products and a primary product batch identifier indicative of the batch of primary products; and wherein the method further comprises setting the data item of the data structure such that the data item holds the primary product batch indicator.

[0028] It can be the case that the data structure is shared with a competitor, a customer and / or any other third party, in which case confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. If the method comprises encrypting at least one data item, confidentiality with respect to the content of the encrypted data item(s) can be maintained.

[0029] In order to increase the knowledge about a particular distinguishable quantity, the method can comprise generating a further report by a further state reporting equipment associated with the processing equipment, wherein said further report comprises at least one further state value indicative of a processing state during the processing step; and setting the data item of the data structure such that the data item holds said generated further report.

[0030] For further processing of the secondary products, the classification of the secondary products can be important. For example, it can be necessary to use only secondary products from a specific bin within the specification of the secondary products, or to mix secondary products of different bins to equally reflect the entire specified range in order to obtain the desired quality of the next level product. The method can therefore comprise providing a statistical rule set configured for determining the at least one reported statistical measure, determining an individual statistical measure based on the at least one report and the statistical rule set, and setting a data item of the data structure such that the data item holds the individual statistical measure.

[0031] Further, the method can comprise signing the data structure by setting a data item of the data structure such that the data item holds a signature indicative of a natural person or legal entity and / or a group thereof, and setting a data item of the data structure such that the data item holds an encrypted representation of the signed data structure. The signature is preferably an electronic signature. The signature is typically verifiable such that it can be verified which legal entity or natural person and / or which group has signed the data structure. There are many well-established methods for signing data, which can be advantageously employed here. Signing data is typically used for data security purposes.

[0032] Further, the method can comprise determining an encrypted representation of the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the primary product, and setting a data item of the secondary data structure such that the data item holds the encrypted representation of the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the primary product. This option supports a blockchain, which is beneficial in large ecosystems with multiple parties contributing to the data structure.

[0033] Optionally, the method can comprise providing at least one distinguishable quantity of a primary product, providing for each provided distinguishable quantity of the primary product a data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity, wherein the data structure comprises one data item holding an object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product, and one further data item holding a report comprising at least one state value indicative of a processing state of a process performed during obtaining the primary product of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the object identifier, and generating the (new) data structure mentioned in the above option such that the data structure further comprises a further data item holding an object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product. This option not only allows additional access to the (multiple) process state of the latest processing, but also to the history of the (multiple) process state of the (multiple) previous processing. All these process states are individual and specific to the secondary product of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the own object identifier held in the newly generated data structure.

[0034] According to an aspect of the present application, a method for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product is presented, the method comprising: providing at least one primary product; providing access to a database, the database being configured to comprise a plurality of data structures; processing, by a processing device, the at least one primary product into a distinguishable quantity of secondary products; generating, by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, a report, wherein the report comprises at least one status value indicative of a processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity, which distinguishable quantity is obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the object identifier, and wherein one further data item holds the generated report; adding or inputting the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product into the database; and providing the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. The data set can be used, for example, not only for adjusting parameters in a directly subsequent processing step, but also in many subsequent processing steps, up to the final product, and even afterwards during recycling of the final product and / or recycling of excess products. All these process steps can be performed by different entities at different times and locations, wherein the subsequent steps can often even be unknown at the time of production of a particular distinguishable quantity. By adding the data structure(s) to the database, the content(s) of the data structure(s) can be reliably provided, so that precise product property knowledge can be reliably obtained. Thus, these information can be easily and reliably retrieved by any subsequent process step.

[0035] Various database technologies are known in the art. Any database technology can be employed to implement the database, as long as the database accessibly holds the data structures. Preferably, a distributed database, like a cloud service, can be used. For easy transfer of the data structures with many participants, an internet-based database is preferred.

[0036] Although the focus of the data structures as well as the database is to provide technical attributes for technical processes, it can have to be recognized that non-technical information as such, like the location or the ownership of a particular distinguishable quantity, can have a significant technical impact, for example in the acceleration adjustment of material handling and / or continuous processing equipment. According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product is proposed, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one primary product; providing access to a database, the database being configured to comprise a plurality of data structures; processing, by a processing equipment, the at least one primary product into a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product; generating, by a status reporting equipment associated with the processing equipment, a report, wherein the report comprises at least one status value indicative of a processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the object identifier, and wherein one further data item holds the generated report; generating a status indicator indicative of a current status of a variable factor of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the object identifier, wherein the current status is a selected status of the group consisting of: expected date of production, storage location, ownership, reservation, expected disposal, intended use, percentage of remaining quantity, actual disposal, actual use, and price; setting the data item of the data structure associated with the secondary product such that the data item holds the status indicator; adding or inputting the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product into the database; and providing the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. The status indicator can comprise at least one current status.

[0037] Optionally, the method further comprises: providing at least one distinguishable quantity of a primary product; providing, for at least one provided distinguishable quantity of a primary product, a data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity, wherein the data structure comprises one data item holding an object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product, and one further data item holding a report comprising at least one status value indicative of a processing status of a process performed during obtaining the distinguishable quantity of the primary product indicated by the object identifier; setting the data item of the secondary data structure such that the data item holds the object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product; and adding the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the primary product into the database. Thus, the data structure can not only reflect one processing status value, but can also point to and / or refer to a data structure reflecting a status value of a preceding process step. Thus, this option provides a more in-depth and more precise technical specification of a particular product. Preferably, the method further comprises adding the primary data structure into the database.

[0038] According to an aspect of the present application, a method for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product is presented. The method comprises the steps of: providing at least one distinguishable quantity of a primary product; providing, for at least one provided distinguishable quantity of a primary product, a data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity, wherein the data structure comprises one data item holding an object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product, and one further data item holding a report comprising at least one state value indicative of a processing state of a process performed during obtaining the distinguishable quantity of the primary product indicated by the object identifier; processing, by a processing device, the at least one primary product into a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product, said distinguishable quantity being obtained by said processing during the processing step; generating a new data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the generated object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product, and wherein one further data item holds the object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product; and providing the distinguishable quantity obtained by said processing during the processing step. The method also provides a deeper and more precise technical specification of a specific product: Thus, performing the method of the aspect generates a chain of data structures, which are related to each other by referencing the object identifier(s) of the primary product(s). Thus, the data structure of the secondary product points to the history or log of the process state values of the process steps performed before the process step.

[0039] The method allows to understand the secondary product properties resulting from the processing step from the primary product into the secondary product. The method also allows to understand in depth the secondary product properties resulting not from the processing step from the primary product into the secondary product, but from knowing one or more precise properties of the primary product. After performing the method, there are three entities / results, which are: the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the primary product, the new distinguishable quantity of the secondary product, and the new data structure holding the generated object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product. That is, the method generates a chain of digital twins of products, wherein the digital twin of the secondary product references the digital twin of the primary product. Having a chain of digital twins is advantageous, because the properties of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product can only be known after generating the secondary product, e.g. due to the duration of a property test or where the property is only known (detectable) from the secondary product, in which case the chain of digital twins maintains a single and thus unambiguous database.

[0040] A "distinguishable quantity" of a product is a general term for a specific or concrete unit of the product. A "distinguishable quantity" has a quantity defining the size of the quantity, such as weight, volume, number of particles, and / or number of moles. A "distinguishable quantity" also has distinguishability, which is another property such that a user can distinguish the quantity from another quantity at least at some stage of processing. This distinguishability can stem from the quantity being provided in a container and / or being provided during a specific time period. For example, a distinguishable quantity can be provided from a first processing device onto / in a transfer device between two defined points in time.

[0041] The data structure provided in association with the distinguishable quantity of the primary product can be referred to as a primary data structure or a first data structure, while the new data structure generated is associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product and can thus be referred to as a secondary data structure or a second data structure.

[0042] According to one option, the second data structure can be generated such that it has, in addition to the data item indicating the object identifier of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product, only other data items than, or different from, the data items of the data structure provided in association with the distinguishable quantity of the primary product. This option implies that the data structure has data items that are unambiguously present, which is beneficial for data reliability.

[0043] According to one option, the method can comprise providing access to a database configured to comprise a plurality of data structures each having at least two data items, and configured to provide access to a data structure such that any data item of the accessed data structure is settable; and adding the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product to the database. The feature that a data item is "settable" comprises that the data item can be added to the data structure, can be modified within the data structure, and can be removed from the data structure. In other words, the method can comprise providing access to a database configured to comprise a plurality of data structures each having at least two data items, and configured to provide access to a data structure such that a data item can be added to, can be modified within, and can be removed from the accessed data structure; and adding the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product to the database.

[0044] One or more added and / or modified data items can hold: a current location of the distinguishable quantity.

[0045] One or more added and / or modified data items can hold: a current owner and / or owner history of the data structure, a current owner and / or owner history of the data item, and / or a current owner and / or owner history of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the data structure itself object identifier.

[0046] One or more of the added and / or modified data items can hold: a timestamp (see below), a duration of transport, process values of the transport process (e.g. temperature during transport), past and / or current location data of the distinguishable quantity (e.g. tracking of the transport).

[0047] One or more of the added and / or modified data items can hold: process data of a test process for testing a sample of the distinguishable quantity.

[0048] One or more of the added and / or modified data items can hold: role information indicating permissions of a natural person and / or a legal person and / or a group thereof, the role information further indicating a permission level with respect to the data structure and / or one or more of the limited data items of the data structure. For example, different persons can be allowed to read different data items. For example, a data owner can allow a test device operator to modify certain data items reserved for test information.

[0049] One or more of the added and / or modified data items can hold: regulation information about the distinguishable quantity indicated by the self object identifier, like encryption regulations, processing regulations, storage regulations and / or exclusion criteria for the data structure and / or its data items.

[0050] One or more of the added and / or modified data items can include certificate information and / or certificate expiration information, the certificate information and / or certificate expiration information preferably being a signed, preferably cryptographically signed, data item. “Fair trade” certificates are an example for such certificate information.

[0051] One or more of the added and / or modified data items can hold: business information and / or its history about the distinguishable quantity indicated by the self object identifier, like manufacturing cost, production man-hour information, sales price, offer, actually achieved sales price and / or date of sale exchange rate.

[0052] One or more of the added and / or modified data items can hold: manufacturing tool data indicating one or more manufacturing tools used during manufacturing / processing of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the self object identifier.

[0053] One or more of the above-mentioned data items can also be initially added to the data structure when the data structure is initially generated.

[0054] The generated data structure is thus saved in a database, so that additional data items can be added to the data structure later on. This is useful, for example, in case test results of a sample of the distinguishable quantity are only available after production of the distinguishable quantity.

[0055] The generated data structure is saved in a database, so that data items can be modified. This is useful, for example, in case the state or properties of the distinguishable quantities, like the position or concentration of volatile components, are variable.

[0056] The generated data structure is saved in a database, so that data items can be deleted from the data structure. This is useful, for example, in case the state or properties of the distinguishable quantities, like the storage location when the complete distinguishable quantity has been used for producing a secondary product, are outdated.

[0057] Adding, modifying and / or removing only selected data items means that the rest of the data structure remains unchanged. The present invention is directed to use cases in which the data structure is used during subsequent steps in the life cycle of the product of the distinguishable quantities. Thus, setting, i.e. adding, modifying and / or removing, only a single data item is advantageous over a blockchain or the like, because it saves storage space. In addition, the data structure has no “updated” version, which can save time for searching the data structure.

[0058] According to one option, the method can additionally or alternatively comprise providing access to a database, the database being configured to comprise a plurality of data structures; accessing one data structure saved by the database via the database; and setting a data item of the accessed data structure. In other words, the method can comprise providing access to a database, the database being configured to comprise a plurality of data structures; accessing one data structure saved by the database via the database; and adding a data item to the accessed data structure, modifying a data item of the accessed data structure and / or removing a data item from the accessed data structure.

[0059] According to one option, the method can comprise providing access to the database; accessing one data structure saved by the database via the database; and reading a data item from the accessed data structure. This can be used, for example, to adjust process parameters of a secondary production process. It can also be used to select a distinguishable quantity from a plurality of distinguishable quantities for secondary processing based on specific properties of the product, which are reflected in the process state indicated by the read data item.

[0060] According to one option, the method can comprise providing a pre-set property rule set specifying at least one property value determination rule configured to determine at least one property value based on at least one record, and specifying at least one record applicable to the property rule set; and determining at least one property value by applying at least one record specified by the property rule set to at least one rule specified by the property rule set. This option is very useful for a customer to decide whether a distinguishable quantity meets pre-set technical requirements without disclosing all process data. Preferably, the method further comprises setting a data item of the data structure such that the data item holds at least one determined property value. Thus, the determination can be stored and retrieved without spending computational time again to repeat the task.

[0061] In order to improve reliability and / or acceptance of the report(s) included in the data structure, the method can comprise taking a sample from the secondary product of the distinguishable quantity; generating a test result indicating at least one material property of the processed and / or individual distinguishable quantity of the secondary product; generating a test result indicator indicating the generated test result; and setting a data item of the data structure such that the data item holds the test result indicator. Preferably, the sample is taken in a time range from the start of processing until after the individual distinguishable quantity is provided.

[0062] The sample can be taken during and / or immediately after the step of processing the primary product of the distinguishable quantity into the secondary product of the distinguishable quantity. Then, there is a case that the generation of the test result indicator can be fast enough such that the data structure can include the data item holding the test result indicator already when being added to the database. There is also a case that the generation of the test result indicator takes some time such that the respective data structure is already added to the database and the method comprises accessing the data structure via the database; and adding / modifying the data item holding the test result indicator.

[0063] Optionally, the method can comprise taking the sample based on a schedule, accessing the data structure via the database; and adding / modifying the data item holding the test result indicator. Thus, the product quality can be monitored.

[0064] Optionally, the method can comprise taking the sample in response to a user request, accessing the data structure via the database; and adding / modifying the data item holding the test result indicator. Thus, the product quality information can be updated on request. For example, a potential buyer can request detailed information about one or more distinguishable quantities of the primary product (primary production process status data) to control the quality of the secondary production process or the secondary product.

[0065] Another benefit is the case where the quality of the primary product of the distinguishable quantity is only known from secondary production process parameters afterwards. For example, the secondary process temperature can be used as a basis to infer the chemical composition of the primary product of the distinguishable quantity. A use case can be the evaluation of the chemical composition of a plurality of primary products of distinguishable quantities in order to use the process as a basis for future adjustment of process parameters of the primary production process. The same applies to chemical product parameters, physical product parameters, chemical process parameters and physical process parameters.

[0066] From another perspective, it is possible to: consider the pre-tested sample as the primary product, the post-tested sample as the secondary product, the test performed on the sample according to the distinguishable quantity as the processing of the pre-tested sample into the post-tested sample by the testing equipment, and the generation of the test report by the test report generator as the generation of the report by the status report device. For example, the testing equipment can be a container and the test report generator can be a temperature probe in the container. Thus, testing the sample in the distinguishable quantity and storing the test result into the data structure associated therewith can be done by a method comprising the following steps: providing access to a database configured to comprise a plurality of data structures; providing at least one primary product, which is a pre-tested sample / a sample to be tested; providing access to a data structure having at least one data item via the database, the data item holding a self object identifier, which object identifier indicates the distinguishable quantity of the primary product from which the sample is taken; processing the at least one primary product (sample) into a secondary product of the distinguishable quantity by a processing device, wherein the secondary product of the distinguishable quantity is the post-tested sample and the processing device is the testing equipment; generating a report by a status report device associated with the processing device, wherein the report comprises at least one status value indicating a processing status during the processing step, wherein the report is a test report, wherein the status report device is a test report generator, and wherein the status value is a test result; generating a new unique object identifier indicating the distinguishable quantity, which distinguishable quantity is obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a new data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the generated new object identifier and wherein one further data item holds the generated report; adding the generated new data structure to the database; and setting a further data item of the data structure having a data item holding a self object identifier indicating the distinguishable quantity from which the sample is taken, such that the further data item holds the generated new object identifier. The test result can then be stored separately but linked to the data structure of the sampled quantity. A use case can be that many parties need access to the data structure of the sampled quantity, but it is not desired that each party can read the test result.

[0067] According to a related aspect of the present application, a method for generating a data structure is presented. The method comprises providing access to a database, the database being configured to comprise a plurality of data structures; providing at least one report, the at least one report comprising at least one status value indicative of a processing status during a processing step; providing a status indicator, the status indicator being indicative of a current status of a distinguishable quantity obtained by a process, the processing status of the process being indicated by the at least one report; generating a unique object identifier indicative of a distinguishable quantity of a product, the unique object identifier being obtained by performing the processing for which the processing status is indicated by the report; generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein: one data item holds the generated object identifier, at least one further data item holds the provided report; and adding or inputting the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the primary product into the database. By inputting the data structure(s) into the database, the content of the data structure(s) can be reliably provided, so that accurate product property knowledge can be reliably obtained. Thus, any subsequent process step can easily and reliably retrieve and use accurate product properties.

[0068] Each of the methods described herein can be applied to many technical fields. Preferably, however, each of the methods described herein is applied to the field of chemistry. Thus, preferably, the primary product is a chemical product and / or a chemical raw material, and the secondary product is a chemical product. A chemical product is defined by a chemical description and optionally a physical, electrical and / or mechanical description.

[0069] According to another aspect of the application, a method for processing at least one primary product into a secondary product is proposed. The proposed method comprises: providing at least one distinguishable quantity of a primary product; providing, for each provided distinguishable quantity of a primary product, a data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity, wherein the data structure comprises one data item holding an object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product, and one further data item holding a report comprising at least one state value indicative of a processing state of a process performed during obtaining the distinguishable quantity of the primary product indicated by the object identifier; processing, by a processing device, the at least one primary product into a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product; generating a unique object indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product; generating a new data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the generated object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product, and wherein one further data item holds the object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product; and providing the distinguishable quantity obtained by said processing during the processing step. Thus, performing the method of this aspect generates a chain of data structures which are associated with each other by referencing the object identifier(s) of the primary product(s). Thus, the data structure of the secondary product points to a history or log of the process state values of the process steps performed before the process step. Thus, the method allows for a deep understanding of the properties of the secondary product which are not resulting from the processing step from the primary product into the secondary product.

[0070] According to one option, the method of this aspect can comprise: generating, by a respective state reporting device associated with the processing device, a report, wherein the report comprises at least one state value indicative of a processing state during the processing step; and setting the data item of the secondary data structure such that it holds the generated report. Thus, the data structure contains both the process state(s) of the processing step and points via the primary product object identifier to the process state(s) of one or more preceding process steps.

[0071] Also in this method, a batch of primary products can optionally be provided. In this case, it is preferred to include in the method: providing a primary product batch identifier indicative of the batch of primary products; and setting the data item of the data structure such that it holds the primary product batch indicator. Thus, even if no data structure is provided for one or more primary products, detailed information about the one or more primary products can be included. Also, the technical properties of the secondary product are presented more precisely, which lays the foundation for various technical improvements.

[0072] Preferably, the data item of the primary data structure holds a production timestamp indicating a time of production of the primary product. In order to provide the user with the duration of existence of the primary product as a product property, the method can comprise determining an existence duration indicator indicating a duration from the time indicated by the production timestamp to a time of providing the primary product; and setting a data item of the data structure associated with the primary product such that the data item holds the existence duration indicator, and / or setting a data item of the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product such that the data item holds the existence duration indicator in association with the object identifier indicating the distinguishable quantity of the primary product.

[0073] There can be cases where different distinguishable quantities of the same primary product are available and the same number of primary data structures is available, wherein each of these primary data structures is associated with a different distinguishable quantity of the primary product, wherein each primary data structure has a data item holding a production timestamp indicating a time of production of the respective primary product. Preferably, in such cases, the method comprises performing the following steps: determining, for each distinguishable quantity of the primary product, an existence duration from the time indicated by the respective production timestamp to a current time; and selecting at least one of the distinguishable quantities of the primary product based on the respective existence durations of the primary product and a pre-set rule set; wherein the selected distinguishable quantity of the primary product or a distinguishable quantity of the primary product is provided in the providing step. Thus, the primary product can be selected based on the respective existence durations of the primary product. Thus, an old product can be selected before it degrades too much and is out of specification. One can wait until the concentration of an undesired volatile component of the primary product is reduced. The distinguishable quantities of the primary product can also be referred to as primary (distinguishable) quantities. The distinguishable quantities of the secondary product can also be referred to as secondary (distinguishable) quantities.

[0074] In order to improve the recycling performance, wherein the secondary product is an end product; the method can comprise attaching an identifier device to the secondary product, wherein the identifier device indicates the object identifier of the secondary data structure. Thus, the recycling process can comprise reading the identifier device (such as an RFID tag, a serial number and / or a QR code) at and / or inside the end product and then determining the exact composition and / or properties of the end product such that the quality of the recycled product is improved.

[0075] The aspects and options within the description of the present invention can be combined. Thus, the method of this option can additionally comprise the method steps of any other method or option mentioned above and / or below to achieve the same advantageous effects.

[0076] Another aspect of the invention relates to a data structure having at least two data items, wherein: one data item holds a unique object identifier, which indicates a process during a process step and / or a distinguishable quantity obtained by said process during said process step; and one further data item holds a report, which comprises at least one status value indicating a process status of said process step. This data structure is a means for a more precise insight into the secondary product, as it correlates the report and the object identifier with each other.

[0077] The data structure can comprise a data item holding a packaging identifier, which indicates at least one packaging having said distinguishable quantity indicated by the object identifier. Thus, the link between the data structure and the distinguishable quantity can easily be included into the data structure.

[0078] The data structure can comprise a data item holding a location identifier, which indicates an identifiable location of said distinguishable quantity indicated by the object identifier. Thus, the distinguishable quantity can easily be found and handled.

[0079] The data structure can comprise a data item holding a data owner indicator, which indicates a natural person or a legal entity and / or a group thereof, which owns the data structure. Thus, it is easy to record who is responsible for maintaining said data structure, even in a complex scenario with many data structures from many sources and with many consumers of data structures.

[0080] The data structure can comprise a data item holding a distinguishable quantity owner indicator, which indicates a natural person or a legal entity and / or a group thereof, which owns said distinguishable quantity indicated by the object identifier. Thus, it is easy to record the ownership of the distinguishable quantity.

[0081] The data structure can comprise a data item holding a primary product batch identifier, which indicates a batch of a primary product, which has become a secondary product of said distinguishable quantity indicated by the object identifier. Thus, it is easy for a user to trace which batch of a primary product has been used for which secondary product of a distinguishable quantity. This option allows to fulfill legal regulations regarding source documents, even in said complex scenario.

[0082] The data structure can comprise a data item holding a test result indicator, which indicates a test result generated based on a sample taken from said distinguishable quantity indicated by the object identifier. This presents the product properties of the secondary product more precisely.

[0083] The data structure can comprise a data item holding another report configured to comprise at least one state value indicative of a state of processing of a step of processing at least one raw material into said product of said distinguishable quantity. This again increases the knowledge of the product properties.

[0084] The data structure can comprise a data item holding a characteristic value and / or a series of characteristic values typical for at least one report. This option is suitable for cases where the customer wants to judge whether the distinguishable quantity meets pre-set technical requirements but the purchaser does not want to disclose part or all of the process data.

[0085] The data structure can comprise an encrypted data item. This can guarantee confidentiality.

[0086] The data structure can comprise a data item which can comprise a signature configured to sign the data structure or at least a part thereof; and the data item can hold an encrypted representation of the signed data structure. This can guarantee authenticity of the precise property knowledge contained in the data structure.

[0087] The data structure can comprise a data item holding an encrypted representation of the data structure associated with a distinguishable quantity of a primary product which is a predecessor of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the own object identifier of the product. This option allows for a blockchain feature such that the customer can reliably reproduce the history of the predecessor product and its properties. One use case can be carbon footprint determination.

[0088] The data structure can have at least two data items, wherein: one data item holds a second object identifier configured to be a unique object identifier for identifying a processed distinguishable quantity of a product; at least one data item holds a first object identifier configured to be a unique object identifier for identifying a primary product distinguishable quantity which is processed into the distinguishable quantity identified by the second object identifier. Thus, the data structure technically represents technical features of a secondary product which can stem from a technical process to obtain said secondary product and one or more preceding processes thereof. Thus, a more precise technical description can be achieved.

[0089] According to an aspect of the present application, the data structure can have at least two data items, wherein: one data item holds a second object identifier, which is configured to identify a unique object identifier of a processed distinguishable quantity of a product; and at least one data item holds a first object identifier, which is configured to identify a unique object identifier of a primary product distinguishable quantity, which is processed into the distinguishable quantity identified by the second object identifier. Thus, the data structure technically represents technical features of the secondary product, which can stem from the technical process of obtaining said secondary product and one or more preceding processes thereof. Thus, a more precise technical description can be achieved. The data structure of this aspect can have any features and advantages of any of the other data structures disclosed herein.

[0090] Another aspect of the present application is a data carrier signal carrying a data structure as described above and / or provided by the method described above. This is beneficial for distributed systems, like internet-connected manufacturing systems.

[0091] According to another aspect of the present application, a database is proposed. The database comprises or is at least configured to comprise a plurality of data structures. Each data structure comprises at least two data items, wherein: one data item holds a self object identifier indicative of a distinguishable quantity of a product; and one further data item holds a report comprising at least one state value indicative of a processing state of a process, which is performed prior to obtaining the product of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the self object identifier, and preferably is a time series of state values. By adding the data structure(s) to the database, the content(s) of the data structure(s) can be reliably provided, so that precise product property knowledge can be reliably obtained. Thus, any subsequent process step can easily and reliably retrieve and use precise product properties. The database can preferably be computer-implemented.

[0092] Next, a method will be presented in which the data structure and / or the database is used in a next production step. Thus, the above-mentioned secondary product can now be referred to as a primary product for subsequent processing.

[0093] According to an aspect of the present application, another method for producing a secondary product from a distinguishable quantity of a primary product is proposed. The method comprises: providing a data structure as defined above and / or generated by any of the above-mentioned methods; providing a distinguishable quantity of a primary product, which is indicated by the self object identifier saved by the data structure; reading a report from the data structure, which report comprises at least one status value indicating a processing status of the provided distinguishable quantity of a primary product; adjusting a process parameter of a processing device based on the read report; and processing the provided distinguishable quantity of a primary product into a secondary product by or with the processing device. In other words: The method according to this aspect makes use of the recorded precise technical properties of the product associated with the data structure. By applying the method, it is possible to technically adjust the process according to one or more technical properties of the primary product, thereby generating a secondary product with advanced properties. The secondary product can have a more evenly distributed property, and / or it can be adjusted to a more stringent specification.

[0094] Another aspect of the present application is: using at least one data item of a data structure as defined above and / or generated by any of the above-mentioned methods for adjusting (in particular as a basis for said adjusting) a process parameter of a processing device for processing a distinguishable quantity of a primary product, which is indicated by the self object identifier saved by the data structure. This use of the data structure and the associated distinguishable quantity has the same advantages as the above-mentioned methods.

[0095] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a secondary product from an amount of a primary product. The proposed method comprises: providing a data structure as defined above and / or generated by any of the above-mentioned methods as a first data structure; providing a distinguishable amount of a primary product, which distinguishable amount is identified by an object identifier saved by a data item of the data structure; reading a report from the data structure, which report comprises at least one status value indicative of a processing status of the provided distinguishable amount of a primary product; processing the provided distinguishable amount of a primary product into a secondary product by a processing device or by a processing device; recording at least one of: a status value of the processing device during said processing step, a deviation value of the recorded status value from a target status value, a product property value of the secondary product during and / or after said processing step, and / or a deviation value of the recorded product property value from a target property value; and providing a data set comprising at least one recorded value and the object identifier indicative of the provided distinguishable amount of a primary product. The method according to this aspect has the advantageous effect that the generated data structure can be used to improve the original or previous processing in which the primary product has been processed into a secondary product based on the analysis generated during a later or subsequent processing in which the secondary product is processed into a tertiary product (a secondary product with respect to the original secondary product). Thus, during several process cycles, the original process can be optimized according to the subsequent process. Ultimately, the overall quality of the end product is improved. Preferably, providing the data set comprising the recorded value is part of the step of generating a new data structure such that the new data structure comprises a unique object identifier indicative of the amount of the secondary product and said data set. Preferably, the (remaining) steps of any of the above-mentioned methods also apply to this method such that the generated second data structure also comprises a unique object identifier indicative of the processed amount of the second product.

[0096] This can be understood as a method for producing a second generation secondary product from a second generation primary product, wherein the second generation primary product is a first generation secondary product, wherein the data structure is a data structure according to any of the above-mentioned methods for processing at least one first generation primary product into at least one first generation secondary product, wherein the provided amount is an amount of the second generation primary product (i.e. the first generation secondary product), and wherein the second generation primary product (i.e. the first generation secondary product) is processed into the second generation secondary product. In other words, the terms "primary" product and "secondary" product are preferably relative to one processing, whereas if there is a series of processes, the secondary product of an earlier processing is the primary product of a subsequent processing.

[0097] According to another aspect of the present application, a method for determining a characteristic value of a distinguishable quantity of a product is presented. The method comprises: providing a pre-set characteristic rule set, the pre-set characteristic rule set specifying at least one characteristic value determination rule configured to determine at least one characteristic value based on at least one record, and the pre-set characteristic rule set specifying at least one record applicable to the characteristic rule set; providing access to a database, the database configured to comprise a plurality of data structures, wherein each data structure comprises at least two data items, wherein: one data item holds a self-object identifier indicative of a distinguishable quantity of a product; and one further data item holds a report comprising at least one state value indicative of a processing state of a process, and preferably a time series of state values, the process being previously performed during obtaining the product of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the self-object identifier; accessing one data structure held by the database via the database; reading at least one report held in a data item of the accessed data structure specified by the characteristic rule set; determining at least one characteristic value by applying at least one read record specified by the characteristic rule set to at least one rule specified by the characteristic rule set; and setting a data item of the accessed data structure such that the data item holds the at least one determined characteristic value. Preferably, the output comprises setting a data item of the accessed data structure such that the data item holds the determined single uniformity. The method of this aspect has the advantage of providing a single criterion for selecting a distinguishable quantity of a product matching even very narrow specifications. Because the method comprises setting a data item of the accessed data structure such that the data item holds the at least one determined characteristic value, the determined characteristic value can be stored and retrieved in order to save future computation time.

[0098] According to another aspect of the application, a method for determining a characteristic value of a distinguishable quantity of a product is proposed. The method comprises: providing a set of pre-set characteristic rules, the set of pre-set characteristic rules specifying at least one characteristic value determination rule configured to determine at least one characteristic value based on at least one record, and the set of pre-set characteristic rules specifying at least one record applicable to the set of characteristic rules, wherein the set of pre-set characteristic rules comprises at least two value ranges per specified record, the ranges differing in at least one boundary value; and wherein the determined characteristic value is indicative of a bin defined by one of the value ranges; providing access to a database configured to comprise a plurality of data structures, wherein each data structure comprises at least two data items, wherein: one data item holds a self-object identifier indicative of a distinguishable quantity of a product; and one further data item holds a report comprising at least one state value indicative of a processing state of a process, and preferably a time series of state values, the process being previously performed during obtaining the product of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the self-object identifier; accessing one data structure held by the database via the database; reading at least one report specified by the set of characteristic rules held in a data item of the accessed data structure; determining at least one characteristic value by applying at least one read record specified by the set of characteristic rules to at least one rule specified by the set of characteristic rules. Since the aspect has at least two value ranges, and the determined characteristic value is indicative of a bin defined by one of the value ranges, this option enables binning of the distinguishable quantity. In other words, each of the value ranges defines one bin of the product. A bin can be understood as a quality grade within a quality classification.

[0099] The method can optionally comprise, in case the data item of the data structure holds an object identifier indicative of a distinguishable quantity of a primary product, the primary product being primary with respect to a secondary product of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the self-object identifier: accessing a data structure via the database, the data item of the data structure holding a self-object identifier matching the object identifier of the primary product; and reading at least one report specified by the set of characteristic rules held in a data item of the accessed data structure; and wherein said at least one characteristic value is determined also by applying the at least one read record to at least one rule specified by the set of characteristic rules. These steps include previous process states into said determination of a single criterion, thereby improving the precision of selecting the best match between different distinguishable quantities of a product and the requirements of a subsequent process.

[0100] Preferably, the method can comprise adding the self object identifier saved in the data item of the accessed data structure to the selection list if the determined at least one characteristic value meets the preset criteria. Thus, if multiple data structures match the criteria, the results can be stored in a list so that no more computational energy is spent on this task but only the results within the selection list are further investigated.

[0101] When the self object identifier of the accessed data structure is only added to the selection list if each characteristic value determined from the data items of this same data structure meets the preset criteria, a more rigorous method with possibly smaller selection list results is achieved. This feature can be understood as a combination of selections. For example, a data structure can only be added to the selection list if data item A meets criteria A' and at the same time data item B meets criteria B.

[0102] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a secondary product with a processing device is proposed, wherein the method comprises setting a characteristic rule set for selecting a primary product to be processed; selecting at least one distinguishable quantity of the primary product based on the set requirement list by performing any of the above described methods for determining a characteristic value of a distinguishable quantity of a product; processing the primary product of the at least one selected distinguishable quantity into a secondary product of the at least one distinguishable quantity. Here, only the primary product(s) of the selected distinguishable quantity is allowed to be further processed, which allows a very fine control of the quality of the secondary product.

[0103] One main application of the present invention is the determination of the quality of a product. This task is solved by a method for determining a product quality of a distinguishable quantity of a product according to another aspect of the present invention. The proposed method comprises providing an object identifier indicative of a preselected distinguishable quantity; providing access to a database as described above; accessing a data structure comprising a data item saving a self object identifier corresponding to the provided object identifier; determining at least one product quality of a primary product of the distinguishable quantity based on at least one data item comprised in the accessed data structure and a provided set of preset quality determination rules; and outputting the determined product quality. The quality can be any product property in a combination of product properties that can be derived from the data structure. This method allows to derive an evaluation from the processing state values. In other words, another layer of precise product properties can be accessed.

[0104] It is important not to forget that not always an entire distinguishable quantity of a primary product is processed into an entire distinguishable quantity of a secondary product. Therefore, the method preferably takes into account processing quotas, which can be known and / or set into the respective data item, and which indicate a quota for a specific distinguishable quantity of a primary product for obtaining a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product indicated by the own object identifier.

[0105] Preferably, the output comprises outputting the determined product quality associated with the provided object identifier. For example, the quality and the object identifier are handed over to another method, and / or the method comprises setting a data item of a data structure indicated by the object identifier, such that the data item holds the determined product quality. Therefore, the determination does not have to be performed repeatedly.

[0106] Optionally, the method can comprise, preferably in a recursive manner: reading an object identifier from the accessed data structure, the object identifier indicating a distinguishable quantity of a primary product which becomes a product of a distinguishable quantity indicated by the own object identifier; accessing a data structure comprising a data item holding an own object identifier indicating the provided distinguishable quantity; determining at least one product quality of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product based on at least one data item comprised in the accessed data structure and a set of pre-set quality determination rules. An illustrative example of a product quality is a carbon footprint of a chemical product. If each previous processing has logged the carbon dioxide emissions in a respective data structure, the total carbon dioxide emissions of the distinguishable quantity can thus be determined.

[0107] Another aspect of the invention is to propose a method for producing a secondary product with a processing device, the method comprising: providing a distinguishable quantity of a primary product, the distinguishable quantity being associated with an object identifier indicating the distinguishable quantity; performing the above described method for determining a product quality based on the object identifier; setting at least one process parameter of the processing device based on at least one determined product quality; and processing at least a portion of the provided distinguishable quantity of the primary product into at least a portion of a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product by or with the processing device. The method uses the above described determination method to adjust the process parameters to match the determined product quality. Therefore, based on accurate product properties, a high-grade secondary product can be obtained.

[0108] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions which, when interpreted or executed by at least one processor unit, cause the at least one processor unit to perform any of the above described methods.

[0109] According to another aspect, a computer readable medium storing the above computer program instructions is presented. The computer readable medium is in particular a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0110] In embodiments, a computer program or computer program product comprises program code for performing the above described methods and functions by a computerized control device when run on at least one computerized device. The computer program product, such as a computer program means, can be embodied as a memory card, a USB stick, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or a file downloadable from a server in a network. For example, such a file can be provided by transmitting a file comprising the computer program product from a wireless communication network.

[0111] In short: A method for processing at least one primary product into a secondary product is proposed comprising the steps of providing at least one primary product; processing the at least one primary product into a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product by a processing device; generating a report by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, wherein the report comprises at least one status value indicative of a processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the object identifier and wherein one further data item holds the generated report; and providing the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. Another method for processing a primary product into a secondary product is proposed comprising the steps of providing at least one distinguishable quantity of a primary product; providing at least one data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of a primary product, the data structure comprising one data item holding an object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product; processing the at least one primary product into a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product by a processing device; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the obtained distinguishable quantity; generating a new data structure having at least one data item holding the generated object identifier and one data item holding the object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product; and providing the distinguishable quantity obtained during the processing step. Another method for processing a primary product into a secondary product is proposed comprising the steps of providing a primary product; providing access to a database configured to comprise a plurality of data structures; processing the primary product into a distinguishable quantity of a secondary product by a processing device; generating a report by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, the report being indicative of a processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity obtained during the processing step; generating a data structure having one data item holding the object identifier and one data item holding the report; adding the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product to the database; and providing the distinguishable quantity.

[0112] Further possible embodiments or alternative solutions of the present application also encompass combinations of features described above or below in connection with these embodiments (not explicitly mentioned herein). A person skilled in the art can also add individual or isolated aspects and features in the most basic form of the present application.

[0113] Other embodiments, features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below:

[0114] Figure 1A scenario in which the method according to an embodiment of the application is implemented is schematically shown, and

[0115] Figure 2 A flowchart of the method according to an embodiment of the application is shown.

[0116] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like or functionally equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated.

[0117] The use case of the present application is the market of data structures. Each data structure reflects the processing performed during the life cycle of a product, wherein the life cycle comprises primary products as well as recycled information. Each real-life object (in this document referred to as "distinguishable quantity") is assigned a unique object identifier. The object identifier links the real-life object to the data structure.

[0118] The data structure holds the processing parameters recorded during the production of the respective object from a primary product. Thus, the data structure does not or not only describe the object by the measured quality of the object itself, but by the measured quality of the production process that produced the object. Especially in the chemical industry, it is expected that information about a certain object obtained from production process data is more in-depth and more accurate than information obtained from the object data itself.

[0119] The data structures are not encrypted or not fully encrypted. Instead, the data structures are handled by a custodian. The custodian secures the data structures and manages access and manipulation to these data structures. Thus, the data structures do not form a blockchain, in which many parties can read each blockchain entry. The data structures handled by the custodian can be seen as the account history handled by an investment or bank. Due to the custodian, there is no distributed ledger accessible by many parties (the custodian can also use this technology internally to ensure data integrity).

[0120] Next, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described, showing optional features for illustrative purposes. Figure 1 A scenario in which the present application is applied is shown. In Figure 1 The product life cycle 1 is depicted on the right side and the server 2 holding the database 3 is depicted on the left side.

[0121] In this symbolic product life cycle 1, liquid A is provided in a barrel 8 and powder B is provided in a bag 9. These products A and B are industrially processed into granules C, which are packaged in a box 10. A sample D is taken from the granules C. The granules C are subsequently formed into a final product, such as a shoe sole E. After its product life has ended, the shoe sole E is discarded and recycled. The liquid A and the powder B are primary products of the granules C. The granules C are secondary products of the liquid A and the powder B, and it is a primary product of the shoe sole E. That is, the terms "primary product" and "secondary product" are relative terms that indicate a chronological and / or a precedence order.

[0122] Next, a method 100 for producing the granules C from the liquid A and the powder B will be explained. However, this explanation is mainly for illustration purposes and therefore includes many optional steps. Further, the shown sequence of steps is only intended as a preferred example, not as an essential limitation.

[0123] In a first step S1, access to the database 3 is provided. The database 3 is configured to comprise a plurality of data structures 4.

[0124] The data structures 4 in this example are associated with distinguishable quantities of products. Each data structure 4 has at least one data item 5. Preferably, each data item 5 has a content 6 and a tag 7 indicating the type of the content. Each data structure 4 has one own object identifier. The object identifier is unique and thus it is configured to indicate a distinguishable quantity of a product. The object identifier is saved in one data item 5. The data structure 4 can save one or more additional object identifiers in other data items, for example as references to primary products; however, these one or more additional object identifiers are not "own" object identifiers. Due to the single and unique own object identifier, one distinguishable quantity of a product is fixed as the associated distinguishable quantity.

[0125] The products of this example are the liquid A, the powder B, the granules C, the sample D and the shoe sole E. The respective quantities are defined by volume from the barrel 8 of liquid A, the bag 9 of powder B, the box 10 of granules C, the flask of sample D and the shoe sole E itself.

[0126] In a next step S2, a property rule set is set up for selecting a primary product. The property rule set specifies at least one property value determination rule configured to determine at least one property value based on at least one record, and the preset property rule set specifies at least one record applicable to the property rule set. For example, a property rule set is set up for selecting one vat 8 of many vats 8 of liquid A. For example, a viscosity below a threshold value is required, and it is known that the viscosity of liquid A is influenced by the maximum temperature of a preceding process. In this exemplary case, a rule can be specified defining the maximum temperature of a temperature time series, and the temperature of the preceding process, as indicated by the corresponding label 7, is set as the record to which the rule is to be applied. The property rule set can be set up in advance.

[0127] In a next step S3, at least one available distinguishable quantity is selected.

[0128] In a next step S4, the previously set property rule set is provided. For example, it can be loaded into a memory, it can be delivered from another department via e-mail, and / or it can be retrieved from a database, including database 3.

[0129] Next is step S5, in which sub-steps S6, S7 and S8 are executed at least once, but can be executed recursively. First, in sub-step S6, one data structure 4 saved by database 3 is accessed via database 3. In the next sub-step S7, at least one report specified by the property rule set is read, which is saved in a data item 5 of the accessed data structure 4'. Then, in sub-step S8, at least one property value is determined by applying the at least one read record specified by the property rule set to the at least one rule specified by the property rule set.

[0130] The accessed data structure 4' can save further object identifiers indicating primary products of (secondary) products becoming the distinguishable quantity indicated by the own object identifier of the accessed data structure 4'. If the accessed data structure 4' saves such further object identifiers, the method preferably repeats the sub-steps of S5 for each such further object identifier. Preferably, the additional step S7 does not yield an additional property value, but improves the accuracy of the property value or property values determined in the first execution of step S7.

[0131] Next, in step S9, the at least one determined property value is stored by setting a data item 5 of a data structure 4 associated with the distinguishable quantity selected in step S3.

[0132] A preferred option is to implement the binning rule set in steps S2 and S4. That is, the property value is merely an indicator of the bin. For example, if the temperature check finds that the viscosity is within the expected range, the property value can be one of the following simple examples: "viscosity; good", "temperature below threshold", and / or a graphical symbol like a green circle.

[0133] In a next step S10, each self object identifier is added to a selection list, which saves the self object identifier in the data item 5 of the accessed data structure 4' if the at least one property value determined in S8 meets the pre-set criteria.

[0134] Then, in step S11, each data structure 4' holding a self object identifier listed in the selection list is made available and loaded, for example. This step can include payment of a fee for accessing or using the data structure 4'.

[0135] For example, if more than one distinguishable quantity is available, the distinguishable quantity of liquid A can be selected from all distinguishable quantities associated with the selection list object identifier based on the presence duration of liquid A and / or based on a comparison of the presence durations. Thus, in step S12, a presence duration indicator is read from the data structure 4' indicating the presence duration of liquid A. Further, in step S12, a report can be read from the data structure 4' including at least one status value indicating a processing status of a process performed to obtain the distinguishable quantity of liquid A within the vat 8.

[0136] In a next step S13, for example, the presence duration of liquid A can be determined. For example, a production date saved by the data item 5 of the data structure 4' can be read. Then, in step S14, one of the distinguishable quantities indicated by the selection list is selected.

[0137] In a next step S11, the distinguishable quantity of the primary product is provided. For example, the vat 8 of liquid A is provided, for example, delivered to a processing device 11, which can be a simple machine, but also a processing plant, and / or any device in between.

[0138] In another example, there is no selection process based on the property rule set and the presence duration criteria. In this case, the vat 8 of liquid A with the distinguishable quantity is provided in step S15. Then, the QR code 12 on the vat 8 can be scanned. The QR code 12 can save the object identifier associated with the distinguishable quantity of liquid A in the vat 8. Then, in step S11, the data structure 4' is made available. In another example without the database 3, the data structure 4' itself can be saved in the QR code 12.

[0139] Then, step S15 is repeated for the powder B of the bag 9. The powder B does not have an associated data structure. Instead, it has a batch number printed on the label 13. Therefore, in a next step S16, the batch number is provided by reading the label 13 as the primary product batch identifier.

[0140] In a next step, a data owner indicator is provided in step S17. For example, the data owner indicator is chosen to indicate the company (i.e. the legal person) that owns the processing device 17.

[0141] In a next step S18, the process parameters of the processing device 11 can be adjusted based on the report saved in the data structure 4' read in step S12.

[0142] In a next step S19, the primary products (here: the liquid A and the powder B) are processed into or into a distinguishable quantity of granules C. The processing is performed by or with the processing device 11.

[0143] It is efficient, but not necessary, to have a 1 : 1 ratio between the distinguishable quantities. That is, for example, more than one bucket 8 of liquid A and less than one bag 9 of powder B can be used to obtain exactly one distinguishable quantity of granules C.

[0144] During said processing step S19, sub-steps S20 to S26 can be performed, for example.

[0145] In step S20, at least one report of the state values of the processing is generated. Preferably, each state variable or time series of state variables is reported separately, so that preferably one or more reports are generated. Each report is generated by a state reporting device 14. Each report comprises at least one state value indicative of the state of the processing during the processing step S19.

[0146] In a next step S21, a processing device identifier is recorded, which can be used to distinguish the processing device 11 from other processing devices.

[0147] In a next step S22, a state reporting device identifier is recorded. The state reporting device identifier associated with a report generated by a respective state reporting device is recorded. For example, in this case, there can be a data item labeled "report 1" saving the report from the first state reporting device 14, a data item labeled "state reporting device 1" saving the serial number of the first state reporting device 14, a data item labeled "report 2" saving the report from the second state reporting device 14, and a data item labeled "state reporting device 2" saving the serial number of the second state reporting device 14. It is not necessary, but advisable, to record the state recording device identifier for each recorded report.

[0148] In a next step S23, a deviation value can be recorded for one or more of the recorded state values. The deviation value indicates a deviation of the recorded state value from a target value. For example, in case of a detailed time series is recorded, some users or applications can be only interested in the summarized values, while other users or applications can need the entire time series. Therefore, in order to save time later, the deviation is determined and recorded to be used as a summarized value.

[0149] In a next step S24, a product property value is recorded. For example, when the producer of the granulate C does not want to disclose internal know-how, it is beneficial to record a product property resulting from one or more state values and / or other sources.

[0150] In a next step S25, a deviation value indicating a deviation of the product property value can be recorded.

[0151] Also during the processing step and / or at the end of the processing step, a time or time stamp of the processing or the end of the processing is recorded in step S26.

[0152] Next, an indicator is determined to be stored in the new data structure 4.

[0153] For example, in step S27, a presence duration indicator of the provided distinguishable quantity of the primary product A, B is determined. For example, the presence duration indicator of the liquid A is determined based on the time read in step S12 and the time recorded in step S26.

[0154] In a next step S28, a unique object identifier is generated, such that the unique object identifier indicates the distinguishable quantity of the granulate C, which distinguishable quantity is obtained by the above-mentioned processing during the processing step S19.

[0155] Then, in step S29, the new data structure 4 is generated. The data structure 4 represents the distinguishable quantity of the granulate C obtained during the above-mentioned processing step S19. In this case, step S29 involves sub-steps S30 to S41.

[0156] In step S30, a data item is set, which saves the object identifier generated in step S28 as a self object identifier of this new data structure 4, since the object identifier indicates the distinguishable quantity of the granulate C represented by this data structure 4.

[0157] In a next step S31, a data item is set, which saves one of the reports generated in step S20. Preferably, step S31 is repeated for each report generated.

[0158] Then, in a step S32, the presence duration indicator determined in S27 can be set as a data item 5 of the data structure 4 associated with the distinguishable quantity of granules C associated with the object identifier indicating the distinguishable quantity of primary product A. For example, the data item 5 of the data structure 4 can be labeled as "presence duration indicator of product A" and have the presence duration indicator as content 6.

[0159] In a next step S33, a data item is set holding the status report device identifier generated in step S22. Preferably, step S33 is repeated for each status report device identifier.

[0160] In a next step S34, a data item is set holding the primary product batch identifier provided in step S16. Preferably, step S34 is repeated for each primary product batch identifier.

[0161] In a next step S35, a data item is set holding the object identifier indicating the distinguishable quantity of primary product, in this case: the liquid A selected in step S14. Preferably, step S35 is repeated for each object identifier indicating the distinguishable quantity of primary product. Alternatively, the object identifier can be obtained, for example, in step S10.

[0162] In a next step S36, a data item is set holding the processing device identifier recorded in step S21. If more than one processing device identifier is recorded in step S19, more than one processing device identifier can be recorded and set.

[0163] In a next step S37, a data item is set holding the data owner indicator provided in step S17.

[0164] In a next step S38, a data item is set holding the production timestamp determined in step S26.

[0165] In a next step S39, a data item is set holding the deviation value recorded in step S23. If more than one deviation value is recorded, the step is preferably repeated.

[0166] In a next step S40, a data item is set holding the product property value recorded in step S24. If more than one product property value is recorded, the step is preferably repeated.

[0167] In a next step S41, a data item is set holding the deviation value of the product property value recorded in step S24 recorded in step S25. If more than one deviation value of the product property value is recorded, the step is preferably repeated.

[0168] In a next step S42, a sample D is taken from the distinguishable quantity of particles C obtained in step S19. In a next step S43, a test result is generated by testing at least one property of the particles C. An exemplary method for generating a test result which is executed in this case comprises: executing steps S42 and S43; generating in step S44 a unique object identifier indicative of the test result; and generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein: one data item holds the object identifier indicative of the test result, one optional data item holds an object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the product C from which the sample was taken, and one further data item holds the generated test result.

[0169] That is, in step S44, a test result indicator is generated. Then, in step S45, the method 100 can set a data item of the data structure 4 indicative of the distinguishable quantity of particles C such that this data item holds the test result indicator generated in step S44. However, it is preferred to include the object identifier of the distinguishable quantity of particles C in the data structure indicative of the test sample or to include the test result indicator in the data structure 4 indicative of the distinguishable quantity of particles C.

[0170] In a next step S46, an encrypted representation of the data structure 4' associated with the liquid A can be determined. Then, in step S47, this encrypted representation is set in a data item 5 of the data structure 4. Thus, the customer of the particles C can reliably reproduce the blockchain-type history of the predecessor product, in this case product A, and the properties of this predecessor product A. This option is preferably combined with steps S11, S15, S34 and S35.

[0171] In the following steps S48, S49 and S50, steps S4, S8 and S9 are repeated. However, in this case, the characteristic value is determined with respect to the report generated in step S20 and / or during step S19. Preferably, the characteristic rule set is different between steps S4 to S9 and steps S48 to S50. That is, this characteristic value is indicative of a characteristic of the particles C. Thus, computational power can be saved in the future, which is beneficial in case more than one request for a characteristic value is expected.

[0172] In a next step S51, at least one data item 5 of the data structure 4 is encrypted. Thus, confidentiality of the data can be ensured even though the data is not only shared with a limited number of parties. Preferably, different encryption and decryption key sets are used for different data items. In this way, access to selected parameters can be granted only.

[0173] A preferred combination of steps is steps S48, S49, S50 and S51. This combination has the advantageous effect of hierarchical confidentiality. For example, all parties can have access to the characteristic values, but only a few parties obtain the keys for decryption.

[0174] In a next step S52, a distinguishable quantity of the granules C obtained in step S19 is provided. Preferably, the distinguishable quantity is provided separately, which is the reason it is distinguishable. Preferably, the distinguishable quantity is provided at an identifiable location. Preferably, said providing the distinguishable quantity comprises a step S53 of packaging the granules C of said distinguishable quantity obtained from said processing into a package. In this case, the package is a box 10. Another preferred example of the package is a so-called octabin.

[0175] Then, in a next step S54, a data item 5 of the data structure 4 is set, which data item holds a location identifier indicative of the location where the distinguishable quantity is provided in the above-mentioned step S52.

[0176] In a next preferred step, the separate distinguishable quantity of granules C obtained from step S19 is linked to the data structure 4 generated in step S29. This preferably comprises a step S56 of attaching a linking object to said box 10. In the example of Fig. 1, the linking object is a QR code 15. Figure 1 In the example of Fig. 1, said step S56 has a sub-step S57 in which the linking object, which is for example another QR code 15, is printed on the box 10. The QR code 15 preferably comprises a self-object identifier of the distinguishable quantity of granules C comprised in the box 10.

[0177] An identifier device can also be attached to the secondary product in a next step S58. For example, if the method is executed for a process phase of producing a shoe sole E from the granules C, an RFID tag 16 can be implemented into the shoe sole E. The RFID tag 16 is one example of an identifier indicative of an associated self-object identifier (in this case of the shoe sole E). Hence, the properties of the shoe sole E can be downloaded by a recycling device 17 during recycling of the shoe sole E.

[0178] In a next step S59, an encrypted representation of the data structure 4 is determined, and then in step S60, the data structure is signed. However, there are methods in which steps S59, S60 are executed in reverse order. Then, in step S61, the encrypted representation of the signed data structure 4 is set into the data item 5. Hence, the content 6 of the data structure 4 can be reliably endowed with a signature.

[0179] Preferably, after the signing, in step S62 a distinguishable quantity owner indicator is provided and in step S63 this distinguishable quantity owner indicator is set to data item 5. In most cases, the ownership of the distinguishable quantity of granulate C will change, for example when the granulate C is sold from the granulate producer to the sole producer. Therefore, the change of ownership can be recorded at a single instance, i.e. the database 3.

[0180] It is noted here that after the ownership change has been set to the associated data item, preferably, in order to increase reliability and trustworthiness, steps S46 and S47 are repeated.

[0181] Then, in step S64 a status indicator is generated. The status indicator indicates the current status of a variable factor of the distinguishable quantity of granulate C. Next, in step S65 data item 5 of the data structure 4 associated with the distinguishable quantity of granulate C is set such that this data item holds said status indicator. The status indicator can indicate, for example, whether the distinguishable quantity of granulate C can be bought, whether the granulate has been produced, whether the granulate still exists or is used up, etc. That is, the status indicator makes it possible to perform logistic tasks with the same database 3 in addition to technical tasks. Therefore, consistency is improved and data storage of redundant data can be reduced.

[0182] Then, the method 100 ends with step S66 in which a data structure associated with the liquid A is added to and / or updated in the database 3 and step S67 in which a data structure associated with the granulate C is added to and / or updated in the database 3.

[0183] Reference signs:

[0184] 1 product life cycle

[0185] 2 server

[0186] 3 database

[0187] 4 data structure

[0188] 4' data structure

[0189] 5 data item

[0190] 6 content of data item

[0191] 7 label of data item

[0192] 8 barrel

[0193] 9 bag

[0194] 10 box

[0195] 11 processing device

[0196] 12QR code

[0197] 13tag

[0198] 14status reporting device

[0199] 15QR code

[0200] 16RFID tag

[0201] 17recycling device

[0202] 100method

[0203] Aliquid

[0204] Bpowder

[0205] Cgranulate

[0206] Dsample

[0207] Esole

[0208] S1providing access to a database

[0209] S2setting a characteristic rule set for selecting a primary product

[0210] S3selecting at least one quantity

[0211] S4providing a preset characteristic rule set

[0212] S5performing in a recursive manner

[0213] S6accessing a data structure via the database

[0214] S7reading at least one report saved in a data item

[0215] S8determining at least one characteristic value

[0216] S9setting a data item saving the determined characteristic value

[0217] S10adding a self object identifier to a selection list

[0218] S11providing a data structure associated with the primary product

[0219] S12reading from the data structure associated with the primary product

[0220] S13determining a presence duration of each distinguishable quantity of the primary product

[0221] S14selecting a distinguishable quantity of the primary product based on the presence duration of the primary product

[0222] S15providing the distinguishable quantity of the primary product

[0223] S16 providing a primary product batch identifier

[0224] S17 providing a data owner indicator

[0225] S18 adjusting process parameters

[0226] S19 processing the distinguishable quantity of primary product into a distinguishable quantity of secondary product

[0227] S20 generating a report comprising a status value

[0228] S21 recording a processing equipment identifier

[0229] S22 recording a status reporting equipment identifier

[0230] S23 recording a deviation value of the recorded status value

[0231] S24 recording a product property value

[0232] S25 recording a deviation value of the recorded product property value

[0233] S26 determining a production timestamp

[0234] S27 determining a presence duration indicator of the distinguishable quantity of primary product

[0235] S28 generating a unique object identifier

[0236] S29 generating a new data structure

[0237] S30 setting a data item holding the own object identifier

[0238] S31 setting a data item holding the report

[0239] S32 setting a data item holding the presence duration indicator of the distinguishable quantity of primary product

[0240] S33 setting a data item holding the status reporting equipment identifier

[0241] S34 setting a data item holding the primary product batch indicator

[0242] S35 setting a data item holding the object identifier indicating the distinguishable quantity of primary product

[0243] S36 setting a data item holding the processing equipment identifier

[0244] S37 setting a data item holding the data owner indicator

[0245] S38 setting a data item holding the production timestamp

[0246] S39 setting a data item holding a deviation value of the recorded state value

[0247] S40 setting a data item holding a product property value

[0248] S41 setting a data item holding a deviation value of the recorded product property value

[0249] S42 acquiring a sample

[0250] S43 generating a test result

[0251] S44 generating a test result indicator

[0252] S45 setting a data item holding the test result indicator

[0253] S46 determining an encrypted representation of a data structure associated with the primary product

[0254] S47 setting a data item holding the encrypted representation of the data structure associated with the primary product

[0255] S48 providing a set of characteristic rules

[0256] S49 determining at least one characteristic value

[0257] S50 setting a data item holding the characteristic value

[0258] S51 encrypting at least one data item

[0259] S52 providing a distinguishable quantity separately at an identifiable location

[0260] S53 packaging the distinguishable quantity into a package

[0261] S54 setting a data item holding a location identifier

[0262] S55 linking the separate distinguishable quantity to a generated data structure

[0263] S56 attaching a linking object to the package

[0264] S57 printing the linking object on the package

[0265] S58 attaching an identifier device to the secondary product

[0266] S59 determining an encrypted representation of a data structure

[0267] S60 signing the data structure

[0268] S61 setting a data item holding the encrypted representation of the signed data structure

[0269] S62 providing a distinguishable quantity owner indicator

[0270] S63 setting a data item holding the distinguishable quantity owner indicator

[0271] S64 generating a status indicator

[0272] S65 setting a data item holding the status indicator

[0273] S66 adding a data structure associated with the primary product to the database

[0274] S67 adding a data structure associated with the secondary product to the database.

Claims

1. A method (100) for processing at least one primary product (A, B) into at least one secondary product (C), the method comprising the steps of: providing (S15) at least one primary product (A, B); providing (S1) access to a database (3) configured to comprise a plurality of data structures (4, 4'); processing (S19) the at least one primary product (A, B) by a processing device (11) into a distinguishable quantity of secondary products (C); generating (S20) a report by a status reporting device (14) associated with the processing device (11), wherein the report comprises at least one status value indicative of a processing status during the processing step (S19); generating (S28) a unique object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step (S19); generating (S29) a data structure (4) having at least two data items (5), wherein: one data item (5) holds the object identifier, and one further data item (5) holds the generated report; generating (S64) a status indicator indicative of a current status of a variable factor of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the object identifier, wherein the current status is at least one selected status from the group consisting of: expected date of production, storage location, ownership, reservation, intended disposal, intended use, percentage of remaining quantity, actual disposal, actual use, and price; setting (S65) the data item (5) of the data structure (4) associated with the secondary product (C) such that the data item holds the status indicator; adding (S67) the data structure (4) associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product (C) to the database (3); and providing (S52) the distinguishable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step (S19).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, During the providing (S52), the distinguishable quantity is provided individually, and wherein the method comprises: linking (S55) the individual distinguishable quantity to the generated data structure (4).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: providing (S15) at least one distinguishable quantity of a primary product (A, B); providing, for at least one distinguishable quantity of a primary product (A), a data structure (4') associated with the distinguishable quantity, wherein the data structure (4') comprises one data item (5) holding an object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product (A), and one further data item (5) holding a report comprising at least one status value indicative of a processing status of a process performed during obtaining the distinguishable quantity of the primary product (A) indicated by the object identifier; setting (S35) the data item (5) of the data structure associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product (C) such that the data item holds the object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product (A); and adding (S66) the data structure (4) associated with the distinguishable quantity of the primary product (C) to the database (3).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The secondary product (E) is a final product; and wherein the method comprises attaching (S58) an identifier device (16) to the secondary product (E), wherein the identifier device (16) indicates an object identifier of a secondary data structure (4).

5. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: providing (S1) access to a database (3) configured to comprise a plurality of data structures (4, 4') each having at least two data items (5), and configured to provide access to a data structure (4, 4') such that a data item (5) can be added to, modified within and removed from the accessed data structure (4, 4'); and adding (S67) the data structure (4) associated with the distinguishable quantity of the secondary product (C) to the database (3).

6. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: providing (S1) access to a database (3) configured to comprise a plurality of data structures (4, 4'); accessing (S6) one data structure (4) held by the database (3) via the database (3); and adding a data item to, modifying (S9) a data item (5) of and / or removing a data item (5) from the accessed data structure (4, 4').

7. A method for generating a data structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing (S1) access to a database (3) configured to comprise a plurality of data structures (4); providing (S20) at least one report comprising at least one status value indicating a processing status during a processing step (S19); providing (S64) a status indicator indicating a current status of a distinguishable quantity obtained by a process, the processing status of which is indicated by the at least one report; generating (S28) a unique object identifier indicating a distinguishable quantity of a product (C), the unique object identifier being obtained by performing the processing (S19) for which the processing status is indicated by the report; generating (S29) a data structure (4) having at least two data items (5), wherein: one data item (5) holds the generated object identifier, at least one further data item (5) holds the provided report; and adding (S67) the data structure (4) associated with the distinguishable quantity to the database (3).

8. A method (100) for determining a characteristic value of a distinguishable quantity of a product (A), the method comprising: A set of preset characteristic rules is provided (S4), which specifies at least one characteristic value determination rule configured to determine at least one characteristic value based on at least one record, and which specifies at least one record applicable to the characteristic rule set; access to a database is provided (S1), which is configured to comprise a plurality of data structures (4, 4'), wherein each data structure (4, 4') comprises at least two data items (5), one data item (5) of the at least two data items holding a self object identifier indicating a quantity of a product (A, C); and one further data item (5) holding a report comprising at least one state value indicating a state of processing (S19) of a process previously performed during obtaining the quantity of the product (A, C) indicated by the self object identifier, and preferably a time series of state values; one data structure (4) held by the database (3) is accessed (S6) via the database; at least one report specified by the characteristic rule set held in a data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4) is read (S7); at least one characteristic value is determined (S8) by applying at least one read record specified by the characteristic rule set to at least one rule specified by the characteristic rule set; and a data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4) is set (S9) such that it holds at least one determined characteristic value.

9. A method (100) for determining a characteristic value of a distinguishable quantity of a product (A), the method comprising: providing (S4) a preset characteristic rule set specifying at least one characteristic value determination rule configured to determine at least one characteristic value based on at least one record, and specifying at least one record applicable to the characteristic rule set, wherein the preset characteristic rule set comprises at least two value ranges per specified record, which differ in terms of at least one boundary value; and wherein the determined characteristic value is indicative of a bin defined by one of the value ranges; providing (S1) access to a database (3) configured to comprise a plurality of data structures (4, 4'), wherein each data structure (4, 4') comprises at least two data items (5), one data item (5) of the at least two data items holding a self object identifier indicative of a quantity of a product (A, C); and one further data item (5) holding a report comprising at least one state value indicative of a processing state of a process (S19) that was performed previously during obtaining the quantity of the product (A, C) indicated by the self object identifier, and preferably is a time series of state values; accessing (S6) one data structure (4) held by the database (3) via the database; reading (S7) at least one report specified by the characteristic rule set held in a data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4); and determining (S8) at least one characteristic value by applying at least one read record specified by the characteristic rule set to at least one rule specified by the characteristic rule set.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein, The method further comprises, in case a data item (5) of the data structure (4) holds an object identifier indicative of a distinguishable quantity of a primary product (A) that is primary with respect to a secondary product (C) of the distinguishable quantity indicated by the self object identifier, preferably in a recursive manner: accessing (S6) a data structure (4) via the database (3) whose data item (5) holds a self object identifier matching the object identifier indicative of the distinguishable quantity of the primary product (A); and reading at least one report specified by the characteristic rule set held in a data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4); and wherein said at least one characteristic value is determined also by applying the at least one read record to at least one rule specified by the characteristic rule set.

11. The method of any one of claims 8-10, wherein, The method comprises adding (S10) the self object identifier held in a data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4, 4') to a selection list, if the determined at least one characteristic value complies with a preset criterion.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The self object identifier of the accessed data structure (4, 4') is added to the selection list only if each determined characteristic value complies with a preset criterion.

13. A method (100) for producing at least one secondary product (C) with a processing plant (11), wherein The method comprises: setting (S2) a set of characteristic rules for selecting a primary product to be processed; selecting (S3) at least one distinguishable quantity of the primary product based on the set of requirements by performing the method (100) for determining a characteristic value of a distinguishable quantity of a product (A) according to any one of claims 8 to 12; processing (S19) the primary product (A) of the selected distinguishable quantity or at least one selected distinguishable quantity into a secondary product (C) of the at least one distinguishable quantity.

14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein: The primary product (A, B) is a chemical product or a chemical raw material, and the secondary product (C) is a chemical product.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein, The instructions, when interpreted or executed by the at least one processing unit, cause the at least one processing unit to perform the method according to any preceding claim.

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